ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCILLORS ANNUAL REPORT APRIL 2015. (No.6)
Paul Fuller
Independent
Isle of Wight Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard.
PUTTING
YOUR NEEDS FIRST
Please contact me:
By
Post to: 74 Wyatts Lane, Cowes, Isle of Wight. PO31 8QA.
Telephone:
01983 289595 (24 hours)/ 07 935 090 835 (Mobile & Text); Email:
paulfulleriw@gmail.com
Please
visit my website: paulfullercc.blogspot.com
Visits and Surgeries:
Please
contact me if you require support. I’m happy to meet at a time and place which
suits you, alternatively please
visit my surgeries (No appointment is necessary). As a rule of thumb these are
held, as follows:
4:30-5pm, 1st Tuesday of
each month at Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.
5:30-6pm, 1st Tuesday of
each month at The Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.
6-6:30pm, 2nd Thursday of
each month at The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.
1-1:30pm, 3rd or 4th
Wednesday of each month at the Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard. (March-December)
3-3:30pm, 3rd or 4th
Wednesday of each month at Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes. (Term
time)
6-6:30pm, last Thursday of each month
at The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
This
is my sixth annual report and summarises my work as your councillor for the
past 12 months.
This
report is delivered to every household within the ward. If you feel that,
having read my report I am not meeting your expectations as local councillor,
and if there are issues you consider I should be doing better, please tell me!
Since
last year, I have been appointed to the Isle of Wight Council’s Executive and
have taken on the portfolio for Planning & Licensing.
If
you wish to know more about my work, I write monthly reports. These are
available at meetings of Cowes Town Council, Gurnard Parish Council and are
available from Cowes Library and Gurnard Village Hall. Reports feature on
paulfullercc.blogspot.com, whilst edited versions feature in the Cowes
Magazine, Gurnard News and the local Beacon Magazine.
Isle of Wight Council
Budget.
The
Isle of Wight Council has set its budget and will increase Council Tax by
1.99%. This year the IW Council needs to find £13.8m worth of savings in light
of Government’s drive for austerity savings.
In
my 12 years as an IW Councillor, this budget has proved to be the most
difficult to balance. Although I support the principle of showing caution in
the use of public money, in coming years I have real concerns over how
resident’s expectations will continue to be met.
This
year the IW Council will prioritise funds to keeping children safe, supporting
the challenges for our growing elderly population and raising educational
standards and outcomes for young people.
The
challenge for Councillors is knowing that increasing costs for fulfilling our
statutory duties far exceeds government funding, what can be raised through
Council Tax, or is available through other sources. Consequently, all services
are being restructured or rethought. The IW Council are working with Town and Parish
Councils, the Voluntary Sector and other agencies to ensure those that are most
valued can be provided in a different way or by other groups.
Ultimately,
the model for all local authorities will look very different in future years.
In
a Nutshell: Some of the key issues I’ve been pursuing since last year:
For details of these and
other issues which I’ve been pursuing, please visit paulfullercc.blogspot.com
April 2014.
·
I
passed on complaints received about crowded buses. Southern Vectis assured me,
this would be resolved in the long term, following a consultation this year to
provide larger buses. This was implemented in March 2015.
·
Coastal
Protection work on properties in Solent View Road and Shore Path was proposed
following coastal erosion. Rights
Of Way reported further ground movement
was continuing on the footpath between Gurnard and Thorness.
·
The
IW Council was successful in its Assisted Area Status bid for part of the
Island. With this award local businesses are able to gain grant funding to
support growth.
·
A
new planning application was received to develop on land between Tuttons Hill
and Place Road. Subsequently, over 500 letters would be received by Planners in
light of this application.
May
·
Discussions
took place between local residents from Marsh Road and the IW Council in bidding
for Grant Funding to reinstate the sea wall and footpath CS35 between Gurnard Luck
and Solent View Road
·
Consultation
took place on the Medina Valley Area Action Plan. Within my comments, I suggested
the Settlement Boundary was removed from Gurnard and formal Green Gaps be
created between Cowes and Gurnard within the Jordan Valley.
·
In
Crossfield Avenue, I was asked to intervene following short notice being given
to residents to cut back hedgerows for preparation of a newly resurfaced footway.
Island Roads intervened and timescales were extended!
June
·
In
Cowes, parking permit entitlement was altered following concerns raised by
businesses on the fairness of current policy.
·
Following
parental concerns raised by me regarding the use of e-cigarettes on school
transport, Southern Vectis rethought its policy and restricted use on all
services.
·
A
Planning application for a storage facility in Rew Street was received.
Following concerns raised this was later withdrawn.
·
I
arranged a meeting between Island Roads and the local IW Councillors to help
resolve ongoing Highways Issues in Cowes
July
·
Members
of the Planning Committee were persuaded to REFUSE the Planning Application for
86 dwellings on land between Place Road and Tuttons Hill. The reasons given
related to the loss of the Green Gap between Cowes & Gurnard and concerns
regarding settlement coalescence. The fight continues as an Appeal was
validated in January 2015.
