Surgeries.
10:30-11am, Thursday 2nd October, Gurnard
Press and Bistro, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
4:30-5pm, Monday 6th October, Cowes Library,
Beckford Road, Cowes.
5:30-6pm,
Monday 6th October, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.
10:30-11am Tuesday 14th October, Benches adj.
Watersedge Kiosk, Shore Road, Gurnard.
11-11:30am, Tuesday 14th October, The
Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.
10:30-11am, Thursday 23rd October, All Saints
Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.
11-12pm, Thursday 30th October, Eegon’s, 85
High Street, Cowes.
Planning Applications: 6 Dwellings and
parking, Westwood Close, Cowes Ref: 25/01013/FUL
This
application, recommended for approval is due to be heard by the Planning
Committee at is meeting scheduled to be held on Tuesday 7th October.
Issues I’ve
raised includes:
·
Lack of sufficient parking and impact upon
existing displaced parking.
·
Impact upon amenity of Westwood Close.
·
Overdevelopment of site.
Road Works.
If I was to
inherit a superpower, it would be the power to stop roadworks and the impact
these have. In summary:
·
Rew Street, Gurnard.
Rew Street
is scheduled for closure from Monday 6th
October - Friday 23rd January 2026. I understand that this is to facilitate
longstanding improvements to drainage in the road, initially requested back in
2017. The works will be phased and signage will depict each phase as work
progresses.
·
Park Road, Cowes.
Park Road is
due to be closed between the junctions of Place Road and Brooklands Road to
allow the upgrade of gas mains. The
closure will take place between Monday 3rd
November - Friday 23rd January 2026.
Because of
the impact this will have upon bus passengers, I have spoken to Southern Vectis
to request services are diverted via Ward Avenue, Crossfield Avenue and Baring
Road. This I hope will prevent the circuitous diversion via Three Gates Road
which impacts upon the considerable coverage of Roundhouse passengers who were
cut off previously when parked cars in and around the Crossfield Estate
prevented the service operating.
·
Collapsed Sewer, Worsley Road/ Solent View Junction,
Gurnard.
As reported
last month a request was made following Worsley Road sinking. This resulted in the road’s closure, with
work being carried out by Southern Water’s contractors Clancy Docwra. The road is due to reopen by October.
·
Egypt Hill, Cowes.
Egypt Hill
is due to remain closed until Friday 17th
October. Like Park Road this is to
allow for essential replacement upgrading of gas mains.
With respect
to me inheriting my super-power, until this happens we remain hostage to the
Roads and Street Works Act 1991. In the
meantime, I continue to remain a keen supporter and continue to push for future
powers for the Island implementing Lane Rental schemes, as piloted in Kent,
Surrey and Sussex.
Local Government Reorganisation.
Within
Hampshire, District Councils are seeking to be absorbed within new Unitary
Authorities. This was an item for Full Council to endorse, given previous
support for the Island unitary authority to remain as is. However, following
its decision (where most Councillors voted not to support any of the proposals)
the IW Council was subsequently advised by Government that our status may be at
risk.
Of concern
to me was that some Councillors admitted not to read papers circulated. In my
view, if Councillors couldn’t be bothered to do this, they should consider
whether they really want to represent their communities.
Cowes Police.
Details of
drop-ins, opening hours with the Cowes Police Team can be found at:
Off-road
Parking.
I’ve received requests seeking residents to
please use private off-road parking spaces, when lucky enough to have them! As
parking can come at a premium the police became involved, seeking residents to
show good neighbourliness. This perhaps highlights how sensitive residents can
get to parking..
Also of concern are the numbers of vehicles
that park on grassed verges. With the seasons now changing this will grow as an
issue.
When there really is no other option, please
ensure motorists leaving high sided vehicles parked maintains sight lines for
those exiting driveways!
Gurnard
Primary School.
Sadly, a number of parking tickets were
issued to motorists parking outside Gurnard School. (I was asked to assist supporting one
appeal!)
Please note that the No Loading, No Waiting
restrictions, allows Civil Enforcement Officers to ticket those who are in breach.
For those with long memories, the more onerous parking restrictions were
implemented for one reason only, that being to safeguard little people.
I understand that the school are looking to
further stagger the school day to reduce the level of chaos at school
collection times. In addition signage
(and potential enforcement) is likely in private roads nearby. In respect to this, parents blocking
entrances and the roads themselves at Brambles Lane and Battery Road continues
to be an issue that between numerous agencies working together we seek to
resolve.
Vehicle Noise.
I’ve received recent
complaints of noisy vehicles ‘thundering’ along local roads. Whilst vehicles can be reported, it is
helpful for residents to provide details of registration numbers, times and
car/bike details. For information,
visit: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/asb/asb/antisocial-behaviour/vehicle-nuisance-involving-cars-bikes-and-mopeds/
King Charles III English Coastal Path.
