By Tilly Walder
The Isle of Wight Council has told owners of a number of Grade II listed buildings in Ryde to carry out repairs within ten weeks or they may face court. Among those targeted is an elderly cancer patient, who was left in tears after receiving an enforcement letter.
The letter, dated September 3, claimed the councils had jointly been identifying “unkempt” properties affecting the area. Officers visited the property on July 2, but it is understood they made no attempt to knock on the door or speak to the resident before sending threats of legal action.
While private owners are being ordered to act swiftly, the town council has left one of its own listed buildings to rot. In an open letter defending his neighbour, James Brotherton pointed out that Vectis Hall on Melville Street, a Grade II listed, building has sat derelict for more than a decade. It was purchased by Ryde Town Council in 2020.
Mr Brotherton wrote an open letter to the two councils about his neighbour’s situation. He said: “She is a pensioner living on a state pension with no savings and currently is receiving treatment for breast cancer amongst various other health issues. I find it disgusting that without any other contact you send a letter like this. I have reached out into the community to see if anyone can help with the repairs.”
The house in question has been in poor condition for at least ten years, but no attempt has been made to check on it or its owner, until this letter was sent. Other residents have also been hit with enforcement letters, with one flat owner said to be expecting to face a bill of almost £40,000.
Local businesses have stepped in to support the elderly resident, offering materials and labour to carry out the work that the council has demanded – although following Mr Brotherton’s intervention the deadline has been extended until next spring.
The IW Council said it had since reached out to the homeowner and “worked together to agree on a supportive and practical way forward.” A spokesman added: “We always aim to approach these matters with understanding and respect… While we are taking action in respect of prominent buildings, we are also engaging with owners of smaller properties.” He added that the letters were intended to encourage owners to engage with the council, but accepted they did warn that legal action was one route open to the council.
Both councils said they were working together to address the condition of Vectis Hall – but gave no timescales when work would be carried out.
However, critics say the message is clear – vulnerable residents are being threatened with court action while publicly owned neglected buildings, such as Vectis Hall, are left to decay year after year.
Isle of Wight Observer