IW Councillors Report: August & September

Surgeries.

12:45-1:15pm Tuesday 27th August, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 3^rd September,  Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 3^rd September, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

12:45-1:15pm Wednesday 18^th September, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 18^th September, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Thursday 26^th September, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 1^st October,  Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 1^st October, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

Coastal Path (CS16 and CS17)  Diversion Order update.

In June myself, Gurnard Parish Council and the IW Ramblers Association were consulted by the IW Council regarding a proposal to divert a section of the coastal path which starts at Gurnard Luck and heads towards Thorness.

This suggestion came about following discussions between the landowner and Rights of Way with respect to the long term future of the existing path.

The proposals set out the following:

·  To replace the footpath north of the chalets facing the Gurnard Luck, with a new footpath south of the chalets.  This would result in the loss of approximately 60m of footpath on the seaward side of the chalets.

·  To create a new public footpath to Cooks Bay to be recorded on the definitive map.

·  To retain a public footpath in front of the chalets facing the Luck to enable public access to the Luck to continue.

·  To create a safe off road entrance from Rew Street with access via kissing gates.

Following the consultation, a number of concerns were raised by objectors, these were:

·  Loss of what many consider is the most scenic aspect of the footpath.

·  The loss of path is unnecessary given it is perceived to be in 'good' condition, and not subject to coastal erosion.

·  Concerns regarding access from Rew Street.

· No action should be taken until further consultation has taken place.

Due to the objections that have been raised, this leaves the IW Council with two options, these are:

Option 1: Take no further action, and retain the existing footpath for as long as possible. (Should the existing path be lost to erosion the diverted Coastal Path would involve approximately 1 mile of road walking along Rew Street to join CS3 to Sticelett, the public footpath south of Sunnycott Caravan Park).

Option 2: Proceed to make the Order which would involve further statutory consultation including the posting of notices on the path and publication in the County Press. Depending on the nature of the feedback, the Diversion Order would either be confirmed (brought into force), withdrawn or referred to the Secretary of State for decision.

Details of this proposal features within the ‘Documents’ section of Gurnard Parish Council’s website. 

Coastal Protection Issues.

I received several calls from Gurnard residents following works being carried out on the beach adjoining the Marsh. 

This month, hopefully with Gurnard Parish Council I’m looking forward to arranging a meeting with residents, landowners and interested parties to outline what activities can and cannot be carried out.

Land Adjacent to 44 Worsley Road, Gurnard.

I requested this application was deferred following analysis of Gurnard’s recent Housing Needs Survey.  It is now likely the hearing will be held on Tuesday 24^th September.

Once a date is confirmed, I intend letting the 100 or so residents who made representations know!

Street Lights.

I know that a large number of residents have contacted both me, The IW Council  and Island Roads concerning new street lights remaining on after installation.

I am advised that they will normally be illuminated for 24 hours- or until they are recognised by Island Road’s system.   In some instances it can take several weeks to configure to the topography of the local area.   

Highways Issues Surgery.

Next month, I am ever hopeful of holding a themed Surgery, with the PFI Contract Manager, Marc Griffin.  Marc has been very helpful resolving many of the issues that have been relayed to me so far since the PFI Award began in April.

This Surgery will also be jointly held with my colleague, Cllr. John Nicholson who represents Cowes South and Northwood.  It is anticipated that this surgery will take place early October.  Please let me know if there are issues you wish to discuss with John, Marc or myself and hopefully I can confirm with you the date when arranged!

Fireworks!

I am advised with the exception of New Year’s Day, Guy Fawkes Night (Diwali and Chinese New Year) it is illegal to use fireworks between 11pm and 7am.

During the summer, I received further complaints regarding private fireworks upsetting residents and their pets between 10pm and 11pm.

Please let me know if you have had problems, as I am keeping a database of residents, who I’m happy to call should an event is due to happen!

Please, if you are planning to hold such events let me know and I can warn those residents who feature on my database.  In the meantime, I have contacted all Firework Professionals holding these events requesting they too let me know when these are likely to happen.

In discussions, I’ve had with residents they have requested if a party is due to occur, please let your neighbours know!

Fracking.

A concerned resident notified me regarding their concerns over the potential for Fracking. I understand the new administration will not be encouraging any investigations- particularly given the sensitivity of any of the geological sites and land designations.

Beach Huts.

I’ve spoken to a number of Beach Hut owners, who have raised some concern over the timescales involved in redecorating and repairing huts.  I’ve requested the IW Council offers owners a longer timescale earlier in the year. 

Gurnard School Playing Field and Orchard Site.

Before the summer, the IW Council set about marketing the old school site for housing.  A Planning Application for 7 homes has already been approved for the site of the former school buildings and playground.  Following this the former School Playing Field and Orchard Site is due to transferred for Community Use.  The IW Council remains anxious to retain ownership of this- however wish to lease the grounds to a local group (such as Gurnard Parish Council) for this purpose. This is due to be discussed by Cabinet in October.