An Uncertain future for Local Services

A number of residents have been in touch worried about the loss of our local bus services.

Last week I received confirmation from the IW Council’s Cabinet Member that Service 32 is safe from cutbacks until 31st August 2011. After that date it seems very likely that Wightbus will be discontinued and although Wightbus will discontinue the service may be operated by another service provider.

At the moment the IW Council are unclear, what priority the Government is giving to subsidised bus services or what steps are being taken to review concessions. All we do know is that generally all none-core Council services are at risk from cutbacks. Until more is known, there is still some uncertainty for local authorities. Therefore Parish & Town Councils are unclear what shortfall they will be required to pick up and until more is known, it is difficult for me to advise residents exactly whereabouts savings will be identified.

In the weeks ahead I will endeavour to find out more, and will keep residents updated regularly through my blog and via the Cowes Beacon and Gurnard News.

£150 Parking Permit to be relaunched (with conditions!)

From today residents can purchase the newly relaunched Parking Permit.  Unlike it's £75 predecessor entitlement will only be for those residents living within 200m of certain car parks.  Please note Park Road Car Park is no longer operated by the IW Council, so cannot be used.  If you are entitled to this permit please note that it cannot be used until 1st January 2011.  Alternatively the £500 permit remains available for use in all Council Long Stay Car Parks.

Apologies for residents who expected a little more than this when the article appeared in October's Beacon. As far as I am concerned a conditional Permit is better than no permit and although I would prefer to see the £150 permit having no conditions, I hope Councillors will think again since revenue was not as it was anticipated.  (The Independent Group, predicted this when setting their budget earlier this year)

In the meantime, I have just been appointed to the Council's Economy, Environment and Transport Scrutiny Committee so hope to be much more hands on, on this in the coming months.

For further information please call 01983 821000 

Keep Warm, Keep Well

Stay warm and healthy this winter

Now the clocks have gone back and temperatures are falling, it's important to make sure you keep warm and avoid getting ill in the winter months.

The Department of Health has produced a guide called Keep Warm Keep Well. It gives useful tips on how to keep healthy and what grants and benefits are available to help with heating costs. Advice includes:

• taking up the offer of a seasonal flu jab

• ways to avoid catching colds

• how to eat healthily in the winter months

• turning off heating in rooms you don't use

• turning down heating slightly

• switching off gadgets, rather than leaving on standby

• using hot water bottles and electric blankets safely.

There's also information about to apply for financial help, such as Cold Weather Payments, the Winter Fuel Allowance and the Warm Front Scheme, which can award grants to insulate your home for free or give you a heating rebate.

For details, or to download a copy of Keep Warm Keep Well, visit the Department of Health at: www.dh.gov.uk.

ENERGETIC: Saving Families from Fuel Poverty (News from the Footprint Trust)

Forward thinking mums and dads could be in a windfall on their energy bills thanks to an initiative from the Footprint Trust.

Energetic is the name of a new initiative, which involved young families in saving money through sensible use of fuel. The Trust will be recruiting mums and dads to act as ‘Energetic Champions’ and will give free training to those involved. A short fun free training course will be held during the school day. Those trained will then be able to apply their new knowledge to their home and share their skills with neighbours, families and friends. The first 10 people to join up will get a free limited edition Energetic stylish orange T- shirt.

Mayfield Middle School in Ryde will be piloting an Energetic training event on Friday 21st January at 1.15pm. If your school would like to host one of these free events then please contact the Trust.

Gas and electricity bills were over £1,000 in 2009 - a 30% increase in five years, with household energy bills set to double over the next five years. The Energetic project will help young families use fuel more efficiency, and those taking part could easily knock around £100 to £400 off their energy bills in the next year.

The Energetic project also offers free home visits and a helpline – giving guidance on energy and water efficiency. More details are available by emailing ray@footprint-trust.co.uk or telephone 01983 822282. The Energetic project is funded by the ScottishPower Energy People Trust.

Clearing Your Debt, Information from Consumer Direct.

At Christmas more and more residents each year falling deeper and deeper into debt,  I have therefore collated the following information with agencies that can provide you with support:

Citizens Advice

For free advice on debt and a range of other matters, visit your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau. Look them up in your phone book or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk For web-based information and advice go to www.adviceguide.org.uk

National Debtline

A free telephone helpline for people with debt problems. Call 0808 808 4000. Or visit www.nationaldebtline.co.uk to email for advice, use interactive budgeting tools and download information packs, fact sheets and sample letters.

Consumer Credit Counselling Service

For free money and budgeting advice, including free debt management plans, call 0800 138 1111 or visit www.cccs.co.uk

AdviceUK

A network of independent advice centres. To find your nearest agency call 0207 4074070 or visit www.adviceuk.org.uk

Payplan

For free advice on debt & budgeting including free debt management plans & IVAs call 0800 917 7823 or www.payplan.com

Community Legal Advice
For free legal advice phone 0845 345 4 345. if you qualify for legal aid or visit www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk

Youth Reorganisation Proposals: How much better, can it get for young people?

At my last surgery which I held at Cowes High School, I had a lengthy discussion with a University Student about the impact that Tuition Fees will have on youngsters entering Further Education..... I am of course worthy of this when our Government proposes to clear the National Debt within the next 4 years, so as not to impact upon the next generation of youngsters.  In theory, this is spot-on....but in practice will it work, ?- I really hope it does- for our youngsters sake.

In the meantime, the Council is feeding back from their consultation on Youth Service Reorganisation. Additional comments can be made until Monday 13th December. The original consultation highlighted from young people the need for Youth Clubs to be open on Fridays & Saturdays, during school holidays and that young people wanted more things to do and places to go in rural areas.

Adults considered that good youth work is required to keep youngsters off the streets, and that opportunities should be seized to develop knowledge, skills and experience to grow in confidence with the support of qualified experienced youth workers.

