Register of Interest

REGISTER OF INTERESTS

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL/ NORTHWOOD PARISH COUNCIL/ COWES TOWN COUNCIL/ GURNARD PARISH COUNCIL.

All Councils require Members to complete this register within 28 days of their election.  If your circumstances change you are required, within 28 days of the change, to submit written notification of the change to the Monitoring Officer.

Name of Member…PAUL FULLER

I set out below my interests and those I am aware of relating to my spouse /partner under the various headings.

Disclosable Pecuniary Interests:

These are interests that are required to be declared by the Localism Act 2011 and the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012.  These declarations relate to you AND any interests you are aware of relating to your spouse or civil partner or a person you live with as husband and wife or as if you were civil partners

Please put “None” where appropriate.

1. Employment, office, trade, profession or vocation carried on for profit or gain.

This includes any firm or company in which you, or your spouse, or your partner are a business partner or director.

MY INTEREST: ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCILLOR (FOR COWES WEST AND GURNARD)

INTEREST OF SPOUSE/PARTNER:  SELF EMPLOYED CLEANER AND PROPRIETER OF KAREN’S CRAFTS

2. Sponsorship

Any payment or provision of any other financial benefit (other than from Council activities) made or provided in respect of any expenses incurred by you or your spouse or partner in carrying out duties as a member or towards the election expenses of you or your spouse or partner. This includes any payment or financial benefit from a trade union within the meaning of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.

MY INTEREST: PRIOR TO SERVING AS AN ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCILLOR IN 2009, THE GROUP STANDARDS NOT TIERS ENDORSED MY CANDIDATURE IN AN ADVERT FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY PRESS.

INTEREST OF SPOUSE/PARTNER: NONE

3. Contracts

Any contract which is made between Parish/ Town Councils or the Isle of Wight Council and either:

a) you; your spouse; or your partner; or

b) firm in which either you or your spouse or partner is a business partner; or

c) a body corporate of which you or your spouse or partner is a director; or

d) a body in which you or your spouse or partner has a beneficial interest (that is a firm in which you or your spouse/partner is a business partner or a corporate body in which you or your spouse/partner is a director or an industrial and prudent society where you or your spouse or partner are a member of the management committee or a corporate body in which you or your spouse/partner have a beneficial interest in its securities  

(a) under which goods or services are to be provided or works are to be executed; and

(b) which has not been fully discharged.

MY INTEREST: NONE

INTEREST OF SPOUSE/PARTNER: NONE

4. Land

Any beneficial interest in land which is within the Isle of Wight, excluding an easement, servitude, interest or right in or over land which does not carry with it a right for you or your spouse or partner alone or jointly with another to occupy the land or to receive income.

Please give address or description sufficient to identify the location.

MY INTEREST:

74 WYATTS LANE, NORTHWOOD, COWES, ISLE OF WIGHT PO31 8QA

I HAVE CLOSE FAMILY MEMBERS LIVING NEARBY AT:

29 PALLANCE ROAD, NORTHWOOD, COWES.

(Grandparents)

19 CORONATION AVENUE NORTHWOOD, COWES.

(Parent)

INTEREST OF SPOUSE/PARTNER:  

74 WYATTS LANE, NORTHWOOD, COWES, ISLE OF WIGHT PO31 8QA

5. Licences

Any licence (alone or jointly with others) to occupy land in the Isle of Wight for a month or longer.

Please give address or description sufficient to identify the location.

MY INTEREST: NONE

INTEREST OF SPOUSE/PARTNER: NONE

6. Corporate tenancies

Any tenancy where (to your  knowledge) the landlord is the Isle of Wight Council and the tenant is a body in which you or your spouse or partner, has a beneficial interest.

Please give address or description sufficient to identify the location.

