Latest clean up at former hospital

By Ross Findon

Monday, July 30, 2012

 

THE LATEST clean-up at the former Frank James Hospital took place on Saturday.

A team of about 15 volunteers worked to tidy up the grounds of the site, which became neglected after plans to develop it for housing stalled.

It was the latest in a series of similar guerrilla gardening clean-ups, which have had the backing of Isle of Wight MP Andrew Turner.

Tanja Rebel, part of the group behind the clean-ups, said: "Local residents came with tea and biscuits and even homemade pasties and flapjacks to keep the gardeners going.

"While enjoying a welcome break or two, many ideas were coined as to what the grounds could be used for, if they were in communal use.

"One thing everyone agreed upon; it is a great waste to let these gardens and wonderful building stand and rot, when they would be a focal centre for the community. Let's make that dream come true."

Fellow volunteer Robin Harrison, of Hostel Road, said the group had recently met with solicitors representing some of the owners of the flats and there had been discussions about hopes development work would re-start.

"I moved here in 2007 and have watched the overgrowth start to take over. It is such a shame.

"It needs to be sorted out."

 

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by John Luckett

30th July 2012, at 23:24:46

@Kevin - historically it was donated to the people of East Cowes by Frank James family at the start of 20th century and about time NHS was created was signed over. The local NHS Trust sold it off to developers when hospital was closed. The rest is a catalogue of neglect, mismanagement and chaos! Absolutely agree with you Kevin, we have this beautiful building which has survived 2 World Wars is at the heart of East Cowes and could be an excellent Youth Centre; Health Centre; Library. It could be the focus of community activities but hey what do I know!!? Thank you for your interest - please feel free to join us and check out our Facebook page too -"Friends of Frank James" .

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by John Luckett

30th July 2012, at 23:14:53

Well done all - keep up the good work. As always a pleasure to have all your company and some good work done.

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by kevin froment

30th July 2012, at 17:08:04

it should be bought back and given to the local people, after all it was built with money raised by local people and i dont remember there being any consultation on if it should be sold in the first place, although im probably wrong as someone will let us know soon, it would make a wonderful youth and community centre, meeting place for organisations and with the recreation ground on its doorstep the possibilities are endless

Any views or opinions presented in the comments above are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the Isle of Wight County Press.

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