Proposals for the Cowes Area are as follows:

• Develop Provision on the new Secondary school site.

• Support the new Secondary school to deliver the Duke Of Edinburgh Award.

• Provide a full range of facilities over 5 evenings including Fridays & Saturdays, working in partnership with other agencies.

• Work with Cowes Youth Forum to develop a youth café.

• Deliver alternative education services.

• Current building to be declared surplus to requirements.

Initial observations that I have noted, is that many of these proposals focus away from 'physical activities' to 'education and work place activities'.  Next week, I'll be attending the Island's Youth Council, to listen to exactly what our future generation wants.... Actually, this will probably prove to be the most informative meeting I plan to attend in a long while! 

Your Opportunity to shape Tomorrow's World in Local Transport Plan

If a week is a long time in politics, what is 27 years? Will pensioners passes still be in use on our buses?; will we have 'new' trains by then, or at least trains that can carry mobility scooters?  Will the IW Council invest in Electric Cars; Or shall we all be zapping from A to B by Jet Packs?  If so, then don't look to the Local Transport Plan for answers. 

 

Rather than giving us an insight into the world of tomorrow, The IW Council are undertaking a consultation on its Transport Plan (which in essence, is a bidding document for Government Grants). The Plan has a number of objectives (or Transport Goals) These are:

Improve and maintain our highway assets.

Support Economic Growth.

Increase Accessibility.

Improve Quality Of Life.

Improve Road Safety and Health.

Respect the local environment.

The plan is available at all Libraries, County Hall or by viewing the following link: www.iwight.com/transport. The consultation lasts until 4th February 2011.

More Service Cuts Projected by the Isle Of Wight.

I became a Councillor to make a difference to my local community, however with the raft of further 'amputations', proposed by Central Government for Local Authorities, it becomes more and more difficult for even the most brilliant Councillors to make any positive or constructive changes beyond core services for the better for their communities.... Frustrating yes, but as Tony Blair once put it (or was it Alistair Campbell?)  Things can only get better.  But first The Council needs to contend with 2011.

As a result the IW Council will need to save £32m, over the next four years (£17m of this to front loaded next year). In the coming weeks Councillors (from all groups) will be balancing which services are reviewed. These are likely to include:

• Wightbus

• The Cowes Floating Bridge.

• Tourist Information Centres.

• Libraries.

• Rural Bus Services. (The Government anticipates bus companies WILL to do their bit, socially!)

• Staffing. (The Council will only be expected to carry out core services)

• Heritage Museum

• Public Toilets.

• The Sports Development Grant.

• Leisure Centres

• Consolidation of Care Contracts and Personal Budgets

• Combining Services currently undertaken within Children and Family Services.

In the coming weeks, the Government are looking to introduce the cornerstone of their Big Society Agenda- The Decentralisation and Localism Act. Ironically, this will empower local communities, and could ultimately give local Town and Parish Council’s greater responsibilities, such as taking on the roles currently undertaken by local authorities.



COUNCILLORS SURGERIES DECEMBER 2010 AND JANUARY 2011

5-5:30pm Tuesday 7th December, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Tuesday 14th December, Portland Inn, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Tuesday 21st December, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

5-5:30pm Tuesday 4th January 2011, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Tuesday 11th January, Portland Inn, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Wednesday 19th January, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

11:45-12 Noon, Wednesday 19th January, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

3:30-4pm, Wednesday 26th January, Cowes High School, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

Gritting Routes in Cowes West and Gurnard

With the snow settling outside the Council has altered its Principal Gritting/Salting Routes to as follows:

Primary Gritting Route

Place Road and Park Road.

Secondary Gritting Route.

Tuttons Hill, Worsley Road, Shore Road, Woodvale Road, Baring Road, Ward Avenue and Crossfield Avenue.

Gridlock Gurnard!

O.K, That might be a slight exaggeration..... but I continue to receive complaints about large vehicles blocking accesses in the village....


1. HILTON ROAD
I've received a number of complaints concerning large vehicles using this road as a short cut to Gurnard Pines.  This has got worse since Southern Vectis has began taking large coaches to ferry children to Gurnard School.  Residents are concerned that Utility Supplies do not lie that far from the surface of this private unadopted road and the larger vehicles are causing concern for residents.  I have emailed concerns to the Head Of Highways to seek alternatives, and report back on this when a solution is found...

2. CHURCH ROAD

Church Road Residents have also been in touch, as Southern Vectis are also using Church Road, en-route from Gurnard School.  For many years residents have complained about this, and I am sure that once the 6'6'' went in a few years ago they were overjoyed by the prospect of no longer ushering vehicles away from parked vehicles and pavements... I have reported the school bus to Highways and remain ever hopeful that further incidents won't arise again. 

3. SHORE ROAD

At Gurnard Parish Council's meeting this month I was roasted over inconsiderate parking, mud on the road and damage caused to grass verges and bollards allegedly by conractors working at developments in Shore Road.  The contractor has received a warning, and I remain ever hopeful the road (and vehicles leaving the sites- Esp. Solent Lawns), will be kept clear of mud and vehicles will be washed down before leaving the site.

4. MARSH ROAD

A new width restriction has been recommended for Marsh Road, this will restrict Heavy Goods thru'-vehicles using Rew Street and Marsh Road.  All heavy vehicles will therefore be encouraged to access Gurnard via Cockleton Lane, Lower Church Road, Solent View Road, Worsley Road and Tuttons Hill.  This traffic order has been proposed for several years and was recommended by The Parish council, the Police and Highways so I am more than happy to see this come to fruition.     

Have Your Say: Relocation of Respite Care

One of the less popular proposals in the Council's Strategy to save money is the proposed closure of Westminster House.  The Newport Respite Centre has for many years offered carers an opportunity to feel assured that their family members are being looked after offering much needed support.  The Isle of Wight Council has identified both The Gouldings in Freshwater and The Adelaide as centres that has scope to expand and will offer the same service for respite care as residents have been familiar with at Westminster House.

