About Me

INDEPENDENT ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCILLOR FOR COWES WEST & GURNARD (Since 2009) Timeline: 1993 Green Candidate for IWCC Election (Ryde NE); 1994 Green Party European Elections Candidate (Wight & Hampshire South); 1995-2001 Independent IW Councillor (Ryde NE); 2001-2005 and 2011- Cowes Town Councillor; 2005-2009 and 2012- Gurnard Parish Councillor; 2008- Northwood Parish Councillor; from 2009 Independent IW Councillor (Cowes West & Gurnard). I've served as a Justice of the Peace since 2001. INDEPENDENT? I'm fully Independent was an Executive/ Cabinet member until 2017 and from 2021. As an Independent I robustly defend putting the needs of communities first. I have no political activists, sponsors or businesses shadowing me and therefore my loyalty to represent Gurnard & Cowes is absolute. I aspire to be a hard working, transparent, effective and enthusiastic Ward Councillor. Please contact me to meet at your convenience, or visit my surgeries listed below. Thank you for visiting my website!

Thursday, 3 January 2019

IW Councillors Report, January 2019.

Surgeries:

10:30-11am, Friday 4th January, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road. Gurnard.
4:30-5pm, Tuesday 8th January, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.
5:30-6pm, Tuesday 8th January, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.
6-6:30pm, Wednesday 9th January, The Portland Inn, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
3-3:30pm, Wednesday 16th January, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.
10:30-11:30am, Thursday 24th January, Coffee & Chat at All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.
6-6:30pm, Wednesday 30th January, The Portland Inn, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
12-12:30pm, Thursday 31st January, Eegon’s CafĂ©, 72 High Street, Cowes. 

Parking, Woodvale Road.

Work commenced on the construction of the new Gurnard School in Baring Road last month.

Due to the closure of staff parking on site, this has meant that during term time there will be less parking available close to the school. In light of this, and concerns expressed relating to child safety can I please request that children are dropped off and collected in a safe location away from the school. 

This follows incidents of very poor parking by mums and dads following the commencement of work.  Please note that double (and in some cases, triple!) parking is dangerous for little people crossing and the very last thing that myself, any parent, the school or resident wants is for a child to be hurt by a motorist in a hurry.

In the meantime, I’ve contacted the Planners to ensure the construction management plan is adhered to by contractors. In addition, I’ve requested that parking is monitored and action taken against those not using common sense.

Island Planning Strategy.

Consultation on the new Isle of Wight Planning Bible continues until Monday 25th February.  For details, please visit: https://iow-consult.objective.co.uk/portal/planning/ipsdraft2018/ipsdraft2018

Within the Plan, of note to me the IW Council are suggesting increasing the numbers of new homes being built from 525 per year to 641.

Within Cowes/ Gurnard/ Northwood the following locations have been identified for potential future housing:


Settlement
Location Details
Allocation
Plot Size (ha)
Dwellings
Cowes
HA018 ? (Land North of Park Road, site of Parklands?)
Generic
?
20
Cowes
HA019 Medina Yard
Specific
5.8
535
Northwood
HA020 Somerton Reservoir, Newport Road
Specific
1.9
146
Gurnard
HA021 Land west of Baring Road
Specific
1.7
25
Northwood
HA022 Somerton Farm, East of Newport
Specific
9.75
80
Cowes
HA023 ?
Generic
?
7
Northwood
HA024 Land west of Newport Road (South of Kingswell Dairy?)
Specific
1.0
10
Northwood
HA025 Land to west of 84 Wyatts Lane
Specific
5
40
Northwood
HA026 Land to West of Harry Cheek Gardens
Specific
2.4
34
Northwood
HA027 ? (Land to East of Wyatts Lane?)
Generic
?
15
Northwood
HA028 ? Land west of Newport Road (North of Kingswell Dairy?)
Generic
?
66


TOTAL

978


Public Toilets.

Before Christmas, I was gutwrenched to report a further incidence of vandalism which occurred to the newly refurbished baby changing facility and toilet in the Cut at Cowes.

