Isle of Wight Councillor's Report, June 2023.

 Surgeries:

 

11:30-12:15pm, Thursday 1^st June, The Pavilion, Gurnard Pines, Gurnard.

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

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

3-3:30pm, Tuesday 13^th June, Northwood Village Hall, Newport Road, Northwood.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 14^th June, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Thursday 22^nd June, Coffee & Chat, All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 28^th June, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11:30-12pm, Thursday 29^th June, Eegons, 85 High Street, Cowes.

 

Cowes Primary School

 

Cowes Primary School, is one of four (out of 38) primary schools across the Island that are under consideration of closure in July 2024.  With respect to the consultation, please also let me know your thoughts!

 

This comes about as a result of falling pupil numbers on the Island.  Over the next five years pupil numbers are due to fall by about one third. This in turn will result in schools struggling to balance books at a time of rising costs and the national issue of schools recruiting staff.   

 

Any consultation for closure is very sad, and talking to the Head Teacher Stephanie Praetag, I know that these decisions are not taken lightly given how important our primary schools are for the communities they serve.  On this, I’ve spoken to staff and parents and urge residents to engage in the consultation.  In the meantime, I am in dialogue with Councillors and Groups from Chillerton, Ryde and Wroxall.

 

Of further concern to me, is that should it be agreed to move forward with school closures, given falling numbers these inevitably will not be the last schools to potentially close.

 

For details visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/news/proposals-put-forward-to-tackle-surplus-school-places/

 

Grass Verges.

 

As residents may be aware, to save money in 2019 the IW Council agreed to renew its contract with Island Roads. As a consequence it was agreed at that time by the then Cabinet that not all roads would get resurfaced, and also the cutting of grass verges would be kept to the statutory minimum of four cuts per year…

 

With the introduction of No mow May also in place (to help pollinators!!), this has meant that roadside verges have looked more wild than usual.  I am advised that local verges are a priority to be cut on the first week of June with all works scheduled to be completed by 12^th June. 

 

Anti-Social Behaviour.

 

With the onset of summer, so does complaints of anti-social behaviour. In previous years, I’ve received of criminal damage of both of woodland and of private premises between Gurnard Sailing Club and Gurnard Luck. 

 

If you and your family are planning to have beach fun this summer, please make sure they stay out of harm’s way!

 

Jet Ski (Personal Watercraft): New Legislation.

 

Legislation has been introduced to prevent dangerous misuse of watercraft such as jet skis. New Powers mean that:

 

·         Anyone riding a jet ski recklessly or causing harm to others could now face up to 2 years in prison and an unlimited fine.

·         Maritime and Coastguard Agency to be granted more powers to prosecute.

·         In addition the Maritime Police Unit also has powers under local the local bye-law.

 

Full Council.

 

I’ve been reappointed to serve on the IW Council’s Cabinet.  In line with the IW Council’s structural reorganisation, there are now 8 cabinet positions as opposed to 10.

 

My responsibilities now include Coastal Protection and Flooding and formalises my position as Cabinet Member responsible for supporting Parish Councils. In addition, I maintain my portfolio for Planning and Enforcement.

 

A new political group consisting of three Independent Councillors and one former Conservative Councillor has been formed. This new group has meant that the Alliance Group, which I am a member comprises now of 13 members.

 

At Full Council, a referral to Cabinet was made on the potential costings to move the Council’s Governance from a Cabinet model to a Committee model.  Having experience both, I am tentatively supportive of a Committee model, which I personally found to be more inclusive.  However, before considering options I will need to see details.   

 

£2 Single Fares Extended.

 

Introduced earlier this year, the Government funded scheme to allow a £2 single bus fare on most bus routes has been extended to 30^th June 2023.

 

Noise Complaints.

 

I have recently received complaints regarding noise nuisance.  Although I am happy to assist on this, Environmental Health asks that residents email them direct: environmental.health@iow.gov.uk, or call 01983 821000.  This ensures officers can fully understand the harm anti-social behaviour impacts. In the meantime, to assist officers please keep a log of incidents and when (and where) they occur.  

