Sandown Town Council - Isle of Wight

31/03/2026

Sandown Town Council response to Recent Incidents at Sandham Grounds

Press Release:

Recent local reporting about the facilities at Sandham Grounds has highlighted a number of negative incidents at the new PlayZone. While we do experience occasional graffiti, more serious cases of criminal damage — such as the recent CCTV camera being smashed — remain rare.

In relation to the 2G MUGA, it is well used and enjoyed appropriately by the majority of users, but we are seeing some instances of inappropriate gatherings that are causing concern and we are working to secure the site.

The pitch is a sand dressed 2g surface for netball, basketball, football and other sporting activities. It is not designed as somewhere for people to hangout. There is a spectator area adjacent to the pitch for this purpose.

The majority of the issues at the parks are through summer, often late at night where groups of individuals, believed to be adults, are congregating in the park, not to use the facilities but to drink, leaving rubbish and broken glass behind. We continue to work with the police and other stakeholders to address these issues.

The town council has invested in the Bay Youth Project for a number of years now. The project provides meaningful activities and outreach for young people. As a result of this project and their work with the Isle of Wight Police’s Operation Spider, we have seen a significant reduction in youth antisocial behaviour in Sandown. This has been further reduced by the introduction of CCTV which has also allowed us to pursue action through police when incidents do occur.

The facilities are provided for the enjoyment of all. Misuse leads to damage and disruption, which ultimately reduces access and enjoyment for everyone. If you see antisocial behaviour at the parks please report it to 101 either by phone or online.

The Town Council wants to to send a clear message to all park users – to adults, young people and to their parents – please help us protect this community space, which is for everyone to enjoy, by respecting it.

27/03/2026

Popular Rainbow Park Zip Wire Replaced Ready for Easter.

Families visiting Sandham Grounds Rainbow Park this Easter will be pleased to hear that the popular zip wire has now been fully replaced and is ready for use.

The upgraded equipment has been installed in time for the busy holiday period, ensuring children can safely enjoy one of the park’s favourite attractions. The new zip wire meets current safety standards and has been designed to provide a fun and secure experience for young visitors.

As a reminder to all park users, the zip wire is strictly for children aged 12 and under. This guideline is in place to help maintain safety and ensure the equipment is used as intended.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the refreshed play facilities responsibly and make the most of the outdoor space during the Easter holidays.

For further information, please contact the local council or visit Sandham Grounds

19/03/2026

Shared in support of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary:

HAMPSHIRE AND THE ISLE OF WIGHT POLICE RECRUITMENT ROADSHOW

Join Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary at the Isle of Wight Police & Careers Event! Explore roles, meet the teams and start your journey in policing.

On Saturday 25 April 2026 between 10am - 2pm at The Riverside Centre, The Quay, Newport PO30 2QR.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary are excited to invite you to one of their dynamic recruitment events, where you’ll get a real taste of what it’s like to be part of their team.

Whether you’re curious about becoming a uniformed police officer, a detective, police staff or exploring one of the many other vital roles they offer, there’s something here for everyone.

You’ll get the chance to meet the people behind the badge, ask your burning questions, and find out what a career with in policing could look like for you.

Please register for this event on Eventbrite here: Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary Recruitment Event Tickets, Saturday, Apr 25 from 10 am to 2 pm | Eventbrite

09/03/2026

Discover a Career in Policing Webinars

Shared in support of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary:

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Police excited to share details of our new ‘Discover a Career in Policing’ webinars:

These interactive online sessions are designed to provide a detailed insight into our Officer recruitment process, explain the different entry routes and training expectations, and offer real-time question and answer sessions to make your recruitment more accessible, all from the comfort of your home.

The next sessions are:

Tuesday 24th March – 7:00pm-8:00pm,

Wednesday 22nd April – 7:00pm-8:00pm

Visit Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Police events page to explore upcoming webinars and learn more about our recruitment activities.

05/03/2026

03/03/2026

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Police Force are Recruiting

Shared in support of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary:

Thinking about becoming a Police Officer on the Isle of Wight?

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary put together some quick‑fire FAQs to help you understand what training looks like, what support you’ll receive, and what to expect as you start your policing journey.

Where is Police Officer training held? Police Officer training for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary takes place at our dedicated training centre in Netley, Southampton. New recruits complete an 18‑week initial training programme, giving them the skills and knowledge they need to begin their policing career.
Do you pay for travel during training? Yes – the force covers your travel expenses, including the ferry crossing and a taxi from the ferry port to Netley.

Prefer to stay locally during the week? We’ll also contribute £100 per week towards accommodation costs.
For further information and how to apply visit the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Careers page. Join Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary – view our jobs

19/02/2026

Annual Town Meeting - Monday, 9 March 2026

18/02/2026

The Met Office has issued a yellow rain warning ⚠️

The yellow rain warning will be in place from 6pm on Wednesday, February 18 to 8am on Thursday, February 19. The warning covers the entire Isle of Wight.

