Councillors Report: May

Surgeries:

1-1:30pm, Wednesday 16^th May, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 16^th May, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 22^nd May, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 29^th May, Cowes Library, 12-13 Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 29^th May, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Thursday 7^th June, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

6-6:30pm, Tuesday 12^th June, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 20^th June, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

1-1:30pm, Wednesday 27^th June, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

Planning Applications: Worsley Road, Gurnard.

A Planning Application has been submitted to create 33 dwellings on land adjacent to, and to the rear of 44 Worsley Road in Gurnard.

From Gurnard’s perspective this is a significant application, and I’ve undertaken a widespread consultation with residents.  The deadline for representations falls on 18^th May, whilst Gurnard Parish Council will consider the application during their Annual Meeting on Tuesday 15^th May. 

Planning Enforcement.

There is on-going discussions regarding compliance matters on the former Rookstone and Brambles sites in Egypt Hill.  Meanwhile also in Egypt Hill, I’ve requested the Planning Compliance Officer investigates issues to extend the Moorings.

In Mornington Mews, I am once again chasing up soft landscaping which was agreed as part of the conditions for this development.

In Baring Road, it has been necessary to contact the police following complaints lodged over dangerous parking by tradesmen at Essex House.

In Ward Avenue, a legal agreement relating to ancillary accommodation was due to be debated by the Planning Committee this week.

In Gurnard, I’ve sought intervention over a metal slipway that has been partily constructed on Shore Path, and I’ve requesting that trading from a premises in Rew Street is looked into following complaints from neighbours.

Wheelie Bins.

In the last few weeks, I’ve received a number of complaints from residents who are finding the wheelie bins supplied by the Isle of Wight Council too large and cumbersome.

I have passed on all complaints, and am hoping these can be overcome by one to one discussions between the Council and residents affected.  I know that in many of these instances that residents could very well be entitled to smaller bins or back door collections.

In the meantime, I request that residents contact me if they continue to experience difficulties.

Cold Calling.

I received three separate complaints from residents in Ward Avenue and within the Crossfield Avenue Estate about hard-sell cold calling from the World Wildlife Fund.

Because charities can cold call in no cold calling zones I reported this to the WWF, and was advised action would be taken against the representatives.

Because of these complaints, The WWF has advised me they would avoid calling in such areas on the Island.

Gurnard Pre-School.

I met with neighbours, to listen to concerns over disabled & pedestrian access and safety from Cow Lane.

I understand from the Planning Department these concerns are shared by the Pre-School, and a suggestion has been made to provide a disabled access via the main school entrance on Baring Road.

Debourne Manor Drive.

I am meeting residents in Debourne Manor Drive who have been campaigning for some time to get their drive repaired.  This road is privately owned and I have spoken to the owner who has confirmed this will happen. In the coming weeks I’m attending a meeting with the roads owner with residents to ensure timescales to repair the road can be agreed.  In the meantime since speaking to the owner I have noted some of the pot-holes have been filled.

Southern Water.

I have been asked to intervene on two issues concerning Southern Water. 

The first matter relates to the closure of a Public Slipway in Cowes during Easter.  The timescales slipped due to the Water Company not being able to fix the problem with their pump, due to the availability of spare parts…(?!); Subsequently the slipway could not open until the first week of May. I believe this was unacceptable and I’ve requested the IW Council brings pressure to bear in the future to ensure public slipways are closed no longer than necessary.

The second matter relates to a long-standing broken combined rainfall and sewage main in Shore Road.  I have contacted the IW Council to ask for the blockage to be cleared, and following this will be making representations for Southern Water to ensure a longer term solution to repairing this main occurs.

Gurnard Former School Site.

With representatives from Gurnard Parish Council, I met with children from Gurnard School who are excited by proposals to bring the former school site into Community Ownership last month.   Proposals put forward for the site includes the creation of allotments, whilst maintaining both the orchard and part of the school playing field for community use.