 

Parked Vehicles.

 

I’ve had a number of calls concerning haulage trailers and vehicles being left in Three Gates Road and Place Road. Because the vehicles were parked legally, there are limited powers that the IW Council had to request vehicles were parked elsewhere. However, speaking to Planning colleagues a request was made for the Director of Regeneration to intervene to support the hauliers who had out grown their site following expansion of their business. 

 

Southern Water:  Water Butts.

 

Southern Water are calling door to door in eligible roads with their ‘slow the flow’ Water Butts. If you still haven’t receiver yours, please visit: https://www.gurnardpc.co.uk/free-water-butts-now-available-from-southern-water/

 

Litter Bins.

 

Sad that I am, I continue to monitor waste bins.  In the last month, damaged bins on Princes and Egypt Esplanade have been made safe before being replaced. 

 

Although bins now are emptied on a daily business, please ensure bins are not overfilled and if you cannot take litter home, please leave refrain from leaving your rubbish in a bin less full.  Finally, further complaints have been received by residents witnessing household, holiday home and holiday waste being deposited in litter bins…

 

For second home owners, and those unable to leave their rubbish out, the Council provides their Collection Plus Service allowing householders to agree a safe collection point for their refuse. For details, call 01983 823777 or visit:   https://www.iow.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/additional-household-services/paid-for-waste-services/

 

Gurnard Pines Update.

 

Last month I had the opportunity to meet with the owner of Gurnard Pines.  During the meeting, (scarily for me) I was shown around the recently refurbished Gym facilities, function suite plus the office and potential retail spaces currently available for commercial purposes.  I am ever hopeful that the shop may reopen in the future with a plan to be considered to (at this moment, very possibly) reopen the pool which hasn’t been decommissioned.

 

As Planning Officers seem unhappy with proposal for new Eco-Chalets, I have requested a site meeting with them to discuss proposals. On this dialogue continues.

 

Following noise nuisance complaints, the owner has agreed to close the top field to Quad bikers using the top field.

 

Last month, I stepped up pressure on the Royal Mail to get on with replacing the Cockleton Lane postbox removed last year. The loss of this postbox has had an impact upon residents and I’m anxious to see its reinstatement.

 

Gurnard Green.

 

I am supporting beach hut owners who reported to me slippage of Gurnard Green behind the huts. I understand that a survey has taken place and am awaiting details of the IW Council’s action plan concerning this.

 

Anti-Social Parking.

 

A request has been made for Civil Enforcement Officers to ticket bad parental parking at Gurnard Primary School.

 

I have received complaints regarding parked vehicles on The Green, Crossfield Avenue.  This stopped last year following a campaign led by residents opposed to motorists using the Green as a thoroughfare.

Hedgehog Corner:  Helping your Garden’s Friend.

 

Though hedgehogs are known as the gardeners’ friend it’s not always a two-way relationship. Many of us help hedgehogs in the garden. But an unwary gardener can cause a whole host of problems for our prickly friends in summer.

 

Slug pellets can poison hedgehogs, strimmers, lawnmowers or a careless fork in the compost heap can injure them and they can so easily become trapped in netting or a badly designed garden pond. 

 

Our gardens can be a sanctuary for hedgehogs in summer, but without proper thought, they can be a death-trap too. 

 

Verification of Documents etc.

 

As a magistrate, I can authorise/ verify documents.  This I am happy to do this at no cost during my Councillor surgeries.  Please note,surgeries are prioritised to support ward matters first and limited to 30 minutes. Given the unpredictable nature of surgeries I cannot always guarantee to verify documents within the time available.

 

If you wish documents to be authorised etc, please contact me beforehand.. Please ensure you have all your documents including originals.  Should you wish me to verify, sign and date three copies of original documents or more,  please write the following on each copied page: 

 

‘I hereby confirm that this is a true copy of the original document’.  

 

This allows me more time to reference your original documents, and to sign and date copies as required. I request this, as it is so important to allow sufficient time to verify documents correctly..

