East Wight MP Seeks Future Funding Opportunities For Sandown

East Wight MP Joe Robertson has organised a visit by the Lloyds Bank Foundation to Sandown as part of efforts to explore potential future funding opportunities for the town.

Representatives from the Foundation met local residents, businesses and community stakeholders at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary to discuss a range of issues affecting the area, including dereliction, deprivation and a lack of opportunities for young people.

The Lloyds Bank Foundation, an independent charity established by Lloyds Bank, has previously worked in areas receiving UK Government Pride in Place funding.

The organisation is now considering expanding its place-based funding programme this autumn to include up to 100 towns that are not currently benefiting from formal Pride in Place funding arrangements.

Mr Robertson said he had met with the Foundation earlier this year to make the case for Sandown, which led to the recent visit.

Among those attending the meeting were representatives from the Bay Business Association, the Isle of Wight Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, Common Space, Sandown Town Council and newly elected Isle of Wight councillors.

Mr Robertson said:

“I was pleased to bring Danielle from the Lloyds Bank Foundation to Sandown, to introduce her to local leaders like Lawrence Bates from the Bay Business Association; Alex Rennie, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner; and Ian Boyd from the Common Space; and to show her around the Bay area.

“The Foundation have a strong background in working with left behind towns with strong local leadership so that is why I wanted to make some personal introductions with people who could one day form part of a ‘Neighbourhood Board’.

“Sandown is too often left behind when it comes to national support which is first and foremost about money, but it is also about time, tools and connections.”

Mr Robertson also highlighted that Ryde is set to benefit from £20 million of funding announced by the previous Government in October 2023.

He added:

“Sandown has many of its own challenges and I want to make sure that every avenue is explored to ensure that the Town does not miss out on place-based funding to address deep-seated societal challenges.”

Sandown Mayor Alex Lightfoot thanked Mr Robertson for arranging the meeting and said there was broad agreement among attendees about the issues facing the town.

He said:

“My thanks to Joe for arranging the meeting, we had a wide range of stakeholders including our new Isle of Wight Councillors.

“There was a lot of consensus around the room on the issues Sandown is facing, and a need to make sure we are ready for any opportunities that arise.

"Joe’s focus on Sandown as an area in particular need of additional help is very much appreciated.”

Mr Robertson is expected to work on a formal proposal ahead of a follow-up meeting planned for later this summer.