Isle of Wight Councillor's Report: December 2017

If you require support please call me on 01983 289595 (24 hrs) or 07 935 090 835 (mobile),
 email paulfulleriw@gmail.com,or write to me at: 74 Wyatts Lane, Cowes.  

Please note that I will be free throughout the Christmas and New Year Holiday period for this year!

Surgeries.

12-12:30pm, Thursday 30^th November, Eegon’s, 72 High Street, Cowes.

10:30-11:30am, Friday 1^st December, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

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

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

10:30-11:30am, Friday 8^th December, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

6-6:30pm, Wednesday 13^th December, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

12-12:30pm, Thursday 14^th December, Eegon’s, 72 High Street, Cowes.

10:30-11:30am, Thursday 4^th January, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

Parklands Avenue.

Work continues to complete the longstanding resurfacing and resconstruction of Parklands Avenue.  Since my last report, acknowledging the disruption caused, Island Roads have agreed to complete resurfacing the entire road, and will shortly commence the section between the former roundabout and the Crossfield Avenue junction.

Island Roads anticipate this work will conclude on 2^nd December…

Cowes Post Office Update.

Following the Post Offices relocation to Mill Hill Road and in light of ongoing pressure, I’m advised consideration has been reignited to locate a counter service in the centre of town.

The Post Office advise: ‘interested parties will need to formally apply for the service and successfully pass our recruitment process. Once this has been completed we would then be in a position to confirm details of a proposal. If you are aware of any interest locally then please feel free to signpost any potential applicants to register their details on our website’: https://runapostoffice.co.uk/home/result/show/high-street-cowes-area-post-office-po31-7

In the meantime, I am supporting an application made by Dave Parkman who opened up the Central Convenience Store in the High Street last month.

Seafront Railing Repairs. 

The railings between Cowes and Gurnard seafront are in the process of being made safe.  Because of the cost and limited funds these repairs are only taking place on the sections that are most needy.  Please note, where metalwork has been replaced with rope, this is only as a temporary measure.

Blackberry Lane.

Following site meetings and ongoing dialogue between myself and the landowner (The IW Council), I am advised the edge of the pavement will be painted.  I have also requested that lighting is improved, and update is given on the future of the crossing point between both sides of Park Road.

Fireworks.

If you plan on having Fireworks during the Christmas and New Year period, please let your neighbours know!! 

Last month, I was inundated by telephone calls before 11pm from pet owners upset by events taking place.  Please note, such events causes considerable distress to pets and their owners.

One event which took place, was a private function to celebrate Diwali at Cowes Enterprise College.  Following complaints being received from neighbours, the College has prohibited future events using fireworks. 

Bonfires.

I continue to receive complaints from residents in Baring Road regarding neighbours bonfires.  Please note, if you are planning to burn your garden waste let your neighbours know first, and be aware of conditions particularly in valleys and dips, where smoke can linger on calm days.

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

Planning Applications.

·         Place Road.  The application for 93 dwellings remains pending. Once I know more, I will let residents know!

·         Watersedge Cafe, Shore Road. Following an event held for residents last month, the application to upgrade the Watersedge Café is also pending.

Father Christmas!!

Father Christmas will be on the Cowes Carnival Float when visiting Cowes this month.  One of his elves has reported that he will be at Aldi’s between 10am-4pm, on Saturday 9^th and Sunday 10^th December.  Between 10:30am and 3pm on Saturday 16^th December (weather permitting) Father Christmas will be in Cowes along the side of Corries Cabin.  (I can barely contain my excitement!) Father Christmas will be there with snow, toys, whilst for £2.00, there is an opportunity to have your photo taken and tell Santa what you want for Christmas!!

Locally, the Float is scheduled to visit Lower Church Road, Solent View Road, Worsley Road, Church Road, The Avenue, Woodvale Road, Place Road and Place Side between 6-8:30pm, Wednesday 13^th December, and Crossfield Avenue, Parklands Avenue, Magdalen Crescent, Churchill Road, Charles Road, Park Road, Victoria Road and Stephenson Road 6-8:30pm, Friday 22^nd December.

In recent years Cowes Carnival has received over 5500 letters to Father Christmas.  Every letter receives a personal reply hand delivered by Christmas Eve. Please ensure child’s name and address is written on the letter so no child is left disappointed by not receiving a reply.   

