IW Councillors Report, May 2018

Surgeries:

3:30-4pm, Tuesday 1^st May, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 1^st May, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

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

6-6:30pm, Wednesday 9^th May, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 16^th May, Cowes Enterprise College, Cowes.

10:30-11am, Friday 18^th May, The Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11:30am, Thursday 24^th May, Coffee & Chat at All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.

6-6:30pm, Wednesday 30^th May, The Portland, Worsley Road, Cowes.   CANCELLED

12:30-1pm, Thursday 31^st May, Eegons Café, 72 High Street, Cowes. CANCELLED

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

**Unfortunately, due to medical reasons I've been advised to stay at home due to the contageous nature of an infection that I have caught!  I am hoping to reconvene surgeries once fully recovered. Sorry! Please let me know by phone, or email if you have issues needing to be resolved.  I am ever hopeful, that I will be back to normal from the end of the first week of June!  Thank you for your understanding!**

Planning Updates.

·         Watersedge Café.

Please note that within my Annual Report, I wrongly inferred that the Planning Application for the Watersedge Cafe had been withdrawn.  

Rather than being ‘withdrawn’, Planning Officers allowed for a ‘Planning Extension’ to be given.  This was primarily to allow for the applicant to give further details following issues raised by the Environment Agency and the Council’s Engineer concerning the culvert adjacent to the Watersedge.  In addition to this addendum, a new street scene image from Shore Road features online: Please visit:  https://www.iwight.com/planning/AppDetails3.aspx?frmId=33533.  My apologies for any confusion caused regarding this!

In light of comments raised, I am also expecting updated comments from Island Roads in relation to parking. These comments should be received and reviewed by 25th May.

Planning Officers have advised this new information does not need to be re-publicised, as they consider the new information does not alter the proposed development.

·         Bakehouse Development for 2 houses behind Worsley Road, with access from Tuttons Hill.

I have spoken to Planning Officers who advise they were due to REFUSE this application.  What was key to this decision was the impact officers felt the design, size and scale of the proposed two properties would have upon the landscape character of the Jordan Valley.  Officers therefore agreed with Gurnard Parish Council insofar that the proposal was contrary to policies H1 and E1 of Gurnard's Neighbourhood Plan. Subsequently, this application has been withdrawn. 

·         Place Road- Phase Four.  Construction of 21 dwellings.

A final letterdrop took place to 30 households on the western side of Place Road. The deadline for comments falls on Friday 4^th May.

·         The Range.

The Planning Officer has advised me that issues associated with security lighting and the impact this has had on residents has now been resolved.  In the meantime, this now allows me and officers focus now to persevere on the pedestrian refuge which was a condition of the original planning application approval.  

Annual Report

Please note my Annual Report has been printed, is being distributed and provides an update on what I have been doing since April 2017.  Because of other commitments this year, and by the fact that I try to deliver as many of these myself, this has arrived later than usual.  If you do not receive yours in the coming weeks, please let me know.

Village Tidy Up.

Thank you so much to the volunteers who took place in last month’s village tidy-up in Gurnard, where more than 40 sacks were filled by the 50 residents who took part! 

Many thanks particularly to Parish Councillors Marie Bugden, Jane McKean and Ginnie Orrey for organising these and previous events in the village.

Cold Calling and Scams.

I continue to receive calls from residents, who are being targeted by scammers.  In response, I have contacted Trading Standards to attend the next Coffee & Chat Mornings at All Saints Church, Gurnard alongside both myself and the police. These take place 10:15-11:30am on Thursday 24^th May and Thursday 26^th June at the Church.

In addition, it was fantastic to award £100 from Gurnard Parish Council for this really important monthly get together for residents, which continues to grow each month.  Thank you to all the volunteers from Gurnard Church involved in making this event a success!!

Waste and Recycling.

·         Garden Waste.

