IW Councillors Report: November

Surgeries:

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

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

6-6:30pm, Tuesday 13^th November, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 20^th November, Portland Inn, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

1-1:30pm, Wednesday 28^th November, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 28^th November, Cowes Enterprise College, Cowes.

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

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

PLEASE NOTE: Consultations continue on the Localisation of Council Tax Support continues until 30^th November. Residents can complete the on-line survey on iwight.com , or request a survey by calling 01983 823653.

New Planning Application for land adjacent to 44 Worsley Road, Gurnard.

A new application has been received to develop on land adjacent to Oaklands Lodge and Gurnard Village Hall.

This application for 21 dwellings, follows a previous proposal to develop 33 units, which was withdrawn earlier this year following over 100 representations being made to Planning Officers by local residents.

As with the previous application the site includes 6 dwellings, previously approved, whilst also containing 5 ‘affordable’ housing units and 10 remaining units. The dwellings will comprise of 2,3 and 4 bedroomed semi-detached and detached dwellings with access proposed via Worsley Road.

I have letter dropped information concerning this application to local residents, whilst the deadline for representations falls on 16^th November.

Planning: Floodlighting proposals, Cowes Enterprise College.

I’ve been in contact with a number of residents in Ward Avenue with respect to floodlighting proposals intended for the new school site.  The proposals advise that floodlighting columns proposed will be 15m high rather than 10m high, as was approved.

Since speaking to Planning Officers, I am advised that with fewer floodlighting columns there should be less spillage of light onto gardens in Ward Avenue.

In the meantime, I am looking forward to visiting the college later this week to witness progress on the phased opening of what will be an exciting community facility over the next 2-3 weeks.

Mornington Park.

I have received a number of enquiries (and know similarly has Cllr George Brown- Mornington Park is in Cowes North, whilst residents complaining are from Cowes West!), regarding trees that have been fell in Mornington Park.

Both Cllr Brown and I have received information concerning the limited lifespan of these poplar trees, particularly within this environment, and for the potential for these trees to be replaced in the future.  Before any decision on what species will be considered, I am looking forward to working with Cllr Brown and local residents on deciding how this will be progressed.  

Flytipping, Crossfield Avenue Estate.

I have been alerted to alleged commercial and domestic flytipping on the Crossfield Avenue.  I have spoken to the Environment Officer concerning this and the situation continues to be monitored.

Eco-Islands Conference.

I attended the Eco-Island Global Summit, over two days which was held in Cowes.  At the summit, I took advantage of opportunities to discuss issues concerning ‘localism’ with the Minister of Energy and Climate Change, John Hayes; find out more about sustainable housing; local waste & recycling; renewable energy  and doing more to challenge aspects of fuel poverty.

Although the summit has set some pioneering targets, there was a real opportunity to talk to others and find out more about what could be done to make the Isle of Wight Economy more sustainable and attractive to investors. 

 At the conference, I was very pleased to join several local residents and feel very positive about the local enthusiasm for doing more, and am looking forward to discussing local issues with the Eco-Island team when we meet in the coming weeks.

Egypt Hill.

In the last few weeks there has been increased activity from construction traffic on the former Rookstone site in Egypt Hill, Cowes.  Together with ongoing developments at Solent Heights and the Moorings this has caused difficulty with the road and driveways being regularly obstructed.

I have contacted both Highways and the Planning Deparment to enlist their support, whilst I have also reported this to the police.

Planning: The Moorings, Egypt Hill.

Officers are recommending the revision to conditions for The Moorings in Egypt Hill. Local residents have expressed concern over rendering being out of context with the conservation area, however officers feel these reasons are unsustainable due to similar work nearby.  Given these views, and my involvement with both parties on this application, I’ve requested the Chairman of the Planning Committee assesses this application.

Health and Wellbeing Consultation.

Public services on the Island are seeking views on their plans to make the Island a healthier, safer, wealthier and more environmentally-friendly place.

The vision of bodies including the police, Isle of Wight NHS, Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group and the Isle of Wight Council is called the Health and Wellbeing Strategy which will be a blueprint determining the priorities which all organisations will work towards between 2013-16.

The strategy addresses many of the findings of a major ongoing study called the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) which has highlighted a number of areas of concern.

