April Surgeries

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 5th April,

Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

6pm-6:30pm, Tuesday 12th April,

 Portland Inn, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Wednesday 20th April,

 The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

11:45-12 noon, Wednesday 20th April,

Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

3-4pm, Wednesday 27th April, (Students 3-3:30pm)

Cowes High School, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

Budget Proposals from the Independent Group of Isle of Wight Councillors

The Independent Group of Isle of Wight Councillors has put forward a detailed budget proposal allowing necessary savings to be achieved while reinstating services such as Libraries, Toilets and Lifeguards which are threatened by some of the budget proposals of the leading Conservative group. Funding for other areas, including a new residents parking permit at £150, have been identified.

The Leader of the Independent Group, Councillor Vanessa Churchman, said: “In presenting our budget proposals we recognise that it is obvious that cutbacks are necessary, both due to the cuts in funding from central government but in many cases due to the previous errors of the current ruling group which have constrained what can be done now. However, in constructing our budget we have looked to make sensible economies and avoid waste while overall acting in accordance with the wishes and priorities of the residents of the Isle of Wight rather than any narrow political agenda. We recognise the value of many of the public services currently provided by the Council, the need to try and help people retain their jobs in difficult economic times and the need for support to be given to groups and organisations who provide essential facilities and services to the community”.

The Budget proposals of the Independent Group reinstate the following services:

• Tourist Information Centres
• All Public Conveniences
• Lifeguard Service
• Cowes Chain Ferry
• Ventnor Botanical Gardens
• All Libraries
• Ryde Waterside Pool

Councillor Churchman said: “We have recognised the importance of these services and the expressed public wish for them to be retained and maintained, as well as the effect of many of these valuable services on the Island economy. These proposals will also allow us to save over 180 jobs.”

The Independent Group proposes savings of £21,439m over a full year which will come from:

•  Cutting management costs of £9m This will include a reduction of 5% in salaries to all Council employees above staff level Sc6 and all Elected Member allowances as well as the deletion of 38 senior management posts.
• Cutting Council communication and performance management costs by £1,250,000. 
• Reduction in Council business infrastructure of £4,424,000, including a reduction in the mileage allowance, energy savings, cutting back the refurbishment of County Hall and reducing investment in Leisure facilities.

The economies proposed by the Independent Group create extra funds which it is proposed are used to support other areas and services which the Group see as being important. The proposals for further funding include:

• Increased funding for welfare benefits information and advice (£100,000)
• Replacement of funding for the IOW Music Service withdrawn in 2010 (£50,000)
• Support for victims of domestic abuse (£228,000)
• New residents island wide parking permit costing £150
• The creation of a Community Bus Fund (£100,000)

Councillor Churchman said: “If accepted by Full Council these proposals will provide a lawful, balanced and achievable budget which will save services and serve the community.”

During the last month:

• I joined the Children & Young People Scrutiny Panel and attended the Economy & Environment Scrutiny Panel.

• Attended a UNISON Stop The Cuts meeting and joined other IW Councillors at the Save Cowes Library meeting.

• Listened to concerns expressed by Gurnard Pines about IW Council’s proposals to invest £6m in Leisure Centres.

• Visitors to my Surgeries increased to its highest level for one month (12!!);

• I took part in a phone-in at Vectis Radio.

• Attended Cowes Town Council; Northwood Parish Council and Gurnard Parish Council meetings

• Requested, at Full Council the IW Council gives recognition to Parish and Town Council on Scrutiny Panels.

• Heard representations at the Local Access Forum on the disposal of woodland at Parkhurst Forest, Brighstone Forest, Firestone Copse and Combley Great Wood.

• Attended a Cowes Area Neighbourhood Watch meeting.

• Discussed with Cowes High School students concerns over proposed charges on the Cowes Floating Bridge.

• Attended 2 school Governor Meetings.

• I was appointed Chairman of Gurnard Community Association and attended Gurnard’s Traffic Working Party.

Cross-Solent Gas Main Committee Update.

