THE wedding day dreams of some Island couples have been shattered by the Isle of Wight Council, which has said register office ceremonies after September may only be attended by two guests.
The council is due to move the register office from the 19th century John Nash- designed Northwood House, surrounded by picturesque Victorian parkland, to a small office at its planning HQ at Seaclose Park.
Papers due to go before cabinet on Tuesday recommend the move as the council presses ahead with its plan to hand over all management and running costs for the house to its trustees and move all its offices by September 30.
The report also reveals the cost of repairing the ceiling of the bar — which has been closed since October last year when its started to sag — could run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Members are also urged to ask the Charity Commission to remove the council as custodian trustee from the deeds.
The report also recommends a plea from trustees for £50,000 for professional costs during the transfer be rejected.
The council said the move to the small Seaclose room was temporary and it was investigating finding a larger alternative in the building or possibly at Ventnor Botanic Garden.
The County Press spoke to two couples planning to marry at Northwood next year who have been told their ceremonies may be held at the planning offices and the room can only accommodate the registrars, bride, bridegroom and two witnesses.
Keith Callcut, of Charles Road, Cowes, said his daughter was almost in tears after discovering the news.
"It’s ridiculous. Your wedding is supposed to be the happiest day of your life and they are saying that you might not even be able to have your family and friends there," he said.
Mother-of-five Elisabeth Robbins, 51, of Ford Way, Binstead, said she feared not being able to invite all her children to her wedding next year.
"I would be absolutely devastated if it was one of my children’s weddings and I couldn’t go because there was not enough space," she added.
l The cabinet is also due to discuss a report into children’s social care and young people not in employment, education or training.
It will hear a further report analysing how the council has performed on key projects including the PFI, fire service modernisation and school re-organisation, during the first part of the year.
Reporter:
ross.findon@iwcp.co.uk