IW Councillor's Report, November 2024

 

Surgeries.

 

10:30-11am, Tuesday 5^th November, Gurnard Press and Bistro, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Tuesday 12^th November, Northwood Village Hall, Newport Road, Northwood.

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

11-11:30am, Wednesday 20^th November, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard. 

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 27^th November, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

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

 

Sustainable Drainage Solutions (SUDs), Gurnard.

 

Work is due to start on proposals to reduce surface water, and its impact upon outflows and bathing water quality.

 

I have spent the last few weeks chasing for legal agreements being in place to enable Southern Water to proceed with these proposals.

 

In the meantime, I’ve taken up issues regarding water butts and their roll by Southern Water.

 

Pension Credits.

 

Government has taken the decision to means-test eligibility for their Winter Heating Allowance.  It is noted that in around 850,000 cases entitlement to Government Pension Credits goes unclaimed.  To note, this money (which will unlock access to other benefits) has been paid by pensioners during their working lives, so therefore is an entitlement worthy of claiming!

 

One concern raised by pensioners is how difficult this is to claim (a cynic might suggest this is on purpose!)  Please note, the easiest way to do this is to call 0800 99 1234. Calls to 0800 numbers are free from mobiles and landlines.

 

In the meantime, I am working with the IW Council to find advisors to support residents wishing to claim.

 

Footprint Trust: Free home energy guidance and help

 

The Footprint Trust is an energy charity working to reduce the Isle of Wight's carbon footprint.

 

Based in Newport, the charity provide island-wide support, help, and guidance for sustainable living.

If you’re struggling with your bills, call the Footprint 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 further details of support available.

 

In addition please also visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/keep-the-island-safe/cost-of-living/household-support-fund/ and https://www.iow.gov.uk/keep-the-island-safe/cost-of-living/health-and-wellbeing/community-support/

 

News from Cowes Community Pantry.

 

At Cowes Community Pantry, our mission is to provide healthy and nutritious food at affordable prices. We understand that many people struggle to put food on the table, so we have created a system that allows families to gain access to at least £15.00 worth of food for just £5.00 per visit. Our pantry is always well-stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, dry goods, and more.  To find out more, or apply visit: https://www.iowpantries.org/

 

Gurnard Parish Council.

 

Gurnard Parish Council has agreed not to co-opt a new Councillor.  This is due to the fact that elections for Town, Parish and IW Councillors take place on Thursday 1^st May 2025.  However, if you are interested in the work of local Councillors, meetings are open to the public.

 

Drones.

 

I understand that Intelliports are seeking alternative options to launch and receive drones.  I understand that private landowners have expressed an interest.

 

Local Pension Board.

 

In recent years, governments have attempted to promote the use of pension schemes to fund UK investment projects which Government should be doing themselves! From my perspective as a member of the Pension Board, within reason I consider it more important to ensure pension funds receive the very best return for local pensioners.

 

Replacement Sea Defence. Princes Esplanade.

 

Replacement of the Gurnard groyne, seaward of the Woodvale pumping station is due to commence in the coming months.  Following feedback, options being considered will create veripools that support aquatic life.

 

Cowes Primary School.

 

Thank you to all parents and staff that contacted me, both directly and through attending extra IW Councillor surgeries held throughout September and October. Key issues raised include:

 

·         transport,

·       disruption to children (particularly those with extra needs),

·         unfairness that academies are treated differently,

·         potential academisation with Ormiston Academies Trust,

·         the lack of ‘Good’ schools locally, and.the

·         perceived cost and issues concerning transition.

 

Now the consultation has ended, I’ve taken up these matters with the Place Planning Team and have suggested that the Local Education Authority consider using both Cowes and Gurnard school should Gurnard expand.  

 

Planning Matters

 

Planning Enforcement Action recently took place over an abandoned and derelict property in Sandown. This follows resources being given by Sandown Town Council for enhanced support from the Planning Department.

 

Locally, there are a growing number of enforcement notices, where many are resulting in planning applications. These ‘retrospective’ proposals continue to be monitored.

 

Solent Forum.

 

I attended the most recent meeting of the Solent Forum. Items discussed included:

 

·         Concerns that the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) may turn down the continued use of dredging materials, currently being used to build up salt marshes in the Solent.

·         Associated British Ports who are dealing with the ongoing issue of ‘abandoned’ vessels in the Solent. The 150 vessels, which results in navigation and environmental issues has this year cost ABP in excess of £1.2m.

·         In-shore Non-native species, and the impact this is havening.

·         The impact of tyres on the Environment.  Studies have taken place on waterways that have been impacted on aquatic life from traffic using the M27 motorway.  It was highlighted that certain tyres were better than others!

·         The impact of sailing on protected areas within the Solent.  Within the last year, locally, it was necessary to protect seagrass beds from mooring yachts at Yarmouth West, Bouldner, Osborne Bay and Kings Quay.

·         During the meeting, I spoke to an expert from the Solent Protection Society, who suggests that it is very unlikely for Exxon/Mobil to present any future Carbon Capture Plan for a pipeline across the Isle of Wight.

