IW Councillor's Report, January 2023

 

Surgeries.

 

3-4pm, Monday 9^th January, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 11^th January, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11:30-12pm, Thursday 17^th January, Eegons, 85 High Street, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 25^th January, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Thursday 26^th January, Coffee & Chat, All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.

11:30-12pm, Thursday 26^th January, Eegons, 85 High Street, Cowes.

 

Gurnard Press.

 

I would like to say a huge thank you for the support of the owners of Gurnard Press due to close at the end of December.  Over seven years, I’ve seen the old newsagents grow and grow in popularity as not only a café, but also a community hub for Gurnard. I remain ever hopeful that new owners can be found and take the facility from strength to strength.

 

The Pavilion, Gurnard Pines. 

 

I know that residents and myself thrilled to see the café at Gurnard Pines reopen.  Last month with new proprietors, Katie and David’s support, I hosted surgeries to help residents looking for assistance during the Cost of Living crisis. I am looking forward in 2023 to maintain surgeries at the ‘Pines.

 

Cost of Living Crisis.

 

·         Holiday Parks.

Because of issues for Holiday Park residents, exempt from the same support to those living in standard, I’ve approached MP’s regarding this. In the meantime, there is a petition to Government, which can be found at:  https://www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk/news/lets-get-park-home-owners-energy-bills-justice/

 

Because support is different, depending upon categories of householder and individual needs please contact the Footprint Trust on 01983 822282 to have a one to one with an energy advisor.  In the meantime let me know of success (or not) as this will let me know where I steer my campaign next.

 

·         Cost of living website.

The IW Council launched their website https://beta.iow.gov.uk/keep-the-island-safe/cost-of-living/ to support residents.  In response, I have copied and transferred this as a hard copy which has been updated and features in my IW Councillors Report for January, available from Cowes Library. 

 

English Coastal Path: Length 8 Thorness Bay - Gurnard Luck and Length 9 Gurnard Luck – Cowes.

 

At the Local Access Forum meeting, Natural England reported on length 8, the major issue requiring redress was high tide access over the bridge that crosses the Thorness stream.  On length 9, it was reported that agreement was made to routing the trail (as residents had requested) through Spencer’s Copse following negotiating the route through the woodland with grateful thanks to the landowner.  In addition the old slipway leading from the beach to Shore Path would be made safe. 

 

Because of landowners support, it was anticipated (if approved) this section of the trail could open late 2023/ early 2024.  With respect to finalising the complete trail, discussions remain ongoing with landowners between East Cowes and Wootton Bridge.

 

Council Tax.

 

Work is underway to set next year’s Council Tax.  Because of increased costs, this is likely to prove really challenging without substantial extra financial support to keep services in place. Following feedback, I have asked to include the ability to comment. 

 

This follows representations made by Councils for extra support to maintain services across the UK, given rising pressures in adult and children’s social care. The consultation continues until 30^th January.  To have your say on where you feel the Council spends our money visit:  https://www.iow.gov.uk/Council/OtherServices/Financial-Management/Budget-Consultation

 

Waste and Recycling.

 

·         Annual Consultation. This consultation continues until 30^th January. With the prospect of changes taking place, this survey is important. Paper copies are available from libraries, whilst the online version can be found at: https://beta.iow.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/how-are-we-doing/annual-customer-satisfaction-survey/

 

·         Recycling.  Last month a numpty left a marine flare out for ‘recycling’. The consequences of doing this could of course have been catastrophic. Please use common sense when disposing of rubbish!

 

Southern Vectis: £2 Fare Cap

 

Following feedback from passengers, Go Ahead who own Southern Vectis has now agreed to the £2 single fare price cap.  This will provide savings for Islanders given that the minimum fare on the Isle of Wight was £2.50.

 

The scheme runs through to 31^st March, and it is worth noting that if you do transfer buses, you are required to pay the maximum of £2 for each leg of your journey. 

 

Winter Gritting Routes.

 

Winter Gritting Routes will remain in place for Place Road, Tuttons Hill, Worsley Road, Shore Road, Woodvale Road, Baring Road, Crossfield Avenue, Ward Avenue and Park Road. 

 

If need arises, I will request one off treatments take place.  Previously this occurred for Cockleton Lane, Egypt Hill and Rew Street. For Islandwide details of the winter gritting program visit: https://islandroads.com/winter-service/

 

Annual Planning and Enforcement Report.

 

·         Island Planning Strategy

 Work continues with residents and stakeholders to issue a plan (which will be used as the development bible) that is acceptable to Isle of Wight Councillors and the communities we are elected to serve.

 

Within the Planning Strategy there are policies that prioritises lower housing figures (Government suggests the Island should develop 730 units per year, the IPS suggests 479), affordable housing for local people and prioritising the development of brown field sites over green field sites.  Following feedback received, new policies were created and added to strengthening further infrastructure needs, the economy and our environment.  Although there continues to be some items within the Strategy of concern, these need to be evidenced based, defendable and consistent to meet Government Planning Policy for the next stage of engagement with the Government Inspector.

 

A few weeks ago, Michael Gove the Minister for Levelling Up announced through a Ministerial Statement, pending revisions in a new ‘NPPF Prospectus’.  This is due to be issued before Christmas giving greater clarity on substance and timeframes for implementation and consultation.  With many of the issues being suggested, the Isle of Wight Council was prepared, and has already included policies within the Strategy.  From my position the welcomed minister’s statement can only strengthen the work the Planning Team have undertaken in the past few years. 

 

·         Planning Peer Review.

 This year the Isle of Wight Council’s Planning Service undertook a Local Government Association Peer Review with stakeholders to make improvements to the service.

 

One of the major issues highlighted, was the limited size of the team and how this impacted upon the Council’s ability to process applications.  As a result, through recruitment the Team are in a stronger position with backlogs (although still an issue) being reduced.

 

In addition training, support for stakeholders and dialogue with applicants have improved.  On a personal basis, I have requested improvements on the interface the Planning department has with the wider community.

 

Planning Enforcement is another area that has been supported, through work with local town and parish councils.  Most notably my gratitude to Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council who have offered support for a new officer to join the team.  If this proves successful, I am hoping this can potentially be rolled elsewhere.

 

Also this month.

 

·         I have received a number of complaints concerning off-road parking on front drive ways, has made access to footways impassable because of the size of vehicles.  Jurisdiction for enforcement remains with the police, who have always taken a common sense approach to this. Please, if this applies to you ensure your vehicle/s are parked safely and pavements outside your home are accessible to pedestrians, push chairs and wheelchairs.

·         I have been in liaison with Island Roads and the IW Council concerning a complaint made regarding access to the Post Office in Cowes High Street.  I have emphasised the overwhelming importance of this service and have requested that a resolution is found.  

·         A very big thank you to Cowes Golf Club who are working with their members on complaints by Baring Road residents made regarding access and the distance to toilet facilities.

·         A request has been made to replace a damaged bin as a matter of urgency at Uplands Road.  Island Roads have suggested this will take three months to replace, which I consider wholly unacceptable.

·         A request was received regarding adoption of Memorial Benches.  Until now this has been discouraged following any agreement concerning ongoing maintenance.

·         Many thanks to a local resident who has continued to look after Rew Street pond.  I am currently in dialogue with Island Roads over drainage issues in Rew Street and have requested that drains beneath the road is annually kept clear.

·         I have received continued complaints of motorcycles, their use at Old School Meadow, noise and damage being caused.  This has been reported to the police.  

·         Typically hedgehogs hibernate from late December until March. If you accidentally disturb a hibernation nest, cover it back over with a thick layer of dry leaves, leaving water nearby, so if the hedgehog does wake up he can easily find something to eat before finding a new hedgehog corner to rebuild its nest.