Isle of Wight Councillor's Report, October 2020

 

Surgeries.

10:30-11:30am, Thursday 1^st October, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 6^th October, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes. (To Be Confirmed)

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 6^th October, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes. (TBC)

5:15-5:45pm, Wednesday 14^th October, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

12:30-1pm, Wednesday 21^st October, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

11-12pm, Thursday 22 October, Paradice Ice Cream Parlour, 56 High Street, Cowes. (New Surgery)

5:15-5:45pm, Wednesday 28^th October, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11:30-12pm, Thursday, 29^th October, Food Shack & Bar, Gurnard Pines, Gurnard.

 

Because of evolving Coronavirus guidelines surgeries will take place outside, if possible. Surgeries are subject to change at short notice. For details please visit: paulfullercc.blogspot.com

 

Seafront Car Parking charges proposals.

 

To date, I have been copied in and have received over 150 objections to proposals by the Isle of Wight Council’s administration to charge residents to park on Cowes and Gurnard Seafront.

 

Again to all residents that have opposed these ill-conceived charges, a very big thank you.  Further to questions asked, I have received the following response from officers:

 

1.    Who makes the final decision on the matter? 

As with all previous parking orders it is an officer decision which considers the public comments received.

 

2.    What the timescale is for this? 

This depends on the volume of feedback received and requiring review; the decision paper is drafted and covers Cowes to Gurnard, Somerton Park and Ride as well extending seafront charges at all locations to all year round. Once the consultation responses are received the PFI client team they will be reviewed and summarised in the report with the councils responses. The aim is to have the paper signed off by 02.10.20.

 

3. Is there scope to appeal against this?

No

 

4.    When the charges (if agreed or modified) will be implemented? 

Once the paper is signed off we will need to instruct Island Roads (through the PFI client team) to go ahead with the purchase and installation of ticket machines, signs and lines. In terms of implementation on site early January 2021 is currently considered achievable.

**UPDATE** (5th October):

Following the above response from officers, I am advised that the decision on this, is due to be taken by members.  This I assume is because of the feedback from residents.  This will be considered alongside charging for parking at SOMERTON PARK AND RIDE and the implementation of  'all round parking charges' for seafronts.

In total, the three orders received 560 comments.

As yet a decision has not been taken how members will decide on this, what the recommendation is likely to be, or what timeframe will be enacted.  One option (which I suspect may be applied in this instance), is taking the final decision to the IW Council's cabinet.  

 

My full response to the consultation can be found below: 

 

18 September 2020.

Dear Scott,

 

Proposed Parking Charges, Cowes/ Gurnard Seafront.

 

As local Councillor, I wish to raise my objection to charge for parking on Princes Esplanade, Gurnard and Egypt Esplanade, Cowes.

 

My grounds for doing so, can be summarised below:

1.     General Principle of car parking.

A number of residents have approached me, concerning the principle.  Several residents, particularly the elderly and those on low incomes are upset that they will lose the ‘free‘ access and opportunities the seafront affords.  

2.     Economic Impact upon Local Businesses.

I have spoken to the owners of local businesses.  Following the impact of Covid 19, in Gurnard one business has closed, and all others has seen a downturn in trade.  One business, the Watersedge Cafe has already invested heavily, as has the nearby Woodvale Hotel, The Holmwood Hotel and Plaza Ice Cream.  In addition, Gurnard Parish Council has refurbished the local toilets, Cowes Town Council has provided investment in shelters, whilst Gurnard Sailing Club continues to invest in their facilities in the local area.  

 

These businesses are essential to the local economy as they provide local employment, leisure facilities and help to safeguard our local environment on Gurnard Green and the shore.

 

One local business owner has advised that they could not sustain themselves if the IW Council put in place further hurdles, whilst another that approached me stated the following:  ‘Covid 19, has brought my business to its knees- Now the Isle of Wight Council seems determined to want to kick us, while we are down...’

 

From my perspective parking charges will only add to the pain being suffered by businesses in light of Covid 19 and its ongoing impact.

3.     Displaced Parking.

In June/July 2019 I undertook a residents survey concerning parked vehicles in and around Worsley Road, and the impact that parked vehicles had on sight lines, traffic flows, accidents and near misses.  This survey was followed up with a consultation with residents of Albert Road which highlighted resident’s difficulty parking, both surveys are included within my objection

 

Following these surveys and their feedback it was made very clear that in Worsley Road, Albert Road, Solent View Road, Shore Road and Church Road parking was at a premium.

 

Dialogue and feedback show the lack of parking capacity has led to double parking, pavement parking, blocked road junctions and disabled residents unable to park near to their homes. Residents highlight regular instances of heavy goods and public service vehicles (including the Community Bus) not being to able to proceed in Worsley and Albert Road.

 

In light of this, I have contacted Parking Services on eight occasions concerning perceived parking infringements in the past 18 months.

 

In addition, with the growth in housing at Bucklers View (Worsley Road), Shore Road and Albert Road the situation has got markedly worse in recent years. Furthermore, inevitably changes to parking arrangements at Gurnard School will narrow parking capacity in Woodvale Road, Gurnard Heights and Baring Road.

 

In my opinion, the opinion of Gurnard Parish Council and local residents parking charges and their high hourly rates will put further pressure on Cliff Road, Marine View Close, Egypt Hill, Woodvale Road, Woodvale Close, Gurnard Heights, Shore Road, Worsley Road, Solent View Road and Albert Road where parking remains at a premium particularly during the summer.

4.      Tidal and Weather Conditions, and the cost of sustaining parking meters.

In the last 12 months, Princes and Egypt Esplanade has flooded and was impassable on 19 occasions.  

 

According to a Freedom of Information request to Devon County Council, each parking meter cost £3,500 to purchase and install meters (in 2017) https://www.devon.gov.uk/accesstoinformation/archives/information_request/parking-meters) the ongoing cost and maintenance of servicing machines were outlined.

 

Although the life of a parking meter is on average 10 years, it has been acknowledged that meters in seaside locations, need to be replaced more often due to the corrosive nature of prevailing cumulative flooding and weather conditions reducing the lifespans of meters.  Within the seafront with its limited period of operation, I have concerns over how sustainable would meters be- particularly with the ongoing cost of damage to meters from sea water, rocks, shingle etc.

5.     The Seasonality of Car Parking.

Several years ago my predecessor, Cllr John Effemey on many occasions questioned the suitability of car parking meters and the fact that there was no evidence to support that meters were cost effective on Cowes Seafront.  Between 2002 and 2004 Cllr Effemey’s research found meters at Queens Road and The Parade to not be sustainable.  (Please see this attached) Whilst accepting that this was between 15 and 20 years ago, it should also accepted that: 

 

1.     Vehicular movements and demand are greater the closer you are to Cowes, and 

2.     Maintenance and Corrosive Damage would increase west of Egypt Point.

In addition, there is further evidence of poor take up of off road parking at Mornington Road Car Park- which I was informed a few years ago raised was around £1200 per annum.  It has been acknowledged that a very high proportion of revenue accrued occurred during Cowes Week and for a few weeks (during warm weather) either side of this.  As an alternative to charging for seafront car parking, I have suggested a better, more effective means to maximise revenue at Mornington Road could be achieved through wider residents parking.  This was something Cowes Town Council felt they could better oversee than the IW Council.

 

With the exception of Cowes Week, there are currently no issues with parking demand on Egypt/ Princes Esplanade.  In Gary Hall’s representation he has stated that the Esplanade parking is only ‘busy’ for 40 days per year. Given this level of demand with existing free parking, can it really be justified that revenue (at the rate of £1.70 per hour) would be accrued for 365 days a year?

6.      Mental and Physical Wellbeing.

Concern has been expressed that charges will discourage elderly, mobility impaired and other residents taking advantage of the free access to the seafront.  Charges will discourage opportunities to relax, exercising of dogs, walking on a flat surface, jogging, bathing, swimming, sailing, cycling, angling, beach combing and access to the ‘free’ children’s play area- itself a facility that can safeguard young children. 

 

Imposing charges will also impact the most on those residents who are on very low incomes given the access to free facilities nearby.  As Ward Councillor, talking to ‘older’ residents today, I share concerns that should charges be introduced to park, there is a real likelihood that some residents will stay at home increasing social isolation and impacting adversely upon mental and physical wellbeing.  This applies also to the many young families who enjoymthe nearby activities.

 

Please note contrary to popular belief nearby, there are pockets of social deprivation in Gurnard that rely upon inexpensive and accessible facilities.

 

In addition, I consider that this contradicts:

·         Gurnard Parish Age Friendly Communities Strategy (2018) https://www.communityactionisleofwight.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Gurnard_report18-April-2018.pdf

·         Cowes’ Age Friendly Community Strategy (2018); https://www.communityactionisleofwight.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Cowes_report18-Final-report.pdf

·         Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan (2017)- (Policy T2 stipulates ‘consideration to provide car parking for those with limited mobility)’; https://www.iow.gov.uk/Meetings/committees/Cabinet/13-7-17/PAPER%20G%20-%20APPENDIX.pdf

·         the Isle of Wight Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2018-2021 and its underlying principles which support Mental and Physical Well-being https://www.iow.gov.uk/documentlibrary/view/health-and-wellbeing-strategy-2018-21

·         the Isle of Wight Mental Health Strategy https://www.iow.nhs.uk/Downloads/Strategies%20and%20Policies/PR030914-No_Health_Without_Mental_Health_Strategy_Document.pdf

·         the Isle of Wight Transport Plan (2011-2038). https://www.iow.gov.uk/azservices/documents/1190-itp-strategy-v1.pdf

·         NHS Guidance: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-as-you-get-older/

If charges were to be introduced, I would have a concern on what adverse impact and cost this would have on mental and physical wellbeing.  Although difficult to ‘cost’, I nevertheless have concerns that any revenue accrued, would be lost through necessary wellbeing interventions.

7.     Disparity of Costs..

A number of residents that have approached me have questioned why there is no disparity of charges, as is the case in other areas.  When you compare the activities, facilities and services that are available in Ryde, Newport, Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor to the pub, the green and ice cream vendors at Cowes Seafront there is a substantial deviation between what a small semi-rural location like Gurnard can offer in contrast to what can be offered by seafront resorts on the Island.  This seems both unfair to local residents, and questionable as to when or if the meters will pay for themselves.

 

Elsewhere there is evidence to support semi-rural car parking charges are pitched at a much lower rate than other resorts.  It has been argued by businesses-  why would you choose to park in Gurnard, when resorts can offer a much greater choice for visitors?

 

8.     Impact upon local Volunteers.

At Cowes, and particularly in Gurnard there is a considerable reliance upon volunteers who take on clearing up litter from both our beaches and our Green throughout the year.  Although, the IW Council and Island Roads do their very best, there is a strong reliance upon volunteers who assist in doing this.  

 

To impose charges on these volunteers does an incredible disservice to those individuals who give up their time freely to support the efforts of the IW Council to keep both Gurnard Green litter free.

 

9.     Beach Hut Owners.

In recent years Hut Owners, have experienced considerable license increases.  Many owners believe these increases have targeted and had more of an impact upon local families (often on low incomes) in favour of those who have second homes nearby.

10.  Loss of Safe Pedestrian Route to Gurnard Primary School.

Proposals will adversely impact upon a potential route to provide a safe walking route between Cowes/ Gurnard Seafront and Gurnard Primary School.  This route was discussed and supported when considering alternative pedestrian options to ease parking congestion outside Gurnard School and Pre-school in Baring Road.  It is of concern this opportunity will be lost should parking charges in their current form be implemented on the Esplanade.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Paul Fuller, JP CC,

Independent Isle of Wight Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard

 

 

                       

In light of accompanying evidence support my objection, I have supplied the following:

 

Appendix A:  Cllr John Effemey’s Summarys to Cowes Town Council (2002-2004)

Appendix B:  Worsley Road Car Parking Survey Feedback (July 2019)

Appendix C:  Albert Road Questionnaire (January 2020) (Summary of responses)

 

 

PARKING METERS ON THE ESPLANADE. COWES: Minutes from Cowes Town Council Meetings.      APPENDIX A.

 

WEDNESDAY 9^TH JANUARY 2002: MINUTE 4958

 Councillor Effemey stated that parking meters on Princes Green are not economic.

 

WEDNESDAY 9^TH FEBRUARY 2002: MINUTE 4972

Councillor Effemey stated that while there were parking charges imposed on our Esplanade, East Cowes Esplanade remained free.

 

WEDNESDAY 6^TH MARCH 2002: MINUTE 4984

Councillor Effemey stated that although he had written to Councillor Marc Morgan-Huws for support in his campaign to have the parking charges removed on the Esplanade/Mornington Rd sites, he did not appear to have made representations and had totally ignored the letter.

 

WEDNESDAY 1^ST MAY 2002: MINUTE 5025

Cllr Effemey stated that because he had not received an answer to his questions regarding parking on the Cowes Esplanade he intended to refer the matter to the appropriate Scrutiny Panel.

 

WEDNESDAY 8^TH JANUARY 2003: MINUTE 5146

 Councillor Effemey stated the annual Traffic Regulation meeting was imminent and he was still campaigning against the meters on the Esplanade.

 

Income from parking on Cowes Esplanade between April & September totalled only £5,690 (62p per space per day) and at Mornington Road £1,049 (14.5p per space per day) 

 

He was arguing for the removal of the meters for all periods except the two busy months of July & August.

 

WEDNESDAY 5^TH MARCH 2003: MINUTE 5178

 Councillor Effemey was intending to object to the massive charging increase proposed in the IW Council Parking Order and to the charging between 1^st May and 31^st October on the Esplanade and Mornington Road and he hoped Cowes Town Council would support his objections. 

 

WEDNESDAY 2^ND APRIL 2003: MINUTE 5194

 Councillor Effemey said his request to have the parking meters removed from Mornington Road and Princes Esplanade had again been rejected.

 

WEDNESDAY 7^TH MAY 2003: MINUTE 5219

 Councillor Effemey said he was still campaigning against the parking charges imposed on The Esplanade and the Mornington Road car park. For the first 23 days, which included the Easter period, the takings at Mornington Road had been only £2 and for The Esplanade only £150.

 

WEDNESDAY 16^TH JULY 2003: MINUTE 5252 

 Councillor Effemey stated that the income for parking on the Esplanade for May & June had been abysmal. 

 

WEDNESDAY 7^TH APRIL 2004: MINUTE 5376

 Councillor Effemey said he was objecting to the proposed all year-round parking charges on the Parade as advertised in the IWC (Parking Places) Order for the fourth time was asking for a review of the parking charges for Princes Esplanade.

 

WEDNESDAY 3^RD NOVEMBER 2004: MINUTE 5475

Councillor Effemey stated that the parking income for the Esplanade and Mornington Road car park between August and October was abysmal. The people of Cowes were denied while parking at other rural beaches was free during the summer months.

 

 

 

Worsley Road Survey Feedback, July 2019.                                          APPENDIX B.

 

Early last month I received a flurry of complaints concerning bad parking in and adjoining Worsley Road.

 

When asking Island Roads and the IW Council to consider implementing any Traffic Order, I need to demonstrate:

 

1. A health and safety issue exists, and

2. That any restriction would be broadly supported by those residents most affected.

 

When the restriction (for the Church Road junction) was last considered in 2016, Island Roads rejected this request due to the lack of evidence demonstrating that a safety issue existed.  Because of this, I have sought residents feedback to potentially challenge this standpoint.

 

In addition, the purpose of the survey was to:

 

1.  Highlight the pros and cons of a Traffic Order in a balanced way.

2.  Gather evidence potentially showing Island Roads that a safety issue exists.

3.  Listen to residents, and to act upon concerns and suggestions raised.

4.  Raise residents awareness of the problems.

5.  Find out if residents could help by increasing parking capacity.

6.  Use evidence as feedback responding to current/ future planning applications.

 

In order to ensure the feedback was robust, thorough and could not be challenged, I set myself a target to ensure that the response rate from the 110 households/ businesses surveyed would be greater than 35-40%.  This figure was the target previously set for the initial Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan consultation.  To proceed with any Traffic Order proposal, it is helpful to have at least 2/3 of respondents in support.

 

The drop and collect survey took place with households and businesses located in and around the road, and those junctions immediately nearby at Glen Place, Church Road, Hilton Road, The Avenue, Albert Road and Solent View Road.   The response rate for the survey was 62 or 56% of households surveyed responding.  Feedback shows:

 

On the Worsley Road/ Church Road junction:

69% support a 24hr parking restriction; 8% support a limited restriction; 23% support no restriction and 0% No opinion. 

 

On the Worsley Road/ Glen Place junction:

42% support a 24hr parking restriction; 11% support a limited restriction; 44% support no restriction and 3% No opinion.