 

National Landscapes Partnership.

 

I attended the most recent meeting of the Isle of Wight National Landscapes Partnership. Items discussed included:

 

·         I will be tabling the IW AONB (National Landscapes) Management Plan 2025-2030 to Cabinet for adoption this month.  This follows ongoing consultation with local stakeholders, and now has the support of Natural England.

·         £132k has been awarded to farming projects

·         It was reported that the Solent Seascapes Partnership are seeking MMO support for the creation of a salt marsh by using benefitial use of dredgings at Werrar on the River Medina.

·         A request was made to monitor spillage (and poterntially take enforcement action) from Anaerobic Digesters across the Island, particularly within the watercourses of both West Yar and Newtown Creek.   

·         £67k of grant funding will upgrade rights of way on Afton Marsh and the White Lady Bridge, Shorwell.

·         For details of the work of the Isle of Wight National Landscape, visit: https://isleofwight-nl.org.uk/

 

 

Council Precepts:  Local support for local people.

 

At this time of year, both the IW Council as well as Town and Parish Councils consider future projects and services which support our communities. If you feel where you live is lacking certain provision, let your IW or local Councillor know.  Likewise, should you feel that precepts are being spent on the wrong things tell your local councillors!

 

To note, this is your money and you have every right to let your Councillors know how and where this is spent.

 

With respect to the IW Council funding for next year, the Council Leader, Cllr Phil Jordan has made further representations to the Government highlighting the fact that on the Island, our costs exceed those for mainland authorities.  Following studies, it is estimated that these are in excess of £20m extra.

 

 

The Return of Devolved Powers by Government?

 

This was considered six years ago by Government, whereby the Isle of Wight would join, or be absorbed, by neighbouring authorities depending on your view..

 

With a new Government now in position, local councils are being asked for their thoughts… It is Governments intention to put in place regional Mayors across the country to represent the views of local authorities.

 

In the past consideration was given to the Isle of Wight working closer with Portsmouth and Southampton. However, indications may include either Hampshire as a whole, or South Hampshire being part of a ‘region’. As yet, Government are still considering options, which may or may not incentivise local Councils moving forward on this.  

 

Traffic Issues.

 

·         Road Closures.

Over the last few months, getting in and out of Cowes, particularly for those dependent upon public transport has been increasingly difficult as service 1, has been required to bi-pass the Roundhouse bus stops. In the coming month, SGN will repairs to pipework at Woodvale Road, something I understand SGN wanted to avoid.

 

·         Worsley Road.

I contacted Island Roads concerning the current condition of Worsley Road. To note that every year roads are scored for their condition.  Nationally when a road falls below 6, highways authorities will respond.  Locally, Island Roads do this when the score falls below 7. 

 

Currently Worsley Road scores 13.5 and 16.1, this varies from 12^th March 2020 when I was advised that Worsley Road scored 13.07! To note letters were circulated in August 2018 advising residents that this road was due to be resurfaced.  This, I later found out, was at a time when the PFI contract was re-evaluated by the IW Council. As a result not all roads were resurfaced.

 

·         Emergency road closures.

I received the following response from Island Roads concerning the process of road closures:

 

Paul

 

Maintaining emergency vehicle access during road closures, especially when the carriageway is excavated or obstructed by machinery, obviously involves careful planning, communication and execution.

 

The Highways Authority and emergency services liaise closely to ensure that emergency services can reach their destinations using the following strategies:

 

·      Advance Planning: Prioritise planning before the roadwork begins. Work with the highways authorities and emergency services to identify critical routes.

·         Dedicated Lanes: Where appropriate, create designated lanes or paths for emergency vehicles, even if it means adjusting the work area temporarily.

·         Temporary Roadways: Use temporary road surfaces or mats to create a stable surface for emergency vehicles to navigate around obstacles.

·         Regular Communication: Keep open lines of communication with emergency services, providing updates about road conditions and closures.

·         Signage and Barriers: Use clear signage to guide emergency vehicles where appropriate. Ensure that barriers are positioned to allow access while still directing regular traffic.

·         Flaggers and Personnel: Educate on-site workforce on how to assist with traffic control, ensuring that emergency vehicles can pass through congested areas safely.

·         Emergency Access Points: Identify and maintain specific access points for emergencies where appropriate.

·         Coordination with Contractors: Work closely with third parties working on the highway to ensure that they understand the importance of maintaining access for emergency vehicles.

·         Monitoring and Adjustments: Continuously monitor the situation and be prepared to adjust plans as necessary to ensure that access is maintained.

·         Community Awareness: Inform the community about the importance of keeping routes clear for emergency services, encouraging public cooperation during road closures.

 

Obviously, each road closure varies and the emergency services will adjust their access priorities and practices where appropriate. 

 

We do reassure residents in our stakeholder letters that access is maintained for the emergency services during road closures. 

I trust the above helps when responding to your residents about these valid concerns.

