IW Councillor's Report: October 2022

 

Surgeries.

 

4:30-5pm. Monday 3^rd October, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm. Wednesday 12^th October, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Wednesday 19 October, Benches adj. to Watersedge Kiosk, Shore Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Wednesday 19^th October, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm. Wednesday 26^th October, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Thursday 27^th October, Coffee & Chat, All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.

11:30-12pm, Thursday 27^th October, Eegons Cafe, 85 High Street, Cowes.

 

Queen Elizabeth II

 

Buckingham Palace has opened an official Book of Condolence to leave tributes to Queen Elizabeth II online.

 

A form has been opened inviting well-wishers to leave messages on the https://www.royal.uk website

 

Palace officials will hand-pick a number of messages to pass to King Charles III and members of the royal family.

 

In the meantime, locally all libraries continue to hold Books of Condolences.

 

Beryl E-Scooters.

 

With the E-Scooter trial set to end in November, Beryl’s  announced that some bays will cease to exist in the coming weeks.  In the meantime, notice has been given to extend the E-Scooter trial to March 2024 to operate alongside the recently agreed public bike share scheme for the Island as part of the Solent Future Transport Zones initiative.

 

Locally this applies to the bays at: Egypt Hill, Reynolds Close, the Portland Inn and Church Road.

 

Trees and Hedgerows.

 

·         Now the Bird Nesting Season has ended, overgrown hedgerows can now be dealt with.  Further action has been  taken to address overgrown hedges in recent weeks.

·         Concerns were received concerning the extent landowners cut back overgrowth. This arose recently on the footpaths adjoining Gurnard Heights.

·         Tree works have taken place at Gurnard Pines.  Although permits were not required the arboriculturalist has been in dialogue with the IW Council’s Tree Team

·         I have received a complaint concerning garden waste being deposited in waste bins. Action is pending against those responsible.

 

Old School Meadow.

 

I’ve calls regarding perceived anti-social behaviour and noise at Old School Meadow in Cockleton Lane.  If you witness any such behaviour please let myself and Gurnard Parish Council know.

 

Anti-Social Parking, Gurnard School.

 

Concern has been raised by residents living locally of driveways being blocked by people collecting children from Gurnard Primary School this has resulted in recent altercations between parents and those unable to leave and access their properties in Baring Road, Battery Road, Woodvale Road and The Dottens.

 

Please note that obstructing an access can result in police action- Despite the belief from some parents believing  there is an exemption for ‘just collecting your child’, this was the reason for the parking restriction becoming more onerous for motorists last year.  

 

Street Clutter.

 

A few years ago, under the then new PFI contract Island Roads were seeking to reduce and remove unnecessary signage and other street clutter. Several years on, I know there is still signage still in existence that is no longer in use and I will be campaigning to get this removed.  If you know of any signs, please let me know. 

 

Isle of Wight Foodbank.

 

This month the IW Foodbank, based at Love Lane, Cowes are requesting 500g/ 1KG bags of Rice, Sponge Puddings, Long Life Milk, Rice Puddings, Shaving Gel and Razors, Nappies (3/4/5/6), washing up liquid, washing tabs/ powder and ladies deodorant.

 

In the last 6 months the Team at the Foodbank issued 2650 emergency food parcels for residents in crisis, 1068 children and 100+ local referral agencies issuing food vouchers. Please visit: https://isleofwight.foodbank.org.uk/ for further information.

 

Register for Priority Services.

 

If you, or somebody that you know is classed as vulnerable you can apply to SSEN/ Southern Water to be supported during water and energy outages.

 

This applies to those over 60, those living with children under 5, those with a disability, sight or hearing loss, chronic illness, reliant upon electrical aids and water, those with dementia or mental health needs. 

 

For details call SSEN on 0800 294 3294, https://www.ssen.co.uk/priorityservices; Southern Water on 0800 027 0800 https://www.southernwater.co.uk/priority-services. Alternatively, I’ve left application forms in Cowes Library.

 

The Isle of Wight Law Centre.

 

The Law Centre has been thrown a lifeline by the IW Council to remain open for the next 6 months.  With more residents falling into debt this service is becoming more and more valuable to local residents.

 

The Centre offers free legal advice to people with housing, welfare benefits, debt and employment problems.  For further details contact: https://www.facebook.com/iowlawcentre/ or call: 01983 524715.

 

Over the years, I’ve referred many residents who have been supported by this service and despite some criticism from one resident for continuing to support this valuable service, I am committed to continuing to do so!

 

Energy Helpmates

 

The local Footprint Trust charity has recruited volunteers to help it cope with unprecedented levels of enquiries, as Islanders struggle with energy price hikes.

 

On hearing their proposal the Isle of Wight Council and independent renewable energy developers, Ridge Clean Energy, came forward with funding.

 

Isle of Wight residents are facing unprecedented domestic energy bills. As from 1st October, a new ‘Energy Price Guarantee’ will mean a typical UK household will now pay an average £2,500 a year, however the Trust points out that those in poorly insulated homes with old heating systems could have bills of over £6,000. Before the Covid pandemic fuel poverty levels were around 11% of households on the Island, they then rose to about 18%. The Footprint Trust predicts that this will rise to around 30% of Isle of Wight households by the end of the 2023 winter. This means that some 21,000 homes will be affected, making difficult choices between heating and eating.

 

The Footprint Trust helps around 2,000 fuel poor residents every year, through practical guidance and grants.

 

They are recruiting volunteers with a level of expertise in energy and related matters. Such people may be retired electricians, plumbers, gas fitters, engineers, teachers, university lecturers. But anyone would be considered who has numeracy skills and a desire to help, subject to a DBS being carried out and receiving information from the Trust and approved City & Guilds training.  There will an initial training day in Newport on Saturday 8th October.  For more information, please email ray@footprint-trust.co.uk  or call 01983 822282.

 

Energy Price Increases.

 

For up to date support visit: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/ and http://www.uswitch.com/ Tel:  0800 688 8557. Alternatively, talk to the Footprint Trust on 01983 822282 or email: info@footprint-trust.co.uk.

 

In the meantime the Footprint Trust is holding its free Annual 'Winter Is Coming’ Event which offers support on cutting energy and water bills, benefits and money and grants and allowances that are available.  The event takes place from 9:30am-1:30pm, Thursday 13th October at the Riverside Centre, Newport Quay, PO30 9QR.

 

Citizens Advice First Aiders.

 

With an increasing need for support and advice the Citizens Advice Bureau are recruiting volunteers at the moment. For details please visit: https://www.citizensadviceiw.org.uk/advicefirstaider

 

Halloween.

 

In the run up to Halloween Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary advises that if you have young children never let them go trick or treating on their own and make sure you accompany them and only visit people you know.

 

In addition, if you have teenagers make sure they don’t have access to fireworks, alcohol, eggs or flour.  Explain why they must not play tricks on strangers, tell them that if nobody answers the door or a ‘No Trick or Treat’ sign is on display they must leave immediately and please remind them to stay with friends and make sure they never enter the home of a stranger. For details and posters, please visit:  https://www.hampshire.police.uk/search?q=Halloween

 

Flu/ Covid Jabs: News from Cowes Medical Centre.

 

Vaccination clinics are due to start at the end of September and are expected to run to the end of the year.  We are scheduling a series of Saturday clinics to deliver most of the vaccinations.

The initial supply of the new Autumn Covid Booster vaccine is limited across all vaccination providers - we are therefore prioritising in the first instance the over 80’s, and care home residents, then the over 75s, as directed by NHS England.  Vaccination clinics for patients 50 to 64 with no long-term health condition are due to start from mid-October as directed by NHS England.

 

To ease pressures on our telephone system, we are texting updates to those patients who can receive these and using alternative means of communication for those that can’t.

It is safe to have both vaccines at the same time, and you can let the clinician know in your vaccination appointment if you would like one or other, or both.  For further details please visit: https://www.cowesmedicalcentre.co.uk/

 

Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority

 

Last month I attended the local SIFCA meeting in Poole.  SIFCA is the local authority that oversees the impact of fishing and its impact upon the marine environment and future stocks.  Of key at the last meeting decisions were made on the following matters.

 

·         Marine Asset Review. On this item discussions were had concerning one of the vessels that patrol the region.  Supporting SIFCA was Dorset County Council whose procurement department who assisted with their guidance. 

·         Beached Nets.  SIFCA was asked to become more involved in concerns over discarded nets found both on the coastline and on the seabed by local divers.  Although it is not mandatory to tag/ mark nets, it felt it would be useful to monitor the issue which impacts upon marine wildlife

·         Funding. DEFRA has committed itself to funding Project Officers- However concerns were raised regarding increased costs.

·         Industrial Commercial Fishing.  The Fisher community has raised concerns over the scale of commercial fishing in the Channel by larger commercial enterprises.  It was mentioned that the length of nets (10,000m) could be potentially have an impact upon fish stocks and smaller fishing fleets.  Concerns were raised concerning Dover Sole and Pollack fish stocks.

·         Isle of Wight Matters.  A marine license for was rejected for a Yarmouth fisherman because of the perceived impact (which was unchallenged) this would have upon the marine environment.  In addition, action was taken following damage by a vessel to the seabed at Ryde Pier.

 

Island Planning Strategy.

 

A number of meetings were last cancelled following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.  As a result the Full Council meeting scheduled to determine progress of the Island Planning Strategy was rescheduled to 5^th October.

 

At Cabinet members accepted most of the suggestions made by Corporate Scrutiny Committee.  This included enhancing policies for local affordable housing, supporting the regional benefits of Free Port Status, net zero suggestions and protection of green field/ gaps.  In addition to these suggestions that came forward from the Conservative Group, the cabinet also felt mindful of supporting the potential for future development in Newport.

 

The one issue that Cabinet could not agree to was the removal of four sites in Bembridge and Freshwater.  From my perspective this would have resulted in recalculating housing numbers elsewhere on the Island which could delay the plan further.

 

Another concern (quite rightly) raised was the use of data the Council uses to consider population growth. When considered it was felt data from the 2021 census is not recognised by Government as a true reflection of future housing need.  It has been pointed out to me that this data, is not yet recognised by government, except for National Park Authorities. Officers also note that population growth does not correlate with housing growth, and need and the requirement for new 1 and 2 bedroomed properties needed as a result of the Island’s growing aging population and falling household sizes. 

 

Other Islandwide Planning and Enforcement matters.

 

·         I have forwarded a resident’s formal complaint regarding a Planning Enforcement matter to the IW Council.

·         In the coming weeks proposals will go to public consultation on a major planning application at Somerton Farm.

·         Work continues on processing priorities following the recent Planning Peer review which took place.  The first meeting of the Planning Improvement Working Party takes place on 10^th October. 

·         I attended the Chamber of Commerce’s Expo Conference showcasing the commitment of local businesses to invest on the Island.  One of the key messages during networking was the urgent need to complete the Island Planning Strategy. With other IW Cabinet members I also had the opportunity to discuss issues with stallholders.

·         I met with Niton and Whitwell Parish Council at a presentation to redevelop the villages pre-school.  Following this meeting, I am looking forward to meeting up again to discuss flooding issues in Niton.

·         New staff members have joined our Planning Team, I remain positive for recruitment of officersto join the Enforcement Team, which will help to strengthen the Planning Department. 

 

Affordable Housing.

 

Assuming that this is because I am the Cabinet Member responsible for Planning and Enforcement, I continue to receive considerable calls concerning the availability of Affordable and Social Housing.

 

Locally, I continue to hear concerns over the extent of properties being utilised as ‘holiday homes’ by their owners.  As yet there are no current legislation that discourages this. However, I understand that this is something being ‘looked into’ by government. 

 

Gurnard Parish Council Chairman’s Report.

 

At the last meeting of Parish Council it was good to welcome Senad Adams, the local IWC Environment Officer.

 

Senad has already done some brilliant things particularly with her monitoring Gurnard Green, the Public Toilets and the Beach. With Cllrs Mark Franklin and Penny Acton, I am looking forward to working with Senad within the new Beach Working Party- this follows issues concerning the conflict with jet skis, kite surfers and bathers.  In addition a meeting is being organised to address ongoing issues concerning the public toilets. 

 

Senad reported that action had been taken concerning the lighting of barbecues on Gurnard Green, which was restricted during the summer break.

 

Following requests from Beach Hut owners to remove new seating, Cllr Nolan has agreed to lead on the initiation of a survey to gauge feedback on the new benches.  Many thanks for Terry’s lead on this!

 

The Old School Meadow Working Party met twice over the summer.  Action Points discussed included the damage caused to perimeter fencing, dogs off leave and issues associated, anti-social behaviour and the need to improve the old firepit area.  At the Parish Council meeting a discussion took place with the prospect of using the area as part of a Forest Schools initiative.  Once proposals are agreed this will allow future works to take place.

 

With respect to anti-social behaviour, I have spoken to a number of residents about perceived anti-social behaviour in Old School Meadow. On this I met some of the youngsters and at the time I saw no evidence of this happening, and in fairness to the young people understanding that residents had complained they were not too unhappy to move on.  In the meantime, if residents do witness what they believe is ‘anti-social or criminal behaviour’ please log the time, place and nature of the incident(s) and report this to the police copying me in.

 

 

Hedgehog Corner.

 

Autumn juveniles are second littler hogs.. An autumn juvenile hedgehog is one which is old enough to be away from its mother, yet too small to hibernate for the winter. The autumn juvenile season begins in September and ends in November. Being an autumn juvenile can cause problems for a hedgehog, as it will not have enough time to build up the necessary amount of fat in order to hibernate for the winter due to long, cold nights and lack of food availability.

If you spot a very small hedgehog in peril out during the day, it could be a tell-tale sign that it needs medical attention. If you see a hedgehog in need of assistance, take it inside, place in a high-sided cardboard box lined with a sheet, towel without holes or ripped up newspaper and ensure that the hog has heat by placing a well-wrapped hot water bottle inside the box. If you place a hot water bottle in the box, ensure the hedgehog has enough room to move away from the hot water bottle to avoid overheating. It is vital to keep this hot water bottle warm, as letting it go cold will do more harm than good. Ensure that you check the temperature of the hot water bottle frequently and change the water if necessary. If you have no spare hedgehog biscuits, hogs will also eat dog or cat biscuits.  

 

Once you have taken all of the advised steps stated above, contact The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) hogline on 01584 890 801 who will further assist you on next steps.  If you think that the hedgehog needs urgent or professional medical attention, you can take it to your local veterinary practice.

 

Also this month.

 

·         A number of meetings were last cancelled following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.  As a result the Full Council meeting scheduled to determine progress the Island Planning Strategy was rescheduled to 5^th October.

·         A number of overgrown hedgerows were reported to the IW Council.

·         I met with Natural England to be given an update on the Isle of Wight section of the English Coastal Path. To note, meetings are still ongoing with English Heritage concerning the section to the east of East Cowes. In the meantime, I feel positive on the intended footpath through Spencers Copse, Gurnard taking account of feedback

·         A resident has contacted me concerning personal medical data being circulated without authority by healthcare providers.  This is a matter that I am taking up on this residents behalf.

·          With Cllr Carter from Cowes Town Council, I am in the process of arranging a meeting between Cowes Enterprise College.  This has been delayed due to the College returning after the Summer Break.

·      A big thank you to the resident who upturned the overlifted planters in Worsley Road.  You are a star!