Annual Report 2011

Representing Your Views First.

I‘ve been local Councillor for almost two years, and for me it remains important that I continue enthusiastically representing the views of our community.

As your Councillor, I am not aligned to any political party whatsoever meaning my commitment to put your needs first is absolute.

I am a member of the Council’s 10 strong Group of Independent Councillors, which is the second largest group on the IW Council. I hold the belief that I’m not ‘in opposition’, preferring to work alongside all Councillors, for the best interests for our Island.

If you’re not happy or you think I’ve got things wrong please tell me. If I pass on issues to be dealt with, I expect these to be resolved. If for any reason you are dissatisfied, let me fight your corner. This was what I was elected to do, and what I will continue to do so long as I remain as your Councillor!

 

Annual Report.

Welcome to my second Annual Report, which summarises my work over the past 12 months.

All Isle of Wight Councillors are expected to write an Annual Report. I believe all residents should receive regular Councillors reports enabling you to scrutinise our work on your behalf. In my report, I’ve outlined some of the matters I’ve addressed and some I continue to campaign for.

If you require more information, monthly reports are posted out to residents who request them; can be accessed via www.paulfullercc.blogspot.com; visiting Gurnard Parish Council’s web site or from Town or Parish Council meetings which I attend. Reports also feature monthly in Gurnard News (and edited for the Cowes Beacon.)

Thank you, once more for giving me this opportunity to represent your views in County Hall.

How To Contact Me:

By Post to: 74 Wyatts Lane, Cowes, Isle of Wight. PO31 8QA.


By Telephone to: (01983) 289595 [24 hours] 07 935 090 835 [mobile]


By Email to: paulfuller@onwight.net
 
 
 

Visits and Surgeries

Please contact me to arrange a visit, alternatively I hold surgeries, which usually follows this cycle:


5:30-6pm, 1st Tuesday of the month: Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, 2nd Tuesday of the month: Portland Inn, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, 3rd Wednesday of the month: The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

11:40-12:10pm , 3rd or 4th Wednesday of the month: Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard. (Summer Only)

3-4pm, 4th or 5th Wednesday of the month: Cowes High School, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

Confirmation of surgeries feature in Cowes Beacon and Gurnard News and are subject to change during holiday periods. For further information, please visit: http://www.paulfullercc.blogspot.com/
 
 

One year, In a nutshell:

April 2010

• I met with Bucklers View residents re: the potential loss of the warden service and presented residents petition to Cllr. David Pugh at Full Council
• Discussed future options for Safe Routes To School with Solent Middle School
• Requested improved litter picks to Gurnard Beach.

May

• I supported a change to planning conditions for Solent Lawns following concerns over the loss of privacy from neighbours in Worsley Lane.
• I received reassurance from the IW Council concerning future funding to train young cyclists.
• I met with Northwood House Trustees, and discussed future options for the house and park.

June

• Made representations on behalf of residents for the proposed new Secondary School.
• New planning legislation was introduced, to prevent the over-development of back gardens.
• Took action, following trees being cut back from two TPO’d woodland sites in Cowes and Gurnard.

July

• I got behind the campaign for 2 (whole) Members of Parliament to represent the Island.
• Work began on the Baring Road pavement linking Crossfield Avenue to Roundhouse.
• The Lions and the Fountain on Cowes/ Gurnard Esplanades were restored.

August

• I launched my IW Councillors Blog.
• Campaigned with students to ensure an alternative concession was provided for Under 18’s.
• Supported Northwood House Trustees following the IW Council giving notice to withdraw services.

September

• Leaflet dropped households affected by the Shoreline Management Plan.
• Started Students Surgeries at Cowes High School.
• Became the first IW Councillor to post their Financial and Other Interests on-line.

October

• I organised a meeting between Older Voices and Cowes Medical Centre following concerns raised over accessing treatment. Steps were taken by all agencies to overcome problems highlighted.
• Work started on the new cross-Solent Gas Main in Rew Street. Liaison meetings were set up to deal with ongoing issues.
• I questioned the IW Council for not reintroducing parking permits, after revenue fell this summer.

