Surgeries.
4:30-5pm, Monday 1st June: Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes
5:30-6pm, Monday 1st June, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.
10:30-11am,
Thursday 4th June, Gurnard Press Bistro, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
5:30-6pm,
Wednesday 10th June, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
11:30-12:15pm,
Thursday 18th June, The Phoenix Café, Gurnard Pines, Gurnard.
5:30-6pm,
Wednesday 24th June, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
10:30-11:30am,
Friday 26th June, Eegon’s Café, High Street Cowes.
Extra surgeries take place from next month
following requests to hold drop-in’s at Briary Court and Bucklers View. These
are in addition to surgeries taking place with Cllr Adam, Councillor for Cowes
South & Northwood.
Local Elections.
Thank you to everybody who provided me with
support, ideas, feedback, suggestions and cake during the election campaign. It
is very much appreciated and will be a privilege to continue to serve our
community for the next three years! What makes me extra happy is that since
2009 each local election in Cowes West & Gurnard has seen our local turnout
increasing from 2021 49.1% to 52.5%. The results were:
·
PAUL
FULLER (INDEPENDENT) 1,173
votes
·
SUE
WOODHOUSE (REFORM UK) 275
votes
·
PHIL
SANDERS (CONSERVATIVE) 106
votes.
A big thank you to both Sue and Phil, for
their positive campaigning, and who I look forward to working alongside. Having
digested the results, it may prove challenging to see how the new IW Council
will work with its 19 Reform, 11 various Independents, 4 Liberal Democrats, 2
Conservative, 2 Green and 1 Labour Councillors.
I’ve committed to working with Councillors
from all groups, which now comprises of almost 60% new Councillors.
Other Cowes Results were:
Cowes Medina: L. Peacey Wilcox (Ind) 499; J. Hall (Ref) 318; D. Jefferies-Revert (Grn) 214, O Biskit
(Con) 66, R. Thacker (Ind) 20.
Cowes North: J. Rafferty (Lab) 439; R.Hollis (Ind) 364; S.Barney (Con) 223; I. Arnold (Ref) 206.
Cowes South & Northwood. G.Adam (Ref) 393; J.Nicholson (Con) 363; M.Gallop (Ind) 292; W.Doidge (Lab)
121; B.Packham (LD) 106.
Individually, I’ve supported Cllr. Jock
Rafferty, new Labour Councillor for Cowes North. I also look forward to working
with Cllr Gordon Adam (Reform) who defeated outgoing Councillor John Nicholson
to become new Councillor for Cowes South and Northwood. .
Residents Priorities.
Whilst it is
always a challenge to knock at every door during election times, I did manage
to speak to over 300 residents on the doorstep.
The key priorities, which came forward were:
1.
Anti-social
Parking. 27 requests
2.
Neighbourhood
Disputes 21 requests (inc. Bonfires 7; Dogs Barking 5; Security Lighting 4;
Feeding birds 4)
3.
Roadworks. 17
requests
4.
Bathing Water
Quality: 16 requests
5.
Road Resurfacing
and Repairs: 16 requests (inc. Worsley Road 9, Crossfield Avenue 4, Magdalen
Crescent 4)
6.
Speeding Traffic
15 requests
7.
Ferries. 14
8.
Gurnard’s SANG
(Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space) between Cockleton Lane & Place
Road. 11
9.
Dog Mess 9
10.
Play Areas 8
11.
Floating Bridge
Replacement 8
12.
Beach Hut Issues
8
These requests and
priorities will be presented to meetings of Gurnard Parish Council and Cowes
Town Council, as well as other agencies to take up the challenge and show
support over concerns raised.
A load of Rubbish.
During the late
Spring Holiday, I received a number of calls concerning overflowing bins on
Gurnard Seafront. As is often the case,
not all bins are filled with rubbish- so should one be filled, please use
another nearby. Please note that at
Gurnard, bins are visited after dark by badgers and foxes who all seem to
master the art of retrieving rubbish once close to being overfilled.