MY INTEREST: NONE

INTEREST OF SPOUSE/PARTNER: NONE

7. Securities

Any beneficial interest in securities (shares, debentures, debenture stock, loan stock, bonds, units of a collective investment scheme within the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and other securities of any description other than money deposited with a building society) of a body where that body (to your knowledge) has a place of business or land in the Isle of Wight; and either

(i) the total nominal value of the securities exceeds £25,000 or one hundredth of the total issued share capital of that body; or

(ii) if the share capital of that body is of more than one class, the total nominal value of the shares of any one class in which the relevant person has a beneficial interest exceeds one hundredth of the total issued share capital of that class.

MY INTEREST: NONE

INTEREST OF SPOUSE/PARTNER: NONE

ADDITIONAL INTERESTS AGREED BY COUNCILS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE MEMBERS REGISTER OF INTERESTS.

Only your interests are required for these; not those of your spouse/partner.

1.    I am a member of or hold a position of general control or management in the following bodies to which I have been appointed or nominated by the authority as its representative:

COWES COMMUNITY BUS FORUM (Northwood Parish Council Representative);  NORTHWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL (Isle of Wight Council Local Authority Representative), LOCAL ACCESS FORUM (Isle of Wight Council Representative), ISLE OF WIGHT AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY (AONB) PARTNERSHIP (IW Council Representative- Deputy), GURNARD COMMUNITY TRUST (Independent Representative); COWES YOUTH CLUB (Independent Representative); ISLE OF WIGHT FOOTPRINT TRUST (Independent Representative); THE FRIENDS OF NORTHWOOD CEMETERY (Trustee)

2.    I am a member of or hold a position of general control or management in the following:

a.    Public authorities or bodies exercising functions of a public nature:

NORTHWOOD PARISH COUNCIL, NORTHWOOD PARISH PLAN WORKING PARTY, NORTHWOOD PARISH COUNCIL’S TRANSPORT COMMITTEE

COWES TOWN COUNCIL, COWES TOWN COUNCIL’S TOWN IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, COWES TOWN COUNCIL’S NORTHWOOD RECREATION GROUND COMMITTEE, THE LOCAL ACTION GROUP (Deputy for Cowes Town Council)

GURNARD PARISH COUNCIL, GURNARD PARISH COUNCIL’S COMMUNITY PROJECTS COMMITTEE, GURNARD PARISH COUNCIL’S NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN COMMITTEE. 

AS AN IW COUNCILLOR I SERVE ON THE REGULATORY COMMITTEE (WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR PLANNING & LICENSING); THE OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY COMMITTEE, THE ECONOMY & ENVIRONMENT SCRUTINY COMMITTEE; THE CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE SCRUTINY COMMITTEE AND THE APPEALS PANEL AND OFTEN DEPUTISE AS INDEPENDENT COUNCILLOR ON THE HEALTH & WELLBEING SCRUTINY COMMITTEE.

I AM ALSO A JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, WHO SITS ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT BENCH- WHO SERVES ON THE YOUTH PANEL AND DOMESTIC ABUSE PANEL.

MY DAUGHTER, ZARA WAS ELECTED TO SERVE AS A YOUTH COUNCILLOR FOR FROM DECEMBER 2012.   

b.    company, industrial and provident society, charity, or body directed to charitable purposes;

NONE.  I ALSO WISH TO FORMALLY PLACE ON RECORD THAT I AM NOT A FREEMASON, OR MEMBER OF ANY LIKE ORGANISATION.

c.    body whose principal purposes include the influence of public opinion or policy;

NONE.  I ADD THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN A PAID UP MEMBER OF ANY POLITICAL PARTY SINCE LEAVING THE GREEN PARTY IN 1994.

d.    trade union or professional association.

NONE.

DATED: 30th August 2012; Updated: 30th December 2012.

Councillors Report for August/ September

Surgeries:


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

12:30-1:30pm, Tuesday 28th August, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade Gurnard

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

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 4^th September, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Rd., Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Tuesday 11^th September, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 18^th September, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

1-1:30pm, Wednesday  26^th September, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 26^th September, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Av., Cowes.

