Isle of Wight Councillors Report July 2017

Surgeries.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 4^th July, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 4^th July, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

11-11:30am, Friday 7^th July, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

6-6:30pm, Wednesday 12^th July, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Wednesday 26^th July, All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.

6-6:30pm, Wednesday 26^th July, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard. (To Be Confirmed)

11-11:30am, Friday 28^th July, Eegon’s, 72 High Street, Cowes.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 1^st August, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

Gurnard Green Litter.

In the past month, I have received a number of complaints concerning litter on the Gurnard Green.

Although I received one or two complaints in 2016 about litter on Green, these were quickly resolved following extra bin collections (funded by Gurnard Parish Council) and the deterioration in the sunshine last summer.

As a consequence of the warm June this year, more frequent collections were required to start earlier.  This is something Gurnard Parish Council and I will review early next year.  In addition, we have requested larger, animal proof bins are considered when bins are replaced.

The Red Wheelie Bin, funded by Gurnard Parish Council at the bottom of Shore Road continues to be monitored following ‘fly tipping’. During June, this area was required to be tidied following rubbish being discarded to the side of the bin. This bin is now scheduled to be emptied weekly. In the meantime if all bins are full, I ask residents to take home their waste.  

As always please let me know if you witness overflowing bins or littering, and I will do my best to resolve the issue.  In the meantime, I’d like to say a huge thank you to residents who continue to litter-pick both the Green and Gurnard Beach.

Cowes Floating Bridge.  

As Chairman of the IW Council’s Scrutiny Committee, a meeting was called to update and respond to questions concerning the introduction of the new Floating Bridge. Outcomes from the Scrutiny Meeting were as follows:

·         The Committee welcomes a proposed review being undertaken by PriceWaterhouseCooper (The Isle of Wight Council auditors) into problems being experienced with the new vessel.

·         The timeframe for the review should be decided as soon as possible, and Councillors and the public be advised of this. (6 months was considered the correct timeframe).

·         A copy of the draft brief for the review should be made to all Councillors before being finalised.

·         A copy of the final brief should be made publicly available

·         A list of ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ and response should be publicised on the IW Council’s website. Please visit: www.iwight.com/azservices/documents/1335-Floating-Bridge-Frequently-Asked-Questions22062017.pdf

·         Local Members, both Town Councils and Business Associations should be kept fully advised of any issues.

I was one of four IW Councillors to attend a public meeting in East Cowes and have offered my support to residents.  

Planning Matters.

·         Shore Road Conservation Area Proposal.

To date, I’ve received five representations from residents. All are in support of exploring conservation area status for Shore Road & Shore Path.  This will be discussed by Gurnard Parish Council on Wednesday 12^th July.

·         Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan.

The Plan has received validation, and should be supported by cabinet on 13^th July.  Of relevant note is acceptance and acknowledgement of the Jordan Valley as a buffer between Cowes and Gurnard.

This will ensure the final decision can be made by Gurnard residents and is on course for a September Referendum.

Highways Matters.

·         Parklands Avenue.

(At the moment!) Parklands Avenue between Park Road and the former turning head is programmed to be reconstructed from 31^st July.  Island Roads consider this work will take 3-4 weeks and includes drainage works before resurfacing and accommodation works.

Prior to this, letters are scheduled to be sent out from the beginning of July, with the Mobile Visitors Centre scheduled to arrive the following week.

Island Roads have emphasised that scheduling is approximate, and subject to change.  

·         Newport Road.

I’ve attended regular updates on continued road closures necessary to repair what is deemed minor defects in the water main between Aldi and Somerton Industrial Estate. Following the insistence of Highways Officers steps have been taken to ensure road closures are minimised.

In the meantime, I requested that whilst Three Gates is closed, the Community Bus is diverted to serve Cowes Medical Centre and the Post Office in Mill Hill Road.

·         Shore Road.

Last month, I asked that Island Roads monitored signage following concerns made to me over vehicles travelling up the road meeting oncoming traffic.

The District Steward has visited and notes signage where Shore Road meets Worsley Road is adequate.  However, recommendations were made to the IW Council for signage in the approach to Shore Road from Princes Esplanade. 

·         Tuttons Hill.

Last month Island Roads added fencing and 'white arrow' to make safe the dip at the bottom of Tuttons Hill. 

·         Hilton Road.

‘Speeding’ traffic has been reported in this privately owned and unadopted road following concerns being raised of perceived damage being caused by motorists. Options (such as advisory signage) will be considered by Gurnard Parish Council.

·         The Green.

Weed clearance has taken place following pathways being missed on the Crossfield Estate.

·         Dog Mess.

I continue to receive complaints about dog poo.  Although I’m happy to report this, this can also be reported direct to Island Roads on 01983 822440.  Often the cleansing team will clean the area within hours of this being reported.

·         Abandoned Vehicles.

