Isle of Wight Councillor's Report, January 2026

 

Surgeries.

 

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

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

10:30-11am, Thursday 8^th January, Gurnard Press Bistro, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

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

11-11:30am, Wednesday 21^st January, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

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

 

Happy New Year!  After a fairly hectic Christmas following a close family bereavement, the New Year faces fresh challenges ahead.  Thank you to everybody who offered support.  It was much appreciated!  

 

Government delays Mayoral Authority Roll-out.

 

Government with little notice has delayed the Mayoral Combined Authority Election for this coming year. 

 

My interpretation as to why this occurred, is due to financial commitments promised to new mayoral authorities not being met at this time.

 

However, the Government has confirmed that the extended timescale to 2028 is to allow for local authority restructuring (replacing district/ borough Councils in favour of Unitary Authorities) to take place

 

Government is also currently consulting with Council Leaders on again postponing the IW Council Elections.   From my perspective I am wholeheartedly opposed to doing this, as I was last year, particularly as this time there is no reason for doing so.  This view is supported cross-party by all Group Leaders.

 

IW Council Budget.

 

This will be the first time in four years that I will not be involved directly in agreeing a budget for debate by Full Council next month. This is due to Group Leaders agreeing options as part of the IW Council’s Corporate Leadership Team.  

 

Lionheart School.

 

The IW Council are considering expansion of the Lionheart School to create an additional 60 places totalling 120 offering short term support as a referral centre for children with alternative learning needs at the former Cowes Primary School site in Edinburgh Close. This consultation continues until 9^th January. For details visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/council-and-councillors/consultations-and-engagement/consultations-and-surveys/

 

Volunteers Needed!

 

Northwood Parish Council are seeking residents to join their Speedwatch Volunteers. In addition, the Parish Council is seeking Tree Wardens.  Training will be provided, with Speedwatch sessions taking place in the coming weeks.  For further information please contact: clerk@northwoodparishcouncil.gov.uk

 

Horsebridge Hill.

 

Southern Water’s proposals to close Horsebridge Hill to northbound traffic is scheduled to begin on 26^th January.

 

In the meantime, I’ve been in dialogue with Island Roads over glitches to Captiva’s Traffic Lights which continues to occur. In response, Island Roads have advised that they are giving support to Captiva in resetting the detector responsible for the changing signals. In addition, I am also advised that parked work vehicles further aggravated settings.

 

Drains and Gullies.

 

With the inevitability of further flooding, and the impact of leaf fall from the end of the autumn, I have chased for black ice spots to be kept clear of surface water.  This was requested, actioned and will be monitored for Rew Street, Cockleton Lane, Egypt Hill, Pallance Road, Pallance Lane and Rolls Hill.

 

Island Planning Strategy. Comment on amendments to Planning proposals.

 

Consultation continues until 12^th January on Governments response to the Island’s Planning bible.

 

This follows amendments made by Planning Inspectors in light of a small number of changes to Government Policy in respect to housing commitments etc.

 

For details visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/planning/local-plan/draft-island-planning-strategy/

 

As ward Councillor, I will continue raising concerns on setting the local planning authority to fail with respect to the unsustainable housing numbers being suggested.

 

Debt Support.

 

With more people each day struggling for financial assistance, our Government are providing the following link to agencies offering free support. For details visit: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

 

Footprint Trust: Free home energy guidance and help

 

If struggling with bills, call the Trust on 01983 822282, or email: info@footprint-trust.co.uk   Please visit:   https://www.iow.gov.uk/keep-the-island-safe/cost-of-living/health-and-wellbeing/community-support/ for support.

 

Floodlighting/ Security Lighting.

 

Councils must look into complaints about artificial light from premises if the light could be classed as a ‘statutory nuisance’ (covered by the Environmental Protection Act 1990).

 

For the artificial light to count as a statutory nuisance it must do one of the following:

 

·         Unreasonably and substantially interfere with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises.

·         Injure health or be likely to injure health.

 

Fix My Street.

 

Residents can report concerns directly to Island Roads, as well as to me.  This facility can be used for road problems, fly tipping and anything that affects the highway.  It helps if the issues are reported so there is data to show where problems occur and how often.  For details visit: https://fms.islandroads.com/

 

Southern Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority visits the Isle of Wight.

 

Having joined officers visiting fishing communities across the region (including Lyme Regis, Weymouth and Swanage), it was an absolute pleasure for me as Chair to visits and support the views of communities on the Island. 

 

These visits offer a real opportunity to engage with and actually listen face to face with those working within what is a really challenging industry. To locally utilise the expertise of officers responsible for both conservation and enforcement proved to be well received by communities in Bembridge, Freshwater, Ventnor and Yarmouth. One issue that I will be taking up is the additional costs being borne by fishermen needing to travel (via ferries) to take their catch to traders off Island.  For some this is a more lengthy trip to Brixham.

 

In the next few months drop-in’s will call at Mudeford, Poole (January), Warsash and Portsmouth (March).

 

At the recent meeting of all IFCA’s the work of the newly appointed Communications Officer was reported. Emily’s appointment arose following our calls to raise the profile and the positive efforts that would otherwise go unreported.  Emily has been asked to attend a future SIFCA Meeting.

 

At its last meeting, to meet its Statutory duties, it was agreed to increase the authorities local government levy by 5.04%.

 

Hedgehog Corner.

 

As nature winds down for winter, your wild patch may be looking a bit lacklustre. At this time of year, it’s best to leave any wilder areas undisturbed in case of hibernating hedgehogs. But if you can brace yourself for the cold, it’s a good time of year to add extra features to the garden, like a log pile or hedgehog highway (For details, please visit: https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/help-hedgehogs/link-your-garden/

 

Also this month.

 

·         Support can be offered to residents in crisis. I made a number of approaches over the break to Wightcare who operates at these times. Wightcare can be contacted at 01983 821105.

·         At a recent meeting of the Transport for South Eastern England, I raised the urgency of Highways Authorities looking out to Flood Risk as well as Landslip support.  These concerns are now being echoed through agencies such as the Southern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.

·         The Planning Application for new housing in Westwood Close is due to be considered on 13^th January.

·         I have received confirmation from the Royal Mail that the Post Office in Cowes will remain opened for the foreseeable future.  I’ve also received confirmation that the postbox in Rew Street will be replaced.

·         Following non-compliance of parking restrictions close to Gurnard Primary School, I’ve sought legal advice.

·         The first bundle of planning applications are being considered for a new McDonalds in Three Gates Road, Cowes. Applications (for illuminated signage) 25/01648; 25/01649 and 25/01650 were submitted for consultation during December, whilst the consultation for the drive thru’ itself (Ref: 25/01634 ADV closes on 23^rd January.  

·         A very big thank you to SGN who reopened Park Road well ahead of schedule last month.  Also a very big thank you to Southern Vectis for diverting services via Crossfield Avenue whilst Park Road was closed

·         I am seeking guidance from Waste/ Recycling collectors on making things easier for Westwood Close and Ashton Terrace residents leaving their rubbish out.  I am hoping that on these private roads residents will be permitted to leave their rubbish out kerbside rather than at the end of their private/ unadopted roads.

·         Gurnard will shortly be carrying out its local housing needs survey.  It is hoped this can be undertaken in partnership with Northwood, given similar issues that both communities have.

·         I continue to receive support through regional Councillor colleagues for support to Coastal Protection works at Ventnor.