Air venting has been delayed and is scheduled to begin this week. This is likely to cause some distrurbance, and will occur during daylight hours. The second pipeline is being drilled at a rate of 100 - 150m per day and remains ahead of schedule. Due to Health and Safety Reasons it will be necessary to close Cockleton Lane for 7-10 days from 21st March.  I've asked that the contractors continue to ensure residents are kept fully informed about this, and in the meantime I applaud Rew Street residents for the patience so far.

The deadline for completion is 12th July, with the fields being reseeded and restored during this Autumn.

The next meeting is due to be held early March.  Due to the imminent closure of Cockleton Lane, I've asked that Gurnard Pines attends as well as a representative from Gurnard School.  If you have any complaints, let me know so that I can let the contractors know!

Highways Matters

Potholes have been filled in Ward Avenue, a street nameplate has been requested for Park Road following being uprooted, whilst another has been repaired in Guppy Close. I’ve requested that the blocked gully’s in Cockleton Lane are cleared following icy conditions, and asked that damage caused by pipeline vehicles to grass verges in Rew Street is made good.

I’ve passed on complaints of parked vehicles on pavements in Place Road, following concerns that double buggies and mobility scooters have been unable to pass safely when vehicle park on the entire pavement.

I continue to receive complaints about speeding traffic in Tuttons Hill, and in the short term I’ve asked the police to take enforcement action against speeding motorists. I have also asked for enforcement action to be taken against parents parking dangerously at school drop off and pick up times in Cockleton Lane.

Planning Application Update

I’ve met with residents concerning a revision to 55 Baring Road, whilst in Gurnard The Planning Committee approved a replacement dwelling at 79 Church Road, Gurnard. Also in Gurnard, I signed off the extension to 12 Shore Path.



The redevelopment of Solent Lawns, Shore Road has caused me no end of frustration. Planning Officers, Highways and the Police have been asked to take action against the contractor for leaving mud on the Highway whilst I am supporting a neighbour over the contractor levelling gardens, when the plans approved stipulated gardens should fall with the gradient.   At Egypt House, I’ve received complaints from residents of Pine Tree Close and Egypt Hill over builders lighting bonfires. Because of the impact this has had on residents of the Moorings, Environmental Health Officers visited the site and took action. I also sat on the Planning Committee that approved the Three Crowns application in Cowes High Street.




I understand a new planning application is pending for 69 Marsh Road following objections concerning the scale and visual impact the former application had. I met with a resident over plans to provide a Eco-Tourist facility in Rew Street, and hope that Gurnard Parish Council will enter into dialogue with him over his proposals.

Members Allowances

In light of staff job security, cuts to public services and in view that residents want Councillors to justify their allowances more,  I voted against the Independent Remuneration Panels recommendations to freeze Councillor’s Allowances at Full Council.

During the consultation with members I suggested that Cabinet Members should receive smaller allowances than present and that allowances ought to be means tested and provided only to Councillors who are out of pocket through their expenses. This, I believe would reduce costs, save money, and give a more diverse range of County Councillors.



A proposal made by the Panel was to provide a mobile phone to members unable to pick up an Orange signal. Rather than support this, I suggested Councillors had Mobiles/ Blackberries withdrawn. Unfortunately, I was only one of three Councillors not to support the Panels suggestions.

IW Council Cutbacks, in a nutshell and What You've Told Me! UPDATES POSTED

All Councillors have been inundated with appeals against cutbacks to local services, the most contentious of which I’ve listed below:

Libraries. (16 representations received)

The IW Council plans to close 9 out of 11 Libraries in the next two years unless volunteers can be found to take these on. I oppose these proposals, and are looking at alternatives including enhancing the Library Service, to have several Council services under one roof. 

UPDATE: Cabinet has since agreed to invest an additional £100k for next year, which will provide a stay of execution. I believe this is not what residents want and I will therfore continue to oppose the ruling administrations plans! 

Wightbus. (13 representations)

The Council plans to discontinue Wightbus after August 2011. After this date, I understand subsidies will remain in place to support some bus services. The IW Council are intending to bid for the Sustainable Transport Grant and in the meantime I am a member of the Cowes Area Council’s Working Party looking into options.

UPDATE: A very big thank you to Gurnard and Northwood Residents for signing Richard and Jacquie's petition asking the IW Council to think again about Wightbus' disposal. 

