Isle of Wight Councillors Report, October 2019

Surgeries.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 1^st October, Cowes Library, 12-14 Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 1^st October, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

10:30-11am, Thursday 3^rd October, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

1-1:30pm, Wednesday 9^th October, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Thursday 17^th October, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

10:30-11am, Thursday 24^th October, Coffee & Chat, All Saints Church, Gurnard.

5-5:30pm, Wednesday 30^th October, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

12-12:30pm, Thursday 31^st October, Eegon’s Café, 72 High Street, Cowes.

Brexit Preparations.

It is very clear from the Prime Minister that he intends for the UK to leave the European Union on 31^st October.  In recent weeks government has issued advice to Businesses, EU Nationals and residents on options.  This can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/prepare-eu-exit

In the meantime, I’ve contacted the IW Council for advice for those with long term medical conditions and the availability of medication, should there be any uncertainties.  I have also been approached by EU Nationals living and working locally requesting better support from the IW Council on support and advice. Once received this information will feature on my website!  These concerns were echoed at Full Council, with action promised by the Council Leader.

Pavement Parking.

I continue to receive complaints from parents/ grandparents with push chairs, and from disabled residents regarding pavement parking in Place Road.  Subsequently this has resulted in pedestrians being forced to walk in the carriageway to pass vehicles.

If there is not adequate space to park off road, please can residents and visitors, please be aware of ensuring enough space is allowed for pedestrians. In light of complaints received, this has been reported to both the police and parking services who have been asked to take enforcement action.

Gurnard Primary School.  

I continue to receive complaints of unsafe and anti-social parking outside Gurnard School. In light of this, I have asked parking officers to undertake patrols to ensure that roads are kept safe for children.

In addition, I have also received complaints over some residents putting in place traffic cones.  I am told this is to prevent building contractors vehicles from the school obstructing driveway accesses.  If you are experiencing problems please contact parking.services@iow.gov.uk, as it is unlawful to position cones on the public highway without permission and good reason.  In the meantime I have requested the intervention of planners and parking services on the volume of contractors vehicles being parked in both Woodvale Road and Baring Road.

In the meantime, I anticipate the new Cowes Traffic Order will go live November/ December.  The timeframe is:

·         Island Roads require 6-8 weeks to implement TRO and will ensure road markings and signage are in place.

·         Gurnard Primary School and local residents will be notified of changes, once these are confirmed.

·         Gurnard School to liaise with parents and children.

·         Civil Parking Enforcement Officers have been asked to monitor and will take action against non-compliance.

·         Should this not resolve matters, the IW Council will consider implementing a no waiting experimental order.

In light of the new parking arrangements being implemented speaking to parents, residents and children despite building contractors at both the school and the Dottens development, I am told there remains available car parking capacity within 5 minutes walking distance of the school gate…

St. Mary’s Roundabout.

Following residents feedback, and the lack of detail provided on proposals, I requested an Extraordinary Council meeting to relay concerns over the 15 month scheme to reconfigure this junction.  Issues that continue to be of concern to me, and to residents are:

               

·         The lack of dialogue and early intervention by the IW Council, demonstrating the rationale for these works, and how these fit into easing congestion at Coppins Bridge?

·         What mitigation will be in place to reduce traffic speeds in Pallance Road, Rew Street and Rolls Hill?

·         What steps are being taken to promote walking and cycling to reduce traffic growth, particularly given the junctions proximity to Hunnyhill School, the college, hospital, employment hubs and future housing?

I have consistently opposed these current proposals, and in light of this I seconded the motion raising objections to the current scheme, which fell 12 votes to 16.

In light of this decision, following my request the Council Leader has agreed to my request for a Public Information meeting.  This will take place 7pm, Thursday 17^th October at Medina Theatre, Newport. 

Updates can be found here: http://www.islandroads.com/182-newport-st-marys-strategic-junction-improvements-.html

Cowes Parking 200 for 2020.

Please see ideas, suggestions and questions to create and rethink extra capacity to increase car parking for residents, visitors and commuters.

·         Reconfiguration of existing residents parking zones.

Where residents parking exists, the bays or boxes exceed 4.8 metres (the maximum car length), whereas most vehicles actually measure less (around just over 4 metres). By removing painted bays I estimate the creation of 8-9% extra space within parking zones could be created.

·         Removal of ‘unnecessary’ restrictions.