Road Surfaces.

The IW Council responded to concerns over the failure of the surface dressing binder on certain roads on the Island, which includes Newport Road.

I’m advised the contractor has accepted liability and will undertake necessary remedial works after the summer season.

Following a request made through me by a local resident (thanks, Chris!), over the lack of skid resistance warning signs, I requested additional warning signs which have now appeared on Newport Road.

A full response from the Director, Stuart Love features below:

Dear member

In light of the problems we have encountered with our surface dressing programme this year, I thought it would be helpful to give you an appraisal of the situation to date and the options for the future.

Background

A surface dressing programme was developed for implementation in 2012/13 intended to ensure skid resistance on roads met the minimum requirement and to seal surfaces to prevent the roads and road structures breaking up the effects of the winter freeze/thaw cycles. While the PFI will provide a comprehensive overhaul of the roads network, we nevertheless need to keep our network up to at least minimum standards.

Kiely Brothers were appointed to deliver the programme. Kiely Brothers are national surface dressing  contractors and have delivered similar programmes for the council over a number of years with no significant defects .  

The surface dressing programme was completed in April with the exception of three sites where work was postponed by wet weather. These remain to be completed.

Initial Binder Failure May 2012

In common with a number of other authorities, we faced some difficulties in May of this year with the failure of the binder used in the process. I am happy to give members a more detailed explanation but, in simple terms, what went wrong was that at the time the surface was laid, we saw a sudden increase from cold damp conditions with 12 degree temps to 25-27 degree temperatures almost overnight. This rapid rise (rather than the high temperatures alone) caused the surfacing material used to bind the dressing to be unstable – or ‘melt’ as the media report it.

The problem was intensified on roads with high traffic flows and heavy vehicles where the movement of vehicles over the sticky surface plucked the chippings out of the binder.

Kiely Brothers accepted full liability for the failure of the binder and committed to fund both the immediate intervention, longer term remedial works and compensation claims arising from damage to vehicles or accidents arising form the surface condition. A relatively small number of claims for ‘associated damage to vehicles have been passed to Kiely Brothers.

Further Binder Failure July 2012

Temperatures again increased beyond 25 degrees during the week commencing 23 July 2012 and we suffered an unexpected softening of the binder which was not anticipated. Although the road temperatures rose as high as 50 degrees the binder should have remained stable and this failure was not replicated as widely on the mainland as we found earlier in the year.

The same immediate treatment of dusting was undertaken. This proved effective in reducing the mobility of the binder which stabilised in the subsequent lower temperatures.

The ‘dusting’ process.

This short-term remedial treatment involves covering the affected surfaces with additional 0-3mm sized granite chippings. This reduces the temperature of the road surface and also prevents unstable binder bleeding out into the road surface (melting).

Though successful in its engineering aims, this process has raised some concerns for public health. However short-term exposure to such respirable granite dust does not create any long term health risk although may – as with any airborne particles - cause short term reversible effects such as an, irritation of the eyes nose and throat among those working at close quarters with the material or breathing in the dust in sufficient quality.

In view of the reported nuisance caused to some residents – primarily those in the main urban areas affected (the Cowes to Newport Road) we will be looking at using an alternative material in future (see Future Actions below).

Future actions

In response to comments received about the dust created by using granite, we will, if further treatment is required, trial the use of washed grit as a replacement for granite chippings in residential areas. This material should have the same positive effects in terms of stabilising the road surface but should not create the dust problems encountered. We will obviously review the success of this approach and, if successful in all aspects, may extend its use as appropriate. 

We will be keeping a close eye on temperatures this weekend as they are forecast to be around the level at which we have previously experienced difficulties with the surface dressing and we may need to treat some or all of the affected areas over the next few days.

As regards a longer term solution, this secondary failure of the binder throws a very different light on the situation as the current surface cannot now be relied upon to provide a stable base to which we can apply remedial treatments and the excess binder will need to be removed to ensure that we have a stable base before remedial treatments are applied.

