Surgeries.
4:30-5pm,
Monday 3rd August: Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.
11-12pm, Thursday 6th August: Meet Your
Councillor, The Parade, Cowes.
12:30-1pm,
Thursday 6th August: Gurnard Press Bistro, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
10:30pm-11:30pm,
Wednesday 19 August: Benches, adj. Watersedge Café. Shore
Road, Gurnard
Surgeries.
These take place throughout August. For updates call me, visit: https://paulfullercc.blogspot.com/ my surgery notices on Gurnard Parish/ Cowes Town Council noticeboards, or from Cowes Library.
In the weeks ahead those surgeries being held at Eegons, Cowes and The Horseshoe Inn,
Northwood will be jointly held with Gordon Adam, Councillor for Cowes South and
Northwood.
Wildfires.
In the last few weeks
(prior to the fire on Headon Warren, Totland started following the lighting of
a fire), a number of residents have contacted me concerning tinder box dry
land. In response the IW Council
advises:
·
Do not light fires in the countryside or other open spaces,
including parks, moorland and wooded areas.
·
Only have barbecues where signs say you can
·
Avoid lighting fires when high winds, low humidity and high temperatures
are present or forecast
·
Take extra care with the disposal of cigarettes in moorland or
countryside areas, ensuring they are fully extinguished and disposed of
appropriately
·
Never throw cigarettes out of car windows
·
Never leave a hot barbecue unattended and always put your barbecue out
·
Make sure the ashes are cold and dispose of them responsibly
·
Do not litter - take any rubbish home with you
·
Glass in direct sunlight can cause a fire so ensure none is left lying
around
·
At times of heightened wildfire risk there may be access restrictions to
land - take note of signage or plans for the local area.
Actions to take if you see a wildfire
· If you see a fire in the countryside, always move to a place of safety and report it by calling 999 - do not assume someone else already has.
· Do not attempt to tackle the fire yourself
· Always follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities
If you live in certain areas you
might be asked to evacuate or you might be instructed to stay indoors with your
doors and windows closed.
Litter Bins.
I continue to
receive calls concerning overflowing bins.
As is often the case, not all bins are full, in which case use another
nearby. To note at Gurnard, bins are
visited after dark by badgers and foxes who have mastered the art of retrieving
rubbish once close to being overfilled. If there are no nearby half-filled
bins, please again help us, help our environment by taking your rubbish home
with you!
Cowes Week, 200th Anniversary.
With confirmation of a new sponsor, North
Sails for the next three years, Cowes Week will launch its 200th
anniversary which takes place from 1-7th August. This year will see the return of fireworks on
Friday evening. For further details
please visit: https://www.cowesweek.co.uk
In the meantime, following the
installation of new signage, I have sought updates from Island Roads to ensure
that prior to the event that signage is accurate.
Opportunist Burglaries.
The police ask residents to be
vigilant by locking sheds and ensure doors to properties are locked. This is
requested as unwanted intruders and opportunist burglaries occur during the
summer.
Southern
Water: Full Council, Motion of No Confidence.
There were four separate motions that was considered
by Full Council in July.
Whilst, from personal experience with last
year’s SUD’s abandonment, failure to repair water mains, the ongoing occurrences
of failed bathing water quality and non-attendance from Southern Water to meetings, I personally had no issue supporting
the no confidence motion debated and supported by petition by over 3000
residents.
The one criticism, I had concerning the
motion was that it left no future recommendation to address expectations and
outcomes which you might expect from the Water Authority. For this reason, as well as supporting the
original, I also saw no reason to also support the motion imposing further
expectations.
Final
Report as Chair of the Southern Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority.
Full Council took a decision to switch my
position from lead member from the SIFCA outside body, to deputy replacing me
with Cllr Ed Blake, himself an Inshore Fisherman. With respect to no longer being a lead
member, I have stepped down as Authority Chair
Whilst, disappointed to step down from my
SIFCA family, I received full support from my regional colleagues and am pleased
with the legacy that I have left whereby engagement between the agency and fishing
communities can be further developed and built upon. This is something I
persevered with which is now recognised nationally.
In the meantime, it was an honour to attend the
Associations’ fifteen year celebration in Northumberland last month. During this event, I spoke to MP’s on raising
the profile of inshore fisheries and the wider community that it supports. Whilst
in Northumberland, I took time out to speak to fishermen about the national
decline in small scale fisheries and how this with a few examples is being
reversed through diversification.
Planning
Updates.
·
Chair of Planning
Committee role.
Earlier this year, I
was appointed as the new Planning Committee Chair. Since then, I have bedded into my new role
which has been strengthened by a new planning committee, and Cllr Bill Nigh as
vice chair (also new deputy leader of the IW Council), who stepped up to chair
last month’s Committee whilst I was on a pre-arranged holiday
One of my roles is to
work with officers and ward Councillors on taking conflicting planning
applications to committee. To note, that once the statutory consultation ends it
is usual for planning officers to liaise with applicants to consider matters
and explore compromises that are in many cases agreed. This was the position
recently with the Fire Training facility planned at Cockleton Farm. In many case, in light of this many planning applications
are modified before any approval is given.
