IW Councillor's Report, February 2025

 

Surgeries.

 

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

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 4^th February, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

10:30-11am, Wednesday 5^th February, Gurnard Press and Bistro, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

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

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

10:30-11am, Thursday 27^th February, All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.  

11:30am-12pm, Thursday 27^th February, Eegon’s, 85 High Street, Cowes.

 

English Devolution.

 

Like most Councils, the IW Cabinet (alongside Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton) supports ‘being at the table’ with Government concerning the move to create Mayoral Authorities for our region.

 

To note, Unitary Authorities (like the IW Council) will continue to operate as they always have.  However, Government insists upon having a Mayor in place to work with other Council Leaders to discuss extra powers and funding due to be filtered down from Government. One matter in place elsewhere that I would expect and will be calling to see, is that any of the four Council Leaders retains authority to veto decisions.

 

As a consequence, elections scheduled for 1^st May could be delayed by Government.  I personally do not support this, as the IW Council are due to move to a Committee structure to replace the current Cabinet system from May. In addition, there needs to be consistency with Parish, Town and Community Council elections, and as far as IW Councillors are concerned, we were only elected to have a mandate for four years. 

 

Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Programme Update: 

 

From feedback I received, concerns were expressed by the volume and speed of cyclists (since the Red Jet has commenced carrying cycles).  Also there is an issue regarding e-scooters, the safety of pedestrians and the growing amount of street furniture now located on the highway, since previous surveys took place.

 

·         An updated ‘cycle count’ survey in Cowes High Street. This will monitor cycle/ e-scooter? speed and frequency.

·         Creation of a pedestrian hub in Cowes High Street and Shooters Hill between 10am and 7am, residential access excepted to vehicular traffic.  In my opinion ‘a pedestrian hub’ would reflect feedback from the consultation.

·         Improved advisory signage requesting Cyclists to dismount,  no cycling painted on road surfaces from 10am to 7am and bollard sleeves denoting the same. (residential access excepted)

·         Subject to consultation, Seeking an alternative route through the The town for cyclists not wishing to dismount.

·         Improved enforcement of the existing Vehicular Prohibition Notice.

·         In addition, I would request enhancement of pavements, tactile crossing points and dropped kerbs as pedestrian corridors in Mill Hill Road and Park Road.

 

Following discussing feedback from officers, I intend speaking to the police before the LCWIP is ratified by Cabinet.

 

SGN Land, West of Solent Shores, Gurnard.

 

Concern was expressed regarding the potential to develop on SGN land next to Solent Shores, Gurnard.  

 

Please note, Southern Gas relocated its pumping station from this location because of land stability.  It is also worth bearing in mind that this 5½ acre site has Environmental designations, pipelines etc. crossing it.

 

In order to take advantage of Biodiversity Net Credits, I have contacted the IW Council and Gurnard Parish Council for further details on the potential for this land to become a Local Nature Reserve. Please let me know your views!

 

Sustainable Drainage Solutions (SUDs), Gurnard.

 

Work is due to start on proposals to reduce surface water and its impact on outflows and bathing water. This is due to start immently, and was subject to consultation at Gurnard Village Hall.  Thank you to everyone who chatted to me and fed back views to Southern Water’s Team.

 

Proposals include the creation of parking on permeable bays and the creation of rain gardens, and will be put in place in Worsley Road, Albert Road, Solent View Road and Woodvale Road. For details and updates, please visit:

https://gurnardparishcouncil.gov.uk/southern-water-pathfinder-information/

 

 

Cowes Primary School.

 

I continue to liaise with school leaders, councillors, governors and union leaders on arguments to keep Cowes Primary School open. The final decision on plans will be taken by Cabinet in March. In the meantime because of the support given to residents, I am serving as ward councillor on this.

