LETTERS From Yvonne Carter, Newport:
I READ with great interest (CP, 21-09-12) about budget plans for projects to boost tourism and youth employment on the Island.
Then I read the excellent letter from the ex-owner of Westridge go-karting.
There has been a track there for many years. The appeal was upheld by the Secretary of State and it was very sad and a great loss the owners could not find the money to re-open the track.
The track is in an industrial area that includes a 24-hour Tesco Extra store, a busy main road and is not far from the speedway track at Smallbrook. The picture attached showed the kart with a large silencer on it.
The Island desperately needs affordable activities for teen-agers, especially in winter. They will have outgrown going to the beach, will want to be independent and have fun — which go-karting certainly is. It is something you can do singularly or with a group.
This application will provide up to 27 jobs, which are greatly needed and probably will be filled by young people. The Island and the council cannot afford to turn this opportunity down in the current climate. Though, of course, there may have to be some restrictions set down to begin with.
To show the IW Council really means what it says about tourism and youth employment, it needs to endorse this planning application for the future.