Surgeries.
4:30-5pm,
Tuesday 2nd October, Cowes Library, 12-14 Beckford Road, Cowes.
5:30-6pm,
Tuesday 2nd October, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park
Road, Cowes.
10:30-11am,
Friday 5th October, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
6-6:30pm,
Wednesday 10th October, The
Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.
3-3:30pm,
Wednesday 17th October, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue,
Cowes.
10:30-11am,
Thursday 25th October, Coffee & Chat at All Saints Church,
Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.
6-6:30pm,
Wednesday 31st October, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
Gurnard Pines.
I
have received feedback, in the form of 10 emails, 2 telephone calls and 1
letter from residents of Gurnard Pines concerning issues on site.
In
summary the issues raised are as follows:
1. Electricity and Water Meters, and
imposition of ‘unfair’ charges, particularly the standing charge costs for
meters.
2. Site Maintenance and concerns relating
to health and safety matters.
3. Support for vulnerable residents.
To
ensure the attendance of key stakeholders, a drop-in will take place at
Gurnard Pines Café. In attendance
will be myself, Monergy Experts- The Footprint Trust and Adult Services. The focus of the drop-in surgery is to offer
support and advice to local residents. If
residents are not able to make it to the drop-in, Adult Services are happy to
visit residents in their home on the day.
In
addition the Footprint Trust can provide free visits to homeowners where support
is given on how to reduce energy bills, switch supplier and get discounts on
water charges plus help available from other charities and government bodies. To receive support, please email
info@footprint-trust.co.uk or call 01983 822282.
In
the meantime, I continue to seek feedback from residents on their concerns and
experiences- All feedback is treated as confidential, and will be used to
summarise issues being addressed by residents.
Land adjacent to
Dottens Farm.
Proposals
to develop ten dwellings (8 detached, and 2 semi-detached) on farmland adjacent
to Dottens Farm is now under consultation.
Unlike the approved scheme from May 2017, the new proposal accesses
dwellings from one road rather than from a crescent. In addition the agent suggests that the new
scheme lessens its impact upon the listed Dottens Farm and barn.
It
is noted that the proposal for 8 dwellings was approved. However, a previous
application for 11 dwellings was withdrawn by the former applicant…
Last
month, I called a meeting with local residents, where the Planning Agent gave
advance notice of proposals.
The
deadline for comments is Friday 5th
October.
Boundary Review.
Following feedback from the IW Council, the Boundary
Commission has published proposals for revised ward boundaries. For
details, please visit: https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/12655. Proposals for Cowes remain unchanged, except for the
boundary between Cowes North and Cowes West being moved west.
Interestingly proposals for rural areas has meant that these
areas may have significant changes on how Parishes are linked within the
proposals. Suggestions from the Isle of Wight Council kept most rural areas
unchanged, whereas the Commission’s proposals replace the two member Bembridge,
St. Helens and Brading Ward, with a two member ward for Ventnor and
Wroxall. New proposals will also reduce
the number of IW Councillors from 40 to 39.
The consultation ends 12th
November.
Road Resurfacing.
Last
month Tuttons Hill and the
Roundhouse mini-roundabout was resurfaced.
At the last minute, following concerns raised by bus passengers, I was
in discussion with both Island Roads and Southern Vectis about reducing the
length of closure of the Roundhouse Bus Stops and the diversion of the No. 1
bus to Cowes and Newport.
In
addition, Island Roads have decided to resurface Solent View Road, rather than Worsley
Road. This is due to surveys taking
place, which considered that the carriageway for Solent View Road being in a
poorer condition.
In
the meantime, I continue to chase up Crossfield
Avenue and (lower) Park Road
being given a higher priority.
Cowes Traffic
Regulation Order.
I
have been advised that the new TRO which relates to Baring Road and Woodvale
Road remains unamended to what was advertised earlier this year. This remains at the stage where it is due to
be processed (within October). This will continue to be chased up, until the
lines are removed and repainted where appropriate.
In
the meantime I am also in liaison with officers concerning amended loading
conditions in place in Park Road between the junctions with Ward Avenue and
Blackberry Lane, where recent difficulties have been encountered by residents
receiving deliveries.
Consultation for a
Combined Fire Authority.
The IW Council and
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority are seeking views of residents and
stakeholders on the proposed creation of a new combined Fire Authority for the
Isle of Wight, Hampshire, Southampton and Portsmouth.
