An anonymous campaign set up to get the Isle of Wight its own unique postcode has proved controversial, in the first week of its launch.

A group called Isle of Wight Postcode Campaign appeared across social media on Tuesday, June 27.

It believes the Island deserves its own IW postcode area identity, instead of being classed as PO.

"We are the Isle of Wight not Portsmouth", a post on its Facebook page said.

The group told the County Press it has three main reasons for wanting the change. The other two are:

  • Clarity to mainland senders to know that they are sending to the Island not to Portsmouth and surrounding mainland areas.
  • Increase to tourism and businesses. It said, implementing the IW postcode will create new jobs and employment opportunities.

The group would like postcodes changed to IW1, IW2 and IW3. However, it said if it were to be changed it would more likely be to IW30 for Newport, IW31 for Cowes, and IW32 for East Cowes, for example.

To gauge the opinions of Islanders, one resident set up a poll on the Isle of Wight Community Information Facebook page.

At the time of press, it showed 84 per cent, or 1,380 of the 1,623 people who responded, do not want the postcode changed.

While 16 per cent (or 245 voters) are in favour of the campaign.

Asked how a change of the postcode would create jobs, the campaign told the County Press: "There’ll be increased trade for stationery suppliers, signage businesses, digital and print marketing, advertisers and project managers for example."

On increasing tourism, it said it would expect the change to attract media interest, which it hopes will promote the Island.

It added that it is a 'unique issue' but said postcode reorganisations have happened before.

One of the concerns raised by Islanders was the effect the change could have on deliveries here — both the cost and whether some companies would refuse to deliver here.

The campaign said it sees 'no evidence' to support this.

Although a postcode change is a long way from becoming a reality, Royal Mail's Postcode Address File Code of Practice states changes can be made for one of two reasons: 

  • To maintain or improve the service offered by Royal Mail
  • To reflect customer demand

If it meets that criteria, Royal Mail would then consult with the MP and the affected addresses, the code said.

Homeowners would be invited to have their say as part of a consultation, which would have to last for a minimum of three months.

The Isle of Wight Postcode Campaign said it is 'stepping up' its conversations with Royal Mail and has approached Isle of Wight MP, Bob Seely.

The County Press has asked Royal Mail and the Isle of Wight Council for a comment.