November

• I registered complaints regarding: breaches of 6”6 restrictions. Action was taken to address these.
• I submitted a disability audit undertaken in liaison with members of Older Voices to Cllr. Giles.
• I contacted the Council following concerns over Wightbus. A helped to form a working party set up to create an alternative bus service, should the service be withdrawn.

December

• I took up residents concerns over changes to Adult Care Provision.
• I worked closely with Neighbourhood Watch reps and the IW Council following this years snowfall.
• Gullies from Cockleton Lane were cleared following complaints about ice.

January 2011

• I received complaints concerning contractors in Shore Road damaging verges and leaving mud on the road. Highways and The Police took action.
• An appeal had to be made following the ongoing thefts from vehicles in Cowes and Gurnard.
• I suggested Councillors Allowances were reduced rather than frozen at Full Council

February

• I met residents, and consulted widely on budget proposals put forward by the Cabinet. In light of the feedback from the consultation, I worked with consultees on viable solutions.
• I helped arrange the first meeting between residents and contractors for the new school.
• I arranged for seating to be fitted at the Place Road bus stop at Roundhouse.

March

• I suggested routes for 2 new services once Wightbus ceases. Due to early preparation the Cowes, Gurnard & Northwood service is considered the most viable of the 8 planned.
• I joined the Cowes Library Forum.
• Received intervention following complaints over parking issues off Crossfield Avenue.

Most issues that I receive relate either to Planning Matters or Transport. Since last year I’ve joined the Economy & Environment Scrutiny Committee and remain as a long standing member of the Council’s Planning Committee. In addition, I’ve held regular meetings with officers from both departments and often invite residents to attend meetings, so officers understand the complexities of issues raised. In this time, I have also worked alongside agencies like Planning Aid, and continue to work in close partnership with the Member of Parliament’s Office.


On Planning Matters.


In my first year as Councillor I contended with a significant number of fairly substantial planning applications. This year, most of these applications have been approved, or re-submitted as less controversial schemes. This has led on to me dealing with the consequences of having many new developments within a small area which in-turn is having a notable affect on residents living close to Egypt Hill in Cowes and Shore Road, Gurnard.



I would like to pass on my thanks to applicants who have approached their neighbours about their proposals at pre-application stage. This provides applicants an opportunity to overcome obstacles before it is too late! With respect to larger applications, I remain mindful that problems do arise and therefore I’ve initiated regular liaison meetings between residents, applicants and constructors. This continues at Gurnard with the Cross-Solent Gas Main Application, and at Crossfield Avenue, Cowes where work is underway on the new school. Meanwhile, I’m hoping to meet with developers in Egypt Hill and Baring Road where work is due to begin on major projects.



On Transport Matters.



Prior to the budget being set, I asked the Scrutiny Committee to challenge the need to charge pedestrians and passengers on the Cowes Floating Bridge; I also asked for a audit to be undertaken for residents’ permits as I am not convinced this would lose the Council revenue. Prior to the budget, Cabinet agreed with our reservations on the Floating Bridge, whilst I consider the campaign to reintroduce parking permits is growing in momentum.



Knowing that the IW Council was considering removing our local bus service, I joined forces with bus users and local parish and town councillors in exploring options for a replacement bus service once Wightbus ceased in September. Following evidence which demonstrated that a need exists; Southern Vectis, shared our enthusiasm for getting a scheme off the ground. I’ve suggested to Cowes Town Councillors’ a second route, which could fill gaps in the Cowes area, particularly in parts of Baring Road where no service exists at present, thus improving the service from Cowes to the Crossfield Estate.



Within next years Capital Programme, there will be replacement light columns for Crossfield Avenue, Tuttons Hill, The Avenue and Marsh Road, whilst Park Road and Princes Esplanade are ’reserved’ schemes for highway maintenance. In addition, I‘ve had a positive response to Parklands Avenue and Ward Avenue receiving Government Grant funding for roads damaged by winter weather.



Because of financial constraints no funding is available for the pavement for Baring Road linking Pine Tree Close with Nubia Close. I’ve therefore with the support of local residents asked for other options to be considered for this scheme, understanding that developers contributions have also been ring-fenced for this project.



