THE Isle of Wight is stuck in a timewarp and in desperate need of regeneration, a national newspaper has claimed this week.
Writing in The Times following a short break to the Island, journalist Bronwen Maddox — who mistakenly referred to the Isle of White — said the Island was in decline, hampered by a poor economy, high unemployment, terrible roads and an elderly population.
Tuesday’s article prompted a strong response from Isle of Wight Council leader Cllr David Pugh, who said the quality of life on the Island was extremely high.
"Once again it is a shame the Island’s reputation has been damaged by a slanted report that even manages to misspell Isle of Wight. While Bronwen Maddox correctly states the Island, along with many areas, does face challenges in what are challenging times, she fails to mention our successes in meeting these and acknowledge the Island remains a vibrant, rewarding place to live, work and visit," he said.
Cllr Pugh also pointed to the hundreds of jobs created by Waitrose, GKN and Vestas, notwithstanding the closure of the company’s Newport factory, the PFI scheme to improve the Island’s roads, the Pan Meadows housing development and the success of events like the Isle of Wight Festival, Bestival, Walking Festival and Cowes Week.
The Times article came as some of the Island’s top attractions have defied the economic downturn to report record visitor numbers this summer.
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway has reported a 27 per cent increase in travel income and a 50 per cent rise in visitors to special events, while Seaview Wildlife Encounter has seen a 16 per cent increase in visitor numbers.
The number of visitors to The Needles Park is slightly up on last year and about the same at Robin Hill and Blackgang Chine — a good result attributed to events such as firework displays and outdoor cinema screenings by manager Simon Dabell. "The staycation trend continues to be very buoyant in a difficult economic period," he said.
• In a televised live final on BBC1 tomorrow (Saturday), the steam railway will learn whether it has won first place in the heritage section of the National Lottery Awards.
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk