IW Councillors Report, June 2024

 

Surgeries.

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

10:30-11am, Thursday 6^th June, Gurnard Press and Bistro, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Tuesday 11^th June, Northwood WI Hall, Newport Road, Northwood.

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

10:30-11am, Wednesday 19^th June, Benches adj. The Watersedge Kiosk, Shore Road, Gurnard.

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

5-6pm, Wednesday 26^th June, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11:30am, Thursday 27^th June, Eegon’s Café, 85 High Street, Cowes. 

4:30-5pm, Monday 1^st July, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

 

General Election, Thursday 4^th July.

 

Polling Cards will be delivered by mid-June. The last date to register is Tuesday 18^th June, whilst the last dates for to apply for postal votes are 5pm, Wednesday 19^th June and for proxy votes are 5pm, Wednesday 26^th June.

 

Photographic identification is now required for elections. If you do not have this you can apply for a voter authority certificate from the IW Council call: 01983 821000, or visit: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate

 

In Cowes West and Gurnard, two of my neighbouring Councillors Richard Quigley (Labour) and Nick Stuart (Lib-Dem) are prospective parliamentary candidates for our West Wight constituency against incumbent MP for the Isle of Wight, Bob Seely (Conservative). Also standing as candidates are Cameron Palin (Green) and Ian Pickering (Reform).

 

I personally am very pleased that from July the Island will have two MP’s rather than the one which I was successful in both my campaign for, and for where the boundary was eventually agreed. 

 

Island Planning Strategy.

 

At last! Full Council endorsed sending the strategy to the Planning Inspectorate.

 

This means updated policies, alongside lower housing figures can start being used when considering new planning applications.  For me this is brilliant, as I’ve spent a huge amount of time working cross-chamber to get the strategy accepted. Eventually at Full Council 27 members were in support, with 10 against.

A period of representation by the Planning Inspector, will commence following the election potentially from 8^th July  

 

Litter Bins.

 

If you have rubbish please ensure that you leave this in a bin that isn’t filled to bursting point. On occasions when this isn’t possible, please take your rubbish home with you.

 

In the past both in Gurnard, as well as Cowes wheelie bins were offered.  However, due to complaints of residents fly-tipping nearby and leaving household and commercial waste within these bins this practice was stopped. 

 

SGN, Gas Infrastructure works, Tuttons Hill.

 

Following feedback, I have been in touch with the IW Council and Island Roads following repairs to Gas infrastructure in Tuttons Hill. I am ever hopeful that the work will be completed soon. Because of the lack of statutory communication with myself, residents and businesses following works commencing, I have complained formally.

 

In response to Southern Gas, it is hoped that the work will conclude early allowing Church Road and Tuttons Hill to fully re-open.  In the meantime, I am pleased that the feared parking restriction for Worsley Road did not happen!

 

Empty Properties.

 

Do you know of empty properties? The IW Council holds a list of vacant homes, in the hope of bringing these back into use. Please let me know, so these can be reported!

 

Local Businesses.

 

In recent months, I have been approached by a number of shops, business and service providers many of whom continue to struggle since we all are tightening our belts.  Please note if we fail to use these, these could be lost forever!

 

Water Quality.

 

At Full Council last month, I supported proposals to lobby further regarding the water quality, particular offshore at Cowes and Gurnard. With my involvement in organisations such as SIFCA and the Solent Forum and discussions I have with the Marine Management Organisation and the Blue Marine Foundation this continues to be an area of real concern.

 

Last month myself and Cllr Quigley joined the demonstration co-ordinated by Surfers Against Sewage at Gurnard Green. 

 

An ageing Workforce?

 

One of the biggest challenges the Island faces in the years ahead, is the reduced numbers of young people available for recruitment to local businesses.  Following adoption of the Island Planning Strategy, I was contacted by one of the Island’s major employers requesting a further drill-down as to what the IW Council should do much more to ensure the Island is attractive for young families to live and work.