This week, I arranged a meeting between the Gurnard Parish Council and the Isle of Wight Council in the hope the IW Council would release the former site to the community.  Despite the Parish Council making (what I felt) a substantially fair offer for the former playing field and orchard, the local authority now considers it appropriate to dispose of these sites on the open market. 

This we were told was necessary because other offers have been made. Disappointed though we were that these sites would not now be ‘given or offered’ to the community, we have been reassured that the IW Council will be imposing a legal restriction on these sites to be maintained as they are currently.  This would restrict any future housing or development on this land, and restrict development potential or value to this land.  Once marketed, this would allow the Parish Council to resubmit an offer.

In the last month: 

·         Last month I delivered my Annual Report for 2012 to most households in my ward. This year I am also delivering reports residents who have off-island addresses.

·         I’ve received representations from both supporters and objectors connected to wind turbine applications adjacent to Betty Haunt Lane and Noke Common.

·         I am involved in two neighbourhood disputes one in Rew Street and another in Place Road.

·         I’m pleased to report there has been fewer instances of Graffiti in the past month and am grateful to both the police and Environment Officer, Neil Perry for reacting to complaints.  Following my article written in Gurnard News, I’ve received further complaints over criminal damage caused by people endeavouring to light fires.

·         I have received complaints from Beach Hut owners over recent increases in rents/ fees for owners.  I am ever-grateful to the research being undertaken by Beach Hut Owners, which will assist me in making a strong case on behalf of residents urging a rethink on the IW Councils proposals.

·         I hope to be appointed to the Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee following the departure of Cllr Whittle from the Independent Group. Discussions continue in relation to the structure of both the Planning and Licensing/ General Purposes Committees which looks set to merge into one Quasi-Judicial Regulatory Committee in the coming months.  

·         I continue to receive complaints regarding the construction of the Cowes Enterprise College.  Ive asked The IW Council to take steps to repair damage to the road whilst I’ve also asked that wheels are washed before leaving the construction site. 

·         I’ve attended the Blyskawica Commemoration and supported Gurnard Parish Council’s Neighbourhood Plan Exhibition at the recent May Day Celebration.

Councillors Report: April 2012

Surgeries:

4:30-5pm Tuesday 3^rd April, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm Tuesday 3^rd April, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Tuesday 10^th April, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

1-1:30pm, Wednesday 18^th April, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 18^th April, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 24^th April, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

6-6:30pm, Tuesday 8^th May, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

1-1:30pm, Wednesday 16^th May, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 16^th May, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 22^nd May, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

Highways Update.

There are a number of proposals due to be authorised this week. Of local interest this includes the follows:

Surface Dressing: Rew Street, Gurnard (£35,064); This work is due to commence from 12^th April until 26^th April.  Also, Newport Road, Parkhurst (£70,941)

Carriageway Resurfacing: Whitehouse Road, Porchfield (£202,177)- When I sought election, I received more complaints about this road than any other. Park Road, Cowes and Shore Road, Gurnard are reserve schemes prioritised.  

Rights Of Way Fencing: CS16/17 Coastal Path, Gurnard (£3,000).

Replacement of lighting columns: Crossfield Avenue (£1,000), Queens Road, Cowes (£1,000), Marsh Road, Gurnard (£8.000).

Integrated Transport:  Ward Avenue, Cowes (£40,000). Whilst this month Crossfield Avenue will have traffic lights in order to construct another new zebra crossing. 

I have been provided the following update concerning the following roads:

Crossfield Avenue – the depressions here are not significant and are the sorts of issues which we would normally resolve as a part of our reactive maintenance activity, we will order patching as is necessary. Repairs are currently being undertaken at the junction of Guppy Close.

Ward Avenue – we have a long term problem here with sub-grade failure (Clay) and we undertake a monthly inspection and order works regularly to keep it safe, The solution here will be a reconstruction of the road which is planned as part of the PFI core investment although it would be difficult to lay the blame on any of the developments within the area for these failures.

