Pre-Election Surgeries.
10:30-11am, Wednesday
29th April, Bucklers View Coffee Morning, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
5:30-6pm, Wednesday
29th April, Portland Inn, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
11am-12pm,
Thursday 30th April, Eegons Café, High Street, Cowes.
5:30-6pm,
Tuesday 5th May, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.
May Interim Mini-Report.
Because of where
the Election Falls this month, I am providing an interim Mini-Report providing
updates. This report will be fully updated,
following the outcome of local elections...
Local Elections.
Thank you to everybody who provided me with
their ideas, feedback and suggestions during the election campaign. It is and
was very much appreciated. Results and
details of surgeries can be found here: https://paulfullercc.blogspot.com/
Findcheapfuel.com
With the
conflict escalating with the Middle East, Cowes based company Wight Hat Limited
launched its Find Cheap Fuel application.
The purpose of the new application is to advise motorists of where is
the least expensive garage to buy petrol.
For further details please visit https://findcheapfuel.com/ on both the Apple Store or Google Play
Vandalaism/ Graffiti/ Anti-Social Behaviour,
Gurnard and Cowes Seafront.
Instances of
anti-social behaviour which has taken place both on public and privately owned
land (thought to have been undertaken by youngsters) have been reported to the
Police.
With respect
to this mindless behaviour, including damage to steps leading to Gurnard’s ‘Secret
Beach’, I will be pushing for full compensation from the young people and their
parents given distress caused.
14 new dwellings, Comforts Farm, Northwood.
The Planning
Inspectorate has overturned IWC Planners decision and supported 14 dwellings at
Comforts Farm. For me, this is another reflection on the national roll-out of
new homes and is a consequence of not having an up to date local plan. For
details, please visit: https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/appealDetails.do?keyVal=T18BETIQ07700&activeTab=summary
McDonald’s Application, Three Gates Road,
Cowes.
Several applications
comprising of this proposal, is likely to be considered by Planning Committee
later this spring.
Fire Training Facility, Cockleton Farm.
Proposals
for a new marine Training Facility to be located at Cockleton Farm was the
subject of an Extraordinary Meeting called to provide feedback.
Whilst I
called-in the application (should officers be mindful of approving the scheme)
for consideration by the Planning
Committee, the applicant made public following concerns being raised that he
wanted to ensure the facility did not impact upon nearby future housing. In addition, I also had concerns of
permanently altering the site from agricultural to industrial use.
Because of
this, I anticipate an updated application with further details resolving many
of issues raised.
Food
Hygiene.
At the Council’s Environment and Community
Protection Committee, I raised concerns over delays of Food Premises Safety
reviews. Over the years, I’ve felt
uncomfortable that unlike other areas it is not mandatory for food premises to
display their five star rating score.
Gurnard
May Day Celebration. 10:30am-4pm. Monday 4th May.
Grow Gurnard are hosting a day of live music,
family fun, crafts, food and more on Bank Holiday Monday at Old School Meadow.
Entry from Cockleton Lane is free.
Anti-
Social Parking.
The most common complaint that I received
during canvassing, was that of anti-social parking. Whilst I have discreetly spoken to residents,
all of which were happy to assist unaware of concerns, please can I request
that when parking your vehicle, boat trailer, etc. that you consider any impact
this has upon neighbours leaving their drives etc.
E-Scooters.
The Government led ‘licensed E-scooter pilot’
has been extended (again) until 2028.
As a result Voi, the licensed providers last
month sought to extend coverage across the Isle of Wight. Locally the most controversial of local sites
is at the entrance to Gurnard Primary School, where safe pedestrian spaces are
at a premium. Supporting local residents,
I have opposed this location.
I’m told no decision will be taken until
after the May election. In the meantime,
if you have issues concerning discarded scooters etc. please call 07476 550190
(24 hrs) or email: support@voi.com
Drones.
At a Solent Transport meeting, I had the
opportunity to see drones that are being tested by Southampton University to
carry medication across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. It was reported that drones are able to
operate in inclement weather and at times when ferries cannot operate.