 

The worry that was outlined to me was the fact that the Island may be edging towards a tipping point where there is little support for an ageing population- hence, the economy no longer being sustainable.  This area of real concern was addressed also by last month’s Regeneration and Neighbourhood Policy and Scrutiny Committee.    

 

Water Bills.

 

OFWAT were due to consider proposals by Southern Water to increase customer bills by 91% this month. However, it was agreed to put off this decision and further consultation until after the General Election.

 

From my perspective, I have attended meetings with the water regular, where I have opposed the level of increase which Southern Water is requesting for investment in to infrastructure.  I hope to continue attending these meetings, In the meantime, please let me know your thoughts so these can be fed back. 

 

No Mow May.

 

Last month, I know a number of residents complained concerning the overgrowth of grass verges in Gurnard.  Island Roads advised me that because of work being undertaken by SGN in Cockleton Lane, they were unable to cut the winter growth in April.  As a consequence of Island Roads falling behind this year, and in light of complaints received they undertook their first cut mid-May.  As a result, I’ve received complaints regarding this.  Please let me know your thoughts!

 

Anti-Social Parking.

 

I have received complaints concerning vehicles being permanently parked, and the damage created by motorists parking on grass verges in Solent View Road.

 

Hedgehog Corner: 15 Fascinating facts about our hedgehog friends

 

1. Hedgehogs are nocturnal

2. They are called hedgehogs for a reason

3. Hedgehogs can hibernate

4. Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant

5. They weren’t always called hedgehogs

6. A hedgehog’s long snout is useful

7. Hedgehogs don’t use their eyes to hunt

8. There isn’t just one species of hedgehog

9. Hedgehogs have over 5000 spikes

10. Hedgehogs have intelligent self-protection

11. Hedgehogs self-anoint when stimulated

12. Hedgehogs are solitary creatures

13. A group of hedgehogs is called an array

14. Hedgehogs are a gardeners’ friend

15. Little legs walk far

 

Waste Services: Collection Plus.

 

The Collection Plus service allows you to have your domestic wheeled bins or reusable sacks collected from an agreed point on your property. This could be the side of your house, instead of being required to place them on the kerbside.

Collection Plus benefits residents who:

 

·         work away from home during the week

·         work irregular shift patterns

·         are second home owners

·         are elderly. (To note this service is offered at no charge to residents who are mobility impaired)

 

Apply at: https://www.iow.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/additional-household-services/paid-for-waste-services/ or call waste services on 01983 823777. This service costs £69 per annum.

 

Full Council.

 

At Full Council, Cllr Claire Critchison (Green) stepped down as Chairman. Her replacements are Cllr Karl Love (Independent) and Deputy, Cllr Vanessa Churchman (Conservative).  Key positions were given to Cllr Warren Drew (Conservative), Planning;  Cllr. Joe Robertson, (Conservative) Chair of Scrutiny; Cllr. Paul Brading (Conservative), Chair of Children’s Services; Cllr Sarah Redrup (Lib-Dem) Chair of Adult Services/ Health and Cllr Nick Stuart (Lib-Dem) Chair of Neighbourhoods and Regeneration.  The Cabinet still comprises of eight (including me) Independent Councillors.

 

From my perspective the appointments made by Full Council highlights current cross-party working.

 

Report as Cabinet Member for Planning, Coastal Protection and Flooding.

 

·         In the last month I have met with Bonchurch residents and discussed concerns over further landfalls and the desire to see a number of arterial roads in Ventnor reopened following landslips.

·         Following lobbying, officials are coming to the Island on 3^rd June to look at areas hit by flooding and coastal defence issues.  Because of elections both myself and local councillors have been told to stay away!

·         Flood (Section 19) reports were received regarding recent Floods that took place at Gunville. Of priority to authors of the report is the creation of a Flood Pan.  In addition, the IW Council were asked to improve sustainable drainage systems, improving drainage improvements at Forest Hills, Arthur Moody Drive and Ash Lane.