Baring Road - we have a problem here with the delamination of the thin surfacing layer which was applied some years ago. The defects are not of a dangerous nature although they do present a very poor ride quality. This is not an issue which we will be able to prioritise in advance of the PFI core investment period which will resolve this problem.

Parklands Avenue - I am afraid that whilst Parklands Avenue would benefit from reconstruction it does not justify a priority for inclusion in the programme for 2012/13. We will continue to inspect this road on a regular basis and order reactive repairs where necessary to keep it in a safe condition.

Music Service Review.

Last month, I was approached by a number of residents voicing concerns over restructuring the IW Council’s Music Service.

Following these representatives, I discussed concerns at a special surgery to listen to stakeholders and received backing from the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee in requesting a broader consultation on the different restructuring models available. These will go out to wider consultation later this year.  In the meantime, schools that currently do not buy in to the Council’s music service could be put under some pressure to rethink

Public Slipways.

A local constituent has contacted me concerning their frustration over the closure of a Public slipway by Southern Water at Thetis Wharf. This slipway was supposed to reopen this month, but Southern Water have prolonged this closure owing to ‘unforeseen circumstances’.

The Council, has since found out that the new Storm Pump that requires replacing will take longer than anticipated to arrive, and therefore it is not possible to reopen the slipway until mid April.

Graffiti and Criminal damage.

I have received a good number of complaints concerning graffiti, particularly in Gurnard since the weather improved in mid March. The Council continues to remove graffiti at a regular rate and the police are working hard to find the culprits.

I have had on-going discussions with the Council’s Environmental Officer, and trust when the offenders are caught the local authority presses to be fully compensated for the damage caused.

Like last year, and the year before I have received complaints concerning gatherings on Gurnard Beach, which has resulted in litter being discarded on the beach, whilst trees have been cut down and damaged from Spencer’s Copse for fires.  Spencer’s Copse as a woodland does have a Tree Preservation Order, and with the owner I’m hoping to convene a meeting to take action on this.

With regard to fires being lit on Gurnard Beach, I have also been alerted that one recent fire was lit beneath a private slipway causing damage. 

Economy and Environment Panel

Tidal Energy Centre.

Members were advised that the IW Council were discussing options for a Tidal Energy Centre. The Council are in discussions with the Crown Estate to gather their support for such an initiative.  There are two locations under consideration for the Centre, which would be led by the private sector:  The Hurst Narrows and St Catherine’s Point, the latter option seems more viable as this would be less disruptive to shipping and environmental designations.

Car Parking.

Last year Panel members were advised that Car Parking revenue fell from £4.8m to £4.6m.  This compared favourably to the regional picture where car park income has fallen by 18%.

This prompted a call from members to ask the Council to reconsider providing car parking permits to stimulate Town Centres as part of its parking review.

I recognised the difficulty with the former scheme was that it did not raise enough revenue for the Council for it to be cost effective (In 2009/10 the IWC raised £4.3m).  At £75 for upto 8 hours a day, I understand this.  What I have suggested is a permit that costs more (say £150-£200) with a shorter limit (say 4-5 hours).  This would enable shoppers to have longer to stay in town, whilst at the same time offering part time workers (often on low incomes) the opportunity to park in town when working.  

Planning.

The Island Plan received unanimous support by Full Council in March.

As part of the revised Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment, In Cowes I am pleased to report that with intervention, land between Lammas Close and Pine Tree Close has now been removed. Within Gurnard, work is underway on their Neighbourhood Plan which is due to be formally advertised. In the coming month officers will be visiting potential housing land.

In the meantime, I’m advised that investigations are taking place in relation to developments in Egypt Hill, whilst in Place Road action is being taken to remove unauthorised advertising which appeared in the vicinity of Readers’ former site. I have also signed off under delegated powers the revised scheme for Charlton Cottage, Queens Road, and am working closely with Gurnard Pre-School on their application to relocate to their new site in Baring Road.