There are areas where yellow lines exist that may not be needed. In the Cowes TRO Spaces were found in Crossfield Avenue where buses used to drop off students.  Elsewhere potential spaces in Victoria Road and Cliff Road have been found.  In addition, there may also be disabled bays unused.

·         Better use of private off road parking, garages and former car parks.

By offering privately managed spaces (i.e driveways and garages) to commuters, would assist taking commuter spaces off the road.  One concern for commuters is the lack of secure parking, which commuters suggest they are prepared to pay for.  I would suggest there is considerable scope for householders to come to a private arrangement to use unused off road parking.

There are former car parks on the road to Cowes, that could be used for Park and Ride.  These are on the main Cowes to Newport Bus Route, and could offer secure parking for Newport, Cowes and Southampton commuters.

There are also under-utilised car parks in town that remain empty. Could ownership be transferred and used more effectively?  Is there scope, when closed premises, schools etc, are better utilised outside normal ‘working’ hours?

·         Parking Management Questions and scope for Improvements.

Is existing Long Stay/ Short Stay parking effective?  

Is there a requirement for more long stay parking in the centre of Cowes?  

Are disabled bays fit for purpose and best located to support residents?  

Can parking be improved to support businesses and commuters without impacting on visitors and residents?

Please let me know your thoughts?

Egypt Light.

Due to the perseverance of former Town Councillor, Elliott Hamilton the Egypt Light was last restored in 2007.

Following concerns raised by Cowes Heritage of its future as both a Heritage Asset as well as a navigational structure, a meeting took place with Geoff Banks to discuss options to retain the Light.

It was agreed following the meeting, to find out who owns and is responsible for the structure, to undertake a survey of the structure and consider options for its future.  It was agreed in the first instance to liaise with Cowes Harbour Commissioners, Trinity House, The IW Council and Cowes Combined Yacht Clubs.

Once jurisdiction is known, a report would be drafted with the potential for future maintenance and retention.  In addition, discussion took place about potentially forming a Trust to oversee and agree options.

If you have an interest in Egypt Light, or know of its history, and who may have jurisdiction over the structure, please let me know. 

Garden Waste.

With the purchase of a new vehicle to collect garden waste, the waiting list to subscribe for this service is growing. If you would like to be contacted when this service is available for 2020/2021, please email: waste.contract@iow.gov.uk and request to be added to the waiting list. Further information can be found at: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/Waste-and-Recycling/Household-Waste-and-Recycling-Collection/Green-Garden-Waste

Planning Updates.

·         Bucklers View.

A modified plan has been submitted, which has taken on board comments made concerning the need to reduce the size, scale and mass of the proposals. I am advised that conditions are likely to be added which includes a financial contribution to improve access to shops, soft landscaping and a construction management plan during works.  In addition, I am asking for officers to consider data received from the questionnaire circulated in June to consider long term parking challenges faced by residents.  

·         Westview Road.

Proposals to permit some residential use of a mobile home was refused by Planners.

·         Ward Avenue.

I am advised that a renewed planning application has been received to consider holiday use for outbuildings in the garden of a property in Ward Avenue.

·         Pedestrian Refuge, Place Road.

Because of the delay implementing this a formal enforcement case has been enacted to conclude these conditioned highway works.

Cowes/ Gurnard Seafront.

·         Beach Steps.

With grateful thanks to this being picked up by Gurnard Parish Council Chairman Cllr Terry Nolan, steps leading to the beach from the seafront has been power-washed by the IW Council to clear algae.

According to officers steps should be monitored and cleaned fortnightly during the summer, and monthly during the winter. Due to this year’s indian summer, I have requested more frequent monitoring and cleansing.

·         Fly tipping.

Discarded rubbish was reported and cleared from Shore Path, after this was reported.  Indications show that the bags contained litter from either from a holiday let, or visitors.  In response a letterdrop has been undertaken to property owners nearby.

·         Gurnard Green.

Overfilled bins were again reported to the IW Council, following hot weekends in September. Of concern, is the fact that bins are being filled with household rubbish, which could be as a result of holiday homes.

On this matter, I have requested bins that are animal proofed to prevent foxes scattering litter. In the meantime, I remain ever appreciative of residents that continue to keep me updated concerning this!    

Dead Animals.

Island Roads will arrange for the removal of large and domestic dead animals from all publicly accessible areas. Please note they do not remove small animals such as rabbits, birds, vermin that do not pose a danger/hazard to pedestrians or road users. 

