Isle of Wight Councillor's Report: April 2022

 

Surgeries.

 

4:30-5pm. Monday 4^th April, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm; Tuesday 5^th April, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

10:30-11am; Thursday 7^th April, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 13^th April, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30pm, Thursday 21^st April, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Wednesday 27^th April, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Thursday 28^th April, All Saints Church Coffee & Chat, Gurnard.

11:30am-12pm, Thursday 28^th April, Eegon’s, 85 High Street, Cowes.

 

Car Parking Charges for Egypt Esplanade and Princes Esplanade rejected: Confirmed!

 

Although intended charges were scrapped immediately upon the election of the Alliance administration in May 2021, this was only formalised last month as this needed removal as a budget heading, to which this received cross-party support.

 

Despite being suggestions, speculation and rumours that the order might still be implemented (in part) on Egypt Esplanade, following our communities perseverance the whole scheme was thrown out in its entirety.

 

Cowes Community Bus.

 

Next month following existing for 10 years a celebration is being arranged for the Community Bus Forum.

 

In the meantime, a drive is underway to recruit volunteer drivers.  In recent years all community buses have seen a reduction in patronage, and although not as bad as other areas ridership on the Cowes Bus has fallen to 86%. In order to address this, the Forum would like to expand the service. However, this is on possible if new volunteers join

 

If you are interested please let me know! 

 

Clearance of Protected Woodland, Cowes Seafront Update.

 

The IW Council are prosecuting SGN over the mindless damage caused to woodland on Gurnard seafront last month.

 

Since then, I have spoken to residents and adjacent landowners about the prospect of seeing this land re-wilded as a local nature reserve.  In the meantime, in order to support both myself, the Council and this initiative please share your observations on the wildlife that frequented this area as a habitat.

 

Details will be circulated of species/ wildlife in my May Report.

 

In the meantime, it has also been necessary to liaise with Island Roads over increased run off. 

 

Annual Report.

 

Normally at this time of the year, I circulate my Annual report to all households.  Unfortunately for this year this will not be possible due to the time that it takes to deliver these.  However, there will be a mini report which I hope can be issued both online and in hard copy form that will be made available from usual outlets!

 

Gurnard Pines Drop-In.

 

Thank you to everybody that joined the recent residents Drop-In which took place at the Food Shack and Bar, Gurnard Pines.  A big thank you to Stuart for use of his café, Gurnard Parish Council for their support through sponsorship and to the Citizens Advice Bureau and Footprint Trust for supporting the event.  

 

To note the Footprint Trust (Tel: 01983 822282) and CAB (Tel: 03444 111 444) offers one to one support.

 

Storm Eunice Round Up.

 

In the aftermath of last months storm, I am awaiting the replacement of litter bins that were lost during the storms. In the meantime, I am still awaiting to find out the effect the storms had upon the Beryl scooters which are parked opposite Solent Shores on Princes Esplanade. To note, Beryl were warned about the extremities of storm conditions on the seafront (sadly, they did not agree with the IW Council on the pointlessness of leaving items like parking meters in such a hostile environment)

 

Elsewhere, I have been in touch with the IW Council’s Coastal Protection ‘Team’ concerning feedback following storm damage to properties and land west of Solent View Road.

 

Planning Enforcement Matters: Environmental Protection Areas.

 

I have received a number of complaints concerning ‘environmental protection’ areas where new developments have occurred.  These areas were originally set aside and conditioned for developers to offset and protect the biodiversity of new housing developments.  What has then happened, is these areas are transferred to new owners and extended and managed as private gardens, rather than what these areas were intended for to protect.

 

Because of Government policies to ‘re-wild’ areas within the Environment Act, I foresee this will become increasingly an issue where greater pressure will be put upon Council’s to see Environmental conditions more strictly adhered to.  

 

Highways Issues.

 

·         Pot holes at the junction with The Avenue and the general condition of Worsley Road has again been reported.

·         Overhanging highways trees and vegetation at the Church Road junction in Worsley Road was reported.

·         New tactile paving, dropped kerbs and pavements have been resurfaced in Park Road. 

·         Complaints have been received regarding urbanisation and the garishness of new double yellow lines

·         A survey has taken place to monitor the condition of a tree in Pine Tree Close.

·         I’ve spoken to owners of vans that have appeared in Gurnard and Northwood. Although parking of vans is legal, could I ask that high sided vehicle owners are mindful of where they park and the impact this could cause!

