January Report

Surgeries

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 10^th January, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

11-11:45am, Wednesday 18^th January, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 7^th February, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

Contact Details

I changed my email address, following a recent upgrade to my Computer system.  This was necessary due to compatibility issues I had with my old system, particularly as I am now working much more from home. Please accept my apologies for confusion over the Christmas Period, this being further aggravated by being unable to access my Address Book, and by residents (and the IW Council) not being aware of my new contact details.

For this reason my report for January will be shorter than usual!

Digital Switchover Event: 12- 4pm Thursday, January 12th at Gurnard Village Hall.

Supported by Age Concern, Gurnard Village Hall Association are holding an event which will pass on information to residents wishing to know more about the Digital Switchover, once Television Transmitters are turned off in March. For details contact Carolyn Sibley on 297154.

Cowes to retain its NHS Dentists.

Over Christmas, I received a number of phone calls from residents concerned over proposals by the Primary Care Trust to withdraw the NHS Dentist in Cowes.  Since the report was published, I have spoken to both the practice manager at Cowes Medical Centre and the PCT, and can confirm that contrary to the report the NHS dentist will in fact remain.

Storm Damage.

I have requested that litter bins on Egypt and Princes Esplanade are monitored by the Environmental Officers, this follows bolts to some of the bins becoming corroded during the winter.

Storm damage also arose on Shore Path, Gurnard when part of the sea wall collapsed.  I understand that the wall is due to be repaired during this month.

Isle of Wight Budget 2012.

I am liaising with a number of residents contacted me over last year’s corporate budget proposals.  If there are items residents and Parish/ Town Councillors, wish to see prioritised please let me know.  In the meantime, I’m looking forward to holding themed surgeries to listen to residents suggestions.

The Isle of Wight Group of Independent Councillors (of which I am a member), are calling a Public meeting to further gauge the views of Island residents prior to setting our alternative budget.  This meeting will be held at The Riverside Centre, Newport on10am, Saturday 21 January. 

Cowes Community Bus Service.

During Christmas, I have been out and about on the Community Bus finding listening to passengers and drivers for ideas for the new service once it commences in April.  One of the top priorities for existing passengers is to re-direct some services via Rew Street rather than Cockleton Lane.  A meeting with the Working Party and Southern Vectis, is due to take place later this month.

Neighbourhood Plans.

I attended the first meeting of Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan Working Party, last month.  At present there are still questions that need to be responded to before work can begin. Namely, what is being proposed specifically in the Island Plan; How many homes will be required in specific localities; What status will there be for current development boundaries; Will funding for Plans be made available by government etc. and what exactly will Planning Guidance specify communities need to do? In the next month, I intend to get a steer from the Planning Policy Team.

Waste Collection and Recycling

New arrangements, will be implemented from 30^th January. Letters to householders are being sent out ‘imminently’.

Cowes Businesses/ Retailers Consultation, November 2011.

During November Cllr Robinson and I spent three days, listening to traders in Cowes to identify issues they have with running businesses in the town, and what Cowes (and Isle of Wight) Councillors, could do to support Businesses.

Businesses Consulted: Beken & Son Photography, Drift, Union Inn, Bespoke Tailors, Bob Lancaster Estate Agents, Octopus’ Garden, Galerius, Cigar Box, The Plaza, Beresfords, The Sweet Shop, RNLI Shop, That Shop, Little Cowes, Quay 4, The Bag Shop, Angels Attic, Pascal Atkey, The Fountain Hotel, Nat West Bank, Taylor & Sons, Shorelines, Hamiltons, Willets and Doig, Bailey’s, Aquatogs, Food Hamper, Musto, Fat Face, Tiffins, IT Figures, Zabre, Cowes Dress Agency, Number Fifty, Earl Mountbatten Hospice Shop, Ocean World, HSBC Bank, Quba, Buff, Live Like This, Sula Products, Roar, Pit Stop, Crew Clothing Co., Magic Marine, Pure Beauty, Amusement Arcade, Arcade Convenience, Hursts, Pittis, Wight Stuff, Carphone Warehouse, Joules, Healthy Indulgence, Day/Lewis, Ginger, Boatshed, Anchor Inn, Jolliffe’s, NSPCC Charity Shop, Jolliffe’s Chandlery, Fishing Tackle, RSPCA Shop, Bekens of Cowes, Edward Watts and Young Fashion, Eegons and Ladbrokes. (68 Businesses)

Overview:  One of the main issues featured was the availability and cost of car parking in town for Shoppers and for staff.  Businesses in the High Street north of Cowes Pontoon and in Bath Road and Birmingham Road felt that more signposting would focus greater attention to either end of the town. Businesses acknowledged in these parts of town a need for opening times, with hours be consistent between shops.  It was also noted by some businesses that retailers regularly did not comply strictly with their opening times which resulted in complaints from shoppers.