If cats/kittens, dogs, foxes, badgers and swans are killed on a highway they will be picked up. However, rats, ferrets, birds, pheasants or squirrels will not be collected. Cats and dogs will be taken to St. Christopher House where a member of staff will scan the animal and contact the owner, if it is chipped.

Please note that dead animals will not be collected from private or unadopted roads.

If you believe your pet has been collected by Island Roads contact Island Roads 24/7 helpdesk (01983 822440) to ask about the animals we have have found. Our team will be able to give you details of any pets we have collected and where they were found.

Dog Fouling.

A regular has been witnessed fouling dogs. Following the individual being identified, I have requested that action is taken.  Many thanks to a number of residents for reporting this to me!

Dust Storm over Magdalen Crescent.

Following grass being cut in dry conditions at the Isle of Wight Community Club, I received complaints from Magdalen Crescent residents affected by works.  As a consequence, I have been advised that ‘learning from this incident’, the club is very apologetic (devastatingly so!) and further incidents are unlikely to reoccur. 

Telecom Cabinets.

I have been in dialogue with residents and Wightfibre, following the prospect of a white cabinet being installed in Cliff Road which is within the Cowes Conservation Area.  In response, I am advised within conservation areas darker cabinets are generally positioned, and this would be the case for the Cliff Road cabinet.

Highways Issues.

·         Overgrown hedges have been reported, and action taken at Cockleton Lane, Tuttons Hill and Winding Way.

·         Following an initial delay, a broken manhole cover has been repaired and made safe in Park Road.  

·         Event signage, Advertising and Traffic Cones has been reported and removed from Queens Road (from Cowes Week) and Muggleton Lane (from the Wolverton Fayre)

·         Abandoned vehicles have been reported with action taken in Princes Street and Moorgreen Road. 

·         A caterpillar infestation on Newport Road was reported, and appropriate action taken.

·         I have reported to Island Roads incidents of falls that have taken place in Queens Road and St Mary’s Road.  Although, I am hoping both matters can be resolved promptly I anticipate the need to visit Queens Road to file a report.
At Full Council, it was reported that nearing the end of Island Roads core investment period 463 out of 818 miles of carriageways had been resurfaced. From this, questions were raised about initial claims and expectations made of the 25 year project, and concerns over when the remaining resurfacing will conclude.

Events.

·         IWASP have organised a Tea and Technology, Scones and Scams Event between 1 and 3pm on Thursday, 3^rd October at Newport Library which provides residents with tools to steer clear of online scams (and scones).  The event is hosted by Age UK and Trading Standards. 

·         With Winter approaching, Get free help from the Footprint Trust with Energy & Water Bills, Benefits & Money and Grants & Allowances from 11am-3pm, Thursday 10^th October at Newport’s Riverside Centre.   

·         The Blue Lamp Trust are holding a Home Safety & Security Event 10-12:30pm, Tuesday 15^th October at Cowes Library.

Also this month:

·         Meetings have taken place putting the finishing touches to draft proposals to the Isle of Wight section of the English Coastal Path, which will be consulted upon next year. In the meantime, negotiations continue with major landowners most notably to include access to Ministry of Defence and English Heritage owned land at Porchfield and Osborne.

·         I have met a number of residents and businesses who raised concerns over parking and highway arrangements for Cowes Week.

·         I attended a meeting hosted by Northwood Parish Council and attended by IW Council Leader, Dave Stewart and Planning Portfolio Cabinet Member, Barry Abraham.  Of concern to me was the increased annual housing number on the Island from 525 to 641, and now to 675.  Following my feedback, at this and a follow up meeting, I sense that this figure is now considered by Council Leaders to be too high.

·         A Parklands Avenue resident with an unkempt garden has been reported to Environmental Health, following rats being sighted visiting. This is the second incident within three years.

·         A resident has reported to me an alleged assault by a frisky seagull who attacks and pecks the heads on unsuspecting ramblers the Coastal Path overlooking Gurnard Ledge. Ramblers, be warned!

·         A resident has expressed concerns to me over IW Council allegedly withdrawing funding to the Ryde Aspire Project.  This is being investigated with local Ward Members.

·         I have received feedback regarding concerns over the roll-out of 5G technologies.  I am advised, to date that this is not currently an issue for Islanders.

·         A Full Council, I supported proposals tabled to support the IW Council’s Biosphere Strategy.

·         I have met supporters of the IW Tramway.

·         I undertook Licensing Training, and learnt near enough everything there is to know about licensing reviews!

·         A request was made for costings for a potential Free Parking Session at Cross Street Car Park.