Conservative Candidate for the new Isle of Wight East constituency, Joe Robertson, has welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement that Ryde will benefit from a share of £1 billion national funding for "overlooked" towns. Rishi Sunak made the commitment on the opening day of Conservative Party Conference which was also welcomed by Ryde businessman Wayne Whittle.
The funding will be spread over the next 10 years and involve the setting up of a new Town Board including local business people, residents and the Member of Parliament to ensure that the money goes to where it can best support the recovery of the high street, tackle anti-social behaviour and regenerate the town.
Speaking to ITV's Phil Hornby at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester Joe said he was, "delighted" with the news and the money "will make a real difference to Ryde." He went on to say, "I raised the issue of funding with Michael Gove when he visited the Island for the Islands Forum in June. I am very pleased that the Government has been listening and has chosen to back Ryde in this way. I look forward to working with residents and businesses to ensure best value for every pound spent. I am also working with Bay Councillors on a regeneration plan for Sandown, Lake and Shanklin and I am supporting a multi million pound bid to the Arts Council for Shanklin."
