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.   

IW Councillor's Report: December 2025

 

Surgeries.

 4:30-5pm, Monday 1^st December, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Monday 1^st December, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

12-1pm, Tuesday 9th December, Gurnard Press and Bistro, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

 

Christmas Break.

 

Please do not hesitate to contact me over Christmas.  If you require support, it is easiest to text me on: 07 935 090 835, this I aim to respond to within 12 hours of receipt.

 

Lionheart School.

 

Consultation is underway on expanding provision on the new satellite Lionheart School on the former Cowes Primary School site.  Proposals are to create an additional 60 places totalling 120 providing support for children with complex anxiety needs. The school provides short term (often 12 weeks) referral support for children from mainstream schooling. Consultation continues until 9^th January.

 

For details visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/council-and-councillors/consultations-and-engagement/consultations-and-surveys/

 

Rew Street Post Box.

 

The Post Box at the junction with West View Road was removed by the Royal Mail.  This was due to snails/ slugs squatting in the post box chomping on mail.

 

I have asked the Royal Mail to advise when the box will be replaced, as no consultation took place on any permanent removal.  On this, I’m awaiting a reply although the Cockleton Lane box took almost a year!

 

Road Closures.

 

·         Rew Street: At the time of writing the replacement of water drains was running ahead of schedule, and the optimist in me is hopeful that work will conclude ahead of its 23^rd January deadline.

 

·         Park Road: A huge thank you to superstar residents of Crossfield Avenue, who assisted in their support to ensure that buses are diverted through the Estate whilst Gas Mains are replaced.

 

·         Horsebridge Hill: I understand that the road closure to replace water mains should mirror the closure that took place earlier this year. Work is due to start on 26^th January. Once I have them, updates will be shared.

 

Speaking to Southern Water, given water mains are 150 years old I was told once new infrastructure is in place this will mean less disruption on the Newport/ Cowes Road.

 

Fireworks.

 

If celebrating the New Year with fireworks, please let your neighbours know. This follows recent incidents of residents, livestock and pets being and startled by loud bangs. This occurred recently during a party in Baring Road, as well as on nearby farmland in Cockleton Lane.

 

To drop a note through neighbours doors is generally well received so to allow for preparations are made.

 

Cowes Floating Bridge.

 

The Economy, Regeneration, Transport & Infrastructure Committee confirmed support to replace the crossing. It was agreed to investigate a new smaller vessel with a view to increase crossings from 3 to 5 per hour, whilst seeking to address issues including chain depth, noise, the impact of winds and tide, and the need for a tow boat.  I am in support this would create better value for money for the IW Council. 

 

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.

 

In the meantime, the Trust asks that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are tested.

 

 

Parking.

 

Please think before you park.  My most common complaint come from residents where vehicular accesses and site lines are blocked, where vehicles park opposite entrances and from HGV drivers unable to pass badly parked cars.

 

Although I keep nagging, this is because I want to avoid more unnecessary double yellow lines!

 

With respect to appalling parking, I witnessed one resident popping into the local shop in Gurnard who parked fully obscuring the roadway entrance to Glen Place.  Although residents can be ticketed for parking on the white line (access protection bar) that defines the access to the development, missing the white line is one thing, but missing the access road is something totally different!  Because of this a request has been made for improved enforcement.

 

The IW Council Dysfunctional?

 

Commissioned by the IW Council, an independent report found the IW Council to be dysfunctional.

 

In recent reports, I’ve reiterated concerns over the unwillingness by some Councillors to work together.  This came to a head with successive policies being dithered, delayed and denied. Recent examples include the Council’s Planning Strategy, school reorganisation, pensions and requests from neighbouring Councils to prepare for restructuring being discarded.

 

From my perspective, I’m proud to be conciliatory by working with residents, officers and other Councillors. I find by doing this gives me the support I require to achieve the best outcomes!

 

Island Planning Strategy.

 

Full Council agreed to progress consultation on the Island Planning Strategy.  Although I am far from happy by the reduced level of affordable housing and annual housing targets which I believe will be unobtainable, consultation is due to take place for the statutory six week period from 1^st December until 12^th January.

 

On a positive note, whilst ‘affordable housing’ might fail to be properly affordable for Island residents, there are proposals to provide local Island residents with deeper discounts for rent and sale. For details please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/planning/island-planning-strategy/latest-news-and-updates/

 

Gurnard Local Housing Needs Survey.