Southern Vectis has advised that to continue to run Service 32 would not be commercially viable, however if volunteers are used the bus service could continue.  The company has offered use of their vehicles between school times,  will train all volunteers to PCV level and considers there would be a mechanism to accept concessionary fares. All that the community needs to do is to find a pool of 6 volunteers to make this work. Please let me know if you are interested! 
   

Tourist Facilities (4 representations)

The IW Council are talking to ‘private companies’ about the transferral of Tourist Information Centres. There is also discussions about transferring Lifeguards to other agencies. Clearly any loss could result in some holiday areas losing any Blue Flag status, which in turn could adversely impact upon our Tourist Industry.

Cowes Floating Bridge. (4 representations)

Cowes Floating Bridge is due to be replaced in 3 years. The Council proposes to charge pedestrians and vehicle passengers from April. Despite receiving an assurance that students returning to and from school will travel at no cost, I feel charges are ill-conceived. At last weeks Economy & Environment Scrutiny Panel Cllr. Peacey-Wilcox and I felt that these charges required further investigation

UPDATE: Not only did Lora and I think this was ill-conceived, but so did the Cabinet at their meeting on Tuesday, so this has been subsequently abandoned..... Could the Library Service cuts be next? Watch this space  

Public Conveniences. (3 representations)

The IW are seeking to dispose of 32 out of its 67 toilets. An interest has been shown by Parish/ Town Councils and the Private Sector in taking these over.

Car Parking (2 representations)

At the Economy and Scrutiny Committee other Councillors seemed to agree with my suggestion to once more investigate the viability of offering residents a Parking Permit. Particularly, since the recession seems to be hitting Town Centres across the Island. Cllr Peacey Wilcox and I requested this was investigated further.

Adult Services (2 representations).

In the coming weeks, I am working with others to identify further savings in the Council’s budget to safeguard many of these services. If alternative savings I’ll be insuring that these are found.

SURGERIES for February and March

4:30-5:30pm, Tuesday 8th February,
 Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.
 (COUNCIL CUTBACK SURGERY)

6-6:30pm, Tuesday 8th February,

Portland Inn, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

3:30-4pm, Wednesday 16th February,
6th Form Common Room, Cowes High School, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.
 (Students only from 3pm-3:30pm)

11-11:30pm, Wednesday 23rd February,
 The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 1st March,

Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Tuesday 8th March,
 Portland Inn, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Wednesday 16th March,
The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Wednesday 23rd March,
Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard. (Subject to Confirmation)

3:30-4pm, Wednesday 30th March,

6th Form Common Room, Cowes High School, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

 (Students only from 3pm-3:30pm)

February Blogs due to be posted Friday!!

Apologies for no new information, so far this year!  I am still here! Both my postal and PC Mailbox has lately been bursting with correspondence associated with the Isle of Wight Council's proposed cutbacks.  On top of this I've been to what seems like endless meetings, and when I'm not responding to my mail, (or trying to arrange meetings!) I spend an unmeasurable time chasing matters up......  However, I am now almost on an even keel, and will begin writing my reports today.  Thank you for your patience and many thanks for visiting my blog! 

An Uncertain future for Local Services

A number of residents have been in touch worried about the loss of our local bus services.

Last week I received confirmation from the IW Council’s Cabinet Member that Service 32 is safe from cutbacks until 31st August 2011. After that date it seems very likely that Wightbus will be discontinued and although Wightbus will discontinue the service may be operated by another service provider.

At the moment the IW Council are unclear, what priority the Government is giving to subsidised bus services or what steps are being taken to review concessions. All we do know is that generally all none-core Council services are at risk from cutbacks. Until more is known, there is still some uncertainty for local authorities. Therefore Parish & Town Councils are unclear what shortfall they will be required to pick up and until more is known, it is difficult for me to advise residents exactly whereabouts savings will be identified.

In the weeks ahead I will endeavour to find out more, and will keep residents updated regularly through my blog and via the Cowes Beacon and Gurnard News.

£150 Parking Permit to be relaunched (with conditions!)

From today residents can purchase the newly relaunched Parking Permit.  Unlike it's £75 predecessor entitlement will only be for those residents living within 200m of certain car parks.  Please note Park Road Car Park is no longer operated by the IW Council, so cannot be used.  If you are entitled to this permit please note that it cannot be used until 1st January 2011.  Alternatively the £500 permit remains available for use in all Council Long Stay Car Parks.

