Isle of Wight Councillor's Report, November 2025

 

 

Surgeries.

 

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

5:30-6pm, Monday 3^rd November, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

The Portland.

 

The Portland Inn has re-opened! This is brilliant news for Gurnard, and from a local as well as a personal perspective with Mark and Kim’s support the pub extends beyond many others to be act as a community hub for the village.

 

Road Works.

 

·         Rew Street, Gurnard: Update.

Rew Street wass scheduled for closure from Monday 6^th October - Friday 23^rd January 2026.  This is to enable the replacement of water mains and improve drainage in the road. The works are phased with signage depicting each phase as work progresses. I’m told that Southern Water and contractors Clancy Docwra are working ahead of schedule, which may result in crews being deployed to start on works at Horsebridge Hill earlier than anticipated next year.

 

In Worsley Road, where road repairs desperately needs to now take place these I am advised have been delayed due to the closure of Rew Street.

 

·         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 and prior urgent repairs to electricity mains.Closures take place from Tuesday 29 October - Friday 23 January.

 

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 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. 

 

·         Horsebridge Hill, Parkhurst.

Southern Water continue to replace their water mains, some which date back to 1866. It is anticipated work will take place between Monday 26^th January – Friday 17^th April 2026 between Nicholson Road and Noke Common junctions.

 

At the first briefing which I attended alongside Councillors Lora Peacey Wilcox and Andrew Garratt we were advised that the same arrangements would be in place as per last summer, where vehicles are routed south via Horsebridge Hill and return to Cowes via Pallance Road.

 

Regular updates will be provided through social media, via the IW Council Frequently Asked Questions portal (which I will summarise), via a local drop-in early next year and updates provided to Local and IW Councillors.  In the meantime, until then I am happy to relay questions to the local Island team

 

I will be working with local businesses affected to claim for compensation, which Southern Water will provide to businesses providing evidence on any lack of trade.   

 

·         Eleanors Grove, Fishbourne.

At the same briefing Southern Water announced from 2^nd February – 10^th April that Eleanors Grove (between the junctions with Fishbourne Road and Quarr Road) will also be closed. This road is the main arterial road between Ryde and Newport will mean that traffic will be diverted. It is anticipated this work will take less time as pipework can be drilled, rather than trenched as it is in Horsebridge Hill. Once I have more details and links, these will be shared.  

 

In the meantime, please don’t shoot the messenger! Please note, that legislation allows for utility companies to undertake work without consultation and whilst it is important that water, gas, electricity and communications infrastructure is enhanced and improved to significantly to reduce further road closures and disruption as Councillors all we can do is ask questions, make suggestions and feedback responses.

 

Cowes Floating Bridge.

 

At the meeting of the Economy, Regeneration, Transport & Infrastructure Committee (I am a member!) meeting the future of the crossing was discussed.  Following the recent consultation, most respondents supported the previous Cabinets decision to replace Floating Bridge 6 with a new vessel. This view was upheld by the Committee as the annual subsidy from the IW Council for tow boats, repairs etc amounts to +£700,000 per year. It was noted because of delays in the operation there are only three crossings per hour, this falls short of what was required when FB6 was procured.

 

It was confirmed at the meeting that the previous Floating Bridge financially broke even without subsidy. At the ERTI Committee it was agreed to investigate a new (potentially smaller) vessel to increase crossings to 5 per hour and addressing issues raised with FB6, i.e chain depth, noise, the impact of winds and tide and need for a tow boat.  Guestimates for a new vessel (£5-£10m) was considered to create better value for the Council than the ongoing cost. 

 

Planning Applications.

 

·         Westwood Close, Cowes. Application for 6x dwellings and parking.

The recent application I called-in, for six 2 bedroomed units in Westwood Close received a decision to defer. This was due to the need for officers to digest an Ecology Report as well as parking concerns.

 

In addition, I originally requested that parking, overdevelopment and enhancing the local amenities were considered.  This has allowed for discussions with the applicant to take place to potentially address resident’s feedback.

 

·         West Acre Park, Ryde.

Following the outcome of the latest Judicial Review decision concerning the non-publication of developer (section 106) contributions, Planning Committee again agreed to approve proposals for 473 dwellings at West Acre Park.  Whilst 35% of dwellings are allocated in new proposals for affordable, there remains an option should a housing association come on board (as they did at Acorn Farm) the proportion of social housing (at 70% market value) could be as high as 100%.  

 

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 are involved, seeking residents to show good neighbourliness. This perhaps highlights how sensitive residents can get to parking(!)  In recent weeks, it was fed back that in Tilbury Road there was an issue with a bin lorry unable to pass parked vehicles.  

 

Please, if you are unable to park on your driveway, please ensure that you park close to the kerb and for high sided vehicles, visibility lines are kept clear. This is particularly a problem in Solent View Road and Worsley Road.  What I am trying to avoid through nagging is the need for double yellow lines, which only makes matters worse.

 

In Glen Place, there continues to be ongoing issues relating to the junction with Worsley Road being obstructed by parked vehicles.  I am advised that if Glen Place had been constructed ’as approved’ traffic restrictions would cover the 30 metre apron of the junction. This is a matter, with support of residents I continue to take up with Highways.  

 

Local Access Forum: Chairs Report.

 

·         Closed Footpaths. 

It was reported that in 2023/4 the Isle of Wight had the highest levels of rainfall recorded since 1766. Due to path erosion and scouring 22 public footpaths/ bridleways were closed.  Whilst some remain closed, Rights of Way are in the process of reopening these.  Locally, it is hoped that the Coastal Path between Gurnard and Thorness will again reopen once ground movement allows work to be completed.  

 

In addition there remains extensive work to the coastal path to connect Priory Woods to the coastal path, whilst repairs to the 25 year old Hamstead Boardwalk will take place as part of upgrading the King Charles III English Coastal Path. Also, following the Bonchurch Landslip it was hoped that access to the Wishing Seat (not lost forever, like the Devil’s Chimney) could be resurrected

 

·         National Landscape Bid for funding.

A presentation was provided on the funding bid for £5m as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund. If successful this will provide opportunities to improve wildlife habitats and accessibility on protected landscapes west of the Medina.

 

Our next meeting focuses on Traffic Speeds on rural roads, improved disabled access and the West Wight Green Link

 

Housing Matters.

 

Following my last report, I’ve been approached by five households reporting issues relating to private and social landlords and the support and attitude in agencies, such as the IW Council dealing sensitively with issues. Whilst some matters are dealt with swiftly, this continues to divert me as I recognise time should be prioritised for support.

 

To note with new legislation implemented last month, private and social landlords must adhere to regulations related to damp and mould. Lack of compliance can place a landlord at risk of prosecution and financial penalties. For details visit:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/repairs-and-housing/repairs-and-housing-conditions/whos-responsible-for-repairs/repairs-damp/

 

Footprint Trust: Free home energy guidance and help

 

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.

 

In the meantime, the Trust advises following a number of incidents that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are tested.

 

Flooding: Rew Street.

 

I continue to discuss with officers options for mitigating flooding in Rew Street.  I remain hopeful that with funding being made available, like for the Dottens plans can be implemented.

 

Mayoral Authorities and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) of District/ Borough Councils.  

 

At its Extraordinary Meeting last month the IW Council agreed to remain ‘at the table’ for the new Mayoral Authority due to be implemented in May 2026.  Despite 26 of the 35 Councillors attending supporting proposals there were still concerns of powers that could be lost. However, it was emphasised that this was unlikely without support being given by unitary authorities to do this.  One area of concern is the loss of planning powers.  From mine and officers interpretation, although this ‘could’ happen, there is an unlikelihood this would as under current arrangements this is not common with most authorities retaining control.

 

Within my roles working with Councillors from the Hampshire, I continue to be given a hard time concerning the IW Council decision not supporting proposals for reorganisation in Hampshire. Whilst trusting mainland colleagues will not deviate on their collective view that the Isle of Wight remains a Unitary Authority in its own right, this remains of concern.

 

Cowes Experience.

 

Last month I had the opportunity to attend the latest meeting of Cowes Experience which seek to make the most of the 200^th Anniversary of Cowes Week and seek to improve onshore facilities shoreside for residents (in my view). Issues that I have been requested to support the Cowes Experience are:

 

·         Liaising with the Highways Department on progressing Information Boards denoting a Royal Maritime Heritage Trail.

·         Receiving updates on proposals to improve public slipways on both sides of the Medina.

·         Improving facilities and access for young people.

·         Working with agencies and the wider community to improve public realm (including the railings between the Royal Yacht Squadron and Gurnard) and am liaising with officers to action projects.

 

Cowes Harbour Commission reported that dredging had commenced within the Medina. The channel dredged will offer an additional 6m of clearance. Material dredged (mostly clay) will be deposited off the Nab Tower to the East of the Island. 

 

Committee Meetings: Headlines of matters discussed.

 

Children’s Services, Education and Skills Committee.

 

·         Special Educational Needs and Disabilities were discussed, alongside the costs to Local Authorities fulfilling their statutory duties and recruiting staff.  Because of increased SEND children requiring plans this is a growing issue.

·         School Reorganisation is again a priority. Stakeholders (particularly dioceses) were to be consulted.

·         On school finances, I was advised that under the control of Hampshire’s Education Authority, previously there was a reluctance to intervene. 

 

Economy, Regeneration, Transport and Infrastructure Committee.

 

·         Because of the diversity of views, Councillors were advised to comment individual on Coastal Path proposals.

·         Due to changes in legislation the Health Contributions Policy within the Council Development Bible was updated.

·         I requested an update is provided on Military Road

 

Environment and Community Protection Committee.

 

·         Agreement was given to extend the License for the IW Festival for 7 years (with a 3 year extension). An additional levy would be imposed following negotiation on those arriving from the mainland to the festival by car. In addition, the fee received by the IW Council who owns 30% of the site depends on numbers attending (this is reliant upon acts).

·         Working with the likes of the Footprint Trust, steps have been taken to broaden Governments ECO 4 Flex Grant to improve energy savings (insulation etc.) to other suppliers.  This will broaden the extent offered to households.

