IW Cllrs Report: July & August 2013

Surgeries:

6-6:30pm, Thursday 11^th July, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Tuesday 16^th July, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

5:30- 6pm, Thursday 25^th July, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

12:45-1:15pm Wednesday 31^st  July, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

1:30-2pm,  Monday 12^th August,  Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

12:45-1:15pm Tuesday 27^th August, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

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

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

Land adjacent to 44 Worsley Road, Gurnard.

The Planning hearing for 21 dwellings in Worsley Road, Gurnard  is due to be held on the 30^th July.  I’m advised that the likely confirmation of officers recommendation for approval will be formally made on 17^th July, with the report available from 23^rd July.

In the meantime, I’m seeking clarification on the current status of the settlement boundary, following representations being made by myself and Gurnard Parish Council earlier this year citing its removal. I’ve also requested what status the village’s emerging Neighbourhood Plan and Housing Needs Survey is likely to have upon this important application.

There has been a great deal of local interest on this particular SHLAA, which resulted in around 100 objections to this application with a clear consensus from residents in Cowes and Gurnard to see the Jordan Valley (above) protected and preserved as  a strategic ‘Green Gap’ in order to prevent settlement coalescence between both communities.

Within the representations to the current proposal, many comments have been raised stating that this application is premature in light of it being a SHLAA site, and by the fact that the recent Housing Needs Survey (which had gained a 60% response rate from residents) is in the process of analysis.

UPDATE:  Following requests made to consider the recently completed Housing Needs Survey- and for these views to be properly analysed, I've persuaded Highways Officers with support from the Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services to defer taking this matter to Committee.

Officers will also be looking into policies regarding Settlement Coalescence and views regarding Gurnard's Settlement Boundary.

It is anticipated that the Hearing will take place on 27th August or 24th September. 

Isle of Wight Budget 2013/4: Overview & Scrutiny Presentation.

One of the biggest challenges facing local Council’s in the coming years, is that Council’s will be forced to cut their cloth accordingly, following directives from Government.

At present Councils are financially rewarded to freeze Council Tax (equating to the same as a 1% increase).  Should they consider raising Council Tax above 2%, legislation stipulates that this must first be subject to a local referendum.

With costs (esp. in adult care) increasing, and income reducing, with a further 10% cut planned by Government, this is making next year’s budget setting very challenging. One poignant comment made by the Council’s Managing Director, was that if the Council cut all its discretionary services, there still may not be enough resources available in future years.

Areas that Local Authorities will be reviewing are those where there are income streams, namely Car Parking and Bereavement Services. Inevitably there will be much closer co-operation with Local Town and Parish Councils and a need for neighbouring authorities to share resources. In the meantime, the new Council are investigating further funding opportunities through European Assisted Area Status Grants and funding to help regenerate our local economy. The IW Council are working closely with neighbouring authorities who have supported the IW Council’s bid.

Andrew Turner, MP- Summer Surgeries Monday 12^th August.

Andrew Turner MP, is holding his summer surgeries this year from 11:45-12:05pm at the Village Clock, Worsley Road, Gurnard and from 12:15-12:45pm at Cowes Co-Op, Carvel Lane and I know will look forward to listening and acting upon residents concerns.

As with previous years I look forward to accompanying and supporting Andrew during his visits.

Grass Verges:  Please let me know your thoughts!!

Since Island Roads took over the Grass Cutting contract, I’ve received a handful of complaints regarding grass verges that have not been cut by contractors.

Following representations made to the IW Council, (with evidence supporting ownership by the IW Council) contracts have been altered accordingly to include these areas.

In Cowes West and Gurnard this includes verges in Cliff Road and Place Road.  Please let me know if there are other areas that have not been cut, which the Council previously took responsibility for!

Other Highways Issues.

Following being re-elected, and knowing of difficulties in promptly resolving highway’s matters, I am now regularly (every 4-6 weeks) meeting with officers to report monitor complaints brought to my attention.

Issues which I’ve taken up most recently include overgrown hedges in Baring Road, Cockleton Lane and Place Road, ambiguous signage on Queens Road, requests to see the Event Management Plants for events where vehicles block Egypt Esplanade and Princes Esplanade, glazing replacement at bus shelters and enactment of Cowes’ most recent traffic regulation order.

I am advised that due to hedgerows not being able to be cut at this time of year due to nesting birds, brambles have been cut back to make it safer for pedestrians (particularly children walking to/from school in Baring Road.

