IW Councillors Report: August 2018

Surgeries.

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

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 7^th August, Cowes Library, 12-14 Beckford Road, Cowes.

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

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

Seafront Parking.

Parking on Gurnard and Cowes seafront continue to be an issue for some householders during Cowes Week and when cruise liners pass the Solent.

I have contacted both Island Roads and the IW Council about this, and am advised that unless there is a health and safety implication about parking both the Councils and enforcement agencies are limited to the powers they have.  However, that said the IW Council are investigating an order preventing overnight parking on the seafront during events. When this was last considered several years ago both caravanning organisations and some anglers objected.

During Cowes Week, please let me know your views.  These will be fed back to next year’s Traffic Order.

Island Roads liaison.

Park Road Crescent has been resurfaced at the top of Park Road.  I’m advised Carriageway resurfacing will take place later this summer at Denmark Road, Terminus Road and (Lower) Park Road.

In the meantime, I have requested that Pine Tree Close and Crossfield Avenue is monitored. I’ve also requested that the junction with Baring Road at Pine Tree Close is monitored for ‘dangerous’ parking following feedback from residents living both in the Close and the Orchard.

Liaison is also taking place with residents of Woodvale Close following the removal of concrete footways in favour of asphalt. I have requested to officers that there is no reduction in the quality of this pavement.  

A resident of Woodvale Close has requested vehicular access in Cow Lane.  I’ve advised this is unlikely given that opposition was given by Rights Of Way for vehicular use of this public footpath by Gurnard Pre-School.

Nearly two years ago funding was removed by the IW Council for the crossing patrol in Park Road.  Funding (for the short term) to continue this important pedestrian crossing was reinstated by Cowes Town Council and crowdfunding via Cowes Primary School.  In the meantime, a bid was made for a pedestrian crossing point in Park Road. I have again requested this, and am hoping that funding can continue for a crossing beyond 2019. A meeting is due to take place with stakeholders in the coming weeks.

The Bird nesting season will end on 1^st August. This will mean that better cuts can take place for rights of way.  However, because of the volume of work- this is not immediate.  Overgrown hedgerows have been reported in Shore Road, Rew Street, Baring Road and adjacent to Cowes Medical Centre in Newport Road.

Following a traffic incident (and bad parking!) in Place Road, opposite the junction to ‘Meadow View’, I have requested planners, Island Roads and the police are aware of existing and future issues on this stretch of road. This is one of several matters, I look forward to discussing with the developer now phase 2 has been approved.

Planning: Watersedge Cafe, Shore Road, Gurnard.

A further modification has been made to the Watersedge Café, in an attempt to overcome objections (scale, mass and parking) to residents and Gurnard Parish Council. In light that these, and previous modifications do not go far enough it seems likely this will go to the Isle of Wight’s Planning Committee on 14^th August. In my view this is important, given this planning application (and others in Shore Road) are significant for Gurnard.  

Planning: Enforcement

I’ve requested that Planners monitor applications in Shore Path and Baring Road.  With respect to both sites, these have been subject to conditional planning consent and I’m advised that nothing untoward has occurred.

Orchard, The Green, Crossfield Avenue.

Cowes Town Council had a very positive meeting with residents of The Green.  Following the meeting, it was agreed to look into other options for an orchard.  Of particular interest was the creation of a new orchard in Northwood House, Cowes.  Should this not succeed other options will be considered.

Environmental Health and Policing: Noise Nuisance.

I received two complaints from residents of Jordan Close and Woodvale Road concerning noise nuisance that followed the World Cup.  Please, please, please think of your neighbours (and your local councillors!) late at night when opening windows and turning volumes up to 11….

There remains a lot of people that starting work early, who may not share your views on barbecues, private events and sporting activities particularly after 11pm, and during the working week!  

Environmental Health and Policing: Parties.

In Gurnard, at this time of year, I receive a number of complaints concerning gatherings being held on the beach between The Marsh and the Sailing Club.

Please note that Spencer’s Copse is privately owned, and action can be taken by the authorities when trees in this TPO’ed area is damaged.  In addition, criminal damage to properties/ sheds/ summer houses that back on to this beach, remains in private ownership and local residents advise me that action can and will be pursued!   

Environmental Health and Policing: Bins and Rubbish.