 

At Full Council 12 Councillors resolved that school closures are delayed.  Finding any solution to address falling roles and subsequent school deficits, estimated to be £5m if schools remain open proves to be a challenge that cannot be ignored.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

 In the meantime, consultation on the school closure continues until 5pm, Monday 3^rd February. For further details visit: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=B8c3UX1ZIEqjiUyRWpSgRUxbhUgYbl9JnTxfvfHV6E1UNDVNOTQ5UVgxMEtHUFg4TDFKOUJCRTNCTy4u&route=shorturl

 

Red Jet 7.

 

Is due to have its refit works from 26^th January – 16^th February.  This will mean that Red Funnel will be operating a one boat service during this period.

 

Memorials Policy.

 

Gurnard Parish Council are to introduce a memorial policy for benches.  This follows concerns being raised regarding the upkeep and ongoing maintenance of benches and other items within the village.

 

St Mary’s Hospital.

 

A resident contacted me concerning their experiences of care at St. Mary’s Hospital.  Please let me know your experiences, so these can be fed back.

 

Highways Issues.

 

·         Princes Esplanade Parking.

A request was made regarding concerns of vehicles exiting from the echelon parking opposite the Woodvale Inn.  On this, I have spoken to Island Roads and understand there are proposals to reconfigure bays to protrude less onto the highway.  This, I understand has been prioritised as non-urgent following Island Road’s review.

 

·         Park Road.

I continue to chase the reinstatement of bollards and repairs to the pavement between Firs Close and Parklands.

 

·         Cockleton Lane.

Last month a further traffic incident occurred in Cockleton Lane.  Although, I’ve requested that the culvert and gullies are kept clear in icy conditions the lane can still be treacherous, where it dips. As a result please take care!

 

·         Glen Place.

I have again chased Island Roads for double yellow lines to protect the entrance of Glen Place in Worsley Road.  In the meantime residents have funded the white access protection bar

 

·         Woodvale Road.

Works continue to take place on the private section of Woodvale Road.  I understand that access is maintained for residents of Woodvale House and residents living on the lane.

 

·         Cowes Enterprise College.

A big thank you to both local residents and the college who were approached when litter was reported on The Green and Crossfield Avenue.  This continues to be monitored. 

 

·         St. Mary’s Road.

Access to parking spaces in Cowes continues to be an issue for residents living in the centre of town.  I have requested that use of Cross Street Car Park continues to be monitored and parking bays freed up where possible.

 

·         West Wight Green Way.

At Full Council, it was confirmed that funding for the West Wight Green Way had not been clawed back by Government when renewing their expenditure following last year’s elections.  Once implemented, this will be a fantastic resource that will improve access to the Western half of our Island.

 

·         Roundhouse Bus Shelter.

A request has been made to replace the broken light for the Cowes bound Roundhouse Bus Shelter.

 

Garden Waste Subscriptions.

 

If you subscribe to the IW Council’s Garden Waste Service, you can renew your subscription until 11^th March.  For details please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/garden-waste/your-garden-waste-subscription/ or call 01983 823777.  Alternatively, Onward Waste can offer a similar service.  For details call: 01983 632205.

 

Gurnard Groyne.

 

Repairs and reconstruction of the groyne are due to commence this month opposite the Woodvale Pumping Station. It is hoped the groyne will protect beach levels and is intended to construct the new concrete structure on the base of the former groyne, with a pathway to allow access.  To note, the groyne will feature vertipools which quickly gets covered in seaweed and will become a habitat for marine wildlife.  

 

Cowes Banking Hub.

 

I recently met with Natalia and Debbie from Cash Access UK, who were approached to establish a banking hub in Cowes. Cash Access UK is a not-for-profit company funded by the major High Street Banks. They provide cash and basic banking services across the UK.

 

During their visit, I had the opportunity of introducing them both to individuals who could assist them in providing a space to set up a temporary unit in Cowes.   Should the plan move forward, this would return banking facilities to the town.