Consequently the excess binder will need to be removed to ensure the new surface can be laid. There are various techniques that can do this and we are examining which will be most appropriate. However whichever method is chosen, disruption to traffic flow is inevitable. Therefore we intend to undertake this work later in the year and after the main holiday season.

Once the binder has been removed we will be able to see the extent of damage to the road surfaces properly and undertake immediate repairs to keep those safe. The final remedial treatment will be determined by the extent of damage which we find and will vary on different parts of the network.

We remain on standby should further high temperatures bring about further problems. We are also considering pre-emptive dusting on the routes to and from future major events such as Cowes Week, the garlic festival and the Bestival.

A communications plan has been prepared (of which this briefing is a part) to ensure members and residents are kept abreast of developments.

I hope you feel this information is useful and please feel free to use this to inform your residents.

Naturally, I will be happy to address any points not covered in this correspondence.

Kind regards

Stuart

Stuart Love | Director of Economy and Environment

Trading Standards: Speculative Cold Calls.

I have referred to Trading Standards complaints made over hard selling techniques being used by security firms.  If you’ve received such calls please contact Trading Standards 01983 823370.

Have you received  a ‘phone call concerning compute gliches? As I reported earlier this year such calls are bogus and residents are reminded not to disclose personal information.  As always, if a call sounds too good to be true, this is usually because it is!

Entitlement to Council Tax Benefits.

Next year, the amount of funding The IW Council receive from the government will be reduced by 10%.

As part of the government’s welfare reform programme, the existing scheme for people who claim Council Tax Benefit will be replaced with a new localised Council Tax Support scheme from April 1, 2013.

The final decision as to how Council Tax Benefit entitlement will be applied, will be considered by the IW Councillors following imminent consultation. At present it seems likely pensioners entitlement will remain intact.

Neighbourhood Plan Consultations, Gurnard.

The deadline for Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan survey falls on 10^th September.  If you have an unreturned survey, please ensure this is returned to Rusty Adams, myself, or a member of the Neighbourhood Plan Team by this date.

The extent of responses are brilliant and in many cases exceeds 40%.  This in itself will help give your Plan teeth to be effective.  Many thanks to residents’ who sent out and collected surveys and thanks to all who responded. It is much appreciated! For further details please visit www.gurnardneighbourhoodplan.org.uk.

Because of their proximity to one of Gurnard’s SHLAA sites (Comforts Farm), with Northwood Parish Council’s Chairman, I undertook a letter-drop to residents of Pallance Road.  Because of the impact this could have on Northwood’s residents, I have suggested Northwood Parish Council includes this potential location when consulted upon.

I am advised that Northwood Parish Council will discuss pending action on this, alongside the other 13 sites suggested for Northwood at their meeting on 4^th September.  A meeting with Planners have been confirmed to take place to support Northwood Parish Council with its consultative timetable. For further details contact John Pullen on 281250, or IW Councillor for Northwood Roger Mazillius on 295556

Esplanade Cycling.

I continue to receive complaints about dangerous cyclists using the pavement on the Esplanades.

Because the IW Council was successful in a recent grant to improve access, I’m anxious to know the views and observations of regular uses.  In the meantime, I continue to raise residents’ concerns about incidents to both the Council and Police. 

Planning: Wellow Wind Farm.

In July, I voted with the Offices recommendation to refuse the recent planning application for wind turbines in Wellow.

The main reason why I felt uncomfortable with this application was due to the very close proximity (513m) of the turbines on residential properties and how I felt this would adversely impact upon their living conditions. 

For any application, which alters the local characteristics of an area I feel that it is so important to win over the community which would need to live by this decision on a day to day basis. In this instance, there seemed little support for this proposal by those residents who would be affected, and therefore voted accordingly. 

Feedback on Blood Testing Waiting Times, St Mary’s Hospital.