Often on the Planning Portal it is interesting to read the officers
justification
From personal
experience, often it can prove difficult for Councillors to find sound material
reasons to call-in applications, particularly at a time when government seek
more delegated decisions by planning officers.
As a result, I have been providing support to Councillors from across
our Island, when material considerations are not strong enough to justify being
heard by committee.
·
McDonalds, Cowes.
The Planning
Application for a new McDonald’s Drive Thru’ was unanimously rejected by
Planning Committee. In summary, grounds for refusal of the proposal were:
·
Proposal
failed to demonstrate the support of healthy lives, in proximity of where young
people congregated.
·
No
information was provided to suggest the application needed to be edge of town
centre.
·
The
2.4m fence would have a detrimental impact, particularly as there is limited
space for quality landscaping.
·
Loss
of trees, and potential impact upon local ecology.
·
The
application failed to meet Biodiversity net gain policies.
·
The
application failed to address concerns relating to public rights of way, with
no mitigation.
·
Local Issues.
I am again chasing up two old Planning Enforcement cases,
where concerns have been heightened regarding the impact these cases are having upon the wider
community. Because these matters are
considered of lower priority to the Planning Authority, despite providing
additional information I am considering this be of low priority.
Gurnard
Luck to Thorness Bay Coastal Path.
We really hoped that it would be possible to
ensure that the Gurnard to Thorness stretch of Coastal Path, after closure for two
years, would reopen to coincide with the school summer holidays. Unfortunately due to the dry weather it is
taking longer than anticipated to erect the new fencing and the required
posts. The latest that I have heard back
from Rights of Way, is that this may delay the path being opened by a few
weeks.
E-Scooters.
In recent weeks residents have raised
concerns over E-Scooters being left scattered on the highway. As a result myself and other Councillors have
requested the need to repaint parking bays.
I am told that in liaison with the operator Voi,
this has been timetabled to occur after the Summer break.
Phoenix
Lido, Gurnard Pines.
Following the opening of its new roller rink/
sports pitch work continues to reopen its refurbished outdoor pool. The new lido features a sunbathing area with
comfortable seating. It is hoped when
opened the 1.2m depth pool will be accessible with a plan to launch a swim
school.
Transport
Matters.
·
Island Roads.
In 2018, the IW Council (to save money). reviewed
its contract with Island Roads through its PFI contract with Island Roads. My understanding
was this was intended to save the IWC £2m per annum). Whilst this for many Councillors fell beneath
the radar, it meant that priorities such as the resurfacing of highways and
footways, removal of surplus signage etc. was put on hold for an indefinite time.
Over the years, this has caused a headache
for local councillors due to discrepancies within the contract. Often, I receive emails from Island Roads, as
well as the IW Council on who takes responsibility for certain works. Locally, the
replacement of retaining walls, new signage, traffic orders has all fallen foul
of what is called the Highways Integrity Register priorities. In my view, this should be used as a device
for both Island Roads and the IW Council to negotiate a way forward. However,
if either party disputes this, matters can take an immeasurable time to
resolve. Within the PFI contract often
Island Roads can charge to undertake work on a commercial basis that would not
apply should the local council be contractor as well as highway authority..
For this reason often residents priorities
can be kicked to the long grass, or forgotten about.
·
Glen Place junction
I have chased Island Roads to reinstate the Access
Protection Bar at Glen Place’s junction with Worsley Road.
·
Shore Road.
I’ve followed up a request to improve warning signage, given the
sharp bend existing opposite Winding Way. A few years ago, in this area the IW
Council put in place a modest crash barrier to protect nearby households.
·
Magdalen Crescent/
Guppy Close.
Following this also being chased by new Cowes
Town Councillor for Cowes West, Louise Southwell I have again requested for
Magdalen Crescent and also Guppy Close to be monitored for pot holes. Again several years ago, the District Steward
for Island Roads supported me seeing the cracks between the concrete slabs in
Magdalen Crescent being sealed to extend the road surfaces life.
During election time, I spoke to many
residents in Magdalen Crescent concerned about the life of the road.
·
Pedestrian Access to
Meadow View.
With the support of local developers, I
continue to chase this with the Planning Department. It is hoped that once agreement is found as
to where the new footpaths come out on Tuttons Hill, the SANG can be opened up
for the wider community, as well as providing a formalised link to Gurnard Village
and via Cockleton Lane to Gurnard Pines as intended within the Cowes LCWIP
(Local Cycling Walking Infrastructure Plan)
·
Free Bus Travel for
Children.
From 1st-31st August
inclusive, the Government is funding free bus travel for children within
England. To note that some routes (I assume
on the Island the Breezer/ Coaster routes) are not included in this scheme.
Children aged 5 to 11 must be accompanied by
a fare paying adult, whilst children aged 11-15 are allowed to travel
independently. When boarding the bus
11-15 year olds must tell the driver where they are going before a ticket (which
must be retained by the young person) will be issued.