 

If you know of a space that is disabled accessible, and is vacant to rent for the next 9-12 months please contact Debbie Crow on 07743 943754, or Natalia Pocknell on 0770 1224296. For details visit: https://www.cashaccess.co.uk/

 

Planning and Licensing Matters.

 

·         Isle of Wight County Showground.

A new ‘agricultural’ building has appeared within the IW County Showground site.  The purpose of the new structure which has been constructed within the livestock area for the show provides an Island home for Gilton Market.  In addition it will house livestock for the County Show and for three mornings a week offers a livestock collection centre, as it is illegal for hauliers to collect livestock from farm to farm.

 

·         A-Boards.

Following last year’s public consultation, proposals to charge businesses to use A-Boards to promote themselves were abandoned by Councillors. I felt that in light of nobody supporting proposals, the fact that nobody had any incidents with A-Boards and that A-Boards could be removed by Island Roads if dangerously located was sufficient.

 

·         Dangerous Buildings.

An local agricultural building was reported to Building Control, following its roof becoming insecure during storms.

 

·         Watersedge Café.

There continues to be interest in the site of the former Watersedge Café in Shore Road.  Like many residents, I continue to watch this space, hopeful that the site can revert to being a magnet for residents and visitors to Gurnard.

 

·         Glamping Site, Rew Street.  Ref: 24/01862/RVC

The applicant to this proposal is seeking to remove planning conditions imposed previously.  On this, I have contacted the Planning Department opposing this, on the understanding that usually conditions when added are done so for good reason.  This reflects recent decisions taken by the IW Council’s Planning Committee.

 

·         Hamlet Court, Cowes.

As yet, the decision notice for this long standing application has not been issued.  I understand the reason for this relates to bats and the requirement of an updated ecology report.  This is being chased up.

 

Footprint Trust: Free home energy guidance and help

 

The Footprint Trust is an energy charity working to reduce the Isle of Wight's carbon footprint.

 

The Trust provides support, and guidance for sustainable living and provides support for residents.

 

If you’re struggling with bills, call the Trust on 01983 822282, or email: info@footprint-trust.co.uk   Please visit:   https://www.iow.gov.uk/keep-the-island-safe/cost-of-living/health-and-wellbeing/community-support/ for details of support.

 

The IW Council also offers support at: https://www.iow.gov.uk/keep-the-island-safe/cost-of-living/household-support-fund/ and https://www.iow.gov.uk/keep-the-island-safe/cost-of-living/health-and-wellbeing/community-support/

 

Verification of Documents etc. 

 

As a magistrate, I can authorise/ verify documents.  This I am happy to do this at no cost during my Councillor surgeries.  Please note, surgeries are prioritised to support ward matters first and limited to 30 minutes. Given the unpredictable nature of surgeries I cannot always guarantee to verify documents within the time available. 

 

If you wish documents to be authorised etc, please contact me beforehand. Please ensure you have all your documents including originals.  Should you wish me to verify, sign and date three copies of original documents or more, please write the following on each copied page:   

 

‘I hereby confirm that this is a true copy of the original document’.   

 

This allows me more time to reference your original documents, and to sign and date copies as required. I request this, as it is so important to allow sufficient time to allow me to verify documents correctly..

 

Also, should you wish me to verify your identity, I can only do this with a current passport and/or driving license details, unless you are personally known to me.

 

As an alternative, please note other professions can verify documents (i.e legal advisors, bankers, doctors, ministers, teachers etc). The Magistrates Court, Sea Street, Newport can also provide support.  For details call: 01983 535100.

 

 

Local Nature Recovery Consultation.

 

In December 2024, Defra and Natural England approved the draft LNRS for the Isle of Wight. For details please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/planning/ecology/local-nature-recovery-strategy/

 

The consultation continues until Friday 14^th February.

 

More facts about Hedgehogs!!

 

·         Hedgehogs have relatively long legs – about 10cms– and these enable them to run as fast as we can walk.

·         Hedgehogs front feet are shorter and broader than their back ones.