Apologies for residents who expected a little more than this when the article appeared in October's Beacon. As far as I am concerned a conditional Permit is better than no permit and although I would prefer to see the £150 permit having no conditions, I hope Councillors will think again since revenue was not as it was anticipated.  (The Independent Group, predicted this when setting their budget earlier this year)

In the meantime, I have just been appointed to the Council's Economy, Environment and Transport Scrutiny Committee so hope to be much more hands on, on this in the coming months.

For further information please call 01983 821000 

Keep Warm, Keep Well

Stay warm and healthy this winter

Now the clocks have gone back and temperatures are falling, it's important to make sure you keep warm and avoid getting ill in the winter months.

The Department of Health has produced a guide called Keep Warm Keep Well. It gives useful tips on how to keep healthy and what grants and benefits are available to help with heating costs. Advice includes:

• taking up the offer of a seasonal flu jab

• ways to avoid catching colds

• how to eat healthily in the winter months

• turning off heating in rooms you don't use

• turning down heating slightly

• switching off gadgets, rather than leaving on standby

• using hot water bottles and electric blankets safely.

There's also information about to apply for financial help, such as Cold Weather Payments, the Winter Fuel Allowance and the Warm Front Scheme, which can award grants to insulate your home for free or give you a heating rebate.

For details, or to download a copy of Keep Warm Keep Well, visit the Department of Health at: www.dh.gov.uk.

ENERGETIC: Saving Families from Fuel Poverty (News from the Footprint Trust)

Forward thinking mums and dads could be in a windfall on their energy bills thanks to an initiative from the Footprint Trust.

Energetic is the name of a new initiative, which involved young families in saving money through sensible use of fuel. The Trust will be recruiting mums and dads to act as ‘Energetic Champions’ and will give free training to those involved. A short fun free training course will be held during the school day. Those trained will then be able to apply their new knowledge to their home and share their skills with neighbours, families and friends. The first 10 people to join up will get a free limited edition Energetic stylish orange T- shirt.

Mayfield Middle School in Ryde will be piloting an Energetic training event on Friday 21st January at 1.15pm. If your school would like to host one of these free events then please contact the Trust.

Gas and electricity bills were over £1,000 in 2009 - a 30% increase in five years, with household energy bills set to double over the next five years. The Energetic project will help young families use fuel more efficiency, and those taking part could easily knock around £100 to £400 off their energy bills in the next year.

The Energetic project also offers free home visits and a helpline – giving guidance on energy and water efficiency. More details are available by emailing ray@footprint-trust.co.uk or telephone 01983 822282. The Energetic project is funded by the ScottishPower Energy People Trust.

Clearing Your Debt, Information from Consumer Direct.

At Christmas more and more residents each year falling deeper and deeper into debt,  I have therefore collated the following information with agencies that can provide you with support:

Citizens Advice

For free advice on debt and a range of other matters, visit your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau. Look them up in your phone book or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk For web-based information and advice go to www.adviceguide.org.uk

National Debtline

A free telephone helpline for people with debt problems. Call 0808 808 4000. Or visit www.nationaldebtline.co.uk to email for advice, use interactive budgeting tools and download information packs, fact sheets and sample letters.

Consumer Credit Counselling Service

For free money and budgeting advice, including free debt management plans, call 0800 138 1111 or visit www.cccs.co.uk

AdviceUK

A network of independent advice centres. To find your nearest agency call 0207 4074070 or visit www.adviceuk.org.uk

Payplan

For free advice on debt & budgeting including free debt management plans & IVAs call 0800 917 7823 or www.payplan.com

Community Legal Advice
For free legal advice phone 0845 345 4 345. if you qualify for legal aid or visit www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk

Youth Reorganisation Proposals: How much better, can it get for young people?

At my last surgery which I held at Cowes High School, I had a lengthy discussion with a University Student about the impact that Tuition Fees will have on youngsters entering Further Education..... I am of course worthy of this when our Government proposes to clear the National Debt within the next 4 years, so as not to impact upon the next generation of youngsters.  In theory, this is spot-on....but in practice will it work, ?- I really hope it does- for our youngsters sake.

