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.