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.

EASTENDERS STAR SPOTTED ON ISLE OF WIGHT

Tv soapstar Steve McFadden, better known as Phil Mitchell from Eastenders, paid a visit to the Isle of Wight this weekend. 


Andrea Langford with Steve McFdden.

Steve and his son Matt were believed to have taken the Red Funnel ferry on Saturday afternoon before heading their way to the nautical town of Cowes, where it is said Matt is attending training courses at UKSA. The actor, who has starred in the world famous BBC 1 show for 23 years, stayed the night at the Caledon Guest House, where he was photographed with the co-owner Andrea Longford.

Often taking breaks away from the hectic London lifestyle, Steve spent his Sunday enjoying the sights of Ventor, where other actors such as Robert Pattinson have been spotted.

SOUTHERN VECTIS - ARE THEY AS GOOD AS THEY MAKE OUT?

Many islanders, as well as tourists, will have had their fair share of experiences from Southern Vectis bus services, from buses catching fire, to drivers forgetting stops, we've all been there.  But are they as bad as they seem? 

Southern Vectis are the monopoly transport provider that operates on the Island Roads, with support from the council to sustain their business. As this is the unfortunate reality, residents of the island have no choice in regards to other forms of bus travel, where as on the mainland operators such as First Group and Stagecoach provide choice for consumers. This monopoly on the Island leads to customers paying unreasonable prices , for example, an adult return to Newport from Ryde is £7.00! This unjustifiable pricing doesn't create a positive image for the company, considering an adult cash single in London is £2.40!  

If a company is going to charge this much, you'd expect a quality service, however the green tubs that dot around the island tend to be driven by unpredictable drivers. Drivers have been known to miss stops, be rude to passengers and drive inconsiderately, such as skipping lights and speeding. This style of driving and lack of care for the customer portrays a negative image over the company and the council, but, as there is no other choice, consumers still obey to their ever dictating ways. 

These factors need to be looked into deeply to help restore faith in the people that depend on this service, whether its for commuting or leisure services. However, its not all bad news for the firm.

The firm has had a big focus on helping the environment. By investing heavily in newer, larger vehicles,  these buses are not only more accessible, they also emit fewer greenhouse gases. Across their fleet, 26% of vehicles now have Euro 4 or Euro 5 engines, which meet the latest European standards. In addition to this, timetables have been changed so that buses are more frequent, creating for a more accessible way to travel.

With this increase in services, the company has broadened out to provide community bus services, such as the Wootton central service. These community run, local services that connect more frequent buses to outreach areas are helping to connect areas of the Island as well as broaden a sense of community. 

Overall, although the firm has focused highly on the environment and attempted at community work, their almost dictatorship over customers needs to be looked at, as well as a much required improvement in customer service!

STUDIO SCHOOL SET TO OPEN SEPTEMBER 2014

A new, totally different format of state school is to be set up on the Island, aiming to provide the education required for 14 - 19 year olds to help support their future careers. 

Located in East Cowes, the school will deliver GCSE's and A-levels in a new way through extensive use of work experience and employer-led projects. Having a 9-5 day, the site will feel more like a workplace than a school to the small group of 400 students that will attend. The school is set to specialize in marine manufacturing and offshore engineering, with links to employers who are committed to the development of the school, such as the Associated British Ports (ABP),Carswell Gould, Navigate IT , SeaSafe Systems Ltd, UKSA and NSR Flooring. 

This new format of school encourages students to develop skills like punctuality, good communication, reliability and team-working, whilst gaining a strong grounding in basic subjects such as English and Science.

In times of low youth employment, I feel this new layout of teaching and industry links will help to reduce the number of students who are out of work and unsure what career they want to pursue, whilst providing professional, well paid careers. However, many youngsters may realise that work isn't really as fun as it first seems!

STRIKES DUE TO TAKE PLACE

Firefighters and teaching staff across the country as well as on the Isle of Wight are set to go on strike within the next few weeks, following disputes over unfair pay and pensions.

The strikes, taking place on the 17th of October for teachers and the 19th for Firefighters, have been organised following previous strikes that didn't seem to prove effective. 

Teaching staff across the Island who are apart of the National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers (NASUWUT) as well as the National Union of Teachers (NUT) will be taking place in the strike, causing many schools on the Island to close down. To find out whether you'll be effected by the strikes, please look at the school closures on this link http://www.iwight.com/news/Teacher-strike-action-status-of-all-school .