Businesses at either end of the town felt further disadvantaged, as they considered it unfair they were unable to gain the same entitlement to park at a reduced rate when compared to colleagues running businesses in the centre of the town. 

There were a number of businesses that were optimistic about trading in Cowes.  These were the more specialist traders and businesses selling lower-cost goods.  All of the Charity Shops had reported a good year.  Traders less optimistic, were the Higher cost clothing shops in the Town. South of Cowes Pontoon, traders raised concern over the loss of the pedestrianized aspect of the town. One business person accused another of not adhering to restrictions.  Another request made was for improvements to accessibility for the elderly and disabled.  A view was expressed that kerbs (particularly near to the Pontoon) needed to be dropped, as shopkeepers regularly witnessed elderly and infirm residents having difficulty in negotiating these.  Shopkeepers between Terminus Road and Carvel Lane highlighted abuses of disabled parking and expressed concerns over confused drivers turning right into Carvel Lane from Terminus Road.

	Issue/ Concern/ Suggestion.	Number Registered.
1.	Parking Availability for Customers (and staff)	25
2.	Parking Cost.	17
3.	General Marketing, Promotion. (including Late Night Opening potential)	16
4.	Directional Signage.	10
5.	Pedestrianisation Issues and adherence	7
6.	Loss of Tourist Information Office	6
7=	Need to promote town to Coaches	5
7=	Inconsistent Opening Hours from Businesses	5
7=	Traffic Management Issues- Carvel Lane- Terminus Road	5
7=	Access for Disabled (Esp. Dropped kerbs, Disabled Parking, Shop entrances)	5
7=	Loading Restrictions and over-zealous parking enforcement	5
11=	Need for Anchor Store	4
11=	Business Rates	4
13=	Business Rents	3
13=	Issues relating to the management of IW Festival/ Bestival footfall	3
13=	Perceived lack of partnership between Businesses and IW Council	3
13=	Complaints regarding general policing	3
17=	CCTV Extension	2
17=	Competition from Businesses during Cowes Week (inc. Seafront Village)	2
17=	Mobility Scooters and Cycles conflicting with High Street Pedestrians	2
17=	Buses entering Cowes Pontoon	2
17=	Need to review Residents Parking zones	2
17=	Negative publicity from CBA and Cowes Town Council via County Press	2
24=	Transparency of Cowes Town Councillors	1
24=	Extend Park and Ride Provision	1
24=	Public Transport Costs (Southern Vectis and Red Funnel)	1
24=	Policing is very good in the town	1
24=	More positive publicity required to promote Cowes for Young Families	1
24=	Better Public Transport is needed to get residents into outlying areas	1
24=	Litter	1
24=	More public toilets are needed	1
24=	Better weather needed!	1

November Report

Surgeries:

Please contact me at anytime if you wish me to visit you. Alternatively, please visit one of the following surgeries:

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

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 15th November, Cowes Library, 12-14 Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 15th November, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

11:15-11:45am, Wednesday 23rd November, The Woodvale, Gurnard.

12:15-12:45pm Wednesday 23rd November, Little Gloster, Gurnard.

3:30-4pm, Wednesday 30th November, Cowes Enterprise College, Cowes.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 4th December, Cowes Library, 12-14 Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 4th December, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

Gurnard Village Green Application, Refused.

 

Members of the Isle of Wight Council’s General Purposes Committee went against the officers recommendation in opposing the registration of the mouth of the Gurnard Luck and the adjoining grassland used to store dinghies.

Councillors felt the landowner had taken reasonable steps to prevent public access by erecting signage throughout the twenty year period (1984-2004) under consideration. Evidence that this signage existed was put forward by way of photographs and from minutes of a Gurnard Parish footpath review in 2002. It was felt that because a public footpath dissected the grassland, the intention of the signage which stated ‘Private Property’ would be clear to users of the land.

