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…