Archive for April 1st, 2008

Isle of Wight Red Funnel Campaign.

Carolyn Keene reports:   This morning the Red Funnel ferry terminal in Southampton was subject to a rowdy protest by grey squirrels, who wielded placards reading “Give greys the right to the Isle of Wight” and “Let Greys Go On Holidays”

However, it appeared the action was (more…)

Isle of Wight Nurse Teresa Day: Awarded Nurse of the Year Presented By Edwina Currie.Image NHS.

Toney Alison reports:   Island Nurse Teresa Day has scooped a prestigious national award, becoming the Learning Disability Nurse of the Year in Royal College of Nursing and Nursing Standard Nurse Awards 2008.

Sponsored by The Regard Partnership and Choice Support, the award was presented by former MP and Health Minister Edwina Currie (pictured) in a gala awards night in London on March 27th 2008. (more…)

Isle of Wight Council And Vat Man In Court.

: Tuesday : April 1st, 2008

Carolyn Keene reports:   It would appear it’s not just residents on the Isle of Wight that have a problem with Isle of Wight Council car parking fees, Her Majestys Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have as well. 

The Isle of Wight Council is preparing to do battle with HMRC in a long running saga over car parking tax charges in the European Court of Justice (ECJ).  (more…)

Free England-Wide Bus Pass Starts Today.

: Tuesday : April 1st, 2008

Carolyn Keene reports:  From today (April 1st) eligible Isle of Wight bus passengers will join around 11 million people across England and have the opportunity to travel for free on local buses as the new bus pass comes into effect.

This expansion of the previous local scheme entitles anyone aged 60 or over, as well as eligible disabled people, to use their free bus pass across England during the off-peak period. (more…)

Jenny Button reports:   From Tuesday, 2nd April, under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, the Isle of Wight will see new measures introduced in the fight against environmental crime.  (more…)

Gavin Foster reports:   The IW Council’s ground-breaking free homecare for the over 80s scheme has been short listed for a top award.

The team responsible for implementing the scheme have been invited to an awards ceremony in Oxford on April 23rd where they will find out whether they have won the award celebrating the transformation of a service by a local authority social care department. (more…)

Simon Butler reports:   Today 1st April, the Isle of Wight Council will take over the South Central Connexions service that offers advice and guidance to young people on everything from careers to staying healthy,

As part of the transition, all existing staff based on the Island will transfer to the council to ensure minimum disruption. The Connexions Centre in Newport High Street will remain open and services will be unaffected. (more…)

David Newble reports:   Are you passionate about maintaining and improving access to the Isle of Wight’s beautiful countryside? 

Well, now’s your chance to get involved by becoming a member of the Isle of Wight Local Access Forum.  The forum meets four times a year and dicusses issues which help to improve resident’s and visitor’s access to our stunning Island landscapes. (more…)