 

Between Gurnard Press and the junction with Westbrook Lane, Worsley Road:

37% support a 24hr parking restriction; 18% support a limited restriction; 42% support no restriction and 3% No opinion.

 

Of the 60 households responding one advised they might consider occasional use of their driveway by neighbours.

 

Other comments raised:

 

·         Impeded site lines due to parked cars at, and opposite The Portland.                                                  12 comments

·         Regular near misses witnessed Glen Place junction.                                                                            8 comments

·         Regular near misses witnessed Church Road junction, Worsley Road.                                                  7 comments

·         Concerns regarding Speeding Traffic from Tuttons Hill to Worsley Road/ Church Road                          7 comments

·         Impeded site lines (shrubs, business signage)                                                                                      4 comments

·         Difficult to proceed in Worsley Road                                                                                                   4 comments

·         Elderly and children have difficulty crossing Worsley Rd.                                                                     3 comments

·         Could we have restriction one side only in Worsley Rd.                                                                        3 comments

·         Witnessed incidents re: Community Bus                                                                                              3 comments

·         Parking restriction required on one side of Worsley Rd                                                                        3 comments

·         Double yellow lines would impact on local businesses                                                                         2 comments

·         Side Roads are empty and allows for overspill parking                                                                        2 comments

·         Concerns re. Bucklers View Extension and other business premises (Pub, Gurnard Press)                    2 comments

·         Parking requires enforcement (Church Rd junction)                                                                              2 comments

·         Impeded site lines Glen Place junction, Worsley Rd                                                                             2 comments

·         Residents aren’t sensible about how and where they park                                                                    2 comments

·         Glen Place junction is not safe. Not compliant w/ conditions                                                                2 comments

 

·         We would support residents parking                                  

·         Parked vehicles causes frustration and hold ups                 

·         Unable to leave driveway due to parked cars.                   

·         Double yellow lines would speed up vehicles                   

·         A one way system would help                                           

·         Emergency Vehicles struggles to proceed into Church Rd

 

In conclusion to the feedback, I am suggesting:

 

·         Meeting with Island Roads to look again at a Traffic Order for the junction with Church Road, Worsley Road

·         Report to the Planning Department parking concerns regarding the Bucklers View Application

·         Report to the Planning Enforcement Team concerns relayed over the Glen Place junction, Worsley Road.

·         To meet on site with Island Roads and the IWC to consider options to address parking concerns in Worsley Road.

 

Albert Road Parking Survey: Conducted, January 2020.     APPENDIX C.

 

 

How often do you find it difficult to park in Albert Road?

 

37 respondents from 31 out of The 55 households surveyed

 

Response.	Numbers.
Not At All	0
Sometimes	11
Often	7
Nearly Always	12
Always	4
No Comment	3

 

 

Flu Jabs: News from Cowes Medical Centre. 

 

The Medical Centre are now contacting patients most at risk of flu in accordance with NHS England guidance for an appointment in October/ November.  These patients will receive a text message or a letter.

 

Most Flu vaccines will be by appointment at our drive-through centre, with some at the Practice.

 

Patients 65 and over, who are not in the high risk category can be added to the waiting list. If you would like your name added to this list please call the Centre on 01983 295251 in the afternoon when phone lines are less busy

 

If you are aged between 50 and 64 and not in a clinical at risk group, the earliest you will be offered a flu vaccination is November, providing the Government provides sufficient vaccine

 

Please check the Practice website https://www.cowesmedicalcentre.co.uk/ for up to date information about our flu vaccine programme.

 

Footprint Trust: Winter Is Coming

 

The Footprint Trust are holding their ‘Winter is Coming’ event 9:30am-1:30pm, Thursday 15^th October at the Riverside Centre. The event will provide details on Benefits, Cutting Bills and Saving Money (and Free Tea & Cake). Alternatively please call 01983 822282 or join the Facebook info session from 2-4pm

 

Coronavirus Updates.

 

The second wave of Coronavirus cases is proceeding as was predicted.  Because of the fast evolving nature of guidance- updates can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

 

Details concerning the NHS Covid 19 app can be found at: https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/nhs-covid-19/

 

Planning For the Future: A developers Charter?

 

Under the Governments new white paper concerning planning, it is intended to increase housing numbers for the Isle of Wight to 1045 dwellings per annum. (This figure has consistently grown from 520 four years ago) Please see:  https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/907647/MHCLG-Planning-Consultation.pdf

 

In response to these new figures, I have formally objected to the Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, and have forwarded these concerns to MP, Bob Seely, citing that increased housing figures are unsustainable, given how many applications currently received, are approved, the fragility of the economy and the pressures in place with the Island’s Environmental Designations.     

 

Southern Gas Road Closures, Gurnard.

 

SGN essential works continue to take place in Gurnard, and Church Road continues to remain closed until necessary repairs finish at the end of this month.

 

Despite a shaky start with communications, my grateful thanks to the crews working throughout the weekend to ensure that roads in Gurnard could reopen within 10 days.

 

During the work sadly it was necessary to report several residents travelling the wrong way in the one way system. This became a problem and required police intervention with a number of vehicles leaving Gurnard Pines

 

Full Council.

 

Despite being held ‘virtually’, last month’s Full Council was more prickly than usual.

 

·         Chair of Scrutiny: 

The Conservative controlled Council elected a Conservative colleague to lead committee to scrutinise their work. This I consider to be a real issue, as there is a real perception that decisions cannot be fully called-in or scrutinised following an earlier decision ensuring the Committee’s proportionality also favours the Council’s ruling group.

 

One of the most important aspects of my work as a Councillor, is the fact that I am questioned, challenged and properly held to account.  I feel to listen to diverse views, that may differ from your own makes my position and residents I represent stronger and more credible.  By altering the make up of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee, in my opinion will reduce the IW Council’s accountability. 

 

·         IW Councillors Allowances:

As is traditional, I voted against proposals to increase IW Councillors allowances.  On this occasion, I was joined by fellow Independents, Cllr Debbie Andre and Cllr Michael Lilley who were motivated by the fact that islandwide, residents are being hit by job losses, pay freezes as a consequence of the recession.

 

From my perspective, whether there is remuneration or not, I would still put my name forward for election- as the numerous Town and Parish councillors, School Governors and many other volunteers do across the Island. 

 

Local Access Forum.

 

At the meeting, the following matters were discussed:

 

·         English Coastal Path:  Natural England are collating feedback from the public consultation.  The Forum are concerned that there appeared no resolution on the stretches between the Folly and Kings Quay (East Cowes) and Locks Green to Thorness.

·         Lost Ways: These ‘disappeared’ rights of ways and marine landing stages will need to be restored in time to meet the April 2026 deadline. IW Ramblers and IWC Parks and Beaches have been supporting this work.

·         E-Scooters:  The IW Council are bidding for Government funding for a local pilot.  In response, I have contacted the Council to find out more, following some concerns being raised.  

·         Military Road:  It was reported that the road and coastal path is now less than 3 metres from the cliff edge. Proposals are being investigated to pile and stabilise the road.

·         Pop-Up Cycle Lanes: Following concerns raised, funding for new pop-up cycle lanes in Cowes (Beckford Road) and Newport have been shelved. 

·         Adders: During the summer there were an upturn in adders being seen.

 

Planning Committee.

 

I attended my second Planning Committee, since being reappointed this summer.

 

The one application considered was a proposal to expand Ryde’s Nicholson Industrial Estate.  Unfortunately, this application was not supported by Island Roads who raised concerns over junctions (at capacity) at Westridge Cross, Great Preston Road/ Smallbrook Road and Smallbrook roundabout.

 

From my perspective until these three issues could be resolved, I could not support the application- particularly, in light that for the time-being there is industrial units elsewhere that could cater with any upturn in demand.   

 

Mobile Homes and High Sided vehicles.

 

I received a call from a resident requesting my intervention on a mobile home being parked outside their home.

 

Although mobile homes and high sided vehicles have no restrictions parking on the roadway, please can I ask for owners to ensure vehicles are safely parked, not obscuring sight lines and not restricting nearby residents of light.

 

Local Council Tax Support.

 

Following comments made to me, I have formally written to the IW Council to provide extra Local Council Tax Support to working residents on low incomes. In addition, I’ve also requested widening the parameters of the IW Council’s Hardship Fund to support those on low incomes.

 

Floating Bridge Update:  From the IW Council.