Isle of Wight Council Budget, an Independent’s Perspective.



Like all Isle of Wight Councillors I was lobbied by constituents over the cabinets proposals for this years budget. I believe no Councillor (of any political colour) wanted to see cutbacks, to the scale that was asked for.



Following the consultation, I felt it was essential to find alternatives whereby libraries could retain their opening hours, and where public toilets, tourist information centres, museums, archives and Ryde Waterside Pool were kept open. I believed it important to retain Lifeguards, the Music Service, and Ventnor Botanic Gardens whilst not charging pedestrians on the Cowes Chain Ferry. In line with views I received, I supported the resurrection of a residents parking permit which would encourage people to use local shops. In addition, I believed it was important to invest in our community bus services and provide support for victims of domestic abuse.



Within the Independent Group, we believed this was achievable by postponing investment into work station gyms and making cuts to Councillors and staff salaries rather than through redundancies. By taking this approach the Council would be better equipped to explore savings for next year. This budget was lawful and balanced.

Between 1st April and 31st March:

• As your Councillor I was, and continue to be accessible and ‘on-call’ 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• I work full time in this role and tend to work anywhere between 30 and 60 hours in any one week.
• I attended 261 meetings, associated with my work as an IW Councillor.
• Of these, I attended 43 out of 43 IW Council summoned meetings, being the 2nd best Councillor attendee. (Last year I was 3rd)
• I attended 71 IW Council meetings, seminars, briefings, events, exhibitions & associated meetings.
• I attended 12 out of 12 Cowes Town Council Meetings; and 12 out of 12 Gurnard Parish Council Meetings, usually remaining to the very end!
• I attended a further 40 Parish and Town Council associated Meetings.
• I attended 25 Residents’ Groups Meetings
• I arranged and attended 30 Home visits or face to face residents meetings with IW Council officers
• I attended 28 Governor and school related events and meetings.
• In addition to my meetings I attended a further 53 surgeries, meeting 47 residents in 6 different venues
• I leafleted around 2,200 households with Annual Reports and consultation letters
• I received around 2,900 council related emails, 808 telephone calls and 109 letters. I aim to respond to all ‘personal’ calls/ requests within 3 days of receipt (12 hrs for local residents)

Last year I received a Councillors Allowance of: £8543.35 Gross Pay

My expenses attributed to my work for last year, are as follows:

£ 240.00 Annual Report 2009/ 2010.
£ 226.74 Office Equipment (Printer and Telephone)
£ 189.92 Contribution towards Broadband connection, landline, mobile and costs from use of home as ‘office‘.
£ 58.53 Office Supplies (Stationary, paper and ink cartridges)
£ 56.00 Contribution towards repairs, Virus Protection and upgrade to Computer
£ 28.00 Misc. Costs (including travel),

£799.19 Total expenses attributed to my work as Councillor.

As a Councillor, I serve on Full Council, The Planning Committee, The Licensing & General Purposes Committee, The Economy & Environment Scrutiny Panel and The Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee. I have also been appointed to serve as a Governor for Cowes High School and am a member of the Local Access Forum. In my own right I am a member of the Cowes Youth Club Management Committee, a ‘friend’ of Northwood House and Park, am a Trustee for the Friends Of Northwood Cemetery, a Management Committee for the Footprint Trust. I serve as a Northwood Parish Councillor and have been a Justice Of The Peace since 2001. I am married to Karen, and have two children attending local schools.



My Aspirations for this coming year:

• To put residents first.
• To continue enjoying my work as Councillor.
• To ensure prudent budgets are set in line with our community’s priorities.
• To be accessible and transparent in my work for our community.
• To strengthen close partnership with Cowes Town and Gurnard Parish Councillors.
• To build upon partnerships with individuals, residents groups, business organisations, local schools and the MP in insuring the very best outcomes are achieved for all residents.
• To work positively for the Island alongside all Councillors, regardless of their political or non-political identity.
• To champion Eco-Island, and to work towards a Greener environment for our community.
• To say yes more often, and to find reasons for carrying out initiatives, rather than reinforcing reasons not to.
• To call at every home.

And Finally….