 

As an alternative, please note other professions can verify documents (i.e legal advisors, bankers, doctors, ministers, teachers etc). The Magistrates Court, Sea Street, Newport may be able to help.  The Court can be contacted on 01983 535100.

  

Report as Cabinet Member for Planning, Coastal Protection and Flooding.

 

·         Planning Enforcement.

Cabinet recently adopted an updated Planning Enforcement Strategy. Under the new scheme the Enforcement Team will continue to investigate every alleged breach across the Island and then assess and prioritise harm.

 

The new strategy includes an opportunity for local Town, Parish and Community Council’s to expand the service beyond the IW Council’s core function.  This has been piloted with support from Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council where properties in Newport and Carisbrooke High Streets are being tidied up.

 

Across the Island, three Enforcement Notices have been served so far this year with more in the pipeline.

 

Following feedback, I’ve been mindful of raising residents’ awareness of the work of the Enforcement Team, and look forward to information being shared wider within the Council’s website and within weekly planning lists.

 

·         Statement of Community Involvement. (SCI)

In the coming weeks the IW Council will be consulting on a Statement of Community Involvement. The SCI explains how the IW Council will involve local communities, businesses and other stakeholders when preparing policies and determining planning applications.

 

·         Strategic Planning Documents.

Strategic Planning Documents are being finalised and include the Newport and Ryde Shopfront Design Guide. Cabinet are also soon to consider LCWIPs (Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans) for Ryde and Newport, with others (Cowes) due to be considered soon.

 

·         Island Planning Strategy (IPS).

The journey of the local Planning bible, the IPS has been delayed. With proposed changes to National Planning Policy and its transitional arrangements, we are unclear but am hopeful for a positive response from government. This particularly applies to proposed changes to the Island’s exceptional circumstance criteria.  Once we know more, Cabinet can feedback to Full Council on moving forward.   

 

·         Full Council Appointments.

Cllr Warren Drew was appointed as the new Chairman of the Planning Committee, with Cllr Chris Quirk taking over as Vice-Chairman.  Both Councillors, are members of the IW Councils Conservative Group demonstrating the IW Council’s Leadership commitment to work cross-party.

 

·         Worsley site, Wroxall.

I have been supporting efforts from the local community in Wroxall to see redevelopment of this site.  I am ever hopeful that discussions with Natural England will have a positive outcome in the coming weeks.

 

·         Local Nature Recovery Initiatives.

LNR initiatives, are a priority for Government.  In the past few weeks I have been working with officers to develop a local strategy that enables the IW Council to support proposals that provides environmental enhancements.

 

·         Former School, Yarmouth.

I have had discussions with Councillors on exciting proposals for the former Yarmouth School site.

 

·         Planning Improvements Steering Committee.

A further meeting of the Steering Committee was held to action outcomes from last year’s peer review.  One of the key discussion points was to implement a customer feedback survey to monitor outcomes from stakeholders.

 

·         Voting Records at Planning Committee.

Isle of Wight Councillors who sit on the Planning Committee recently had their biases assessed at a recent meeting of the Planning Committee.  Although Councillors are entitled to be predisposed, questions on pre-determination were raised, this in my opinion, has led to disquiet upon some Councillors on their voting records.   

 

·         Coastal Protection.

In the last few weeks, I have received briefings on intended coastal protection schemes for Yaverland, Shanklin, Bembridge and the current scheme to re-enforce breached coastal defences at Ventnor, which has been reinstated ahead of schedule.  A major concern for me locally is the condition of the concrete groyne, Gurnard and the defence at Queens Road, Cowes which has been categorised as very poor. Schemes to take remedial action at these and other locations will take place this year.

 

·         Unauthorised Sea Defences.

Following work being undertaken at Gurnard, Blue Slipper has now become exposed on the beach between the Gurnard Luck and Gurnard Sailing Club.  This has caused concerns for householders in Solent View Road, where action is intended by the Marine Management Organisation.  Elsewhere, I understand similar breaches have taken place at Wootton Creek.