In the meantime, the Council is feeding back from their consultation on Youth Service Reorganisation. Additional comments can be made until Monday 13th December. The original consultation highlighted from young people the need for Youth Clubs to be open on Fridays & Saturdays, during school holidays and that young people wanted more things to do and places to go in rural areas.

Adults considered that good youth work is required to keep youngsters off the streets, and that opportunities should be seized to develop knowledge, skills and experience to grow in confidence with the support of qualified experienced youth workers.

Proposals for the Cowes Area are as follows:

• Develop Provision on the new Secondary school site.

• Support the new Secondary school to deliver the Duke Of Edinburgh Award.

• Provide a full range of facilities over 5 evenings including Fridays & Saturdays, working in partnership with other agencies.

• Work with Cowes Youth Forum to develop a youth café.

• Deliver alternative education services.

• Current building to be declared surplus to requirements.

Initial observations that I have noted, is that many of these proposals focus away from 'physical activities' to 'education and work place activities'.  Next week, I'll be attending the Island's Youth Council, to listen to exactly what our future generation wants.... Actually, this will probably prove to be the most informative meeting I plan to attend in a long while! 

Your Opportunity to shape Tomorrow's World in Local Transport Plan

If a week is a long time in politics, what is 27 years? Will pensioners passes still be in use on our buses?; will we have 'new' trains by then, or at least trains that can carry mobility scooters?  Will the IW Council invest in Electric Cars; Or shall we all be zapping from A to B by Jet Packs?  If so, then don't look to the Local Transport Plan for answers. 

 

Rather than giving us an insight into the world of tomorrow, The IW Council are undertaking a consultation on its Transport Plan (which in essence, is a bidding document for Government Grants). The Plan has a number of objectives (or Transport Goals) These are:

Improve and maintain our highway assets.

Support Economic Growth.

Increase Accessibility.

Improve Quality Of Life.

Improve Road Safety and Health.

Respect the local environment.

The plan is available at all Libraries, County Hall or by viewing the following link: www.iwight.com/transport. The consultation lasts until 4th February 2011.

More Service Cuts Projected by the Isle Of Wight.

I became a Councillor to make a difference to my local community, however with the raft of further 'amputations', proposed by Central Government for Local Authorities, it becomes more and more difficult for even the most brilliant Councillors to make any positive or constructive changes beyond core services for the better for their communities.... Frustrating yes, but as Tony Blair once put it (or was it Alistair Campbell?)  Things can only get better.  But first The Council needs to contend with 2011.

As a result the IW Council will need to save £32m, over the next four years (£17m of this to front loaded next year). In the coming weeks Councillors (from all groups) will be balancing which services are reviewed. These are likely to include:

• Wightbus

• The Cowes Floating Bridge.

• Tourist Information Centres.

• Libraries.

• Rural Bus Services. (The Government anticipates bus companies WILL to do their bit, socially!)

• Staffing. (The Council will only be expected to carry out core services)

• Heritage Museum

• Public Toilets.

• The Sports Development Grant.

• Leisure Centres

• Consolidation of Care Contracts and Personal Budgets

• Combining Services currently undertaken within Children and Family Services.

In the coming weeks, the Government are looking to introduce the cornerstone of their Big Society Agenda- The Decentralisation and Localism Act. Ironically, this will empower local communities, and could ultimately give local Town and Parish Council’s greater responsibilities, such as taking on the roles currently undertaken by local authorities.



COUNCILLORS SURGERIES DECEMBER 2010 AND JANUARY 2011

5-5:30pm Tuesday 7th December, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Tuesday 14th December, Portland Inn, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Tuesday 21st December, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

5-5:30pm Tuesday 4th January 2011, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Tuesday 11th January, Portland Inn, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

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

11:45-12 Noon, Wednesday 19th January, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

3:30-4pm, Wednesday 26th January, Cowes High School, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

Gritting Routes in Cowes West and Gurnard

With the snow settling outside the Council has altered its Principal Gritting/Salting Routes to as follows:

Primary Gritting Route

Place Road and Park Road.

Secondary Gritting Route.