If there is absolutely anything you need, please do not hesitate to contact me. If I can’t help, I will do my level best to signpost you to somebody that can! Thank you for reading my report.

During February and March

• With many of my constituents, I attended the Stop The Cuts Protest against Proposed Council Cutbacks in Newport.

• I voted against the Conservative administrations cutbacks.

• Attended a public meeting to listen to Tim Coates concerning modernising the Library Service.

• Received concerns from residents concerning the Inside Out documentary citing caution on intended PFI Awards.

• Met with a local business to discuss forming a Composting Co-operative.

• Received a complaint, passed to the Interim Principal on school uniforms for the new Cowes Enterprise College.

• Attended 3 meetings discussing the new Community Bus Service and followed this up with a discussion with bus users.  +30 volunteers have put their names forward as drivers.
• Attended a meeting of the Isle of Wight Youth Council, where I was asked to give an overview of the Council’s Budget.
• Helped to signpost Age UK, who are looking to acquire a replacement minibus.
• Received a number of emails and letters concerning pavement parking.

• Attended all full meetings of the Local Town and Parish Councils and the Gurnard Community Projects Committee.

• In Gurnard I reported Pot Holes (and coaches!) using Church Road, Followed up parking on grass verges in Worsley Road, complained about alleged damage to grass verges by SGN Contractors in Rew Street.

• I’ve dealt with further Planning Enforcement Issues in Egypt Hill, Shore Road and Rew Street.

• I’ve received more complaints of School Buses using Church Road, and hope to address these directly with the operator.

• There has been more complaints concerning Grass Verges from Solent Lawns contractors.

• Received a complaint about the new Beach Information Signs on Gurnard Beach being too intrusive, meanwhile new Agricultural Vehicle signs have now been put in place on Rew Street.

• I’ve had meetings with Head Teacher at Cowes Primary School, Stephanie Praetig where we’ve discussed Traffic issues in and around the school. We hope to work together with Governors from Cowes High School on a complimentary Traffic Plan.

• I had a discussion with the Chairman of Cowes Business Association over local issues.

• Met with SGN, Highways, Gurnard Pines and Gurnard Parish Councils over the replacement Cross Solent Gas Main and the impact the closure would have upon Cockleton Lane

• Discussed local issues concerning access matters and public transport issues with Cowes Older Voices.

• Attended a local Community Transport Meeting.

• Joined other volunteers at Gurnard’s Big Tidy Up.

• Attended a Footprint Trust Meeting, and will be promoting the Energetic Campaign which provides energy efficiency initiatives for families and pensioners living on their own. I have also had some low key discussions concerning community composting initiatives, as well as potentially initiating a potential woodland management project for local schools.

• Have spoken to Northwood House Trustees about relocating bays for Coach Parking.

• Met with Cowes High Students concerning proposals for a meeting place, once Cowes Youth Club closes.

• Discussed policing concerns following thefts from vehicles and ask residents to continue reporting incidents.

• Taken up further complaints concerning No Cold Calling campaigns against Energy Suppliers in Cowes.

• Passed on advice to residents from Environmental Health about the lighting of bonfires in Baring Road.

• I’ve spoken to Highways re: school buses in Baring Road & Church Road, overgrown hedges in Place Road and speeding in Park Road

• Taken up concerns about delays over the Isle of Wight Council's Call Centre.

New Cowes Library Opening Hours unveiled.

The Cowes Library Forum [which I'm a member] has been advised that there will be adequate funding made available from the IW Council to ensure Cowes Library is open for 24.5 hours per week.   Members agreed to open during hours where demand has been greatest.

These will change from Monday 4th April and opening times from this date will be:

10am-12:30pm and 1:30-5pm Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays;

10am-4:30pm on Saturdays.

The Library will be close on Wednesdays, as well as Thursdays and Sundays.

Although, I am disappointed by these cutbacks and where the Service finds itself, I am anxious of where we are, and what needs to be done to go forward! I therefore urge residents who care about the future of our library service to join the Library User Forums, and have in the meantime spoken to several residents interested in becoming helpers. 