Surplus signage: Please tell me your thoughts!!

I have one or two residents who frequently advises me of surplus signage, from redundant bus stops, signage etc. 

I am currently in the process of collating a list for Island Roads to deal with removal of such street furniture.

Please let me know of signage which duplicates notices  and signs which you consider surplus, and in turn I will find out whether this is either necessary, appropriate or worthy of removal.

Gurnard Coastal Path (CS16) Modification.

An opportunity has arisen for the IW Council to modify the coastal path, which currently begins between Cliff Cottage and chalets to the North West of the Luck Bridge.  Rights Of Way considers this is necessary due to coastal erosion. Proposals feature overleaf.

The proposal which will be formally consulted upon moves the entrance south of the chalets and will reconnect to the existing path, whilst providing an opportunity to resurrect a path leading down to Cook’s Bay and the beach below.

At present, I support this modification on the proviso the existing footpath can continue to be used.  For this reason before.  In addition to this modification, Rights Of Way are proposing to move the move the path between Gurnard and Thorness slightly inland due to coastal erosion.

Because of the importance of this order, I have requested that Gurnard Parish Council are consulted.  In the mean time, details of these proposals can be found on Gurnard Parish Council’s websites within the ‘documents’ section.  If you have views, or wish to know more please let me know (The deadline, I’ve been given to respond is 31^st July!)   

Cowes Enterprise College Update.

I attended a site meeting to look around the new College building this month.  It is hoped that before the new school is opened (still on course for September!!) Parents will be invited to see all that the college offers, whilst I am supporting efforts to see the local community have greater involvement. This follows staff and students, familiarising themselves with the new building.

Economy and Environment Scrutiny Panel Update.

The Isle of Wight Council are investigating options for a future parking strategy which is currently underway.

Members requested further investigation was considered on the following matters:

·         Good Practice elsewhere.

·         Car Parking Permits.

·         Review of long and short term car parks.

·         Payment on exit.

·         Co-operation with local businesses and retailers.

·         Free Short Term Parking.

·         Residents Parking Zones.

·         Parking Enforcement.

·         Disabled Parking.

I have since met with Cllr. Jon Gilbey, Cabinet Member for Assets who has also raised a number of issues which he is investigating further these also include uniformity of parking charges; coach parking; closer co-operation with businesses and parish/town councils; Tourist Permits and the potential for 'Smart' Ticketing.

There were three areas where member involvement and further research would aid the formulation of any future strategy.  These were as follows:

1. Free Short Term Parking.  Would it be financially viable to offer free parking for 30 minutes and can local businesses/ Parish Councils become involved?  What good practice was in place elsewhere?

2.   Payment on exit ticketing. Further research?

3.   Are the current Long and Term Bay Car Parks in the right location, do these need to be revised?

4.   Other issues considered necessary during the Informal Meeting?

Albert Road/ Solent View Road Parking Issues.

Many thanks to those residents who contacted me concerning parking in Albert Road.  Following last months report in Gurnard News 3 residents have supported removing double yellow lines, whilst 3 have objected to this.

The IW Council are unlikely to consider modifying the existing order, unless it is supported by both the Emergency Services and the overwhelming majority of residents.   

In the meantime a resident has asked me to remind neighbours to be cautious when parking in Albert Road, particularly where there are dropped kerbs as this has and continues to cause an obstruction to residents accessing their driveways.

In the meantime, I continue to welcome comments on Albert Road.

Summer Events.

For children’s events, this summer please visit www.wightchyps.org.uk

For general events this summer, please visit www.visitisleofwight.co.uk. The Island’s Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is also celebrating it’s 50^th year, this year and there is a large programme of on-going events commemorating this anniversary.

For everything you need to know about this years’ Cowes Week Event, please visit:                      www.aamcowesweek.co.uk

Discretionary Housing Payments Consultation.

The council’s Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) policy is to be formalised and will operate from the 2013/14 financial year, subject to a period of consultation with relevant organisations and key stakeholders.

In some circumstances, people in receipt of housing benefit find themselves in a situation where the benefit they receive does not cover the amount of rent they are due to pay.

The policy provides extra support to cover these shortfalls usually on a short-term basis where a claim is made for additional financial support and the applicant is receiving at least the minimum amount of housing benefit. It does not cover shortfalls in the amount of council tax due to be paid.

