As residents on the Isle of Wight begin their Christmas shopping in earnest, Isle of Wight Council’s Trading Standards Service is highlighting twelve tips while borrowing the theme of a well known carol. They’re designed to help stop people from falling foul of poor products, remembering their consumer rights and tips for buying expensive goods.

In Ofsted’s annual report 2007/8, three Isle of Wight schools and one childcare provider were judged to be providing outstanding education and childcare. The Annual Report, identified Arreton St George’s Church of England Primary, Binstead Primary School and Bishop Lovett CE Middle Schools, along with Little Herons Childcare in Ryde…

MPs of all parties paid tribute to Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, in a recent debate about Government policy on Stroke Patients. Following Mr Turner’s personal speech, his contribution was labelled as a “moving and effective testimony”…

Police are appealing for the victim of an alleged assault in Newport Bus Station, on Sunday 16th November, to come forward and speak with officers…

The next generation of architects are being encouraged to consider and include innovative counter terrorism measures in their designs as part of a new Home Office competition. A £2,000 prize fund is up for grabs in the “Public Spaces, Safer Places” competition…

Next year voters on the Isle of Wight will only need to visit the polling station once instead of twice within a four week period. Parliament has agreed that the local elections should be moved from 7th May to the date of the European elections, scheduled for 4th June 2009…

The government advice service Consumer Direct is encouraging people to share their experiences, good or bad, online as part of National Consumer Week which starts today 17th November…

The Post Office has been awarded the contract to continue providing the Post Office Card Account (POCA). Secretary of State for Work and Pensions James Purnell along with Isle of Wight MP, Andrew Turner, have both welcomed the announcement…