 

Locally in Gurnard the Parish Council met with housing enablers to further improve opportunities for local residents to climb the housing ladder.

 

It is hoped in the coming months to locally consult with residents on issues being faced.  It is hoped that discussions can take place in close liaison with Northwood Parish Council whose residents suffer similar challenges.

 

McDonalds Planning Application, Three Gates Road. Ref: TCP  25/01648; 25/01649; 25/01650

 

This month sees the formal planning applications for a proposed new McDonalds drive thru’ proposed for Three Gates Road, Cowes.

 

This follows pre-application consultations earlier this year.  The deadline for this consultation is Friday 19th December

 

Scams.

 

Current Scams focusing on targeting residents include:

 

·         Scam Texts claiming to be from EE advising they couldn’t accept direct debit payments.

·         Fake Adverts on Wightbay. Particularly those advertising kittens for sale.

·         Scam emails purporting to be from the NHS Prescription Service.

·         Scam Texts from the DWP advising that you need to claim for your winter fuel payments.

 

Visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/business-and-consumer/trading-standards-service/iwasp-isle-of-wight-against-scams-partnership/current-scams/,  or call 01983 823371 for details.

 

King Charles III Coastal Path Liabilities.

 

With the new national Coastal Trail being rolled out across the Island, I have been approached by landowners seeking clarity on added protection for landowners from liabilities over the trail. Details have been provided to those affected. For details visit: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2009/23/part/9/data.html

 

Remembrance Day.

 

It was an honour to again lay the IW Council’s wreath to commemorate our fallen heroes at last month’s service of Remembrance at Gurnard Church this year. Thank you to those who joined paying their respect.

 

 

Elections for Hampshire and Solent and Mayoral Authority.

 

Mayoral Authority Elections are due to take place (at the same time as IW Council Elections) on Thursday 7^th May.

 

At the moment four candidates have been declared, these being Anna Collar (Green); Lorna Fielker (Labour); Donna Jones (Conservative) and Martin Tod (Liberal Democrat).  Reform UK has yet to declare, however I’ve heard speculation the candidate may be Jim Davison, Matt Le Tissier or Chris Parry. Candidates don’t have to officially declare until 9^th April and as no candidate is so far an Islander there is plenty of time to throw your hat in the ring!

 

Isle of Wight Council Elections May 2026.

 

Next year, I am looking forward again to be on the campaign trail for local elections, and intend starting early calling at every household. Please let me know should you not require a visit!

 

Cowes High Street Shopping Evening: 5-8pm, Thursday 4^th December. 

 

A big thank you to Cowes Harbour Commission who are paying for the Christmas Tree located at the bottom of Market Hill.  Throughout the event there will be Festive Food and Drink available, whilst visitors from the mainland can take advantage of Red Funnel who are offering discounted travel, for further information please visit: https://www.redfunnel.co.uk/isle-of-wight-guide/things-to-do/special-events/cowes-late-night-christmas-shopping

 

During this festive season, please, please remember the importance of using local shops and services.  Without our thriving town and village centres would be much poorer.

 

Small Business Saturday.

 

The IW Council will again be sharing its yuletide happiness with shoppers on Small Business Saturday. Free Parking will be in place from 12-6pm on Saturday 6^th December in all IW Council’s off-street, long-stay Car Parks.

 

Highway Matters.

 

·         A request went out to ask for extra gritting on Egypt Hill and Castle Hill. Details of local gritting routes can be found: https://islandroads.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Gritting-P1P2-Route-6-Plan-Nov-2014-Update-1.jpg

·         Following numerous requests from myself and local residents the depression at the junction with Solent View Road in Worsley Road was infilled. I am unsure how and when this happened, as on this occasion I received no complaints so am putting this down to the Island Roads pixies.

·         Please attempt to spare me receiving Yuletide pictures of overflowing dog bins by disposing of your poo in the nearest litter bin or taking this home.  

·         Last month, I had the good fortune of speaking to the lovely Jenny from Gurnard In Bloom, who has been asked to create more grass planters on locations on grass verges where motorists choose to park vehicles.   

 

 

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).

 

Flooding and Coastline erosion.

 

While I am no longer a Cabinet Member for Flooding and Coastline, I continue to represent the Island as the IW Council’s representative on the Southern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.  