Natural
England are seeking views on the route between East Cowes and Wootton
Bridge. For details visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/king-charles-iii-england-coast-path-from-east-cowes-ferry-to-wootton-bridge-iow-1-comment-on-proposals
This section
proved to be controversial, with landowners (including English Heritage)
opposing the trail hugging the coastline, the preferred route for Isle of Wight
Ramblers. The consultation continues
until 22nd October.
In the
meantime, I am in the process of clarifying matters locally with residents
concerning use of Shore Path
Cancer Treatment Support
for Residents.
Last month, I
met with volunteers who fought to successfully support the Daisy Bus, which
takes cancer patients to receive mainland treatment.
Now the service
has been saved, volunteers are focused on rather than hiring a bus acquiring
one. To find out more visit: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/savethedaisybus
I’ve spoken to
Cowes Town Council who works in partnership with Northwood House Trustees
administering/ offering free parking for patients. From feedback, it is hoped
to potentially extend this to volunteer drivers who travel to the mainland from
the Island. In addition, I have discussed potential funding for parking during
August, with improved signposting for Cancer patients. This is all provided with an amazing amount of
good will by volunteers!
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 charity
provides islandwide support and guidance for sustainable living and providing
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.
This year’s ‘Winter is Coming’ event supporting
residents with energy costs takes place from 10am-1pm, Thursday 16th
October at the Riverside Centre,
Newport. If you, or somebody you know
requires support call 01983 822282.
Dog Poo Bins.
I have
requested that the Environment & Public Protection Committee look into
combining dog bins and litter bins, this follows the waste from single dog bins
costs more to dispose of.
Local Transport Plan 4.
The Isle of Wight Council are seeking your
views on shaping its transport priorities for the next fifteen years. This
consultation continues until Friday 3rd
November.
The LTP4 will replace the previous Island Transport Plan and considers:
·
The existing Island demographic and how this is changing
·
Cross-Solent travel
·
Access to healthcare and education
·
Climate change and adaptation
·
Our changing transport and travel habits
·
Local policies and strategies such as the Council’s Corporate Plan and
the emerging Island Planning Strategy
·
Regional and national policies and strategies
·
The current PFI contract and its impact on the delivery of future
projects and services.
The IW Council’s aim is to provide an Island Transport Plan that
improves the transport system making it accessible, sustainable, and modern.
This should remove barriers and improve quality of life for everyone.
Housing Support?
In recent months I have spoken to a number of
residents who have been affected by the loss of housing, the impact this has
had upon their families and support or lack of it that is offered by the IW
Council and other agencies.
In response, and
as an IW Councillor having a number of residents that have been affected by
being made homeless, I would like to know your experiences, experiences of
others you may know who has been affected, and how services should be improved
by the support they provide. Currently
the IW Council invests a considerable amount of support to those needing
essential housing, and for me it is so important that residents who are
affected receives the respect and dignity they deserve.
Please let me know
more, as unless I am aware I cannot provide the support that I wish to
provide.
Chairs update from Southern Inshore Fisheries and
Conservation Authority.
·
I was unanimously supported to Chair Southern IFCA
for a further term.
·
The annual report from Southern IFCA was signed off
at last month’s meeting held in Portsmouth.
This report is being circulated to local councils with myself and
officers welcoming the opportunity to meet Council Leaders.
·
Preparations are taking place for the fourth
Southern IFCA Community Forum which takes later this month with fishing
communities on the Isle of Wight.
·
It is fantastic news that the Bottom Towed Fishing Gear Law received
Ministerial sign off. A huge thank you to officers for their hard work, which can now start to be capitalised from.
·
I attended the most recent meeting of AIFCA earlier this
month. Following our feedback at Southern IFCA, it is great news
that a two year appointment has been made for a Communications and Engagement
Officer to raise the national profile of IFCA’s and the positive work that we
undertake nationally. I asked that the officer attends a future
meeting with Southern IFCA.
·
Updates were given on supporting the Inshore and Small Scale Fisheries
Consortium.
·
I continue to be involved in signing off enforcement cases with the authorities Enforcement Team.
·
I supported recent Members Appraisals which took place in August.
Following appraisals, I feel blessed by the breadth of knowledge, and
enthusiasm brought by all members who made it clear to the value of Southern
IFCA’s work and our ability to work together. Thank you!
·
I attended SIFCA’s Technical Advisory Committee. This Committee meets with technical experts
and fisheries to discuss details of surveys, analysis and how our inshore
environment is being monitored. To me these meetings provide an invaluable
insight!
Your Loo could save you!
Bowel cancer can affect adults of any
age, but is treatable if caught early.
