By Isle of Wight Observer
Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council has approved a series of local initiatives following its latest full council meeting on Monday, July 14. A grant of £800 was awarded to the IW Story Festival to support author sessions in five local schools, as part of the council’s commitment to literacy and community led education.
Councillors also agreed to commission a youth consultation, to be carried out by Network Ryde. The project will explore the needs of young people both within schools and through detached outreach, with the findings set to inform future youth service provision and the use of community assets.
The council also adopted an updated Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy and made changes to its working party memberships, reaffirming its focus on transparency and safeguarding.
Cllr Vix Lowthion, council chair, said: “These decisions reflect councillors’ active role in listening to residents and planning for a vibrant and inclusive future in Newport and Carisbrooke. Supporting youth engagement and literacy projects is central to that vision, and we will be developing our plans in the coming months.”
Councillors also discussed preparations for the 2026 National Year of Reading and renewed their support for the IW Story Festival. The council is now inviting further ideas to help mark the national initiative locally.
The next Full Council meeting will take place on Monday, September 8 at 64 High Street, Newport, starting at 6pm.