Lower Church Road: Latest

I have been in touch with Southern Water and their contractors Clancy Docwra over delays re-opening Lower Church Road and Solent View Road. This has caused issues not only to residents living in these roads, but also to residents from Marsh Road and Rew Street who rely upon the local bus service, which has been out of action to them for the last two months. 

Southern Water requested to close Lower Church Road for a further 5 days this week. I'm awaiting a call back from Southern Water to explain this and to ask why there are so few workmen working on site. Meanwhile, the IW Council has advised that originally it was hoped the new pipeline could be ‘moled’, however given the amount of other services close to the water mains this was not possible.

I advised the Council that the closure of Lower Church Road for so long is clearly unacceptable and following pressure being put upon Clancy Docwra to reopen the road, it reopened Friday evening, with the bus resuming Saturday morning.  Please note, there still may be delays caused as work still needs to continue.

 

Gurnard School Site.

The Planning application to develop the School site in Hilton Road, was unanimously approved by the IW Council’s Planning Committee. The one concern that was highlighted by the Committee was access to the pavement/ right of way which lie behind the hedge on Cockleton Lane. It was agreed by Councillors to request this pavement was ramped rather than stepped.

In the meantime a questionnaire has been circulated to residents concerning the future of the Playing Fields and Orchard. Copies of the questionnaire are available by following the links on Gurnard Parish Council’s website and are also available in hard copy format from the Little Gloster in Marsh Road and from Gurnard Newsagents in Worsley Road.

Isle of Wight Core Strategy Public Enquiry/ Localism Bill Update.

Roger Mazillius (Councillor for Cowes South and Northwood) and I were the only IW Councillors who attended the Enquiry, which was held at the former Downside Middle School last month.

On the day which we attended (The date when the housing allocations were discussed) there was considerable debate from the housing/ development lobby on whether the 530 new units per year, were adequate for their perceived demand for new homes. Concerns were expressed by developers on how new sites could be identified for Planning Permission between the current consultation period and adoption of the new plan.

Planning Officers made it clear that for new developments outside the current envelope, there would be an expectation for potential applicants to undertake their own Housing Needs Survey in order to demonstrate such a need.

At the recent meeting of Cowes Town Council, Sharon Attrill from the RCC outlined the importance of Neighbourhood Plans within the Localism Bill and mentioned that unless there is a Neighbourhood Plan undue pressure could be put upon surrounding communities to provide affordable housing due to the fact there is little affordable developable land in Town Centres. Like the Island Core Strategy, the housing and development lobby consider the Localism Bill favours Conservation Groups, whilst Conservation Groups argue that the Localism Bill favours developers, Sharon suggested that a good Neighbourhood Plan could enable the community to ensure that both parties meet midway...

In the meantime we await with interest the framework to how the Localism Bill will evolve through parliament for further information please visit the following link: http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/localism.html

Isle of Wight Community Club Bus Stop Request.

I’ve been requested to ask the Isle of Wight Council to consider relocating the Cowes bound bus stop, after the Roundhouse to a location much closer to the Isle of Wight Community Club.

The reason for doing this follows a temporary bus stop being located at the entrance of the Community Club earlier this year for the Island Games. Given that the Community Club has a large number of elderly and disabled members, given the current stop is very close to Roundhouse and that residents living nearby are in support of this, I remain hopeful this could be achieved.

Park Road.

Last month I received a number of complaints from residents concerning the amount of vehicles being parked on the road adjacent to Northwood Recreation Ground. Unfortunately given the vehicles are legally taxed and insured there is little the Isle of Wight Council can do to restrict this parking.

That stated, I’ve contacted the IW Council and am working with my neighbouring Councillors to investigate whether vehicles do present an issue with access to and from the Recreation Ground and the Community Club opposite.

Meeting with Traffic Police.

Frequently, I am lobbied by residents to who request action is taken again speeding motorists, anti-social parking and perceived non-enforcement of 6ft 6 restrictions.

Later this month, I am looking forward to arranging a meeting with the Traffic Police and the Isle of Wight Council’s Highway Section to address a number of issues in the Cowes Area.

One issue that is of considerable concern at the moment is the volume of traffic that currently uses Baring Road to access new developments that are underway in the area. At the meeting I will be asking all agencies to work together to lessen further disruption to local residents.