Know the signs and symptoms:
·
Changes in your bowel habits
·
Bleeding from your bottom
·
Blood in your poo
·
Losing weight without trying
·
Frequent pain/ lump in your tummy
·
Feeling breathless
·
Feeling a lot more tired than usual
Most people with these symptoms will
not have bowel cancer, but it is still important to get checked if you spot
these signs
Don’t delay, contact your GP today!
Plus, if youre over 50 and have
received a home poo testing kit, take the test and put your mind at rest. If you have lost your kit contact 0800 707 60
60
IW Council Budget (Council Tax) Consultation.
The IW
Council are consulting how it spends our money within its budget. Details can be found at: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=B8c3UX1ZIEqjiUyRWpSgRUxbhUgYbl9JnTxfvfHV6E1UNFhIVjhVQjBTMzlKUDAzUUNNNUxZWUFLSy4u&route=shorturl.
The deadline for feedback is: Monday 3rd November.
IW Council to consult on Disposable
Barbecues.
Consultation
is pending on whether the IW Council restricts use of disposable barbecues, sky
lanterns and balloons on Council land (sky lanterns and balloons were
originally banned in 2017)
Hedgehog Corner.
Hedgehogs
typically hibernate from autumn to spring (October - March), but this can vary
depending on the temperature and food available.
Hibernation is a complicated and often
perilous energy conservation strategy, the hedgehog abandons being warm-blooded
(very costly in terms of energy) and allows its temperature to fall to match
that of the environment, although not below freezing.
The hedgehog can survive with a very low
heart rate, body temperature and respiration rate without using up valuable
energy, until its main food source returns in the spring.
During autumn, hedgehogs are busy
preparing for this important process by:
·
Fattening up on lots of autumn insects, and food provided by you!
·
Sifting through autumn’s fallen leaves for some nest building.
·
House hunting to be ready for winter.
**PLEASE
ENSURE THAT BEFORE HAVING A BONFIRE YOU CHECK GARDEN WASTE FOR HEDGEHOGS!**
Also this month, in a nutshell.
·
Concerns
were raised to me regarding the appearance of CCTV near to a local school. This matter has been reported to the Multi-Agency
Safeguarding Hub for further action.
·
Following
enquiries made, I am looking forward to meeting school leaders at Cowes
Enterprise College.
·
Concerns
have been raised regarding software issues concerning new traffic lights at
Horsebridge Hill.
·
I
have been invited to attend this month’s Solent Forum meeting.
·
Comments
have been made with respect to a recent Planning Application which has raised
concerns of neighbours.
·
I’ve
followed up issues regarding a planning approval by Committee two years ago,
where no decision notice has yet been issued.
·
I
am attempting to organise a meeting between the three local Cowes peninsula
Councils
·
The
IW Council are shortly to consider extending the license for the IW
Festival. This will provide certainty
for this event’s future.
·
The
IW Council are considering reviewing any under-utilised car parks.
·
A
meeting of the IW Local Access Forum is due to meet on 8th October.
·
Residents
from Cowes and Gurnard reported to me an unidentified noise that impacted on a
number of homes in the area last month.
Following further investigation, I can confirm the sound came from the
Annual Fawley Flare Up!
·
My
contact details within the IW Council’s Planning Portal has now been brought up
to date.
·
A
tyre and pallet that was washed up on Gurnard Beach has now been disposed of.
·
I
remain ever hopeful that following refurbishment after its fire the Portland
will reopen for November.
·
I
have been contacted by Restore TV in case residents experience TV
interference. If this occurs to you,
please call 0808 13 13 800 or visit https://restoretv.uk/
·
I
met with Northwood residents who will be impacted by proposals to develop at
Somerton Farm. As the decision notice
has been awarded can talk to ward councillor John Nicholson (who is in contact
with the developer), or seek advice via the Planning Department at the Seaclose
drop-in (no appointment required) from 2pm on Wednesdays.
·
A
very big thank you to PC’s Poppy Yeo and Lisa Paul who are moving on from Cowes
Police Station.
·
Cowes
Medical Centre are seeking patients to join their patients participation group.
For further details, please visit: https://cowesmedicalcentre.co.uk/patient-participation-group/
·
There
is no news yet concerning proposals for the McDonalds planned for Three Gates
Road. Following rumours that McDonalds
has shelved the proposal, I have sought confirmation, and await their response.
·
I’ve
been contacted regarding controls being established by banks regarding ‘for
security reasons’ the limited amount of cash that can be withdrawn from
accounts for those 65+. This was implemented due to the number of older
residents being scammed. In discussions, residents has raised equality
concerns. To note, this is a matter for our Member of Parliament to take up on
constituents behalf. For details email: richard.quigley@parliament.uk