·
Islandwide Cheap
Parking: Update from the Isle of Wight Guru.
To save money this summer on the costly cost
of parking, the Isle of Wight Guru makes several suggestions on his
website. I know in the past this
information has been well received as the cost of driving continues to increase.
For details, visit: https://www.isleofwightguru.co.uk/blog/cheap-and-free-parking-on-the-isle-of-wight
·
…
and Cheap Petrol
For details please find local app from Adam
and Mike! For details please visit: https://findcheapfuel.com/
June’s
Joyride Festival.
I wish to place on record my grateful thanks
to Northwood House who responded to a number of concerns raised by residents
following June’s Joyride Festival.
I have summarised the responses to questions
received were as follows:
Residents have recently approached me concerning
the Joyride Festival that took place last month at Northwood House. Issues I
have been requested to seek clarity on are as follows:
1. Whilst the event was for three days, why was
public access to the Park restricted for over a week? Residents from Crossfield
Avenue and Park Court raised concerns that pedestrian access home was impaired.
For
safety reasons (moving vehicles in particular), the risk assessments deemed it
necessary to limit park access more than just the three days of the actual
event. Signage at Park Road Steps and Ward Avenue zebra crossing advised of a
diversion via the highway payments of Ward Avenue and Park Road, which would
have only inconvenienced people by an extra couple of minutes rather than
walking through as normal. Access to Park Court wasn't impaired unless
people were trying to walk to it directly through the park from the Ward
Avenue.
2. Concerns being raised regarding security guards.
The
security guards are employed from a trusted local company to secure the event
site for the period of operation. As far as I'm aware there were no reported
incidents, although several dog walkers did verbally express their frustration
about diverted routes.
3. Why the lack of engagement with local residents
and businesses. As volunteers help fund and take care of Northwood Park, is it
likely there will be a community gain/ share of profits to the Cowes Community?
This was
a privately booked event, not organised by the Charity, which simply hired the
required space.
The
event was clearly publicised in the Northwood House Summer newsletter which was
widely distributed around the town during the last few weeks in May. We felt
that to be ample to tell people what to expect, but will look to improve that
in future years should the event decide to return in the same format.
4. What steps have been agreed to repair damage
caused by this event?
Apart
from some minor wear and tear to grass areas which will be restored gradually
over the season.
5. Concerns were raised regarding the understanding
that some of the land was is common land, therefore are there restrictions in
place for a week long takeover?
Please
can you provide the documented evidence about the areas of the parkland you
understand to be common land?
6. What permissions/ licences were in place to
use the park for this specific event, which returns in 2027?
The
event ran under a Temporary Event Notice granted from the Isle of Wight Council
covering areas of the parkland used by the event. You can get that information
from the Council's Licencing team if required. Areas of the event inside the
lawn boundary fall under our own Premises Licence arrangements.
Whilst I fully accept that Northwood House has to
be run commercially, could I request your thoughts/ views or any helpful
suggestions, I may pass on to our community.
Of
course, we have to run commercially to survive and meet our objectives. Support
from the community and their representative's is vitally important to us and we
appreciate you raising the concerns that you have. We hope that the bigger
picture of helping support the Island economy by attracting new people and
events to our shores is also considered.
As you
are no doubt aware, the Island is struggling badly from a downturn in tourism,
so we must all step up to do our bit to encourage people to come. I'm delighted
to report that many businesses owners in the town that I know reported an
uplift of spending across the LeBlanq weekend, with many of the guests
descending into the town after the cycling to enjoy its warm hospitality and
retail offerings.
In a
nutshell, this month:
·
I met with Briary Court residents at a
special surgery. Items that I took away
included the need for dropped kerbs, a barrier for the Egypt Hill Bus Stop and support
contacting our Member of Parliament.
·
As a deputy, I attended my first
meeting of the IW Council’s Policy, Resources and Finance Committee. This month’s
meeting was dominated by concerns over the IW Councils finances and setting a budget
for next year.
·
Congratulations to Louise Southwell who
was duly elected as Cowes West’s new Councillor. Michael Paler and Mark Reen
(the other candidate in the Cowes West Election) were co-opted to fill the
other two vacant seats.
·
Further anti-social behaviour has been
reported on Cowes Seafront/ Gurnard.
Please report any incidents you witness of offences to the police on
999.
·
Data is being analysed from a smart camera
footage in Cowes. Of interest is the fact that in one week 2500 cyclists were
recorded travelling in the wrong direction in the High Street, whilst the towns
busiest day is Sunday!
·
CCTV has led to vandals being
apprehended for damage to the Mornington Road Public Toilets.
·
I continue to chase up entitlement to Sainsburys
vouchers, following the deadline lapsing.
I’ve been told that there is a finite timescale to use vouchers, and are
unlikely to be honoured when missed.
·
I’ve been contacted by residents leaving
Sunnycott. Please do not hesitate to let
me know if you need support.
· Trees have now been cut back from Churchill Road. A big thank you to Officers from the IW Council for support!