This mindless vandalism has meant that the cost of retaining and improving these toilets in our town centre is a further financial burden on the precept payers of Cowes.  If you have any information, please contact the police on 101.  I will be asking that the stiffest financial penalties are imposed on those responsible.

In the meantime following residents feedback, I am advised that toilets in Post Office Lane, Newport are scheduled to be refurbished and upgraded by Newport and Carisbrooke Parish Council this coming year.    

Abandoned Vehicles.

There remains a number of so-called abandoned vehicles which in recent months have been drawn to my attention.  In all cases the registered owner has been notified.

Please note when an owner is found, if the vehicle left is insured, the Council/ DVLA has limited powers.

Marriage Tax Allowance.

Are you married or in a civil partnership? If so you may be entitled to a £900 tax break called the marriage tax allowance. Yet about one million couples are still missing out. It's free money, so worth checking – and you can now qualify even if your partner has passed away.  Please note that awards can be backdated to 2015, when introduced.

The marriage tax allowance is a way for couples to transfer a proportion of their personal allowance (the amount you can earn tax-free each tax year) between them.

Who can get it? This is the most important factor as only people with these specific circumstances can apply:

·         You're married or in a civil partnership (just living together doesn't count).
·         One of you needs to be a non-taxpayer, which usually just means earning less than the £11,850 personal allowance (£11,500 for 2017/18, £11,000 for 2016/17, £10,600 for 2015/16).
·         The other needs to be a basic 20% rate taxpayer (higher or additional-rate taxpayers aren't eligible for this allowance). This means you'd normally need to earn less than £46,350 (£45,000 for 2017/18, £43,000 for 2016/17) or if you live in Scotland, £43,430 (£42,385 for 2015/16).
·         You both must have been born on or after 6 April 1935. If not there's another tax incentive. For details please visit: https://www.gov.uk/married-couples-allowance.
·         Plus, a rule that came into effect from Wednesday 29 November 2017 allows you to claim even if your partner has died since April 2015 and all the other criteria above apply.

In a nutshell, one of you must be a non-taxpayer and one must be a basic rate taxpayer.

For further information and/or apply please visit: https://www.gov.uk/marriage-allowance

Isle of Wight Budget Consultation.

Islanders are being invited to give their views on how the Isle of Wight Council should spend its money next year.

The Isle of Wight is facing further reductions in the grant it gets from the Government. The council needs to save £5.5 million next year, as part of the £16.5 million savings that need to be found over the next three years and residents, businesses, and town/ parish councils are encouraged to have their say on spending and service priorities for 2019/20.

You can give your views by attending one of the public stakeholder meetings being planned and can respond to the budget paper presented to Cabinet in November 2018 via budget@iow.gov.uk. Alternatively, please take part by giving your views through the online consultation, which can be found at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6LTTQJK.

Councillor Vacancies: Gurnard Parish Council.

Three vacancies have arisen for new Councillors on Gurnard Parish Council. For details please contact Katie Riley, interim clerk at: gurnardparishcouncil@gmail.com

Mayors Report.

·         Cllr Steve Reynolds was appointed as a new Town Councillor for Cowes West following the resignation of Amanda Glendenning.   Many thanks to those put their names forward, but were disappointingly unsuccessful.
·         It was a privilege to host the Annual Light Up a Life Christmas Carol Service at the lovely Cowes Methodist Church. Thank you to all who attended this service which supports the work of the Mountbatten Hospice.
·         Cowes Town Council largely supported the IW Council’s proposals for Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO’s), but have suggested that dogs are permitted in cemeteries (providing they are kept on leads), and all beaches on the Island are covered by alcohol dispersal orders.
·         Following savings being identified, Cowes Town Council’s precept has been frozen.
·         I am meeting members of Cowes Business Association regarding concerns over town centre parking.
·         Members of the five local councils in Cowes and East Cowes are scheduled to meet with the IW Council’s cabinet. 

Also this month.

·         Discussions continue with residents on proposals to extend Bucklers View.  I’ve asked neighbours to also be notified.
·         Repairs were requested at Egypt Light and to a dangerous manhole covers in Ward Avenue and Church Road.
·         Support was requested following clearance of a TPO’d woodland caused by a contractor in Woodvale Drive.  Officers have taken action against the landowner and the contractor to ensure that reparation takes place to damaged trees.  
·         I continue to chase up the pedestrian refuge (Place Road) and the implementation of Traffic Orders.