I know there has been a recent uptake in the newly introduced Garden Waste Collection Service.  Further details can be found at: https://www.iwight.com/Residents/Environment-Planning-and-Waste/Waste-and-Recycling/Household-Waste-and-Recycling-Collection/Green-Garden-Waste

·         Lynnbottom and Afton Tips for Tips.

The IW Council received negative feedback concerning its summer opening times at both Lynnbottom and Afton Civic Amenity Site.  This is as a consequence of congestion outside both sites particularly Briddlesford Road.

In order to avoid hold up’s at both sites, it is helpful to avoid busy times (After 3pm, the tip is less busy).

·         Council to Withdraw Mobile Recycling Centre.

Due to its underuse, the Isle of Wight Council has advised that from 1^st May, it will be withdrawing the mobile Recycling Centre, which has visited the Isle of Wight Community Centre every two weeks for the last 18 months.

TOP TIPS

• Think before you throw as some items you are disposing of could go to a charity shop or be reused. 
• Did you know the council offers a free reuse collection service for white goods and furniture in a good condition? Visit: www.iwight.com/waste   
• There is also a paid for bulky waste collection service for unreusable large white goods and furniture. 
• Garden waste can be composted at home or the council offers a fortnightly kerbside garden waste service for just £60 per year (£1.15 per week). 

Gurnard Pines.

I continue to receive calls from residents from Gurnard Pines concerning the introduction of new fees for water and electricity.  This is particularly relevant for those who live residentially within this holiday park, as these residents have limited rights when compared to other homeowners and tenants.

This is an issue that I have spoken to the Footprint Trust about, and I am hoping to discuss further with our Member of Parliament.

Road Resurfacing Programme: Cowes West and Gurnard (April-October)

Island Roads have programmed the following works between now and October.

Carriageways: Worsley Road, Tuttons Hill.

Drainage: Marsh Road.

Footways: Place Road, Park Road (Crescent), Debourne Close, Magdalen Crescent, Guppy Close, Churchill Road, Jordan Close, Woodvale Road, Woodvale Close, Gurnard Heights  

In addition I have contacted Island Roads concerning pot holes (Park Road), broken fences and overgrowing hedgerows (Cockleton Lane), dog poo removal (Princes Esplanade), dumped car batteries (Marsh Road), exposed Man Hole covers and damaged grass verges (Worsley Road), concerns over drainage (Ward Avenue), road surface deterioration (Crossfield Avenue) and access concerns (King James’ Close/ Westwood Close)

Cowes Isle of Wight Councillors.  

In response to concerns raised to myself, Cllr Paul Bertie, Cllr John Nicholson and Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox concerning parking all four councillors will start meeting on a regular basis to discuss local issues.

As Councillors over the last five years, we often meet to discuss local matters on a one to one basis.  However, particularly with parking, highways issues, housing, events and regeneration by working together much can be achieved by all Councillors with sharing the common objective of putting the needs of residents first.  

Scrutiny Committee Updates.

The Scrutiny Committee met last month to make recommendations on two items- Cowes Floating Bridge and the Fire Service Review.

·         Cowes Floating Bridge.

Because of ongoing issues, updates and the need for users being better engaged, Scrutiny Committee formally recommended to Cabinet that a User Group was established to:

i.              Feedback and share information to nominated interest groups and organisations.

ii.             To work in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council to raise confidence in the Cowes Floating Bridge and associated crossings.

iii.            Investigate in partnership opportunities for:

• Sponsorship.

• Timetabling.

• Enhancing access and mobility across the Medina.

• Promoting the bridges use and activities.

The Isle of Wight Council will provide regular quarterly updates on:

• Reliability of the Service.

• Frequency of the service.

• Functionality of the service.

• Traffic Access to and from the Cowes Floating Bridge.

In addition, the Committee recommended:

a) The Cabinet Member for Procurement, Waste Management, Special Projects and Forward Planning should review the procurement policy in the light of experiences with the Cowes Floating Bridge.

b) A report should be produced by the Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Transport at the end of the process of accepting Cowes Floating Bridge 6 on the costs of undertaking the necessary modifications.