Last month saw the removal of a bus parked in Crossfield Avenue. In Mornington Road, abandoned vehicles continue to be reported. One is taxed and limited action can be taken, a second has been reported to the DVLA who is in dialogue with the cars’ owner.

·         Abandoned Bicycles.

Last month a bicycle was found abandoned in Parklands Avenue.  Please note if you find abandoned bicycles, (if not reported missing!) these will be taken away by Island Roads (Tel: 01983 822440).

·         Seating.

Seating has been replaced in Worsley Road and Church Road.  Following requests additional seating is being considered by Gurnard Parish Council for Tuttons Hill.

·         Hedgerows.

Action has been taken to deal with overgrown hedges in Tuttons Hill, Crossfield Avenue, Blackberry Lane and Place Road.  In Baring Road, I continue to support a resident in dispute concerning damage to their hedge.  I’ve made it clear to the contractor that this resident should not be out of pocket given these works seemed unauthorised.

Parish and Town Council Vacancies.

Interviews for the co-option of three Councillors onto Cowes Town Council take place on 5^th July. 

Three vacancies remain on Gurnard Parish Council. Please contact Sue Waters at gurnardparishcouncil@gmail.com for details.

Public Toilets, Cowes.

Money has been set aside and repairs have taken place to fix toilets in both The Cut and The Parade in Cowes.  It is hoped (notwithstanding vandalism), toilets can remain open throughout the summer season.

If you notice any problems with the public toilets in Cowes, please contact Cowes Town Council on 01983 209022.

Garden Waste 1: Trailers, Lynnbottom.

Following an initial spike in complaints (not only from me!!), there was a prompt change in policy with respect to trailers using Lynnbottom Tip. 

The new policy now allows vehicles and trailers with a combined length of 7.7m to use the facility.  Most residents with good sized vehicles and trailers should be able to take advantage of this service without change.

Garden Waste 2: Green Bin Subscription Service.

I continue to chase this up, following biodegradable Garden perishing promptly once filled with garden waste.  I hope this annual subscription service introduced with an initial start- up fee will utilise Green Bins similar to Recycling Bins.

This month I have the opportunity to find out more, and will report back!

Mobile Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC)

For residents that didn’t already know, the mobile HWRC visits Cowes twice monthly!

Items that it will collect includes household batteries, small electrical items, bulbs/ fluorescent tubes, magazines, paper/ cardboard,  printer cartridges, CD’s/ video tapes, scrap metal (max 1m in length x 30cm width), plastics, textiles and paint tins (lids must be on)

Locally the next visits take place:

10am-2pm, Wednesday 5^th July at the Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

10am-2pm, Tuesday 20^th July at the Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

Cashpoints.

Myself Cllrs Wendy Wardrop, and Cllrs Jean and Roger Bartrum have circulated two Cashpoint Updates to businesses in town in partnership with the Cowes Business Association.  This is to advise both businesses and visitors where they can access banking services.

There are currently two ATM’s at Sainsbury’s, a new ATM at the former Nat West Bank and an ATM outside the Vectis Tavern.  New cashpoints are planned for the new Central Convenience Store (opp. Eegons), whilst another is planned for Lancaster’s Estate Agents.

The NatWest and Lloyds Bank have mobile units which visit Cowes. These are available at:

NatWest Bank mobile unit, St. Mary's Road Car Park, Cowes.

Monday:  09:30 - 11:15 and Thursday:  09.30 – 11:15.

Lloyds Bank mobile unit, Parade, Cowes.

Tuesday: 09:45 – 13:45 and Thursday: 09:45 – 13:45.

In a third update to be issued in advance of Cowes Week, I’m hoping to find out more information regarding banking services for this year’s regatta. Once information is firmed up, I will ensure this is circulated! 

I’m also talking to Cllr Nicholson who is campaigning to locate a central Post Office counter service in the Town Centre.

Meeting with Businesses.

Myself, Cllr Glendenning & Cllr Wardrop met with the Business Owners, following concerns being raised by visitors.

During the meeting, it was agreed to:

·         Improve access to contact points within Cowes Town Council and Cowes Business Association on arising issues

·         Seek to improve positive social media coverage within Cowes.

·         Improve liaison with Cowes Week sponsors; Closer working and better preparation in advance of events and liaison with IW Council Officers, Island Roads and other organisations involved.

·         Explore marketing and promotions to encourage residents to shop locally (i.e reduced car parking?)

·         Promoting Town Improvements and access to Town Events & Markets (esp. The Cut, Cowes Library & Toilets)

·         To continue updates re: banking

·         Environmental Enhancements. (Taking action on litter and requesting power hosing the High Street!) 

Inconsiderate Parking, Gurnard Primary School.

Inconsiderate Parking continues to be an issue at school collection times.  Within 48 hours I received three complaints regarding bad parking and verbal abuse/ swearing from parents. 

I have also received complaints from residents concerning parents arriving very early and discarding litter outside properties in Baring Road.

In the meantime, dialogue continues to move forward regarding future traffic restrictions.

