IW Councillor's Report December

Surgeries:

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 4^th December, Cowes Library, 12-14 Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 4^th December, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

10:30-11am, Friday 7^th December, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

6-6:30pm, Wednesday 12^th December, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

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

[Please note I can be contacted by telephone 24hrs during the Christmas and New Year holidays!]   

Christmas!!

My very best wishes that all residents have a fun filled and safe Christmas and a peaceful New Year. 

For me, this has been a really challenging year, and I am so appreciative of the very kind words, the patience and support that I have received following my illness during the summer.  Thank you!!

Father Christmas.

Father Christmas will again be supporting the lovely organisers from Cowes Carnival (Weather Permitting!)

This year he is supporting the Cowes Business Association 4-7pm on Thursday 29^th November, Thursday 6^th December and Thursday 13^th December supporting late night shopping at The Cut in Cowes.

From 10am-4pm, Saturday 15^th, and Sunday 16^th December Father Christmas and his float will be at Aldi off Three Gates Road, Cowes.

In preparation for Christmas from 10am-4pm, Saturday 22^nd December, Father Christmas and his float will be at Corries Cabin Fish and Chip Shop sampling the battered pickles/ turkey burger? On this day children can visit Father Christmas and get a toy for £2.

Throughout Christmas Father Christmas will be collecting letters.  Over the many years Cowes Carnival has supported this event, the elves have received over 6,000 letters.  All receive a reply, but Father Christmas asks that names and addresses are clear on letters!

Father Christmas and his elves will be calling at:

6-8:30pm, Wednesday 12^th December at: Lower Church Road, Solent View Road, Worsley Road, Church Road, Hilton Road, The Avenue, Woodvale Road, Place Road, Place Side.

6-8:30pm, Friday 14^th December at: Nodes Road, Pallance Road, Wyatts Lane, Uplands Road, Fieldway Crescent, Venner Avenue, Oxford Street, Medham Village.

6-8:30pm, Monday 17^th December at: Mill Hill Road, Moorgreen Road, Bellevue Road, Gordon Road, Beckford Road, West Hill Road, Seaview Road, York Street.

6-8:30pm, Wednesday 19^th December at: Newport Road, Arctic Road, Shamblers Road, Arnold Road, St Faiths Road, Ash Grove, Elm Grove, Love Lane.

6-8:30pm, Friday 21^st December at: Crossfield Avenue, Parklands Avenue, Magdalen Crescent, Churchill Road, Edinburgh Close, Charles Road, Park Road, Victoria Road, Stephenson Road.

Winter Gritting Routes.

Now winter is fast approaching, I can confirm the winter gritting route for our area is: Baring Road, Crossfield Avenue, Park Road, Ward Avenue in Cowes West, and Shore Road, Tuttons Hill, Worsley Road

and Woodvale Road in Gurnard. Details can be found at: www.islandroads.com/27-winter-service-.html

In the meantime, I have requested that culverts are cleared of leaves to ensure water can flow freely beneath certain roads preventing the onset of black ice during this winter.

Island Plan Consultation.

I’m advised that the consultation for the amended Island Plan (The planning bible for new developments) will commence from 30 November for eight weeks. Please visit:  www.iow.gov.uk/consultations/ for details.

Waste Consultation.

The IW Council are consulting on its waste and recycling service.  This is an important consultation insofar as feedback received will help define what proposals are defined within next year’s Budget.

This consultation can be found at:  https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/9Z5GBTY and continues until 4 January 2019.

Seafront Railings.

The corrosion of the railings on the seafront between Cowes and Gurnard, is of concern to the IW Council following complaints raised last year. This is an issue locally given how close the railings are to the sea.

Because the estimated figure of replacement is so high the IW Council are not financially in a position to replace the railings.

The IW Council tells me, the railings are ornamental and serves limited health and safety purpose given these are elevated higher than the pavement and road.  Although discussions have taken place with Cowes Town and Gurnard Parish Councils, who previously considered the cost is high when compared to any ‘community’ gain for residents. For this reason other options are being considered.