·         At the Gunville Flood meeting residents raised concerns over landowners/ farmers re-routing water courses. In addition sandbags (those not stolen by local builders) were taken away.  As a consequence of the meeting it is hoped that a facility could be utilised for the storage of sandbags at Gunville subject to agreement from Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council.  

·         The long delayed section 19 reports for Ryde, Brading and Cowes are still awaited.     

·         On Military Road, I have requested Ground Monitoring Equipment and cautionary signage to be improved between Brook and Compton.

·         Cautionary signage is also likely for Leeson Road, Bonchurch.  At the recent meeting I attended with residents at Ventnor, Island Roads advised Leeson Road would not open until later this year.  In the meantime work has started to repair damaged water mains following land movement at the Grabben and roads impacted by landslips and falling debris at Gills Cliff Road and Bath Road.

·         New Planning Policies for Health Service infrastructure and Sustainable Drainage Systems were adopted by Cabinet.

·         Advice was relayed concerning registering a Community Asset.

·         Following recent landslips, the Coastal footpath between Colwell and Totland has partially opened.

·         The new seawall at the Eastern Esplanade reopened to schedule on 24^th May.

·         I attended an Island Wetland Meeting, following complaints concerning over-abstraction of the Eastern Yar.  Also feedback was received over the perceived over-zealous use of the sluice gates by the RSPB at St. Helens.

·         In the last year, it was reported that there was a reduction in the numbers of planning applications.  

·         Discussions have taken place concerning extending the Wednesday Walk-In to developers.  Consideration is being given to opening up a bookable session for applicants.

·         Following her appointment to Chair Freshwater Parish Council, the lovely Cllr Emma Cox is to step down as IWALC’s representative at Planning Committee. Huge thanks to Emma who used her position to guide and support local Councils when dealing with contentious planning applicants.

·         As a result of the Bonchurch landslip, a number of trees have now been removed from Shanklin Beach.

·         With Cllr Ian Stephens meetings were arranged with housing providers, with a view to creating IW affordable housing. 

 

In a nutshell, last month:

 

·         A complaint has been made regarding a child being hit by a cyclist riding at speed through Cowes High Street.

·         I have contacted Southern Vectis to request closer connectivity to the Crossfield Estate and Gurnard following the partial closure of Park Road and the Roundhouse Bus Stop.

·         I have been requested to discuss options for the location for the positioning of the Car Park within the Gurnard SANG.

·         A resident has requested more soft landscaping (roadside trees!) to be considered in Cowes.

·         I am acting Chair to SIFCA, following the Chairman being required to stand down following recent elections.

·         I have requested updating of Beach Information Points, following noticing these were outdated regarding information.

·         A planning application has been requested by the Council following the location of a kiosk at the Horseshoe Inn Car Park. Whilst supportive of the kiosk, I understand Enforcement Officers are enacting this because of a complaint.

·         Anglian Home Improvements continue to upset residents through their relentless no cold calling. Following complaints Trading Standards are attempting to work with Anglian, who are looking toi avoid calling at doors displaying stickers.

·         I have been talking to adjoining landowners following a report of Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed in Gurnard.

·         A call was raised concerning supporting a vulnerable resident.

·         An orphaned barrier appeared on Gurnard revetment.  I am hoping to reacquaint the barrier with its family!

·         Cowes Town Council considered extending its term of office for Mayors beyond two years.  This I objected to, as I personally consider it important for the Town Council to have a regular turn-around of Mayors/ Chairs.

·         There was a backlash from the Tobacco Industry following smoke free initiatives being implemented by the IW Council.  This follows concerns regarding a disproportionate high levels of young people smoking on the Island. 

·         Complaints have been forwarded concerning traders on Princes Esplanade.  With respect to earlier perceived noise complaints, this continues to be monitored.  However, I am advised that because of the prevailing wind direction this has not been an issue for those living locally.