Latest news with #IWCouncil
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
Island golf favourite battles visitor decline and warns of ‘big decisions' ahead
An Isle of Wight cafe and golf course says it faces 'big decisions' at the end of the year, with visitor numbers described as "absolutely dead." Browns Golf and Cafe said it is taking 'each day as it is' as it tackles an increasingly difficult situation. Owned by the IW Council and leased by operator Paul Saville since summer 2023, the attraction is a summer favourite on Culver Parade in Sandown. Taking to social media to share the concerning news, Browns Golf explained that the course and the cafe had been 'absolutely dead for the fourth day in a row.' Browns Golf Course and Cafe (Image: IWCP) In a post on Facebook, the business said: 'Bloody tough going at the moment, but it's likely shared everywhere. 'Many difficulties at this moment with 'one body' who are causing Browns such a headache." Browns Golf said this body was not learning from "historic issues," adding that the business needs to be supported by them. The post continued: 'Taking each day as it is and see what happens by the end of the year - big decisions to be made. Islanders took to the comments to offer support for the popular venue, with some saying they would come and visit today (Sunday, June 8). The post follows a serious incident on May 28, when police were called to the golf course at 3.40am after an alleged violent assault resulted in a man being found with serious puncture wounds to his back. A boy from Newport was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and burglary and bailed. Read more: Seafront golf venue targeted by thieves in overnight break-in Teen arrested after man suffers puncture wound in serious golf course assault The cafe at Browns Golf (Image: IWCP) Replying to comments, Browns Golf voiced broader concerns about the economic climate for small businesses on the Island. "This is an Isle of Wight thing more so than the mainland. I feel for every business here. "The big concern is the rapid decline over recent years. 'The government need to support small businesses like other big countries are doing. 'We seem to have no idea how to deal with such problems.' Thankfully, it appears business picked up this afternoon following Browns Golf's post, with live music from Tommy Burnham drawing more visitors to the cafe.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Obesity surge sees Island's rates soar past Southampton and Hampshire
Obesity rates on the Isle of Wight have risen sharply, with alarming figures not just among adults but also among the Island's children, according to the latest public health data. In 2023/24, 29.9 per cent of adults on the Isle of Wight were estimated to be living with obesity – a stark increase from 21.9 per cent the year before. The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities have used Sport England's Active Lives Adult Survey to compile the data. Recommended reading: Anger, dismay and concern expressed over state of Ventnor Winter Gardens Cowes superyacht design nominated for prestigious award This marks one of the biggest year-on-year rises in obesity across the South East, with the Island now surpassing neighbours like Southampton (24.9 per cent) and Hampshire overall (27 per cent), though still slightly behind Portsmouth (31.4 per cent). However, the trend does not stop with adults. According to the IW Council's October 2024 Healthy Lives report, childhood obesity is also on the rise: 23.8 per cent of children in reception (aged four – five) are overweight or obese, higher than the England average of 21.3 per cent. By Year 6 (ages 10 – 11), this increases to 35.7 per cent, just below the national average of 36.6 per cent. Overweight and obesity in children significantly raise the risk of chronic health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and poor mental health as they grow older. The Island also reports that 60.4 per cent of adults are either overweight or obese, reinforcing the long-term nature of the issue. The IW Council responded by commissioning a Tier 2 weight management service for adults, which targets men, ethnic minority groups, and those in deprived areas.