Parking.

I have been asked to take action following parental parking blocking driveways and obscuring sight lines on the Crossfield Avenue Estate.  If you are collecting children from any of our local schools, please can I ask that residents are mindful of where they park.

Last Christmas Eve, I received a lot of complaints concerning parking in Gurnard.  Please can anybody parking nearby to the Portland Inn, Bucklers View and All Saints Church be mindful of where they leave their car as last year residents from Church Road, Hilton Road and Worsley Road had driveways obstructed!

Heat or Eat?  Support from The Footprint Trust.

The Footprint Trust offers free home visits to look for ways in which to reduce fuel and water costs. In some cases The Footprint Trust can provide new cookers, fridges and washing machines to those in greatest need.  The Trust, and advice offered can save households £100’s. For details please visit: http://www.footprint-trust.co.uk/projects.html or call 01983 822282.

Winter Gritting Routes (Cowes West and Gurnard).

In preparation for frost and snow fall during this winter, please see this year’s winter gritting routes:

Primary Gritting Route: Place Road, Park Road.

Secondary Gritting Route: Tuttons Hill, Worsley Road, Shore Road, Woodvale Road, Baring Road, Ward Avenue, Crossfield Avenue.

Gurnard Parish Council.

The Parish Council still need Councillors. Contact Sue Waters gurnardparishcouncil@gmail.com for details.

Full Council.

Dogs on Beaches

Questions were submitted regarding extending the period for dogs being banned from beaches.

Hersey Nature Reserve

During Questions, residents also aired concerns by proposals to extend Sea View Yacht Club to accommodate boats onto the Alan Hersey Nature Reserve.  From the response provided by the Cabinet Member, I understand no decision has been taken until the environmental, ecological and other planning considerations have been considered.  On this subject, I am opposed to these proposals.

Dark Skies.

I supported proposals which could give the Isle of Wight (particularly, our Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) dark sky status.  This was largely supported by Full Council.

DBS Checks for Isle of Wight Councillors. 

I supported proposals to ensure all IW Councillors receive police checks.

As far as I am concerned, as corporate parents and given contact I have supporting vulnerable residents and attending schools a DBS check should be essential for IW Councillors.  In my opinion, given historic incidents it is important the IW Council demonstrates Councillors can be trusted when coming into contact with others.

I was disappointed to be only one of only 9 councillors to support this motion!!

Trinity Landing.

A maintenance agreement has been made with the Royal London Yacht Club for 50 years. The purpose for this is to ensure a connection from the landing stage to the clubs newly constructed floating pontoon.

This arrangement provides responsibility to the RYLC to maintain and keep clean at all times.  Although access is restricted, the public access is available via the RYLC.

In light of this recent change (which I was not aware of!), I’ve requested signage to be located advising the public of the RYLC’s contact point.

Dog Mess.

Northwood Recreation Ground.

Both Cllr. John Nicholson and I have made representations to Island Roads regarding overfilled dog bins in the Rec.  Subsequently, Island Roads has agreed to empty bins in accordance with the summer schedule (three times weekly, rather than twice). This continues to be monitored by John, myself, Island Roads and our Environment Officer, Sam.

Local Issues.

Dog mess continues to be a problem throughout the ward since the clocks were turned back last month.  Please report incidents to Island Roads, please call 01983 822440 (24 hr helpline) or email: info@islandroads.com.  If there is a persistent problem let me know, and I can and will chase this up! 

Isle of Wight Council Consultations.

Have Your Say On Waste and Recycling.

The annual residents recycling and waste survey is now open and will run to Friday 15^th December 2017 and is an opportunity for householders to put forward suggestions for future improvements or ideas on how the Island can reduce our waste and recycle more. For details please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/IOW_waste_survey_2017

Isle of Wight School Holidays Consultation.

The IW Council wishes to investigate the patterns of term and holiday dates within the school year to ensure they best support learning and outcomes for children, as well as best supporting our education and wider communities in how they organise their home and work life calenders.

Suggestions look into the possibility of reducing the summer holiday, but extending the October and February Half Term holiday.  For details please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/school_holidays. This consultation continues until 12^th January 2018.

Learning Disability Consultation.

