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..