 

I have received the follow update from the IW Council:

 

We are pleased to report that work to resolve the Hydraulic Problems with the Cowes Floating Bridge are nearing completion and we are sorry for the inconvenience caused by the continued delay in return to service.

 

We can continue to press our contractors to do all they can to get the vessel back in the water as quickly as possible whilst making sure the chances of these faults reoccurring are reduced to the absolute minimum.

 

The hydraulic rams have been removed, stripped down, inspected and have been rebuilt; the hydraulic system has been flushed and repairs to the hydraulic pumps and motors are nearing completion, however, the extent of work required to one of the motors has caused some further unexpected delay.

 

Subject to this progressing, the floating bridge should now return to the water in the week commencing 9^th  October. Following water based testing we now expect a return to full service in time for the start of half term 17^th  October.

 

A council spokesperson said: “We share the frustrations of the local community about the issues with the vessel and ability to provide a reliable service across the River Medina and apologise for the continued delays and ongoing disruption to the service.

 

The council will continue to provide the launch service for foot passengers will continue to operate from 0500 - 2300hrs (0630-2300hrs Sundays) until the vessel returns to full service.

 

Once again we apologise for the inconvenience caused.

 No Cold Calling.

 

Anglian Double Glazing has been reported to Trading Standards for dismissing No Cold Calling in Cowes.  Following this, I am advised that the Company has been approached concerning the fact that Cowes, Gurnard and Northwood is a ‘No Cold Calling’ zone, as well as some of the approaches being used by the firm.

 

In response to this, I have requested more ‘No Cold Calling’ stickers from Trading Standards and am discussing options to update signage in Cowes, Gurnard and Northwood.

 

If you require a No cold calling sticker for your home, please let me know.

 

Gurnard Pines.

 

I have received a call from a Cockleton Lane resident advising me that they often receive post for addresses in Gurnard Pines, and presumably this may also be happening to residents of Gurnard Pines.

 

Because of the number of Gurnard Pines addresses and the ambiguity of the ‘Pines using their address as being in Cockleton Lane, I am considering whether it may be worthwhile making an approach to Island Roads and The Post Office suggesting Gurnard Pines addresses, remove the ‘Cockleton Lane’ line from their addresses…

 

Therefore, 299 Gurnard Pines, Cockleton Lane, Gurnard PO31 8RE would become 299 Gurnard Pines, Gurnard PO31 8RE.   Before proceeding, please let me know your views.

 

Speed Limits, Place Road.

 

As motorists will be aware there remains a section of Place Road between Place Side and the Northwood sign that retains a 40mph speed limit.  With junctions on this stretch of road leading to Place Side, Three Gates Road and The Range, I have made an approach to Island Roads to reduce the speed limit on this 300 metre stretch of highway to 30mph.

 

Should proposals be given the green light to remove on-street parking on Place Road, this could mean traffic flows speed up, which in turn would make crossing the road for pedestrians difficult should a 40mph limit still apply. 

 

Please let me know your views concerning this.      

Also this month:

 

·         I continue to await a response concerning my call-in against the increased housing numbers at The Dottens.

·         Following meetings with residents of Reynolds Close and Firs Close, I have discussed with Cowes Sports Football Club about relocating parked coaches.  In response the Club has been more than happy to comply.

·         Continued overfilled dog bins in Cockleton Lane has been reported to Island Roads.

·         I have been approached by residents from Battery Road concerning proposed new litter bins. On this, I am hoping a compromise can be found with Cowes Town Council.

·         I’m working with the family and friends of Roanna Jardine, who sadly passed away earlier this year, and who has asked for a seat to be erected in her memory. Friends and Family have raised over £2600 for Rosie’s Bench.

·         Brambles and thorns were collected following a number of issues following hedge cutting in Baring Road. 

·         A long time abandoned vehicle left in Baring Road has again been reported to the DVLA.  The owner has on this occasion dug his heals in and has to date refused to remove the vehicle..- This is be pursued!

·         Steps to the beach from Princes/ Egypt Esplanade have been cleaned. 

·         For Access Protection Bar details visit: https://islandroads.com/our-highway-service/managing-the-roads/access-protection-bars/

·         A regular resident seen ‘not in control’ and fouling dogs have again been reported to our Environment Officer.

·         Tactile crossing points are underway on the junctions entering Park Road, as requested to Island Roads.