A new Learning Disability Strategy is being developed by the IW Council and partners. ‘Living well on the Isle of Wight’ is a plan to support adults with a learning disability.   It is being developed with the Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS Trust, with the help and support of the IW Learning Disability Partnership Group. For details visit: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/learning_disability_strategy. This consultation continues until 12^th January 2018.

Mayoral Report.

On Remembrance Sunday it was an honour to lay the wreath and pay tribute to those involved in conflicts by remembering the role and sacrifices our town and residents has given.  Following the event in Cowes, as ward Councillor I joined Gurnard Parish Council Chairman, Cllr Harrison and a very full All Saints Church in Gurnard.   

With the lovely Rev Poppe I attended a Remembrance commemoration at Cowes Primary School, and returned to an event at the school the following week to celebrate National Roast Dinner Day.

In addition, last month Cowes’ Christmas lights were switched on by Alan Titchmarsh, and I attended a very moving adaptation to commemorate the Blyskawica Bombing during the blitz at Lanes End Primary School.  The Hidden Heroes event, and similar events held at Gurnard Primary, Northwood Primary and Cowes Primary Schools was supported by the IW Literary Festival, Cowes Town Council  and the ORP Blyskawica Society.     

Myself and Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Lora Peacey-Wilcox undertook an appraisal for the Town Clerk and discussed options with the Finance and Acquisitions Committee in setting next year’s precept.  This follows discussion and consideration of maintaining and improving public services and facilities, with the precept being considered by Cowes Town Council at its December Meeting.  Both Lora and I attended the opening of the Morris Barton MUGA in East Cowes following a kind invitation from East Cowes Mayor, Cllr Peter Lloyd.

I would like to place on record my thanks to town councillor colleagues for their ongoing enthusiastic support!

Cowes Medical Centre Update: Who do you go to for help?

As a member of Cowes Medical Centre’s Patients Forum, a number of residents have contacted me concerning the current shortage of doctors.  This continues to be a national problem, and not just focussed locally on the Isle of Wight.  In response, the very hardworking team at the Medical Centre have adapted to these pressures, with patient advisors (previously Receptionists) signposting residents to the most appropriate person to help with care.  In addition, the Medical Centre will shortly be circulating a new booklet to residents in our area. In the meantime, this guidance below features in the booklet signposting residents to the correct person:  

·         Common ailments including: cough, cold, vomiting, eye infections, teething, migraine, hayfever, insect bites and stings, ear ache, fever athete’s foot.  Contact your pharmacy first for advice.

·         Less complex medical needs including: urine infection, rash, in-growing toe nails, stomach aches & pains, fainting, throat infections, chest infections.  See an Advanced Nurse Practitioner.  Tel: 01983 295251

·         Children who are unwell.  See the paediatric specialist Advanced Nurse Practitioner Tel: 01983 295251

·         Health & Long Term Conditions Monitoring including: blood pressure, height, weight, asthma, diabetes, smears, birth control etc. See a Practice Nurse or Health Care Assistant. Tel: 01983 295251

·         Wounds & Ear Syringing including: suture removal, dressings, leg ulcer clinics, ear syringing. See a Practice Nurse or Health Care Assistant in our treatment room. Tel: 01983 295251.

·         Immunisations & Travel injections:  See a Practice Nurse or Health Care Assistant. Tel: 01983 295251.

·         Medication changes and reviews: Speak to our Prescription Clerks who will help, or can direct you to the appropriate person if needed. Tel: 01983 295251.

·         House bound patients including: most blood samples, wound dressing, ear syringing, dopplers. Contact District Nurse Team. Tel: 01983 534323 (Part of the Hospital Trust)

·         Administration & Process including: Results, sick notes, referral status updates, blood forms, copy records, letters, new patients registrations. Speak to Patients Advisors first.

·         Mouth, Gum & Dental problems including: referrals/ pain relief. Contact your Dentist first then call NHS 111.

·         On discharge from Hospital make sure you have been given your results, urgent prescriptions, sick note etc before you leave.  Contact St Mary’s on 01983 524081.

·         Practical Support including: mobility concerns, respite care for carer and patient. Contact: Adult Social Care. Tel:  01983 814980 or Age UK Care Navigator Tel: 01983 525282.

