Hidden among the raft of headlines spread across the newspapers before, during and after the Conservative Party conference was a little gem of news for the Isle of Wight.

Ryde is one of 55 towns across the country to receive funds as part of a government initiative to help regenerate the high street and tackle anti-social behaviour — if it all goes ahead, the seaside town should receive £20 million over a ten-year period.

It’s not known exactly what the money will be used for, but our MP Bob Seely said there were a “number of options” and that he would ensure it was used wisely and for the benefit of the wider Island community.

This is fantastic news. Ryde has already benefited from the regeneration project aimed at improving the area between the pier and the beach, and while there is still work to do, the town — dubbed the “gateway” to the Island — has already been somewhat transformed.

With so many visitors coming through Ryde on their journey to our lovely Island, I’m sure you’ll agree, it’s worth the investment.

The only thing missing now is a large, colourful (but tasteful) sign that reads, in the words of Derek Sandy, “welcome to the Isle of Wight.”

I’m half joking, but not really. Ryde’s improvement had me thinking about all of our Isle of Wight 'gateways', and the first impression visitors are given. The result? Not great.

In East Cowes, passengers driving off the car ferry first see the back of a Red Funnel sign and the ferry terminal car park. The same is true for Wightlink’s terminal in Fishbourne and the Red Jet terminal in Cowes, where getting collected by car is a battle you rarely win.

While the ferry port at Yarmouth is somewhat prettier, there is still no proud and bold sign welcoming visitors to the Island, or giving them an idea of what we are about.

I couldn’t say for sure, but we must be one of the only counties in the country which doesn’t blow their own trumpet at their main “gateways” to tourists.

Imagine a large mural on the fence of the Wightlink car park at Fishbourne. Visitors could take in paintings of the music stars to play here, our top Isle of Wight cuisine (crab, tomatoes), famous people with a connection to our lovely Island and some iconic shots, such as the Needles, Cowes Week boats and Sandown Pier. It would give them something to look at as they struggle with their clutch, queuing up the hill to the exit.

Smaller versions could be made for the other “gateways”. A banner could be strung on Ryde Pier for drivers and pedestrians alike and a large sign could be put near the bottom of the Red Funnel ramp in East Cowes.

It’s a little thing, but our “gateways” and what they say about our Island is important. We should find a way to excite tourists, display what we are proud of and simply say: “Welcome to the Isle of Wight”.