IW Councillors Report December 2016

Surgeries:

11-11:30am, Friday 2^nd December, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 6^th December, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 6^th December, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Thursday 8^th December The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Friday 16^th December, Eegon's, 72 High Street, Cowes.

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

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 3^rd January, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

Christmas Waste Collections.

There will be changes to some refuse collections for one week over the Christmas period.

Due to the festive period, households will see waste and recycling collections due between Monday 26 December and Saturday 31 December will be on different days as outlined in the table below. For all households, their collection will be one day later.

Collections will return to normal from Monday 2 January 2017.

Residents should ensure any waste or recycling is placed for collection in the correct bin or gull proof sack by no later than 7am on the day of collection or they may not be emptied.

Full details of the changes are below:

Normal Collection Day	Revised Collection Day
Monday 26 December	Tuesday 27 December
Tuesday 27 December	Wednesday 28 December
Wednesday 28 December	Thursday 29 December
Thursday 29 December	Friday 30 December
Friday 30 December	Saturday 31 December

Because of the historical abundance of polystyrene packaging at Christmas, Amey will collect excess polystyrene, so long as this is placed in clear sacks beside black general waste wheelie bin on General Waste Collection Days. 

After Christmas, Amey will once again be collecting Christmas Trees.  Trees will be collected in the same way, as Garden Waste and can be booked online, alternatively residents can book a collection by calling 01983 823777.  Should residents wish to take advantage of this, a clear three working days prior to Recycling (Green Bin) Collection Days is required*.  Please can it be noted, that if a tree is larger than 7ft residents are asked to ensure that trees are cut back to a manageable sections. This service will operate from 3^rd- 27^th January 2017.

*County Hall and the Council’s Call Centre will be closed this year from  26^th December until 2^nd January inclusive.

Waste Updates.

·         The Annual Customer Service Survey (which asks for feedback on the collection of Green Waste) goes out to Public Consultation from Friday 11^th November.

·         The Supplementary Planning Document ‘Guidelines for Recycling and Refuse Storage in New Developments Consultation draft SPD’ is also being consulted upon. This document sets out recycling and refuse storage provision guidelines for new residential and commercial development, and  provides a clear direction on what it expects to see provided as part of new development and will be the basis for any negotiations over provision.  This consultation continues until 5^th December 2016.

For further details on both these consultations please visit: https://www.iwight.com/consultations/

Resident’s Complaints.

•        Dog Mess.

    Dog Poo continues to be prevalent in Worsley Road, Tuttons Hill, Baring Road and on the seafront between Cowes and Gurnard.  I have forwarded complaints made to the Dog Warden Service, who I have asked to increase their presence in order action to be taken against the owners responsible.  

• ·         Bonfires.

   At this time of year Bonfire complaints are prevalent.  Please, please, please if you decide to light a bonfire in your garden let your neighbours know beforehand!  If you are a neighbour affected by smoke please let those responsible know, as I know from experience residents are all-to-often unaware of the impact this has.

In the Cowes area, there are locations where smoke does linger and can affect the health of residents living nearby!

On this subject, one resident has taken this up with our MP, which I’ve been asked to follow up through a meeting with Environmental Health.

For further details please visit: http://paulfullercc.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/iw-councillors-report-november-2014.html

• ·         6ft 6 restrictions.

Residents in Church Road in Gurnard tend to complain to be about two things- Car Parking and the non-compliance of the 6 ft 6 restriction in place.  On the latter issue, I’ve requested the Traffic Police to look into this and take any appropriate action against those not complying.  

• ·         Planning Issues.

I have requested Planning Enforcement Officers to provide support on the upkeep and maintenance of open spaces in Glen Place.  Meanwhile action has be pursued at the proposed new Range Store at Place Road.