I have came under fire, following the article which I inserted in the Gurnard News concerning the future of respite care on the Island. Despite the Council being advised that they are spending too much on Elderly Care and Care on Adults with Disabilities, I reiterate that the IW Council has not made any decision on the proposal to relocate respite care from Westminster House in Newport. If you have views please call 821000 and request a Questionnaire to be mailed out, alternatively you can also fill in the on-line Questionnaire. Please let me know your views also! The deadline falls on Friday 14th January.

Accessibility Audit, Working with Older Voices

Following the meeting I called last month with Jo Hadley from Older Voices, I have been advised that the Cowes Medical Centre are taking on a more flexible approach to residents with transport needs/ accessibility issues in the Cowes Area.


I am also passing on an Accessibility Audit which was undertaken last month by a member of Older Voices to Councillor Edward Giles. The purpose of this audit was to find out those pavements that are the most difficult to access by wheelchair and mobility scooters as well as parents with pram and pushchairs due to having insufficient dropped kerbs.


Roads that caused problems include: Granville Road Bridge, Westwood Close, Reynolds Close, Brooklands Road, Firs Close, Ward Avenue (both ends) and Windmill Close. Shamblers Close, Ash Grove and Stephenson Road (all with access from Mill Hill Road) and the entrance to the footpath end of Love Lane and the waterworks Barrier gateway at the end of the levelling was considered too close. (I highlighted this might have been due to prevent motor cycles using the footpath).


Other areas requiring attention included Northwood Recreation Ground, (beside the new homes). Although the first barrier is not too bad, the second gap was thought to be too close. This has meant that wheelchair and scooter users cannot currently access the doctors surgery when using this route, subsequently this means taking a more circuitous route.


At the Older Voices meeting which I attended, I was asked to pass this information on to my Isle of Wight Councillor and Cowes Town Council colleagues, and have been asked to invite Town and Parish Councillors to their meeting. The next meeting is held at 10am, Thursday 18th November at the Isle of Wight Community Club in Park Road, I suggested in the mean time the group should consider mailing minutes of meetings to appropriate local Councils.

Working Together to Support Northwood House

I received the following Statement from the Isle of Wight Council concerning the Car Parks at Northwood House:

The IW Council will cease to operate Park Road Car Park adjacent to Northwood Park from Saturday 13 November 2010.

 

The council has been operating this long-stay park on behalf of the Trustees of Northwood House and therefore council-issued parking permits have been valid. The trustees have, as is their right, now found other partners to run the car park on their behalf.

As a result, IW Council permits will not be accepted at Park Road Car Park from 13 November. The council has alternative long stay parks at Brunswick and Mornington road at which permits can be used and they are also valid for the park and ride car park at Somerton.

All long stay permits holders have all been written to by the council in order to explain the changes. A refund for any unused months is being offered to motorists wishing to surrender their permit.

Permit holders requiring further information should contact Parking Services on 01983 823714 or e-mail parking.services@iow.gov.uk.

At last weeks Cowes Town Council meeting, a proposal was put by the Council to Manage the Park Road Car Park, and use the revenue to support Northwood House Trustees. Unfortunately by this time, the Northwood House Trustees had negotiated with Europarks to manage this car park. Trustees felt this was the best of several options available (including one by the IW Council). This should provide Trustees with a steady revenue stream to invest back into Northwood House and Park. Last week, Northwood Parish Council also supported the efforts of Trustees and as a Councillor, I’m hoping to get all stakeholders to attend a public meeting and outline to the community future options for Northwood House. The Friends Of Northwood House and Park, have just completed a Questionnaire which I hope to report back next month.

I am hopeful that Cowes Town Council will remain supportive, as Councillors want this further discussed before considering raising their precept, in the meantime I’ve been asked by the Friends to raise questions at Full Council. Further information can be found on the: www.northwoodhouse.org/carpark website.

Island Plan Core Strategy: Your chance to tell the Council what you think?

The Core Strategy is the most important document of the Island Plan Local Development Framework, which will guide planning and development up to 2027. It sets out the key elements of the future development on the Island. The Island Plan Proposed Submission Core Strategy, Proposals Map, Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) have been published for public consultation from Friday 29th October to 4.30pm, Friday 10th December 2010, in accordance with Reg. 27 of the Town & Country Planning Regulations 2008. For details see: http://www.iwight.com/living_here/planning/Planning_policy/island_plan/Core_Strategy/. In summary objectives for the future of the Medina Valley Key Regeneration Area will:

1. Identify appropriate development sites within or immediately adjacent to the settlement boundaries within the Area Action Plan boundary, for the majority of the 1255 dwellings allocated for the area.


2. Provide for 35% of affordable housing, but consider whether levels of affordable housing higher than those set can be achieved. (See Policy DM4 sets out the Strategies Affordable Housing Principles)


3. Revise the development envelopes set out in the AAP Boundary as Required.


4. Identify and allocate suitable sites for Gypsies, Travellers, and Travelling Show People (See Policy DM6)


5. Determine whether further employment land is required to be allocated, particularly whether there is a need for B8 distribution services in this general location.


6. Identify employment sites with deep water frontage and establish whether those existing uses require further policy protection, to ensure that deep water access is maintained for employment uses that require it.


7. Establish whether there is the need for further retail allocations above that already allocated.


8. Review the Town Centre Boundaries and Primary Retail Frontages.


9. Define and ensure that the areas which separate the key settlements of Cowes/Newport and East Cowes/ Newport are appropriately protected to prevent settlement coalescence.


10. Determine how the identified deficiency in Green Infrastructure can be addressed.


11. Identify the precise type and location of waste facilities to serve development to significantly contribute to the waste target outlined in policy SP8.