The Red Biffa Bin in Shore Road, Gurnard has been taken away.  Originally when put in place in 2009 this bin was put in-situ by Gurnard Parish Council to assist beach users and hut owners.  However, during this summer like elsewhere, more and more residents have used this bin to fly tip their rubbish!

This year Parks & Beaches made bins on Gurnard Green bigger, whilst Gurnard Parish Council has supported a different collection regime to ensure bins are empty for the weekend.  If bins are full, please dispose in the nearest un-full bin, or if this is not possible (like many other areas) please take your rubbish home.

Thank you to Parks and Beaches for providing Barbecue signage, clearance of drainage ditches and new bollards for Gurnard Green.  These works are, and have been greatly appreciated!  

Residents can apply to have wheeled bins collected from an agreed point on your property, such as the side of your house. This service is available for £60 per year.  Details of the Collection Plus Service can be found:  https://www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/Waste-and-Recycling/Household-Waste-and-Recycling-Collection/Other-Collection-Services.

Water Quality.

I have received concerns over the bathing quality at Gurnard and Cowes.  Although the IW Council cannot fund ‘Blue Flags’ quality remains “Excellent” despite higher standards imposed by the European Union at both Gurnard Beach and Egypt Point according to the Environment Agency.

Also this month:

·         At Full Council I supported proposals for the Boundary Review.  This will follow a formal consultation later this year.  I also supported proposals for an Isle of Wight Biosphere and concerns over parking.

·         At Full Council I did not support proposals put by the administration applauding certain individuals and the current administration for enhancing our education system.  As far as I am concerned the improvements are a long term initiative by the whole of the Council and officers from both the Isle of Wight, parents, students and teachers to improve standards. I also opposed supporting the £400k Isle of Wight Council  Management restructure.  This was due to funds being cut from public services elsewhere.

·         Action has been taken by Cowes Town Council to fund enhancements to the shopping centre.

·         I’ve  received an invitation to Old Charlton House.  I’m looking forward to attend both Old Charlton House and Cherrytrees residential homes later this year!

·         I was approached by a business person concerning enhancing commercial opportunities in Cowes.

·         In addition, I am looking forward to chairing an Extraordinary meeting with Town Councillors and other stakeholders in new proposals for Cowes Gateway. (Original proposals were rejected in 2003!)

·         A number of residents have contacted me regarding improving parking proposals in town.  This will be discussed later this year following proposals tabled by the IW Council.  

IW Councillors Report: July 2018

Revised Surgeries:

6-6:30pm, Wednesday 11^th July, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
2-5:30pm, Wednesday 18th Wednesday.  FULL COUNCIL Please phone: 07 935 090 835 

10:30-11:30am, Thursday 26^th July, Coffee & Chat at All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.

12-12:30pm, Thursday 26^th July, Eegon’s Café, 72 High Street, Cowes.

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

Illness.

After falling ill in May, last month I was taken to hospital and diagnosed with encephalitis following a recent brain infection!. Apologies for not being accessible during this time, and my grateful thanks for the well wishes and support from residents.

Following medical advice, whereby I only now understand how serious my illness was, I need to focus on my recovery, as I’ve had to relearn to walk, reboot my body and communicate. This means that until 4^th September hopefully (or when back to ‘normal’), I’ll be working one day each week this will coincide with revised surgeries.

Until then, I can only deal with Isle of Wight Council issues dealing with Cowes West and Gurnard, and Parish/ Town Council issues relating to Cowes, Gurnard and Northwood. If I’m not your local councillor, please visit:  www.iwight.com/councillor/findCouncillors. If your issues relate to my role as a magistrate, please call 01983 525100.

Island Roads.

Westwood Close.  An approach has been made to me to provide access between Westwood Close and King James’ Close.  This has been strongly opposed by local residents.

Range, Pedestrian Refuge, Place Road: Island Roads has approved drawings, and Planners advise lawyers must approve proposals under Section 278/38 of the Road Traffic Act.  I have asked for officers to chase this!

Woodvale Drive.  Please note this lane linking Woodvale Road to Jordan Close is in private ownership and is not a right of way. Because of ongoing ‘anti-social behaviour’, residents of this private lane can restrict access.

Park Road.  I’ve again approached officers to request a safe pedestrian access to schools and the Crossfield Estate.

Cold Calling and Scams.