·         Mental Health including: Assessments, low mood, anxiety and bereavement. See a Locum or GP Tel: 01983 295251, or visit bigwhitewall.com (16-24 year olds)

·         Prescription Requests: Must be in writing, or on-line via your patient record.  Ask a Patient Advisor about registering for on-line services. 

Also this month.

Lloyds Bank contacted me concerning their preference to relocate their mobile bank to St Mary’s Road Car Park. In response, the IW Council has highlighted that parking in the Town Centre is at a premium, and unlike Fort Street Car Park in Sandown, there is limited capacity for the Bank to relocate.  In the meantime, I will monitor the situation and if appropriate offer support.

A new bin has been requested on the footway linking Cross Street to Terminus Road.  This follows the original disappearing prior to Marks & Spencers being refitted.

I attended a site visit with Sue the Parish Clerk for Gurnard and officers from Island Roads.  The purpose of the meeting was to look into improving access for the mobility impaired. Disabled parking (on Princes Esplanade and Queens Road), access to Gurnard Green from the sea wall and access to/from the bus stop in Egypt Hill were all issues highlighted in recent audits.

I attended a site visit with residents who highlighted to me hazards for pedestrians crossing the Roundhouse junction from/to Place Road.

I attended two events linked with Regeneration in the last few weeks, the first was to the IW Association of Local Councils and the other was a workshop for the Cowes Area.  One of the issues that I have picked up is that the west side of the Medina and the east side are being treated as separate regeneration areas.  This has resulted in Newport being split in half, and Cowes and East Cowes being separated despite what both towns have in common.

Following concerns raised with respect to the ethicacy of some of investments within the IW Council’s Pensions Scheme, I have forwarded concerns expressed.  In summary, I am reassured that questions raised will be considered by a review due to take place next year.  The full response features below:

The Isle of Wight Council, is administering authority for the Isle of Wight Pension Fund, part of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

At 31 March 2017, there were over 15,000 members of the pension fund (currently employed, formerly employed but not retired, and retired). Those 15,000 members come from 30 separate island employers, in addition to the Council.

The Council invests the contributions from employees and the employer, which make up the total employees' pension entitlement, on behalf of its members.  They are not investments of and for the Council, rather they are investments of the members in order to provide for their future pension.

The primary objective of the Fund is to provide pension and lump sum benefits for members on their retirement and/or benefits on death, before or after retirement, for their dependants, on a defined benefits basis. Pensions and benefits will be met by contributions, asset returns and income.

The Pension Fund has a fiduciary duty is to ensure it has sufficient funds available to pay pensions. In light of that obligation, and in order to maximise investment return, the Fund has a diverse range of investments and does not restrict investment managers from choosing certain stocks including oil/gas/coal companies as well as renewable energy opportunities.

In the year ended 31 March 2017, over £20 million was paid out in pension benefits.

As at 31 March 2017, the Pension Fund had a total investment asset portfolio of £559.6 million, which is invested through four investment managers, in accordance with its published Investment Strategy Statement. The total amount invested in fossil fuels was approximately £27 million (4.8% of the fund)

At 30 September 2017, total assets were £574.2 million, of which fossil fuels were approximately £26 million (4.5%)

The Fund’s current Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) policy, included within the Investment Strategy Statement, is to delegate to Investment Managers to act within their own published ESG guidelines. This is monitored periodically by the pension fund committee.

The Committee’s work plan for the next 12 months includes a review of its Environmental, Social and Governance policy, including a comparison against the UK Stewardship Code and draft guidance on Responsible Investment from the National LGPS Scheme Advisory Board.

My very best wishes to all residents for a joyful and peaceful Christmas and New Year!

IW Councillors Report November 2017

Surgeries.

10:30-11:30am, Friday 3^rd November, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

6-6:30pm, Wednesday 8^th November, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 15^th November, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

11:45-12:15pm, Wednesday 22^nd November, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

6-6:30pm, Wednesday 29^th November, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

12-12:30pm, Thursday 30^th November, Eegon’s, 72 High Street, Cowes.

10:30-11:30am, Friday 1^st December, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

Place Road: Update Second Phase.

Following a letterdrop which took place to about 150 properties in Tuttons Hill, Baring Road, Place Road, Place Side Highfield Road and Broadfields Avenue about 20 residents attended the drop-in pre-application session for the second (final) phase for this development.