·         A big thank you to Gurnard Parish Council for moving a bench that limited disabled access by the beach huts.

·         A complaint was received and action taken concerning connections between the replacement floating bridge launch and Red Funnel.

 

Environmental Issues.

 

·         With summer fast approaching, please can I ask residents to refrain from lighting bonfires on beaches?

·         Another huge thank you to Gurnard Parish Council for arranging the latest litter pick. Thank you as always to the volunteers who gave up their Saturday morning and to The Portland for offering a discount to litter-pickers taking part on the day of the event!

·         I’m supporting residents alongside the Community Safety Team following a neighbourhood dispute involving discarded bags of dog waste.

·         Batteries are soon to be collected from the roadside by Amey through their collections.  Details will be fed back once I have these!

·         I have received a number of complaints concerning the prevalence of rats on the Crossfield Estate. Please, please if you are able to do so ensure that food waste is kept secure in bins. If you do not have a secure food waste bin, let Waste Services know on 01983 823777 highlighting the fact that vermin can access rubbish.    

·         I have requested graffiti to be removed between Cowes and Gurnard seafront.

 

Food Vouchers.

 

Did you receive a food voucher from the Isle of Wight Council in January?

 

If you haven't redeemed your voucher and you need help with the process please contact the IW Council for support There are different ways to get help:

 

ü  Visit your local Isle of Wight Council library.

ü  Contact Evouchers on 01638 438095 or support@evouchers.com.  

ü  Contact the Help Through Crisis Team on (01983) 823859.

ü  Contact the connect4communities team at connect4communities@iow.gov.uk.

ü  If you have lost your voucher, contact Help Through Crisis or connect4communities using the contacts above.

 

Isle of Wight Foodbank. 

 

This month the Foodbank are asking for donations for the following items: Squash, Tinned Spaghetti, Tinned Potatoes, Long Grained Rice (1kg), Sponge Puddings/ Angel Delight, Toilet Rolls and Soup.

Last year, locally The Foodbank provided 5,136 food parcels and supported 2205 children. For details visit: https://isleofwight.foodbank.org.uk/

 

Exceptional Hardship Support.

 

The IW Council has in place support for residents finding it difficult to keep up with Council Tax payments.  If this applies to you, or you know somebody that may require extra support please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Council/OtherServices/Local-Council-Tax-Support-Entitlement/Exceptional-Hardship-Fund

 

Supporting Young People.

 

Cllr Alison Carter from Cowes Town Council is leading a local initiative to engage closer with young people concerning services and support available.  If you are interested or have any issues please let either Alison (through Cowes Town Council. Tel: 01983 209022) or let me know!  

 

Sue Waters.

 

It is with real sadness that I report the passing of former Gurnard Parish Council Clerk, Sue Waters.

 

I worked closely with Sue both as clerk to Gurnard and also as assistant clerk to Cowes Town Council.  After ‘retiring’ from the Parish Council, Sue and her husband Andy relocated from Parklands Avenue to Wales.  Sue will be sadly missed both myself, councillors and residents who will remember her bubbly personality and tenacity for getting things done for local residents.

 

Covid 19

 

With the recent upsurge in Covid incidents, I am advised that local residents are still able to order Rapid Lateral Flow tests.  To order these please follow the link: https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests

 

Energy Price Increases.

 

From this month energy prices are due to soar, especially for those not on fixed term contracts.  For further details visit: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/ and  http://www.uswitch.com/ Tel:  0800 688 8557. Alternatively, talk to the Footprint Trust on 01983 822282 or email: info@footprint-trust.co.uk.

 

Environmental Updates.

 

Solent Forum.

 

·         It was reported that under the Environment Act that ‘Nature Recovery’ would be expected for the UK in 2030. It was unclear at this stage what priorities were to be imposed for the marine environment. To note, the Isle of Wight has been recognised for enhancing Nature Recovery through its UNESCO Biosphere Status.

·         The Forum highlighted that without sufficient Government Funding, support would be required by ‘industry’ to support enhancement of the coastal environment. Following concerns I raised, it was agreed that the Solent Forum would lobby for priority be given to rural areas (like the Isle of Wight) where large industry didn’t exist.

·         Work is underway off Lymington to enhance salt marshes and estuarine and coastal habitats through the use of dredgings.