Failing this,
please take your rubbish home with you!
A load more Rubbish.
Another issue
residents frequently raise are the dog bins in Northwood Recreation Ground.
Again, once these bins are filled individuals have been witnessed depositing
dog poo bags at the bins base. To note dog poo does not need to be left
in dog bins, as bags can be left in general rubbish bins. For the IW Council
(or us as taxpayers!) it is less costly to dispose when dog muck is less
concentrated This was a conversation of
happiness that I had with new Councillors when I discussed the subject over a
bourbon and a cuppa.
Renters Rights Act.
New
legislation was introduced for (mostly private) landlords and tenants. Headlines of new changes include:
·
Landlords now need a good reason to evict
tenants with a Section 8 notice.
·
Landlords can only take up to 1 month’s rent
in advance.
·
Landlords must give at least 2 months’ notice
of a rent increase and must use a Section 13 notice.
·
Landlords cannot increase rent with a rent
review clause, even if a tenancy agreement says it can.
·
Landlords cannot increase rent more than once
a year.
·
Tenants need to give 2 months notice to end
an assured tenancy, unless a shorter notice is agreed in writing.
·
Tenants will now have a rolling periodic
tenancy, making it easier to leave by giving notice.
·
Tenants can ask to keep a pet. Landlords can only say no if they have good
reason.
Grow Gurnard May Day Celebration.
I was proud
to be one of over 500 people who attended Grow Gurnard’s May Day Celebration
held at the former Gurnard School Playing Field site, Old School Meadow.
A huge thank
you to the volunteers who worked tirelessly to resurrect the May Day
Celebration, which we hope will grow in momentum in future years. Clearly for
future events, volunteers are essential, if you wish to join in the fun please
contact Grow Gurnard direct at: https://growgurnard.org/ or let me know and I can pass on details.
Flytipping.
I understand that both the IW Council and the
police are aware of footage showing neighbours flytipping household waste on
private land on Cowes/ Gurnard Seafront.
Please note, this was an issue that was prevelant years ago, 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.
In the meantime following feedback from
neighbours, flytipping was removed from the Crossfield Estate. I understand given suitable evidence that the
IW Council will prosecute offenders.
Vandalism/ 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 ongoing damage to steps leading to
Gurnard’s ‘Secret Beach’, I will be pushing for full compensation from those
responsible given distress caused.
Please report further instances to the police (copying me in with an
incident number, so that I can follow up incidents)
E-Scooters.
The
Government has announced that its ‘licensed E-scooter pilot’ has been extended
(again) to Voi until 2028.
Following this extension, I have already
raised concerns over a new bay, which has been suggested for outside the
entrance to Gurnard Primary School in Baring Road. Because the area is
difficult for pedestrians at school drop off/ collection times I have
(alongside a number of residents) requested for a rethink at this
location.
In the meantime, still on the subject of
E-Scooters, should you wish to report any misplaced bikes or scooters, please
contact Keert at 01983 898055 or email: hello@keert.uk
Full Council.
Councillors
in general supported cross-chamber working with, experienced councillors working
alongside new faces for the coming year.
From my perspective, I was appointed to serve as Chair of the IWC
Planning Committee and am looking forward to providing support to IW Council
Colleagues, as well as Town and Parish Councillors.
Within
outside agencies, I was reappointed to the Southern Regional Flood and Coastal
Committee and am awaiting formal reappointment to Southern IFCA (which I hope
to continue to Chair) and the Solent Forum once Full Council reconvenes on the
16th July.
During the
meeting, I took the decision to oppose the new Isle of Wight Council
constitution. The reason for this is due
to powers of Town and Parish Councils being diluted. Such powers include
removing involvement in Council Committees, in my mind important given the
volume of services are expected local councils take on
Highway Matters.