The strategy focuses on five main areas:

·         Ensuring children and young people have the best possible start in life.

·         Helping and supporting people prepare for old age and to manage long-term health conditions and disabilities.

·         Enabling people to make health choices for healthy lifestyles.

·         Building and sustaining economic growth and supporting employment opportunities.

·         Making the Island a better place to live and to visit.

Please take the time to read the strategy and then share your views via the consultation which can be found on iwight.com.

Gurnard Parish Council.

Last month, I felt privileged to be co-opted back on to Gurnard Parish Council.  Since then, a number of residents have challenged me for doing this.

The reason for me applying, was due to the fact that there were three vacancies and that this term of office was for a relatively short period. Had it been for a longer period, and had more residents applied- I may have reconsidered this position.  In addition to this, the IW Council is becoming less involved in local projects and this offered me a greater opportunity to be involved in doing more as a local councillor.

For the last 3½ years, I’ve attended the duration of every monthly meeting and although I thoroughly enjoy doing this, it is very frustrating for me to remain and have minimal input, particularly when residents hold the expectation, I share their concerns as widely as possible.

If you have concerns about me doing this, or you wish to discuss any conflicts of interest that you feel that I may have, please talk to me.

Access Protection Bars.

Following meetings with local schools about parental parking, preventing access to residents’ driveways, I have been given further information about Access Protection Bars.

I understand from highways there is currently a backlog of applications, and it seems unlikely that current requests will be implemented before spring.  That stated, I have reproduced the Council’s Frequently Asked Questions concerning Access Protection Bars.

Question: What if I have an access protection bar and someone parks their vehicle across my driveway?

Answer: Access protection bars are advisory only and are there to highlight to the general public that the access is in use.

If someone parks in such a manner that it does not allow you to exit your driveway then they are causing an obstruction. If such a situation occurs, you can now report this to the Isle of Wight Council's Parking Services Department on 01983 823714 and one of the Council's Civil Enforcement Officers (CEO's) can issue a penalty charge notice, if the offending vehicle is still parked in contravention when they visit the site.
However, please note the CEO can only issue a penalty charge notice, they do not have any power to remove an obstructing vehicle. In this situation, you still need to contact the Police on 0845 045 4545 (local Police contact number).


Question: How much are access protection bars? 

Answer: Access protection bars are £58.80 for a single width driveway, £82.30 for a double width driveway and £141.00 for a treble width driveway. If the area the access protection bar is needed to cover is larger, then a site visit will be required to determine the cost. If you are a registered blue badge holder, access protection bars are free of charge, however there is currently an approximate waiting time of six months at present.

We also provide pedestrian access protection bars, which are supplied where the access from your house exits directly onto the highway, for example there is no pavement. The cost of this £29.35.

Question: How do I apply for an access protection bar?

Answer: Please contact the Isle of Wight Council on (01983) 823777 who will take your details. These will added to a waiting list and an application form will be sent to you by Highways Operational Support once you near the top of the list

Question: Once I have returned the application form and paid the relevant monies, how long will it be before the bar is painted?

Answer: A job ticket is issued on the last day of the month to paint access protection bars and depending on the weather should be painted within the first two weeks of the following month. No precise date can be given as the Councils statutory obligations must take priority. However, this service is temporarily unavailable at the current time.

Question: Can I have an existing Access Protection Bar repainted?

Answer: Yes. The current charges for a repaint are: £52.90 for a single width, £76.40 for a double width, £135.10 for a treble width and £23.50 for a pedestrian gateway. Please contact the Isle of Wight Council on (01983) 823777 who will take your details. These will added to a waiting list and an application form will be sent to you by Highways Operational Support once you near the top of the list.

Question: Can I have an access protection bar across my pedestrian gateway and how much does it cost?

Answer: Yes, as long as the gateway exits directly onto the highway (for example there must not be a pavement) and the cost is £27.90. However, this service is temporarily unavailable at the current time.

In the last month:

·         I requested information, in support to a resident who had a ‘shed’ built overlooking their back garden.

·         Requested further action is taken concerning Shore Road’s leaking sewer.

·         I took part in Gurnard’s Village tidy up.

·         Saw action taken following an illegal encampment on Gurnard Seafront.