If there are further issues that you have that you would wish to see addressed jointly by the IW Council and the police, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Pan Meadows: New Homes for Local People?:

I’ve been contacted again by several residents who heard on ‘very good authority’ that Pan Meadows are being marketed to ‘Northerners’. I’ve been told by 'concerned' residents that apparently ‘up north’ there are bill boards promoting this development, whilst ‘coach loads of visitors from the mainland are seeking Island Housing'.

Although this has been refuted by the Isle of Wight Council, I have undertaken my own research and confirm I can’t find anything to substantiate this rumour. I’ve undertaken another extensive search of the internet and have found no evidence of any Authority marketing Pan Meadows outside the Island (other than via Barratt’s internet portal). Furthermore, I’ve been advised the IW Council are not in partnership with any other mainland housing authority- from 'the North', or elsewhere for that matter and there are no proposals to suggest this is likely to change. If I have got this totally wrong I am asking residents to present me with any evidence so that I can take this up!......

Also this Month:

I joined months Gurnard Village Tidy-Up (I didn’t do very much tidying up…!) with Gurnard Parish Councillors Longman and Javaid, I met with Nigel Mason at Cowes Enterprise College and discussed with him options for Youth Representation in the Cowes. These were discussed by Cowes Town Council and Northwood Parish Council who are arranging to meet with Nigel.

I seem to be receiving more complaints than ever about dog mess and dogs fouling whilst off leads. I have asked the IW Council to look into cutting the Grass Verges outside the former Readers site in Place Road. According to information I’ve received this land has always been public highway, however the Council have been hesitant in cutting this verge.

I’ve attended a meeting to discuss the Community Bus, and poised questions on the Council’s Budgetary Review at last weeks Overview and Scrutiny Committee Meeting. I’m in the process of supporting the Digital Switch-Over meeting to be held on  Thursday January 12th 2012 from 12 - 4pm at Gurnard Village Hall,  and look forward to meeting with the Green Towns Team, in the coming weeks.

I've nominated a volunteer wishing to serve on the Governing Body of Gurnard Primary School, learnt that flagstaffs require planning permission only when not flying the Union Jack and will be out and about this week listening to Cowes Businesses about the support they require from Councillors.

 

 

At County Hall, I've discussed proposals concerning next years budget proposals with the Director of the Environment and Economy. I've attended five General Purposes Transport Appeals, took part in the Licensing Panel called to consider the License for Turquoise, Newport, I attended and put questions to the Council's Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Planning Committee and Full Council. 

October Councillors Report

Surgeries:

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 4th October, Cowes Library, 12-14 Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 4th October, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

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

3:30-4pm, Wednesday 19th October, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

11-11:45am, Wednesday 26th October, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

12:15-12:45pm, Wednesday 26th October, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

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

1. Cowes Community Bus.

The new Community Bus has been operating for a month, and the service seems to have settled in fairly well. I’ve spent a couple of days, on the bus talking to passengers to gauge views on how to improve the service.

 In the first couple of weeks problems were encountered in getting the bus from its school run, in time for its 9:30am from Cowes. Concerns were raised over delays to the first bus, issues relating to the fact Rew Street and Hillis Corner being no longer served and the fact that the new timetable could become tight once Solent View Road and Lower Church Road, Gurnard reopens in the next few weeks. Although solutions have been identified, the issues continue to be monitored.

Last month the BBC helped promote our bus Service by filming features for both the One Show and The Peoples Lottery. Many thanks to all residents for being involved!

2. Cowes and Gurnard Bathing Water Quality Meeting.

Last month I called a meeting with the Environment Agency, Southern Water and IW Council’s Parks & Beaches to discuss concerns raised by Gurnard Parish Councillor, Marie Bugden over Gurnard losing its recommended beach status, this year and over August’s Water Quality failure at Egypt Point.

Issues were raised regarding Fat and Rags blocking Southern Water’s Pumping Station, problems being encountered following storms and issues concerning raw sewage being discharged by commercial and pleasure craft in the Solent. Locally, it was agreed that I would arrange a meeting between Cowes Week Ltd and the EA, to investigate options to improve sea water quality. It was also agreed that all agencies would work together on publicity for residents which will be relayed through the IW Council’s One Island Magazine.

3. Green Towns

I’ve passed ‘evidence’ to the Green Town’s Team, and am hopeful Gurnards application will be approved.

4. Police Matters.

Following residents’ comments , I’ve contacted Andrew Turner MP over concerns relating to Crime & Disorder.