Garden
Waste
Onward Waste are still offering their Garden
Waste subscription, which can prove less expensive to the service operated by
the IW Council. Collections can take place fortnightly, or every four weeks.. For further information contact 01983 632205
or visit: https://onwardwaste.co.uk/
Ferry
Petition.
I am fully
supportive of a new petition set up seeking support for Government intervention
on ferry fares.
The petition,
is seeking at least 10,000 signatures, the threshold required to trigger a
formal response from Government. Campaigners are calling for action to
ensure affordable, capped ferry fares for Island residents, arguing that
cross-Solent ferry services function as a lifeline connection rather than
discretionary transport.
Isle
of Wight Councillors Allowances.
As often occurs at Election Time, Councillors
are targeted by the press concerning all kinds of matters. Last month, popular on the doorstep was
discussions concerning my IW Councillors Allowance.
In this instance, my allowance was wrapped up
as a total alongside seven other members over a three year period and included
my out of pocket expenses, whilst a cabinet member until last year. In this period my ‘allowance’ which was my
only source of income, equated to less than £19k per year.
From my perspective, I welcome your
thoughts!
Northwood and Gurnard
Flood Action Group
This we set up to support residents and receive updates
from the IW Council’s Flood Team
Priorities for the Group are to:
·
Seek mitigation measures causing flooding;
·
Using good practice in-situ elsewhere;
·
obtaining sandbags/ alternatives with
consideration of self-help access for residents, support and storage;
·
Liaising directly with agency and support
providers and monitoring/ updating Flood Plans via the two Parish Council’s.
The Flood Group continues to await updates from the Flood
Team as to when mitigatory works take place. A big thank you to the Horseshoe
Inn, Northwood for hosting our first meeting.
Housing
Support.
In recent months, I’ve been dedicating more
time supporting residents navigating what is often a frustrating journey
through Housing.
If, in need of support, and choose to bypass
me a good place to start is the Island HomeFinder service.
For details, visit: https://www.islandhomefinder.org.uk/ or please call:
01983 823040.
Gurnard
to Thorness Coastal Path.
Please note this path remains closed. I have received a number of complaints from
local landowners and farmers concerned regarding Heras Fencing being moved and
obstructing the public highway, causing road hazards.
Whilst the very small Council Rights of Way
Team are dealing with incidents, they are not in the position to make good
damage/ repairs leading to more delays reopening paths.
Flytipping.
I understand that both the IW Council and the
police are aware of footage showing neighbours flytipping household waste on
private neighbouring land on Cowes/ Gurnard Seafront. To note, this was an issue which led to SGN
selling their land nearby on Princes Esplanade.
I am also advised of a kayak that has
appeared near Gurnard Sailing Club.
Also
This Month:
·
I
have reported Island Roads subcontractors for damaging hedgerows in Rew Street
following this years bird nesting season.
·
I
continue to chase replacement of the Royal Mail Post Box in Rew Street.
·
I
attended an invitation to see progress on the new facilities at Gurnard Pines
due to be completed early summer.
·
In
the past few weeks, I’ve been shocked by the scale of roadworks taking place
locally. For further information and given that timescales regularly change
please visit: https://one.network/
·
Following
the Election, I have been asked to chase up what long term plans are in place
for the SANG to the rear of Hilton Road, and how this will be managed, funded
etc.
·
Data
has been provided as part of Gurnard’s Housing Needs Survey. In summary, 35 respondent households
containing 74 people feedback. This
relates to a response rate of 3.55%
·
My
request for the IW Council to consider Lane Rentals was accepted and is due to
be referred to the IW Council’s Environment, Regeneration, Transport and
Infrastructure Committee.
·
I
have supported IW Ramblers objectives.
·
Following
feedback received, I am hoping to forward responses concerning any roundabout
for the Three Gates Road junction.
·
In
May I look forward to hosting a meeting concerning highway safety on rural
roads. Recommendations will then be fed
back to the Isle of Wight Local Access Forum.
Published and Promoted by Paul Fuller of 45
Oxford Street, Cowes ,Isle of Wight. PO31 8PT.