The Met Office confirm spells of heavy rain could lead to some flooding and disruption to travel on Wednesday and Thursday. They further advise that 20 mm of rain is expected quite widely with a few places near the south coast seeing 20-30 mm. Strong east to northeasterly winds will accompany the rain, which could exacerbate impacts in places. Large waves could affect some east-facing coasts, especially along the English Channel.

The Met Office has advise that we might expect:
🚗 Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer
🚌 Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer
💧 Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible
⚡ Some interruption to power supplies and other services possible

It’s best to be prepared. The Isle of Wight Council’s website has useful information of how to prepare and respond if the worst happens https://orlo.uk/eShJr

Further detailed forecasting from the Met Office https://orlo.uk/ir2TV
Local information on severe weather is available via the Isle of Wight Council website https://orlo.uk/lhBwd

Sandbags stores are stocked and open at the following locations:
✅ St Mary’s Carpark, Cowes
✅ Well Road, East Cowes
✅ Simeon Street Recreation Ground, Ryde

13/02/2026

Sandown Town Council buy Ocean Hotel “Ransom Strip”

PRESS RELEASE

The Town Council has successfully secured the winning bid on an important strip of Esplanade land in front of the Ocean Hotel, subject to completion. This will ensure that a strategically vital part of Sandown’s seafront real estate is reclaimed for the benefit of Sandown's community.

Mayor Alex Lightfoot explains “This land will have a decisive influence on any future solution to the derelict Ocean Hotel as well as being a valuable space for seafront amenities and services in its own right. Many have referred to this parcel of land as a ransom strip, due to its influential impact on the surrounding plots. The Town Council overwhelmingly agreed that we could not sit by and see yet another important plot land banked and condemned to permanent stagnation against the interests of all those who live, work and visit here.

We hope that this purchase signals the Town Council’s commitment to Sandown’s recovery and shows its willingness to act decisively to protect the Town’s interests and build community empowerment. In preparation for urgent threats and opportunities, the Council has prudently saved over the past three years, strengthening its reserves beyond the best practice minimum, allowing us to take swift action on key projects where appropriate, without incurring financial risk or increasing borrowing. These are the funds that have been used for this acquisition.

Opportunities of this nature are exceptionally rare. The Ocean Hotel sits right at the centre of Sandown’s dereliction, occupying a large and strategic portion of both High Street and Esplanade and acting as a barrier to the town’s renewal. By acquiring this land, the Council gains not only a vital legal foothold between the previously sold parcels but also brings a significant stretch of seafront under public ownership.

To ensure the future of this public site meets the aspirations of residents and stakeholders, the Council will convene a series of working party meetings alongside opportunities for public engagement and participation over the coming months. This will give everyone a chance to have their say and help to guide visible change and benefit. We are, for example, very keen to explore ideas for meanwhile uses while longer term solutions take shape.”

Mayor Lightfoot concluded: “We believe that by owning this land, the community of Sandown can start to take more direct control of the issues it faces and, working together, shape a better future.”

ENDS

02/02/2026

⚠️ Flood WARNING: Whitwell, Wroxall, Langbridge, Alverstone on the Eastern Yar

The Environment Agency have advised that flooding is expected for Whitwell, Wroxall, Horringford, Langbridge and Alverstone on the Eastern Yar

📏High river levels are expected to cause flooding this evening (Sunday 1 February)
❗Flooding is expected from overnight from 12.30am, as a lot of rain (40mm) fell on Sunday
🛣️ Flooding will affect the road, a small number of properties in Alverstone and Langbridge, and restrict access to Horringford, Golf Links Road, and footpaths.
Garden flooding is expected at Whitwell High Street.
⏰Rain is forecast to continue 10pm this evening
💦 River levels and flood risk should begin to reduce in Alverstone by Monday 2 February (afternoon).
❗The Environment Agency are checking rivers for blockages.
‼️ The Environment Agency advise property Owners / Occupiers to activate any flood protection products they may have. Including in Alverstone.

📱Check the council website for information and guidance on flooding https://www.iow.gov.uk/article/1690/Flooding-what-you-can-do

Stay up to date and stay safe:
💻 Check the Environment Agency flood warnings on: https://orlo.uk/flooding-service_zNcHp
☎️ Telephone: Floodline 0345 988 1188
📱 Sign-up for Flood Alerts: https://orlo.uk/gov_uk-flooding_9zlaW
💻 Check for flooding near you: https://orlo.uk/govuk-flooding_6SVjL
📱 Follow Island Roads on Twitter for the latest highway updates: https://orlo.uk/island-roads_364CR
💻 For the latest forecast visit: https://orlo.uk/met-office_eZN22

🔵 Island Roads will have the sandbag stores in Cowes, East Cowes and Ryde accessible to residents:
✅ Well Road, East Cowes
✅ Simeon Street Recreation Ground, Ryde
✅ St Mary's Car Park, Cowes