Please visit: https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/about-us/who-we-are/hampshire-fire-and-rescue-authority/consultation/ for further details. This
consultation continues until 26th
October.
Isle of Wight Coastal Path.
At the recent
meeting of the Local Access Forum, I received an update on progress of the Isle
of Wight section of the English Coastal Path.
Officers
highlighted that timescales have slipped due to discussions taking place with
landowners.
Of note is the
following:
·
Discussions are ongoing with the Ministry Of
Defence and English Heritage about access to the Newtown Estuary and Osborne
Bay. Landowners made the point that it
seems unfair that they are under pressure to make concessions to Natural
England, whereas Government Agencies are showing less will.
·
At present there are suggestions to bypass the
Locksgreen Road which is dangerous. English Nature are requesting that access
is ideally provided at Newtown Camp, when not being used. An alternative path may be provided inland
from the Locksgreen Road.
·
Coastal access from Porchfield to Thorness may
arise through using existing paths past/ through Burnt Wood and via the
Thorness Bay Nature Walk.
·
There would be upgrades to the existing Coastal
Path from Bouldner to Cranmore.
·
There would be inclusion of Water’s Copse and
Clamerkin Lake within the path.
·
My suggestion to include existing paths from Cowes
to Newport to East Cowes is likely to be accepted.
·
Throughout the path will be various alternative low
tide and high tide routes.
Links and suggestions made by IW Ramblers can be found at: http://www.iowramblers.com/island-coastal-trail.
Seafront
Cycling.
Complaints
continue to be received of cyclists using the seafront pavement between Cowes
and Gurnard. If you are a competent
cyclist, there is no reason to cycle on the pavement as the highway is wide
enough to accommodate all traffic!
Please let me know
your thoughts on pavement cycling, and provide feedback your experiences both
as pedestrians and as cyclists. This
will be discussed by Gurnard Parish Council!
Seafront Railings.
The condition of
the railings on Cowes Seafront continues to cause concerns. Several years ago the IW Council (who has
health and safety liabilities for the railings) approached Cowes Town Council
and Gurnard Parish Council for financial support. However, at that time due to the costs for
replacement and the IW Council’s liabilities, no support was forthcoming from
our local councils. This I supported.
This was followed
by discussions that took place to consider the removal of railings, which was
rejected by officers due to the requirement to ensure that the level of safety
was maintained. In response the IW Council
undertook minimal repairs to replace the worse stretches of railings. In
addition, I am supporting a Capital Bid which has been made to repair and
replace the railings.
Southern Vectis.
I am meeting
Southern Vectis to discuss concerns raised with them concerning overfilled
buses during the summer.
Please let me know
before 4th October, any concerns you have (apologies for the short
timeframe!)
Regeneration Strategy.
The Isle of Wight
Council has started a major regeneration programme to help create more jobs,
better housing and an even better quality of life for residents. In order to help inform the priorities for
regeneration, the Council are liaising with residents through a “The Wight We
Want” conversation. These conversations
are held in five area workshops will help the Council understand more about
what residents want to see in place for future generations over the next 10
years and beyond.
This will be
reflected in The Council’s Regeneration Study for the Island. The draft
strategy is currently under consultation and feedback is welcomed. For details please visit: https://iwightinvest.com/the-wight-we-want/. This consultation continues until 12th October.
Full Council.
·
Concern was raised over the Isle of Wight Council
opposing Southampton City Council’s Clean Air Strategy. It was highlighted by the Council’s
leadership the impact proposals may have over freight to the Island. Discussions are ongoing between leaders of
both Councils.
·
The IW Council suggested it’s will to repeal
Planning Approvals, should development not be forthcoming. From my perspective, I am unsure whether this
would be possible given legislation would require changing.
·
Councillors agreed to the Independent Remuneration
Panel to increase Councillors allowances by 2%. True to form, I was one of 3
Councillors to vote against proposals.
·
Following amendments falling, Full Council opposed
proposals being made by Government to remove local control over the extraction
of fossil fuels. I supported both both the motion and alternatives!!
Mayor’s Report.
In the last month I have attended meetings with:
·
Cowes
Business Association and
·
Cowes
Shoreside Committee, An update was provided on Cowes Week and
suggestions for next year. In Summary, a view was expressed by stakeholders
that Cowes Week saw an uplift in trade, whilst sponsors had a good year. This
was echoed by Red Funnel’s increase in passenger levels. On calm days, racing occurred later in the
day rather than being cancelled. This was appreciated by competitors. The
Plastic Free initiative proved popular. Concerns
raised included the lack of visible policing, toilets and lack of signposting
between venues.