In the last month:

I’ve been working very closely with Gurnard Parish Council in the acquisition of the Gurnard School’s former playing fields and orchard off Hilton Road. Last week, I was invited to listen to children from the new school about their aspirations for the former site. The children have highlighted their support for maintaining the orchard, having a playing field and creating allotments. In the meantime the Parish Council has agreed to make an offer for the orchard, whilst I’m happy now to confirm the IW Council has been persuaded to transfer the playing field at a nominal cost to the community.

I was invited to attend Cowes Primary School’s Quest afternoon. During the event myself, the Mayor and parents were thoroughly entertained by a retro fashion show, magic tricks, acting and dancing!  

I’ve helped to resolve enquiries regarding wheelie bin provision received a complaint concerning Fawley Power Station, am pursuing the IW Council over its Domestic Abuse Strategy, tabled a question concerning developers making good damage to the highway infrastructure which they cause during construction and received a positive response concerning Superfast Broadband Connection, to Rew Street and Hillis.

I’ve been advised The IW Community Club, is to become the polling station for Cowes West.

As a Councillor, I have signed the People’s Pledge which calls on the Government to call a European referendum. Nationwide, I was one of first 200 Councillors nationwide to do this. The People’s Pledge is also supported by Andrew Turner one of 64 MP’s to do the same!

Councillors Report for March/ April 2012

Surgeries:

6-6:30pm, Tuesday 13^th March, Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 21^st March, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

4:30-5pm Tuesday 3^rd April, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm Tuesday 3^rd April, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Tuesday 10^th April, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 18^th April, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 24^th April, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

 

Planning Applications.

Two applications submitted at the end of last year received a large volume of representations.

The replacement of Woody Cottage in Worsley Lane has been formally withdrawn, whilst 76 Worsley Road has been initially refused by Planners.

Meanwhile an appeal was dismissed for a fence being erected in Charles Road.

Elsewhere, I’ve been contacted by residents in relation to proposals to site wind turbines near Noke Common, Parkhurst Forest. As a member of the Planning Committee, I’ve not attended presentations made by either the applicant or objectors as there could be a perception this might compromise my position.  That stated, this does not affect my right to listen to or represent the views of residents.

If you have views on this application due to be advertised later this month, please let me know!

SGN, Replacement Gas Main.

Residents may be aware last month that dignitaries joined SGN in officially opening the new cross-Solent Gas Main.  I’m advised that delays tidying up the site were caused clearing the site due to weather conditions.  After the drainage scheme is agreed the fields are due to be reseeded.

Environmental Designations.

Last month I received a call from a resident concerned about a tree being removed adjacent to a TPO’d woodland.  Because this tree could not be protected, I’m asking the Council to re-look, review and if appropriate extend environmental designations. Please let me know your thoughts.

Council Tax

Many thanks’ to residents who contacted me, concerning this year’s Council Budget proposals.

Although the ruling administrations budget was approved, I supported the Independent Budget which supported many of the ruling groups proposals (including freezing Council Tax), but with amendments.

These included: Reintroduction of an Islandwide Residents Car Parking Permit, Reinvestment into Adult Social Care and Community Wellbeing, a scheme to reopen unoccupied IW Council buildings for use by local Entrepreneurs, Investment in Cycleleways and footpaths, Youth Sports Club Premises grants, Reintroduction of lifeguards, Investment within the library service, Investment in the Youth Service, investment in Tourist Information, dog fouling and litter prevention, Public Toilet Expansion, Recycling initiatives, Community Projects which support getting both the young and over 50’s back into employment and additional support in co-operating with Town and Parish Councils with Big Society Projects.

  

To save money the alternative budget proposed to reduce backroom PFI costs by 10% and reducing Councillors Allowances by 7% and renegotiating the Council’s contracts and future projects.

Details of proposals made at Full Council on the 29^th February are available within the following link: http://www.iwight.com/council/committees/mod-council/29-2-12/agenda.pdf?925698752 whilst hard copies are available form from me if requested!