Tuttons Hill, Worsley Road, Shore Road, Woodvale Road, Baring Road, Ward Avenue and Crossfield Avenue.

Gridlock Gurnard!

O.K, That might be a slight exaggeration..... but I continue to receive complaints about large vehicles blocking accesses in the village....


1. HILTON ROAD
I've received a number of complaints concerning large vehicles using this road as a short cut to Gurnard Pines.  This has got worse since Southern Vectis has began taking large coaches to ferry children to Gurnard School.  Residents are concerned that Utility Supplies do not lie that far from the surface of this private unadopted road and the larger vehicles are causing concern for residents.  I have emailed concerns to the Head Of Highways to seek alternatives, and report back on this when a solution is found...

2. CHURCH ROAD

Church Road Residents have also been in touch, as Southern Vectis are also using Church Road, en-route from Gurnard School.  For many years residents have complained about this, and I am sure that once the 6'6'' went in a few years ago they were overjoyed by the prospect of no longer ushering vehicles away from parked vehicles and pavements... I have reported the school bus to Highways and remain ever hopeful that further incidents won't arise again. 

3. SHORE ROAD

At Gurnard Parish Council's meeting this month I was roasted over inconsiderate parking, mud on the road and damage caused to grass verges and bollards allegedly by conractors working at developments in Shore Road.  The contractor has received a warning, and I remain ever hopeful the road (and vehicles leaving the sites- Esp. Solent Lawns), will be kept clear of mud and vehicles will be washed down before leaving the site.

4. MARSH ROAD

A new width restriction has been recommended for Marsh Road, this will restrict Heavy Goods thru'-vehicles using Rew Street and Marsh Road.  All heavy vehicles will therefore be encouraged to access Gurnard via Cockleton Lane, Lower Church Road, Solent View Road, Worsley Road and Tuttons Hill.  This traffic order has been proposed for several years and was recommended by The Parish council, the Police and Highways so I am more than happy to see this come to fruition.     

Have Your Say: Relocation of Respite Care

One of the less popular proposals in the Council's Strategy to save money is the proposed closure of Westminster House.  The Newport Respite Centre has for many years offered carers an opportunity to feel assured that their family members are being looked after offering much needed support.  The Isle of Wight Council has identified both The Gouldings in Freshwater and The Adelaide as centres that has scope to expand and will offer the same service for respite care as residents have been familiar with at Westminster House.

I have came under fire, following the article which I inserted in the Gurnard News concerning the future of respite care on the Island. Despite the Council being advised that they are spending too much on Elderly Care and Care on Adults with Disabilities, I reiterate that the IW Council has not made any decision on the proposal to relocate respite care from Westminster House in Newport. If you have views please call 821000 and request a Questionnaire to be mailed out, alternatively you can also fill in the on-line Questionnaire. Please let me know your views also! The deadline falls on Friday 14th January.

Accessibility Audit, Working with Older Voices

Following the meeting I called last month with Jo Hadley from Older Voices, I have been advised that the Cowes Medical Centre are taking on a more flexible approach to residents with transport needs/ accessibility issues in the Cowes Area.


I am also passing on an Accessibility Audit which was undertaken last month by a member of Older Voices to Councillor Edward Giles. The purpose of this audit was to find out those pavements that are the most difficult to access by wheelchair and mobility scooters as well as parents with pram and pushchairs due to having insufficient dropped kerbs.


Roads that caused problems include: Granville Road Bridge, Westwood Close, Reynolds Close, Brooklands Road, Firs Close, Ward Avenue (both ends) and Windmill Close. Shamblers Close, Ash Grove and Stephenson Road (all with access from Mill Hill Road) and the entrance to the footpath end of Love Lane and the waterworks Barrier gateway at the end of the levelling was considered too close. (I highlighted this might have been due to prevent motor cycles using the footpath).


Other areas requiring attention included Northwood Recreation Ground, (beside the new homes). Although the first barrier is not too bad, the second gap was thought to be too close. This has meant that wheelchair and scooter users cannot currently access the doctors surgery when using this route, subsequently this means taking a more circuitous route.


