"We Recognise The Strength Of Feeling" — County Hall Responds To Landmark Sandown Report

The Isle of Wight Council has said it recognises the “strength of feeling expressed” over the impression that Sandown has been deprived and neglected.

County Hall said it acknowledged the “importance of the issues” highlighted at Monday’s Sandown Town Council (STC) meeting.

STC voted to adopt, and continue to improve and refine, a landmark draft report presenting a ‘compelling case for urgent and sustained regeneration in Sandown’ and agreed to ‘lobby the Isle of Wight Council and other bodies’.

The Neglect Case report says the town ‘faces a crisis of neglect, with widespread dereliction, economic fragility, and social deprivation’.

During the meeting, Cllr Leon Girling accused County Hall of not “prioritising need”.

He said:

“This kind of document (Neglect Case report) has never been produced here before – I’ve only sat here for around two and a half months, and I’ve pulled it together.

“It’s been really lacking and missing to date… as Isle of Wight Council, Isle of Wight council officers, Isle of Wight councillors, you don’t prioritise your money in the right way.”

He added the town’s dereliction problem had not been treated seriously “for 20 years”.

A County Hall spokesperson said:

“The Isle of Wight Council acknowledges the concerns raised by Sandown Town Council and members of the local community regarding the condition and future of the town.

“We recognise the strength of feeling expressed and the importance of the issues highlighted in the town council meeting relating to the recently prepared Neglect Case report.

“We welcome the commitment shown by Sandown Town Council to engage constructively in shaping a positive future for the town.

“The report clearly reflects the passion and dedication of those involved in its preparation, and we commend the effort to bring forward community-led ideas and solutions.

“Given the significance and breadth of the matters raised, it is important that the Isle of Wight Council takes the time to review the report in full before offering detailed comment.”

They said any response would be “informed, considered and aligned with wider strategic planning and regeneration priorities across the Island”.

The council added it remains committed to “working collaboratively with town and parish councils, local stakeholders, and residents to support sustainable regeneration” and “ensure all communities have the opportunity to thrive”.

The report voted on at Monday’s STC meeting says:

“Despite clear evidence of need, the town has been consistently overlooked in strategic planning and funding decisions at both local and national levels.

“The purpose of this report is to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of Sandown’s current condition, the systemic issues contributing to its decline, and the community-led solutions that are ready for implementation.

“It aims to refocus the attention of decision-makers and funding bodies on Sandown’s urgent needs and untapped potential.”