Council Tax Revaluations.

I was asked to look into this following letters being sent out by a Financial Claims Management Company. This letter advised householders they may be paying too much Council Tax and offered to lodge an appeal on a no-win no-fee basis. If they succeed they receive 25% + VAT.

What their initial contact letter doesn't say is if any appeal fails the Government's Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has the right to increase their rateable value, and that of the applicants neighbours.

If you believe your council tax band is wrong please contact the VOA to discuss it, as there might be good reason for apparent inaccuracies (I can help, if you wish!). This service is free. If the VOA agrees that a band is inaccurate then they will change it and amend the bands of other identical properties in the area.

The band could go up or down but any increase will only take effect from the day the review of the band is complete.  For details contact the VOA at ctwest@voa.gsi.gov.uk or call 03000 504300.

Concessionary Bus Passes.

If you hold a Council Concessionary Bus Pass and it’s due to expire soon, please contact the IW Council on 823780 for a replacement.

Island Plan and Future Housing Allocations:

The Island Plan is likely to be approved by Full Council on 21^st March.  Following this date, a revision to the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) maps are due to be published.

Following representations from landowners, I am advised that land in Cowes West between Pine Tree Close and Lammas Close will be removed, whereas in Gurnard the Parish Council are due to give formal notice of their intention to start work on their Neighbourhood Plan.  This follows the response from residents of Gurnard and Baring Road raising concerns over the inclusion of Green Field sites within the SHLAA.

With regard to current Planning Policy- The Unitary Development Plan will be succeeded by the Island Plan if ratified by Full Council on 21^st March. Within the plan it is suggested that the Isle of Wight continues to provide an average of 520 new homes each year, which equates to 1,350 new homes for the Medina Area (comprising of Cowes, East Cowes and Newport) for the next 15 years.  

Once the Island Plan Core Strategy is adopted, I’m assured that Development Envelopes (or Settlement Boundaries) remain in place.  These will be reviewed through the Area Action Plan and as a local community we have a chance to have direct input into this.  The Council will be asking the Parish Council to lead on discussions about reviewing the settlement boundary. Currently we do not have a boundary for Gurnard alone, as Gurnard is part of the Cowes boundary.

Also in April, a revised SHLAA map will be available (This map comprises of enough land to provide 11,000 homes).  The next stage of work for the Area Action Plan will be to refine down the list of sites to allocate for the 1,350 units that are needed.  The Parish Council will be taking an active role in helping to do this, and it has been suggested that we undertake a Housing Needs Survey to help determine what the level of housing need is within our area – we can then allocate land to meet that local need.

If the community agrees to do undertake a Housing Needs Survey, this will give the local community and the Council the information needed to start to plan for where new housing for our community should be located within the Medina Valley Area Action Plan.

Traffic Matters.

Last month I received calls from residents to investigate taking action to slow traffic down in Rew Street.  Although, it is unlikely that further traffic calming can be put in place, I will be asking the Traffic Police and Highways to monitor and take action in instances where motorists are speeding.  If either the police or the Council support the existence of problems, this will reinforce the need for some action to be taken.

In Shore Road, I was advised of another accident which occurred.  I have chased this matter up with Highways and if the Council have no proposals to prevent the re-occurance of future incidents, I will be looking to meet on site with officers.

Following our mild-ish winter, there has been less damage to roads than in previous years.  That said, I have requested that the lumps, bumps and pot holes in Shore Road, Ward Avenue and Baring Road are monitored.

Following one or two complaints about contractors parking and alleged early starts to the new school on the Crossfield Estate, I am resurrecting the residents’ liaison group, with the school and the contractors to resolve matters.  Please let me know of concerns, if you have any!

This summer will see new zebra crossings in Ward Avenue and Crossfield Avenue (opposite the Green). A consultation took place with I’ve for the flashing from belisha beacons to be shielded from adjacent homes.

Seagulls.

