FRESHWATER residents were given the opportunity to view plans and talk about proposals for the next financial year at a public consultation organised by the parish council at the Memorial Hall.

Top of the agenda included the loss of the Local Area Coordinator and controversial proposed planning developments in the area.

Parish council chairman, Gill Kennett, said: "The purpose of the consultation was to give local residents a chance to comment on this year's precept.

"It is not the parish council's money, it is the people of Freshwater's money and we have to take into account things which are important to them.

"One of the big issues is the loss of Adam Tucker, our Local Area Coordinator, at the end of March following the decision by the Isle of Wight Council to remove this service.

"We are asking people if they would be happy for us fund a similar scheme. Adam has made a huge contribution to the West Wight and made a difference to the lives of a lot of people in the right way.

"His early intervention works alongside Our Place is like a safety net helping people to help themselves.

"There was also a lot of interest in The Island Plan and how it will affect this area.

"There are proposed developments of 150 dwellings to the east of the football club in Camp Road and another 25 dwellings at Church Field, Copse Lane, as part of 557 homes for the West Wight over 15 years.

"If we object to the building on these sites then we have to find other sites which can be developed, so it's very important to listen to what people are telling us."

As well as parish councillors being on hand to answer questions, representatives of local organisations including Friends of Freshwater Library and West Wight Sports and Community Centre were also available to talk about their funding.