·         Following the collapse of oyster beds in the Solent in recent years, a programme is in place by the Blue Marine Foundation to repopulate the Solent area with oysters which improves water quality as well as increasing biodiversity. Following £110,000 worth of funding oyster rafts have been introduced at Langstone Harbour.  The second phase of this work will take place at locations on the Newtown Estuary and the River Hamble.

·         A four year Seagrass Restoration Programme has commenced in partnership with the Ocean Conservation Trust west of the mouth of the Beaulieu River.  The project involved replanting one million seeds from Seagrass beds, which have been placed in over 20000 biodegradable hessian bags.  Eventually it is hoped the programme will restore seagrass to 4 hectares of seabed.

 

Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

 

·         With the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine concern was expressed over the potential future use of horticultural areas for food production and arable farming.  Ultimately this could mean that the countryside needs to adapt to support food production.

·         Concern was expressed over the impact of dogs off leads upon bird nesting sites. In the past the National Trust and the RSPB were criticised for fencing off nesting sites.  With new Government legislation, under the Sandford Principle conservation would be considered a priority over recreation.

 

Ready to support Homes for Ukraine

 

The Island stands ready to support those who welcome refugees displaced by the war in Ukraine into their homes, the Isle of Wight Council has pledged.

 

As more horrifying news emerges of the Russian bombardment of Ukrainian cities, and the refugee crisis as millions of people flee, the government has unveiled its 'Homes for Ukraine" scheme to pay families to open up their homes to people who have escaped the conflict.

The council is encouraging those who can, to step forward with an offer of accommodation and help in supporting the resettlement of Ukrainian refugees on the Island. The authority is waiting to hear more from government about how it can support communities who wish to offer assistance.

Any willing hosts can now register to take in refugees at https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk

 

Red Funnel.

 

I continue to wait in anticipated readiness for my enquiry regarding Red Funnel’s continued cancellation of services and reliability… In the meantime, they have asked for me to share some good news!

 

Red Funnel recently received £296,000 from the Department of Transport’s Maritime Accessibility Fund

 

Upgrades to support the accessibility of the fleet is due to start imminently and will focus around key areas including:

 

•  The creation of more designated accessible seating 

•  Upgrades to emergency signage on board and improvements to each vessel’s PA system

•  Installation of push button, self-closing, automatic sliding doors across vehicle ferries, giving easier access to all passengers

•  Upgrades to all vehicle ferry terminal toilets

 

Island Planning Strategy.

 

Should the Island Planning Strategy be supported at Full Council in April, further engagement will take place in May/ June.  Rather than consultation with the IW Council, this engagement is directly with the Planning Inspector who considers residents views alongside the merits of the plan in accordance with Government Planning Policy. 

 

Since the last consultation, following feedback three new strategic policies have been included. These are:

 

·         BIO1 Isle of Wight Biosphere: Given the importance of the IW Biosphere designation and the role it plays showcasing Environmental benefits of the Island, and the associated key role that the environment will play in the Islands ability to achieve net zero, Strategic policy BIO1 will set out how this designation must be considered by all development coming forward on the Island.  

 

·         AFF1 Affordable Housing: Setting a clear definition of what ‘affordable’ housing is on the Island, rather than using the Government definition. This policy will encourage Town, Parish and Community Councils to undertake Housing Needs Surveys to help inform affordable housing provision.

 

·         INF1 Infrastructure: To ensure infrastructure provision is supported across the Island and that development makes an appropriate contribution (which could be physical or financial, or both).  Strategic Policy INF1 will ensure that new infrastructure is provided or existing is upgraded.

 

In addition to these, there are policies to address Air B&B and the impact this has had on the hotel industry and private rental sector through a Short Term Let Policy on holiday homes used more than 140 days per year and a Net Zero Policy to address climate change.

Accessibility Survey. 

 

The Isle of Wight Local Access Forum wants to know your views on creating better access to the countryside and Rights of Way. We would like to know what you would like to see done to improve access/ remove barriers.

 

Please tell us your five priorities to support those with mobility issues, for those with push chairs, children, older residents and those with disabilities. The deadline for feedback is 5pm, Friday 23^rd April 2022.

 

My/our five priorities to improve mobility access to local services, facilities and the countryside are:

 

1:

 

2:

 

3:

 

4:

 

5:

 

Any other queries, questions and suggestions:

 

 

 

Please let me know your views!

 

Also This Month:

 

·         A revised proposal to develop on land adjacent to The Stables in Woodvale Road was approved.  The earlier decision to refuse the earlier application has been appealed against to the Planning Inspectorate.