Tuesday, 27 November 2018

IW Councillor's Report December


Surgeries:

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 4th December, Cowes Library, 12-14 Beckford Road, Cowes.
5:30-6pm, Tuesday 4th December, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.
10:30-11am, Friday 7th December, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
6-6:30pm, Wednesday 12th December, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
10:30-11am, Friday 4th January, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road. Gurnard.

[Please note I can be contacted by telephone 24hrs during the Christmas and New Year holidays!]   

Christmas!!

My very best wishes that all residents have a fun filled and safe Christmas and a peaceful New Year. 

For me, this has been a really challenging year, and I am so appreciative of the very kind words, the patience and support that I have received following my illness during the summer.  Thank you!!

Father Christmas.

Father Christmas will again be supporting the lovely organisers from Cowes Carnival (Weather Permitting!)

This year he is supporting the Cowes Business Association 4-7pm on Thursday 29th November, Thursday 6th December and Thursday 13th December supporting late night shopping at The Cut in Cowes.

From 10am-4pm, Saturday 15th, and Sunday 16th December Father Christmas and his float will be at Aldi off Three Gates Road, Cowes.

In preparation for Christmas from 10am-4pm, Saturday 22nd December, Father Christmas and his float will be at Corries Cabin Fish and Chip Shop sampling the battered pickles/ turkey burger? On this day children can visit Father Christmas and get a toy for £2.

Throughout Christmas Father Christmas will be collecting letters.  Over the many years Cowes Carnival has supported this event, the elves have received over 6,000 letters.  All receive a reply, but Father Christmas asks that names and addresses are clear on letters!

Father Christmas and his elves will be calling at:

6-8:30pm, Wednesday 12th December at: Lower Church Road, Solent View Road, Worsley Road, Church Road, Hilton Road, The Avenue, Woodvale Road, Place Road, Place Side.

6-8:30pm, Friday 14th December at: Nodes Road, Pallance Road, Wyatts Lane, Uplands Road, Fieldway Crescent, Venner Avenue, Oxford Street, Medham Village.

6-8:30pm, Monday 17th December at: Mill Hill Road, Moorgreen Road, Bellevue Road, Gordon Road, Beckford Road, West Hill Road, Seaview Road, York Street.

6-8:30pm, Wednesday 19th December at: Newport Road, Arctic Road, Shamblers Road, Arnold Road, St Faiths Road, Ash Grove, Elm Grove, Love Lane.

6-8:30pm, Friday 21st December at: Crossfield Avenue, Parklands Avenue, Magdalen Crescent, Churchill Road, Edinburgh Close, Charles Road, Park Road, Victoria Road, Stephenson Road.

Winter Gritting Routes.

Now winter is fast approaching, I can confirm the winter gritting route for our area is: Baring Road, Crossfield Avenue, Park Road, Ward Avenue in Cowes West, and Shore Road, Tuttons Hill, Worsley Road
and Woodvale Road in Gurnard. Details can be found at: www.islandroads.com/27-winter-service-.html

In the meantime, I have requested that culverts are cleared of leaves to ensure water can flow freely beneath certain roads preventing the onset of black ice during this winter.

Island Plan Consultation.

I’m advised that the consultation for the amended Island Plan (The planning bible for new developments) will commence from 30 November for eight weeks. Please visit:  www.iow.gov.uk/consultations/ for details.

Waste Consultation.

The IW Council are consulting on its waste and recycling service.  This is an important consultation insofar as feedback received will help define what proposals are defined within next year’s Budget.

This consultation can be found at:  https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/9Z5GBTY and continues until 4 January 2019.

Seafront Railings.

The corrosion of the railings on the seafront between Cowes and Gurnard, is of concern to the IW Council following complaints raised last year. This is an issue locally given how close the railings are to the sea.

Because the estimated figure of replacement is so high the IW Council are not financially in a position to replace the railings.

