Island Roads And Council Working To Rebuild Trust

Island Roads and the Isle of Wight Council are working to improve their relationship after a previous breakdown and "a lot of mistrust", according to a councillor.

Reform UK leader at County Hall James Whelan said efforts were being made to rebuild "confidence and trust" and encourage the two organisations to work together.

His comments came after a Godshill Parish Council meeting on Monday evening.

They come as the Isle of Wight Council prepares to consider a motion calling for "meaningful consultation" with councillors, town and parish councils, businesses and residents before major roadworks are finalised.

The motion, submitted by Liberal Democrat councillor Nick Stuart, is due to be considered by full council next Wednesday.

It raises concerns about "significant disruption" caused by what it describes as "poorly managed" and "apparently uncoordinated" road closures.

Cllr Whelan said there had previously been "a lot of mistrust" between councillors, the council and Island Roads, and that the relationship had broken down.

He said work was now underway to rebuild the relationship through greater confidence and trust in what each side says it will do.

In July, councillors agreed that the controversial closure of Firestone Copse Road had raised "serious concerns" about decision-making, monitoring and communication around highway closures.

The council's independent chair, Cllr Ian Dore, said the Island's highways arrangements were not giving residents and businesses the "confidence, clarity or accountability" they deserved.

Reform UK councillor Les Kirkby also said at the time that he believed the council and Island Roads had been working "against each other" in recent years.