·         Met with representatives from Cowes Enterprise College, on representing the views of students.

·         I attended meetings of the Planning Committees which determined applications on Ryde Speedway; a Marine Business Park, East Cowes; Whitecliff Bay Holiday Camp, Bembridge (conditions of winter residence); a replacement dwelling at Quarr, Fishbourne; alterations to a former public loo, Ventnor and alterations to the former Railway Station, Yarmouth.  

·         I attended the IW Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee where the slippage of timescales and the length of the 25 year was challenged.

·       Requested action taken to broken handrails in Worsley Road, Gurnard; repairs undertaken to potholes in Parklands Avenue, Dog Mess (at various location!); graffiti removal at Gurnard Green; and requested action be taken to fix a dodgy manhole cover at the bottom of Solent View Road.

·         I’ve been assured that resurfacing the cyclepath in Baring Road will be actioned once the weather improves(?!) and requested that special consideration is given to gritting Egypt Hill. 

IW Councillor's Report: October

Surgeries:

4:30-5pm Tuesday 2nd October, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 2nd October, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Tuesday 9th October, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 17th October, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

1pm-1:30pm, Wednesday 24th October, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 30th October, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

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

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 6th November, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes

PLEASE REMEMBER: Consultations continue on the Localisation of Council Tax Support continues until 30^th November.  Residents can complete the on-line survey on iwight.com , or request a survey by calling 01983 823653.

Access to Cowes Medical Centre.

I was asked to intervene following concerns were raised that the local bus service used by local residents would be diverted away from Cowes Medical Centre following the recent road closure of Newport Road.

Prior to this road closure, I spoke to the Medical Centre who advised they had heard nothing formal from the contractors, despite a reassurance made to the IW Council’s Head Of Highways that local people would be notified.

With support of the Medical Centre, Southern Vectis were persuaded to divert Service 32 to call closer to the Medical Centre returning to Cowes via Three Gates Road, Seaview Road and Bellevue Road.  I understand this diversion is being well received by residents of the Westbury Estate… 

School Collections/ Drop Off’s.

Following the start of the new school term, I met with the Head Teacher, to address residents’ concerns over school drop off and collection’s at Gurnard School, Baring Road.

I have asked for more enforcement to be undertaken by Parking Enforcement Officers, to assist the school in addressing this problem; In addition to my efforts on this, Gurnard School is in the process of establishing a Parents Forum, to discuss parents ideas further.  Following this meeting, I intend addressing outcomes with Highways.

At Cowes Primary School, I’ve noted there has been less of a problem (so far).   However, I am looking forward to talking to the school about this when I meet with staff in the coming weeks.

Cowes, Local Action Group.

·         CCTV on Princes Green was successful this summer, with less offending over Cowes Week because of this.

·         A discarded syringe was found in Birmingham Road.  It was unclear whether drugs paraphernalia mapping was continuing.  This would be requested, if this was not the case.

·         Speeding  in Newport Road continues to be an issue.  The Police would be requested to undertake speed checks and Enforcement action taken where appropriate.  Cllr Peacey-Wilcox, would also be notified.

·         Only one complaint was received about gatherings on Gurnard Beach this year.  This is as a result of work by the PCSO’s, better monitoring of Social Networking sites and inevitably the inclement weather.

·         Incidents had reduced in Northwood Recreation Ground following the closure of the toilets in the evenings.

·         There had been incidents of Youth Nuisance and Anti-Social Behaviour in local shops.  Shopwatch in partnership with the Police are dealing with these incidents, which consist of a group of unruly youths entering shops.

·         It was reported that items of washing had been stolen from a home in Newport Road.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 14^th November.

Planning and Licensing Issues.

On the Licencing Committee, I supported extending the Licence to open the Porter Club (formerly Lake Working Mens Club).  This application was controversial insofar as over 20 residents had objected to the extended hours.  That said, Environmental Health advised that no complaints had been received from residents when the former club was open from 2007 until 2010.  Because there were no formal complaints, the Committee felt they should approve the application, however I asked for a condition to be imposed for the club to keep a book to monitor complaints.

The Planning Committee was held over 2 nights this month to deal with a high volume of applications being considered.