 

·         Parish, Town and Community Council Liaison.

I am looking forward to hosting a roundtable meeting between the Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils and the Isle of Wight Council on where best IWALC can provide support retaining discretionary services. 

 

 

Gurnard Parish Council Chairman’s Report.

 

·         It was a considerable honour to be re-elected as Chairman of the Parish Council for a second year. I remain ever hopeful that my time as an IW Councillor will become much less onerous this coming year, and I am really happy to be supported by Cllr Penny Acton who has stepped up and replaced Cllr. Mark Franklin as Vice-Chairman.  Being at the Head of the Parish Council is very much being part of a Team and I feel blessed that with all of our active Councillors and Richard as our Clerk, in Gurnard we are very fortunate.

·         Complaints were received concerning dogs off leads at Gurnard Beach, this has been reported and appropriate action taken.

·         The Old School Meadow Committee has requested that the Parish Council re-tenders the Ground Maintenance contract for the Meadow.  In addition the Council resolved to create a new sprung gate between the main field and the dog free zone area of the old school playing field.  Finally, the Council resolved not to agree to the Meadow being used as part of a Forest School initiative.  The sticking point for this was the no fires restriction that remains in place.

·         It was agreed to update Gurnard’s Emergency Plan.  The IW Council’s Emergency Planning Officer has offered to support the Parish council on this.

·         An offer’s been made from the Meadow View developer to meet the Parish Council. Having received consent for his development in Cockleton Lane, he’s anxious to discuss mutual access concerns to/ from Old School Meadow.  He also wishes to discuss the link between Meadow View and Cockleton Lane.  

·         The Parish Council has been requested to plant a commemorative tree to remember a local resident.

·         Drain clearance from the Public Toilets was actioned following a blockage.

·         Many thanks to Cllr Mark Franklin for his efforts with our clerk Richard Shaul to update the parish website.

 

Also This month.

 

·         Southern Water has confirmed to me that they will not be issuing Water Butts to residents of The Dottens.  This is due to the fact that developers have built in a number of features to the development (i.e balancing ponds, attenuation tanks) that already slows the flow of storm water leaving the site. That said, I am continuing to liaise with Island Roads and the IW Council on finding a solution to the issue with drains.

·         Two incidents were reported of so-called abandoned cars one in Churchill Road, the other in Cliff Road.

·         Senad Adams our now longstanding Environment Officer has been redeployed to Cowes and Northwood. I remain hopeful that enough pressure has been applied to allow Senad also to represent Gurnard. With respect to this Senad has helped me in the last month deal with rubbish bin issues and dog poo matters.

·         Promotion is about to start for new Community Bus Drivers recruitment. John Berry readily accepted the request to be again, the poster boy for the campaign!

·         The Footprint Trust reported that in the last 12 months, it’s saved Cowes residents a whopping £18,000.

·         A request was made to remove the The Deauville Twinning sign in Northwood. 

·         I am continuing to receive comments concerning increasing Council Tax levels for Holiday Home and Second Home owners. From feedback received I have had 17 enquiries in favour of the Council doing this and now 6 opposed. Although no decision has been made to pursue increasing charges at this time subject to a decision from Government.  In the meantime, please continue to let me know your views 

·         Agreement was made by Cabinet for the creation of an Island Dementia Hub at Parklands in Park Road. The purpose of the Hub will be to offer short stay day respite.

·         Following feedback from residents of Hilton Road, the IW Council has confirmed that Waste Services will risk assess and notify individual householders where a problem exists on unmade roads.

·         I attended a meeting of the newly formed Cowes Traders Group.

·         A very big thank you to Mrs Floyd who captured in a jam jar for me, a rather scary 2 inch hornet in her garden.  It was absolutely massive and gave me, my bee/ wasp/ hoverfly phobia and the members our Cabinet the heebeegeebees.  Thankfully the hornet was a European Hornet and not the killer Asian variety.  So scared was I, that I had to request the Council’s Emergency Planning to release the creature.