Issues that were discussed included affordability, boundary treatments and destiny. 

There was some apprehension from residents concerning the increase in numbers, however there seemed to be a consensus from those residents who did attend that with he improved layout of 92 dwellings seemed preferable to the 86 approved.  Another (non-planning) issue relayed, was concerns over the ‘affordable’ housing element being outlined as rented accommodation.  However, residents seemed reassured housing would be prioritised to those with a local connection. 

According to the Agent, the developer hoped to submit the new application with revisions this month.  Once this is submitted, I will update my report with timescales.

Parklands Avenue.

Delays reopening Parklands Avenue has continued, initially following Southern Water needing to replace connecting ‘conn’ pipes in the road which became damaged following reconstruction works last month.  

This is as a consequence of funding for utility mains not being aligned to the PFI contract.  Similar issues have occurred elsewhere, most notably in Shore Road when the companies were not in a financial position to upgrade what they deemed adequate infrastructure.

Further delays also occurred following the replaced road surface material showing signs of failure, needing to be replaced.  Island Roads (in a letter circulated to residents) anticipates this work will take three weeks, and the road will reopen around 22^nd November.   In the meantime, I would like to express my appreciation to residents for their patience, and trust these extended works will be worth the wait!      

IW Council Call Centre.

The IW Council’s Scrutiny Committee received an update regarding progress following complaints last year, and earlier this year on response times.

Following increasing the call centre advisors in the past year, to 23 Full Time Equivalent members of staff, improving the on-line interface and reducing demand waiting times fell by around 1/3^rd from 364 seconds in July 2016 to 254 seconds in July 2017.

It is worth noting that there are spikes in calls, particularly when Council Tax is issued, or when there are changes to waste collections on both these matters, demand has fallen.  The average waiting time in August was 173 seconds.

In response to specialist call centre operators, there are ‘silver lines’ which the IW Council operates, these are:

Adult First Response and Safeguarding Adult Social Care Council Tax Housing Housing Benefit Parking Services Waste Service

814980 823340 823901 823040 823950 823714 823777

Cowes Medical Centre.

Cowes Medical Centre continues to hold drop-in sessions for residents requiring flu jabs.  The next scheduled date is 1-3pm, Tuesday 7^th November.  These tend to continue throughout October and this month, and once I am aware of future dates, I will publicise these.

In the meantime, I am ever so grateful to those residents who have contacted me with respect to joining the Centre’s Patients Forum.  I know of the five residents that approached me to join, one person (the first!) was appointed.

The next meeting is scheduled for November, please let me know if there is anything you wish me to feedback!

Abandoned Cars.

The abandoned vehicles in Cliff Road and Mornington Road has for the timebeing been resolved. It is assumed that there may be as many as two residents (one living locally) that continues to leave vehicles on the highway, as part of an unlicensed business

Have Your Say On Waste and Recycling.

The annual residents recycling and waste survey is now open and will run to Friday 15 December 2017 and is an opportunity for householders to put forward suggestions for future improvements or ideas on how the Island can reduce our waste and recycle more.  For details please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/IOW_waste_survey_2017

Southern Water Conference.

Following the above, last month was not a good month for Southern Water.  Following Parklands Avenue, there were further incidents that occurred following increased pressure on water mains.  This resulted in four burst mains including those in Watch House Lane, York Street and Mill Hill Road.   This is an issue that I know has been addressed by all four IW Councillors for Cowes.

Coinciding with this unforeseen disruption, both Cllr Peacey-Wilcox and I had volunteered to attend a workshop which was set up to liaise on Southern Water’s Plan.  Fortunately, both Lora and I shared a table with the local manager for the Island, Keith Herbert who continues to be proactive and receptive to the needs of residents.

It was interesting to note that beneath a fairly slick regionally focused and self-congratulatory event, there were a number of issues that required further scrutiny.  This included penalties that had been levied against the company for its performance relating to customers and developers (which in my opinion was played down, and not really responded to).

During the event, I raised concerns over Southern Waters local interaction and engagement. In response although events took place with some local schools, none are scheduled to take place this year. One other issue raised loud and clearly was Southern Water’s ability to repair leaks.  This was a priority for attendees.