Meanwhile Firefighters will be preparing for their 5 hour strike on the 19th at Newport and Ryde Fire Stations in support of the FBU's strike action. During this time, fire and accident cover will be continued by non-FBU members who will attend life-critical events, such as fires and traffic accidents. Fire control will not be affected by the strikes, so if you need to call 999, do so!

Although there are mixed opinions on these protests, I feel its only fair to let the people have their say!

Isle of Wight Internet Trolls Slag off Many on Twitter

Groups of teenagers have recently set up twitter accounts aimed at providing private and false information about teenagers on the Island. The sites, going under the names of @iow_banter @iowbants2013, @iowbantsryde and @iowbantsmedina have generated over 1000 followers in total and continue to grow. The tweets are mainly focused at students from Ryde and Sandown Bay Academy as well as Medina College students. 

Although some of the content is fairly private, the response to the page has been a welcomed one, with people helping to run the page by emailing in information whether it be true or false to the creators. However previous pages of the trolls called @iowburn and @iowbanter2013 have recently been suspended due to its offensive nature.

So, if you're a teenager reading this who's done something embarrassing, don't be surprised if you see your name appear on one of these pages, people find out quickly. Such a small Island.

Young Enterprise student's to sell on Wightlink ferries

Eight groups of youngsters from schools across the Island will be participating this weekend in a trade fair on Wightlink Ferries as part of their Young Enterprise project. The groups, representing different schools across the Island, will be selling products from businesses they've set up themselves, from the Island Innovation VI Form Campuses company Avidia Productions, selling QR bands, to the F6rm at the Isle of Wight College's team Adam and Eve, selling quirky cookbook's based on tasty Isle of Wight recipes.

Adam and Eve's financial director Lauren Norman when asked about the event said 'I feel it's a great opportunity for Young Enterprise groups like ours to present their products on the Wightlink ferries, especially with the chance to sell to customers from the mainland and the Island.'

The event will be taking place on Saturday 20th of march between 10am and 4pm on the fourth deck on one of Wightlink's car ferries, crossing from Fishbourne to Portsmouth Harbour. 

Island runners not put of by Boston Marathon scare

Isle of Wight runners this week have made it clear that despite the disasters that occurred in Boston earlier this week they are not put off participating in the London Marathon on Sunday.

Four people were killed and dozens injured on the finish line of the US event on Monday, energizing fears that a similar incident could occur at the London Marathon. However this recent threat has prompted a security review from Metropolitan Police and marathon organisers.

Runners on the Island have said they will not be deterred by the Boston tragedy. 

My full support goes to those that are participating in the London Marathon, helping raise money for charities  in need of aid, as well as my thoughts going to those affected by the disaster that occurred in Boston.  

Body found at Alum bay

A man's body has been found in the area of Alum Bay, Isle of Wight, police have confirmed. The body, which hasn't been identified yet, was discovered around noon on Friday. A spokesperson from the police said it was not being treated as suspicious.

I feel it's a great shame that so many lives are being/have been taken on this amazing Island! The only thing not to like about the island is the amount of deaths here, and it baffles me as to why people take their own or someone elses life when they're living here!

Warnings of Wightbay scammer

A scammer on Wightbay has been fooling people into thinking they've sold their products, when in reality they've been charged and the seller has lost the item they were selling!

The scam is normally set out in the format of an email from this so called 'interested buyer', rather than through the site itself, stating that he wants to buy your good and that he'll pay via cheque, as well as telling you his secretary will send the cheque. (S)/he also asks you to send your information which you'd like to receive payment from. (S)/he tells you not to worry about the pick up as it will be after the payment has cleared from your bank account.

If you respond to this email, (s)/he will send you a second email confirming the payment will be sent as soon as possible, as well as presuming that the product has been sold to them. They also tell you to take the advert off the website, so you don't get contacted by another buyer. The message also states how once you cash the payment, you are to deduct your payment, then after this sending the remaining funds to the buyers shipping agent...This is how they catch you out.

Once you cash your cheque in they immediately cancel it, meaning you receive no money. Not only this but you've also lost your item you're selling to them, and you've given their 'remaining funds' money, when in actual fact it's just extra money for those mischievous scammers! They send a cheque with more than your asking price, so say your were selling your product for £250 they'd send you a cheque for £400. So if you fell for this scam, you'd be giving them your product and £150!