·         Permission has now been granted for six dwellings in Cockleton Lane.  As a result a permissive path will now connect the development to the south of Cockleton Meadow to Place Road via Deauville Avenue.  As yet, there has been no agreed path to link these to Tuttons Hill aiding connectivity for residents. 

Donkeys Years following the creation of the Police’s State of the Art Netley Call Centre, I am still receiving calls from residents on the service.  The latest issue, I’ve received calls on are the call centre operators not knowing place names on the Island, the reference to people calling 999 instead of 101 (as callers claim these are not dealt with quickly enough) and finally.. operators not knowing that the Isle of Wight has a motorway… Beggars belief

Isle of Wight Councillors Report, May 2023

 

Surgeries.

 

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 2^nd May, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

3-3:30pm, Tuesday 9^th May, Northwood Village Hall, Newport Road, Northwood.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 10^th May, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Wednesday 17^th May, Benches adj. Watersedge Kiosk, Gurnard. (Weather Permitting)

11:15-11:45am, Wednesday 17^th May, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

11:30-12pm, Thursday 25^th May, Eegons, 85 High Street, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 31^th May, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

 

Southern Water:  Water Butts.

 

Southern Water has called door to door in eligible roads with their ‘slow the flow’ Water Butts.  If you’ve not received yours, and a resident of Woodvale Road, Woodvale Close, Shore Road, Solent Lawns, Jordan Close, Gurnard Heights, Baring Road, Solent View Road, Albert Road, Worsley Road, Church Road, Hilton Road and Gurnard Pines please let me know so I can chase.  Of the 2000 available, there has only so far been a take up from 186 addresses.

 

I have been advised that new contractors will call back, and post a calling card with contacts for residents not at home. Alternatively, please visit: https://www.gurnardpc.co.uk/free-water-butts-now-available-from-southern-water/

 

Waste Bins.

 

Last month I received complaints concerning overfilled bins at Gurnard Green.  If a bin/ bins are full either please use one nearby that is not full, if you cannot take rubbish home. The reason for me asking this is due to badger and foxes emptying full bins before rubbish is collected!

 

Several waste bins across Cowes and Gurnard are being used to dispose of household waste. On this, the position is being monitored, and in some instances homeowners have been contacted and action taken.  

 

I am ever hopeful that now the summer season is pending, collections will increase to reflect demand.

 

Unmade Roads.

 

I continue to receive enquiries on the potential disruption to waste and recycle collection provision from unmade roads. For further details visit: https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN00402/SN00402.pdf

 

No Mow May: Report from Plantlife

 

#NoMowMay is aimed at the gardens and green spaces away from the roadside. It aim is to raise awareness and understanding of the biodiversity opportunity lost by mowing in early season. Plantlife are asking gardeners and green keepers to encourage people to think again about grassy spaces and how they could be richer in wildlife. 

 

If you are fortunate to own a garden or green space, please pause for thought. No Mow May is changing the way people manage their spaces, the percentage of those not mowing in May has trebled compared to three years ago. Why not join them and see what flowers you spot in your lawn or greenspace in 2023?

 

Highways/ Footpath Matters.

 

·         I continue to persevere with officers on flooding issues associated with the new development at The Dottens.

·         A request has been made to increase traffic restrictions in Egypt Hill.  I understand officers have visited the site to assess the health and safety merits of any scheme. With respect to postings, I’ve received feedback opposing extra restrictions in the area. Should Island Roads proceed, (eventually) this will be subject to wider consultation.

·         A request has been made to completely resurface Worsley Road, the follows an incident where a cyclist ended up in a pot hole.  In response to this short term action has been taken to infill the pot hole.  

·         The Coastal Path between Gurnard Luck and Sticelett Farm has been closed following a land slip.  Officers advise the path should reopen and be ‘rolled back’ before the summer once land stabilises.

·         I was asked to intervene following road closures at Rolls Hill and Porchfield.  Once it was made clear that residents could not access the area due to closures, Island Roads intervened and reopened the road to traffic.

 

Northwood Recreation Ground.