I’ve been approached by residents from Mountbatten Avenue concerned regarding a neighbouring extension. I share these concerns raised, and have requested where and if practical for Planning Officers to liaise with the applicant to mitigate against issues raised. Should no progress be made, I’ve asked that with the Planning Committee Chairman and Head of Place are made aware of concerns. This application highlights the importance under the loosening of ‘Permitted Development Rights’ for neighbours to speak to each other before submitting proposals.

• ·    Parking Enforcement.

Parking Enforcement has taken place following complaints of illicit parking in Crossfield Avenue, Woodvale Road and Jordan Close.  In the meantime, Cllr Paul Bertie and I are also addressing parking issues in Park Road.

Cowes Town Council Elections.

It was good to catch up with residents who took part for the Cowes West, Town Council Elections on 17^th November.

The results were:  Paul Taylor 136 votes (Elected), Rose Lynden-Bell 83 votes, Matthew Smith 22 votes.

Elsewhere, Amanda Glendenning was co-opted to join Cowes Town Council’s other vacancy in Cowes West.

I’ve congratulated Amanda and Paul on their success, and in the coming months, I look forward to working alongside and supporting both new Councillors!

Health Profile 2016.

Each year Public Health England collates information on communities.  The Health Profile is designed to help the Isle of Wight Council and health services understand local needs, so they can work together to improve people’s health and reduce inequalities.

The principle challenges the Island is considered as ‘significantly worse than the England average’ are:

·         Children in low income families.

·         Statutory Homelessness.

·         GCSE’s being achieved.

·         Violent crime.

·         Smoking during pregnancy.

·         Alcohol specific hospital stays (for under 18 yr olds)<18 o:p="" olds="" yr="">

·         Recorded diabetes.

·         Incidents of residents killed and injured on roads.

Other priorities requiring greater support include:

·         Obesity

·         Mental Health incidents.

The full report can be found at: http://fingertipsreports.phe.org.uk/health-profiles/2016/e06000046.pdf

Cowes Community Bus.

I thoroughly enjoy my journeys on Cowes’ Community Bus and use this as an opportunity to discuss issues and concerns with local residents, (and the bus driver- who regularly contacts me over concerns that passengers relay!)

One issue that features regularly is the continuation of the existing service on Tuesday to Saturday mornings inclusive.  On this subject, understanding that residents continue providing contributions for the service and given that the good-will continues from Southern Vectis to support and train drivers, this important life-line is maintained.

On another subject, I’ve been asked again by residents to look into whether Southern Vectis can provide a weekly return service from Cowes, Gurnard and Northwood to Newport.  If this is not possible commercially, I’ve asked for how much such a service is willing to cost?

If and once the cost is known, I can explore the practicalities of how this could be funded.

2 MP’s?

In 2010, proposals were put by the Boundary Commission to re-look how the Isle of Wight was represented in Government.  At that time, I was the only Isle of Wight Councillor to campaign against being disproportionately under represented by having one MP, or having two MP’s shared with mainland authorities.

Six years on, the Boundary Commission has put forward proposals to consider the two MP option as I argued for.  This means that the Isle of Wight will be over-represented, however, I make the point that as the largest constituency with 109,000 electors, we’ve significantly exceeded the average constituency size (currently 71,300) for many years.

It is proposed that there will be two constituencies. One of 55,000 for the Isle of Wight East constituency to include Ryde, Shanklin and Ventnor and one of 54,000 for the Isle of Wight West constituency to include Newport, Cowes and West Wight.  In my opinion this will enable the Island to start to redress historical inequalities that has occurred by having one rather than two MP’s.  

At Full Council, I was very pleased to second the above proposals.

  

Highways Updates. 

Gurnard Parish Council have upheld the three Traffic Orders which I prioritised in my November report, these being:

·         Woodvale Road (between junctions with Woodvale Drive & Baring Road) No loading between 8-10am and 2-4pm.

      To be extended into Baring Road at the above times, whilst removing the parking restriction at the bus layby.

·         Church Road and Worsley Road junction

·         Marsh Road (Swapping the parking restriction currently in place at the entrance to the Little Gloster).

