Wootton Bridge Chair Hopes To Revive Party In The Park As Play Park Plans Take Centre Stage

The Party in the Park fête could make a return next year, Wootton Bridge Parish Council’s newly elected chair has suggested.

Wootton Recreation Ground’s play park will also be a ‘major focus’, Cllr Sarah Redrup said after being voted into the leadership position on Tuesday evening (May 19).

Wootton has a ‘strong community spirit’ which the councillor said she would like to build on by ensuring residents feel involved in shaping priorities.

The former Liberal Democrat councillor for Wootton Bridge said she is looking forward to the chair role and ‘working positively’ with residents, community groups and councillors to see how the council can help support the village.

Cllr Redrup did not stand for re-election to County Hall at the local elections earlier this month.

She said:

“One of the first things I worked on as a parish councillor was organising a village survey so residents could tell us what they felt should be prioritised.

“A key issue that came through was the play park, so that will be a major focus for us.

“We’re already working with the Isle of Wight Council on plans to replace and renew equipment, and I’m keen for this to be a genuinely community-led project, with input from residents, the school, and local groups such as the rugby club, Scouts and John Cattle’s Skate Club.

“The survey also showed residents would like to see more community events and opportunities for young people.

“Bringing back events like Party in the Park is something I’d love for us to work towards for 2027, alongside looking at how we can better support local youth activities and organisations.”

Asked how the council could improve, Cllr Redrup highlighted communication and community engagement, which she said means creating more opportunities for feedback, volunteering and involvement in projects.

The representative pointed to available funding for local charities and community groups and said WBPC can do a ‘better job’ of promoting these opportunities to residents and organisations.

Cllr Ian Yeo was elected as vice-chair and said he feels ‘honoured’ to represent the voices of residents, businesses and visitors – sharing their ‘hopes and concerns’.

He said:

“Wootton Bridge is a fantastic village – we have some amazing green spaces, places to eat and drink, well attended churches, a highly rated school, and has what I feel is a true village feeling.

“There are so many positives that we as a parish council can report – such as the weekly Post Office, plans for children’s play equipment in the park, supporting small charities with grants, and much more.

“For me, the most important thing is having an office that is there for anyone with any questions or concerns, to be able to pop in, see friendly faces, and be supported to find the answers or help they need.”

On how the body can improve, Cllr Yeo said it is ‘unfortunate’ that it has not been able to organise the annual Party in the Park – an event which he said takes a ‘great deal’ of work and commitment from a small group of people.

The councillor added that he would to see the council try to plan to have the event again in 2027, ‘hopefully’ with residents and businesses offering to support it.

The new Isle of Wight Council ward councillor for Wootton, Reform UK’s Tony Raffe, declined to be interviewed by the LDRS.