Last month, I received notice from Environmental Health that complaints were made about the feeding of Seagulls. The complaints made concerned bird faeces, noise, aggressive behaviour and interference with refuse and letters were circulated to residents.  If you want to know more about feeding garden birds, the RSPB offers helpful advice on their website http://www.rspb.org.uk, alternatively call 01767 693690 during office hours.

In the last month:

I’ve met residents who contacted me over concerns they have regarding the Island’s Music Service Restructuring.  Following the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Panel, I’m anticipating a consultation will take place later this year. The IW Council are in the process of disposal of the former Gurnard school site.  I have approached the Council, and asked that the Local Authority transfer this land to the Community at a reasonable cost.

Despite me supporting Gurnard Parish Council’s proposals to use Economic Improvement Funding for its Neighbourhood Plan, the Council’s application was unsuccessful.  Because of this the IW Council has given Gurnard a further two weeks to identify projects.  In the meantime Cowes Town Council’s applications, which I helped to endorse for their Multi Use Games Area (for Northwood Recreation Ground) and part-funding restoration of the Nunnery steps (leading to Castle Hill from Northwood Park) were successful.

Further action has been taken following complaints of dog dirt in Park Road, whilst on a Sunday work to repair a broken manhole cover in Baring Road was promptly responded to by Highways.

Councillors Report: February 2012

Surgeries:

I am more than happy to visit residents at any time that suits you best, alternatively please visit me at one of my surgeries!  

5:45-6:15pm, Thursday 2^nd February, Portland Inn, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 7^th February, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes. (POSTPONED!)* 

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


*SORRY, THESE SURGERIES HAVE BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO ME ATTENDING AN IW COUNCIL HEALTH & WELLBEING SCRUTINY PANEL MEETING, SCHEDULED FOR THE SAME TIME, A REVISED SURGERY WILL INSTEAD TAKE PLACE :


12:30-1:pm, Wednesday 8th February, Woodvale, Princes Esplanade Gurnard.  

6pm-6:30pm, Tuesday 14^th February, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

6-6:30pm, Thursday 23^nd February, Portland Inn, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 29^th February, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 6^th March, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

Road Crossing Improvements, Cowes Enterprise College.

Last year, I met with Highways and representatives from Cowes Enterprise College to discuss options for making crossing points to the new school safer.  Concerns were initially raised by the Parents Forum, who had concerns over pedestrian access arrangements.

During this summer a crossing point will be positioned opposite the entrance to the new school in Crossfield Avenue adjacent to The Green, whilst a proposal has been requested to place a crossing between Ward Avenue and Northwood Park. These proposals are being circulated for feedback from local residents.  If you have views please let me know before Friday 10th February.

As yet, I’ve received no news concerning upgrading Blackberry Lane (or the Baring Road footway).  I do consider that both schemes are very important and continue to flag these up as high priority for future action.

Community Bus Update: Rew Street to have new service?

Following residents requests two bus services each day will be diverted from Cockleton Lane to serve Rew Street and Hillis Corner (probably the 2^nd and 5^th bus of the day).  In order to ensure the new service becomes more reliable, and that drivers don’t spend the morning trying to catch up with themselves (!?) I’ve suggested one of the eight services to be removed from the timetable, and for the first service to start from the Portland Inn Gurnard, rather than Cowes.

State Of The Island Debate.

I attended a public meeting called to listen to resident’s views at a State Of the Island Meeting.

State Of Local Area meetings were introduced (and embedded within local authority constitutions) by government to give residents a mechanism to voice their concerns to elected representatives.  The purpose of this meeting was to listen to concerns in a neutral environment and to collate these back to Full Council.

During the meeting a number of helpful suggestions were made.  All comments were circulated to Councillors in an unedited format before debating the State Of The Island at Full Council.  I am optimistic that the more positive suggestions can be considered for next year’s budget proposals.

Waste Collection and Recycling Update.