·         Fire Service Review.

Following feedback, the Scrutiny Committee made the following recommendations to Cabinet:

a) That this Committee recommends that the Cabinet rejects the proposals within the fire service review due to the threat on public safety.

b) That the Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Protection be recommended to take steps to ensure an improved working relationship between the IW Fire and Rescue Service and the Fire Brigades Union.

c) That the Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Protection should ensure that the Council reviews its employment policy so to allow staff to become retained firefighters so to set an example to all other employers.

In response to these findings, the Council’s Cabinet mirrored concerns raised by Scrutiny Committee.

Dog Poo

Dog poo continues to be an issue, particularly with dogs not on leads.  In previous reports I mentioned concerns being raised about fouling in cemeteries, and the prospect further action may be extended by the IW Council responding to dog fouling in parks.

Please note that in respect to the law owners have a responsibility to ensure dogs are ‘under control’ in public areas.    

Isle of Wight Community Safety Partnership Consultation.

The Community Safety Partnership (CSP) comprising the Isle of Wight Council, IW Fire and Rescue, Hampshire Constabulary, IW Clinical Commissioning Group, Community Rehabilitation Company and National Probation Service, are working jointly towards shared and common outcomes to tackle crime and disorder.

 
The Partnership would like to hear your views so they can better understand local concerns which will help them identify priorities for the future.  For details please visit:  https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JQ2X9M8. This consultation continues until 18^th May.

Boundary Review.

Myself and Cllr Paul Bertie (Councillor for Cowes North) have jointly commented on proposals to reconfigure Isle of Wight Council ward boundaries.  Because of future growth in Gurnard (where the boundary cannot be altered) and the comparative variance between Cowes West and Cowes North, it seems likely the boundary between both wards will be redrawn farther to the west of where it lies currently.

Within the comments, I’ve suggested that Crossfield Avenue Estate is not split between two Councillors, and  consideration be given to retain communities living within the conservation area on Cowes Seafront, tidying up boundaries in Park Road as well as Baring Road.

This will reduce the elector numbers to below 3000 in both wards for the longer term, and is being pursued to ensure one person = one vote, and therefore all wards should ideally not vary by more than 10%  (The current average IWC ward size on the Island is 2732.)  

Final proposals will be consulted upon by the Boundary Commission later this year.    

Mobility Forum.

With thanks to Cllr Jean Bartrum, the first meeting of the Cowes Mobility Forum takes place 10:30am, Wednesday 16^th May at the Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

This meeting is a partnership between Cowes Town Council, Isle Access, and local residents to improve mobility in and around Cowes.  I am hoping to attend the first meeting, and am happy to forward and support any initiatives that residents wish to suggest.

Cashpoints in Cowes.  

Following last month’s report, no further action has been progressed concerning the ‘broken’ ATM in Cowes High Street.  As a consequence, Councillors and Cowes Town Council has contacted the Nat West Bank who previously advised this would be rectified before this month.

In the meantime, Sainsbury’s have two cashpoints located outside their store at the bottom of Shooters Hill, whilst there is a free cash point at the new Central Convenience Store at the other end of the High Street.  Unlike other cash machines in town, I’ve received no complaints that this machine has ran out money.

Local Access Forum.

At the last meeting of the Local Access Forum, the following items were discussed:

·         Damage to paths in Parkhurst Forest.  The Forestry Commission would take remedial action.

·         An update was given on the Newport Harbour Revision Order.  Safeguards were requested concerning future maintenance of public landings and slipways, and any potential to redevelop Seaclose Park.

·         Natural England reported that dialogue is taking place with the Ministry of Defence (at Porchfield) and landowners at Norris Castle, Osborne House and Barton Manor.  Contact with stakeholders between Cowes and Thorness had been made.

·         Concern was raised regarding the increase in volume of plastic waste found on Isle of Wight Beaches.