These include:

·         replacing the metal rails (Cost:  Approx. £150,000)

·         using polyurethane posts and chains (Cost: Approx. £88,000)

·         removal of railings. To note: Sandown does not have continuous railings  (Costs: Approx. £50,000)

Another option is seeking sponsors to fund replacements, or even introducing parking charges on the seafront specifically to fund the replacement of the railings…  Please let me know your views!

Planning: Old Bakehouse Planning Application, Gurnard.

Following local interest, and an objection from Gurnard Parish Council proposals to develop behind the Portland and the Bakehouse in Worsley Road is likely to be approved.

Of concern, was the access from Tuttons Hill and the impact that this would have upon the Jordan Valley Green Gap.  Following these concerns, the Planners have agreed to condition plans to screen the access road, and ensure the road maintains the existing green characteristics over the area.

In addition, the application has been reduced in scale to lessen the visual impact the proposal will have from across the valley.  Planners consider that proposals are in accordance with the Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan.

Gurnard Pines, Residents Event.

Many thanks to the 70 people that supported the residents event at Gurnard Pines.

Although the primary aim of the event was to signpost residents to receiving support, the main concern relating to the ongoing concerns that the Gurnard Pines community have with electricity and water charges, I hope can also be addressed in the longer term.

My thanks also to the Footprint Trust, the NHS Integrated Locality Services, Citizens Advice, Jigsaw and Amey for attending, and to Gurnard Parish Council for the Cuppa and Cakes provided!

Bins.

In the meantime, Amey and the IW Council have advised that wheelie bins being used on site in some cases need to be replaced with the proper receptacles.  Unless bins are marked with the Amey/ IW Council logos there is no requirement for Amey to collect waste for recycling. 

At the Event, officers advised that time will be provided to ensure the correct receptacles are in place.  For further details please let me know, or contact the IW Council direct on 823777.

New County Hall ‘Isle Help’ Centre. 

I have received feedback from residents on the new Help Centre that the IW Council has created at County Hall, although the cost (£214,000) on the face of it seems expensive, it will mean that the IW Council, Citizens Advice, Age UK and the Hearing Loss charity can be based in a central community hub, rather than the Council and connected charities being required to pay rental costs elsewhere.   

Debt Advice.

For support contact Citizens Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/help-with-debt/, or call the CAB’s Adviceline on 0300 330 1313.  Alternatively, you can also contact the National Debt Line at: https://www.nationaldebtline.org or by calling 0808 808 4000. 

 

Parking.

With Christmas approaching and yuletide events taking place, please, please, please can I ask residents to be considerate when parking.

In recent months pressure has been put to request additional parking restrictions and increased enforcement- particularly in Worsley Road, Gurnard. If you are parking, can I please appeal that motorists park hard against the pavement allowing both the bus and heavy goods vehicles to pass freely. In addition, can I suggest that when parking where roads are narrow, motorists avoid parking directly opposite stationary vehicles, and of course please ensure that access to driveways are not obstructed!

Seafront Cycling.

A very big Thank you to the residents who contacted me regarding seafront cycling.

Following feedback received to date, 10 residents supported restricting cyclists from using the pavement, whilst 3 residents felt cycling on the pavement should be allowed.

That said, some residents supporting cycling acknowledged anti-social cyclists travelling at excessive speed on the pavement.  Adversely, many opposed to cycling felt that it was appropriate that families with children should be allowed to use the pavement providing this was done with common sense giving pedestrians priority.  

This will be discussed at Gurnard Parish Council’s meeting being held on Wednesday 12^th December.

Parking Part II.

The blue badged vehicle in Baring Road has returned to parking on double yellow lines.  On this, I have received a complaint that it is perceived that this resident is ‘abusing’ the scheme by using the blue badge criteria to park outside their property rather than on their driveway where parking is available.

In addition, I have requested from both the Environment Officer and Parking Services that action is taken concerning a parked vehicle recently vandalised in Hilton Road.  Parking Services have advised that the vehicle has not been abandoned and was recently insured. However, I continue to persevere on this. 

