Trusted to Deliver. Local. Consistent. Proven.
I’m Ian Dore, Independent councillor for Binstead and Fishbourne.
This is my ward, my home, and the place I have lived in for over 50 years. I have been here since 1974. I went to Binstead Primary, Mayfield Middle School, Cubs and Scouts here, Ryde High, and learned to sail in Fishbourne. This is not somewhere I have appeared in for an election. It is the place that made me, and the place I am fighting for.
For the last five years, I have worked shoulder to shoulder with residents to improve life across Binstead and Fishbourne. My approach is simple: listen first, work out who is responsible, chase the issue, keep chasing, and keep people updated. Local government can be slow, but consistency, experience and relentless follow-through, are what turn problems into results.
Over the last five years, it has also become clear where the previous administration allowed this ward to be overlooked. That cannot happen again. On my watch, it won’t.
Local First
This election is about local issues. Roads, potholes, pavements, flooding, parks, open spaces, traffic, safety, housing, street cleaning, community services and the day-to-day problems residents actually face. National politics matters, but local elections do not change the Government. They decide who fights for your street, your village, your services and your community. For me, it has always been Local, Local, Local. The ward must remain the consistent priority.
One Ward, Different Needs
Binstead and Fishbourne share one ward, but they are not the same place. Each has its own identity and beauty, but also pressures and priorities. Binstead has faced major issues around flooding, drainage, road safety, play facilities, planning pressure, traffic, dog fouling and public spaces.
Fishbourne has different pressures, including traffic movement, signage, ferry-related issues, Wootton Medical Centre, Wightlink dialogue and road safety around the village and its peripheries. A good ward councillor has to understand both. Not from a leaflet or a party briefing, but from living here, walking the roads, speaking with residents and knowing what works on the ground.
Trusted to Deliver
Over the last five years, I have built a record of delivery by being present, persistent and practical, with deep rooted relationships built over years. Not only with residents, but with stakeholders and officers. That is something only I bring to the table, and that matters.
Delivery includes:
- Securing the £300,000 Property Flood Resilience scheme for Binstead, protecting around 30 affected homes.
- Securing £170,000 ring-fenced for flood mitigation following the serious flooding in 2021.
- Preventing unsuitable double yellow lines where residents raised concerns.
- Still pursuing double yellow lines where they are genuinely needed for safety.
- Calling for an independent review of the Highways PFI contract.
- Supporting local safety improvements, including the safety barrier at Binstead Rec.
- Helping keep Wootton Medical Centre open.
- Supporting community projects, including funding for local events and church-linked work.
- Tackling everyday casework, from potholes and pavements to dog fouling, drainage and resident concerns.
Not every win makes a headline, but every one matters to the people affected.
Chair of the Isle of Wight Council
I have also had the honour of serving as Chair of the Isle of Wight Council, a role that runs until May. This is not simply ceremonial. It requires detailed knowledge of the council’s constitution, procedures, civic protocols and the rules that allow public decision-making to be conducted fairly and properly. Chairing Full Council demands neutrality, discipline, confidence and preparation.The civic side of the role is important too. As Chair, I have represented the Isle of Wight at public engagements, community events and formal occasions. That means representing the Island, not just the ward, with dignity, judgement and strength. It has been an honour that this year’s Chair came from Binstead and Fishbourne, and I have taken that responsibility seriously.
Service, Discipline and Community
As a former soldier, I am proud to have served my country. My Armed Forces work has allowed me to represent not just the ward, but the Islands Armed Forces Community as a whole. That background still shapes how I work: discipline, preparation, resilience, service and getting the job done.
What Comes Next
There is more to do.
I will keep fighting for continued flood mitigation, raised kerbs identified in Section 19 flood reports, better play facilities in Binstead Rest Gardens, an additional pedestrian crossing, more dropped kerbs, sensible traffic calming, improved road signage, stronger highways accountability, continued dialogue with Wootton Medical Centre and Wightlink, and practical improvements across both Binstead and Fishbourne. I will also continue supporting wider Island issues including youth provision, housing, education, adult social care, natural spaces, high street regeneration and community projects.
Why Consistency Matters
A ward councillor’s primary role is to work with residents, not simply speak for them. That takes communication, evidence, relationships, experience and persistence. Binstead and Fishbourne needs a steady, experienced, trustworthy pair of hands. Not a paper candidate, not a passer-by, not someone learning on the job and definitely not someone that doesn’t live on the patch. It also requires independence and an individual that refuses to be whipped.
I live here, I grew up here, I am raising my family here. I have spent over 50 years in this ward, and I know how much it matters to the people who call it home.
For the last five years, I have been trusted to deliver. With your support, I will keep doing exactly that.