Many thanks again to officers and Gurnard Church for facilitating the two Trading Standards Cold Calling and Scamming Events at Coffee and Chat.  Please let me know if (like residents of Westwood Close) scams, cold calling or poor workmanship is a problem!

Bonfires.

If you are considering having a bonfire during the beautiful summer weather, please let your neighbours know.

This continues to be a problem for residents that live in valleys and dips in land where smoke lingers.

In the meantime my leaflet advising what the law says can be accessed on line by visiting:  http://paulfullercc.blogspot.com/2010/09/bonfires.html, whilst hard copies of the original leaflet are available from Cowes Library and Gurnard Press.

Also this month:

·         I have supported two households concerning Council Tax enquiries.

·         I have forwarded a helicopter landing enquiry.

·         I continue to chase up various Planning Enforcement enquiries

·         I have received an enquiry dealing with a vehicular access issue over a right of way.

Isle of Wight Councillors Report: 2017-2018

Please contact me:

By Post to:  74 Wyatts Lane, Cowes, Isle of Wight. PO31 8QA.

 Telephone: 01983 289595 (24 hours)/ 07 935 090 835 (Mobile & Text); Email: paulfulleriw@gmail.com

Visits and Surgeries.

Please do not hesitate to contact me. I am always happy to meet at a time and place convenient to you.

 I also hold regular surgeries/ drop-in’s. No appointment is necessary. As a rule of thumb these take place:

4:30-5pm, 1^st Tuesday of each month at Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, 1^st Tuesday of each month at The Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

10:30-11:30am, 1^st Friday of each month at Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11:45-12:15pm or 6-6:30pm, 2^nd Wednesday of each month at The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, 3^rd or 4^th Wednesday of each month at Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

12:30-1:30pm, 3^rd or 4^th Friday of each month at the Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard. [April-September]

10:30-11:30am, 4^th Thursday of each month at All Saints Church Coffee & Chat morning, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.

12:30-1pm, 4^th or 5^th Friday of each month at Eegon’s Café, 72 High Street, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, last Wednesday of each month at The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

Please visit paulfullercc.blogspot.co.uk for updates, monthly reports and details of surgeries etc.

Representing our Community in County Hall, rather than County Hall in our Community:

This is my ninth annual report and summarises my work as your Councillor for the past 12 months.

Despite the need to fight harder following cutbacks to services, I am committed to ensure our Councils say ‘yes’, rather than no. Thank you again for re-electing me to serve as your Councillor in what will be difficult times safeguarding services.

Please note, the reason I do this, is because I thoroughly love it! Although at times challenging, because I enjoy my ‘work’, I hope that it shows and I’m achieving the best outcomes for our community!

Thank you for reading my report!

Your Independent Councillor: Putting You First.

As an Independent Councillor, and part of the nine strong Independent Group, I continue to champion putting the needs of Cowes and Gurnard first.

I have no political activists, sponsors or leader shadowing me. Therefore my loyalty to represent every resident in Gurnard and Cowes is absolute.

I am committed to be a hardworking, transparent, effective and enthusiastic ward councillor.

If you feel that I, or the Councils where I represent your views get things wrong, please tell me. Unless I know, I’m not in a position to listen, ask questions, or put things right.

I’m one of four Isle of Wight Councillors representing Cowes and work closely with fellow Independent Cllr. Lora Peacey-Wilcox and the two Conservative Councillors Cllr Paul Bertie and Cllr John Nicholson who represent neighbouring wards.

As your Councillor I’ve had a brilliant year, and was thrilled to serve as Cowes Town Mayor. This has allowed me to build upon and strengthen relationships with residents and stakeholders to ensure our communities work together better. In addition, I was re-elected to serve as Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council’s Scrutiny Committee.

In a Nutshell: Some of the key issues I’ve been pursuing during the last year:

For details of these and other issues pursued, please visit paulfullercc.blogspot.co.uk

April

·         A crowdfunding initiative needed to take place to safeguard the Cowes Primary School crossing patrol.  Thank you to all who contributed!

·         Complaints relating to anti-social Parking were resolved.  The most common concerns related to parking outside schools and high sided vehicles.

Naming of new roads by pupils of local schools for the new development at Place Road was approved.

·         The new Range store opened in Place Road.  Initial parking issues, visibility splays and lighting complaints were resolved, with improved pedestrian access provisions still pending.

