Sandown South councillor Ian Ward says years of work to resolve long‑standing planning barriers for empty hotels on the seafront is finally paying off, after the Isle of Wight Council signalled a change in its approach to keeping former hotels as tourism ... See more
A major new economic study says the Medina Studios development, which already has full planning permission, could deliver one of the largest economic boosts the Isle of Wight has seen in decades. The independent report, produced by film industry specialis... See more
The Isle of Wight Council’s Director of Finance has warned that the 2026/27 budget will be the most challenging it has faced in ten years, with a structural deficit of almost £20 million, and a stark warning that the gap could rise to £65 million by 2029/... See more
An 18‑year‑old cat, who faced spending his final months in a vet’s cage, has instead found a loving Isle of Wight home, thanks to the swift teamwork of Friends of the Animals and kind‑hearted volunteers. The charity was contacted by email, along with resc... See more
With the IW Council elections now confirmed for May 7, the IW Observer has taken a careful look at the state of local politics on the Isle of Wight. The Penn Report on our council didn’t say anything many Islanders didn’t already know, but it put the prob... See more