Thank you to residents who contacted me following the appeal which I made in response to Blood Tests.

Dr Stainer from Cowes Medical Centre advised me that the Surgery had investigated taking blood themselves, however given issues which included parking availability in Cowes this proved problematic.

Cowes Medical Centre’s Patients Group also looked into this, and because of imminent changes at St Mary’s Hospital, no further action was taken.  I will continue to monitor, and continue to welcome feedback from residents on this matter.

Cowes Library- Book Signing Opportunity

Adrian Searle will be at Cowes Library on Thursday 6th September 7 - 9pm to talk and sign copies of his new book 'The Spy Beside the Sea, the extraordinary wartime story of Dorothy O'Grady'. You can bring your own copy, whilst Waterstones Bookshop will be at the event to sell copies of the book. The event is a free and tickets are available from Cowes Library. Refreshments will be provided by the Supporters of Cowes Library.

For further details contact the Library on 293341.

This month:

·         I have arranged meetings with residents and Rights Of Way to help resolve issues in respect to access to Gurnard Luck.

·         Following supporting the perseverance of local residents, I’m advised work will commence in the next year to refurbish the leaking sewage main in Shore Road.

·         During July and August, I bombarded the Isle of Wight Council with over 50 enquiries relating to Highway matters. Action has been taken to cut back hedgerows in Place Road, Baring Road, Cockleton Lane and Winding Way. Whilst I was also kept busy responding to Cowes Week Parking matters.  In the meantime,  I continue to monitor progress of all enquiries made.

·         I’ve requested action following a number of minor accidents and damage caused by vehicles leaving the carriageway in Rew Street.

·         I’ve called a further meeting with the IW Council to resolve the upkeep and disposal of Gurnard School’s former playing field and orchard.

·         I’ve been talking to Cowes Golf Club over a number of enquiries raised by neighbours.

·         Cliff Cottage in Cliff Road was supported by Planning Committee members by 5 votes to 4.

·         This year I was kept busier than usual chasing up replacement of street furniture for Cowes Week following it being removed for the Queen’s visit. 

Councillors Report for July and August

Surgeries:

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

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 31^st July, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 14^th August, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

12:30-1:30pm, Tuesday 28^th August, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

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

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 4^th September, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

Planning: Cliff Cottage, 8 Cliff Road.

An application which has sparked a great deal of interest locally, is one to extend the site of Cliff Cottage in Cliff Road.

I have undertaken a letter-drop to Cliff Road Residents, have met with the applicant and with local residents, and am asking this planning application to be considered by the Planning Committee on 23^rd July.

Mornington Road Car Park.

On another matter connected to Cliff Road, I've received notification from Car Parking that residents living in Cliff Road and some properties in Queens Road are entitled to apply for a Annual Permit to park in Mornington Road.  Once I find out what conditions the IW Council imposes upon the £150 permit, I hope to circulate this information to residents that are entitled to use such a permit. 

Planning: Asphalt Plant.

The planning application to construct an Asphalt Plant on land off of Arctic Road, Cowes is still under consideration of planning officers.  Following a very large number of comments being submitted by residents there remains a number of questions that officers have concerning this application.

Planning: Wind Turbines.

I accompanied other members of the Planning Committee when viewing Wind Turbines, just outside Kettering, Northants.

The wind turbines which we viewed, are similar to those that are proposed for Wellow.  We were advised by a member of the Public to view Turbines, whilst it was windy…. Fortunately, July being July the wind and weather did not let us down!  A special Planning Meeting for the Wellow application will take place on 16^th July at Cowes Yacht Haven.

SHLAA (Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment) and Neighbourhood Plan Update.

Last month I arranged to look at all of the SHLAA sites with representatives of Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan Committee (there are no proposed development sites planned for Cowes West) with a representative from Planning Policy.  Members felt strongly about preserving the Green gap between Cowes and Gurnard.  In the meantime, with representatives of Northwood Parish Council we are planning to meet landowners of Comforts Farm SHLAA which will result in a letter-drop to residents of Pallance Road.  Although Comforts Farm itself is within Northwood, it’s farmland is in Gurnard!

