IW Councillors Report: February 2013

Surgeries:

3-3:30pm, Tuesday 5^th February, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5-5:30pm, Tuesday 12^th February, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

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

6-6:30pm*, Wednesday 20^th February, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
(Please note amended time, due to Regulatory Panel Site Visit)

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 27^th February, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

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

Traffic Matters, Baring Road.

I attended a meeting with Gurnard School’s Parent’s Forum, in order to address concerns made by residents and parents about traffic generation during term times at the school.

A meeting is being arranged to speak to Highways to address issues, however before doing this I am interested to know the views of Parish & Town Councillors, and residents without connection to the school who regularly use Baring Road.  Areas that I have been requested to assess are as follows:

• ·    A zebra crossing.
• ·    Parental parking restricting the Baring Road cycle lane.
• ·    Lack of enforcement by Parking Enforcement Officers.
• ·  Dog Mess- This is a disincentive for walking to school (Especially in Cow Lane, Baring Road & Woodvale Road).
• ·    Damage to grass verges (Woodvale Road).
• ·  Parking restrictions swapped from southern end to northern end of Baring Road (East of school site)
• ·    Improvements and signage for the junction of Debourne Manor Drive.
• ·   Disabled Parking (To be assessed by Gurnard Primary School in conjunction with parents of disabled children) 
• ·   Improving and circulation of safe walking routes to school.
• ·    Supporting extending the pavement from Pine Tree Close to connect Egypt Hill and beyond.
• ·  Further Pinch Points, within the vicinity of Gurnard Primary School.
• ·    Drop Off Zones.
• ·    Consideration of No waiting Restrictions.

In the meantime, the school is also talking to Helen Stitchbury, the former Safe Routes to School Officer, who is supporting our initiative.

Former Readers Site, Place Road.

At a recent planning meeting of Gurnard Parish Council a representative of the owners of the former Reader’s site in Place Road made a short presentation to the Council.

At the meeting, we were advised that discussions were underway with Planners to use the former Readers site for commercial purposes and subsequently The Range, had expressed an interest to make an application for the site- to operate alongside the Inner Space storage facility alongside.

Following the meeting, the Agent made an assurance to me that he would talk to both Cowes Town and Northwood Parish Council’s, given the close proximity of this site to neighbouring parishes.  In addition to this, I have requested that a pre-application exhibition be held to seek feedback from residents.

In the meantime, requests have been made for the IW Council to maintain the roadside grass verges outside this site.

Worsley Road, Traffic Obstructions

More complaints have been received concerning perceived traffic blocking Worsley Road and Solent View Road.

Due to the fact there is no width restriction in these roads, most heavy traffic using the village use this route. The Village Hall Users Group, have been very helpful in requesting that users are mindful of this, however I do continue to receive complaints.

What I’m very anxious to avoid, is vehicles being ticketed or worse still(!!) parking restrictions being considered, as I have very real concerns over the impact this would have.

Because of this, please can I request residents are cautious when they park.

Highways PFI Update.

I attended a very interesting public meeting on what residents can expect from the Highways PFI, once it commences from the 1^st April.

It came as no surprise that roads on the Isle of Wight are considered to be the worst in the UK.   Although a great deal of information was disseminated, residents were advised that all street lighting would be replaced with more energy and cost efficient lighting within the first 3 years, and within 7 years all adopted roads would be resurfaced.

Locally roads that would be resurfaced in Year 1, were:

·         Egypt Esplanade, Park Road, Place Road (Cowes West)

·         Church Road, Princes Esplanade, Shore Road and Woodvale Road (Gurnard) 

Roads due to be resurfaced in Year 2 were:

·         Firs Close, The Green, Parklands Avenue, Ward Avenue (Cowes West)

·            Cockleton Lane, Jordan Close, Lower Church Road, Rew Street, Worsley Road, (Gurnard)

These plans are indicative, and are subject to change- However, I am very pleased to see these roads (Esp. Parklands Avenue and Ward Avenue) given high priority.

Given this work will be front loaded to be completed within the first 7 years of this 25 year contract, it was highlighted that from April there will be 15 times more roadworks on the Island, than there is currently.

If you were unable to attend the public meeting and wish to know more, please let me know!!

Cowes Enterprise College.

A meeting for parents was called at the College, following an ‘Inadequate’ grading from OFSTED inspectors.  Since the Inspection, the IW Council has supported the school which is now in special measures and receiving specialist support and follows the departure of the college’s Principal in December

Areas considered Inadequate was 1. The Achievement of pupils, 2 Quality of teaching and 3. Leadership & Management, whilst Behaviour and safety of pupils ‘requires improvement’.

During the meeting which I attended- Questions asked included what steps were being taken to improve communication with parents, morale within the school, the school curriculum and why action was not taken before inspection to address the schools failures. 

In the meantime though not a School Governor myself, I continue to offer my full support.

With regards to the new school build programme, I am meeting with the Director Stuart Love later this month.

Localisation of Council Tax Support.

Following consultation last year, Cabinet recommended to Full Council the following proposals, namely:

·         Reduce the support to 80% of Council tax liability to working age claimants.

·         Give protection to working age vulnerable claimants by not limiting their support to 80% of council tax liability.

·         Give protection to families with Children and working age vulnerable by still disregarding child benefit, war pensions and other related income categories.

·         To remove the second adult rebate.

·         To continue the incentive for work by not increasing the taper by which additional income over the applicable is taken into account.

·         To remove the current 10% council tax discount on second homes.

·         To change the discount and exemptions for council tax on empty properties.

Esplanade Parking and No Waiting restrictions, Gurnard and Cowes.

Further to the consultation concerning the merits (or not) of introducing a parking restriction, I will not be pursuing this.

In favour of introducing a restriction 4 residents highlighted their support, commenting that mobile home owners restricted it to others (including householders) taking full advantage of viewing events from the shoreside.  Other residents complained of mobile home owners ‘holding’ parking spots for the entirety of Cowes Week, whilst others raised concerns over travellers decamping on Cowes Seafront without any restrictions.

Those 11 residents opposed to such a restriction cited concerns over how this could directly or indirectly impact upon businesses-  The Woodvale opposed such a restriction in this regard.  Others highlighted this would impact upon anglers, whilst others felt that the police and the Council had adequate powers to move vehicles on without the imposition of an overnight parking ban.

Planning Applications- Updates.

44 Worsley Road.  Consultants were commissioned by the applicant to show a housing need for development for this site. Comments concerning this report, can be made until the 8^th February.

76 Worsley Road.  The deadline on this application closed last month.  The main issues raised from the Consultation relates to the proposed design. Although Officers are not unduly concerned about the design, in light of representations received, I’m considering calling this application to be considered by the Planning Committee.

Former Gurnard School site.  An application is pending for the former school field and orchard site for community use, with access from Cockleton Lane.  This application is due to be submitted in the coming weeks.

Residents Feedback: Cliff Road, Mornington Road and Queens Road.

Last month I undertook a consultation with residents in these roads to seek their views on the Cowes Conservation Area, as part of the contribution on the Medina Valley Area Action Plan- as well as find out more about residents views on replacing lost trees last year.

Comments on several items raised have been fed back to Cowes Town Council’s Town Improvements Committee, the IW Council and Cowes Community Partnership who are managing the woodland on the IW Council’s behalf.

Please see report to Cowes Town Council’s Town Improvements Committee Below:

Thank you for allowing me to report on the newsletter which I sent out to 100 residents living in Cliff Road and Queens Road concerning recent tree removal.

I received four comments back- However, none refer to replacing the trees lost at Mornington Green, therefore I would suggest that residents have no comment to make concerning this.

Indirectly re: trees,  I think there seems to be some concern about the removal of the pond in Mornington Woods and how residents feel this impacts upon water courses which flow through the site.

Residents also have expressed concern over the amount of recent housing development, which they consider might also adversely impact upon the water course and diversion of springs.  Also of concern is water which flows across Queens Road making this dangerous in icy conditions.

One of the recommendations, I would suggest is that perhaps the IW Council considers whether the creation of a new pond to replace would have merit.  (The former pond was removed due to the fact that species using it were of little ecological value- according to Richard Day managing the woodland on behalf of Cowes Community Partnership).  The IW Council highlights the fact that the considerable water-logging was due to the wet summer rather than the removal of the pond…  However, given this explanation- It remains important for the local conditions to be monitored, in order for a  way forward between Councils and local residents can be agreed.

In the meantime, I will continue to monitor this alongside Cllr Flury.

CLLR. PAUL FULLER- 28.01.13

Following comments raised, the Highways Department are reviewing parking signage.   

Road and Slipway Closures.

Shore Road, Gurnard has needed to close due to emergency work needing to be carried out to the fractured combined sewage main.  Originally I requested the main to be flushed out again when the reoccurring leakage was spotted after Christmas.  It is anticipated the road will be closed until 15^th February- However, I have made representations to the IW Council requesting that work is completed promptly. 

Another road due to be closed from 11^th February is Rew Street for replacement sewers at Horn Hill,  it is anticipated this work will continue until 15^th April.  Being aware of the disruption this is likely to cause to the Rew Street community, I’ve made representations urging a rethink on the length of any closure.

I am advised that the (very long!) temporary parking restriction on Crossfield Avenue, is due to be lifted in the coming weeks.  The contractor for the new school has confirmed that the restriction in place is no longer required.

Following access being restricted last Easter to the Public Slipway at Thetis Wharf, I have been approached by a local resident requesting that Southern Water (who’s temporarily closed the slipway) deals with the current issue promptly.

Annual Reports: Please tell me what you think!

At Full Council, I was directly criticised for not providing a 300 word Annual Report within the IW Council’s website, and a presumption this Councillor felt residents of Cowes West & Gurnard was uninformed of my activities because of this.

Although, I did attempt to post my 300 word report online- The IW Council’s website could not format this. Because of this, my Blog is promoted within my iwight.com webpage for residents wanting to know more.

At the meeting I made the point that every year a 4 page Annual Report is delivered to each household, whilst in addition to this I write monthly reports for Councillors, interested residents, Gurnard News the Cowes Magazine and my blog.

Please let me know, if you feel that you are not properly informed of the work that I undertake as your local councillor.

Gurnard Beach.

I’ve been contacted by the police who received complaints from property owners with beach frontages at Solent View Road. In the past outhouses, garden furniture and structures have been removed or damaged and the police are concerned by complaints from residents about damage being caused and residents accessing private land.

In the meantime, Planning compliance officers have conrfirmed they will not be taking further action following fencing being erected above mean high tide mark.

Protection of Children.

The overall effectiveness of the arrangements to protect children on the Isle of Wight was judged to be inadequate by OFSTED following a recent inspection of the Isle of Wight Council.

OFSTED has made the following recommendations as Areas for Improvement:

Immediately:

·         review and audit all contacts over the last four months into the children’s First Response unit that resulted in a decision not to provide a service.

·         review and audit all open section 47 enquiries and all cases involving children subject to a child protection plan to ensure that assessments and current plans reflect all the indicators of reported risk.

·         ensure that performance management and quality assurance arrangements are fully in place and that there is robust management oversight of all contacts, referrals and section 47 enquiries.

·         ensure that all assessments have sufficient focus on the voice and journey of the child, their individual needs and the presenting indicators of risk.

Within three months:

·         review, strengthen and establish clear lines of accountability and governance between the Health and Well-being Board, the Local Safeguarding Children Board and the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership Board

·         review the range and type of management information reports made available to senior managers and elected members to ensure that there is robust and effective governance of child protection services.

·         ensure that all staff receives regular and effective supervision in line with the council’s own supervision policy and that supervision supports professional development and service improvement.

Within six months:

·         ensure service planning is influenced by the views of service users, their parents and carers and the outcomes of audit and performance management arrangements.

As a member of the IW Council’s Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee, this report has caused me concern as it highlights shortfalls in how Scrutiny can be effective in constructively challenging Children’s Services.  The report is due to be considered by the Scrutiny Committee this week.

In The Last Month:

·         I voted against the Independent Remuneration Panel’s recommendation to freeze Councillors Allowances.  As far as I am concerned, I would be more than happy to undertake this work for less, and voted accordingly.

·         Complaints have been received concerning refuse being left in the highway by homeowners.

·         I’m still receiving a very large number of complaints concerning dog mess, and dogs being walked off leads.  I have requested that action is taken to remove dog mess in Park Road. In the meantime, I continue to request residents tell me or the IW Council about dog fouling incidents, particularly given my request for it to be a priority within the Police Local Action Group.

·         I have complained directly to BT concerning the leaky telegraph pole at the bottom of Ward Avenue.  The IW Council advises that they too have contacted BT who they consider were responsible for rupturing a water main when replacing a telegraph pole.  This became hazardous following the icy conditions last month.

·         I attended a coffee morning with Briary Court residents where they provided me on their views concerning Overnight Parking, mud on the highway (Princes Esplanade), salting routes (esp. Egypt Hill), and the need for the Dial-A-Bus to pick up closer to the entrance of Briary Court.

·         Work has still not been undertaken to infill pot holes on Debourne Manor Drive. On behalf of local residents, I have been asked to take up their concerns with the roads owner.

·         As a member of the Planning Committee, I supported proposals to develop a large poly-voltaic solar farm in St Helens.  The scheme will provide sufficient energy for 2,500 homes.

·         I took the decision not to participate on the IW Council’s Regulatory Committee when considering a Review hearing against a licensing review for fellow IW Councillor Jerry White.  As far as I was concerned there is a clear conflict of interest, as well as a perceived conflict insofar as I worked alongside Cllr White as a member of the Planning Committee.
         I have attended briefings on assessing next years’ IW Council budget.  Although there is little that can be done to address this, I am anxious that there is very little time to consult with residents on proposals for 2013/4.

·         Volunteers are still desperately needed to train as drivers for the Cowes Community Bus.  Please let me or Rusty Adams (Tel: 567522) know if you are interested!

·         I received individual requests for salting roads for emergency service practitioners, supporting autistic adults, helping residents with Planning enforcement matters, a complaint concerning perceived masonic influence within the IW Council  and received my first enquiry concerning poltergeists(!!).

Letter to Residents: Cliff Road and Queens Road.

16^th January 2013.

Dear Sir/ Madam,

In the last couple of months, I have received a number of requests and enquiries about local issues which I am circulating widely given the broad nature of issues raised.

·         Mornington Green. 

Last Autumn a number of trees had to be felled on Mornington Green, when one of the poplars became unsafe. I am advised that the IW Council are due to replace all trees felled, and are currently monitoring ground movement and water saturation levels in the area.

If you have views on which species you wish to see planted on the Green to replace those trees lost, later this year, please let me know.

In the meantime, Cowes Community Partnership continue to help manage Mornington Wood in partnership with the IW Council and Island 2000.  Chairman, Richard Day has advised that volunteers have removed 26 sycamore trees, and have replaced these with around 400 saplings, including Hazel, Alder, Willow, Crab Apple, Guilder Rose, Honeysuckle and blackthorn hedging.  For details please contact Richard Day on 295927.

·         Overnight Parking Restrictions.

Many thanks to residents who contacted me concerning ambiguity over the overnight parking restrictions in place currently in Queens Road.

I am advised following comments received, that this signage is due to be altered. 

I was also asked to investigate whether there might be support to extend the Overnight Parking restriction, west to include Egypt Esplanade and Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

Because most residents who contacted me considered a restriction would be an over-reaction to mobile homes parking on the seafront, and furthermore a parking restriction could adversely impact upon local businesses and householders, I’ve advised the IW Council, that no further action should be taken.  Incidentally 11 residents opposed an order whilst 2 residents supported one!

·         Mornington Road Car Park.

Before Christmas a local resident from Cliff Road asked me to investigate whether Mornington Car Park could be made available for local residents to park.

I am advised that Parking Permits are available to all residents of Cliff Road and to residents living east of 57 Queens Road.  Permits cost £150 per year and can be purchased from the reception of County Hall.  If you wish to know more, please let me know!

·         Protecting Cowes Conservation Area.

I’ve been asked make comments on ensuring the Cowes Conservation Area is protected within the Medina Valley Area Action Plan, element of the Isle of Wight’s new planning bible.  Please let me know your thoughts on this, and safeguards you wish to see enshrined within Planning Policy for existing and new homes. 

Yours,   

IW Councillors Report: January 2013

Surgeries:

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 8^th January, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

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

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

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 29^th January, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Tuesday 5^th February, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

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

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 20^th February, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 27^th February, Cowes Enterpise College, Avenue, Cowes.

Planning Support.

I am often contacted by householders requesting that I ‘support’ their planning applications.  Although I welcome the opportunity to support individuals affected by an application or by its progress, I always endeavour to make clear that I am unable to formally ‘support’ or ‘oppose’ applications until after the statutory timescales for comments.  Before, I sign off any application I do read all comments and discuss with officers what steps can be conditioned to overcome sustainable concerns.

In the meantime, I continue to welcome and support applicants discussing their plans with neighbours, and am happy to facilitate such discussions prior to submitting any formal Planning Application.

Planning Applications

I’m considering calling in an application to refuse extending 7 Battery Road, following no objections being received from either neighbours or Cowes Town Council.

Over Christmas a new application was advertised to redevelop 76 Worsley Road, Gurnard. This application proved to be a controversial when first advertised last year. At that time, there was 71 representations received in light of this initial application which is considerably high for a single dwelling replacement!  Subsequently after Christmas, I was pleased to get out and letterdrop householders in close proximity. 

Since signing off the original application, Planners have been working with the applicants to take a revised scheme forward.  Because of the strength of local feeling I’ve maintained a watching brief on this and have been lobbied by both the applicants, neighbours directly affected, objectors and supporters. Despite requests for support, I’ve made the point that IW Councillors are in no position to formally support or oppose any application prior to public consultation as this would compromise their position when determining applications. 

Prior to writing this report, Planning Officers have advised a further application has been received to develop at land at 44 Worsley Road, Gurnard.   This application includes a revised report over Housing Needs for Gurnard and is due to go out to public consultation on 18^th January.

Within the IW Planning Committee the Betty Haunt Lane Wind Turbine application was turned down, following an initial recommendation for approval by officers.  In light of new information concerning the impact of noise on an approved bungalow at Trumor Feeds in Forest Road, officers revised their recommendation from approval to refusal on this one factor alone (which I supported).  Following the 3½ hour hearing, Councillors supported this ground for refusal, but also added a conditional ground for refusal over their concerns of the visual impact of the turbines on the amenities of properties most notably in Forest Road (Although fully understanding committee members views on this, I felt uncomfortable on this extra reason as there was little evidence to substantiate this, in my opinion.)

Other applications the Planning Committee have determined includes a locally controversial application off Slay Lane, Whitwell; a conversion of a public toilet to a café on Sandown Esplanade and redevelopment of the former Gatten and Lake Primary School, Shanklin 

Cold Calling.

Prior to Christmas, further complaints were received concerning persistent cold calling in both Woodvale Road and Baring Road from Apple Home Improvements who have just moved into premises in Newport High Street.  This is the third instance of residents being targeted by sales people in the past 12 months.

In liaison with Trading Standards complaints have been made to the company.

Overnight Parking Restriction, Princes Esplanade Gurnard/ Egypt Esplanade, Cowes.

There has been some informal consultation on consideration of granting an overnight parking provision on Cowes/ Gurnard Esplanade, in last month’s Cowes Beacon, Gurnard News, the Cowes Magazine and through the IW County Press. 

My initial feeling from the responses so far received, is that any restriction would be an over-reaction to concerns expressed from residents about mobile homes parking. However, I intend to close the deadline later this month following discussing concerns with residents of Briary Court in the coming weeks. 

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership.

At the AONB Partnership it was reported that:

·         Proposals to construct 333 off-shore wind turbines 13.67km from the Needles has been moved fractionally closer to the Island following representations. It’s envisaged the full planning application will be made by Navitus in 2014.

·         Bembridge Parish Council has requested the support of the AONB Partnership to reinstate aspects of the coastal path lost during a landslip three years ago.

·         Work has commenced on the new AONB Management Plan for 2014-2019.

·         As yet there have been no substantiated instances of Ash Tree dieback on the Isle of Wight.  Concerns continue, given that many Island woodlands are dominated by Ash.

·         The Country Landowners Association has highlighted a willingness to discuss implications with ramblers, should the Isle of Wight be included within the National Coast Path.

·         Government are considering merging Natural England with the Environment Agency.

·         A new hoverfly has been discovered on the Isle of Wight on sand dunes, and the site is the only location in Britain where this species has been found (!)

Licensing Applications: Berties, Cowes.

I sat on the recent licensing hearing for Berties, (formerly Ocean World, High Street, Cowes) which was called following objections from Neighbours over the close proximity of their homes to the premises and over a perceived impact this licensed premise could have over children.

In light of this, both Environmental Health and the Police requested that conditions were applied to reduce hours etc., which the applicant was happy to adhere to.  On the proviso that these conditions were incorporated, and also in light of commendations by the police about the hands-on approach taken by the Licensee elsewhere the Licensing Committee supported this application.

Licensing Applications: McDonalds, Newport.

An application was also held following a request by McDonalds to extend opening hours beyond 11pm.

Concern was expressed by the police following regular crime and disorder incidents in and around the general proximity of the restaurant.  The Licensing Committee supported recommendations for staff to be trained to SIA door steward standard for those occasions when McDonalds opened beyond 11pm.

Cowes Enterprise College.

Following concerns expressed over the delayed construction of the new college, myself and Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox met with Director Stuart Love in order for us to be updated on progress.

Because of concerns being raised, a suggestion was put to circulate regular updates.  Whilst understanding there is sensitivity over the ongoing internal enquiry and commercial elements of the construction,  I would very much welcome all information that can be put in the public domain being made available to those interested.

In the last month, I:

·         Was requested through the Local Access Forum to arrange a meeting with the Head Of Highway’s to discuss the Forum’s concerns over dangerous locations where Public Bridleways and Footpaths exit onto roads.

·         Attended an Economy & Environment Scrutiny Panel meeting and challenged the Portfolio member for Highways on why delays had occurred in the publication of the IW Council’s Parking Strategy.

·         Kept busy over the Christmas break, whilst County Hall was closed, dealing with enquiries over iwight.com’s Planning portal and gritting/ salting routes.  During Christmas, residents without access to the internet  contacted me following confusion over waste collection times.  This is something that I’m anxious to pick up to ensure the same does not happen next year.

·         I attended a Southern Water seminar held in response to its community engagement.  I suggested to the company about the merits of holding regular meetings which could offer the opportunity for Parish and town councils and the wider community to have greater local input. This is something that participants supported and is being actively investigated by the company. 

IW Councillors Report: December

Surgeries:

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

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 11^th  December, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes. (Re-scheduled from 4^th December)

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

3-3:30pm, Tues. 19^th December, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 8^th January, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

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

Local Action Group Report.

Councillors will be aware of the Local Action Group report which I circulated to members earlier this month.

·         The Police advised that the East Cowes group has grown in strength, and are undertaking a Crime Prevention initiative in the town.

·         The Police are supporting initiatives to strengthen communication between themselves, the Fire Brigade and Adult Services.

·         The Police have made a number of drug arrests in Cowes, with the aid of ‘Ion Track’ devices.

·         The Police reported that there is an emerging issue in the Cowes area with BB Guns- This will be challenged by liaising closely with education providers.

·         The young people who had become an issue in Cowes, were no longer considered to be an issue for the Police.

·         It was agreed that members would do more to encourage young people to become more involved in the work of the LAG, and contact would be made with Cowes Enterprise College in this regard.

·         Members raised concerns over bad parking, particularly at school collection and drop off times.  

·         Concerns were expressed regarding dog fouling.

The local three policing priorities are as follows:

1.         Drug dealing.

2.         The question of speeding on roads.

3.         Policies to tackle dog fouling.

Meeting with new Independent Police Commissioner, Simon Hayes.

I took advantage of the opportunity to meet with the new Police Commissioner, who was elected to serve for four years from next April.  This offered me the opportunity to raise residents’ concerns with our new Commissioner.

Mr Hayes, has been asked to investigate:

1.    Creating closer liaison with coastguard and other providers, regarding duplication of service provision.

2.    Rethinking the Police Station closure programme, with the potential of creating Emergency service hubs.

3.    Looking into opportunities to liaise closer with youth service providers, whilst developing closer relationships with Schools and Colleges.

4.    To strengthen the relationship between Community representatives and the police. Particularly in close relationship with Neighbourhood Watch schemes and Local Action Groups.

5.       To ensure there is a direct link between the Isle of Wight and the Police Commissioner.

Overnight Parking Restrictions for Princes/ Egypt Esplanade: Let me know your thoughts!

This most recent suggestion came about following a ‘mobile home’ being parked on both Princes Esplanade and Egypt Esplanade, in recent months.

Although, I’m very pleased to report that following my intervention the mobile home and its owner has moved to an alternative location. I understand there are a number of residents which do take advantage of the current provision (i.e anglers etc.), and am very anxious to listen to residents thoughts on this matter.

Ash Trees.

I’ve received several calls concerning chalara, the airborne fungal disease which is as devastating to Ash Trees as Dutch Elm Disease was to Elms.

For the Island this could considerably impact upon wildlife, given almost half the trees within woodland are Ash. The IW Council advises to call the Chalara Helpline for details (open 8am-6pm daily); email plant.health@forestry.gsi.gov.uk;  or visit: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara.

So far all of the investigations which have taken place on the Island, has proved to negative.

Isle of Wight Festival, Regulatory Hearing.

The IW Council’s Regulatory Committee met following a request for a review by GKN, after staff and business was affected by congestion on roads leaving East Cowes.

During the hearing, it was made very clear by Festival Organisers that the single entrance to the car park facility became unusable due to the weather conditions last June.  Because vehicles were unable park, this made roads outside the Festival gridlocked.  Added to this, vehicles were unable to dismount from ferries and normal traffic using the Ryde (and East Cowes) to Newport road were also caught within this gridlock.  According to GKN one of its members of staff alleged that it took 10 hours to drive home from work to Ryde.

GKN based its review on 3 out of 4 of the statutory Licensing Objectives; Those being:

1. Prevention of Crime and Disorder;

2. Public Safety and

3. Public Nuisance.

Because the Police saw no problem with the first objective, and the Fire Service, the ambulance service, the police and the Council saw no issues to the second objective, a judgement would need to be made on the element of Public Nuisance alone.  Because agreements have been planned by Festival organiser to overcome the extent of  Public Nuisance which was caused in June, the Regulatory Panel agreed to support the IW Festival.

In order to ensure the same thing does not happen in future years, The Festival organisers have arranged to create a further car park (along the Racecourse), to park vehicles from Wightlink ferries; whilst the existing car park from the old East Cowes Road will be used solely for vehicles coming from Red Funnel ferries in East Cowes. Both car parks will have a number of entrances with several lanes to ensure traffic enters less disruption to traffic flows.  It is intended (subject to Planning) that Car Parks will have a hardstanding at the entrances to ensure traffic can enter the fields to park. Contingency arrangements are also being progressed with Brickfields, Robin Hill and Newport Football Club should the need for additional parking arise.

In addition, Regulatory members also supported there being closer liaison with local IW Councillors and Parish Council’s, and the opportunity to have a public facing document to show travel and transport arrangements prior to future festivals. 

Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan

I continue to be involved in Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan, this month I arranged a meeting between the IW Council’s Planning Department and members of the Housing & Building Sub Group to agree how to format the Housing Needs Survey, due for circulation next year.

At the Public meeting, I gave a very short presentation on the Social, Wellbeing and Community Sub group findings from the initial survey- which received an in excess of a 40% response rate. 

The main issues which came forward from the survey was the aspiration from Gurnard residents to preserve the village’s identity whilst ensuring future development compliments this. Residents also felt very strongly about preserving the green gaps which separates Gurnard from Cowes and Northwood.  As Isle of Wight Councillor for the area, this remains very important for me to recognise, in my efforts to support the local community.

There is still very much work that needs to be completed, before the Plan can be adopted towards the end of next year.

For further details on outcomes from the survey etc. please visit: http://gurnardneighbourhoodplan.org.uk/.

Winter Gritting/ Salting Routes.

Gritting and Salting routes remain unaltered from last year, with Newport Road, Nodes Road, Place Road, Park Road and Victoria Road remaining as the Primary Salt Route, whilst Tuttons Hill, Worsley Road, Shore Road, Woodvale Road, Baring Road, Crossfield Avenue and Ward Avenue are local roads continuing as secondary routes.

In the meantime, I’ve persevered on behalf of residents to do more to support keeping Egypt Hill open in Cowes and Cockleton Lane, Rew Street and Solent View Road open in Gurnard.

In the meantime, I welcome residents to let me know if certain roads become hazardous and require additional gritting!

Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel Education Outcomes.

At Scrutiny, I challenged Secondary School leaders over GCSE performance. At some schools the numbers of students receiving 5 GCSE’s including English and Maths fell to an unacceptably low figure at below 30%, (Cowes was 48% whilst the national average is 56%). In some cases these fell short of predictions made by school leaders last year to the Scrutiny Panel.  I also had the opportunity to ask questions of Secondary College Principals about fixed term exclusions.

Within the Primary School sector- Six schools made presentations to the Panel. Gurnard Primary School highlighted challenges the school had relocating to the former Solent Middle School site; but were very positive following receiving the best SAT’s results for the Island this year. At 92% these results easily surpassed the national average which is 78%.

Other schools highlighted issues that had been encountered following school reorganisation.  I asked questions to school leaders at less successful schools about how these schools received necessary support from the Local Authority, and in what form?  I also took up concerns raised by Queensgate School about their need to see their school’s roof fixed! 

Cowes Enterprise College.

At Full Council, members were advised that two members of staff dealing with School Reorganisation, had been suspended as a precautionary measure pending the outcome of an internal investigation into the management of the new Cowes Enterprise College bid.

In the meantime, the Director of the Economy & Environment, Stuart Love will now take a lead on this project.

Health and Well Being Scrutiny Panel.

Scrutiny Panel members received presentations which focused on supporting residents with mental health issues.

Councillors were updated on the NHS mandate, which will focus on the following areas:

§  preventing people from dying prematurely

§  enhancing quality of life for people with long-term conditions

§  helping people to recover from episodes of ill health or following injury

§  ensuring that people have a positive experience of care

§  treating and caring for people in a safe environment and protecting them from avoidable harm.

Within the mandate, we were advised Island residents will be able to contact their GP’s on line, which will ultimately free up doctor’s appointments to deal with vulnerable residents. It is perceived this will be instigated before 2015.

Further action is to take place at St Mary’s Hospital, to tackle speeding vehicles using the hospital as a rat-run to bypass delays on the St Mary’s roundabout.  Over three days 240 vehicles were stopped.

At the Scrutiny Panel, following feedback from residents I have requested more information is supplied to Island residents about the availability of public transport links when receiving appointments on the mainland.

Isle of Wight NHS Trust consults on becoming an NHS Foundation Trust

Islanders and NHS staff on the Isle of Wight are to be given the opportunity to be more involved in the way in which healthcare is provided on the Island through the proposed creation of an Island based NHS Foundation Trust.      Isle of Wight NHS Trust is consulting on its proposals to become an NHS Foundation Trust by April 2014 in line with national policy and guidance.  The consultation asks questions which cover three main areas:

·         The Trust’s vision and future plans

• Arrangements for membership of the Trust

·         Arrangements for the Council of Governors

Chief Executive Karen Baker said: “We believe that becoming an NHS Foundation Trust will bring important benefits to the Island and the patients we serve. We will be able to be more innovative, efficient and improve quality to provide even better services.   As an NHS Foundation Trust, we will have a membership and a Council of Governors. This means that the public, people who use our services, carers and staff will be able to shape the organisation and have even more of an influence in the way it is run.

For further information please visit: http://www.iow.nhs.uk/index.asp?record=2100. The consultation runs until 11^th January 2013.

PFI ‘Road’ Show, comes to Cowes!!

If you wish to find out more about the Private Finance Initiative for the Island’s Highways, there is due to be an information sharing event at Cowes Enterprise College 6pm, Wednesday 30^th January 2013.

Local Bus Services.

The No. 32 service continues to operate, and thanks go to the regulars who donate to the running of the service.  This money helps the local forum cover associated costs such as driver travelling, medicals, licensing etc, and may be require to fund a service for Saturdays.

Please note: Drivers are still needed on a continuing basis from Cowes, Gurnard and Northwood.  If you are interested, please contact Rusty Adams on 567522.  Without drivers, our bus scheme will stop!  Islandwide, there remains insufficient drivers to cover the six schemes which operate.  

Isle of Wight Council Elections 2013.

I have been approached by a number of residents asking me whether I am likely to be seeking re-election onto the IW Council in May.

At the moment it very much remains my intention to do this and to continue in my role, so long as residents continue supporting me doing this! If you are interested in what I do- I am always very happy for prospective councillors to shadow me and see what I get up to- regardless of any political or non-political persuasion.  What I have always strived for as your representative, is to be nothing less than a good ward councillor and to make sure the views of our communities get heard and acted upon.

In the New Year, I am very much looking forward to knocking on doors, listening to residents’ concerns and dealing with your enquiries as I endeavour to door step each household.  Please let me know over Christmas, if you would personally prefer me not to call!  

In the last month:

·         I’ve approached the Village Hall Committee following complaints made over alleged hall users parking in Worsley Road..

·         I met with the Council’s Environment Officer concerning mud from construction traffic being left on the Highway in Princes Esplanade. 

·         Repairs have now been undertaken to guttering and overflow pipes at the public toilets on Gurnard Green.

·         I supported a resident who received a parking ticket, whilst collecting medication from chemists in Cowes.

·         I attended a Children & Young People Scrutiny Panel, and requested further assurances to see more robust policies regarding child abuse cases in the home environment.  This was brought to my attention by a young person who relayed their experiences to me. 

·         Following the closure of the Gas compound on Egypt Esplanade, I’ve requested the IW Council takes action to remove the hoarding which was put in place to protect the former gas pipeline.

·         I received complaints concerning cold calling from a salesman acting on behalf of broadband supplier Talktalk.  Talktalk have been notified, and have assured Trading Standards there will be no reoccurance of this in Cowes and Gurnard.

·         The behaviour support unit which had been planned for the former Love Lane School site, has been withdrawn following concerns being raised by local residents!

·         Last month a new fence appeared on Gurnard Beach west of Gurnard Sailing Club.  Planners are currently investigating this.

·         I have supported the alteration of the screening conditions put in place for the former Brambles development in Egypt Hill, Cowes.

·         I have supported beach hut owners asked to repaint and maintain huts.  Because of weather conditions at this time of year, I’ve supported this being done on a yearly basis either at the beginning of spring or the end of September.

·         I’ve been approached by users of the Riverside Centre concerning its future use.

·         I attended a training seminar on audit, and have a much better understanding of the work of the IW Council’s Audit Committee and of prospective financial challenges facing local authorities.

·         Following it’s prompt closure and reopening the next day, Gurnard Pines residents advise me the Holiday Centre is operating and remains ‘open for business’.

·         I sat on the Planning Committee which approved upgrading and modernising the facilities used by Island Grain at Arctic Road.  The issue which caused most concern to residents, was that of the proposed biomass generator planned.  Given Environmental Health officers did not share the views of some objectors, members were advised any refusal would not be sustainable. 

Thankyou, as always for reading my report!

If you require updates or further details please visit my blog: paulfullercc.blogspot.com.

In the meantime, I wish all residents and their families a Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous Christmas and New Year!