12 Establish the nature and level of renewable energy that will be brought forward through the proposed development, although the use of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and/or District Heating schemes will be expected.


13. Consider the feasibility of improving the sustainable transport routes on both sides of the River Medina.


14. Establish the precise form of the identified junction improvements and whether further minor infrastructure provisions will be required to support the location and level of growth proposed within the AAP.

Does 3 in to 1 Go? Community Governance Review

Following the last meeting of Cowes Town Council, I have investigated whether there was any merit taking this matter forward. The IW Council has advised me that if Cowes Town Council was to merge with the neighbouring Parish Councils a few ‘obstacles’ stood in the way, namely:

1. There would need to be a mandate from the community to review existing parish/ town council boundaries.

2. What is the cost of the review and who pays?

3. There was support for a review from all Councils involved. (Would merging the local councils save money for ratepayers, is this considered a priority for local parish and town councils expenditure, would Gurnard and Northwood communities feel ’less’ involved and how would having fewer Councillors sit in the current Big Society/ Localism Agenda of the current government?)

4. If the local Councils agreed for a review, there would then need to be a further consultation/ referendum.

5. If the Consultation/ Referendum agreed, this would then need to be referred to the IW Council for their consideration.

6. Would the Boundary Commission Support the findings, and how long is this likely to take?

I undertook some preliminary research and noted that most recently in Somerset two similar sized neighbouring Councils Langport Town Council and Huish Episcopi Parish Councils saw the Community Governance review as an opportunity to call for wider consultation. This followed the presentation of a petition by 250 residents for the review. Following a consultation most residents were not in favour of merging both Councils the main reason for this was due to the fact that Huish residents objected to the prospect of Langport, with their higher precept ‘taking over’ the rural Huish Episcopi Parish Council.

This was very briefly discussed by Northwood Parish Council and like Gurnard no Councillor supported taking further action. I suggest a better way of recognising the local needs of all three Councils would better be served by having regular liaison meetings. There are a number of issues which I feel relevant and interlinked by all three Councils. Issues such as Northwood House, Design Statements, Housing Issues, Planning & Transport Matters are all issues that the three Councils share common ground over, and I sense by working together a great deal more could be achieved.

Free Solar Power: What is the best deal?

You may have seen a number of adverts offering Free Solar Panels. The panels generate electricity which then goes into the National Grid. Those owning the panels are paid around 40p per kilowatt for energy produced. Whoever owns the panels receives the feed-in tariff and that is how the ’Free Offer’ companies get their money back. If you are interested in helping the planet then this could be a good idea for you, as you will also get some free electricity! If on the other hand you wish to make some money- in the long term, then buying your own solar panels and getting the feed-in tariff may be a better option. In all cases get three quotations from reputable companies. For information contact info@footprint-trust.co.uk, or call 822282.

Gardeners Wanted!

Adopt-A-Garden scheme- a popular local initiative which was launched a couple of years ago on the Island, is seeking more would-be gardeners in the Cowes Area. The project finds growing spaces for the hundreds of people who are on the allotment waiting lists or who would just like a bigger garden to grow their own vegetables.

No money exchanges and everybody involved is police (CRB) checked. Those who would like to join the scheme, but have no experience of gardening can now have training thanks to funding received from the Big Lottery Local Food Programme by the Footprint Trust. If you would like to ’adopt’ a garden near you and possibly share the produce with the garden owner then get in touch with the Footprint Trust (don@footprint-trust.co.uk),

The Tide Is Turning: Coastal Protection Restrictions Outlined in Shoreline Management Plan

I attended the SMP’s Consultation , which considers the future for Sea Defences and the maintenance thereof. Within the Cowes West and Gurnard Ward the Plan suggests the following:

• Land to the West of Gurnard Luck: To continue No Active Intervention.

• Gurnard Luck (which includes Marsh Road): Hold the Line until 2025, and then No Active Intervention.

• Gurnard Cliff (which includes properties on the seaward side of Solent View Road and West of Shore Path): To continue No Active Intervention.

• Gurnard to Cowes Parade (Shore Path and land Eastward to Cowes Parade): Hold the line.
  Further information can be found on-line by visiting the www.coastalwight.gov.uk website.

I have undertaken an extensive letter-drop to the 150 households with shoreline frontages, and remind those affected the deadline to the consultation ends on 21st October 2010.

Replacement Gas Main Works

Residents in Rew Street and Cockleton Lane in Gurnard will be aware that works have just started on the Cross-Solent Gas Main at Horn Hill.

Last week I attended a meeting with the Clerk and Chairman of Gurnard Parish Council with contractors and have been advised that from the 10th October site cabins and noise barriers (packing containers, secured by sand bags are considered the most effective!) will be put in place. It is anticipated that the rigs will arrive between the 18th and 20th October and this will undoubtedly cause disruption to those living nearby. Whilst we were assured nearby residents are due to be mail-shotted.

SGN are due to start the 24 hr drilling for the first of two pipelines towards the end of October, This is due to last for up to 60 days, with completion due before Christmas.

Cockleton Lane will be closed during February due to the Pipes being delivered . If you have any questions, please let me know so that I can pass your enquiries on to the contractor.

Access for the Elderly: Cowes Medical Centre

Following complaints about perceived access to medical treatment, with Older Voices I arranged to meet the Practice Manager at Cowes Medical Centre. concerning what opportunities the surgery can provide for patients. An information booklet is available at the surgery. The services available include:

• Ring-back Service. First call the surgery to request this, this enables doctors to call back to provide advice once they are free.

• Flexible Hours. Doctors hold surgeries for pre-booked appointments from 6.30-8pm, Monday & Wednesday Evenings and from 8-11am on Saturday mornings.
  Home Visits. To request an Urgent home visits any time of day or night, weekends or Bank Holidays in the first instance call 295251. Non-urgent visits should be received before 10am. The receptionist will ask the reason for the visit, so your GP can take appropriate action. If you can arrange to visit the surgery you can see your GP more quickly.

