Gurnard Parish Council: Chairman's Report 2023

 

Gurnard Parish Council Chairman’s Annual Report 2022-23.

 

Over the last year it has been a true honour to be chairman of Gurnard Parish Council, having been Vice Chairman for five years!

 

I wish to place on record my gratitude and thanks to outgoing Chair Cllr Terry Nolan for his advice and support over the last year.  I would also like to thank my Vice Chairman, Cllr Mark Franklin for his support and patience for those occasions where I have taken on more than really I should!  In addition, I must thank Alan, Christine, Jan, Marie, Nikki and Penny- Without whose support would make my position untenable.

 

Over the last year below, I’ve summarised some of the Parishes achievements:

 

·         It was with sadness that our clerk, Katie stepped down.  Following a number of improvements to a new contract, the Gurnard Parish Council was very pleased to appoint Richard Shaul as our new clerk and RFO.  During Richard’s appointment, I wish to place on record my thanks to Heather Rowell who we appointed as Locum and Mentor for Richard.

·         Following instances of Anti-Social Behaviour and the need to ensure improvements were actioned the Old School Meadow Working Party met on several occasions.  After discussing neighbours’ concerns with both the police and the youngster’s involvement, over the winter instances of anti-social behaviour has reduced.  In the meantime the working party will again meet in the coming weeks to discuss a proposal for Forest Schools and concerns raised regarding access.

·         Last year following concerns raised by residents a Beach Safety Working Party was formed, led by Penny and Mark.  Priorities for the Group, now including stakeholders from several sectors is to monitor and improve bathing water quality as well as work with the IW Council to ensure the conflict between beach users are minimised.

·         To celebrate the Diamond Jubilee Gurnard Parish Council hosted its celebration and Dog Show!

·         A huge thank you to Alan, Marie and Terry who have continued to look after our toilets on the Green.  Following issues raised by Senad, our Environment Officer a meeting took place.  Since then, some minor repairs took place during the summer and following vandalism that took place in the Autumn.

·         Prior to setting our precept, The Parish Council undertook a consultation with residents on Parish priorities. Of all the priorities put forward by the Parish Council, Beach Safety was the issue which residents felt was important.  As all priorities were considered important it was resolved to maintain these within the precept, which was frozen to 2022 levels.

·         Following the installation last year of new benches seaward of the beach huts, there were complaints from owners. Since then, benches have been monitored and following resident feedback it was agreed to take no further action.

·         I met with the head teacher from Gurnard Primary School following concerns being raised by Baring Road not having a School Crossing Patrol.  Although the Parish Council expressed an interest to fund a crossing patrol, the school highlighted they would prefer to see access opened up to Princes Esplanade.

·         Following reports to the Parish Council action was taken by the IW Council over SGN who removed protected trees on their (and neighbours) woodland on Princes Esplanade.  Following nearby tree work further action was taken where concerns were raised regarding the proximity of Badger Setts. Elsewhere the Marine Management Organisation are taking action regarding beach movement that took place between Gurnard Luck and Sailing Club

·         Gurnard Village Hall was re-energised following the departure of some members of its key members. In recent months a meeting took place with key members of Gurnard WI, on working with the ladies to safeguard the future of Gurnard’s Village Hall.  My thanks to Christine who has steered the Gurnard Village Hall Association.

·         Litter Picks have taken place during the last year, my thanks to Marie and most recently to Penny who has organised these.  Thanks also to The Portland and Plaza Ice Creams for sponsoring these events.

·         Councillors have attended numerous external meetings with groups and organisations.  These include various IWALC meetings and topic groups, The Cowes Health Forum, Cowes and Northwood Place Plan Working Group, The LCWIP Committee, the Local Access Forum and the Environment & Sustainability Forum.  In addition both myself and Vice-Chairman Mark Franklin laid wreaths at Gurnard’s Remembrance Service.

·         Support was given by Parish Councillors on initiatives assisting with the Cost of Living Crisis.  This included continued Grant Funding for Cowes Library and a drop-in that took place at Gurnard Pines.

·         Following resident feedback, I am advised that the English Coastal Path will include the dog leg to the beach.  In addition, I have received confirmation from IW Council Officers that they intend to self-impose the village Green Application for Gurnard Green.  On this, I look forward to details.            

 

PAUL FULLER, CHAIRMAN.  26^th April 2023.