The policy has been developed to give a consistent and fair approach to providing assistance for vulnerable Island residents in genuine hardship (while they review their situation following the Government’s welfare reforms).

The Isle of Wight Council would value your views and comments on the policy and on our assessment of its likely impact.  You are welcome to do this either as an individual or on behalf of your organisation. To read the policy please visit www.iwight.com/dhp.  This consultation ends on Friday 2^nd August.

You can send comments by email to: customer.services@iow.gov.uk clearly marking it as ‘DHP feedback’ in the subject heading. You can write to the IW Council to request a paper copy of the policy or express views to: Discretionary Housing Payments, Isle of Wight Council Offices, Broadway, Sandown, Isle of Wight. PO36 9EA

In the Past Month,

·         I’ve received further complaints of dog mess in Baring Road.  I’ve requested that local residents copy me into complaints made to Island Roads.  In the meantime, Island Roads also operate a 24hr hotline on 822440!

·         A meeting has been set up to tackle traffic incidents in Rew Street.  This follows further damage caused by traffic last month!  This meeting will be attended by myself, local residents, Highways Officers and the Police.

·         A planning application receiving in excess of 20 comments in Shore Road, has been recommended for Refusal by Officers.  I’ve supported refusal, and am remain grateful to those taking the time to comment!

·         I’ve requested planning enforcement at Cowes Enterprise College, Shore Road and within a Cowes listed building

·         Flytipping occurred on Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.  Action was taken promptly to remove this!

·         I’m seeking to call a meeting with the police to discuss/ review gatherings on Gurnard Beach.  As yet, I’m still awaiting a response from residents on whether they are interested in attending! 

·         I’ve been asked to support local blood doners, following cessation of blood donations in Cowes.

·         Overflowing litter bins and discarded rubbish and barbecues continue to be a problem in Gurnard.  This continues to be monitored and will be discussed by Gurnard Parish Council this month.

·         Gurnard’s former school site is due to be marketed by the IW Council following July’s Cabinet meeting.  A meeting has been arranged to discuss disposal of the Playing Field/ Orchard site.

·         I’ve requested the replacement of ambiguous and weathered signage in Queens Road.

·         New street lamps have been installed in Crossfield Avenue, Parklands Avenue, Worsley Road and Tuttons Hill.

·         I’m supporting a resident’s complaint regarding the discharge of waste from living accommodation from boats moored on the River Medina.

·         At Full Council members voted to continue prayers at the start of meetings (As an atheist, I’m happy to support any form of faith, that fully prepares Councillors for the ordeal of Full Council!!

·         There was conflict upon members on whether or not the Town and Parish Representative on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be offered full voting rights.  Because ‘local’ Councils have much greater opportunities to run public services than local authorities, I very much support voting rights…

·         Last month I also attended two Licensing Committee meetings, two Children & Young People Panel, A Planning Committee (and site visit), a transport Appeal, An Economy & Environment Panel and have just joined the Council’s Audit Committee…

IW Councillors Report: June 2013

Surgeries:

6-6:30pm, Thursday 13^th June, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

12:45-1:15pm Wednesday 26^th June, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 26^th June, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

5:30- 6pm, Thursday 27^th June, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

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

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 2^nd July, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Thursday 11^th July, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Tuesday 16^th July, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes

5:30- 6pm, Thursday 25^th July, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

12:45-1:15pm Wednesday 31^st  July, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

Cowes Enterprise College: New Building Update.

I liaised with fellow IW Councillors a meeting to be updated on the new building for Cowes Enterprise College, at which The Director reported the following:

·         Pihl (building contractor) is dealing with snagging issues within new building and since the Danish arm of Pihl has taken over management this has been both welcomed and positively received. Keys are effectively with IW Council.

·         Local Contractors have been appointed to manage the new building, the College has appointed an officer to oversee a phased transition to the building from September whilst the IW Council has an officer managing project.

·         Gaia (the I.T Consultants) are working closely with the IW Council, and this is due to be followed up by familiarising staff and students with new equipment.

·         Monitoring will be required over the I.T Contract, and ongoing maintenance of school building.

·         The Education Funding Agency (The Government) has scrutinised the IW Council over the ongoing delays regarding completion and have supported the action taken by the Council since November 2012. The IW Council has accepted this contract was not well managed!

·         Before demolition can begin of the new school site the Health and Safety Executive will be required to sign off the programme as the old building contains significant amounts of asbestos.

·         The focus of the new Principle is to raise standards in the current college and oversee the transition to Academy status.

Update on Academy Status

I attended two Governors meetings, the first as an observer following the announcement of resignation of the outgoing Chairman, whilst the second meeting I attended was as an ‘Associate’ Governor where I was involved in the decision on the preferred sponsor the new academy.

The two options, which the Department for Education nominated for Cowes were Aurora Academies Trust- who had International experience as an Academy Trust (although little experience of Secondary School Academies in the UK) or the Ormiston Academies Trust- having experience with Secondary Schools with similar demographics to the Island.  Because, of the need for stability whilst raising standards, I supported the Governors in their choice of Ormiston.  Cowes Enterprise College has issued the following statement (The full statement features on the College’s website):   

‘The College have announced that following the decision of the Full Governing Body, that they will shortly start the consultation stage towards becoming an academy with their chosen sponsor Ormiston Academies Trust.

The Ormiston Trust is a well respected charitable educational trust, with significant experience in working with all children and particularly those who are most vulnerable. The Ormiston Academy Trust, who operate under the Ormiston Trust, already sponsor some very successful Academies across the country and claim to have the highest proportion of OFSTED recognised ‘outstanding’ Academies compared to other Academy sponsors. 

Following this decision there will be a process in which the sponsor will engage in consultative meetings, with major stakeholders including parents, staff and the community. This process will probably start towards the end of June, This will then lead to a final decision on the College’s Academy status.  The change of status will be at the earliest January 2014.

Ormiston have already stated that they will not change the College name or uniform and have been clear in their support of the original vision for the College and the full involvement of the community’.

Highways Meeting.

Myself and Cllr Linda Brown from Cowes Town Council met with Marc Griffin who is Senior Contract Manager for the PFI contract for the IW Council.

There were a number of issues, which we asked were taken up, these included the following:

·         Dropped kerbs: Crossfield Estate.

District Steward notified, and will check site.

·         Baring Road Cycle Lane.

Retexturing will take place in 2015/6.  To replace broken white line with solid white line, would result in need for traffic order to prevent parking on western side of road.

·         Traffic Restrictions: East of school Baring Road. Transferring restriction from southern to northern side.

·         Traffic Restrictions (Access to/ from Debourne Manor Drive)

·         Traffic Restriction (Single yellow line extention top of Woodvale Road)

All to be considered within the next review of Cowes Traffic Regulation Order.

·         Flood risk from surface water drainage, Rew Street, Gurnard.

Site to be checked by District Steward.  Funding potentially earmarked

·         Traffic Congestion, Cowes/ Gurnard Esplanades

Ongoing monitoring and review of event traffic management plans.

·         Replacement of glazing panels, various bus stops.  Cleansing bus shelters, various locations.

Remedial Treatment Prioritised. Instructions given to street cleansing crews, re: Co-Op Bus Stop.

·         Place Road resurfacing and damaged kerb stones.

District Steward notified, will check site and provide feedback re: road surface, whilst kerbstones may require replacement.

·         Parklands Avenue condition. Request tabled to resurface before 2014/5.

District steward continues to monitor. Remedial Treatment may be required.

·         Rew Street, Various Traffic incidents in vicinity of Sunnycott Caravan Park.

Site visit undertaken. Appropriate remedial action due to be undertaken.

·         Slow signage requested, Crossfield Avenue.

No further action to be taken due to road being within 30mph speed restriction area.

·         Implementation of Traffic Restriction (opp. IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes)

Instructions to implement Cowes Traffic Order, sent to Island Roads.

·         Combined Dog/ Litter Bins.

This is being reviewed.

·         Island Waste contact details to be shared with IW and Town Councillors

Named officers details circulated to Councillors in due course.

Noise Complaints, Gurnard 1: Fireworks.

During the weekend of the Round the Island Race, I received complaints from residents of Shore Road concerning a Firework Party which occurred on Gurnard Beach.  This event did cause some disruption to residents and their pets!

Please can I ask any householder, that before holding such an event they advise their neighbours beforehand, as this provides an opportunity to take action to prevent animals becoming distressed.

Noise Complaints, Gurnard 2: Woodvale Road/ Princes Esplanade.

Last month I received a complaint concerning a vibrating noise impacting upon residents attempting to sleep in Gurnard.

Following some research, I believe that this noise may originate from the Pumping Station on Princes Esplanade and have requested Environmental Health to take this matter up with Southern Water.  In the meantime, I have requested residents living nearby to appraise me whether this resolves the issue!  

Isle of Wight Council Committee Appointments.

I have been re-appointed to be an Independent Representative on the following IW Council Committees: The Planning Committee, Licensing Committee, Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Economy & Environment Scrutiny Panel, Children & Young People Scrutiny Panel, and Appeals Panel.  As with my previous term, I’ve requested to deputise within other committees/ appointments should this be required. 

I’ve been appointed as Chairman of the Economy & Environment Scrutiny Panel, and have asked that the first meeting due to be held later this month looks into Car Parking, and how this impacts upon the local economy.  As Chairman, in line with our Council’s ethos on openness and transparency, I’ve requested that the Chamber of Commerce/ Small Business Association and Town/ Parish Councils are invited to participate and have meaningful input within the meeting. 

Overnight Refuse, Cowes.

Ongoing complaints were received from Cowes residents about litter being left out at night, and subsequently being investigated by local wildlife!

Having researched this further, it’s felt that the litter originates from those living locally, rather than second home owners or commuters.  A copy of the letter features below has been sent out to those affected.

Dear Resident

Waste Collections

There have been some problems with the fortnightly collection of black bags and particularly where waste is left for collection on the evening prior to collection the next day. Some bags have been split overnight and loose waste strewn across the road and verges. The responsibility of the waste crews is to clear up any split waste that may be caused by them i.e. a bag splitting during the collection; and therefore if rubbish from overnight damage is not cleared up by residents the rubbish is left on the road until it is cleaned by the street cleaning contractor.

Whilst it is acceptable for bags to be left out after 6.00PM on the evening prior to collection, we would ask that residents seek to minimise any damage that may be caused by animals etc. i.e.

·         Use the lockable food caddie provided for any food waste and place the caddie out for collection

·         Where possible use a dustbin or other receptacle for black bags; the waste crews will collect black bags from such containers

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter and we hope that together we can make the Isle of Wight a cleaner and better place to live.

If there are any queries or comments please contact the Waste Team on (01983) 823777

Licensing Applications:  Woodhouse Copse, Brocks Copse Road, Wootton.

I attended a Licensing hearing to consider a week long Birthday Party for up to 350 people in woodland adjacent to Brocks Copse Road, Wootton.  This Temporary Event Notice has raised concerns with both the Police and Environmental Health, and felt this application failed all four licensing objectives. These being, The prevention of crime and disorder; Public Safety; The prevention of public nuisance and The Protection of Children from harm.

This event with licensable activities was planned for 24 hours per day for 7 days in July, was on a 45 acre of wooded mature copse.  Since the Licensing Department received the application- neither Environmental Health who highlighted concerns over public safety and public nuisance matters or the Police were unable to contact the applicant who only gave the most basic information about this event.

Therefore in light of this information and also by the fact the applicant did not attend the hearing to answer any questions, the Licensing Committee had little option than to refuse the application.

Island Roads Issues: Litter/Dog Bin Collection and Grass Cutting.

During bank holiday and sunny weekends residents have reported overflowing dog and litter bins.

Residents have alleged to me that some of the bins have not been emptied on a regular basis, whilst bins at Cow Lane have overflowed.  In the meantime I continue to monitor this.

In Gurnard, I’ve received a number of representations from residents concerning the cutting of grass verges.  These have been left previously to enable daffodils to be cut after blooming- However, verges were seemingly left for longer due to this years growing season.  Subsequently, this has now been actioned in Worsley Road, Place Road and Solent View Road.  In the meantime, I ask residents to please let me know, should this continue!

Albert Road. Double Yellow Lines.

Following publicity over badly parked vehicles in Worsley Road and Solent View Road, I’ve received two requests from Gurnard residents living in Albert Road to remove double yellow lines there.

This traffic order was originally approved by the Isle of Wight Council in 2008, following representations from the emergency services who found difficulty with the road being obstructed during certain periods.  I have been asked to consult with residents about this (this will happen in Gurnard’s Parish Magazine).  However, unless all residents within Albert Road fully agree with any proposal and subsequently if this is upheld by the emergency services, the current arrangement is unlikely to change.

Gurnard Primary School Highway Safety Proposals..

Last month I met with the Headteacher to agree options for improving safety outside. These include the following:

·         A zebra crossing. (Issues will be required to overcome neighbours objections)

·         Parental parking restricting the Baring Road cycle lane. (Unbroken line, exempting parking would result on parking restrictions also on western edge of Baring Road)

·         Dog Mess- This is a disincentive for walking to school (Especially in Cow Lane, Baring Road & Woodvale Road). (Issue resolved. To be monitored and reviewed)

·         Damage to grass verges (Woodvale Road). (Being Monitored)

·         Parking restrictions swapped from southern end to northern end of Baring Road (East of school site) (Cowes TRO?)

·         Improvements and signage for the junction of Debourne Manor Drive. (Cowes TRO?)

·         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. (Cowes TRO?)

·         Supporting extending the pavement Eastbound from Pine Tree Close to connect Egypt Hill and beyond. (Prioritised in Local Transport Plan Funding. Funds potentially available through Community Levy funding?)

·         Further Pinch Points, within the vicinity of Gurnard Primary School.

·         Drop Off Zones.

·         Consideration of No waiting Restrictions. (Cowes TRO?)

In the past month.

·         I’ve notified Planning Compliance over activities on a site close to Gurnard Beach.

·         I’ve requested old Cycle signage is removed from Hilton Road, Crossfield Avenue and Park Road.

·         I’ve requested rubbish left by Southern Water in Rew Street is removed.

·         I have attended Planning Training, two sets of Licensing Training, Scrutiny Training and attended a briefing on measures put in place for the Isle of Wight Festival.  Reassurances, were given to Councillors that the same chaos which occurred last year would not happen again…

·         I attended site meetings with Highways Officers in Rew Street and Rolls Hill to view damage caused by speeding traffic.  On site local residents took advantage of relaying their concerns to officers.

·         Ensured action was taken to remove branches from a tree from falling onto the Highway below in Woodvale Road.

·         I chaired my first meeting of Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan’s Social, Wellbeing and Community Group. Members highlighted the need to liaise more closely with Over 10 year Olds, as it was felt that there was a need for projects required for these young people. I volunteered to liaise closely with Gurnard Parish Council’s Youth advisor.   

·         I attended a Planning Committee whereby an application to resurrect a Go Kart Track at Westridge was approved and rural Holiday Accommodation was refused against officers recommendation.  This accommodation was proposed to replace stables on farmland approved in 2011, and constructed last year.

·         I took action following receiving complaints regarding  poorly parked contractors vehicle in Rew Street, Gurnard. In the meantime, there continues to be problems with contractors parking in Egypt Hill and blocking driveways- whilst there seems to be fewer problems with mud on the highway on Princes Esplanade following complaints raised.

·         Since action was taken, the contractors have offered to park vehicles off road in Rew Street.

·         Planning Applications for land adjacent to 44 Worsley Road, Gurnard and for the new Range store, are still being considered by Planning Officers.

·         Following requests received from Basketts Farm in Rew Street, Island Roads seem to be looking favourably towards improving surface water drainage from Rew Street which has flooded the garden of Basketts Farm and the milking parlour within the farm itself.

·         I received a number of calls/ emails from residents both in support and objecting to parking restrictions in Worsley Road and Solent View Road.   

·         Supported a resident, in appealing against a Council Tax claim.

·         Liaised on behalf of Gurnard Pines residents over a number of matters concerning vulnerable adults on site.

·         Gurnard former school site is due to be marketed by the IW Council, following the DFE’s embargo. Subsequently, I’ve received the support of Cabinet members in seeing the former playing field/ orchard site will be transferred to the community. Cllrs Jon Gilbey and Steve Stubbings are happy to meet with the Parish Council to ensure this happens sooner rather than later. 

IW Councillors Report: May 2013.

Surgeries:

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

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

6-6:30pm, Thursday 13^th June, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

5:30- 6pm, Wednesday 19^th June, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

12:45-1:15pm Wednesday 26^th June, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 26^th June, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

Isle of Wight Council Elections: May 2^nd 2013.

My grateful thanks to everybody who voted in this year’s Local Council Elections. At 45% turn out in Cowes West and Gurnard remained one of the highest within the Island.

I had a thoroughly enjoyable time catching up with residents and very much look forward to working alongside Mark McNeill who was an enthusiastic and positive opponent throughout our election campaign. Subsequently, I am very happy that following his door-stepping, Mark was successfully appointed to serve as both a Cowes Town Councillor and Gurnard Parish Councillor. The final result was :

Paul Fuller (Independent)        1143     82% (Re-elected)

Mark McNeill (Conservative)     247     18%

Within the IW Council, I’ve joined the Island Independent group, which is the largest group of Councillors with 20 out of the 40 Councillors.  One of the priorities for our group collectively is to ensure all IW Councillors and stakeholders have greater ownership over decision making.

From my perspective, I am purposely avoiding taking any key position within the Council as there are a number of local issues requiring action, these being:

·         Cowes Enterprise College.

·         Gurnard Playing Field and Orchard Project.

·         Baring Road, School Safety scheme.

·         Action to address speeding traffic, Rew Street/ Hillis Corner.

·         Improving Superfast Broadband connections.

Because of these and other individual issues coming to light from residents throughout the election, it is important these actions take priority over coming weeks.

Many thanks for giving me the privelege of representing you for the next four years, it is very much appreciated!!

Transport Issues, Island Roads.

More than half of the complaints gathered on the doorstep related to Highway Issues. Because of this, I’m meeting with Island Roads to address unresolved issues in the coming weeks.

Issues that I will be asking to be addressed include:

Update and Forward Plan for local schemes/ projects; Place Road resurfacing; To arrange future meeting with residents and police to address speeding traffic, Drainage issues, Rew Street. Observations from Island Roads re: Baring Road, Crossfield Estate and implementation and review of future traffic orders; Island Roads contact details; Repairs to Bus Shelters (Roundhouse/ Park and Ride); Update on repairs to long-standing pot holes; Timeframes for the repair and replacement of various dropped kerbs- esp. on Crossfield Estate; Improved access for disabled drivers; Future ‘district’ meetings- Can these continue with Parish and Town Council involvement? Feedback and liaison with IW/ Town and Parish Councillors.

Cowes Enterprise College.

I am currently in the process of arranging a meeting to update the local Councillors on progress at Cowes Enterprise College.  This follows regular meetings, which took place before the election.

In the meantime with thanks to Andrew Turner MP, two IW Councillors (an Independent and Conservative) have discussed with Lord Nash the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Education to respond to shortfalls in our Education system.

Land adjacent to 44 Worsley Road, Gurnard.

A revised application was received to develop housing adjacent to 44 Worsley Road, in April.  I undertook a letterdrop to neighbours.

I’ve spoken to planning officers concerning this application, and understand that although some of the housing mix issues may have been resolved, it remains important that feedback from the Housing Needs survey is considered.

The deadline for comments ends on 17^th May, however Officers will receive representations after this date. 

Parking Restrictions.

Following further complaints concerning parking in Solent View Road and Worsley Road, Gurnard Parish Councillors highlighted the possible need for restrictions in Solent View Road and Worsley Road.

For me this continues to be a last resort sanction as I’ve also received requests to remove parking restrictions from Albert Road, given lack of parking availability nearby.

Because these initial complaints were made by Bus Drivers this is a matter to be discussed by representatives of all three Council’s at the next Cowes Community Bus Meeting.

In the meantime, please let me know your thoughts..!      

In the last month:

·         Action taken by Trading Standards following complaints re: Anglian Double Glazing cold callers.

·         New kerbstones, and some resurfacing has taken commenced in Place Road, whilst the first of the street lights have ‘appeared’ in Park Road. 

·         Street nameplates have been reported for repair at Guppy Close and Reynolds Close.

·         As IW Councillor, I have endorsed removal of Gurnard’s Settlement Boundary from the Island Plan.

·         I received a Dangerous Dog complaint which I am following up

·         A request has been made to remove double yellow lines in Albert Road.

·         I have been supporting a Cowes resident with noise nuisance complaints.

·         At last! work has commenced on the replacement sewage main in Shore Road.

·         SGN have now removed the former Gas station and taken away the long-standing plastic bollards/ fencing  which protected the potential collapse of pipework from parked vehicles on Egypt Esplanade.

·         I requested that litter bins were monitored this Bank Holiday, following incidents at Easter.

·         Landslips took place on the coastal path adjacent to Gurnard Ledge, earlier this year. This path has now reopened.

·         I have offered to fill the LA vacancy, following a recent vacancy at Cowes Enterprise College.

·         I am due to meet with Gurnard Primary School’s Head, to feedback views from Local residents re: Safe Route to School Proposals.

·         I attended Gurnard’s May Day event