·         Discussion has taken place on the proposed designation of Isle of Wight marine environment becoming an UNESCO World Heritage site between the Palmers Brook and Nodes Point, given the heritage importance of the Solent.

·         It was reported that the Government (through the Lottery) would no longer fund Landscape Partnerships.

·         Following concerns raised by the Local Access Forum, the Forum was supportive of instant £250 fines for residents leaving rubbish on Rights of Way.

·         Concerns were relayed regarding grant funding to Farmers post Brexit.

·         It was reported that the Isle of Wight was pipped into second place by the Pembrokeshire National Park in Countryfile’s most favourite area survey.

Mayor’s Report.

Alongside businesses Cowes Town Council are working with Island Roads to give the town centre and street furniture a spring clean and make over. This work includes street and furniture cleansing, with work commencing on updating the Cut and the mural during this summer with local artists, following feedback from the last Cowes Town Council newsletter.

In the longer term, the Town Council’s Projects Committee discussed relaunching the towns ‘Rope Walk’ trail and rejuvenating Cowes in Bloom.  Following consultation with residents, discussions continue to take place on the creation of a community orchard. In line with the Town Council’s ‘plastic free’ initiative, the Council are supporting businesses signed up for water refill points as well as hopefully providing drinking fountains.  

Destination Cowes has promoted the town as a stop-off point for Cruise Liners. Following positive input from Cowes Harbour Commissioners and the Business Association, I hope that visitors can enjoy all that our town can offer.

Repairs have taken place to our local toilets, and residents are urged to contact the Town Council on 01983 209022, should they wish to purchase a RADAR key for use of disabled toilets.  Maintenance to the skate park is due to commence early in May.  

As Mayor, I’ve been contacted by shopkeepers concerning problems being encountered in respect to the revision to loading in the Town. This is an issue I will be working in partnership with colleagues, stakeholders and Island Roads to improve.

Following the resignation of Vanessa Slade, I am pleased to report that Cowes West has a newly co-opted Town Councillor, Cllr. Christine Bustin.  Both as Mayor, and as Ward Councillor I look forward to working alongside Christine, and also thank the four unlucky candidates for their interest and enthusiasm.

Also this month:

• ·         Complaints have been received concerning parked vehicles blocking the ‘apron’ of driveways.
• ·         A formal complaint has been received concerning the lack of public consultation on changes to Garden Waste
• ·         Action is being pursued concerning the discrepancy between planning fees for householders, when compared to developers. I understand these are set by Government.  However, I’ve requested feedback is given concerning this.
• ·         I received a complaint concerning missed recycling collections.  Please note, refuse must be left out before 7am on the day of collection. If a collection is missed Amey has a liability to collect. On several occasions, I have asked to view on board CCTV to determine who has been at fault when collections are missed…
• ·         I have passed on an enquiry concerning the repainting of beach huts in Gurnard.  This year, I have received far fewer enquiries on beach huts than I have in previous years.  
• ·         I visited Cowes Primary School to discuss issues raised by residents of Blackberry Lane, which I look forward to updating neighbours about.
• ·         I’m supporting a resident concerning residency post Brexit.  This is likely to cause ongoing concerns for residents and employees with specialisms such as the hospital and Vestas. On this, I understand the importance for European nationals settled on the Island, with roots who require certainty concerning their future.  This also applies to a number of local residents who have homes on the continent.
• ·         A meeting and future dialogue has taken place between residents and a member of the Marine Management Organisation.  At the meeting, it was relayed that anything that is taken out or put into the marine environment generally require permission from the MMO, and for further information residents should visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/marine-management-organisation, or call 0300 123 1032.  Following this meeting, I am looking forward to a representative from the MMO giving a presentation to Gurnard Parish Council.
• ·         I have written formally to Natural England in support of the English Coastal Path following both sides of the Medina Estuary connecting Cowes, Newport and East Cowes.