If you have received one of these emails or are in the process of this please contact the police immediately. Don't get caught out!

More treats announced for festival

If you're attending the Isle of Wight Festival this year and are looking for something different to do then you may be in for a little treat. Organisers have announced that there will be a range of exciting extras and unique experiences on site, including vintage tea rooms, hot tubs, sauna, treasure hunt and a live carbaret. Personally, I can't wait to take a dip in these hot tubs! However, after a while, The area will just turn into a human stewing device, with a mud sauce to help spice up the sweltering humans.

Those looking for an escape from the drunken antics can head over to the festival's Bathing Under the Sky spa, or relax with a glass of bubbly at the Zebra Bar and Champagne Garden. More of a moshing man? Don't you worry, party-goers can head to The Carbaret Club for risque fun and frolics... Something for everyone!

Still not enough? Well festival favourites such as The Hipshaker Lounge, Kashmir Cafe and Life's a Beach will be making a welcome return. Looking for a enchanted wood? Well may I introduce you to the brand new Bohemian Woods, a pokey spot by the river with interesting performances and captivating art, as well as the Site Riddler treasure hunt.

Fancy a mystical escape? Well the festival fairies will be making wishes come true at Wish upon a star (the magical corner of the site), filled with lanterns and hammocks. But what if you're the next Banksy? Well there's a chance for the artist inside you to get creative at the Titillate and Create graffiti wall.

Thankyou festival, I can't wait to have a gander at these events of yours.

Body found in sea

A body has been found in the sea this morning (monday) by Hope road in Shanklin, Isle of Wight. Police had been alerted last night as relatives expressed their fears of a woman in her 50's who had gone missing.


A car was found abandoned at the top of Culver Cliff at 1.50am

Police were called to reports of a body floating in the sea around 7am, where a specialist recovery team was used in the incident.

Just warning people now that this is not some sort of sick April fool's joke, and that if anyone has any information on the case could the please contact the police on 101.

Woman freed from mud!

A woman this evening has had a rather mucky experience after  becoming trapped in mud up to her waist, requiring fire crews with specialist mud rescue equipment as well as the coastguard rescue team to free the temporarily legless woman. This is nothing new to the Island,  many people who have been to the Isle of Wight festival will have experience drowning in mud, although I suppose that's a lot better than having to listen to Bruce Springsteen.

The incident happened shortly after 18:00 near to Totland Pier,West Wight. Potential new location for the festival? I think so.

Body worn cameras for Island police

Copper's on the prowl.

As part of a nation-wide scheme, coppers across the Island will be equipped with body-worn video cameras in an attempt to help cut crime and disorder. This is great! I can't wait to see video's of convicted tart's being shown the recording from the camera's the police have and going 'oh my day's that's so not me my hair isn't that bad, and my bum isn't that big, god!'. These cameras have come at a cost though, £47,500 to equip 180 of the Island's police force. A small price I feel to provide concrete evidence to help prove that certain people have done certain things... Only downfall from this? No more wild parties in Oakfield; all of those trackie wearing tossers that organised the carnage will most likely be locked up due to this new scheme... Such a shame.

Concerns were raised about how the camera will be used by officers; no one wants a stranger in uniform looking at video's of you . However Hampshire Constabulary have said that all officers must inform those being recorded that the video is recording their actions for the purpose of collecting evidence (and not personal use).

Cowes Enterprise College - When will it open?

students jump as foundations from beneath them collapse

This week Isle of wight council bosses revealed that it's still unknown when the new £32 million Cowes Enterprise College building will open. The school was supposed to have opened last September but, following the repeated delays and setbacks, the trust that runs the school said students would not move in during the current academic year, as this may disrupt their education. To be honest, I think they may have disrupted it so much that students don't care anymore, the constant sound of construction in the background as you're trying to learn? Definitely a danger to the student's education. Still at least they have a reason other than that they were bored to not listen to the teacher.

Further still, there's no guarantee it will open in September! If I were a Cowes student, I'd consider moving school; at least at the other island school's you don't have to wear a high visibility jacket and a safety helmet when you want to go to the toilet.