Highways Matters.

·         Park Road Crossing.

I have received confirmation from the Isle of Wight Council that funds are now not available to support a permanent crossing adjacent to Parklands in Park Road.  This is an issue that both myself and Cllr Paul Bertie, Councillor for Cowes North as well as Cowes Primary School are concerned about.

Despite the potential to lose parking capacity between the junctions of Victoria Road and Princes Street, Paul and I are seeking opportunities to retain the lolly pop crossing, which is considered the safest option for children.  A request for the £3,000-4,000 has been made to officers, the council’s leadership and for developers contributions to fund the patrol beyond next summer.

·         Traffic Orders.

I continue to voice concerns to the Isle of Wight Council following delays implementing the new traffic orders for Cowes. Officers advise me, that proposals advertised earlier this year are still awaiting to be processed.  This is of particular concern given the long overdue need for orders to be implemented outside both Gurnard Primary School and in Crossfield Avenue where extra parking can be freed up.

Network Integrity Register.

Over the past five years the IW Council and Island Roads have received hundreds of requests from residents for highway improvements etc.  In response, both Gurnard Parish Council and Cowes Town Council have been asked to prioritise those which Councillors consider to have highest priority (in no order) with respect to safety.

In Gurnard these were shortlisted to:

·         Marsh Road: Reconfiguration of double yellow lines.

·         Worsley Road: Limited Parking and Improved mobility access to shops.

·         Woodvale Road: Bollards and enhanced restrictions to protect grass verge from parked vehicles.

·         Princes Esplanade: Improved mobility access.

In Cowes these were shortlisted to:

·         Place Road: Bus Shelters and improved access and speed restrictions adjacent to The Range.

·         Tennyson Road/ Stanley Road/ Fraser Close/ Shamblers Road: Parking issues/ restrictions?

·         Victoria Road/ Mill Hill Road junction: Junction safety measures.

·         Queens Road: Improved mobility access

·         Park Road: Improved mobility access to public transport between Parklands Avenue & Community Club

·         Baring Road: Parking issues/ restrictions between Ward Avenue and Castle Hill

·         Park Road: Retention of road crossing patrol during term times.

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 call 01983 822282 or visit: http://www.footprint-trust.co.uk/projects.html.

Last year the Footprint Trust supported 2372 people, and identified £107,248 of Annual energy savings for residents.  The Footprint Trust undertook 205 Home visits, visiting 521 people.

Town and Parish Council vacancies.

·         Cowes.

Interviews take place to fill the vacancy through co-option for the Cowes West ward this month.  Many thanks to all five residents who expressed an interest in joining Cowes Town Council. Your support is appreciated!

·         Gurnard.

I wish to place on record my grateful appreciation to Councillors, Sean Harrison, Ginnie Orrey and Cheryl Vaughan, who for various personal reasons resigned as Gurnard Parish Councillors last month.  Though rewarding, at times being a local councillor can be both a thankless and challenging role for the volunteers who become involved serving their communities. Thank you to Ginnie, Sean and Cheryl for their ongoing support!

For information concerning the three vacancies please contact: gurnardparishcouncil@gmail.com

In addition, Parish Clerk Sue Waters has also resigned from Gurnard Parish Council.  In the past few years, Sue has proved to be a tenacious tower of strength for the village and I would like to thank Sue for her time, dedication and commitment given to Gurnard over the past few years.  Thank you, Sue you will be missed!!

In the meantime, Chale’s Clerk, Katie Riley (who lives locally!) will be stepping in as locum clerk for Gurnard.

Full Council.

Full Council unanimously supported reconsidering proposals for parking charges in Ryde, regeneration of Newport Harbour, support for public houses and challenges faced by services personnel and veterans.

I supported increasing Council Tax support for claimants (often working families) from 70-80%.  To me this, is more relevant following the introduction of Universal Tax Credit and its impact upon those on low incomes and private landlords. 