Although, we recognise we live in one of the safest places nationally, I’ve passed on concerns to the MP over the loss of the front desk, the imminent closure of Cowes Police Station and to the loss of frontline police officers.

Last month I was one of a handful of Councillors echoing this concern when Chief Constable, Alex Marshall was on the Island. At the meeting he gave Isle of Wight Councillors a steer on his thoughts of how CCTV footage should be monitored and this is something I trust members will digest when setting budgets for next year! He spoke about how victims of crime will receive a follow up, spoke about how pubs causing high levels of anti-social behaviour would be closed down and gave me his reassurance that more hand held cameras will be made available for Community Speedwatch Schemes.

5. Gurnard Village Hall Cyber Café.

Gurnard Village Hall Association are running a Cyber Café at 2-4 pm on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Hall. Sessions are open to anybody of any age and costs £1 per person- which entitles ’surfers’ to refreshments and unlimited access to the internet.

Residents can use either the lap-tops provided, or you can supply your own. There is help available to assist novices on shopping online, emailing, writing letters, surf the internet, change energy and insurance suppliers, book tickets, contact old friends, Skype, Blog, play scrabble, bridge and much, much more!

For further information contact Carolyn on 297154.

6. Gurnard Village Green Application, Gurnard Luck.

The Hearing is due to take place on Wednesday 12th October, at County Hall. The General Purposes Committee have two recommendations to consider; Either to agree to part of Village Green Application being approved, or to ask for an Independent Inspector to review the case should the Committee decide there are too many contradictions in the evidence provided.

 Many thanks to residents involved in the supply of statements!

7. Parliamentary Boundary Review Consultation.

The Boundary Commission are consulting on future parliamentary constituencies following the governments decision to reduce Members of Parliament from 650 to 600. The Consultation takes place until 5th December. If you want to know more please contact the Commission on 020 7276 1102. You can participate online or alternatively by writing to: The Boundary Commission for England, 35 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BQ.

 

The Boundary Commission proposes 1 MP for Cowes, Newport & Ryde (NORTH) and 1 MP for Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor & West Wight (SOUTH). However in the Boundary Commissions proposals Carisbrooke (part of Newport PC) and Haylands/ Ashey (part of Ryde TC) is included within the South constituency. In my representation I’ve suggested that as an alternative Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin & Ventnor become one constituency (more relevant upon tourism), whilst Cowes, Newport & West Wight becomes another (more relevant to industry). This would save Newport and Ryde Town Councils being dissected in having 2 MP’s

8. Preparing For Winter…

At this time of year, I usually receive calls concerning how residents can stay warm, and save money on fuel bills during the winter.

 

The IW Footprint Trust can save householders over £300 from annual energy bills. For details call 822282, or visit http://www.footprint-trust.co.uk/energetic.htm

9. Gurnard Village Tidy Up: 10am, 22nd October

Gurnard’s next Village Tidy-Up takes place from the Village Hall at 10am, Saturday 22 October.

I will be treating all participants to a hot drink or ice cream (depending on how long the summer lasts!) afterwards.

10. Radio Mast Pre-Application, Crossfield Avenue Update.

A Planning Application is pending for a replacement Transmitter at Cowes Golf Club once the Tower Block of the old school is demolished. Information, I have received has been circulated to residents.

11. WOW Fest Approved.

Last month, I spent two days within the Licensing Committee that approved the third largest Festival for the Isle of Wight- Wow Fest in Shanklin.

The organisers requested the Festival to have a 30,000 capacity, however following representations made by The Police, Highways and over 100 residents (132 objected, whilst 5 supported) the Licensing Committee reduced that number from 30,000 to 18,000 for the first year. The Police advised the Licensing Committee they considered a 20,000 capacity would be manageable.

 

It was noted that the Festival will be held on a busy weekend with both the Cowes Week fireworks and the Garlic Festival taking place at the same weekend.

12. County Hall Refurbishment.

Many thanks to residents who have asked questions concerning the recent overhall of the Council Chamber, which it was alleged has cost the local authority £120,000.

This money was set aside in last years Transformation budget, when Councillors agreed to transfer Council’s staff into fewer buildings. County Hall’s staff this year is set to grow from 400 to 700 whilst the buildings will be sold. With regard to the Council Chamber (which remained as it was since 1995), it was decided to make this much more fit for purpose as microphones didn’t work (not really a problem for me!), projectors could not be viewed and the static tables did not really lend themselves to adapting the Chamber for wider community use.

