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!