English Coastal Path 

Natural England are hosting drop-in sessions for coastal landowners & tenants with grazing rights. These take place:

3-7pm, Thursday 9 November Community Hall of Yarmouth & District, St James St., Yarmouth PO41 0NU

3-7pm, Thursday 16^th November at Newport Parish Centre, Town Lane, Newport PO30 1JU

6-8pm, Friday 17^th November at Scout Hall, North Street, Brighstone. PO30 4AX.

6-8pm, Wednesday 22 November at Isle of Wight Studio School, Grange Road, East Cowes, PO32 6EA

Full Council.

The purpose for last month’s ‘Extraordinary’ Meeting was to agree the IW Council’s Corporate Plan.

This Plan defines the new administrations priorities for the current term, and very closely mirrored the Council’s Conservative led administration’s Manifesto Commitments.  Although, I was mindful of supporting most of the objectives included, I raised concerns on three aspects of the Plan.  These being:

1.    The removal of raising educational standards as a corporate priority.

2.    The removal of safeguarding vulnerable adults as a corporate priority.

3.    The inclusion of party political references within the context of the document.

For this reason, I was very reluctantly one of 10 Councillors that did not support the Plan. (4 Councillors abstained, whilst 21 supported adoption).

Although there are policies within the proposals that do focus on Education and Adult Safeguarding, I felt very strongly that these should have been corporate policies which underpin the IW Council’s Plan.  Particularly given, the level of savings required for the coming years and having the knowledge that policies which are not corporate priorities have often fallen by the wayside…

The six corporate priorities are as follows:

·         Creating opportunities for all	·         Delivering economic growth and prosperity	·         Preserving our environment
·         Planning for our future needs	·         Providing sound financial management	·         Protecting our community

Full details can be found: www.iwight.com/Meetings/committees/mod-council/18-10-17/agenda.pdf?%20636444423765406862

Solent Forum.

I attended a meeting of the Solent Forum and was updated on the following:

·      Due to ‘Brexit uncertainty’, Tranche 3 of the designations for Marine Conservation Zones is delayed until 2019.

·         Initial positive signs on the restoration of oysters at three sites on the Solent.

·         I received an update on Marine Aggregates, and received safeguards on seabed recovery following extractions of aggregates from the seabed.  Concerns were raised regarding housing pressures upon wharfs.

·         An update was provided on conserving HMS Victory, and works underway to slow down the 5mm annual degradation of the ship.  It was noted that the life of the Victory was considered not needing to exceed 50 years.!

·         I discovered 87% of bananas entered the UK from Portsmouth Harbour!

·         An update was provided on works taking place on Portsmouth Harbour to accommodate HMS Queen Elizabeth. Dredging ‘straight’ channels, the installation of navigation aids and discovery of mines were discussed.

·         The Marine Management Organisation provided an interesting insight on its position issuing licenses for works.  Due to the local interest of this an officer has offered to speak to a future meeting of Gurnard Parish Council.

·         An update was given on research underway concerning Microplastics in the Solent, and the impact these are having upon the marine food chain.   

·         A representative from Natural England was unsuccessful in getting attendees excited by mud. 

Fireworks.

Most years, I am asked a number of questions concerning Fireworks.  As a code to good practice, if you are having a Firework, please let your neighbours know as some pets (and residents!) can be petrified by fireworks!

Lifted from the Ask the Police website (visit: www.askthe.police.uk), I have retrieved the following information:

It is an offence to:

§  possess adult fireworks (all fireworks except party poppers and sparklers) in a public place by anyone under the age of 18;

§  possess category 4 fireworks (professional display fireworks) by anyone other than a fireworks professional;

§  it is illegal to supply adult fireworks to those under 18;

§  throw or cast or fire any firework in or into any highway, street, thoroughfare or public space (this would include throwing or firing from a private place into a public place, street, highway etc);

§  to discharge any firearm or firework (without lawful authority or excuse) within 50 feet of the centre of a highway which consists of or comprises a carriageway.

There is a curfew on the use of adult fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on:

·         Bonfire night (when the curfew is between 12midnight and 7am);

·         New Years Eve (when the curfew is between 1am and 7am);

·         Chinese New Year (when the curfew is between 1am and 7am);

·         Diwali night (16-23^rd October 2017 when the curfew is between 1am and 7am).