I also supported the two motions being considered at Full Council providing help for students (through the Red Box and other initiatives) requiring free access to sanitary products at school.

Mayors Report.

This month I have undertaken the following:

• ·         Attended Remembrance Services and have laid wreaths at St Mary’s Church (and on behalf of the IW Council) at All Saints Church.  The Cowes service was followed by taking the salute at Cowes Parade and attending a function with the British Legion.
• ·         With Cllr Jean Bartrum, I met with Jigsaw an organisation set up to support those affected by family separation.
• ·         Met with IW Council officers and representatives from Gurnard Parish to discuss future proposals to replace seafront railings.
• ·         With Cllr Jean Bartrum attended the Cowes Mobility Forum meeting.
• ·         Supported the Footprint Trust’s Monergy drop-in for residents at Cowes Library.
• ·         With Cllr Ellis, I met with officers of the Cowes Shoreside Committee, and discussed action points for Cowes Week 2019.  Very relevant at the meeting was the Committees desire to develop and build upon ensuring the single use of plastics is reduced and recycling improved.  In addition discussions took place to improve better public transport, better signage to venues and improved policing of access to deliveries in town.
• ·         With Councillors we met with Acting Sgt. Justin Pringle.  Items discussed included drugs, domestic abuse, work with schools, speedwatch and the need by the police to prioritise resources.
• ·         With Cllr. Taylor, Cllr Bartrum and Cllr Bartrum I attended the switch on of the Christmas Lights by Queen Victoria.  Thank you so much to Mark and Ben Board for stepping in with a Rolls Royce at such very short notice, and thank you to Lynn, Bob Hammond and our Cowes Carnival Royalty for providing a fantastic atmosphere to this event!
• ·         Conversations are ongoing with Shanklin’s Cllr Jon Gilbey regarding public toilet refurbishment. (Similar discussions are taking place with Gurnard Parish Council).
• ·         At the moment, the Finance Committee are considering freezing next year’s Town Council precept.  This follows last years increase.
• ·         Cllr Taylor, Cllr Oliver, Cllr Bartrum, Cllr Bartrum and I attended the Cowes Foodbank in Love Lane.  The Foodbank has requested where possible pudding donations… Please note that the Foodbank also receives toilet paper, sanitary items and clothing.  Hannah King the Foodbank Manager, has also highlighted the need for the Foodbank to receive dry products. 
• ·         Myself and Cllr Peacey-Wilcox attended the Big Lunch Presentation at Northwood House, where good causes were supported (The Cowes Foodbank and Cowes Classic Boat Museum).
• ·         Cllr Peacey-Wilcox and I attended an event held by the Cowes Sea Cadets, and provided an insight to some of the activities pursued by this fantastic organisation.    
• ·         I attended and helped to man (too briefly) Cowes Town Council’s stall at Cowes Yacht Haven during the haven’s Annual Christmas Event.  Thank you so much to Cllrs Brown, Bustin, Peacey-Wilcox and Taylor and Assistant Clerk, Kate Gibbs for giving up their time throughout the weekend!
•   ·   With Cllr Bertie and Cllr Peacey-Wilcox a meeting was held with Island Roads and the IW Council to discuss the future of the Park Road Crossing, Cowes Traffic Orders, increasing parking availability, regulation, enforcement of vehicular traffic (including bicycles!) in Cowes High Street and concerns on emergency utility repairs.
• ·      At the meeting with Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils which I attended concerns were expressed concerning proposals to withdraw Local Area Co-Ordinators who support residents with health and social needs.  In addition positive updates were given on  the withdrawal of business rates for (some) public toilets, the Dark Skies Park for the SW corner of the Island, the involvement and inclusion of IWALC within the Planning Committee and the take up and positive feedback to training.  At the meeting, I suggested (and was supported) that IWALC should request more of an input within the IW Council’s Scrutiny Committees.  