• Prescriptions. There is a prescription collection service available. Please contact the surgery for further information.

During the meeting we discussed the lack of bus service during the afternoon and the practise manager promised to provide a more flexible approach in future.

For residents with mobility needs options available include the Optio Volunteer Car Service (costing an Annual Membership Fee of £20 + 40p mileage allowance) or Dial-A-Bus (Mondays & Friday mornings). Please ‘phone 522226 for details; Local Taxi’s- may work out cheaper!; If you can walk to the local bus services, service 1 from Newport - Roundhouse continues to Cowes Medical Centre (and vice-versa).

Budget Review

Whilst we are awaiting with baited breath the goodies the coalition government has in store for us in it's Budget Spending Review, Here on the Island it's consultation, consultation and more consultation following the County Hall administration getting its fingers seemingly burnt on proposals for cutba... sorry savings.

What was agreed at September's Full Council meeting was the following:

• Adult Care threshold savings (saving £1.5m) and the Council’s Charging Policy savings (saving £0.9m- £1.25m)

• Relocating services from Westminster House to The Adelaide and The Gouldings (saving £214k per year)

These savings are subject to a 90 day formal consultation.

• Reviewing discretionary travel for denominational school transport from September 2011.
  
• Combining the IW Council’s Fire Control Centre with another authority.
  
• Reconfiguring Leisure Services.
  
• To reissue residents Annual Parking Permits from December (at £150 per year) & Town specific Tourist permits.
  

Proposals from the prospective savings will be considered in February 2011.

At the meeting, not wishing to throw a damp squid in to the proposals I felt that I had to support something, and I was thankful the proposal to reissue Parking Permits which was first tabled in the alternative budget which I supported earlier this year was now being supported by the administration.

However, I could find no tangible proposals were suggested to cutting top earners pay, no suggestions to cutting the cost of street lighting, turning off traffic lights, reducing the Council's communication bill, creating savings by cutting CO2, or appointing fewer consultants.....

In December the Cabinet will review how Call Centres, Libraries & Tourist Information Centres can be used more efficiently.

Councillors Surgery dates for October and November

11-11:30am, Wednesday 20th October, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

11:40am-12 noon, Wednesday 20th October, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

3:30-4pm, Wednesday 3rd November, Cowes High School, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

6:30-7pm, Wednesday 3rd November, Northwood House, Ward Avenue, Cowes.

5-5:30pm Tuesday 9th November, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Rd, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Tuesday 9th November, Portland Inn, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Wednesday 17th November, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

11:40am-12 noon, Wednesday 17th November, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

3:30-4pm, Wednesday 24th November, Cowes High School, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

I am ever grateful to Head Teacher, Dave Goodhead, as I’ve began holding Councillor surgeries at Cowes High School. This follows being given a hard time when the Council considered withdrawing Student Rider. (I subsequently voted against this!)
After my Councillor drop-in’s for students, I am holding regular surgeries for residents from 3:30pm.

The other purpose of holding this surgery is to open up the school for local residents and promoting Cowes High School as a resource for the Cowes Community. The monthly surgery is being held in the 6th Form Common Room located to the left of the obelisk/ statue when entering the school.

Please come and visit me either at Cowes High School or one of the other venues and give me a hard time about anything that matters to you. If I can't help, I will try to put you in touch with somebody that can!

　
　
　
　

Council gives Northwood House notice

Last week I received an email from County Hall advising all Cowes IW Councillors (Incidentally, I am not the local member!) of the withdrawal of the Council’s Management of the Northwood House Estate:

From Friday, 10 September the IW Council are no longer responsible and are due to close the Toilets (both at the Car Park and by the Tennis Courts), the emptying of litter and dog bins, the grounds maintenance, or management of the play equipment.

The Bowling Green, Putting Green and the Tennis Courts will remain open until Sunday 26 September (when the Leisure assistants contract expires); Bookings for the Community Hall will be honoured until Thursday 30 September, this coincides with the move of The Registrars Office to Seaclose. (I think that the Registrars may later relocate to Ventnor Botanic Gardens)

From 1 September until 31 December, it has been agreed for the IW Council to manage the Park Road Car Park for a fee- However this arrangement could alter if the Trustees can find a more cost effect way of managing the Car Park.

The Car Park is the main source of income for the Northwood House Trustees, so it’s future management holds the key for Trustees to raise revenue. I have spoken to several of the Trustees, and understand that their top priority must be to safeguard the fabric of Northwood House. For this reason the Trustees (who are made up of pro-active volunteers) are restricted to what efforts they can put in to Northwood Park.

From my point of view, it remains so important that all the groups that are involved can work together collectively in their efforts to support Northwood House and Park. Unless this happens, and who does what can be agreed by those parties the people who will lose out are the residents of Cowes. I am in the process of trying to fix a meeting with other the other Cowes Councillors, so that a way forward can be agreed at least by the Isle of Wight Council.

I hold the view that Cowes Town Council, have a much greater an interest in the future of Northwood House and Park than the Isle of Wight Council and I consider that the Town Council is better placed to lead on overseeing (rather than financing) the future of this resource because of its role in the local community. With the support of the Trustees, The new Friends group, and with support from the Isle of Wight Council and the neighbouring Parish Councils of Gurnard and Northwood I feel there is a huge opportunity to move forward.

Register of Financial and Other Interests

In demonstrating my continuing committment to Transparency, I am posting my Councillors Financial and Other Interests. Although these can be viewed under Freedom of Information legislation at County Hall, I'm anxious to achieve a first by being the first IW Councillor (I think) to post my Register online, here's hoping, I won't be inundated by Spammers for doing so!