I supported applications for a new Bay Primary School which will serve Sandown over one site at Grove Road, and proposals to expand Christ The King College, Carisbrooke.  The most controversial aspect about the Christ The King College application were objections over the retention of the Sports Hall, which local residents complained resonates sound.  Because there was no objections from Environmental Health and because conditions were being advised to limit use to school times only, and due to the fact that Government funding had been approved to enable a more permanent expansion- I felt that any refusal would not be sustainable.

Elsewhere, in East Cowes I supported proposals to create 4 retail units and accommodation opposite Waitrose.

Like most other members of the Planning Committee, In the last few weeks I have received a number of representations concerning the Asphalt Plant proposal.

As yet, no date has been set to consider this application.

Locally, I was asked to intervene on pre-application discussions for replacing 13 Shore Road, Gurnard.  Because of public opinion regarding these proposals, I am advised the applicants are re-thinking  their proposals. 

Health and Community Wellbeing.

This offered me an opportunity to ask questions in relation to publicising better NHS Check-ups for men over the age of 40, and raising residents’ issues over the availability of car parking at St Mary’s Hospital.

Regarding the availability of Car Parking, I was advised that changes to appointment times throughout the hospital to lessen the extent of bulges throughout the day were to be implemented. We were also advised additional car parking would provide up to 100 additional spaces.

I attended the most recent meeting of the IW Council’s Health and Community Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee.

It was reported there was progress in enabling NHS Dental treatment, and that the new practice in East Cowes will offer provision to 5000 patients. It was highlighted that NHS treatment, was not as difficult as it had been previously.  From April 2013 the NHS Helpline 111, will offer advice on dental care, and steps were in place for the Tooth Bus to visit the Island, allowing an opportunity for residents who were not registered to receive a consultation.

St Mary’s Hospital is holding a crutch amnesty, due to a current shortage of walking aids on the Isle Of Wight.

Junk Mail and Nuisance Calls.

I’ve been asked to re-publish contact details for the Telephone and Mailing Preference Services.  This follows a recent abrupt increase of tele-marketing.

You can contact the TPS on 0845 070 0707 and the MPS on 0845 703 4599, or by writng to both services who are based at 70 Margaret Street, London. W1W 8SS.  Both sites also have websites for registering on-line.

In addition to this, if you are fed up with Royal Mail’s distributed Junk Mail, you can do this through their Door-To-Door opt out scheme.  To do this, you first need to ask Royal Mail to send you an ‘Opt Out Confirmation Form’ by sending an e-mail with your name and full address to  optout@royalmail.com.  You can also contact the Royal Mail by post to: Freepost RRBT-ZBXB-TITS, Door-To-Door Opts, Royal Mail, Kingsmead House, Oxpens Road, OXFORD. OX1 1RX.

All of this information, I obtained via the stopjunkmail.org.uk website.  This site has advice and a ‘Junk Buster’, where on-line you can contact up to five other opt-out services at the same time.

Gurnard wins the Island Best Kept Village!

Congratulations to all involved in keeping Gurnard clean and tidy on a day to day basis- Particularly to Emma and the volunteers from Gurnard In Bloom for their efforts helping Gurnard to win this years' Best Kept Village.

Also personal thanks, from me to Cllr Marie Bugden for continually reminding me to take action when our very high standards start to falter! 

This award is very much a testament to the incredible sense of pride which Emma, Marie and many others within our community have for the village.  Well done and Thank You to all involved!

In the coming month:

·         Following Gurnard’s recent success as the Island’s Best Kept Village, in Isle of Wight In Bloom, there will be a village tidy up where residents can join me and others in our marigolds!  Please come along, as we will be departing at 10am, Saturday 20^th October from Gurnard Village Hall.  If you wish to know more please contact Cllr Jill Sivell on 07966 819952.  

·         Newport Road (between Northwood and Parkhurst) will have a Stop & Go Board in operation for ‘drainage works’ from Monday 8^th October ‘til Saturday 13^th October.  After this, I anticipate the same stretch of road will have traffic lights in operation for remedial resurfacing for the Newport Road for up to a month afterwards.  This was planned to start this week, however as yet, I’ve received no confirmation when this is to happen.

Japanese Knotweed.