·         I met with Freshwater Parish Council who are considering updating their Neighbourhood Plan Planning Document. The Council are considering use of Gurnard’s Neighbourhood plan as an exemplar of good practice.

·         As Chair of the IW Local Access Forum, I met with Councillors and residents from Havenstreet & Ashey and Calbourne, Porchfield & Newtown Parish Councils to listen to their views concerning ease of access to services and the Countryside.  At the latter meeting Newtown residents expressed concern opening up access more widely, concerned of the impact this may have upon the Environment. 

·         Taxi Operators have unanimously supported an increase to fares increase.  This comes at a time when maintenance of vehicles and fuel costs have escalated.  A public consultation on proposals will follow.

·         The Planning Committee voted to support an outline Planning Application for 29 new homes in Wootton Bridge.

·         Proposals to relook at the West Acre Park Planning Application was dismissed 6 to 4 by the Planning Committee

·         I have attended a meeting to discuss Tourism opportunities for disabled residents  

·         Through Planning, I have given support to a resident offering assistance to Ukrainian refugees.

·         I continue to chase up meeting with Bob Seely to discuss planning and other local resident’s issues.

 

IW Councillor's Report, March 2022.

 Surgeries.

 

10:30-11am, Thursday 3^rd March, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm. Monday 7^th March, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

11-1pm, Tuesday 15^th March, Food Shack & Bar, Gurnard Pines, Gurnard. (Footprint Trust/ CAB Outreach)

11:30-12pm, Thursday 17^th March, Food Shack & Bar, Gurnard Pines, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Thursday 24^th March, All Saints Church Coffee & Chat, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 30^th March, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11:30am-12pm, Thursday 31^st March, Eegon’s, 85 High Street, Cowes.

4:30-5pm, Monday 4th April, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

 

Princes Esplanade Clearance.

 

The land clearance was reported to me and was immediately taken up by the Council’s tree officer as this land has a Woodland Tree Preservation Order, as well as a Site of Nature Conservation (SINC) designation in place.

 

At that time Hooper & Son the contractors on site advised residents that licenses for clearance from the landowner Southern Gas Networks (SGN) were in place. The reason for the work according to SGN was to protect their liabilities over trespassers entering the site. 

 

This was checked by the Council with both the Planning Department (to find out what/ if planning consents were in place) and the SGN Estates Team.  When SGN eventually responded to the Tree Officer they confirmed the work was authorised by them, however they knew nothing of the protected status of the site.  Because of this on Friday morning a ‘Stop Order’ was issued against contractors.  In addition, both myself and the Council’s Tree Officer has taken this up with the Planning Enforcement Team, who are taking action against SGN for this unauthorised work.

 

Since then I’ve spoken with a landowner and learnt that much of the land cleared is not owned by SGN. This landowner is fuming and is also considering taking separate legal action.

 

In the meantime, if residents have proof/ evidence of wildlife using the area, please let me know so this can be presented in future proceedings. The more evidence received, the stronger the case is against SGN

 

Accessibility Survey. 

 

The Isle of Wight Local Access Forum wants to know your views on creating better access to services, facilities and particularly enjoyment of the countryside. We would like to know what you would like to see done to improve access.

 

Please tell us your five priorities to support those with mobility issues, for those with push chairs, children, older residents and those with disabilities. The deadline for feedback is 5pm, Friday 23^rd April 2022.

 

My/our five priorities to improve mobility access to local services, facilities and the countryside are:

 

1:

 

2:

 

3:

 

4:

 

5:

 

Any other queries, questions and suggestions:

 

Paul Fuller, IW Local Access Forum, 45 Oxford Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 8PT or Email: paulfulleriw@gmail.com

 

Residents Drop-In, Gurnard Pines.

 

I’ve organised a residents’ Drop-In to take place at the Food Shack and Bar at Gurnard Pines.  The event has been organised to support residents and will be held from 11-1pm, Tuesday 15^th March with the Footprint Trust and the Citizens Advice Bureau attending.  Like 2018 there is Free Cake and a Cuppa for residents attending.

 

Cowes Traffic Order.

 

Following the Gurnard traffic restrictions added in Baring Road in December, the Cowes restriction is due to follow on 4^th March.  This will mean that vehicles will be prohibited from loading 0800 to 0900 and 1430 to 1630 and was introduced following child safety concerns at school drop off and collection times on the Baring Road cycle lane.