Also this month:

• ·         Confirmation has been provided through the Planning Department that the Public Slipway in East Cowes will be retained. Should it be necessary to restrict any use Red Funnel have been advised a new slipway should be provided through conditions.
• ·         I have provided signposting and support for residents with housing needs in Arctic Road, Sun Hill and at Gurnard Pines.
• ·         I have taken forward a residents complaint concerning the delayed process of a planning application.
• ·         I have forwarded a request made to reinstate cast lions on Cowes Parade.
• ·         A tripping hazard has been addressed in Baring Road.
• ·         I have signposted two residents to the police following complaints of missiles (golf balls and eggs) being thrown.
• ·         Fears were expressed regarding the prospect of bonfires at Meadow View.  These were allayed when the resident was advised that the developer had no intention of lighting wood on site.
• ·         A received a complaint concerning lighting at Cowes Yacht Haven.  This has been referred to Environmental Health.
• ·         Flytipping has been reported and is being monitored at Pond Green, Lower Church Road, Gurnard.
• ·         Overfilled dog bins at Northwood Recreation Ground has been reported to Island Roads. Like the above this is being monitored by Samantha our Environment officer.
• ·         A complaint has been made concerning the perceived volume of vehicles from the Somerton Industrial Estate using the Park and Ride and reducing the capacity for residents to travel to the mainland.
• ·         I’ve been approached by Businesses expressing concerns over the discontinuation of parking permits.
• ·         I have received complaints concerning adverts being placed at the Four Cross junction and have asked the IW Council (who owns this land) to remove these.
• ·         In the last month I have undertaken Licensing Training and with Gurnard Parish Council took ‘Being a Good Councillor’ Training…

IW Councillor's Report: November 2018

Surgeries.

10:30-11am, Friday 2^nd November, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 6^th November, Cowes Library, 12-14 Beckford Road, Cowes.

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

11:45-12:15pm, Wednesday 14^th  November, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

2-4pm, Thursday 15^th November, Residents Event, Gurnard Pines Café, Cockleton Lane, Gurnard.

10:30-11:30am, Thursday 22 November, Coffee & Chat,  All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.

12-12:30pm, Thursday 29^th November, Eegon’s Café, 72 High Street, Cowes.

Highways Meeting.

There are a large number of outstanding highways related matters that continues to frustrate me!

This includes the implementation of Traffic Orders, Resurfacing priorities and Highway Schemes that continue to stall due to ‘resource’ difficulties within the district.

In order to bring these matters to a head, all four Isle of Wight Councillors for Cowes are due to meet with officers from both Island Roads and the Isle of Wight Council who manages the PFI contract in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, I have reported depressions in the road (Wyatts Lane), Split newly resurfaced roads (Hillis Gate Road), Tripping hazards (Baring Road), Shortage of lighting columns (Albert Road), overgrown hedges (Rew Street), Dog Fouling (Park Road/ Parklands Avenue and Northwood Recreation Ground).

Place Road.

I have met on site with Island Roads, residents and Cllr Nicholson following a second traffic collision occurring to one residents vehicle in Place Road opposite the junction to the new Meadow View development.

It is hoped there will be no further incidents following the resident finding an alternative location to park their vehicle.    

Japanese Knotweed removal, Land adjacent to Dottens Farm.

Work has commenced off Baring Road, this is as part of the programme to remove Japanese Knotweed.  I am advised the site owners have no intention to commence development ahead of the planning permission as advertised last month.

Because this work and its requirement to erect fencing and toilets does not represent development, it can be undertaken without permission.  

In the meantime following residents feedback, as a matter of course I have asked for the Planners to monitor works.

Planning Enforcement

Planning enforcement which was followed by a subsequent renewed retrospective application to remove planning conditions was made in respect to an application on Shore Path.

This was rejected by Gurnard Parish Council, and I await a response from officers on what action is due to be pursued. From my perspective, I am not happy that applicants can apply for planning consent which is then conditioned and disapplied by applicants.

In addition, with the Environment Officer, I have chased up discarded building waste left on the beach.

Planning Application: Bakehouse, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

A revised planning has been made to build two properties to the rear of the Portland Inn and residential properties in Worsley Road.