Disposable Barbecues.

I receive a lot of complaints regarding disposable barbecues being discarded on both Cowes Beach, Gurnard Beach and nearby Greens. In recent weeks there have been a number of incidents whereby children have walked onto discarded barbecues, and also instances of where fires have occurred as a result of barbecues not being disposed of properly.

If you do use a disposable barbecue please ensure the following:

·         It is imperative that they are placed on an even surface on either bricks or paving slabs.

·         Place disposable BBQs well away from the house, shed, fences, beach huts…

·         Do not use disposable barbecues near or on benches or picnic tables.

·         If you're using a disposable BBQ ensure it has cooled before putting it in a bin. To avoid starting a fire you should allow it to cool for several hours and then consider pouring water over it to make sure it's out. Disposal should be as ‘General Waste’.

Accessibility Audit.

In May, I was asked to work with residents on an Accessibility Audit.  I would like to thank local residents, Matt Smith, Joe Nash and Jan Brookes for forwarding the following observations which I hope to get prioritised.

·         Lip of revetment to Beach Huts difficult to negotiate for visually and mobility impaired.

·         Lack of Handrails for mobility impaired swimmers (Suggested utilisation of slipway adj to Gurnard Sailing Club)

·         Ramp to Gurnard Green Toilets. Too steep, narrow and inaccessible for wheelchairs.

·         Gurnard Village Hall. Lack of formal disabled parking, Handrails to door.

·         Putting Green Footway, Gurnard Green.  Barriers are difficult to negotiate for mobility scooters/ wheelchairs.   

·         Princes Esplanade/ Gurnard Green. Insufficient Disabled Parking adj. to Pumping Station.

·         Gurnard Beach Huts.  Yellow Line has faded. Needs repainting or handrails extended?

·         Watersedge Café. Insufficient disabled parking

·         Hard Seating Area (opposite Watersedge Café): Inadequate Access for wheelchairs.

·         Shops, Worsley Road. Lack of Disabled Parking.  Requirement for dropped kerbs.

·         Egypt Esplanade. Paving uneven outside Egypt House.

·         Briary Court, Egypt Esplanade. Dropped kerbing is inadequate, as is access to footway on opposite side of road.

·         Queens Road.  Disabled Parking has no dropped kerb to improve access.

·         Bus Stop opposite The Moorings, Egypt Hill.  On steep gradient. Difficult to access (esp. those in wheelchairs).

·         Disabled Ramp to Mornington Road Toilets, Cowes. Too steep, circuitous and narrow.

·         Camber of Footway Egypt Esplanade, Cowes too steep and may cause wheelchairs to topple over.

·         Park Road/ Mill Hill Road.  Lack of dropped kerbs on major pedestrian thoroughfare.

Also this month:

·         Southern Water has been notified of a water leak which has occurred in Woodvale Road opposite Gurnard Heights.  In addition, I’ve again nagged Southern Water concerning the noise beneath the manhole cover on the junction with Solent View Road in Worsley Road, Gurnard.

·         I am supporting residents with their Blue Badge applications. Applications can prove difficult to process, particularly obtaining hard copies.  Let me know if you have given up and are suffering in silence and need to renew your claim!  Please note there are individuals that Trading Standards chasing up organisations who charge for this FREE service.

·         I am chasing up repairs to railings on Cowes/ Gurnard Seafront.   

·         I’ve assisted a resident who had unfair respite fees charges levied.

·         My thanks to Sgt Armitage and colleagues, who have kept a watching brief on parties that are taking place on Gurnard Beach between the Marsh and Gurnard Sailing Club.

·         Complaints and concerns have been received regarding skateboarders in Gurnard ‘suddenly’ appearing in the road in Worsley Road and Church Road.  Please, please be careful,!!

·         Although there has been a significant improvement, I still receive complaints.  If you really must have a bonfire, please can I ask resident use common sense and avoid lighting up on still days or where dip/ valleys exist!

·         I am talking to businesses on an informal basis, following noise nuisance complaints from early morning delivery drivers.

·         Within the Planning Committee, I received support from colleagues in reducing opening hours for an Industrial depot in Ryde, which held the prospect of having an adverse impact upon neighbours.  This deviation (supported by local councillor, Michael Lilley) from the officers report was the first made within the life of the new Committee.

·         A Planning Application was conditioned to reflect views of Cowes Town Council and neighbours in Debourne Close.

·         I’ve received reports of so-called ‘boy racers’ using the roundabout at the end of Tilbury Road as a ‘race track’.  Please note this is a quiet residential area, and activity is not only upsetting residents it is very dangerous.! The police have been notified!   

·         Cowes Medical Centre has formatted a new leaflet which they intend to circulate to patients concerning improvements taking place.  I have requested a copy and look forward to circulating this once received in the coming weeks.

·         The footpath connecting Egypt Esplanade and Battery Road reopened in June following land slippage! Hoorah!