 

In addition restrictions will be imposed in Crossfield Avenue, west of the junction with Ward Avenue, the eastern side of Place Road (between The Roundhouse and Place Side) and Queens Road east of the Egypt Hill junction.

 

Garden Waste Subscriptions.

 

IW Council Garden Waste Subscriptions must be renewed by Friday 18^th March.  To note, subscriptions have increased to £96 per year.  Although concerns were raised regarding the increase, garden waste can also be disposed of for free by booking a slot at Lynnbottom and Afton Tips. For details call 01983 823777 or visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/Environment-Planning-and-Waste/Waste-and-Recycling/

 

Alternatively, there are other companies that can and regularly disposes of garden waste.

 

Isle of Wight Foodbank. 

 

This month the Foodbank are asking for donations for the following items: Squash, Tinned Spaghetti, Tinned Potatoes, Long Grained Rice (1kg), Sponge Puddings, Tinned Fruit and Tinned Soup.

 

For details of the work of the IW Foodbank please visit: https://isleofwight.foodbank.org.uk/

 

Autumn half term

 

The IW Council are considering changes to the autumn half term holiday from 2023/24 onwards. Before making any changes they are asking schools, parents and island residents to give their views about the school holiday calendar.

 

The autumn half term holiday in October has traditionally been one week. In 2017 the Council consulted local people about a change to the school holiday calendar. As a result, last year the autumn half term was extended from one week to two weeks, and made the summer holiday one week shorter. This has been in place between 2018 to 2021 but there has been disruption to the school year from the COVID pandemic during that time. In 2022, following consultation with schools, the half term holiday will go back to being one week long.

 

The Council are keen to know your views on the Autumn half term holiday, and a consultation survey has been launched. The survey will be open until 18 March 2022.

 

For details visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/Schools-and-Learning/Schools/Consultations3

 

Cowes Medical Centre.

 

Northwood Parish Councillor, Richard Martin has been invited by Cowes Medical Centre to provide a list of issues residents attending or accessing services of the medical centre. Richard has asked me to ask you:

 

·         What have been your experiences when speaking to the Main Reception desk?

·         What have been your experiences when trying to make an appointment or access one of the medical centre’s services?

·         When you make an appointment, do you always get to see your regular GP?

·         Are the appointment times offered by the medical centre at a time easy for you to attend?

·         How would you rate the follow-up procedures post appointment?

·         How do you rate the medical centre’s patient communication?

·         How do you rate the overall service provided by the medical centre?

·         Do you have any issues you would like to raise?

 

All responses will be made available to the medical centre anonymously. Your feedback will help Cowes Medical Centre improve its services into the future for the whole community.

 

Please reply to: Richard at 406 Newport Road, Northwood, Cowes, PO31 8PP or email rwm1@icloud.com

 

Weeds.

 

Following complaints concerning highway weeds and the damage that weeds cause to the highway infrastructure, a more sympathetic approach and sustainable alternatives to Glyphosates are being sought by the IW Council. 

 

It is noted several years ago that Cowes Town Council initiated a RHS alternative for use in Northwood Recreation Ground.   Although there are alternative sustainable solutions for weed control, these are not always effective in removing the roots of weeds.

 

Ukraine Appeal.

 

Residents have approached me, asking how best they can offer support for those affected by the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine.  Having a link to the British Ukrainian Community, I am advised the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain- https://www.augb.co.uk/ (for updates and donations) and the Red Cross http://www.redcross.org.uk/ are good organisations doing great things to support the lovely people of Ukraine.

 

Local Planning Issues.

 

There are a number of planning applications that are under consideration locally.  These include proposals for land adjacent to 77 Place Road and the Glamping application in Rew Street.

 

The most recent proposal to develop a dwelling on land adjacent to the Stables, Woodvale Road was approved.

 

I have been asked to monitor a site, and potentially enforcement action against a location in Rew Street

 

Other Planning Matters.

 

Annual Monitoring Report

 

The annual monitoring report for 2020/21 has been completed.  A few key statistics below highlight the following:

 

·         86% of 1,088 planning applications approved;

·         493 units granted permission, 445 completed of which 123 were affordable;

·         Above national targets for determining majors, minors and other apps;

·         38% of units permitted on brownfield land.

 

Planning Enforcement

 

·         Enforcement is underway in Havenstreet at a location where residents are living in agricultural buildings.

 

Planning Committee.

