Last week, our Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, announced that the Island will once again have dedicated roads policing officers, following a campaign by myself and others.

I would like to thank everyone who supported me in bringing back dedicated roads officers to the Island, including coroner Caroline Sumeray, current and former police officers, town and parish councils, Island residents and members of the IW Council. Working together, we have made our voices heard.

The sad reality is that we have the most dangerous roads outside London in Britain, and three times the average number of people die and are seriously injured as a result.

Currently, officer time is split between armed response and roads policing, but this announcement means two new posts will be created dedicated solely to policing the Island’s roads.

Read more: Isle of Wight Coroner and council leader join calls for roads policing unit.

Read more: The horrendous human cost of accidents on Isle of Wight roads.

In addition, Hampshire Constabulary will recruit three more armed response/roads policing officers, taking the joint unit from nine to fourteen - making a significant difference to our capacity.

This is just the start; numbers will be reviewed at a later date. As soon as these officers are in post, I will meet with them to pass on the details of concerns that Islanders have shared with me. Thank you all those who wrote to me.

What else has happened this month?

First, the IW Council was allocated £1 million in recognition of our unique circumstances. I am happy with this? Not particularly, it is not enough and I will be working to get more, but it is the first time money has been awarded explicitly on the basis of being an island – and therefore it sets a precedent.

Second, senior Minister Michael Gove is adopting my suggestion for a national forum for UK islands. This Islands Forum will enable the IW, working with other islands, to have a collective voice with government.

In addition, the Island has also been designated by government as an Education Investment Area, which means more support to improve education on the Island.

All these are going to help deliver better education, better training and better job opportunities and life chances for Islanders.

And finally, Southern Water this month agreed to repair the main outfall pipes in Seaview, which has been responsible for spilling sewage onto the beach on occasions. Work will take place in April.

I wish you a good weekend.