Although I share some concerns about the cost and the fact the chamber still remains difficult to access for disabled users, I remain positive that in future the Council Chamber will be put to much better use and community groups will have greater access than they had previously.

13. Egypt Hill Developments.

I continue to respond to a considerable number of complaints concerning the redevelopment of the three sites in Egypt Hill.

During summer work began on the former site of Rookstone. Work is also due to end shortly at Essex House, Baring Road; Meaning the cranes are due to leave this site soon resulting in the road being closed. To improve traffic flows in the area, contractors have been asked to park in Egypt Esplanade.

14. Replacement Gas Main Timetable: September-December.

September: Cross Solent Gas Pipeline has been tested and gassed up. No problems encountered; Trials on land based pipeline due to take place. Cow Lane due to be closed for three days.

October: ‘Kiosk’ due to be constructed to surround regulator. Pipelines to be coated, and land backfilled. Topsoiling an Reseeding to take place and replacement hedgerows planted.

November: Old pipeline disconnected at Egypt Point. Road to regulator, Rew St. to be resurfaced and concreted.

SGN has constructed a pond, whilst positive news was relayed that the replacement Electricity Main is due to come ashore at Thorness rather than Gurnard!

15. Digital Switchover Update

On 7 March 2012, the Isle of Wight's terrestrial TV signal will be turned off. This means to continue receiving free-to-air TV channels such as BBC & ITV, households will require a digital set top box or TV with built-in Freeview.

16. Cowes Enterprise College.

I continue to chair the residents/ contractors/ college liaison group and can report development is running to schedule. Following complaints I‘ve relayed on residents behalf, the contractor has increased manual road cleaning, with an Industrial road sweeper being used on a weekly basis in Crossfield Avenue. I’ve also been advised that hedges will be allowed to grow where necessary and the sports field has been seeded and is due for its first cut. I would like to add my grateful thanks to Pihl and Janet Newton, Director of School Reorganisation for their enthusiastic involvement in resolving issues when they arise.

I met with the new Principal, early this month and together we discussed continuing surgeries at the college, and how I can work alongside the college following my retirement as a school governor last month.  We also discussed opportunities to enable students to have a much greater involvement in local decision making, and how young people could and  should work with the local authority and local parish & town councils.  Mr Russell was keen to listen to comments both positive and negative which have been relayed to me concerning school uniform.

 

In The Last Month:

17. I attended a Local Access Forum, and was advised that the Cross Cowes Cycleway which I have long supported will feature in the Council’s bid for funds from the Sustainable Transport Grant.

18 I attended the Cowes Group of Older Voices, and will convene a meeting between the group and Highways Officers.

19. I’ve attended meetings of the IW Council’s Scrutiny Committee for Young People, and raised concerns over Foster Care and the recruitment of carers.

20. Meanwhile at the Economy & Environment Scrutiny Panel, I’ve raised issues re: Recycling, The Gasification Plant, Tourism and the future concerning the Cowes Ferry. (The floating bridge is due to cease operation in 2015) 

21. I attended the funeral of neighbouring Councillor for West Wight, Stuart Dyer. As fellow Independents we worked closely on a number of initiatives. Stuart was a good friend and a very popular Councillor, and will be sadly missed.

22. I attended a meeting concerning the future of Gurnard School Site at County Hall. I am committed to working with Gurnard Parish Council to ensure that the community retains a sustainable use of the non-developable part of the School Site.

23. I’ve met with the Council’s Chief Executive and Director Of Finance to discuss proposals for next years Budget.

24. During September I attended three Cowes Town Council meetings; a meeting of Gurnard Parish Council a Footprint Trust Meeting, attended Gurnard Village Hall Association’s AGM, attended Cowes Youth Club Management Committee Meeting, Cowes Community Partnership’s AGM, Cowes Area Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators meeting, a meeting of the Gurnard Pines Chalet Owners, a Planning Site Visit and meeting and Full Council.

25. I’ve taken up issues relating to Dog Fouling (Princes Esplanade), broken Play Equipment, reported Grass verges (Place Road) not being cut and overgrown hedgerows (Shore Road). I have supported a residents appeal against issuing of a Parking Ticket and ensured leaflets outlining how to appeal against parking tickets are made available from Cowes Library. I asked the Council to remove a Bus Stop in Parklands Avenue, once it suddenly appeared…, and took up a number of issues relating to re-housing Gurnard Pines residents.