Gurnard Parish Council has raised concerns regarding the impact this will have upon the Jordan Valley and the requirement to provide an access road from Tuttons Hill.   On this application, I undertook a letterdrop to 60 neighbouring properties.

Beach Huts.

Following reconsideration of proposals made earlier this year, the IW Council are intending to implement increased fees to Beach Hut owners.

In the consultation that took place, the following feedback was received:

·         New rental values are too high.

·         The implementation of the new rents is too fast.

·         Should be a variance in rent based upon location.

·         Beach hut owners should be allowed to sub-let.

·         Beach hut owners should be able to opt for current licence or new lease.

·         Agreements should allow multi person ownership.

In light of feedback received from 50 out of the 234 beach hut owners, the Cabinet member is recommending:

°         The provision of new 10 year leases to the existing beach hut tenants. When the current licence expires there will be additional benefits. (i.e Beach huts leases can be in joint/multiple names, either by more than one member of the same family or two or more families. In addition leases will include the ability to sublet huts for the purpose of recovering annual rent and maintenance costs but not as a commercial operation)

°         Implement proposed rental increases over a phased 5 year period, from 1 April 2019. The phased increase would enable the increase to be paused, deferred or cancelled should market conditions change.

In the meantime, please let me know your thoughts on these proposals.

Island Plan Consultation.

This was due to be consulted upon this month. However, I am advised that timescales have slipped.  One issue that has raised concerns to me is the potential to increase annual housing figures from 525 to 641, and the impact this will have.

This follows proposals initially tabled in the IW Council’s Regeneration Strategy and mirrors Government proposals to increase the number of new homes to 250,000 each year.

On the Island housing figures have stalled around 350-400 new homes each year, and what is of concern to me is that permission is being granted for homes that are out of reach for local residents.  This has been seen with recent approvals that have limited social and affordable homes for residents wishing to make it onto the housing ladder.

Southern Vectis Meeting.

I met with the General Manager of Southern Vectis.  Since receiving complaints there was progress on improving access adjacent to Newport Library. Further improvements are planned for Ryde bound buses.

Improving capacity on the route between Cowes and Newport was acknowledged.  It was highlighted that single decked buses have 29 seats, whilst the growing number of loadings exceed 30.  This means often buses arrive at St Mary’s Hospital or Cowes Medical Centre with new passengers required to stand. It was shown that often there are vacant seats at the rear of buses, however these could not be accessed by mobility impaired passengers due to bottlenecking at the front.

Options requested include increased journeys per hour (with new single decked buses?), or having some services using double decked buses terminating at Carvel Lane.

Please let me know your suggestions to improve route 1!  Alternatively, please contact Southern Vectis direct at:  hello@southernvectis.com  or  call: 0330 0539 182.

Gurnard Pines.

A drop-in will take place 2-4pm, Thursday 15^th November at Gurnard Pines Café.

In attendance will be myself, Monergy Experts- The Footprint Trust as well as agencies that can offer Health and Social care support to residents. If residents are not able to make it to the drop-in, the agencies are happy to visit residents in their home on the day. 

I am ever hopeful (though this has not yet been confirmed!) Flu Jabs will also be made available to Cowes Medical Centre Patients on this day.

Solent Forum.

·         A report was provided and an update given on Southampton City Council’s Clean Air Strategy.

·         Last year the Lottery provided a grant to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to develop the Secrets Of the Solent Project. This initiative has and will continue to provide ‘citizens science’ projects to work with volunteers to collect data on our shores and seas, as well as champion measures to help protect the Solent; will work with the fishing industry, restaurants and consumers in promoting local sustainable seafood.

·         Of concern was the Solent’s growing population and tourist challenges.  In addition climate change and storm events, current and historic land management and how nutrient enrichment has adversely impacted upon water quality, biodiversity and our seafood industry.