So far I have only received one complaint from residents of Cowes West and Gurnard over the commencement of the new waste collection arrangements.  In the meantime I have noted that when I call County Hall, there are delays in being connected to the call centre. I understand that most calls do relate to queries regarding the changes to the Waste Collection and Recycling.

Although it’s proved quiet for me, I continue to keep everything crossed and anticipate that problems will arise.  Until then I am urging residents to call 823777 if they encounter problems, and to let me know if difficulties continue to arise.

Isle of Wight Councillors Allowance Frozen.

At Full Council, I voted against the Independent Remuneration Panel proposals to freeze IW Councillors Allowances at £7,903 per year (The Leader of the Council will continue to receive a salary of £31,612, whilst Cabinet Members receive £19,757, Scrutiny Chairmen receive  £13,435 whilst Group Leaders receive £9,483).

I believed very strongly that this amount of money, is considerable and could be much better spent elsewhere. Having served as a Parish Council Chairman, and being a former Chairman of Island Governors, I am very mindful of the time and commitment put in by both School Governors, Parish/Town Councillors and to many others who give their time freely within the voluntary sector.

I became a Councillor because I love what I do, and I’d be prepared to be paid in monkey-nuts, if that was what was offered! Last year, my ‘political’ group proposed all Councillors, and Council Employees earning over a certain amount took a cut in salary, and I felt in light of this that it would be wrong to not support reducing allowances. I prefer a system whereby Councillors are paid out of pocket Expenses or Attendance Allowances rather than the expensive Allowance scheme currently in place!  The reason I support doing this, is because I would like to see a more diverse and inclusive Council than what is in place at present. 

  

I was the only Isle of Wight Councillor at Full Council, who chose not to support the Panel’s findings.  

Planning Applications.

At present I am receiving a number of representations from residents of Gurnard regarding substantial replacement dwellings proposed for the village.

Last week I met with some Worsley Lane residents who have concerns over the replacement of Woody Cottage and note concerns regarding 76 Worsley Road.  The issue which I have sympathy for is that many of these new applications are too contemporary and does little to enhance the street scene.  

With regard to current Planning Policy- I understand that the Unitary Development Plan is likely to be succeeded by the Island Plan once the Plan is ratified by Full Council on 21^st March.

I know of one developer, who is awaiting this date in order to submit a significant Planning Application within Gurnard. I will be urging that between then and now there will be consultation between the applicant and residents.

In the meantime, I have arranged a meeting between Planning Officers and local Councillors on 7^th February to gauge what impact this is likely to have on Cowes and Gurnard.

Newport Road delays.

I’ve received complaints from unhappy residents over delays caused owing to road works on the main Cowes- Newport Road.  On behalf of residents, I have requested that prior notice is given to the installation of ‘proper signs’, rather than the hand scribbled black on grey signs (just up the road from the roadworks!), put in place by the contractors. I have also requested more double decker buses are laid on to ease congestion.

The head of Highways has responded to me on why the closure was necessary, and has suggested that this work is preparatory carriageway base repairs, prior to future surface dressing… Once a timetable for these future works are known, I will insure these are widely publicised!

Mornington Woods

I’m awaiting to be updated for an Action Plan for Mornington Road woods and car park, following this matter being taken up by Cowes Councillor David Walters.

According to Cowes Community Partnership, much of the work undertaken on the Council’s behalf by volunteers has been endorsed by the IW Council…. I’m hoping to investigate options, seeking better use of the car park (and continue to request Car Park revenue and Developer Contributions being set aside to make safer the Zig Zag Steps) and will be working with Cllr George Brown on looking into solutions!

In the Last Month:

I’ve been talking to the police concerning Youth Crime (both perceived and actual), and am aspiring to call a meeting to discuss this between the Police, Local Councillors and Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators.

I’ve attended meetings of the Planning Committee, the Economy & Environment Scrutiny Panel and the Children & Young People Scrutiny Panel.

I’ve chased up broken litter bins, highway safety matters and planning enforcement issues on Place Road.

This month I have spent a considerable amount of time requesting updates on work in progress.