REGISTER OF FINANCIAL AND OTHER INTERESTS

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL, NORTHWOOD PARISH COUNCIL, GURNARD PARISH COUNCIL.

Under the Local Government Act 2000 it is a requirement for all Members to complete this register within 28 days of the adoption by the Council of the Code of Conduct. If your circumstances change you are required, with 28 days of the change, to submit written notification of the change to the Monitoring Officer.

If you need any advice or help to complete this form please contact Davina Fiore, Director of Corporate Services and Monitoring Officer on 823203, Chris Mathews, Head of Democratic Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer on 823280 or Helen Miles, Head of Legal Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer on 823288.
　
Name of Member…PAUL ANDREW FULLER

I set out below my interests under the various headings (please put "None" where appropriate):
Financial Interests:

I am employed or in business as:

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCILLOR FOR COWES WEST AND GURNARD

a) The name of the person who employed or had appointed me is:

NONE

b) I am a partner in the firm of:

NONE

c) The names of companies that remunerate me as a director are:

NONE

The following (other than the Council) have made a payment to me in respect of my election or any expenses incurred by me in carrying out my duties:

STANDARDS NOT TIERS SUPPORTED AND ENDORSED ME AS A CANDIDATE THROUGH AN ADVERT PLACED IN THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY PRESS DURING THE IW COUNCIL ELECTION. (Footnote: This did not affect me supporting school reorganisation)

I have a beneficial interest in a class of securities of the following corporate bodies that have a place of business or land in the authority's area that exceeds the nominal value of £25,000 or one hundredth of the total issued share capital of that body:

NONE

There are the following contracts for goods, services or works between the authority and myself or a firm in which I am a partner, a company of which I am a remunerated director, or a body of the description specified in sub-paragraph 4. above:

NONE

I have a beneficial interest in the following land which is in the area of the authority (Give address or other description sufficient to identify the location):

74 WYATTS LANE, NORTHWOOD, COWES, ISLE OF WIGHT (MY HOME ADDRESS)

The address or other description (sufficient to identify the location) of any land where the landlord is the authority and the tenant is a firm in which I am a partner, a company of which I am a remunerated director, or a body of the description specified in sub-paragraph 4. above is:

NONE

I have a licence (alone or jointly) to occupy for 28 days or longer the following land within the area of the authority (Give address or other description sufficient to identify the location):

NONE

Other Interests:

I am a member of or hold a position of general control or management in the following bodies to which I have been appointed or nominated by the authority as its representative:

NORTHWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL GOVERNORS AND COWES HIGH SCHOOL GOVERNORS (ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL, LOCAL AUTHORITY REPRESENTATIVE)
LOCAL ACCESS FORUM (ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE)
ISLE OF WIGHT AONB PARTNERSHIP (DEPUTY REPRESENTATIVE FOR ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL)
NORTHWOOD COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP (REPRESENTATIVE OF NORTHWOOD PARISH COUNCIL)
COWES YOUTH CLUB MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (REPRESENTATIVE OF NORTHWOOD PARISH COUNCIL)

I am a member of or hold a position of general control or management in the following:
a. Public authorities or bodies exercising functions of a public nature:

NORTHWOOD PARISH COUNCIL, NORTHWOOD COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP,
FRIENDS OF NORTHWOOD CEMETERY (TRUSTEE), GURNARD COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (TRUSTEE)
I ALSO MAY ATTEND REGULAR MEETINGS AS WARD MEMBER OF COWES WEST RESIDENTS GROUP, THE FRIENDS OF NORTHWOOD HOUSE AND PARK, COWES TOWN COUNCIL, GURNARD PARISH COUNCIL AND THE ISLE OF WIGHT FOOTPRINT TRUST.
I ALSO AM A SERVING MAGISTRATE (JUSTICE OF THE PEACE) AND SERVE ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT BENCH. AS A JP, I SERVE THE ADULT COURT, THE YOUTH COURT AND DOMESTIC ABUSE BENCH.

b. company, industrial and provident society, charity, or body directed to charitable purposes;

NONE. I FORMALLY ADD THAT I AM NOT A FREEMASON OR A MEMBER OF ANY LIKE ORGANISATION.

c. body whose principal purposes include the influence of public opinion or policy;

I SUPPORT THE TAX PAYER'S ALLIANCE (THE TPA), AND HAVE NOT BEEN A MEMBER OF ANY POLITICAL PARTY SINCE LEAVING THE GREEN PARTY IN 1994.

d. trade union or professional association.

NONE.

Dated: 10th September 2010

A Quiet August?

Because, August has been extra-ordinarily quiet this year (or maybe last August was extra chaotic!!), I’ve now set up my IW Councillors Blog- This will enable me to keep monthly reports more updated for residents. I tried to help organise Gurnard Regatta, and hope to improve communication between the community during forthcoming construction works for the Cross-Solent Gas Main and the new Cowes Secondary School. With regards to the new school, I’ve continued to visit residents throughout the summer- some of whom have contributed to representations.

On the Planning Committee, some interesting decisions have been made concerning Garden-Grabbing Planning Policy. At the Planning Committee in August two applications, (one in Pondwell, the other in Ventnor) which would have been approved prior to the 9th June, were recommended by officers for Refusal. On both occasions Councillors overturned these and approved both applications. As a member this caused me some concern as both applications lay outside the development envelope. At the Planning Meeting I took issue with an agent who tried suggesting that this was not policy (it is!!). The appeal for the proposed Cheverton Down Wind Turbines, which I supported has been delayed until February. This follows a request to reduce the turbines height. The two Ventnor Wind Turbine applications are to be considered on 6th October.

During the Summer, I’ve met the Head of Highways to discuss Traffic and Parking matters in Cowes and Gurnard, I’ve arranged meetings with residents and officers to follow up Planning Enforcement matters, and with the support of a local trader assisted the Council to rethink its street trading Licensing fees, which were approved by the Licensing Committee last week. I’ve asked for closer liaison between the IW Council and the Taxi Trade, following recent unpopular changes in Taxi fees. The fees have increased due to the cost of this service, intending to be cost neutral to local authorities.