·         Southern Water provided an update on the challenges being taken to address plastics in waste water.  The company are pre-empting legislation on micro-plastics and suggest they are leading by example.  Details can be found at: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Council/OtherServices/Recreation-Leisure-and-Public-Spaces-General/Beaches

·        An update was given on the reduction of breeding terns in the Solent.  Is seems as though proposals within the implementation of Marine Conservation Zones does not go far enough to safeguard the habitats of terns or seagrass beds which is relied upon to provide food for these birds.  It was noted than within the Isle of Wight there are no breeding sites for terns and shingle recharge on the Newtown Estuary was considered as a means to see Terns returning.

·        Beach Nourishment at Hurst Spit following storm damage last year was briefly reported.

·        Southern IFCA are consulting on net fishing management.  In the Medina it is proposed that there will be year round restriction on all nets except ring nets.  The consultation continues until Friday 6^th December. For further details please visit:  http://www.southern-ifca.gov.uk/news

Footprint Trust

From 10:30-11:30am, Friday 23^rd November at Cowes Library a drop in session has been arranged by Cowes Town Council for residents wanting to save money through switching energy suppliers and efficiency measures via the Footprint Trust Charity. 

The Trust advises householders can save £200 per year. Please visit http://footprint-trust.co.uk/ or call  822282 for details of their FREE advice and support to reduce household bills.

Mayors Report.

·         Myself, Cllr Peacey-Wilcox and the Assistant Clerk had a town centre street signage site visit with Island Roads. Cycling and the positioning of signage for disabled bays were discussed, with actions being pursued.

·         On behalf of Cowes Town Council I attended the Lord Lieutenant Awards at the Royal Yacht Squadron which celebrated Military Service Personnel and volunteers throughout the Island.  The evening was fantastic and is a testament to those involved in and promoting our military services.  One surprising fact that was highlighted is that nationally the Isle of Wight has a larger proportion of veterans than any other UK region.

·         I attended a drop-in at the Apex Church, and provided support to a number of residents in hardship.

·         I have been asked to contact Enterprise Inns over the closure of the Pier View.  Residents have asked me to find out why the decision was taken by the business to close a focal point of the town during this summer.  In the meantime, The Pier View is being refurbished, and a new licensing application has been processed.

·         A meeting has taken place to agree the management plan and future for Mornington Woods, and considering the potential overview of Mornington Park and use of the Car Park.

·         I attended a Men In Sheds event which was organised by the Storeroom.  Men In Sheds projects have been promoted nationally to provide men with a venue to meet up and keep active, particularly in retirement.  I met a number of men at the event who had other mobility and potential social isolation issues, which the project helps to support. Apart from sheds, there are also a multitude of other initiatives working complimenting the project i.e gardening, selling goods etc.

·         I attended Cowes Enterprise College’s Noel Turner Physics Festival.  True to form this was a brilliant event promoting science and engineering in our wider community. 

·         The Cowes Town Council newsletter has now been distributed to householders.  Please contact the Town clerks on 209022 if you have not received yours. 

·         Work continues on murals for The Cut in Cowes.  Disappointingly timescales on completing the project may slip owing to Island Roads’ commitment to complete the St Mary’s Roundabout reconfiguration.

Also this month:

·         Following a complaint to me, which was upheld by Environmental Health the Fire Pit at Cockleton Meadow has been removed.

·         I’ve requested that damaged and removed No Barbecue signs are replaced on Gurnard Green  This will take place prior to next year’s summer season.

·         I am awaiting a response from planners regarding public slipway access to East Cowes anglers.  Update: It now seems unlikely this slipway will be removed for Red Funnel's Planning Application.  If it is, a legal agreement has been agreed to relocate this to an alternative location.

·         There has been a number of delays regarding the provision of planning support at the IW Council.  This has resulted in two formal complaints which are being pursued.

·         I attended a meeting of the AONB Partnership.  At the Partnership, updates were given on the Isle of Wight Biosphere application; Proposals for a Dark Skies park being created for the South Western quarter of the Island; Regeneration of Coastal Towns and proposals for Norris Castle.

·  I notified Island Roads following confusion over carriageway resurfacing timescales last month in Solent View Road.