I am unsure
whether it is just me, but for the last few weeks there seems to be fewer
roadworks. This allowed me ten minutes
to discuss a number of Highway Concerns with the IW Council’s Head of the
Contract Management Team, that I continue to have, which is awaiting ‘action’ from
Island Roads. These being:
·
Signage:. Four years
on from an original request, I am still awaiting a ‘cyclists dismount’ sign for
when the shared cycle/ footway leaves the path outside The Cabin on the Green
in Cowes. Signage also proved an issue for Southern Vectis when introducing
their new services between Cowes and Newport. To note new buses (as well as old
ones) weigh more than the specified 17 tonnes, as outlined on signs, and as
Town Gate Bridge has a 60 tonne capacity the signs were outdated. Rather than removing the defunct signs Island
Roads chose to spray paint over the signs!?
My final issue with redundant signage is the Brown Tourist Signs still
depicting Colemans Farm which closed in October 2015…
Whether there is an issue with appointing a signage
facilitator, I am not sure but I suspect these issues are not unique to
Cowes! If there is anything that I have
missed concerning surplus signage please let me know.
·
Road Closures: Signage excepted, Island Roads proved really helpful once
I raised concerns over a perceived conflict between utility companies and
Island Roads closing Rew Street and Cockleton Lane.
Details of Local and Islandwide road works can be found
here: https://one.network/
·
Parking Permits: Please ensure that once the Council reminds you to renew
your parking permit, you contact the Council as soon as you can to renew. A resident contacted me concerning this, who
had missed their reminder, and had to pay extra. Thankfully this matter was resolved swiftly
by parking services.
·
Fix my street: Is often the
quickest way to report highways matters, allowing residents to address issues
and receive updated feedback direct from Island Roads. Recent examples that I can give where Fix My
Street has helped me includes blocked drains, overgrown hedgerows, abandoned
vehicles, potholes uneven road surfaces and flytipping. For further information please visit: https://fms.islandroads.com/
·
Rural Roads Meeting:
In my capacity as Chair of the IW Local
Access Forum, I have arranged for a Rural Roads Meeting to discuss safety
concerns for users of rural roads. This takes place at 2pm, Monday 8th
June at the IW Community Club, Cowes.
·
Speedwatch, Gurnard: I have
received a number of requests to seek volunteers from Gurnard to monitor speeding traffic in the village. This follows concerns over traffic speeds in
Church Road. Please let me know if you
are interested in both volunteering, and consider there is an issue with
vehicle speed in your area.
100 years old, and still free!
This summer
see’s the anniversary of the opening of Princes and Egypt Esplanade on Cowes/
Gurnard Seafront.
The
Esplanade was built following the First World War, providing labour to many of
the folk from Cowes after the war when money was tight. My grandad, great grandad and uncles were all
labourers involved and why I affection for the road. Having now fought the IW
Council who see the road as a potential cash cow for car parking, I remain
committed to ensure this road is free for the public to use knowing what my
family would have to say, if they were still alive!
Supporting the Daisy Ring Bus, supporting cancer
treatment in Southampton and Portsmouth.
The Daisy Ring Bus
CIC is now firmly established as a vital Island lifeline — and what began as a
community response has rapidly grown into a major transport operation
supporting cancer patients every single day.
Thanks to
extraordinary community backing, the service has been running successfully and
now carries around 2,000 passengers every
month, ensuring Islanders can access essential hospital treatment with
reliability, dignity, and care.
For over 20 years,
the Daisy Bus has represented far more than transport. When previous funding
came to an end, the community rallied to protect this vital lifeline. The response has been nothing short of
remarkable. With early support from Xelabus and continued
generosity from the public, Daisy Ring Buses are now fully operational and
firmly on the road. Day after day, it supports hundreds of Islanders travelling
to Southampton and Portsmouth for treatment — offering reassurance, kindness,
and a familiar face at a time when it matters most.
For further
details please visit: https://www.daisyringbus.org/
Gurnard Pines: Roller Rink, now open!