I have been contacted by a number of residents from Cowes and Gurnard, who have contacted me about concerns over the perceived spread of Japanese Knotweed.  Matthew Chatfield from Parks and Beaches has advised that I circulate the following statement:

Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) on the Isle of Wight

Japanese knotweed is an introduced and invasive plant which causes damage to property and wildlife. It is not poisonous but causes damage by smothering natural vegetation and by its rapid and strong growth which can damage structures such as highways, foundations, walls and drains. Japanese knotweed grows very fast, is extremely persistent and capable of regeneration from very small parts of the plant. Roots can remain viable for years without producing shoots above ground.

What to do if knotweed is threatening land you own or manage

• Initially, an approach should be made to the occupier or owner of land on which the knotweed is growing.

• It is best to act soon and agree a plan to eradicate the knotweed. In almost all cases, a commercial herbicide contractor will be needed to do the job properly. Over-the-counter herbicides are rarely effective enough and can make the problem worse if they do not succeed. Cutting, crushing, and especially strimming the plant whilst it is alive is not advised as it scatters fragments and spreads the problem wider.

• If the knotweed is posing a direct risk to your property you may be able to get assistance from your buildings insurer. Some insurers provide help to make a claim against a neighbour in such situations.

• Knotweed is not a weed specified in the Weeds Act so if the landowner refuses to act, your only recourse is to take legal action against them yourself. The Isle of Wight Council or the government has no power to become involved. You should get legal advice from a solicitor before you take any such action.

• Any herbicide use on or near water including streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and any running water must be licensed by the Environment Agency and a certificate issued.

Knotweed and the law

It is an offence to plant knotweed in the wild, but more often the knotweed spreads from somewhere else. Managing Japanese knotweed is the responsibility of the owner or occupier of the site. It is not illegal to have knotweed on your land, and there is no legal obligation on a landowner to control knotweed, although if this is not done and the knotweed causes damage to somebody else’s property, the landowner might have to pay compensation for the damage. Allowing Japanese knotweed to spread onto somebody else’s land could be considered to be a private nuisance but not a statutory nuisance. Therefore resolving such problems is a private matter between the landowners involved.

Disposing of knotweed once it has been removed is also controlled by law. All parts of the plant (including soil with root fragments in it) are controlled waste and must be disposed of correctly: burning on site is often the best way. On a domestic scale, if burning is not possible, the knotweed material should be put into a polythene sack, which is then put into a further sack & secured. This can then be taken to a Civic Amenity Site with the prior agreement of the site provider. You must tell the staff at the site about the knotweed to ensure proper disposal is carried out. Japanese knotweed should not be put in with other green waste. For commercial operations your waste contractor must be made aware of the knotweed before taking it away. Disregard of the requirements for controlled waste can be a criminal offence.

Notifying the council of knotweed

There is no legal obligation to notify anyone of knotweed. However the council does keep a record of knotweed infestations if they are reported. This does not mean that action will necessarily be taken, but does allow the extent of the problem to be monitored.

Knotweed: The IW Council’s Position

The council has no powers to take action against knotweed on land it does not control itself; but the council as landowner recognises the problem posed by knotweed on its own land and does take action against it. The extent of the problem means that there are many places where infestations remain. Knotweed control work is limited by available resources so is prioritised. A high priority is put on areas where knotweed is causing or likely to cause damage to designated nature reserves, or buildings and other structures, but in cases where no such damage is occurring, work does not always take place immediately.

The council is able to give advice on control methods, but will not normally take action against knotweed where it is not growing on or affecting land in which the council has an interest.

In the last month:

·         I was asked to put my name forward for co-option on to Gurnard Parish Council. This came about due to the number of vacancies, the short length term of office and the fact that I’m closely involved working with Gurnard Parish Council on a number of projects (i.e Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan, Gurnard Playing Field acquisition etc.)

·         I’ve requested a number of bus stops to be cleaned and disinfected.

·         The Man Hole cover in Princes Esplanade has been repaired(!!), whilst new guttering is on order for the public toilets on Gurnard Green.

·         I attended a follow-up meeting at Briary Court, arranged for officers from the IW Council’s waste team to visit to offer advice about recycling and I continue to make a case for the Dial-A-Bus to pick residents up from the door.