 

Both myself and ward Councillor, John Nicholson have contacted the IW Council regarding the deteriorating condition of the Northwood Recreation Park pathway which leads to the Cricket Club. On this, we have been advised re-patching will take place ‘imminently’.  Many thanks to Chris and Sharon for highlighting this via Nextdoor.

 

Also of concern is the overfilled dog bins.  Again, it has been noted that a regular has been seen arriving by car and disposing of copious volumes of animal waste. In light of this, I’ve requested this is monitored and action taken.

 

Wightcare Consultation.

 

The IW Council are consulting on packages of services provided by Wightcare.  For details please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Wightcare2023 The survey continues until 18^th May.

 

Jet Ski (Personal Watercraft): New Legislation.

 

New legislation is being introduced to crack down on the dangerous misuse of watercraft such as jet skis, with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency being granted more powers to prosecute perpetrators of accidents.

 

The new law came into force on 31 March 2023, before the busy summer period and will enable watercraft users to be prosecuted and bound by the same laws that apply to ships in order to help to prevent accidents.

 

This follows a boom in the watercraft industry during the pandemic, with the number, size, power and availability of watercraft like jet skis increasing, and their use in UK waters rising significantly. New Powers mean that:

 

·         Anyone riding a jet ski recklessly or causing harm to others could now face up to 2 years in prison and an unlimited fine, thanks to a change in the law

·         Maritime and Coastguard Agency to be granted more powers to prosecute, as government works to ensure the UK’s waters continue to be some of the safest in the world.

·         In addition the Maritime Police Unit also has powers under local the local bye-law.

 

Hedgehog Corner: Hedgehog Awareness Week 30^th April-6^th May- Think Hedgehog!

 

There are lots of hedgehog-friendly features that can be added to make areas more welcoming for hedgehogs:

 

·         Hedgehog highways are really important to allow access to more habitat; they are just 13cm x 13cm square gaps in the bottom of boundary walls and fences to ensure hedgehogs can get in and out easily; once these are made you can log your Hedgehog Highway at www.bighedgehogmap.org.

·         Feeding stations – offer water and meaty cat or dog food for hedgehogs in a feeding station to help keep the food safe for hedgehogs (see plans for a feeding station on BHPS website (https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/) or contact BHPS for a paper copy).

·         Log piles, leaf piles or wild corners and edges will attract natural food and offer shelter for hedgehogs.

·         Ponds or pools are great for wildlife but do ensure there are escape routes – a sloping edge, ramp or half-submerged rock for hedgehogs to scramble out on.

·         Hedgehog homes – make or buy a hedgehog home (plans for building homes can be found on the BHPS website or contact BHPS for a paper copy).

 

Local Access Forum.

 

·         An update was provided on completion of Phase 1 (hopefully within 12 months) of the West Wight Greenway.  Following negotiation with landowners this will offer a through route between Wellow and Freshwater Bay.

·         Dialogue continues between landowners and Natural England on Chapter 1 (East Cowes- Wootton) of the English Coastal Path.  There has been a number of amendments following winter landslips at Appley Steps, Shanklin and at Brighstone Holiday Centre. Chapters 8 and 9 (Thorness-Cowes) are imminent to be opened, when offered the Green light by the Secretary of State.  Natural England reported the creation of a shadow National Trail Partnership to oversee opening of the Trail.

·         Local By-ways are due to remain closed due to the adverse impact of wet weather and potential damage.

·         An approach was made to upgrade footpath N66 at Carisbrooke. Dialogue continues with English Heritage.

·         New Bridleway links are intended for Dunsbury Farm, Brook and to Marks Corner from Whitehouse Road.

·         The Isle of Wight (cycling) Randonee takes place on 30^th April.

·         It was reported that the first prosecution took place for ‘Sheep Worrying’, following an incident involving dogs off leads.  It was noted that prior to this, uncontrolled dogs can and have been shot at.

·         Concern was raised by Farmers on Beaver control, should this be licensed for the Isle of Wight. This was highlighted following ongoing damage to Rights of Way in areas where Beaver releases have occurred.  

