THE Isle of Wight Labour Party has resurrected its Newport and District branch.
Given there are more than 200 Labour members in Newport, and almost 50 in nearby villages, the party decided it was high time the Island's county town had its own branch again.
At a meeting earlier this month, community nurse Maria Villa Vine, of Hunny Hill, Newport, was elected branch chair.
Isle of Wight Cllr Geoff Brodie agreed to act as secretary for the first year.
Members discussed issues affecting Newport and the surrounding area, including traffic congestion, residents' parking, a lack of affordable housing, public transport in rural areas, threats to health services, failing mental health services and school budget cuts.
Campaigns addressing those issues will be organised over the coming months.
Maria said: "Local members are very keen to get on with the job of exposing this heartless Tory government and this clueless Tory council."