·         I have attended meetings with IW Council Directors to discuss opportunities for next years’ budget.

·         Residents continue to complain to me about stray Golf Balls from bad Golfers… I have visited Baring Road residents and am discussing this with the Secretary from Cowes Golf Club!

·         I received complaints from residents about what is thought to be anti-social behaviour in Spencer’s Copse, and complaints of car for sale in Place Road that was causing an obstruction, and subsequently removed.

·         I’m talking to Officers about simplifying entitlement of Concessionary Passes for long term disabled residents.

·         I  have passed on complaints concerning dog fouling, overgrown hedges this month Baring Road, Place Road, Woodvale Road and Tuttons Hill.

·         I’ve met with two sets of residents who are having issues with the same social landlord. 

IW Councillors Report: September

Surgeries:

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.

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 Avenue, Cowes.

4:30-5pm Tuesday 2^nd October, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 2^nd October, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, 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 accepted liability and will undertake necessary remedial works after the summer season.

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

The response from the Director, I emailed to Local Councillors, and concerned local residents last month.

PFI Update.

An Extra Ordinary Meeting of the Isle Of Wight Council was held on the 22^nd August, to agree with proceeding with the Island’s PFI, under the Vinci Meridium Consortium.

Although like several residents, I’ve had questions about the Council’s Highway’s Private Finance Initiative (most which are robustly answered), I am very much in support of the PFI initiative. The PFI will provide much needed investment into the Island’s roads, and from my perspective when I discuss issues with residents, the condition of our roads and pavements always feature high in the issues residents consider important.

Inevitably, there will be considerable disruption over the next seven years, however I have been appeased by Officers that safeguards will be in place to ensure the Island’s Economy is not adversely affected.

Localisation of Council Tax Support.

Next year, the amount of funding the IW Council receive from 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 by a localised Council Tax Support scheme from 1^st  April, 2013.  The thinking behind these reforms are to get more working aged people into employment.

Earlier this week I attended a seminar to look at options, a brief Councillors on how this is likely to progress.  The options that are available to make up any shortfall includes options to 1. Raise Council Tax; 2. Reduce Expenditure and 3. Introduce a requirement for some of those residents currently in receipt of the benefit to contribute towards the cost of the council tax levied on their property.  Consultation on options will begin from 24^th September.

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

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.

Trading Standards: Speculative Cold Calls.

I’ve 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!

New Powers for Community Support Officers.

Throughout this summer, I have lost count of the telephone calls that I have received from residents who have complained about cyclists using the pavement on Cowes/ Gurnard Seafront.

I therefore welcome new powers that have been introduced by the Hampshire Constabulary giving our Council’s Community Support Officers powers to issue fixed penalties (£30) to cyclists using footpaths.  Other powers CSO’s now have include confiscation of alcohol in restricted areas and confiscation of alcohol/ tobacco in the procession of those under 18. 

Youth Advisors.

One project, I was anxious to see come to fruition earlier this year was the appointment of Youth Advisors to sit on local Town and Parish Council.  This was made all the more important, as I was advised that Cowes Youth Forum also had no young people within their Committee.

Following no Advisors being appointed by Cowes Enterprise College, I approached the Isle of Wight Youth Council, to request their support in filling vacancies at Cowes Town Council and Northwood Parish Council.

Following this approach, I can report that a Youth Councillor has been nominated to join Cowes Town Council’s Town Improvements, Northwood Recreation Ground Committee and Cowes Youth Forum.

Once the new school opens later this year, I am anxious to ensure that the College takes advantage of the offer made by local Council’s.

Cowes Enterprise College.

During August, I received a number of telephone calls, visits and emails from parents and students concerned about delays being caused in relocating to the new school site in Crossfield Avenue.

From what I am advised, the relocation has had to be put back by 6 weeks, following the weather conditions which restricted the contractors meeting the timeframe they were asked to keep to.  Further to concerns which were raised, I am happy to report that children will return to school as normal on 4^th September!

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.

DEFRA Consultation on the Isle of Wight Coastal Path.

There is currently a consultation underway to include the Isle of Wight under the terms of the above act.

The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 provides for a coastal trail to be established around the whole English coast.

Here on the Isle of Wight we are short of having a comprehensive Coastal Path as half of the existing path runs either inland or along public roads. More than 10 miles of our northern coastline between Yarmouth and Ryde have no public access or footpath.

A study commissioned by the Countryside Agency identified the South West Coastal Path is worth over £300 million each year to that region's economy. Pro rata that to the Isle of Wight coast line, could be worth £34 million pa and support circa 800 jobs for our Island economy.

The Isle of Wight is not automatically included under the provisions of the 2009 Act. A special Order will need to be prepared and signed at the discretion of the Environment Minister for us to be covered. If DEFRA and Natural England continue with their original outline plans Coastal Access for the Island will not be considered before 2019.  

Following several months of campaigning by the IOW Ramblers, DEFRA have now issued a consultation paper to seek opinions on both whether such an order should be signed and also what priority should be given to the Island for the implementation of the 2009 Act.

Organisations and residents can submit their views to this Consultation through the following link to DEFRA's website- http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2012/07/24/iow-access-mcaa/.  The deadline for this consultation ends 16^th November.

In the Last month:

·        Gurnard’s Pre-School Planning Application was approved, following this being signed off under delegated powers.  The Pre-school had met with neighbours to overcome issues that were of concern, and on balance I considered the grounds for refusing this application to be untenable in light of local support.

·         Cliff Cottage was also narrowly Approved by the IW Council’s Planning Committee, by 5 votes to 4.

·         I was approached by Age UK to intervene, after concerns were raised by residents that seating and litter bins were not replaced on Cowes Seafront following the Queens visit. Following passing on residents’ requests, action was taken to replace seating and bins for Cowes Week.

·         During Cowes Week, I had to get the intervention of the IW Council and Police to move a parked motor home, which was causing an obstruction in Princes Esplanade.

·         Work has begun to replace fencing on the Coastal Path between Gurnard and Thorness.

·         I called another meeting between the IW Council and Gurnard Parish Council, to progress the disposal of the former Gurnard School Playing Field and Orchard. I remain positive that the Parish Council will favourably consider maintaining the Playing Field and Orchard and providing public access until this is formally marketed. In the meantime, the IW Council has arranged to cut the Playing Field.

·         The IW Council, has had to temporarily fix one of Southern Water’s manhole covers that has remained hazardous since July.

·         I organised a meeting with IW Council’s Street Lighting Department and Southern Electricity to discuss ideas put by the CBA for Christmas Lighting at a recent meeting. In order to place an order for this year, the CBA were advised details would need to be supplied later this month.

·         I organised for a local Baring Road resident to have weeds brambles removed from his garden, as these had spread from nearby IW Council owned land.

·         I called a meeting with the Secretary of Cowes Golf Club, following complaints received over the removal of shrubbery from the Golf courses perimeter. Since then, Ive been asked to resolve an issue relating to stray Golf Balls landing in a particular property in Baring Road..

·        I have passed on information to residents concerning the spread of Japanese Knotweed.  In Baring Road Knotweed has needed to be treated due to this undermining the pavement.

·       I undertook a letterdrop and organised a meeting with Planning Policy Officers and Parish Councillors following concerns being raised over SHLAA sites.

·    I am in the process of dealing with a complaint concerning Parking Permits.

·   I was very happy to endorse Cowes Harbour Commissions’ Cowes Breakwater Project.

·    I have posted my Register Of Interests On-line, through my blog.  I hope shortly, to post this via iwight.com.

·      I have been asked to support residents living adjacent to Solent Lawns woodland.  Residents have requested my support in seeing a management plan for the woodland is put in place.

·     I accompanied Andrew Turner MP on his surgeries when he came to Cowes Co-Op and Gurnard.

·        I was invited to a Coffee Morning at Briary Court, and was asked to deal with ten action points relating to concerns held by residents.  I am awaiting a response from officers as to these outcomes and a further invitation has been received for this month.

·       I asked officers to deal with obstructive bollards (Park Road), hedgerows (Cockleton Lane, Winding Way, Place Road, Newport Road), noisy generators (Rew Street), and uncollected refuse (Crossfield Avenue). 
Within the Planning Committee, I supported proposals for a photovoltaic system on AONB land at Whitwell.