Meantime, in Cowes I am due to meet with local residents to discuss suggestions for the Crossfield Avenue Estate. Proposals are due to be forwarded to Cowes Town Council in advance of December’s meeting.  I am ever hopeful these can address School and commuter related parking and the parking of commercial vehicles.

Several pavements and footways on the Crossfield Estate have been resurfaced. One resident from Magdalen Crescent has asked me to find out why this was only resurfaced in part. On this, I’m advised that Island Roads concluded that the most worn sections were to be repaired this year and in 2017 the remaining section of footway would be repaired.

In the meantime following a site meeting with Cllr Nolan, I’ve forwarded concerns raised regarding raised iron works at Shore Road. I’ve also requested that noise from ‘the trolls’ beneath the manhole cover on the junction between Solent View Road and Worsley Road is discussed and a solution found for local residents…

Meeting with Island Roads.

As Cowes Town Council representatives, Cllr. John Nicholson and I had a seemingly constructive meeting with the Head of Island Roads, Paul Herbert, Asset Manager- Mark Roberts and Kevin Burton.  The Isle of Wight Council were also in attendance and represented by Garry Stretch.

Outcomes and Action Points from the meeting were:

·         A Traffic Order for Cowes High Street was agreed. This would be advertised at the earliest opportunity.

(Island Roads noted that the installation, maintenance and management of bollards, could be problematic- However, this should not hold up the consultation for the Traffic Order, which would take place during December) 

  

·         Representatives from Island Roads and the Isle of Wight Council agreed that it would be useful for the Cowes cluster of local councils to prioritise their list of no more than 10 Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO’s).

·         Parklands Avenue continues to be monitored for road defects on a monthly basis.  Officers advised that reconstruction had been programmed to take place from 3-7^th April 2017. 

·         Frustrations were outlined concerning recent utility ‘emergencies’ that have taken place on newly resurfaced roads.  Concerns were made regarding mainland based utility companies not being able to meet statutory timeframes to make repairs which could adversely impact upon the integrity of the highway network.

Following the meeting taking place:

·         I’ve requested Cllr. Nicholson to address an enquiry made to me concerning the potential removal of double yellow lines in Place Side.

·         I’ve requested a response to concerns raised over workmanship issues repairing kerbing in Ward Avenue.

Gurnard  Green.

      Following concerns raised, there will be no redevelopment of either the public toilets on Gurnard Green or the revetment to create new beach huts or ‘houses’.  From the discussions had with both residents and the Isle of Wight Council, I’m assured by the current Council’s administration that unless there is ‘full community support’ for suggestions coming forward the IW Council as freeholder would not endorse any scheme.

  In addition to this assurance, I’ve aware of the existence of covenants and restrictions in place to protect this open space from trading and development beyond current footprints.

Also this month:

·         I continue to offer support to Gurnard Pines residents over social, residential, planning and enforcement issues.

·         I attended the Remembrance and wreath laying Services in both Cowes and Gurnard.

·         I received numerous waste and recycling enquiries from across the Island.  I suspect, when issues do resolve themselves, I can look forward to relaxing (unless given another difficult job by the Council Leader)

·         A number of residents have requested that I look into, whether any local pharmacies are likely to close, following the Government’s reduction in funding local chemists.

·         Following an appeal to the Valuation Office which was supported by Gurnard Parish Council and the IW Council, business rate charges for the Public Toilets on Gurnard Green was successfully challenged.  Many thanks to the support received from Cllr. Jason Doughty for the assistance provided!

·         Cowes Town Council has agreed to fund a disabled audit to improve pedestrian access to the town.

·         A meeting has taken place with landowners, officers and myself to consider privately part-funded options to mitigate against flooding events at Marsh Road. I anticipate a public meeting will take place in the coming weeks. 

·         I’ve supported Cowes Sea Cadets’ bid for a minibus through the Community Minibus Fund

·         I’ve received a promise that works to repair and restore footpath CS4 between Battery Road and Egypt Esplanade will be completed early December.
·         Seafront Railings are scheduled to be repaired and replaced to comply with Health and Safety obligations.  Both Cowes Town Council and Gurnard Parish Council, who were asked to contribute considered the costs provided by the Isle of Wight Council were prohibitive and did not show value for money to local residents. 

·         Following last month’s flooding, it has been necessary to track down and re-anchor litterbins washed away by the tide.

·         I am supporting the campaign against removal of the last two banks from Cowes (The HSBC and Lloyds)

REPORT FROM THE EXECUTIVE MEMBER FOR ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABILITY AND LOCAL ENGAGEMENT TO THE MEETING OF FULL COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY 16^th NOVEMBER 2016.

Budget 2016/7.

·         Within my portfolio, I have been asked to find £681k savings for the coming financial year.  In the last few weeks, I have met with officers on several occasions to explore where savings and financial opportunities can be found. 

Southern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.

·         The recommendation to increase the 2016/7 local levy by 5% fell, owing to austerity measures being rolled out by local authorities across the South East Region.  Instead members resolved to increase the levy by 2%, which I supported.

·         In my role as part of the recommendation, the bid to award £400k of Local levy funding (to unlock £4.8m) was approved for future Monktonmead Brook Outfall Improvements.  This will reduce flood risk to 327 residential and commercial properties at Ryde.

Further information can be found: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/562689/SRFCC_Main_meeting_pack_-_19_July_2016.pdf

Waste and Recycling Update.

·         Since the roll-out of the new waste contract, there has been a net reduction (by 28 per cent) in non-recyclable waste being sent for landfill and continued reductions in the number of missed collections.

·         Following members feedback two Community Engagement Officers are being appointed by Amey to support localised issues.  I’ve asked for these Officers to work in close partnership with Town and Parish Councils and Environment Officers

Countryside Issues.

I attended an AONB Partnership meeting. 

·         The Partnership has offered to support and promote walking events through future winter and summer walking programmes. 

·         Following ‘Down To The Coast’ Grant Funding the local Wildlife Trust have appointed 4 apprentices.

·          It was also reported that the early stages of Ash die-back has been identified in Parkhurst Forest and Lushington Copse.  Other woodland owners have also witnessed an impact upon young trees.

In my next report, I look forward to providing an update to members on the transition of the Council’s countryside estate to Gift To Nature.

Isle of Wight Association Of Local Councils.

At the most recent meeting with the Isle of Wight Association Of Local Councils, issues discussed with both myself and the Chief Executive included:

·         An update on Principle Parks.

·         Regeneration and ensuring Local Councils are and stay involved.

·         Positive outcomes concerning working in partnership on the Youth Offer, 

·         An exchange of views concerning devolution.

·         Individual views expressed from Town and Parish Councils concerning the quality of road repairs. 

Transferral of Public Toilets.

·         Although there continues to be a few localised issues, these continue to be ironed out following ongoing dialogue between Local Members, Town and Parish Councils and Officers.  My grateful thanks to all members that have supported these efforts, it is much appreciated!  

Helping You Stay Warm this Winter?

People struggling with energy bills are being helped thanks to funding from the ScottishPower Energy People Trust. Local energy experts from the Island’s Footprint Trust visit people in their homes and give free impartial guidance on reducing bills and using energy wisely.

Save Energy, Save Money… 6 Top Tips from the Footprint Trust:

·         Overcharging (Save up to £100): Make sure that you are not on the wrong energy tariff.  Don’t be loyal to your energy company- Shop around to get the best deal!

·         Close Curtains (Save up to £15): Get some nice thick curtains from your local charity shop, or fit a thermal liner to your existing ones- You will feel warmer!

·         Keep It Covered (Save up to £15): Keep saucepan lids on, turn down heat, use the right size pan for your hob.  This will speed up cooking times and reduce energy costs.

·         Be Waterwise (Save up to £250): Showering is generally cheaper than taking baths. (Unless you spend an half-an-hour in there!). See if you can manage to be washed and out in four minutes.

·         Turn that Dial. (Save up to £200):  Every degree over 18C costs about £75 per year. If you are at hole in your pants in winter, turn down the thermostat, and put on some clothes!

·         Insulate Now. (Save up to £300): Grant funding may be available to you for loft and cavity insulation, depending on where you live, the age of your property or financial status.

The best way to cut your bills is to have a FREE home energy visit! For details contact the Footprint Trust on 01983 822282, email: ray@footprint-trust.co.uk or visit www.footprint-trust.co.uk.

Warm Up Wight.

Warm Up Wight is being delivered by J&J Crump which secured vital Energy Company Obligation (ECO) funding to deliver benefits to residents. The scheme will provide insulation and heating improvements to residential properties which meet the required criteria. Each property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will be checked, upon request for home insulation improvements which will identify an appropriate insulation and heating needs.

The scheme currently offers free cavity wall insulation for all properties. Free loft insulation will be undertaken where possible and as required, following the EPC check. Low income households may be entitled to free or significantly reduced replacement boiler systems.  For a free, no obligation survey, call Free(!) 0800 032 8322, or go online to: www.warmupwight.co.uk

Also since last Full Council.

·         In Cllr Smart’s absence, I attended a Solent Transport briefing.  Of key note during the meeting was the future roll out of Real Time information on Isle of Wight Buses, Smart/ Contactless Ticketing on Public Transport, Potential future disruption at Waterloo Station following its expansion and incentives to cut pollution levels in Southampton. This includes a light rail proposal linking Town Quay, Southampton to Southampton Airport and Eastleigh) and an update on the formation of a South-East Sub-National Transport Group.

·         Myself, Cllr Jones-Evans and Cllr Ward became Recycling champions at a recent event hosted by the Footprint Trust and Community Waste Forum!!

·         I attended a meeting with officers and landowners on exploring ‘self-help’ options for modest coastal/ flood defence measures in Gurnard.  

·         I’ve spoken to officers about the opportunity to work closer with Town and Parish Councils and associations in the day to day management of allotments, and am hoping to arrange a meeting to move forward on this with relevant Town Councils in the coming weeks.

·         In the coming weeks, I am hoping to arrange a meeting between Ryde Aspire, myself and officers to explore opportunities to support this local pro-recycling charity.

·         I have been asked to attend an Executive meeting of the Southern IFCA next week to consider Poole Harbour Dredge Permits, feedback from recently implemented Bottom Towed Fishing Gear and Solent Dredging Bye-laws and relevant impact assessments.

Thank you for reading my reports! If you require updates please visit: paulfullercc.blogspot.com.  Hard copies are available at Cowes Library and Gurnard Press!

If you require my support over the Christmas period, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I wish all residents and their families a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year!

IW Councillor's Report, November 2016

Surgeries:

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

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 1^st November, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

12:30-1pm, Tuesday 8^th November The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 16^th November, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

1-1:30pm, Friday 18^th November, The Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

6-6:30pm, Thursday 24^th November, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

In recent months, I am increasingly finding that my surgeries are not long enough to deal with the volume of enquiries that are coming forward. Subsequently, in the last month two surgeries have been extended to over one hour to resolve issues. In discussing concerns raised, this seems to be as a result of residents being unable to speak swiftly via the Call Centre as well as an increased number of enquiries which I’m attempting to resolve as both a Parish/ Town Councillor and member of the IW Council’s Executive.  In response I will be increasing surgeries from up to 6 per month to 8.

I am hoping to use two new ‘central’ venues in both Cowes Town and Gurnard.  Following feedback, these surgeries are likely to take place late Friday mornings.

Solent Deal:

Last month the IW Full Council narrowly voted against (17 votes against to 16, with 2 abstentions) to the Solent Deal paper, which relates to the combined authority for the Isle of Wight, Southampton and Portsmouth.

At Full Council, concerns were raised by Councillors that a ‘Deal’ was ‘being rushed through’, comments were also made of the perceived powers of the ‘elected mayor’, the impact that the decision would have upon Hampshire County Council who seem opposed to the Solent Deal and the level of responses from the Solent deal Consultation*. (* Less than 1% have responded to this and other similar consultations. That said, it was noted that the Solent Deal was better represented than all others, and response rates from the Isle of Wight were the best from our region!). Cross-Chamber comments were also raised about the mistrust of Government when it came to decisions which relate to future funding for the Island…

In light of this, it has been made very clear by Government and from ministers, that the only offer available to secure the Isle of Wight’s financial certainty, was through this life-line.  It was made very clear from Government that should devolution not be accepted, future funding opportunities for our Island would be limited, and the ability to shape our future was likely to be lost, should we walk away at this stage!  Subsequently, since the decision taken by Full Council a number of key businesses, organisations and public sector stakeholders have questioned how this would impact upon our community.

At Executive, the point was made that although the Council may not like the final decision- it was important to remain at the table to help negotiate the terms of the Solent Deal.

From my point of view, I supported the Solent Deal at Full Council.  However, I used my Executive vote to echo the final view of Full Council.  As an Executive member, it has always been for me a matter of principle to listen to, empathise, reflect and represent the views of others, which I may not always support!

Planning.

·         Enforcement Issues.

Officers have provided reassurance to both myself and local residents concerning a new build in Church Road, Gurnard and issues regarding the new Range development at Place Road.  Elsewhere, I am following up feedback from Enforcement Officers on residential use at Gurnard Pines, the location of a container in facing Magdelen Crescent in Cowes, whilst a retrospective planning application has been received in Baring Road following complaints being received on behalf of neighbours.

·         Planning Applications.

Officers have taken on board the views of Gurnard Parish Council when evaluating a planning application in Worsley Road. This application has been scaled down and conditioned to reflect views.  Elsewhere, in Tuttons Hill I have supported an application to extend and alter the configuration of a property.

Place Road development.  

Many thanks again to those residents who responded to the request for ideas for street names.

The road names (in alphabetical order) that have been shortlisted, in liaison with Gurnard Parish Council are:

·         Cordelia Close.

·         Jennys View.

·         Mermaid Avenue.

·         Spencers View.

·         Sunset Close.

In addition to the five above, I have added Deauville Drive to the above list, given that a number of residents felt that it was appropriate to name a road, reflective of the links to Cowes’ Twin town.

These suggestions are under consideration by developers.

Gurnard Village Green.

Following last month’s Parish Council meeting and my recent report, things have gone quiet concerning progress on pre-application consultations for any proposal to reconfigure toilets and potentially add to beach huts on land on and adjacent to Gurnard Green. 

Subsequently, following the parish meeting I’ve been asked to find out more about restrictions that remain in place for the Green which is protected from any future development.  In addition to the Village Green status, I understand that there are covenants, which further restricts what can occur in the future.  This would make it problematic for any scheme progressing.

What has happened elsewhere on the Island, is that following demands for Beach Huts (and for the need for the IW Council explore new revenue streams!) some sites have been identified.  At Colwell Bay last month, an application was approved to construct 20 new beach huts.

Meeting with Island Roads.

Each year myself and Councillor John Nicholson (who represents Cowes South and Northwood) endeavours to pull our ongoing highways issues together when we jointly meet with Island Roads.

This offers us both the opportunity to work together to address outstanding issues.  One matter that has caused both ourselves and Cowes Town Council some concern is the ongoing lack of progress on the potentially new Traffic Order to restrict traffic flows in the pedestrianised Town Centre.  I am hopeful this meeting will allow us to make headway on both this and other Traffic Regulation Orders/ amendments for the Cowes area.   

Parking Matters.

I continue to receive negative feedback from parents and local residents concerning appalling parking outside Gurnard Primary School. Following numerous complaints, I have forwarded details (and photographs) to parking services who stepped up their recent patrols.

I’ve also continued to nag the Executive Councillor for the need for a new traffic order for the Cowes area.  This is an issue that he is investigating, and I’m hoping that a request will go out to Town and Parish Councils requesting the prioritisation of local schemes.  On this subject, I have approached Gurnard Parish Council to list the schemes, which they suggest should be shortlisted.

In Gurnard, roads that I am mindful of including are:

·         Woodvale Road (between the junction with Woodvale Drive and Baring Road) No loading between 8am and 10am and 2pm and 4pm

·         Church Road (west of Worsley Road junction)

·         Marsh Road (Swapping the parking restriction currently in place at the entrance to the Little Gloster)

In Cowes, roads that I have been requested to include are:

·         The entrance to Briary Court, Egypt Esplanade.

·         Park Road (junction with Parklands Avenue)

Also in Cowes, I have been asked to take action to reduce the volume of long stay parking on the Crossfield Avenue Estate and within Ward Avenue.  On this matter, I have been asked to consider making a request for a Residents Parking Zone- However, because of the concentration of off street parking availability these roads do not meet the RPZ criteria.

Cowes Medical Centre.

With Councillors Peacey-Wilcox and Nicholson I attended a meeting with managers at Cowes Medical Centre. 

Like most other General Practitioner centres, Cowes Medical Centre are finding it a real challenge to recruit doctors, due to retirement.  It was noted that the three full time equivalent deal with 46 patients each day.

In response to this, the surgery has appointed Advance Nurse Practitioners to support the team at Cowes who have over 15,000 patients.

A Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nurse is a registered nurse who has acquired the expert knowledge base, complex decision-making skills and clinical competencies for expanded practice, the characteristics of which are shaped by the context and/or country in which s/he is credentialed to practice.

A further change that has occurred at the surgery, is that reception staff are being asked to navigate calls to ensure that patients receive the very best advice.  In light of this, the Medical Centre has asked that residents are patient and supportive as these new changes are rolled out.

Also this month:

·         I’ve undertaken a letter drop to residents who were affected by the loss of electricity.  Whilst door knocking, I’ve taken up a number of related (and unrelated) issues up on residents’ behalf.

·         I’ve supported a resident who is having ongoing issues with their personal budgets for care.

·         I’ve been reminded recently, that the IW Council offers residents and their agents a pre-application service.  This is something, which I can’t emphasise enough as important to undertake should you intend to submit a planning application.  Whilst I mention this, again I request that residents to please talk to their neighbours before submitting applications… This can save a huge amount of anxiety for all concerned!    

·         Following recent fly tipping, I’ve supported a resident in getting communal waste issues resolved.

·         Cowes Town Councillor, Jean Bartrum and I became a Community Waste Champions!!

·         I attended and have supported the objectives of the 20’s Plenty Conference held by Newport Parish Council.

·         I attended a meeting with local residents to discuss future flood alleviation measures for Gurnard Marsh.

·         I’ve approached the IW Council following concerns being raised by residents over the potential restriction of access between Jordan Close and Woodvale Drive following the erection of a gate without the permission of neighbours…

·         The Medium Term Financial Strategy was unanimously supported by Full Council.  This allows for Council’s to extend the length of time to accrue savings. This will mean that for the next Financial Year, the Isle of Wight Council will need to find £8.5m of savings rather than £12.5m.  That said, it will continue to be difficult to achieve this without further pain.

·         I received, and forwarded a request from a resident to join the Governors of Cowes Primary School.

·         Last month I posted my Financial Interests online.  These can be found on paulfulleriw@gmail.com

REPORT FROM THE EXECUTIVE MEMBER FOR ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABILITY AND LOCAL ENGAGEMENT TO THE MEETING OF FULL COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY 19^th OCTOBER 2016.

Waste Update.

I’m advised that in the coming weeks the Commercial Waste area and the further 6 bays will be opened and fully operational at Lynnbottom.  At present, I am aware that delays occur from 11am-2pm on weekdays and during weekends. Until works are complete, I request that residents are patient during busy times.

In recent months missed collections have fallen below the Benchmark of 35 missed collections per 100,000, whilst diversion from landfill remains just below 60%

Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority.

I attended my first meeting of the Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority.  As the IWC’s representative, I supported the introduction of the Solent Dredging and Bottom Towed Fishing Gear byelaws which have been consulted upon with stakeholders in the last year. For further information, please visit:   http://www.southern-ifca.gov.uk/. 

On enforcement matters at a recent Solent Forum it was reported that last year SIFCA pursued successfully all 21 of its prosecutions in the last year.

Warm Up Wight.

Warm Up Wight is being delivered by J&J Crump which has been able to secure vital Energy Company Obligation (ECO) funding to deliver the new scheme for the benefit of Island residents. The scheme will provide insulation and heating improvements to residential properties across the Island that meet the required criteria. Each property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will be checked, upon request for home insulation improvement, to identify appropriate insulation and heating improvements.   

The scheme is currently offering free cavity wall insulation for all properties. Free loft insulation will be undertaken where possible and as required following a check of the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Low income households may be entitled to free or significantly reduced replacement boiler systems. 

For a free, no obligation survey, call Free 0800 032 8322 or go online to: www.warmupwight.co.uk.

Budget 2016/7.

I have attended my first budget discussions with officers regarding what savings can be identified the services that I have left within my portfolio.

In the coming days and weeks, I will be discussing options with heads of service and exploring further opportunities to work in closer partnership with Town and Parish Councils and other Service Providers.

With Town and Parish Council’s looking to set their precept for next year, I remain very mindful of the importance of early dialogue.

Solent Forum.

At last week’s Solent Forum meeting, there was a full update on action being taken by the Forum, particularly in respect of the beneficial use of dredgings in the Solent (BUDS) group.

Presentations were also made in connection with the ‘A Piers Tale’ initiative for Yarmouth Pier, by the Hampshire and Wildlife Trust, SIFCA, Perpetuus Tidal Energy, the Solent Enterprise Partnership whilst updates were offered by Natural England on both the English Coastal Path and Marine Conservation Zones. For further details of the Solent Forum’s work please visit: http://www.solentforum.org/

Since my last report:

·         A meeting of the Waste Contract Board was called to update members.

·         I attended the Isle of Wight Association Of Local Council’s Executive Meeting

·         I chaired the most recent Sustainability Forum meeting.  Presentations were provided by the Footprint Trust on Fuel Poverty.  Further details on the work of the Footprint Trust supporting those in Fuel Poverty can be found at: http://www.footprint-trust.co.uk/warmer-wight-plus.html.

·         In addition a presentation was made by the IW AONB on its Biosphere Bid. Please see: http://wightaonb.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Biosphere-for-Sustainability-Forum.pdf

·         I attended Newport Parish Council’s 20’s Plenty Workshop.

·         I have provided an update to Ryde Town Council on ongoing issues concerning waste collection and Flytipping in the town.

·         In Newport Town Centre I have been approached by and am supporting local members to address similar issues to Ryde. 

·         I met with Ryde Aspire, and saw some amazing examples of how this organisation reduces what is sent to landfill.  I was particularly impressed by Aspire’s Community Repaint initiative, their Cycle Recycle initiative, their Men In Sheds and utilisation of Books and Food redistribution to those in need within the Ryde community. Following my visit I am seeking support from both Amey and the IW Council to seek opportunities for a closer working relationship between this charity and the local authority.

·         Between forwarding this report and Full Council, I am looking forward to attending the Executive Meeting of Solent Transport, the AONB Steering Committee, ‘graduating’ from Amey’s Recycling Champions Training Event and hope to attend the Isle of Wight Cycle Forum.

·         I continue to speak frequently with some Town and Parish Councils on the transferral of Public Conveniences, although accepting there is still some way to go I am heartened by the positive dialogue and support from Local Councils.