·         Hedgehog claws on their powerful front feet are particularly useful for digging.

·         Each night (when not hibernating) hedgehogs forage in search of food and outinely travel between 1-3kms.

·         They have small bright eyes but cannot see well. At night they use their excellent sense of smell and hearing.

·         Their weight is determined by the food they get; Adults weigh from about 800g to well over a kilogram, but most one-year olds will weigh between 450-680g.

·         Self-anointing is an activity only hedgehogs do. It seems connected with strange smells or tastes causing them to produce large quantities of frothy saliva. They spread the foam over their spines by flicking it with their tongue.

·         If a young hedgehog survives its early life in the nest and then its first hibernation, it can expect to live for 4 or 5 years longer. By this time it will be getting old but might live to the age of ten. Generally, they lead solitary lives and tend to go out of their way to avoid other hedgehogs, except during the mating season.

·         Like most mammals the hedgehog has a characteristic smell. This usually warns other hedgehogs to keep away.

·         In the mating season the male may be attracted by the different smell of the female and commence a prolonged and noisy courtship. Hedgehogs do not pair bond and the female raises her young unaided by the male.

·         Litters of young, called hoglets, are generally born from May to September and average about 2 to 6 in number.

·         When hoglets are 6-8 weeks old they leave their nest and wander off. They weigh around 250g at this stage.

 

Cabinet Member for Planning, Coastal Protection and Flooding Report.

 

·         I am still awaiting to meet residents at Whippingham following a ditch being infilled without permission.

·         A meeting was arranged with Parish, Town and Community Councils to discuss English Devolution.  Once more is understood if the Isle of Wight is accepted for the Devolution Priority Programme a more formal briefing will be called by the IW Council’s Leadership team.

·         A meeting took place to prevent blockages relating to traffic orders for new planning applications.  The meeting agreed to do more to offer developers informatives and improved liaison between planners and highways officers during pre-application discussions.

·         I am arranging an officers briefing to take place to provide an overview of the work of Southern IFCA.

·         To improve the IW Councils ability to take enforcement action, I am seeking to call a meeting with the Marine Management Organisation.

·         A meeting took place with Gunville’s Flood Forum.  Subsequently, water courses have been cleared, meetings have taken place with landowners with a view to maintain and manage ditches. Flood leaflets were circulated.

·         The first Landslips and Coastal Loss Forum is due to take place later this month.

·         I have offered to meet Local Councillors and residents at Freshwater, with a view to creating a local Flood Plan.

·         Southern Water are changing their policy  concerning reducing the impact of surface water and will ‘refuse requests to discharge surface water into foul only water systems on the grounds that the discharge is detrimental to the sewerage network and harmful to the environment.’

·         With 350 other Councillors, Leaders and Chief Executives, I attended a Devolution meeting with Baroness Tyler, who is taking a role in English Devolution. From my observation, she seem receptive to Council’s needs. However, such is Government no solid commitments were afforded.

·         Meetings have taken place to discuss this coming years’ IW Council Budget.

·         IW Council Planners are currently dealing with less than 300 applications, the lowest number for several years.  This is as a consequence of improved efficiencies, as well as a national decrease in applications.

 

Also this month:

 

·         I am currently supporting two vulnerable households.

·         A resident has asked for my support concerning the Israeli occupation.. and the impact this has locally.

·         I am supporting a resident dealing with a policing matter.

·         It is likely that due to the tax on second homes, that Council Tax and Parish Precepts may marginally reduce.

·         An update was provided on the former Poultry Farm site off Place Road.

·         I questioned concerns that members wish not  to consult on future governance arrangements for the IW Council.

·         I attended Pension Training regarding Governments proposals to ‘pool’ pension schemes and resources.

·         At the Natural Landscapes Partnership, it was reported that funding was now secure to restore salt marshes on the River Medina.

·         Visit Isle of Wight reported that last year visitor numbers fell by between 8-10%.