I’ve also been asked to take action concerning the poor condition of Estate Roads in the area. I’ve asked for these roads to be monitored and prioritised come the PFI. This year, I got in early with my requests for trimming of hedges, with most duly cut back in time for return to school. Place Road, Crossfield Avenue, Baring Road and Tuttons Hill have all been cut back. I’ve also reported an abandoned car in Mountbatten Avenue and have taken up concerns over private parties in Gurnard and nuisance concerning bonfires. I hope to follow this with an update in the Cowes Beacon later this month.

Last week, I attended the Local Access Forum. At the meeting the Forum agreed to promote the 30th anniversary of the long distant footpaths which skirt the Island, and I’ve asked for greater consultation with Parish & Town Councils over this. At the Forum, we requested greater emphasis was given to cyclists and horse riders on the future Pan redevelopment, with gates provided rather than stiles linking the Country Parks. This we considered would enhance access for the disabled.

I was advised that from 1st September, Wightbus were to cease accepting Freedom Tickets (as Southern Vectis does not compensate Wightbus for usage). Because this was very poorly promoted and because of the Wightbus review this month, I asked for this to be put on hold and with thanks to intervention from Cllr. Edward Giles Freedom Tickets will continue to be accepted.

Bonfires

During this time of the year, I always receive complaints from residents concerning either advice or complaints about bonfires.

I have copied guidance from the IW Councils Environmental Health Department below for further details please contact the department direct on 01983 823000. Office Hours are 8:30 am- 5:00 pm Monday - Thursday. Friday’s 8:30 am-4:30 pm.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH BONFIRES?

Air Pollution

Burning garden waste produces smoke, especially if it is damp and smouldering. This will contain pollutants including carbon monoxide, dioxins and particles. Burning plastic, rubber or painted materials not only creates an unpleasant smell, but also produces a range of poisonous compounds. Your bonfire will also add to the general background level of air pollution. Air pollution in the UK often reaches unhealthy levels – do you really want to make it worse?

Health Effects.

Emissions from bonfires can have damaging health effects. Serious harm is unlikely if exposure to bonfire smoke is brief. However, problems may be caused for asthmatics, bronchitis sufferers, people with heart conditions and children.

Annoyance

The smoke, smuts and smell from bonfires are the subject of many complaints to local authorities. Smoke prevents your neighbours from enjoying their gardens, opening windows or hanging washing out, and reduces visibility in the neighbourhood and on roads.

Safety

Fires can spread to fences or buildings and scorch trees and plants. Exploding bottles and cans are a hazard when rubbish is burned. Piles of garden waste are often used as a refuge by animals, so look out for hibernating wildlife and sleeping pets. Never leave your fire unattended.

WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE ?

Composting

Rather than burning garden waste or putting food waste in the dustbin where it will end up buried or incinerated, a compost bin will produce a useful soil conditioner, saving money on commercial products. Woody waste can be shredded to make it suitable for composting or mulching. You can buy or hire shredders and some allotment societies have their own. If using a shredder, then be considerate – they can be very noisy. Take care not to replace one nuisance with another.

You can obtain compost bins cheaply via the IW Council’s get.composting.com website, or by calling 0844 571 4444. (Currently compost bins are retailing at under £20!)

Recycling.

Household waste should certainly not be burned on a bonfire. Many items can be recycled; find out about recycling facilities from your local council offices. Garden waste should not be mixed with household waste. The refuse collectors may not take your refuse if it contains garden waste. They will not take furniture, carpet or builder’s rubble. Waste can be taken to the local amenity site if you have your own transport or you can purchase special bags from the council which will be taken by the normal refuse collection. There are local contractors who will take rubbish to the tip for a reasonable charge. Old beds, mattresses and sofas should never be burned. There are local charity groups who will collect, refurbish and recycle old furniture for re-use in the community.

Bonfires and the Law

It is a common misconception that there are specific byelaws to prohibit bonfires – there aren’t. An outright ban would be difficult to enforce and very occasionally a bonfire is the best practicable way to dispose of garden waste. If used sensitively, the occasional bonfire should not cause a major problem. However, where a neighbour is causing a problem by burning rubbish, the law is on your side.

Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990

Under this act, a statutory nuisance includes “smoke, fumes or gasses emitted from premises so as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance”. In practice, to be considered a statutory nuisance, a bonfire would have to be a persistent problem, interfering substantially with your well being, comfort or enjoyment of your property.

If bothered by smoke, approach your neighbour and explain the problem. You might feel awkward, but they may not be aware of the distress they are causing and it will hopefully make them more considerate in the future. If this fails, contact the Environmental Health Department (tel. 823000) . They must investigate your complaint and can issue a nuisance abatement notice under the EPA. The Act also allows you to take private action in the magistrate’s court. If your neighbour’s fire is only occasional it is unlikely to be considered a nuisance in law. Similarly, if you are being troubled by bonfires from different neighbours, each only burning occasionally, a nuisance action would be difficult as there are several offenders. In this situation encourage them to consider the alternatives.

Highways Act 1980

Finally, under the Highways Act 1980, anyone lighting a fire and allowing smoke to drift across a road faces a fine if it endangers traffic. In this case it is the Police you need to contact as they enforce this Act and not the Local Council.

Barbeques.

Barbeques can also cause a smoke problem – especially if you use lighter fuel. If the weather is still and sunny, a barbeque will contribute to photochemical smog (this is formed in the summer, by the action of sunlight on pollutants). Again, be considerate. If you are having a barbeque – tell your neighbours. Don’t ignite it when they have hung their washing out, and if it is windy check that smoke won’t blow straight into neighbouring properties.