·
Following
representations made by the IW Ramblers Association, which I commented (twice)
in support of, DEFRA supported the Isle of Wight being included within the
Coastal Access Act. This is due to be implemented on the Island in 2017/8.
·
The
Range retail store was approved for the Former Readers site in Place Road.
August
·
A
request was received to make Cockleton Lane one way to traffic. Following
residents feedback no action was taken.
·
Cowes
Enterprise College went from strength to strength and received the best 5 A*-C
GCSE results for any Secondary School on the Island. At Cowes 58% of students
received 5 A*-C GCSE grades. This compares to the average for the Isle of Wight
45% and 57% National Average. There was also significant improvement to A-Level
grades, and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of students,
teachers and parents!
September
·
Ward
Avenue was resurfaced.
·
I
met with Southern Water following complaints being received. Subsequently
advice has been provided (in Marsh Road) and work has been undertaken to repair
fractured water mains in various locations in Cowes (Crossfield Avenue) and
Gurnard (Shore Road). Arrangements were also agreed to repair damage at the
Woodvale Pumping Station.
·
I
spent a fantastic evening with the volunteers behind Cowes Carnival!
October
·
Following
requests, Cowes Medical Centre provided special morning Flu Jab sessions for
residents of the Crossfield Estate,
·
Gurnard
and Rew Street reliant upon the Community Bus.
·
A
meeting took place with Island Roads in Rew Street. The company has offered to
improve surface water run-off and drainage in both the short term and long
term. Agreement has been met to clear ditches annually.
·
Consultation
took place on Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan in October. During this consultation
attendees provided feedback and volunteered to join a working group to assist
management of the Former Playing Field and Orchard site.
·
Following
further parking incidents at Gurnard School and the rejection of a zebra
crossing for Baring Road, a further meeting took place with Island Roads and
parents to relook at improving highway safety outside the school.
November
·
Fast
Broadband was provided by BT to local residents in Baring Road following
perseverance.
·
Log
Cabins were removed from Gurnard Pines. This caused significant disruption and
damage to grass verges, as the vehicles did not have escorts. The IW Council,
Police and Island Roads were asked to monitor the situation, and ‘eventually’
damage caused was repaired.
·
Following
complaints, action was taken to improve the potency of street lighting in Areas
within the Crossfield Estate.
December
·
Following
complaints received and meetings held during the Autumn, I arranged a meeting
with Andrew Turner MP to discuss concerns relating to Bonfires. In the
meantime, I’ve gathered all information and advice together, and incorporated this
within a leaflet, which was distributed and put online.
·
The
Community Buses came under pressure and the Saturday Service was discontinued.
Because of budgetary
constraints, it will prove necessary
to relook at how this important lifeline to residents can be secured for the
long term.
·
Notice
was given that an Appeal was pending against refusal of planning permission in
Place Road.
January 2015
·
The
Royal Mail altered their last collection times to before 10am in Worsley Road
and Crossfield Avenue. These complaints were taken to the Royal Mail, and an
explanation was offered as to the reasons behind these changes.
·
Christmas
Tree ‘recycling’ was extended following feedback from residents.
·
Action
was taken following complaints over mud on the highway in Worsley Road.
·
The
Government gave notice that Fracking would be banned from areas with AONB’s and
SSSI designations. This has been welcomed locally, as within the Isle of Wight
most (if not all) areas would be protected under this legislation.
February
·
The
IW Council commenced consultation on Secondary School and Post 16 Education.
This consultation is necessary, for Government funding to be provided to
upgrade, modernise and rebuild school buildings.
·
I
met with the Team at Wightfibre, who highlighted to me the alternative and in
some cases faster broadband provision they are able to offer residents.
·
A
local resident requested intervention to overturn a negative recommendation
being tabled by Planning Officers in Marsh Road. Following a rethink by Planners,
a compromise was found and a positive outcome was reached.
·
The
IW Council’s ‘difficult’ budget was approved, with 31 members supporting, 5
voting against and 1 abstention.
March
·
The
IW Council in Partnership with the IWNHS Trust was successful in its bid for
Vanguard Funding which would support community health and wellbeing initiatives
within the Island. In February, I requested and received the support from Cowes
Town Council on this initiative which could provide around £10m funding.
·
A
new planning application was submitted to redevelop 11 new dwellings at The
Glen in Worsley Road, Gurnard. Letters were circulated to households nearby,
with an Information Evening held at the Portland.
·
A
Village Green Application for Northwood Park was rejected by the IWC Appeals
Panel.
Elsewhere
within the Isle of Wight Council.
Last
March, I became Chairman of the IW Council’s Planning Committee. Following
September’s reshuffle, I was appointed as Executive Member for Planning and
Licensing. Since April, I have undertaken the following:
·
Supported
a number of Economic Regeneration initiatives. I’ve been involved in
discussions to regenerate East Cowes.
·
I’ve
supported a number of Tourism related planning applications. These include a
new Premier Inn at Lake;
applications
for the Royal York, Ryde and a hotel for Newclose Cricket Ground, Newport.