 

Because Defra are redeploying funding, schemes for the South of England are now focused on construction schemes that are currently in progress.  Whilst I received colleague support for commitment to Ventnor, this may mean that future projects for Shanklin and Yaverland being delayed for a year.  This is being challenged.

 

Sandbags: An alternative?

 

As flooding from Surface Water is becoming more prevalent, so is the need for lightweight solutions to the traditional sandbag.  One such alternative is the FloodSax.  For details visit: https://www.floodsax.co.uk/

 

These alternatives can be stored, and will expand on contact with water making them more mobile than sandbags. At the moment, following recent events in Northwood this is one option being considered by Northwood Parish Council to support their community.    

 

Gurnard Parish Council Consultation.

 

Thank you to all residents who joined November’s consultation on projects to be prioritised for next year within the Parish precept.  Because of new commitments, it is hoped that like previous years budget this will (if not frozen, due to the growing number of electors moving into the village) will be between 2-3%. 

 

Road Crossing Patrol Vacancy: 

 

The Road Crossing Patrol vacancy for Gurnard Primary School remains.  If interested, please call 01983 823714 or visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/jobs/detail/5687

 

General Waste.

 

Last month, with Christmas approaching I was asked to feedback from Waste Services what now counts as Black Bin (General Waste).  In response, I’m advised this includes the following:

 

·         animal waste and litter (bagged)	·         broken crockery and Pyrex	·         bubble wrap
·         wrapping paper (with glitter or from foil)	·         cold ash	·         foil food pouches
·         silver foil crisp bags/ sweet wrappers	·         contaminated food packaging	·         incontinence wear
·         wet wipes (baby, beauty and cleaning)	·         nappies	·         Polystyrene
·         sanitary/feminine hygiene wear	·         underwear	·         used tissues
·         household sweepings/ vacuum bags	·         medicinal blister packs	·         Clingfilm

Christmas Waste Collections.

 

Details of this years Waste Collections, are usually provided by IWC Waste Services at the end of the first week of December.  Once I have details, these will be posted on my website.

 

Hedgehog Corner: Hibernation Season.

 

Although many species are less active over winter in the UK, only three enter true hibernation: hazel dormice, our native bats and hedgehogs.

 

Depending on the weather and their body condition, they usually hibernate from around November through to March or April depending on the weather. Research has shown that they're may move nesting sites at least once during this period, so if you spot one out and about it may be that they need food, or they might just be looking for a new spot to nest.

 

Log and leaf piles are one of their favourite places to nest and hibernate, so please do read the tips below for how to check bonfires for hedgehogs before lighting them.

 

Also This Month.

 

·         I attended a meeting of Cowes Experience.  Matters discussed included suggestions for creating an app. for the Cowes bicentennial event. 

·         I have contacted the National Banking Hub Service concerning the potential of creating a hub in Cowes. 

·         Contact has again been made regarding perceived Planning Enforcement issues.

·         I responded to a request by the Independent Renumeration Panel concerning Councillors allowances.

·         I supported Full Council proposals and local measures to support men’s health. 

·         I am seeking opportunities to expand Community Orchards across the Isle of Wight.

·         Following perceived inaction, I have made approaches to seek funding opportunities to retain Military Road.

·         I attended this year’s Cowes Harbour Commission’s Annual General Meeting.

·         I have chased up where residents leave household refuse at both Westwood Close and Ashton Terrace, Cowes.

·         Depending on its cost I support the potential to stream local council meetings.

·         At the IWC Planning Committee, proposals to improve the East Cowes Red Funnel Terminal was approved. This, Councillors were advised would improve traffic issues in the Town.  In addition a proposal to demolish the old Social Services HQ on Fairlee Road, with affordable housing to buy was approved.

·         Following Government Cutbacks, I attended a Transport for SE meeting to discuss future funding options.

·         I’ve made representations on behalf of residents over the age of 80, no longer qualifying for RSV immunisations.

I can confirm that subject to some local speculation, there are no plans to close the Post Office in Cowes.

Northwood Parish Council are seeking volunteers to join their group of Speedwatch Volunteers.  In addition, the Parish Council is seeking a new Tree Warden. Training will be provided!  If interested contact: clerk@northwoodparishcouncil.gov.uk

 

Wishing all residents a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.