SHIPBUILDING TO CEASE IN PORTSMOUTH

Defence giant BAE Systems have announced the closure of its ship building operation in Portsmouth Naval Base.

Portsmouth Dockyard

All shipbuilding will stop in the second half of 2014 the defence firm announced this morning, some of the remaining work of its Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, due to be carried out in Portsmouth, moving to Glasgow. 

Over 940 workers are to lose their job's in the process. Workers were announced the devastating news this morning. 

One workers said:

'We were sort of expecting it. It's a sad day for ship building in this town'

Portsmouth is renowned for its history of shipbuilding , dating back to the start of the 1200s when it was opened under King Richard I.

However, BAE still defends its decision. Michael Ord, Managing Director of the firm when interview about the situation answered 'I recognise the impact of todays announcement, however we're entering into a consolidation process with all employees and Trade Union representatives.

Although this isn't directly on the Isle of Wight, the impact on employment and tourism towards our Island will not be a welcomed one. Another blow to the south.

FIRE CREWS TACKLE LARGE BOAT BLAZE

Fire crews this afternoon are tackling a large boat fire in East Cowes, Isle of Wight

Picture of Yacht in Flames

The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue service were informed of the incident at East Cowes Marina around 13:00hrs when reports came through of smoke coming from a motor cruiser moored up near to The Lifeboat pub, located in East Cowes. 

The Boat named Kahu continues to have smoke rising from it, shrouding nearby houses and yachts, as firefighters continue to battle the flames.

Two vehicles for Newport Fire Station and one from East Cowes Fire Station are at the site of the blaze. 

On a personal note... 

I often row along the river and see this beautiful yacht moored up by East cowes, such as shame to see it in flames! My wishes go to the owner - lets hope he or she has insurance!

ISLAND LINE TRAINS BROUGHT TO A HALT

Island Line were forced to suspended their train service earlier this evening after a technical fault was discovered with the line.

Passengers on board the helpless train at Ryde Pier were informed by Island Line staff of a small fire, however recent resources can confirm that a fault with the track was in fact the reasoning for the incident and consequent cancellation of two journeys.

The track is believed to have been damaged at around 8.45pm, leading to suspension of line services until 9.50pm, where services continued as usual.

Despite the setback, the train operator arranged for a taxi shuttle service to transport passengers between Ryde Esplanade and Ryde Pier Head. 

Although this incident occurred, Island Line have been able to respond appropriately and accordingly, maintaining their record for reliability and being on time.  Another great story here showing the hard work of residents, making for another great asset that the Island has to offer! 

SPECTACULAR STORM HITS ISLAND

Photo taken of Cowes during storm

Following a yellow weather warning from the Met Office, the Isle of Wight has become victim to a vicious storm, passing over throughout the night. 

The warnings were issued this morning (Tuesday) by the Met Office as the belt of weather headed northwards through the English Channel. Consisting of heavy showers and thunderstorms, the band of bad weather is due to head further north, easing off as we head into Wednesday morning.

Residents are advised to take care and be aware of potential disruption, as localised flooding and heavy winds may occur.

Despite the bad weather, its made for some great photos as seen above!

FIRST COSTA, NOW STARBUCKS - IS THERE ANY HOPE FOR SMALL ISLAND BUSINESSES?

Starbucks is due to launch its first Island store in the next few weeks, but is this the last straw for the smaller, locally run cafe's?

Costa Newport, Isle of Wight

Newport is a stronghold for independant, Island owned coffee houses and cafe's, from Love Coffee, located 115 Pyle Street, Newport, to the Blue Door Cafe, situated on 18 St James Street. These businesses as well as others are not only locally run, but provide friendly, welcoming and traditional service. However, Costa, the Uk's fastest growing coffee chain, released a new store in place of what was Millets, literally round the corner from these independent firms. 

Costa have also progressed to open a store in Ryde, located 23-24 High street, in placement of a Thorntons store that faced closure. 

With Starbucks soon to open in place of Jessops, 96 St James Street, it's inevitable that the local coffee shops are going to lose business to these corporate giants. 

It's unbelievable how the Isle of Wight Council have approved of these large, powerhouse businesses to be placed in such a position that will certainly take trade from the independent firms, potential for closure and unemployment is a possibility in the near future. Not only this, but competitive pricing and deals that Starbucks and Costa provide are a no match for Love Coffee and the Blue Door as well as others, potentially losing a large number of customers. 

A small consolation is that Starbucks will be providing 15 new jobs with the opening of this store.

Newports charm currently is a lost cause, with all these high street favourites taking place of these Island stores, tourists as well as locals will be more likely but to go for a common, mediocre store in replacement of experiencing what the Island and it's resident's really have to offer. 

island 

FOUR CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY TO KIDNAP

Four men have been charged with conspiracy to kidnap after a police raid on an Isle of Wight property. 

Kieran Luke Mace, 26, of Parsonage Road, Sandown, and Gordon Frank McIntosh, 42, of Sandown Road, Sandown, both face conspiracy to kidnap allegations. 

Neither of the men submitted pleas towards the charges and both placed in custody. The pair are due to arrive before the court on November 26.

The raid that was carried out took place on a Freshwater property in September, resulting in several other arrests. 

Two other men, Sean Nicholas Lloyd-Fagan, 22, and Scott Trafford Smart, 26, were both charged this week with conspiracy to kidnap and assault causing actual bodily harm. Both men are also due to make an appearance before the Isle of Wight Crown Court this month.

Two other people are believed to have been arrest during this operation. A 47-year-old man from the Island was arrested in September in conspiracy to kidnap, currently on bail until December 3 pending further enquiries. In addition to this, a 19-year-old woman from Freshwater was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.  She is also on bail until November 18 pending other enquiries. 

I find it amazing that such a small Island is causing so much drama, I suppose when there's not much to do this is what people resort to!

NEWPORT'S HMV CLOSURE IN 4 DAYS

The closure of HMV Newport is due to take place on Saturday 19th, following the announcement that the firm's unable to reach an agreement with the landlord of the premises.

The Island only branch has been a high street favourite over the years, however despite petitions and much disregard to the potential closure, the firm has been unsuccessful in their attempt to remain Open. In replacement of the site a convenience store, believe to be the Co-Operative, is set to take over the premises.

In February of this year, the company went into administration, however the Island outlet was soon saved from closure.

The store will continue to operate as usual for the next few days, and all pre orders and deposits will be refunded in due course.