 

·         Fix My Street.

Residents can report concerns directly to Island Roads.  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/

 

 

Hedgehog Corner

 

The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. Established in 1964, the Red List has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global extinction risk status of animal, fungus and plant species.

 

Numbers of the Western European Hedgehog are thought to have shrunk in more than half the countries where it lives, including the UK, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Austria. Nationally, numbers have reduced by an estimated 16-33% over the past ten years, with local studies reporting declines of up to 50% in Bavaria, Germany, and Flanders, Belgium. Increasing human pressures, such as the degradation of rural habitats by agricultural intensification, roads and urban development, are driving declines of our Hedgehogs.

 

Report from the Cabinet Member for Planning, Coastal Protection and Flooding.

 

·         Work is on course to reopen Leeson Road, Ventnor for next month. A fascinating video has been created showing last year’s landslip, the largest in Europe, and its impact. See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abA0SZNT_bc

·         I met with residents from Gunville, at a recent meeting that took place at County Hall. It was agreed that drains and their connections would be cleared. In addition, it was agreed to replace sandbags. The next meeting will take place in November.

·         The Island Planning Strategy was formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate at the end of October/ early November.

·         Following notice being given that Flood Barriers are to be removed from Yarmouth by the EA, I have requested details of what alternatives will be, and requested that local councillors/ Flood Resilience Forums are updated.  

·         Urgent repairs are due to take place at Norris Castle.  

·         In the past four years 1554 have been built, of which 317 were ‘affordable’.  Although the number of affordable homes was almost twice the figure for the previous term of the IW Council, it is clear that the Council should be doing better, particularly with respect to social housing.  This remains a priority for the local authority.

·         I attended the recent meeting of the Southern Regional Flood and Coastal Communities Committee.  At the meeting it was highlighted the importance of creating local Flood Resilience Forums.  This is something we currently do well on the Island!

·         Attending the Southern Coastal Group meeting, an issue was raised concerning the potential upgrading of Shoreline Management Plans. Following former statements made by Ministers, it was felt this raised expectations.  The Group also considered the burden for Flood Authorities were unreasonable.  In addition (also raised by the SRFCC) was concerns over the financial impact (£ billions) of clearing coastal landfill sites.

·         New Flood Boards are to be provided for residents of East Cowes.  The new boards will have rubber seals!

·         In my role as Chair of SIFCA, I met with Solent fishing communities in Warsash and Portsmouth.  This was to discuss Solent Dredge Permits required to fish scallops and clams.  Although concerns was raised regarding the numbers of permits that could be potentially issued, there was a sizeable increase in both shellfish. In addition, I am positive that through the appointment of ‘deputies’ to stand in for elected Councillors input from local authorities will improve.  A special meeting/ briefing with Elected Members have been arranged to take place.

·         At a meeting with Southern Water discussion took place regarding recycling water on the Island.  The meeting was advised treated purified water would be returned to the East Yar and re-extracted, meaning the Island would become more self-sufficient for water and less dependent on taking water supplies from the River Test in Hampshire.  

·         The Planning Committee visited several new developments across the Island at Godshill and Havenstreet.

·         I received a complaint regarding non permeable driveways.  This was the purpose of earlier me actioning more resilience in the Planning/ Flooding Departments to do this.

·         A new Manager has been appointed to head up the Building Control Team.

 

In a nutshell, other things that I have and continue to pursue.

 

·         I continue to chase the MMO over perceived unauthorised Coastal Defence works.

·         A request was made to undertake repairs to the wooden slipway, west of Shore Path.

·         I attended a meeting of the West Wight Association of Local Councils.  At the meeting it was reported that there are now two groups established to save Military Road.  It is hoped both groups can join forces.

·         I was interviewed by the BBC’s Politics Programme regarding the ExxonMobil Solent Pipeline.   

·         A number of residents contacted me regarding the Public Spaces Protection Orders which is renewed every three years to renew dog controls across the Island. Following the consultation, most consultees were marginally in support of retaining the status quo.

·         Following parties at Gurnard broken glass was left near Rosie’s Bench. Beach Hut owners, myself and Jayne our Environment Officer is monitoring this.

·         Residents have approached me regarding changes proposed for the Methodist Church in Birmingham Road.

·         I attended a briefing which addressed the correct language to use for looked after children.

·         There was a successful prosecution taken following noise nuisance complaints made by residents from Gurnard regarding a noisy macaw. 

·         I attended a Cowes & Northwood Place Plan meeting, and took part in a community engagement workshop.

·         I have signposted a resident requiring support concerning an invasive and overhanging neighbours tree.

·         A Tree Preservation Order is now in place, protecting trees to the south of all properties in Princes Esplanade.

·         Red Funnel has announced that Red Jet 6 will undergo its refit from 10 November–2 December.  Following this Red Jet 7’s refit takes place in January. This will result in fewer daily Red Jet launches throughout this period.

·         A vulnerable resident requiring support has been reported to athe IW Council’s Adult safeguarding Team.