At the Older Voices meeting which I attended, I was asked to pass this information on to my Isle of Wight Councillor and Cowes Town Council colleagues, and have been asked to invite Town and Parish Councillors to their meeting. The next meeting is held at 10am, Thursday 18th November at the Isle of Wight Community Club in Park Road, I suggested in the mean time the group should consider mailing minutes of meetings to appropriate local Councils.

Working Together to Support Northwood House

I received the following Statement from the Isle of Wight Council concerning the Car Parks at Northwood House:

The IW Council will cease to operate Park Road Car Park adjacent to Northwood Park from Saturday 13 November 2010.

 

The council has been operating this long-stay park on behalf of the Trustees of Northwood House and therefore council-issued parking permits have been valid. The trustees have, as is their right, now found other partners to run the car park on their behalf.

As a result, IW Council permits will not be accepted at Park Road Car Park from 13 November. The council has alternative long stay parks at Brunswick and Mornington road at which permits can be used and they are also valid for the park and ride car park at Somerton.

All long stay permits holders have all been written to by the council in order to explain the changes. A refund for any unused months is being offered to motorists wishing to surrender their permit.

Permit holders requiring further information should contact Parking Services on 01983 823714 or e-mail parking.services@iow.gov.uk.

At last weeks Cowes Town Council meeting, a proposal was put by the Council to Manage the Park Road Car Park, and use the revenue to support Northwood House Trustees. Unfortunately by this time, the Northwood House Trustees had negotiated with Europarks to manage this car park. Trustees felt this was the best of several options available (including one by the IW Council). This should provide Trustees with a steady revenue stream to invest back into Northwood House and Park. Last week, Northwood Parish Council also supported the efforts of Trustees and as a Councillor, I’m hoping to get all stakeholders to attend a public meeting and outline to the community future options for Northwood House. The Friends Of Northwood House and Park, have just completed a Questionnaire which I hope to report back next month.

I am hopeful that Cowes Town Council will remain supportive, as Councillors want this further discussed before considering raising their precept, in the meantime I’ve been asked by the Friends to raise questions at Full Council. Further information can be found on the: www.northwoodhouse.org/carpark website.

Island Plan Core Strategy: Your chance to tell the Council what you think?

The Core Strategy is the most important document of the Island Plan Local Development Framework, which will guide planning and development up to 2027. It sets out the key elements of the future development on the Island. The Island Plan Proposed Submission Core Strategy, Proposals Map, Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) have been published for public consultation from Friday 29th October to 4.30pm, Friday 10th December 2010, in accordance with Reg. 27 of the Town & Country Planning Regulations 2008. For details see: http://www.iwight.com/living_here/planning/Planning_policy/island_plan/Core_Strategy/. In summary objectives for the future of the Medina Valley Key Regeneration Area will:

1. Identify appropriate development sites within or immediately adjacent to the settlement boundaries within the Area Action Plan boundary, for the majority of the 1255 dwellings allocated for the area.


2. Provide for 35% of affordable housing, but consider whether levels of affordable housing higher than those set can be achieved. (See Policy DM4 sets out the Strategies Affordable Housing Principles)


3. Revise the development envelopes set out in the AAP Boundary as Required.


4. Identify and allocate suitable sites for Gypsies, Travellers, and Travelling Show People (See Policy DM6)


5. Determine whether further employment land is required to be allocated, particularly whether there is a need for B8 distribution services in this general location.


6. Identify employment sites with deep water frontage and establish whether those existing uses require further policy protection, to ensure that deep water access is maintained for employment uses that require it.


7. Establish whether there is the need for further retail allocations above that already allocated.


8. Review the Town Centre Boundaries and Primary Retail Frontages.


9. Define and ensure that the areas which separate the key settlements of Cowes/Newport and East Cowes/ Newport are appropriately protected to prevent settlement coalescence.


10. Determine how the identified deficiency in Green Infrastructure can be addressed.


11. Identify the precise type and location of waste facilities to serve development to significantly contribute to the waste target outlined in policy SP8.


12 Establish the nature and level of renewable energy that will be brought forward through the proposed development, although the use of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and/or District Heating schemes will be expected.


13. Consider the feasibility of improving the sustainable transport routes on both sides of the River Medina.


14. Establish the precise form of the identified junction improvements and whether further minor infrastructure provisions will be required to support the location and level of growth proposed within the AAP.