Gurnard
Pines’ opened its Roller Rink on 25th May. Whilst I missed the opportunity to join the
event hosted at the Phoenix lido, I do look forward to donning my rollerblades
and lycra wear at the next chance offered!
Bathing Water Quality.
I continue
to chase Southern Water concerning further breaches of leaks from outfalls at
East Cowes, Cowes and Gurnard. For me,
it is important that Southern Water are held to account as for several years
bathing water still too often falls below acceptable standards.
With the
summer now upon us we all expect better, particularly given recent increases to
our water bills. I am in the meantime
talking to agencies like Surfers Against Sewage to support this.
Art, Fun or Vulgar? Let me know your
thoughts!
I’ve
received complaints concerning the Postbox topper located outside the Woodvale,
Princes Esplanade, Gurnard. Because of
the nudity content, a number of residents have raised their eyebrows concerning
this and have requested the couple depicted in this topper ‘cover themselves
up’
Whilst in
the Art World, I imagine that both Boticelli received similar criticism for The
Birth of Venus, as did Michelangelo did for David, this is nothing new.. As the jury’s out on this, please let me know
your thoughts..?
Hedgehog Corner: Planting for Hedgehogs.
A hedgehog’s diet primarily
consists of beetles, caterpillars and worms. The best plants for hedgehogs are
those that encourage either these ground invertebrates that are at a hedgehog’s
level, or caterpillars, which often pupate at the surface of the soil. Try to
create dense, insect-friendly vegetation, including a mixture of caterpillar
food plants and plants that provide habitat for ground invertebrates.
Plant a mixture of native and
non-native plants – having both can provide a greater benefit than just one or
the other. It’s not so critical exactly what the plants are – what’s more
important is the vegetation architecture and the conditions that creates. As
well as creating a good environment for a range of invertebrates, and shelter
for the hogs themselves, it’s about finding the right plant for the garden –
which provides for wildlife, but is also able to thrive and stay healthy in the
long term to be able to carry out that role well.
Anything with copious
autumn leaf fall is
great for hedgehogs. Try to create direct connections between areas with deciduous trees and shrubs.
You want dense but not impenetrable vegetation, using plants that form thick
growth low down. A bed with a few of those forms a ground-level jungle for
hedgehogs to move through.
Leave space in the border to provide direct access to soil,
and have a few beds that are nicely mulched with homemade compost or have leaf
litter. This helps encourages earthworms. Try to include hedges,
and short
to mid-length grass to support all kinds of invertebrates;
even lawn leatherjackets are a hedgehog food item.
Examples of plants include:
Comfry (Symphytum officinale)
Hardy Geraniums. (Geranium sp.)
Ornamental Grasses including Peniseturn or
Calamagrostis
Japanese Wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius)
Other Deciduous Trees/ shrubs inc. Crab apple;
flowering cherries (small gardens) oak; birch (large gardens).
Also this month:
·
Much
of this month has been dealt with recovering from the election, and once
elected meeting new Councillors and undertaking mandatory Training. This is key
for the Planning and Licensing Committee.
·
I
have supported a resident in crisis, providing support to a resident wanting to
end their life.
·
I
am on a purge against illegally parked trailers on the highway. Whist they may take away much needed parking,
it remains important for all road users that these are safely parked for all
road users.
· In May, the Floating Bridge had its annual service and refit. I am anticipating future discussions with our new Council leaders on whether the crossing will be replaced (the option preferred by then Councillors), or repaired (the option preferred by officers)
· I have approached Cowes Town Council to follow up installation of Resident Only parking signage in Battery Road.
·
I
approached a number of parents outside Gurnard School on parking safely. From
feedback received, the mums and dads seemed unaware of alternatives. This is a
matter I look forward to taking up with the school.
·
I
continue to reach out to Flood Officers concerning schemes earmarked locally.
·
I
have been asked to chase up what constitutes permitted development rights for
mobile homes.