I remain hopeful, that in the future Councillors will think differently on both the importance of our library service and acts sensibly in how best this service can be modernised [and properly funded] for the future.

For further information in getting involved in any way, please contact assistant Town Clerk to Cowes Town Council at: janerandall2000@yahoo.co.uk

Northwood House Consultation

I have been approached by a number of residents wishing to know more about proposals for Northwood House. I have been reminded that the deadline for comments ends on Saturday April 30th. I support this deadline will be extended to enable residents that are away during April to comment. I believe this is an important issue for residents and the wider community and the more consultation is promoted the better. In the meantime I will be publicising this by way of my reports.

For further information on the consultation please visit: http://www.northwoodhouse.org/

Pot Hole Watch Launched!

Following last months Cowes Town Council meeting, I am pleased to report that Highways has been provided with an additional £800,000 of Government Grant, ring fenced for repairing of Pot Holes. It is hoped that this will enable Highways to invest in longer term surface dressing and resurfacing where pot holes are particularly bad. I will be asking specifically that Ward Avenue, and Parklands Avenue are given priority.

In the meantime, I’m asking residents to let me know of areas they consider that are particularly bad, especially where holes have been marked out and not patched!

Please call me on 01983 289595 for details.

Capital Programme: Baring Road Footpath on hold....

It seems unlikely that the pavement for Baring Road (between Egypt Hill and Pine Tree Close) will be constructed this year from the Council’s Capital Programme. The grant which the Council has received from Government will allocate £751,000 for Integrated Transport (a decrease from last year) and £3,179,00 for Highways Maintenance (a slight increase). The amount for Integrated Transport through Safe Routes to School is £69,000, whilst the cost of the pavement is £600,000!

Although the likelihood of funding from this pot is at best remote,  I am exploring different options (other government grants and developer contributions), and plan to discuss these further with officers in April.

Within the Highways Maintenance- Park Road and Princes Esplanade are reserve schemes for this year, whilst funding has been earmarked through Rights Of Way for the Coastal Path, Gurnard. Also under Highways Maintenance 68 lighting columns are due to be replaced. In Cowes West and Gurnard this relates to Crossfield Avenue (6), Park Road (1), Marsh Road (2), Tuttons Hill (2) and The Avenue (1).

Cowes Planning Applications Update: New School, Essex House, Egypt Hill, Ward Avenue

At Planning Committee, I took the lead in seeing a controversial development in Totland was turned down.

Work is due to, or has already commenced on a large number of local Planning Applications approved in the last few years. Ironically, many of the larger projects have been less contentious than smaller schemes.

a) Cowes Enterprise College.

I received a handful of complaints concerning contractors parking in the side roads in Crossfield Avenue. Pihl has provided additional parking both ’on site’, with extra parking being made at Northwood House. The School has agreed also to free up car parking outside term time. A video of the construction of the new school features on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuncXwZnk24&feature=player_embedded. Monthly newsletters are hand delivered to 80 households nearby, whilst meetings continue every 4-6 weeks. I’ve asked that representatives from Cowes Town Council and Neighbourhood Watch attend on residents’ behalf.  Households that adjoin the school site in Ward Avenue will receive newsletters to update residents on progress. 

b) Essex House, Baring Road/ Cliff Road.

Planning Officers have advised me that work is soon to commence on the Essex House development. I’ve requested that residents are kept up to date with progress on this.

c) Egypt Hill.

There has been site clearance at both the Moorings, and latterly at the Brambles in Egypt Hill. I hope to meet with the applicant of the Brambles, who also hopes to develop at 25/ 26 Princes Esplanade.

d) Ward Avenue.

I’ve received a complaint from residents in Ward Avenue concerning an enforcement matter, where a planning application was refused. A meeting’s been arranged with Enforcement Officers to ensure this matter is resolved.

e) In Gurnard…

Cockleton Lane was closed for 10 days to enable the laying of the replacement Gas Main, whilst I asked Highways Officers to visit 5 Shore Road, following scaffolding being erected directly on the road. I have passed on more concerns re: Solent Lawns.  Meanwhile, appeals were dismissed at Cow Lane and Shore Road.  More details will follow on Gurnard applications.

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.