The penalties for using fireworks outside the hours of 7am and 11pm are imprisonment (maximum 6 months) and a substantial fine. Please note, you could also commit offences if they were being used to cause a nuisance.

Island Roads...Nearly Five Years On.  What exactly do they do?

In April 2013, in partnership with the IW Council who oversees the contract) Island Roads took over managing, upgrading and maintaining the Island’s highway network. This has resulted in the current programme to use additional government and private funding to improve roads, pavements, town footpaths and cycleways as well as replacing street lighting, undertaking street cleansing (including dog poo & dead animal removal!) and winter gritting.

Island Roads are also responsible for maintaining bridges, drainage, CCTV, car parks and street furniture. This includes litter bins, signage, seating, bus shelters and ongoing maintenance until 2038.

If you see any issue regarding the above, please let me know or call Island Roads 24 hr helpline on 01983 822440.  

Mayors Report.

I’ve attended a Cowes Business Association networking event, and a meeting of Cowes Shoreside Committee.  This follows attending a meeting with Councillors who expressed concern over next years Cowes Week event, and how involved Cowes Town Council and the wider community will be involved in shaping and supporting the 2018 event.

Although the next meeting does not take place until Spring, I’m anxious to raise the presence of our Town Council and ensure the Council is kept appraised of matters.

During October, the latest Cowes Town Council newsletter was circulated to Cowes residents.  Please let me know if you have not received yours. 

In this report, residents are being asked for their views on next years precept, and whether the Council is spending your money in the best way it can!  Please note this is YOUR local Town Council, and YOUR representatives need to know your views on where your money is spent!!  Again on this, please let me know your views.

Also this month:

·         Long overdue congratulations to Community Bus Driver, John Berry and Gurnard Village Hall Association Chairman, Carolyn Sibley for receiving Age Friendly Contribution to the Community recognition!

·         Work has commenced on the treatment of Japanese Knotweed.  I have spoken to landowners, residents and experts and understand that a course of treatment has been agreed by parties concerned..

·         Residents from Glen Place have purchased street nameplates, this follows a stalemate between the developer and Island Roads on who should pay for these works… 

·         A Planning Application was approved and signed off in Albert Road. Although concerns were raised from neighbours regarding privacy the Planning Officer agreed to impose a condition which reflects views expressed.

·         A renewed application has been submitted at another plot in Albert Road, which proved to be controversial when advertised earlier this year.  The new application, has scaled down the height and seems more in keeping.

·         A request was followed up regarding the blocking by parked cars of junctions to Westbrook Lane and Glen Place in Worsley Road.

·         Gurnard and Northwood Parish Council’s still require Parish Councillors.  If interested please let Sue Waters know at: gurnardparishcouncil@gmail.com

·         Planning Enforcement Officers are undertaking a number of investigations currently.  These include several matters in Cockleton Lane.

·         (Again!) It has been necessary for me to contact the Planning Department following complaints received over security lighting at The Range, which is adversely impacting households nearby.

·         The most weathered of the seaward railings on Cowes and Gurnard are currently being repaired. The repairs taking place are to ensure the damaged railings are health and safety compliant.

·         I initiated a meeting taking place between the Footprint Trust and the Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Cllr Clare Mosdell.  This will be followed up by the Cabinet Member joining the Trust on one or two home visits.

·         I am supporting a resident getting a nearby belisha beacon obscured.

·         Rock Armour (licensed by the MMO) has been located in Cooks Bay and is being monitored by officer.

·         I have been asked to take action following parental parking blocking driveways and obscuring sight lines on the Crossfield Avenue Estate.  If you are collecting children from Cowes Primary School or Cowes Enterprise College, please can I ask that residents are mindful of where they park.

·         I continue to await a response on timescales for the new pedestrian refuge in Place Road opposite The Range. This is being chased up by Planning Officers!

·         I understand that proposals are nearing a conclusion for a development in Queens Road, which may adversely impact upon residents in Marine View Close.  Following involvement of Planning Consultants, I have requested a construction management plan ensuring access for local residents remain safeguarded throughout works.

·         Following Planners deciding not to consider allocating Shore Road a Conservation Area in its own right, with local residents, I am exploring the potential of an Article Four Direction.  Such a direction could restrict Permitted Development Rights..