Crumbling ruins of grand hotels prove council has let our seaside town go to the dogs – we’re UK’s ‘forgotten people’

Trouble in Paradise: Isle of Wight’s Sandown Struggles to Stay Afloat

Once a coveted destination that hosted illustrious figures like Charles Darwin and Jimi Hendrix, the Isle of Wight’s Sandown is now grappling with a bleak reality. The grandeur of its past has faded, replaced by boarded-up shops, shattered windows, and derelict hotels that greet arriving tourists.

Within a mere six years, over a dozen properties have fallen into disrepair or remain abandoned, resulting in a dwindling number of visitors and the economic collapse of local businesses. Recently, even cherished fish and chip shops have shuttered their doors.

The blame for Sandown’s decline largely falls upon the Isle of Wight Council, accused by irate residents of “wilful neglect” in the southeast corner of the island. Fisherman Garry Oates, a Sandown resident of over two decades, laments the town’s transformation from a thriving coastal haven to its current state of decay.

A significant contributor to Sandown’s plight is the phenomenon of “land-banking,” where entities purchase properties for future development. However, some of these projects have languished for nearly a decade, exacerbating the town’s image problem and adversely impacting tourism.

The Isle of Wight Council, despite securing government levelling-up funding, has failed to channel adequate investment into Sandown. Frustrated residents, including David Burnett, who moved to Sandown for a quieter life, bemoan the dearth of opportunities for younger generations.

The iconic Ocean Hotel, engulfed in flames in 2021, remains a poignant symbol of the town’s neglect. Despite promises of action, two years later, the hotel’s ruins remain untouched, much to the dismay of residents like David.

In response to these grievances, an Isle of Wight Council spokesperson cited enforcement investigations against some property owners for their role in the deterioration of sites and buildings. The council is eager to see these structures redeveloped and put to use to rejuvenate the town and boost the local economy.

Nonetheless, longtime resident Ann Jennings voices the collective frustration of Sandown’s inhabitants, expressing a desire for change and a sense that they have been forgotten. As the town continues to grapple with its decline, residents hope that their voting rights may ultimately bring about a brighter future for Sandown.