The IW Council tells me, the railings are ornamental and serves limited health and safety purpose given these are elevated higher than the pavement and road.  Although discussions have taken place with Cowes Town and Gurnard Parish Councils, who previously considered the cost is high when compared to any ‘community’ gain for residents. For this reason other options are being considered.

These include:
·         replacing the metal rails (Cost:  Approx. £150,000)
·         using polyurethane posts and chains (Cost: Approx. £88,000)
·         removal of railings. To note: Sandown does not have continuous railings  (Costs: Approx. £50,000)

Another option is seeking sponsors to fund replacements, or even introducing parking charges on the seafront specifically to fund the replacement of the railings…  Please let me know your views!

Planning: Old Bakehouse Planning Application, Gurnard.

Following local interest, and an objection from Gurnard Parish Council proposals to develop behind the Portland and the Bakehouse in Worsley Road is likely to be approved.

Of concern, was the access from Tuttons Hill and the impact that this would have upon the Jordan Valley Green Gap.  Following these concerns, the Planners have agreed to condition plans to screen the access road, and ensure the road maintains the existing green characteristics over the area.

In addition, the application has been reduced in scale to lessen the visual impact the proposal will have from across the valley.  Planners consider that proposals are in accordance with the Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan.

Gurnard Pines, Residents Event.

Many thanks to the 70 people that supported the residents event at Gurnard Pines.

Although the primary aim of the event was to signpost residents to receiving support, the main concern relating to the ongoing concerns that the Gurnard Pines community have with electricity and water charges, I hope can also be addressed in the longer term.

My thanks also to the Footprint Trust, the NHS Integrated Locality Services, Citizens Advice, Jigsaw and Amey for attending, and to Gurnard Parish Council for the Cuppa and Cakes provided!

Bins.

In the meantime, Amey and the IW Council have advised that wheelie bins being used on site in some cases need to be replaced with the proper receptacles.  Unless bins are marked with the Amey/ IW Council logos there is no requirement for Amey to collect waste for recycling. 

At the Event, officers advised that time will be provided to ensure the correct receptacles are in place.  For further details please let me know, or contact the IW Council direct on 823777.

New County Hall ‘Isle Help’ Centre

I have received feedback from residents on the new Help Centre that the IW Council has created at County Hall, although the cost (£214,000) on the face of it seems expensive, it will mean that the IW Council, Citizens Advice, Age UK and the Hearing Loss charity can be based in a central community hub, rather than the Council and connected charities being required to pay rental costs elsewhere.   

Debt Advice.

For support contact Citizens Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/help-with-debt/, or call the CAB’s Adviceline on 0300 330 1313.  Alternatively, you can also contact the National Debt Line at: https://www.nationaldebtline.org or by calling 0808 808 4000. 
 
Parking.

With Christmas approaching and yuletide events taking place, please, please, please can I ask residents to be considerate when parking.

In recent months pressure has been put to request additional parking restrictions and increased enforcement- particularly in Worsley Road, Gurnard. If you are parking, can I please appeal that motorists park hard against the pavement allowing both the bus and heavy goods vehicles to pass freely. In addition, can I suggest that when parking where roads are narrow, motorists avoid parking directly opposite stationary vehicles, and of course please ensure that access to driveways are not obstructed!

Seafront Cycling.

A very big Thank you to the residents who contacted me regarding seafront cycling.

Following feedback received to date, 10 residents supported restricting cyclists from using the pavement, whilst 3 residents felt cycling on the pavement should be allowed.

That said, some residents supporting cycling acknowledged anti-social cyclists travelling at excessive speed on the pavement.  Adversely, many opposed to cycling felt that it was appropriate that families with children should be allowed to use the pavement providing this was done with common sense giving pedestrians priority.  

This will be discussed at Gurnard Parish Council’s meeting being held on Wednesday 12th December.

Parking Part II.

The blue badged vehicle in Baring Road has returned to parking on double yellow lines.  On this, I have received a complaint that it is perceived that this resident is ‘abusing’ the scheme by using the blue badge criteria to park outside their property rather than on their driveway where parking is available.