 

Scams Update from Trading Standards.

 

Local scams to look out for include:

 

Loft insulation.

The caller identifies himself as Tom, first using a Bournemouth number, later using 01983 numbers. This is more likely to seem legitimate as it is a local number. The caller will offer you a free survey to find out if your loft insulation is causing damp issues. If you agree to the survey, they will book somebody in to come and have a look and we can almost guarantee they will find problems and then proceed to do the work for you at in inflated price. The Footprint Trust have advised us that in most cases, fibre glass loft insulation does not cause damp issues. If it does, it can easily be fixed by pulling it back from where it touches the roof which increases airflow. You can do this yourself. If you are unable to, a handyman should be able to do this for a reasonable price. Do not engage with these callers and don’t let them into your property.

 

Letters from companies regarding problems with solar panels. These may not be scam companies, it is highly likely they will find a problem and may cause further problems when working on your system. If you receive one of these letters and you are unsure if you have a problem or not, contact a local trusted trader who can advise you.

 

Doorstep traders​. Be wary of anyone knocking your door offering to do work for you. We’ve had reports of window cleaners coming from the mainland along with people offering to buy your gold. We would advise against any kind of doorstep trading.

 

Email from a friend asking for help​. We have had reports of peoples email accounts being hacked which results in scammers sending random emails to all of the contacts in their address book, asking for money and help. There may be links that they are asking you to click – DON’T! If you don’t want to ignore the request, check if its genuine with your friend.

 

An email from McAfee stating you need to update your Microsoft Windows version. Be very careful when you see messages claiming to be support for your device – don’t click on unknown links. Talk to somebody who is familiar with IT.

 

Be wary about messages from Whatsapp updating their settings

 

Scam texts and emails claiming to be various difference mail providers. These say you need to pay extra for a package or ask you click on a link which could install malware onto your device. The companies all involved state that they would never contact you in this way (how would they know your phone number?).

 

National Insurance scam using an 01983 number. Don’t believe just because it appears to be a local number that it is genuine, numbers can be purchased and are frequently cloned.

 

Google message to say that your phone has viruses and you have to click the link to repair the problem. Don’t click the link, this is a scam.

 

Calls about your debit or credit card being used and large amounts taken, don’t follow the instructions on the call. Contact your bank and check with them. These calls will ask you to press for contact with an investigator who will then ask you for all sorts of banking details.

 

Banking texts being followed up by phone calls stating that there is a fraud on your account. They may even draw your attention to the number they are dialling from. It will be the banks number. Numbers can be cloned. Hang up do not engage with these criminals and call your bank on a number you have found yourself to ensure that your account is secure.

 

Be wary when receiving emails, texts and messages. Remember, genuine organisations will never ask you to click on links in messages or ask for your bank details.

 

Scam texts can be forwarded to 7726

 

Scam emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk

 

'No cold calling' stickers are available by emailing trading.standards@iow.gov.uk.

 

For a complete, update to date list of current scams visit:

https://www.iow.gov.uk/business-and-consumer/trading-standards/trading-standards/active-local-scams/

 

Report from the Cabinet Member for Planning and Enforcement

 

·         Government are consulting on the use of short term holiday lets.  The issue of Air B&B and similar lets have had a significant use of dwellings on the Island since the COVID lockdown. For details please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-a-registration-scheme-for-short-term-lets-in-england/consultation-on-a-registration-scheme-for-short-term-lets-in-england. This continues until 7^th June.

·         I attended a meeting with Bob Seely, MP to discuss potential proposals that I hope will materialise in the new NPPF and linked Levelling Up Bill. During the meeting our MP has urged for the IW Council to support using the Exceptional Circumstances argument in future Planning Policy strategies.  Because of the lag in implementing this (potentially 3-5 years), I am supportive of a twin track approach whereby the current Island Planning Strategy is adopted with its policies that can provide interim protection until new legislation is adopted. 

·         A briefing was held with IW Councillors and reps. from Parish Councils regarding the Island Planning Strategy.