·         It was reported that following last years budget, Island Roads now clear road gullies twice yearly.  In areas at risk of flooding this occurs more frequently.  In addition, as local Councillor all my requests are acted upon swiftly.

·         According to the Council Leader, there are currently no area of disputes between Island Roads and the IW Council.

·         To note, Sandbags can be delivered and collected to/ from vulnerable residents.

 

Beach Hut Questions     

 

A very big thank you to all Gurnard Beach Hut Owners, who raised comments, questions and suggestions via the owners WhatsApp group.  These questions have all been forwarded to the IW Council for their responses.  I hope when these are eventually responded to, I can feed back at a meeting with you all.

 

Solent Forum.

 

I attended the Solent Forum Annual General Meeting meeting which was this year hosted by the UKSA in Cowes.  Issues discussed included:

 

·         Ongoing research that is taking place concerning the impact of pharmaceutical drugs in coastal waters/ waterways.

·         An update concerning ABP’s Solent Gateway Project and application to extend the port of Southampton. Following land reclamation at Marchwood 100 years ago for this purpose investment will continue.  This will allow local authorities to retain £400-£500m of business rates bolstering the economy and providing 15,000 new jobs.  It was noted that a large of green space would be made available in perpetuity to improve local biodiversity/ carbon credits.

·         An update was given to proposals to recycle water from waste during drought periods on the Isle of Wight.

·         The Hampshire and IW Trust made a presentation on the restoration of sea grass in Osborne Bay.  Last year a survey was carried out with yachtsmen via local Harbour Authorities and Yacht Clubs.

·         UKSA provided a report on their work, and the career opportunities available to young people from all demographic backgrounds. The importance of upholding environmental credentials was promoted and within my involvement within marine industries, I sought assurance to ensure women were given the same opportunities as men to strive.  

 

Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority:  Chair’s Report. 

 

·         I attended an Extraordinary Meeting of Southern IFCA’s Technical Advisory Committee.  This meeting was necessary following reduced numbers of scallops within the Solent.  Following consultation and face to face meetings with fishing communities from Portsmouth, Warsash, Lymington and Milford On Sea, in partnership with stakeholders, a fishermen led compromise was agreed to reduce daily fishing hours.

·         This month, I am joining officers from Southern IFCA meeting with Fishing Communities across the Isle of Wight.

·         I am supporting meetings taking place with Local Authorities building the profile of IFCA’s

·         I was so pleased to report the recognition of my SIFCA Team who are doing great things with drone technology at Poole Harbour.   This resulted in the Team receiving a Marine Stewardship Council Ocean Leadership Award.  Praise was given for the innovative use of drones to protect shellfish stocks and the livelihood of local fishermen.  To note that this particular award which as Chair, I am particularly proud of shows leadership in seafood sustainability.

 

Fireworks.

 

If you are intending to celebrate Bonfire night this year with fireworks, please let your neighbours know.  This follows incidents (and subsequent calls I receive) of pets being startled.  To drop a note through neighbours doors to pre warn them is generally well received and can ensure preparations are made.

 

Hedgehog Corner: Do’s and Don’t’s to protect hedgehogs in your garden.

 

·         Do leave some areas of wilderness where the hedgehogs can snuffle for insects.

·         Do put out water for drinking.

·         Do put out a bowl of dog food or meaty cat food around dusk.

·         Do install, in a quiet part of the garden, a hedgehog house.

·         Do look to see if your hedgehog is limping or appears injured. In late Autumn look out for underweight hedgehogs.

·         Don’t put out bread and milk

·         Don’t pick up fit hedgehogs

·         Don’t leave black sacks lying around.

·         Don’t use slug pellets or other chemicals, they may poison hedgehogs and other animals.

·         Don’t light a bonfire without checking to see if a hedgehog or other wild animal has moved in.

·         Don’t fork over compost heaps in case hedgehogs or other animals have taken up residence.

·         Don’t spray hedgehogs with dog or cat flea sprays. It will be detrimental to the hedgehog.

 

In a nutshell, this month..

 

·         Local remembrance services take place this year 10am, 9^th November at All Saints Church, Gurnard and from 10:40am from the cenotaph in Northwood Park, to be followed by the service at St Marys Church, Cowes.

·         I am investigating concerns raised over the culling of Gulls.

·         Residents raised issues concerning the behaviour of IW Councillors, following claims and counterclaims of bullying and political tribalism.  As far as I am concerned, I am often criticised of being too conciliatory by working cross-party with others. I find doing this often gets me the support that I require to achieve the best outcomes locally!

·         When I met with the Transport for South East, I asked for feedback on support the IW Council receives as a member.

·         Swift action was taken to install Temporary Bus Stops following SSE restricting access to Park Road, Cowes.

·         I participated in the Local Transport Plan 4 consultation in requesting Lane Rental policy and improving the support for Ferry Services and Access for the mobility impaired.

·         Within the Licensing Policy Consultation, I supported encouraging green street traders, questioned street trading fees, and the potential impact of over-proliferation of traders. Separately I questioned the need for £10m public liability.