Police appeal after cat shot in Ryde

A cat owner in Ryde has spoken of of his disbelief as his pet cat had to be put down after being shot by an air rifle. The 13 year old cat, Peanut, had to be put to sleep as the cat had suffered kidney damage in the attack on Tuesday. At first thoughts the owner had thought the cat had been hit by a car or bitten by a dog, however later x-ray's revealed that Peanut had been shot with an air rifle and a pellet had penetrated his kidney. A police investigation has been launched into this devastating incident. As a cat lover myself I am disgusted at whoever committed this unnecessary crime. Hopefully justice will be served and they'll be locked up for good, as well as find a turd in their pillow case.

It's believed that the cat was shot with a 22 calibre air rifle pellet some time between 2.45pm and 3pm. Anyone with information can contact PC Burfitt at Ryde Police Station by calling 101. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Are our beaches getting worse?

 

The Isle of wight, known for its stunning shorelines that are surrounded by glorious bathing water...or is it? In the latest Good Beach Guide, nine achieved the Marine Conservation Societies (MCS) recommended quality standard - one fewer than last year and two less than the year before. The blame is place on one of the wettest summer's the UK has ever seen, meaning that more bacteria and nasty stuff could be washed into our seawater than usual, posing an unseen danger of ear, nose and throat infections.

The beaches that achieved the highest standard include  Totland Bay, Colwell Bay,  Cowes, Seagrove Bay, Whitecliff Bay, Yaverland, Sandown, Compton Bay and Ventnor.

To be honest, I'll still be down there in the summer with my arm bands and snorkel, splashing around before I head back to the beach, only to get sand stuck in my toes and to eat a badly cooked burger from a tragically constructed barbecue. Either way, don't worry Islander's, we still have 9 beaches with bathing water that meet the highest standards. As for the other beaches? We'll survive, just means that we have one more thing to add to our list of ever growing problems...Got 99 problems and our bathing water is one!

Traffic finally flowing!

For all those happy motorists who drove through Fairlee today, you may have noticed that the roadworks in Fairlee have been removed. For those who haven't been near the havoc causing hell hole that were those roadworks, words cannot describe the sheer joy of not having to look to the horizon and see nothing but furious workers in hatchbacks, with blimps of rectangular green every now and then that take the form of Southern Vectis buses.

The diversion disrupted thousands of motorists as well as many bus routes, including the number 9, 5, 23, 25 and 39. My experience of the traffic was tragic. One day it took 2 hours 30 minutes to get from Ryde to Newport, meaning it would of been quicker to go by foot. Ah well, now that the roads are done we can all whisk ourselves with ease to our workplace or school. Although, having no road works means the 'sorry I'm late, the traffic was bad' excuse is temporally unavailable.

Subway in Newport?!

Yes, you heard right, a Subway is opening in Newport! Finally, now we have somewhere to relocate those that hang around outside McDonald's, puffing the smoke from their badly rolled fag's into the faces of innocent shoppers as they show of their new pair of Nike Airs to their tracksuit wearing chums. But on a serious note, the premises was formerly owned by the Isle of Wight Youth Trust's Sporting Chance charity sports shop, which plans to relocate soon.

The new Subway is expected to open in the beginning of may, helping to create around seven to nine permanent and part-time jobs. Although this may not seem like many, it's still enough to help bring a few of us out of this ever growing vortex of unemployment. Not only this, but we'll all be a lot healthier! Subway is much better for you than any of the other options supplied by fast food chains, and seeing that the island has the highest obesity rate in the country, this may help clamp down on those podgy-plodders that patrol our pavements.

I look forward to seeing the launch of Subway in Newport, mainly because I want to see the bread man/woman they employ, not forgetting salad man/woman.

New kid on the block.

Welcome, to the I Luv Wight Blog, the blog that exposes the Isle of Wight. Now you may be thinking 'oh, this is just another one of those wannabe hipsters, who watched that Google advert, saw how that lady with the bags became famous and is now using Google's software to give it a try'. But no. I'm mainly doing this for leisure, plus I'm thinking of going into journalism when I'm older, so doing a bit myself will give me a feel for it and give me brownie points for uni.

The aim of this? Well, it's mainly aimed at those who don't know much about the Island, those who live on the Island, or those who don't know much and live on the Island. As a teenager, I expect to receive a lot of banter for this, so be grateful for my time/effort/lack of caring about others.

Hopefully, I'll get me some readers! Will write plenty of stories and Island experiences somewhen, but for now, here's a video of pretty much the most famous person on this Island, singing about it, and loving life.
Big love for Derek Sandy.