·         Although there is a frustrating national shortage of planners (and planning inspectors), the Island Planning Team will soon be near capacity.  In recent months there has been a plateauing of new applications.  However, there are officers still dealing with considerable backlogs.

·         The reserved matters’ application for Pennyfeathers, Ryde was refused by the IW Council’s Planning Committee. This was due to concerns raised by Councillors concerning design, layout and access.

·         I am due to meet this month with Parish Councillors at Gatcombe and Chillerton and Fishbourne Councils.

 

Gurnard Parish Council Chairman’s Report.

 

·         A meeting of the Beach Safety Working Party took place at Gurnard Pines’ Pavilion, it was reported that Cowes Harbour Commission are intending to install a new weather buoy at Gurnard NE; also training was imminent to test water quality at Gurnard.

·         Following rock movement on Gurnard Beach, action was taken by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).  I understand there is a strong possibility of legal action being taken against landowners.  

·         I understand from officers the IW Council are seeking to self-dedicate Gurnard Green as a village Green.

·         Complaints were received concerning the condition of boats moored at Gurnard Luck.  An approach has been made regarding this.  However, it is noted that boat owners have managed the Luck for generations.

·         Bert Jupe has planted the ‘Queen’s Canopy’ Tree on Pond Green in Lower Church Road. 

·         The Old School Meadow Working Party is due to meet prior to the next Parish Meeting.  Forest Schools will be discussed with facilitators and Neighbours.  Of key concern is reigniting the fire pit and subsequent public use.

·         As Chairman, I attended IWALC’s last meeting. Following Sue Chilton’s resignation as the Local Council’s Trainer, training for Councillors continue. Feedback on Training for Ventnor cluster Councillors was positively received.  Also discussed was the cost of bye-elections for smaller parishes, when called.  At the meeting, Newchurch highlighted that two recent elections had cost the Parish 10% of its precept.  It was agreed to make representations to Government concerning the impact this had upon Parishes with less than 2500 electors.

Further information from IWALC can be found here: http://www.iwalc.org/Bulletin%20-%20April%202023.pdf.

·         I attended a meeting of the Cowes Peninsula Health Group

·         Gurnard Parish Council has increased its grant to the Gurnard News to £600.  This is due to the importance of the magazine in sharing information to local residents.

·         A very big thank you to those who attended (with me for once!) this month’s Village Tidy Up. Thank you also to lovely Gary and Debbie from Plaza Ice Cream, who gave a free Mr Whippy and Flake to those who volunteered!   

 

Also this month:

 

·         If you have a disability, that means you struggle to specify a specific time to visit Lynnbottom or Afton Tips, call Waste Services on 01983 823777 who will be happy to work with you to find a solution to dispose of waste.

·         I have received further confirmation that with a positive response from the landowner, the English Coastal Path will follow the dog leg (as residents requested) through Spencer’s Copse.

·         My Annual Report for 2022-2023 can be found on my website. Please visit: http://paulfullercc.blogspot.com/

·         I received calls from two frightened residents following the Government ‘Severe Alert’ which took place. At the same time, I know many people did not receive any alarm..

·         I attended a Marine Management Organisation meeting called to discuss coastal protection issues and solutions being implemented across the south. 

·         I am persevering in trying to get The Dottens included for Water Butts.  Because of ongoing surface water drainage and Highways matters, and by the fact adjacent Woodvale Road and Baring Road are included, I am digging in my heals concerning this, as I feel this will be beneficial in reducing storm water flows. Because the Dottens development have attenuation tanks, balancing ponds incorporated within the new development to ease storm water flows the argument for water butts is difficult to make.  However, I keep trying on this!

·         I have recently received complaints regarding noise nuisance.  Although I am happy to assist on this, Environmental Health asks that residents email them direct: environmental.health@iow.gov.uk, or call 01983 821000.  This ensures officers can fully understand the harm anti-social behaviour impacts upon you. In the meantime, to assist officers it helps if you can keep a log of incidents and when they happen.