·
IW Council
Town and Parish Council Seminar. Reports and Question and Answer sessions were
provided on:
1. The
Combined Fire Service Review;
2.
Community Service Programme and
3. The
Boundary Commission Review.
·
Isle of Wight
Association of Local Councils. Updates were given on:
1. Dark Skies, and
the inclusion of the ‘South Western Quarter’ only being incorporated within
proposals;
2. Age Friendly
Island initiatives and the involvement of Town and Parish Councils;
3. Subscriptions;
4. Difficulties being
experienced in meeting with HALC (Hampshire Association of Local Councils);
5 Travel to the
Mainland for patients (Both Scottish Islands and the Scilly Isles receive
concessions)
6.The need for
greater recognition from Planners for Town & Parish Councils to receive
developer contributions.
7. The need for
better connectivity and updates from the Isle of Wight Council.
·
Meeting with Mural
Artists for The Cut (with Cllr Taylor)
With Councillors Peacey-Wilcox, Bartrum, Bartrum and Adams I
attended the Isle Of Wight Day
celebrations. Also in attendance also working
hard as well as supporting the event was Councillors Hammond and Ellis.
Work on the Town
Council’s Newsletter has been completed.
My grateful thanks to Councillors and Residents for their ideas and
contributions! This is due to be distributed to residents in October. Please let your Councillors know if you do
not receive yours!
From 10:30-11:30am,
Friday 23rd November at Cowes Library a drop in session has
been arranged for residents wanting to save money through switching energy
suppliers and efficiency measures through the Footprint Trust Charity. The Trust advises that on average
householders can save £200
per year on utility bills following their free
consultations. Please visit http://footprint-trust.co.uk/ or call 01983 822282 for further information.
It is with sadness I report the resignation of Cllr Amanda Glendenning, who as Chairman of
the Town Council’s Finance, Staffing and Acquisitions Committee who worked
exceptionally hard forging links with our community.
At the recent Finance Committee, Cllr Jean Bartrum was unanimously elected Chairman.
For details of the vacancy please contact Debbie Faulkner at:
townclerk@cowestowncouncil.org.uk or call 209022.
Also this month:
·
I continue to oppose proposals to light bonfires within the
context of the Construction Management Plan.
In addition the Planners and Environmental Health have also acknowledged
the concerns raised by residents and Gurnard Parish Council. In light of residents opposition, I remain
optimistic that a solution can be found.
·
Following residents feedback, I have supported a petition
calling on cheaper ferry fares for all Islanders.
·
I have requested hedge cutting takes place in Rew Street and
Blackberry Lane.
·
I have contacted Island Roads to cleanse paths leading to
Northwood Recreation Ground. In addition, I have received complaints concerning dogs off leads in the fenced off play area. I have requested further incidents are reported to me.
·
I’ve received calls concerning the approved Telecoms mast at
Cliff Farm, Rew Street. The mast, I’m
informed will improve coverage solely for Vodaphone customers.
·
Action was taken concerning a vehicle that was parked on
Baring Road on double yellow lines. Following intervention the owner has agreed
to park their vehicle off road!
·
I am supporting the IW Councillor for Parkhurst in opposing
proposals to reconfigure the road lay-out at St. Mary’s Roundabout, which I
consider will exacerbate the flow of traffic for motorists, cyclists and
pedestrians.
·
Complaints were received concerning garden waste not being
taken away on the day of collection. I
have requested better communication takes place between contractors, The
Council, residents and Councillors to prevent future confusion over incidents
taking place.
·
This year Cowes Medical Centre are providing Flu Jabs by
appointment. For details please call:
294902.
·
The new ATM at Red Funnel is now operating! Functioning ATM’s are also available at
Sainsbury’s and the Central Convenience Store next to Benzies. Other ATM’s are available at the Co-Op in
Mill Hill Road; Aldi, Three Gates Road; Gurnard Pines whilst there are ATM’s
with a charge at Northwood Stores and Nisa, Gurnard.
I have reported incidents of the alleged disposal of waste building material on the beach below Shore Path. Please let me know if you have information concerning this!
Following the discontinuation of Yarmouth's Old Gaffers Festival, I have been approached regarding whether it may be possible for the Festival to return to Cowes. Please let me know your ideas!