·         A contentious Planning Application was withdrawn.  This was followed up by plans more in keeping with the area and was then approved. This is an example of how talking before submitting plans can both save time and money, whilst at the same time overcomes neighbours’ concerns and distress. 

May 

·         Replacement seating took place in Church Road and Worsley Road, Gurnard.

·         The Planning Application for eight dwellings adjacent to Dottens Farm was approved despite objections raised by both myself and residents.

·         With stakeholders, I assisted supporting a mobility audit for Cowes and Gurnard.

·         I supported residents living in flats to resolving issues regarding communal waste.

I was re-elected!! Thank you to the 1145 residents who voted Independent! J

June

·         Remedial action was taken following litter Bins becoming overfilled in Gurnard.

·         A letter-drop to shopkeepers took place following cash machines running out of money in Cowes. The campaign to reinstate both a bank and the Post Office in the town continues.

·         Untaxed and abandoned vehicles were reported and subsequently 18 vehicles have been taxed or removed.

·         Following complaints, a number of rural roads had skid resistance improved.

·          The footpath linking Battery Road with Egypt Esplanade re-opened following earlier landslips taking place.

July

·         A consultation took place with residents to designate Shore Road a Conservation Area.

·         The IW Council reconsidered its policy concerning trailers at Lynnbottom following complaints relayed.

·         The IW Council supported action following requests concerning discarded barbecues.

·         Support was provided to by a resident incorrectly accused of a noise nuisance complaint.

·         Yarn Bombing came to Gurnard!!

August

·         Following consultations and false starts reconstruction of Parklands Avenue began.

·         Gurnard Beach was closed following the Pumping Station requiring new parts.

·         Complaints were received concerning traffic and parking during Cowes Week.  These were fed back and I‘ve been assured that lessons can be learnt for next year…

·         It was a privilege, as town Mayor spending time during Cowes Week promoting our town and listening to residents, businesses, visitors and sponsors about making the Cowes experience better

September

·         Complaints were received, and vandalised public toilets were repaired in Cowes.

·         The marine police were contacted following complaints of jet-skis occurring. Action was taken by the police to address this problem

·         88% of those voting supported Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan at referendum. Later the Cabinet confirmed this new supplementary planning guidance for the village.

·         Solent Fibre Telecom work took place on land adjacent to Cooks Bay, Gurnard.

October

·         Not before time, Gurnard won the Isle of Wight Best Kept large village award.

·         Following concerns raised by Gurnard Parish Council, The IW Council agreed to install bollards to protect the children’s play area on Gurnard Green.

·         I arranged a meeting for the Meadow View developer to meet with Place Road residents to provide an update on proposals for the housing scheme.  The developer advised of his intention to increase numbers to 92 dwellings, whilst at the same time mitigating concerns of this four phased proposal.

November

·         I joined residents and landowners to the English Coastal Path Drop-In sessions.

·         Support was given to Crossfield Avenue residents following Firework party complaints. As a consequence, the venue apologised and action taken to ensure no recurrence happens.

·         Blackberry Lane received a white line following safety concerns being made.

I attended Remembrance Events at St Mary’s Church, All Saints Church and Cowes Primary School.

December

·         I supported proposals for a Post Office Counter to be located in Cowes Town Centre.

·         The programme to replace railings on Gurnard/ Cowes Seafront commenced.

·         At Full Council, I supported all Isle of Wight Councillors being DBS checked.

·         Following consultation and feedback initiated in 2017, The IW Council introduced wheelie bins or recyclable sacks for Garden Waste.  It is envisaged this will provide a  £100k saving, as well as giving greater flexibility to gardeners.

January

·         I requested Egypt Hill was gritted in icy conditions.

·         Cowes Medical Centre Information leaflets were distributed this month.  I supported over 20 local residents who did not receive theirs.

·         The Cowes Traffic Order was publicised.  15 residents commented on proposals. Comments received were largely against proposals elsewhere in Cowes.

·         A planning application which received considerable interest to rebuild the Watersedge Café in Shore Road, Gurnard was later withdrawn.

February

·         Cowes Town Council held a special meeting to consider plans to reconfigure St Mary’s Roundabout. The Council raised concerns on 13 aspects of these proposals.

·         Following feedback during the election, at Full Council I supported increasing voting rights to 16 and 17 year olds. 

·         I met with and supported Cowes residents, taking action to reduce fly-tipping.