 

A proposal for 17 dwellings at Wellow was approved by committee.  Approval of this application will mean that a key element of the Newport – West Wight Greenway can be progressed.

 

In addition the locally controversial demolition of public toilets for the Ryde Esplanade infrastructure project was approved.  Apparently, the £10m Ryde scheme is due for completion in March 2023…  

 

Exceptional Hardship Support.

 

The IW Council has in place support for residents finding it difficult to keep up with Council Tax payments.  If this applies to you, or you know somebody that may require extra support please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Council/OtherServices/Local-Council-Tax-Support-Entitlement/Exceptional-Hardship-Fund

 

Cowes, Northwood and Gurnard Local Cycling, Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIP) from People Powered

 

What is an LCWIP? 

 

The government’s national Cycling and Walking Strategy, published in 2017, includes proposals for local councils to produce Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans. LCWIPs are not mandatory, but local authorities that have produced plans are well placed to make the case to government for funding investment.

 

An LCWIP is a long term (10 year minimum), strategic plan that sets out local priorities for improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure. In consultation with local residents and stakeholders, it seeks to identify key routes and zones where changes to the infrastructure and/or the implementation of more walking and cycling friendly policies can provide higher quality, safer environments for people to get around on foot, wheelchair, mobility scooter and bike. This will help create a healthier, less polluted and more inclusive community and make cycling and walking an easy and comfortable choice to make for local trips, including for children travelling to school.

 

LCWIPs integrate with other key island plans, including the upcoming Island Planning Strategy and Local Transport Plan and will form a key part of the planning process and will help guide sustainable transport infrastructure investment requirements for new developments.

 

New infrastructure resulting from an LCWIP will need to be designed according to the government’s latest design guidance for walking and cycling.

 

From my perspective, I have been attending a number of local meetings and talking to residents about improving walking and cycling within the Cowes Area. For further details please visit: https://people-powered.uk/LCWIP/

 

Floating Bridge.

 

Mediation has this month started between the IW Council and those who built Floating Bridge 6.  Because the Ferry has been plagued with difficulties since coming into operation almost five years ago, the IW Council and Taxpayers have continued to be out of pocket and impacted upon the services reliability.  

 

Housing and Homelessness.

 

At the most recent IWALC meeting, a projects meeting was held to better understand housing and homelessness on the Island.  From the meeting, some of the following points were raised:

 

·         There are 2500 residents who require housing on the Homefinder Website.

·         To apply, residents must have lived on the Isle of Wight for 5 years prior to requesting a home.

·         82% of residents seeking accommodation, do so because of overcrowding where they live

·         82% of private landlords have been lost since Covid.

·         18% of residents with a housing need is classed as homeless.

·         It is estimated that homelessness will increase by 27% within 3 years.

·         There has been a 32% increase in families finding themselves homeless entering temporary housing.

·         There are currently 325 children in temporary housing.

 

An example given of those in greatest need was a double wheelchair dependent amputee, living upstairs in a single room.  This person, a prisoner in their own home and wholly desperate was ranked 10^th on the housing list…   

Underway at the moment is a consultation on housing and homelessness.  The consultation continues until 23^rd March. Please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/Care-Support-and-Housing/Housing/Homeless-Section/Homelessness-Strategy

 

Worsley Road parking.

 

Enforcement action has been requested to prevent parking at the Bus Stop outside Bucklers View. To note parking in this ‘Bus Stop Clearway’ means that Blue Badge Holders are NOT allowed to park in this spot as any parking makes it difficult for those accessing the community bus.

 

Please, please can motorists park tight to the kerb in Worsley Road to allow wider vehicles to pass.

 

Also this month:

 

·         The IW Council has been asked to close up opened cul- de-sacs in King James Close and Westwood Close.

·         Support has been given to volunteers from the IW Triathlon Club to park at Medina Theatre.

·         I have been asked to intervene on two white vans that regularly park between Rew Street and Oxford Street.

·         I’ve chased intervention from Planning Officers to improve pedestrian links from Deauville Avenue to Tuttons Hill.

·         I have contacted Rights Of Way, who I understand are in discussions with landowners over footpath access to Spencer’s Copse.

·         Discussions are ongoing between planners and the site owners over tidying up the site of the Watersedge Café.

·         A request has been lodged to cut back trees in Worsley Road.

I have requested the resurrection the mobile library service, following this stopping during lockdown. 

Concerns have been raised following reduced passengers on the service 32.  It is feared that with fewer passengers, the service may be hard to justify.