…But I like Bonfires.

A bonfire can be a convenient way of getting rid of a large amount of waste, or perhaps you want a bonfire just for fun, on Guy Fawkes night for instance. If a bonfire is the most practicable and environmentally friendly way to dispose of dry garden waste (for example, diseased plant material that cannot be composted) warn your neighbours – they are much less likely to complain. Remember that bonfire and barbeque parties can cause noise nuisance as well as smoke.

Bonfire Guidelines
If a bonfire is the best practicable option for disposing of garden waste, follow these guidelines and the chances are you won’t annoy your neighbours or cause a serious nuisance.

• Only burn dry material.
• Never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres or anything containing plastic, foam or paint.
• Never use old engine oil, meths or petrol to light the fire or encourage it.
• Avoid lighting a fire in unsuitable weather conditions – smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days and in the evening. If it is windy, smoke may be blown into neighbour’s gardens and across roads.
• Avoid burning at weekends and on bank holidays when people want to enjoy their gardens.
• Avoid burning when air pollution in your area is high or very high. This information is given in weather forecasts or you can check by ringing 0800 556677.
• Never leave a fire unattended or leave it to smoulder – douse it with water if necessary.

September Surgeries

5-5:30pm Tuesday 14th September, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Rd, Cowes.
6-6:30pm, Tuesday 14th September, Portland Inn, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
11-11:30am, Wednesday 22nd September, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.
11-11:30am, Wednesday 29th September, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

Surface Dressing Issues

Following complaints about the condition of Cockleton Lane and the Crossfield Estate, I’ve asked Highways Staff to look in to this.

I have been advised that the purpose of the surface dressing in Cockleton Lane was to seal the roads surface from water preventing frost damage during the winter, rather than providing skid resistance which I had hoped for. The Council are aware of problems, are monitoring these and assured me will undertake remedial measures where necessary. I remain hopeful that concerns over speeding and access can be monitored in liaison with Gurnard Parish Council.

With regard to the Estate Roads in Cowes, I've asked Officers to monitor these as the road surface looks a bit 'worse for wear in certain locations. The response I received suggested if this was hazardous the road will be duly prioritised and repaired. If works are not considered 'essential', then under current financial constraints, we have to await for the PFI award, before these such improvements can be progressed.

Rural Bus Services set for cutbacks

From September, the Council will need to spread more thinly its grants for subsidising non-commercial bus services. This follows Southern Vectis advising the Council of their intention to withdraw the frequency of bus services run commercially for many years. This withdrawal will most adversely rural communities although it will impact upon existing services elsewhere. In rural areas this will see some pretty severe cuts for villages like Brighstone, Shorwell, Brook, Calbourne, Newbridge and Cranmore.

In the Cowes Area it was intended to withdraw Wightbus Service 30 to and from Newport (via Rew Street) and afternoon services operated on Service 32. The reasons for considering the withdrawal of these, were due to loading figures making it difficult to justify continuation. However, I requested that the service which returns from Cowes to Newport at lunchtime via Rew Street continues. This has been investigated, and I’ve received confirmation that this will now happen (To overcome re-registering, this service will continue being a 32 ).

I have also received confirmation that the Monday and Friday Dial-a-bus will continue for the time-being.

Where the Axe Falls: July's Guide to the Council's 'Financial Savings'

In July, Full Council met to monitor its budget. This followed:

* The budget monitoring position for the first two months of the current financial year.

* The progress in implementing savings as highlighted through the monthly Star Chamber process.

* The impact of the £6.2 billion of savings announced in May by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

* The emergency budget announced by the government in June.

At the meeting Councillors resolved to implement the following cuts/ savings:

Children & Young People:

+ Reduction in activity funded by Area Based Grant (saving £847,000 per annum)
+ Stopping 0-7 Pilot and Contact Point Grants (saving £250,000 per annum)

Economy & Environment:

+ Cessation of Student Rider from 1st Sept. (saving £210,000 2010/1 & £485,000 for 2011/2)
+ Reduce or Stop Road Safety spend (saving £73,000 per annum)
+ Review Bus Subsidies (saving £60,000 in 2010/1 & £281,000 in 2011/2)

Corporate:

+ Delivering better services through Transformation (saving £2,115,000 in 2010/1 & £5,608,000 in 2011/2)

+ Reduction in activity for Events, Communications & Publications (saving £185,000 in 2010/1 & £350,000 in 2011/2)

+ Moratorium of Discretionary spend on supplies (saving £150,000 per annum)
+ Recruitment & Staffing Cost constraints (saving £250,000 in 2010/1 & £392,000 in 2011/2)

Prior to the Council meeting, Councillors were lobbied by constituents concerned by these proposals. Of all suggestions made the most controversial was the withdrawal of Student Rider, which until September enabled students to travel for £1.20.

I met with students before the meeting, and felt strongly that with current costs escalating for families and those on low incomes any increase would be unfair. In supporting Eco-Island and the freedom of movement for all, I believed withdrawal of Student Rider and rural bus services could not be justified, and was the only Cowes Councillor to vote against these cuts.

Since July’s meeting Southern Vectis has thrown a life-line to Under 19’s, and from the 1st September will now charge half fares for anyone under 19 (rather than 14). This is a commercial decision by Southern Vectis and was announced to the Youth Forum following discussions between the Youth Council, Southern Vectis and IW Council Officers.

In September Councillors will review its budget further, focusing on Parking Income & Permits, Wightbus, Leisure Centres, The Cowes Ferry, Westminster House & LD review, the Capital Programme Review & prudential borrowing, the Regional Fire Control Centre and Free Transport Arrangements for post 16 students. Adult Social Care is also due to be reviewed. This will include charging for day care, reviewing arrangements for free homecare for over 80’s, increasing the price of meals on wheels and reviewing eligibility criteria for services. As always, please don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts!