IW Councillors Annual Report (Number 7) April 2015- April 2016

Paul Fuller

Independent Isle of Wight Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard.

PUTTING YOUR NEEDS FIRST

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCILLORS ANNUAL REPORT APRIL 2016. (No.7)

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 need support. I’m happy to meet at a time and place which suits you, alternatively please visit my surgeries (No appointment is necessary). These are updated on my website, and as a rule of thumb follows:

4:30-5pm, 1^st Tuesday of each month at Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, 1^st Tuesday of each month at The Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, 2^nd Thursday of each month at The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

1-1:30pm, 3^rd or 4^th Wednesday of each month at the Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard. (March-December)

3-3:30pm, 3^rd or 4^th 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.

Representing our Community in County Hall, rather than County Hall in our Community:

This is my seventh annual report and summarises my work as your Isle of Wight Councillor for the past 12 months.

Despite financial pressures, as your Isle of Wight Councillor I’m committed to ensure our Councils 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 these roles, 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 our community first. If you feel my Group gets things wrong, or if I get things wrong- Please let me know!

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 Beacon.

In addition to my role as an Isle of Wight Councillor, I’m also an active member of Cowes Town Council, Gurnard Parish Council and Northwood Parish Councillor.

Isle of Wight Council Budget.

Last year I reported that IW Council found £13.8m worth of savings to reflect reduced Government grants.  This year to balance the Council’s books it’s been necessary to find a further £17.4m worth of savings.  This needs to be achieved to assist demand which year on year grows to support our most vulnerable residents. 

As a consequence, this will mean the only ‘discretionary’ services the Isle of Wight Council can continue to provide will be those which create a long term saving for residents.  In addition to this, many of the most important of these services will be transferred to Town and Parish Councils and other service providers.

With further cuts outlined by Government for next financial year, it has been made clear that costs for providing just the essential statutory services, will exceed what the Isle of Wight Council can raise through Council Tax, Increasing Fees, Government Grants and by making savings.

Fight For The Wight Campaign

This campaign was set up for the purposes of asking Government to:

• Acknowledge the Island is unique and needs extra help.

• Change the way the Island is funded, in recognition of the unique challenges we face as an Island community.

• Give us more money.

Please sign the petition, show and 'share' your support to this campaign, which has cross party support.

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 2015.

·          Following negotiations on behalf of the IW Council, the Education Funding Agency agreed to provide an extra £3.4m to fund outstanding works at Cowes Enterprise College.

·          Action was taken to weed flowerbeds at Queens Road.  Cowes Town Council has kindly agreed to long term management of Queens Road and other parks and flowerbeds in the town.

·          I supported proposals to reduce IW Councillors Allowances by 2.6%.

·          Positive discussions took place between residents and the developer for housing at the Glen, Worsley Road. 

May.  

·          A Community Speed watch took place in Tuttons Hill.  A request was made to repair the Speed Indicator Device.

·          On election day for our MP, I met residents at both polling stations, and took up 60+ issues on their behalf.

·          I attended meetings with students at the IW College, and joined Cllr. Jonathan Bacon, IW Council Leader at a meeting with the Head Teacher at Cowes Primary School.

June.

·          Repairs took place to Groynes which required repairs at Gurnard Marsh.  This followed up repairs to the seawall, and reopening of the public footpath linking Gurnard Luck and Marsh Road to the coast.

·          The longstanding broken water main at the junction with Debourne Manor Close and Baring Road was fixed.

·          I undertook an audit of street furniture.  This resulted in replacement dog bins, litter bins and street name plates.

·          Against views of the Planning Committee, the Planning Inspectorate supported development of land off Place Road for 86 dwellings. The Inspector gave weight to Governments ‘sustainable housing’ agenda, reinforced by new planning policy.  Following this, representations were made to the Minister and MP.

July.

·         I arranged a briefing for residents to be updated on the new Range development.  Originally intended to open in December, this was delayed owing to the need to find a local contractor.

·         I supported campaigners to retain Carisbrooke College. Following considerable improvements within GCSE results later this year, and financial support for school buildings, the college’s future has been safeguarded.

·         Throughout this month and August following delays and perseverance by myself and residents, several roads were resurfaced.  This included Marsh Road, Queens Road and Baring Road.

·         I was approached residents concerned over the potential loss of rural  bus services from September. Following this, I worked with funders to safeguard these.  Sadly, partners approached were not prepared to assist.

August.

·         Following pre-application meetings held for residents, a planning application was received for 11 dwellings adjacent to Dottens Farm.  Concerns were relayed over road safety, impact upon the listed buildings and issues regarding coalescence between Gurnard and Cowes.

·         I supported residents and businesses concerned about the closure of Cowes Post Office, and liaised with the IW Council on the potential use of Council owned land.

·         With support from Environmental Health, action was taken to address concerns over rock deliveries off Cowes.

·          Following negotiations, the lease for the former School Playing Field at Gurnard was transferred as a community asset from the IW Council to Gurnard Parish Council. 

September.

·          The IW Council were persuaded to support the reinstatement of the pond at Mornington Wood.

·          Following objections I raised, Wightfibre rewrapped their cabinet in consultation with residents of Church Road.

·          At Full Council, mindful of the costs, I voted against the level of salary offered to a future Chief Executive.

·          Following liaison with developers, Gurnard Parish Council and Island Roads, new roads in Gurnard will be called Glen Place and Westbrook Lane. The new development at Westbrook Lane will be called Oaklands.

October

·         The Gurnard to Thorness Coastal Path reopened.  This was only possible following the support of landowners.

·         Litter Bins on Cowes and Gurnard seafront were replaced.

·         My support was provided to residents concerned over the change of use of Baileys in Cowes High Street.

·         A consultation took place with residents concerning the colour of Beach Huts in Gurnard.  Following the support from residents of retaining the existing colour scheme, no further action was taken.

 November.

·         I was pleased to support the successful campaign made by the Isle of Wight Community Club to extend its lease to 36 years. This is necessary to ensure the Club could benefit from grant funding for Solar Panels.

·         I called a meeting with the Footprint Trust to support local residents being able to access funds for energy and water efficiency measures.

·         I spoke on behalf of residents (supporters & objectors) on a Planning Application for the Island Sailing Club.

·         I supported Cowes Enterprise College’s Humanutopia initiative, which is being used to raise self-esteem and expectations of teenagers.

December.

·         After a great deal of nagging, Island Roads confirmed Parklands Avenue would be resurfaced in September 2016 (rather than 2017).  In addition the road will be continued to be monitored on a monthly basis for defects.

·         I tabled comments to Planning’s Area Action Plan Consultation.  Issues raised included the protection of the green gap between Cowes and Gurnard, green spaces and the retention and better access to employment land.

·         Following feedback from concerned residents, at Full Council, I supported motions opposing local fracking.

·         I met businesses based at Medina Yard and arranged a meeting between them and the IW Council’s Executive.

January.

·          I acted as a conduit and provided support to Northwood WI, who were considering a similar model to Gurnard Village Hall in safeguarding the hall’s future.

·         With ongoing development at Glen Place, Gurnard it was necessary to close Worsley Road.  Throughout the closure, I worked with residents, developers and Island Roads to see the road opened ahead of schedule.

·         This winter, I received complaints concerning neighbours bonfires. Following contact being complaints fell.

·         Inadequate schools on the Island fell from 11 to 1 since 2013.  In the meantime the gap between the national average for Children gaining 5 or more A*-C GCSE results rose by 3% to 48% narrowing the gap between the Isle of Wight and the rest of the country where the average remains at 57%.

February.

·         I was amongst 31 Councillors who supported next year’s budget for the Isle of Wight Council.  In the meantime, negotiations continue to take place to resolve an acceptable devolution deal from the Government.

·         Further confirmation was provided by Island Roads that Parklands Avenue will be included within this years resurfacing programme.

·         I attended an event to celebrate Gurnard Primary School’s attempts to promote children getting to and from school by sustainable means. 

March.

·          I have made representations to the Council about the lack of Traffic Orders being processed.  This follows local requests being made for the removal and implementation of double yellow lines in various locations.

·          I am supporting Shore Road being added to the Road Resurfacing programme, following this being missed out. On this, discussions are ongoing.

·         Waste Booklets, Black Wheelie Bins and where appropriate Animal Proof Gull Sacks are being delivered in advance of the new waste contract which is launched in May.

Elsewhere within the Isle of Wight Council.

Since 2014, I’ve served on the (minority) Independent controlled Executive Committee.

In that time I’ve had responsibility for Planning and Licensing (until February 2016), Public Realm and Local Engagement (from August 2015).

In this role I am responsible for overseeing Public Spaces, Beaches, Parks & Gardens, Public Slipways, Allotments, Rights Of Ways, the AONB, Public Toilets, Engagement with Town/ Parish Councils and transferral of services.

From February as the member for Environment, Sustainability & Local Engagement, I’ve taken on responsibility for the new Waste Contract, Flooding, supporting the Rural Economy and Food procurement.

In the last 12 months, I’ve pursued the following:

·         Exceeding the Government target of Planning Applications being dismissed. (This was an area of concern prior to me joining the Executive)  

·         Improving consultation with local Councillors, when implementing s106 (developer contribution) conditions.

·         Improving joint working between the Planning Department and Town/ Parish Councils.

·         Ensuring the Implementation of Area Action Plans was not allowed to slip.

·         Overseen the restructuring of the Planning Department (This has created £700,000 savings).

·         Taken positive action to progress on several of the Island’s empty and dilapidated buildings.

·         The implementation of Pre-Application fees. This has improved the planning process for developers.

·         Introduction of Highways Permissions Policy. This affords powers to remove obstructions for pedestrians.

·         Partnerships with Town and Parish Councils established for beach cleaning and grounds maintenance- often at lower costs.  Work remains on course to transfer public conveniences on 1^st April 2016.

·         Revised child safeguarding policies introduced to support the Taxi Trade.

·         No increase in Taxi Fees.

·         Saw the Isle of Wight Coastal Path reopened in its entirety, following dialogue with landowners/ councillors.

·         Ventnor Park was recognised for its Grounds Maintenance following the input and support from IW Council.

·         Overseeing the transferral of the IW Council’s Countryside Estate to a Trust in a position better equipped to access funding, which in turn will increase and improve accessibility.

·         Supported the successful Down To The Coast bid, which has resulted in £1.5m Lottery Funding.

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 441 meetings associated with my work as an IW Councillor.

·         This includes 21 out of 21 IW Council summoned meetings.

·         I attended 66 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 11 out of 12 Gurnard Parish Council

meetings plus a further 6 meetings associated with Parish/ Town Council activities

·         I attended 55 Surgeries meeting 108 residents in 6 different venues.

·         I’ve called/ liaised 55 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, 800 telephone calls and 17 letters.  These I aim to respond to within 24 hours for local residents (3 days, otherwise)    

·         I’ve leafleted 2,200 Annual Reports and 350 local newsletters/ consultations and updates

·         I visit every household at least once, and in the past year undertook 27 home visits.

I received a Councillors Allowance of approx. £16,100 Gross Pay.  My expenses for last year, are as follows:

£ 166.63 Annual Report 2015/2016.

£ 657.00 Contribution towards Broadband, Telephone, Use Of Home as Office.

£   83.00 Office Supplies (ink, paper, stamps etc, Printing newsletters etc.)

£   50.00 Donations.

£   93.70 Travel.

£  1050.33 Total Expenses.

Thank you for reading my report!

Isle of Wight Councillor's Report: May 2016

Surgeries:

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

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

1-1:30pm, Thursday 12^th May, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

1-1:30pm, Tuesday 17^th May, The Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Tuesday 17^th May, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

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

Waste.

I continue to receive a large amount of calls concerning waste and recycling, and what items are intended for the new black bins and bags.  Please note items listed by Amey/ IW Council as non-recyclable are:

·         Nappies and Sanitary Products

·         Plasters and dressings

·         Cling film

·         Bubble wrap

·         Animal waste

·         Cold Ash

·         Foil Pet food pouches

·         Blister strips from pill packets

·         Polystyrene

·         Sweet crisp wrappers

·         Contaminated (with food/oil) recyclables

This list will continue to get smaller, as new items can and will become diverted from landfill.  All other items can and should be left in the 240 litre green bins for recycling.

The IW Council and Amey are currently very focused on getting through the +3000 requests for reassessments.  Despite supporting my request for additional staff to help at the Council’s call centre, waiting times on the 823777 waste hotline number and to 821000 will be longer than usual.  In the meantime I am grateful for residents’ patience and understanding during this busy time. 

Please note there are a number of ‘Waste’ events taking place.  In Cowes, Town Councillor Jean and Roger Bartrum are holding a waste collection and recycling surgery as representatives of the Isle of Wight Community Waste Forum. These take place at Cowes Library, Beckford Road on the following dates:

Monday 9^th May 10:00–12 noon;  Monday 16^th May 10:00-12 noon and Monday 23^rd May 10:00-12 noon.

In Newport the Footprint Trust will also be providing support and advice to residents at Amey’s outreach, which will be attending St Thomas’ Square, Newport from 10am-2pm on Thursday 5^th May. This will be followed up by a presence at Riverfest which is being held at Newport Quay from 10am, Saturday 21^st May.

In the meantime if you require smaller bins, assisted collections or if you are not in a position to visit www.iwight.com/Residents/Environment-Planning-and-Waste/Waste-and-Recycling/ please call 01983 823777 or email waste.contract@iow.gov.uk   

Road Resurfacing.

Road resurfacing will take place this month in Baring Road between Woodvale Road and Tuttons Hill.

With thanks to Parish Council clerk, Sue Waters chaos was deflected, given these works are now scheduled to take place after Shore Road which will also be closed for investigations taking place which I hope will result in this road being resurfaced at the earliest opportunity. 

With respect to Shore Road, last month a meeting took place Island Roads officers.  Apart from the Light Weight Deflectometer surveys taking place to understand the position of services beneath the roads surface, Shore Road will now be monitored on a monthly basis.  Should no issues arise, Island Roads hopes resurfacing could take place in September or October. However, knowing the l historical difficulties with utilities in the area, I am less optimistic. Notes from this meeting can be found on at paulfullercc.blogspot.com.

Residents from Ward Avenue have been advised that re-resurfacing was due to take place early this month. Island Roads have advised that this work has now been postponed to later this year. Following a site meeting with Cllr Banks an officer from Island Roads reassured that when this work is resumed, this will be done properly at cost to Island Roads.  In addition damaged kerbing was noted, and will be repaired.   

Planning Applications: Place Road.

Phase 1 of the development for the first 12 of the 86 dwellings in Place Road was advertised last month.  Following this, a Residents information event took place 5:30-6:30pm, Tuesday 3^rd May at the Sports Bar of Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.  During the meeting, which was largely attended by residents of Place Road and Tuttons Hill, I sensed residents felt reassured by developers that their views would be considered when planning later phases of the development.

The developer during the event emphasised that it was in their best interests to work with the community to ensure future housing was ‘done right’.

The Range.

I am advised that land continues to be cleared and the internal fit-out the new store will commence during June.  

Newport Bus?

At Gurnard Parish Council’s meeting, a request was received for a Bus Service to directly connect Gurnard with Newport, to save residents needing to change bus services either at Cowes or at the Horseshoe Bus Stop, Northwood.  Subsequently during the meeting, I was asked to explore a number of options.

Of all options suggested, the most viable seemed to be to request the existing last Service 32 Community Bus of the day to extend its route beyond Oxford Street to call at both St Mary’s Hospital and Newport Town Centre. On this, I am intending to discuss this with the Community Bus Forum to see whether this may be possible.

Planning Enforcement.  

In the past few weeks a number of residents have lodged complaints concerning an assertion that Gurnard Pines intent to no longer provide holidays to the public. On this, I have sought clarification with planners.

In addition to this, I am in dialogue with planners over a large volume of perceived planning breaches and remain hopeful that that this month (after contending with waste enquiries) I will have time to focus on these outstanding items.

Health and Wellbeing Roadshow.

A free event to connect people of all ages with the community support groups and organisations that can help them stay safe, healthy and well is coming to Cowes.

The latest Health and Wellbeing Roadshow, organised by Community Action Isle of Wight under the My Life a Full Life programme will take place at Cowes Yacht Haven from 10am- 4pm on Wednesday 11^th May.

It is the latest in a series of events giving residents the opportunity to meet some of the groups, organisations and individuals in our local area who can help them lead full, healthy and independent lives.

The events are held throughout the Island and are becoming increasingly popular both with residents and groups and organisations who wish to take park. Among those attending the forthcoming Cowes event will be Working Towards Wellbeing, Yoga Nidra, Wessex Cancer Trust, Wightcare, the Volunteer Centre, Parkinson's UK, Optio voluntary car service, the police Neighbourhood team, care navigators, Mobisle information service, IW Scouts, Independent Arts and the National Trust.

Blue Badges.

Delays have continued in light of processing Blue Badges to residents who apply due to mobility impairment.

Prior to the 3 year threshold, the IW Council will contact residents potentially needing to reapply. However, in recent weeks, I’ve been contacted by two residents expressing concern that reminders are being served 8 weeks before badges expire, whilst the timescale being offered to process claims stands at 10-12 weeks. In light of this, understanding the need to restore residents independence, I’ve drawn this to the attention of agencies involved and sought for reminder notices being served four months in advance of expiry.

If you, or somebody that you know are experiencing similar difficulties, please let me know!

Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan.

Consultation on Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan continues until Friday 20^th May. Proposals can be found at:  http://gurnardneighbourhoodplan.org.uk/

Hard copies of proposals are available through clerk, Sue Waters. Please call 07443 656 480, or email: gurnardparishcouncil@gmail.com if you require a copy.

Coastal strategy consultation.

In the meantime the public consultation on a draft coastal strategy for the West Wight shoreline on the northern coastal strip of the Island from East Cowes to Freshwater Bay continues until  30^th June 2016 and is an opportunity for people to learn about the proposals that have been put forward to manage future coastal flood and erosion risks to the shoreline.

Two ‘drop-in’ roadshows will take place on 1-6pm, Friday 20^th May at the Yarmouth Institute, St James’ Street, Yarmouth and 1-6pm, Tuesday 24^th May at the New Holmwood Hotel, Queens Road, Cowes.

You can download a copy of the Strategy and a Summary Report from www.iwight.com/consultations/  and there is also an online questionnaire for you to submit your comments. Alternatively, please email:coast@iow.gov.uk. 

In the meantime, once I get a few spare hours this month I look forward to undertake a letterdrop to shoreline householders advising of this consultation.

Beach Replenishment.

Last month beach replenishment took place on the foreshore at Queens Road. This work was necessary due to the build-up of beach material to the far end of Princes Green over the past 18 months.

I have also met with landowner of properties in Marsh Road, John Dart to view repairs made to the seawall and to groynes.  Understanding the requirement to retain coastal frontages in Gurnard he has asked to continue closer working with both the IW Council and landowners experiences difficulties concerning erosion and flooding.

Solent Environmental Designations: Marine Conservation Zones.

In January the Maritime Management Organisation designated the Needles region a Maritime Conservation Zone, in light of this I asked Natural England the following:

1.    What restrictions of use are in place within the Needles MCZ, and how do you foresee this will alter marine and maritime activities in the area?

2.    What agency will be responsible for enforcement?

3.    What role, duties and powers are anticipated for local authorities such as the Isle of Wight?

On this, I received the following response:

Dear Cllr. Fuller,

 

Many thanks for your email we received regarding the Needles MCZ.  I hope the following helps to answer your queries.

Due to the Needles MCZ recently being designated Natural England is not aware of any restrictions to activities currently in place in the site. 

Due to the presence of sensitive features such as seagrass beds and subtidal chalk which can be impacted by specific activities it is likely that activities impacting vulnerable features will be have to be managed to prevent significant impacts from occurring.  I am afraid we are not in a position to determine what these management measures would be as that not within NE’s remit.  We are and will be working with partners, through the provision of sound ecological advice, to help relevant authorities in making appropriate management decisions. 

The Marine and Coastal Access Act places duties on relevant authorities to ensure activities they are responsible for do not impact the ‘conservation objectives’ of a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ). Defra and delivery partners, such as the Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (SIFCA), are working together to identify effective fisheries management measures for any new sites within two years of designation for designated sites.

Activities which require a marine licence, such as port developments, renewable energy, oil and gas developments, which are within or in close proximity to an MCZ site, are already managed through the existing marine licensing process. The MCZ assessment process is now embedded in the marine licensing process and the impact on sites of potential new activities are assessed in line with legislative requirements.

Management of activities which do not require a marine licence, such as fishing and recreational activities, are being introduced in a risk-based, phased approach, by relevant regulators (mainly SIFCA and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO)), to ensure the species and habitats most at risk from damaging activities are protected first. In cases where there is a high risk of designated features being damaged in the inshore area, emergency measures may be put in place to ensure the protection of vulnerable habitats and species.

We have published summaries of each site, including the management authorities responsible for regulating them here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/marine-conservation-zone-designations-in-england. 

The relevant authority for protecting intertidal MCZs (on the shore) will vary depending on the activity being managed. For example, if an intertidal feature is vulnerable to damage through trampling then a local authority may need to consider appropriate management measures.

This information may be considered relevant due to consideration of MCZ’s in the Solent, potentially within tranche 3 next year. These areas could include marine locations offshore from Yarmouth to Cowes, offshore Norris to Ryde and offshore at Bembridge which includes Sandown Bay.

Parking.

In Worsley Road, I have received a request from a resident for double yellow lines.  As I have stated previously, I do not support this as firstly this would impact upon the two local shops and secondly it would make parking in adjacent roads especially Albert Road, The Avenue and Solent View Road more difficult. 

What I do ask, to assist is for residents to park tight up to the kerb, to allow wide vehicles to pass.

In Place Road, I’ve received complaints concerning pavement parking.  Following discussions which I have had with residents, I am fully aware of the limited capacity for residents to park. In addition to this the police have advised that on the proviso that wheelchairs, prams and mobility scooters can pass safely on the pavement they will take a pragmatic approach.  

Elsewhere, in addition to the requests for double yellow lines requests for Church Road, Egypt Esplanade, Baring Road and Woodvale Road, I have received a further request for a restriction in Park Road adjacent to the junction with Parklands Avenue.

In light of these requests being made, it would be incredibly helpful to me for residents to let me know of traffic incidents that have occurred in these locations.  

With respect to Church Road, and understanding the limited parking availability, it would be helpful to know if off-road parking exists, whether this could be used by neighbours with a parking shortfall?  This is a matter I am considering should double yellows be the only option.

In the meantime residents have asked me to ask motorists with high sided vehicles to be mindful of neighbours when parking.  This particularly applies to both Church Road and Place Road.

Community Notice Board.  

A local resident has requested that I look into suggesting to Gurnard Parish Council their request for a community notice board for the village.

The purpose of having such a notice board, would allow community groups to add local news items and services that is available.  Throughout the Island there are a number of spaces used whereby residents have the freedom to post and remove items as they see fit.  Although, both Gurnard Stores and the Portland have facilities doing much the same, Do you feel this is an item that would help spread the news locally?  Please let me know your thoughts!

Also this month:

• ·         Park Road was resurfaced!
• ·         Following complaints concerning the non-availability of taxis to pick up red jets, a request has been made to speak to operators to ensure ‘quieter periods’ are covered.
• ·         A request has been made to utility company responsible for digging up driveways and grass verges in Worsley Road to restore these areas to the condition they were in before excavations. 
• ·         New wheelie bins have been chased up with outcomes circulated to Gurnard Pines residents. I’ve supported 27 successful reassessments, with 9 further assessments pending.  I’ve supported individual assessments for Princes Street, received clarification on three unmade roads (Alexandra Road, Blackberry Lane and Hilton Road) and am supporting a handful of Ryde residents requesting support.  
• ·         I joined Bede Townsend , the Chairman of Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan’s Steering Committee at Gurnard’s May Queen Event.
• ·         New Permissive Path signage have been replaced at Rew Street, following this disappearing after Storm Katie.
• ·         The Police have been contacted following the 6ft 6 restriction being breached in Church Road.  In the meantime, I have requested further information from residents.
• ·         I have supported a Planning Application under delegated powers at 77 Park Road, Cowes.
• ·         Following road works at Newport Road, I was notified of vehicles bypassing Medham Farm Lane to access Newport Road via the public footpath and Coronation Avenue in Northwood.  This was brought to my attention following incidents with dog walkers.
• ·         I have intervened in offering support to a resident requesting support for mental health.
• ·         I provided support to Gurnard’s Open Space Group on formulating the groups Action Plan. Further meetings take place this month with Gift to Nature.
• ·         I’ve supported Councillors representing Beach Hut owners in Ryde in building the foundations for what I hope will be a Beach Hut Owners Association.  This Association will take the lead in modernising huts.
• ·         I have met with Worsley Lane residents concerned with neighbouring developments. Subsequent action has been followed up, and I am hoping to address these matters direct with the landowner as a means of potentially fast-tracking a resolution to concerns expressed.   
•  ·         Proposals to develop a new marshalling yard for Red Funnel were rejected by the Planning Committee, the main reason for doing this was concerns over safeguarding the future of marine industries nearby.  Since the refusal, the Council has met with Red Funnel to see whether concerns can be overcome.