Councillor Vanessa Churchman

Annual Report 2022-23

Covid has now taken a back seat but we are now faced with increasing energy and food prices.  I hope that people will try and go back to growing some of their own fruit and vegetables to supplement their shopping.

Haylands Primary School has appointed a new permanent Head Teacher as from January 2023 and we wish her every success in her new appointment.

The new roundabout at Smallbrook is now finished and has certainly cut the accident rate. The layout is certainly attractive and enhances the local area.

The United Reformed Church has recommenced its monthly coffee morning, 2^nd Saturday of each month and is open and welcoming to all.

The Horticultural Show in September was a success and appears to be one of very few on the Island still occurring.

The Pennyfeathers housing scheme is back on the Council’s Planning agenda. This large scale development will eventually provide nearly 900 houses over a span of possibly 9/10 years. Although not in the Haylands & Swanmore ward it will affect the whole area of Ryde South.   Attention will be paid to the infrastructure such as roads, sewage disposal, a school, doctors’ surgery, a MUGA (multi use games area) and footpaths and cycleways.   There are also plans to include some small business accommodation which will help to create more employment.

The alterations to Ryde seafront are progressing and hopefully will be in place before the summer season commences.

Unfortunately the Ice Rink planned adjacent to Smallbrook Stadium has now been abandoned and the person behind the scheme has returned to the mainland - a sad loss.

Please remember that for the Parliamentary elections in 2024 everybody will have to show photographic ID when they go to vote otherwise people will be turned away.

Vanessa Churchman - April 2023