From Charlotte Hodge Thomas, Bembridge:

After 18 months of animosity within the parish council, the community has at last been able to express its view on the sale of a parish asset, 5/7 High Street, home to Captain Stan’s fish shop and Conker Group.

The parish poll, a first for the Island, voted to not sell the building by almost 3:1 (602 residents against, 231 in favour). The five-hour poll took place on the hottest day of the year, and during the England World Cup match.

However, the majority group on the council stated before and during the heavy campaigning they would not necessarily abide by the result if it was to retain the building, stating the vote was non-binding and they are the democratically elected representatives.

I find this most arrogant and a deep betrayal of trust, as many of those councillors stood on the platform of Open Bembridge at last year’s election, standing for openness and transparency in finances, and more specifically, to protect 5/7 High Street. These councillors were voted in on a promise, which they then rescinded as soon as elected.

There is nothing more democratic than asking the people for their view, and parishioners have spoken very clearly in Bembridge.