In Gurnard this month Questionnaires are being distributed to local residents.  In order to ensure we receive a decent return and raise awareness about Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan, members will be hand delivering and collecting from householders in the village. (I’ve volunteered for Rew Street!)

In Cowes I’ve met with residents, who have requested a similar plan to protect the Cowes Conservation Area.  This follows concerns from residents about recent developments that has arisen in and around the Cowes Conservation Area.  Cowes Town Councillors are looking into options at their July meeting.

The Moorings.

I was very pleased to attend the official opening of the new extension which will serve The Moorings Residential Care Home in Egypt Hill.  The new extension, and facilities are of high quality and will be much appreciated by both residents and their families.

In the meantime, officers have visited the site following allegations of non-compliance to the construction of the new dwellings sited to the rear of the care home.  I am advised that the dwellings have been built on site in accordance with the plans, and the Tree Officer has advised no damage has been caused to nearby trees.  Planning Compliance Officers are due to visit the site again this week to investigate the location of windows, and to ensure the dwellings have been built at the correct levels.

Gurnard Luck.

I’ve been asked to resolve a dispute which has arisen in Gurnard which relates to a diversion order for footpath CS35, which leads from the Luck Bridge to the beach where residents store their boats.   I’m hoping to conclude this dispute with a meeting with Rights Of Way later this month.

Blood Waiting Times.

I attended last month’s Health & Community Wellbeing Scrutiny Panel.  One aspect of the agenda which I’ve had personal experience of, and has been raised by local residents are the Waiting Times at the Pathology Department, St. Mary’s Hospital.

The Scrutiny Panel was informed steps were being taken that could see more Medical Centres taking blood (currently only 50% only participate), evening sessions being implemented, with appointments for emergency patients all under review.

In the meantime, I’ve made a formal request for Cowes Medical Centre to participate to overcome waiting times for local residents.

Health Profile 2012.

The Department of Health has issued its latest Health Profile for the Isle of Wight, at a glance it states:

• The Health of people living on the Isle of Wight is mixed compared with the England average.  Deprivation is lower than average, however about 5,000 children live in poverty.
• Life expectancy for women is higher than the English average.  Life expectancy is 4.9 years lower than men, and 3.9 years lower for women in the most deprived areas.
• Over the last 10 years, all cause mortality rates have fallen.  Early death rates from cancer and from heart disease have fallen.
• About 17.3% of Year 6 children are classified as obese. Levels of GCSE attainment, alcohol-specific hospital stays among those under 18 and smoking in pregnancy are worse than the England average.
• The level of breast feeding is better than the England average. The level of Adult obesity is worse than the England average. The estimated level of adult smoking is better than the England average.
• Rates of sexually transmitted infections, smoking related deaths and hospital stays for alcohol related harm are better than the England average.

For details please visit: www.healthprofiles.info.

Cowes Week.

Cowes Week Ltd, are promoting their events programme of activities that are available on their website: www.aamcowesweek.co.uk. This website features details of the Family Day, Ladies Day and how novices can become more involved.

Meanwhile, I’ve been advised that there will be no Sail Bus operating this Cowes Week by Southern Vectis. Because we were advised of this at the ‘eleventh hour’, this did not provide us with utilising an extended service for the Community Bus, which we wanted to operate as an alternative.  In light of this, this is a matter we hope to re-explore next year in partnership with the IW Council, Southern Vectis and Cowes Week Ltd.

As a Member of the Economy & Environment Committee, I received a presentation about how there is to be further streamlining of the Environmental service provision which will save the IW Council £65,000.

Members were advised that until recently there was some duplication of services provided by Environment Officers, Dog Wardens and Enforcement Officers.  It is proposed that these officers take on broader responsibilities and will be based in specific geographical areas, rather than by their distinctive roles.