I supported reducing the cost of Councillors Allowances by suggesting these should only be means tested.

·          I voted against proposals to increase Council Tax by 6%

March

·         Following enquiries, officers confirmed that the only vehicles with access to use Cow Lane are those with permission from households in the lane.

·         On behalf of Cowes Town Council I spoke against plans to redevelop Medina Yard. Concerns raised were linked to the lack of affordable homes, lack of parking and the potential loss of marine industries.

·         The IW Council approved changes to school term times. Despite personal concerns, I supported proposals which gained a positive response to reduce the summer holiday by one week in favour of an extended half term holiday.

·         I met with volunteers from Mornington Woods in order to initiate a long term plan to ensure the woodland and nearby facilities are properly safeguarded.

·         I met with Blackberry Lane residents to resolve longstanding local issues.

Organisations and Outside Bodies that I am a member and support:

·         Cowes Town Council. Mayor Of Cowes (2017-2018); Planning; Projects; Finance & Acquisitions and Planning Committees (ex-officio); Island Roads liaison Councillor (2015-2018); IW Association of Local Councils (2014-2018);

·         Gurnard Parish Council. Vice Chairman (2017-2018); IW Association of Local Councils (2015-2018)

·         Northwood Parish Councillor.

·         Local Access Forum. Vice Chairman. This statutory body oversees Rights of Ways matters. The Forum works closely with landowners and user groups to improve access to the right of way network.

·         Footprint Trust. Chairman. The Trust supports residents (often vulnerable) to lower their household utility bills and environmental footprint.

·         Solent Forum.  This organisation oversees Economic and Environmental challenges within the Solent.

·         Isle of Wight AONB Partnership. This group manages and oversees challenges faced to the Isle of Wight’s Countryside.

·         Cowes Medical Centre Patients Forum. On this body I support the team at our Medical Centre and feedback resident’s concerns.

In addition, I serve as a Justice of the Peace

As a member of the Isle of Wight Council, I have continued in my role as the Scrutiny Committee Chairman.  The Scrutiny Committee role is to ‘challenge and support’ decision makers, both within the Isle of Wight Council itself and from external public service groups.

Besides my role on the Scrutiny Committee, I am a member of the IW Council’s Audit Committee, Appeals Committee and Licensing Committee.  This reduced workload has given me more time to focus on local issues.

One year in numbers. As your Councillor:

·         I am contactable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

·         I work between 35 and 60 hours each week.

·         I attended 375 meetings associated with my role.

·         This includes 26 IW Council summoned meetings. In the last nine years, I’ve attended more meetings than any other Councillor.

·         In addition, I’ve attended 35 informal/ associated meetings, briefings, exhibitions & site visits.

·         I’ve attended 12 out of 12 Cowes Town Council monthly meetings, 12 out of 12 Gurnard Parish Council meetings plus 48 further meetings/ events associated with Parish/ Town Council activities.

·         I’ve received 3500 emails, 1200 telephone calls and 8 letters! I aim to respond within 3 days and attempt to prioritise calls from Cowes West and Gurnard residents within 12 hours of receipt.

·         I’ve resolved/ relayed 1088 enquiries. 37% of these relate to Gurnard residents; 27% to Cowes West residents; 28% from other Cowes/ Northwood residents and 8% to residents living elsewhere.

·         I’ve arranged 99 surgeries in 7 different venues. Supporting 303 enquiries from residents. 

·         I’ve leafleted 2,200 Annual Reports, sent out 240 local newsletters and made 60 home visits.

·         I’ve written 12 monthly reports. Please visit www.paulfullercc@blogspot.co.uk for details. These are available from Cowes Library and Gurnard Press and edited for Gurnard News, the Cowes Magazine and the Beacon. Monthly reports provide updates, decisions taken and feedback to issues which I am pursuing. Each month I provide updates on between 30 and 40 items in each report.

I received a Councillors Allowance of approx. £15,970 Gross Pay.

£ 153.74 Annual Report 2016/2017.

£   98.80 Election Costs etc.

£ 533.85 Towards Broadband, telephone, use of home as office.

£ 153.00 Office Supplies (ink, paper, postage, printing, newsletters etc.)

£   40.00 Donations.

£   78.30 Travel.

£   88.50 Meetings, Surgeries and Associated Costs.

£1146.19 Total Expenses.