·
Applications
were also approved or Asda, whilst controversial applications for Wind Turbines
at Parkhurst and large rural housing developments at Arreton and Brighstone was
refused.
·
In
Sandown, I’ve worked closely with the community to support applications for the
Royal Cliff Hotel, Wight City, The Grand Hotel and Savoy Court.
·
I
have made it a priority to complete work on the IW Council’s Area Action Plans.
·
I
have supported Conservation initiatives and have actively supported The Friends
Of Frank James Hospital and the Cowes Hammerhead Trust.
·
Neighbourhood
Plans were supported for Bembridge and Brading. Supplementary Planning Policies
were supported for Fishbourne.
·
I’m
working with IW Councillors and Town/ Parish Council to ensure better liaison
between the Planning Department in the allocation for developer (known as
Section 106) contributions towards community initiatives which ‘mitigate
against the impacts of development’.
·
In
Licensing, I met with the Trade to discuss options regarding Entertainment
Licenses and overcoming neighbourhood disputes.
·
As
Executive Member, I also led in the augmentation of the Highway Permissions
Policy. Following feedback from residents and small businesses, I suggested the
exclusion of A-Boards and Planters from this policy. Work continues with
Newport Parish Council to find an alternative which fits better with their
needs.
Representing
our Community in County Hall, rather than County Hall in our Community:
As
your Councillor, my priority continues to be to serve Cowes and Gurnard
residents on a Full-time basis. As Local
Councillor,
I have retained my interest across the range of services provided by the Isle
of Wight Council. In the last 6 years I have attended more IW Council summoned
meetings than any other IW Councillor.
One
year in numbers. As your Councillor:
·
I
am on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
·
I
work full-time as your local Councillor and work between 40 and 65 hours each
week
·
I
attended 402 meetings associated with my work as an IW Councillor.
·
This
includes 29 out of 29 IW Council summoned meetings.
· I
attended 61 further informal/ associated meetings, briefings, exhibitions &
site visits connected with this work.
· I’ve
attended 12 out of 12 Cowes Town Council’s monthly meetings and 12 out of 12
Gurnard Parish Council
meetings
plus a further 6 meetings associated with Parish/ Town Council activities
·
I
attended 55 Surgeries meeting 97 residents in 6 different venues.
·
I’ve
called/ liaised 43 meetings in the past year, these include face to face
meetings with Council Officers and
meetings
called with outside Agencies.
· I’ve
written 12 monthly reports for Parish/ Town Councillors, which are edited and
themed for Gurnard News,
the
Cowes Magazine and the local Beacon Magazine.
·
I
received over 3,000 Council related emails, 900 telephone calls and 33 letters
(which I aim to respond to within 3
days- 12 hours for local residents)
· I’ve
leafleted 2,200 Annual Reports and 830 local newsletters/ consultations and
updates
·
As
a Councillor I visited every household, and in the past year undertook 23 home
visits.
I
received a Councillors Allowance of £15,733.62 Gross Pay. This has increased
given my extra responsibilities.
My
expenses for last year, are as follows:
£198.00
Annual Report 2013/2014.
£413.00
Contribution towards Broadband, Telephone, Use Of Home as Office.
£241.78
Office Supplies (ink, paper, stamps etc, Printing newsletters etc.)
£
50.00 Donations.
£
39.80 Travel Expenses.
£
942.58 Total Expenses.
About Me.
I’m
an eighth generation Cowes Resident, was raised in Gurnard and have lived
locally most of my life. I returned to
Cowes
in 1999, wanting to give my family the same opportunities that I had growing up
in the town.
I
was first elected to serve as an IW Councillor in 1995, where I represented
Ryde as an Independent Councillor for 6 years. I’ve served on all three local
councils and have continued to be actively involved in projects which support
young people, crime prevention, the economy, planning and the environment.
I
am married to Karen, and have two children (Caelan,18 and Zara,16)
I
have been appointed by the IW Council to serve as a member of the Local Access
Forum, the AONB Management Committee
and the Solent Forum.
I
am a Cowes Town Councillor, a Gurnard Parish Councillor and a Parish Councillor
for Northwood. As a Town/ Parish Councillor, I serve on the IW Association of
Local Councils, the Cowes Week Firework Committee, I’m a member of the Gurnard
Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee and Gurnard’s Open Space Committee. I’m a
Trustee for the Friends Of Northwood Cemetery and the Footprint Trust. In
addition, I’ve served as a Justice Of The Peace since 2001.
And Finally…
I’m
committed to ensure our Council says yes, rather than no, and as long as I remain
your Councillor, I’m committed to listen and fight your corner whenever and
wherever necessary. In this role, I aim to be an effective, transparent and hardworking
councillor doing this without party political restraint. Being part of the
Council’s ruling Independent Group, I am committed to putting the needs of
local residents first. If the Independent Group gets things wrong, or if I get
things wrong- Please let me know, so I can change things.
The
reason I do this, is because I thoroughly love it! Because I enjoy my ‘work’, I
hope that it shows and I am achieving the right outcomes for our community!
Thank
you for reading my report!