Cowes Library.

Cowes Library are holding Children’s Game Clubs on Saturday 21^st July, 4^th August, 18^th August and 1^st September from 10:30 until 12 noon.  Please feel free to bring your games!

Cowes Library are also continuing with their Magic Clubs which are run by Huxley the Magic Man for children aged 10 and over. The clubs are being run 3:30- 4:30pm on Monday afternoons for four weeks.  The Magic Club costs £2 per week, and must be booked in advance from Cowes Library- given the clubs popularity.  For details please call Cowes Library on 293341.

Andrew Turner Summer Surgeries.

I look forward to joining Island M.P, Andrew Turner at his Summer Surgeries being held this year at:

Monday 30^th July: 12:10-12:30pm Village Clock, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

Monday 30^th July: 12:40-1:10pm Co-Op, Terminus Road, Cowes.

Last Month: In a nutshell

• Action had been taken to stop Contractors obstructing Baring Road.  Since this has occurred, there now seems to be a problem with vehicles allegedly ignoring the 6ft 6 restriction.  On this matter I have spoken to the Traffic Police and Highways to investigate complaints.
• I have been discussions with Planners over the application for Gurnard Pre-School on the site of Gurnard School in Baring Road.  Neighbours have highlighted some concerns with Planners, which I am anxious to see are overcome, given the general support for this facility.
• On 16^th June the IOW Harness Club held its Diamond Jubilee Concours D’Elegance to raise funds for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice, which resulted the closure of Cowes Seafront during the afternoon.  Prior to the closure, I helped to ensure Highways put notices up advising residents of the road closure.
• I’ve requested that the IW Council looks into its liabilities concerning Japanese Knotweed growing in Baring Road and Tuttons Hill.
• I managed to support the Folk Station event at Havenstreet, when organisers required seating.
• I am in the process of setting up a meeting with Cowes Golf Club following the removal of trees and shrubbery on its perimeter with neighbouring properties.  Concerns have been raised concerning residents privacy.
• I’ve requested action is taken following the lack of ‘grounds maintenance’ in Cockleton Lane following Gurnard School relocating to Baring Road.
• Highways has advised me that the combined sewer has blocked again in Shore Road. This has been reported, whilst I’m awaiting a conclusion from Southern Water on what steps are likely to be taken in the long term to fix reoccurances of this problem.
• There were further instances of vandalism in Cowes and Gurnard with Bus Shelters and Telephone Boxes damaged, and further graffiti being picked up on Gurnard Beach.  I’ve been advised that one of the Graffiti ‘artists’ have been apprehended by the police.
• I’ve assisted a resident, in repaying funds back to the IW Council for Adult Care Allowances.  This resident has also received assistance in claiming Government Grants, which was gratefully received.
• I am working with residents with problems encountered regarding drainage in Battery Road. Discussion is ongoing between residents and the IW Council, which I hope will be properly addressed.  I have offered to support residents in their efforts!
• I responded to a questionnaire from Age UK about community engagement for Older Residents.
• I received a complaint from a resident who has complained about the conflict between pedestrians and cyclists on Cowes and Gurnard Seafront.
• At the Health & Community Wellbeing Scrutiny Panel, I requested further information regarding support for victims of Domestic Abuse which I’ve been advised is disproportionately high on the Island.
• The IW Council are assisting to ‘pump-prime’ funding for apprenticeships to work in local businesses across the Island.  I’ve requested that the Council investigates opportunities to appoint their own apprentices, whilst I’m looking into the opportunity for Young People to shadow me in my work.
• There was a landslip on The Zig Zag which I reported to the IW Council. One of the trees from Mornington Woods had to be felled following this incident
• I joined an IW Youth Councillor, in distribution of Jubilee Coins to children at Gurnard School, and look forward to doing the same on Monday to children from Cowes Primary School.