In addition, I have requested from both the Environment Officer and Parking Services that action is taken concerning a parked vehicle recently vandalised in Hilton Road.  Parking Services have advised that the vehicle has not been abandoned and was recently insured. However, I continue to persevere on this. 

Highways Matters.

·         Park Road Crossing.
I have received confirmation from the Isle of Wight Council that funds are now not available to support a permanent crossing adjacent to Parklands in Park Road.  This is an issue that both myself and Cllr Paul Bertie, Councillor for Cowes North as well as Cowes Primary School are concerned about.

Despite the potential to lose parking capacity between the junctions of Victoria Road and Princes Street, Paul and I are seeking opportunities to retain the lolly pop crossing, which is considered the safest option for children.  A request for the £3,000-4,000 has been made to officers, the council’s leadership and for developers contributions to fund the patrol beyond next summer.

·         Traffic Orders.
I continue to voice concerns to the Isle of Wight Council following delays implementing the new traffic orders for Cowes. Officers advise me, that proposals advertised earlier this year are still awaiting to be processed.  This is of particular concern given the long overdue need for orders to be implemented outside both Gurnard Primary School and in Crossfield Avenue where extra parking can be freed up.

Network Integrity Register.

Over the past five years the IW Council and Island Roads have received hundreds of requests from residents for highway improvements etc.  In response, both Gurnard Parish Council and Cowes Town Council have been asked to prioritise those which Councillors consider to have highest priority (in no order) with respect to safety.

In Gurnard these were shortlisted to:

·         Marsh Road: Reconfiguration of double yellow lines.
·         Worsley Road: Limited Parking and Improved mobility access to shops.
·         Woodvale Road: Bollards and enhanced restrictions to protect grass verge from parked vehicles.
·         Princes Esplanade: Improved mobility access.

In Cowes these were shortlisted to:

·         Place Road: Bus Shelters and improved access and speed restrictions adjacent to The Range.
·         Tennyson Road/ Stanley Road/ Fraser Close/ Shamblers Road: Parking issues/ restrictions?
·         Victoria Road/ Mill Hill Road junction: Junction safety measures.
·         Queens Road: Improved mobility access
·         Park Road: Improved mobility access to public transport between Parklands Avenue & Community Club
·         Baring Road: Parking issues/ restrictions between Ward Avenue and Castle Hill
·         Park Road: Retention of road crossing patrol during term times.

Heat or Eat?  Support from The Footprint Trust.

The Footprint Trust offers free home visits to look for ways in which to reduce fuel and water costs. In some cases The Footprint Trust can provide new cookers, fridges and washing machines to those in greatest need.  The Trust, and advice offered can save households £100’s. For details please call 01983 822282 or visit: http://www.footprint-trust.co.uk/projects.html.

Last year the Footprint Trust supported 2372 people, and identified £107,248 of Annual energy savings for residents.  The Footprint Trust undertook 205 Home visits, visiting 521 people.

Town and Parish Council vacancies.

·         Cowes.
Interviews take place to fill the vacancy through co-option for the Cowes West ward this month.  Many thanks to all five residents who expressed an interest in joining Cowes Town Council. Your support is appreciated!

·         Gurnard.
I wish to place on record my grateful appreciation to Councillors, Sean Harrison, Ginnie Orrey and Cheryl Vaughan, who for various personal reasons resigned as Gurnard Parish Councillors last month.  Though rewarding, at times being a local councillor can be both a thankless and challenging role for the volunteers who become involved serving their communities. Thank you to Ginnie, Sean and Cheryl for their ongoing support!

For information concerning the three vacancies please contact: gurnardparishcouncil@gmail.com

In addition, Parish Clerk Sue Waters has also resigned from Gurnard Parish Council.  In the past few years, Sue has proved to be a tenacious tower of strength for the village and I would like to thank Sue for her time, dedication and commitment given to Gurnard over the past few years.  Thank you, Sue you will be missed!!

In the meantime, Chale’s Clerk, Katie Riley (who lives locally!) will be stepping in as locum clerk for Gurnard.

Full Council.

Full Council unanimously supported reconsidering proposals for parking charges in Ryde, regeneration of Newport Harbour, support for public houses and challenges faced by services personnel and veterans.

I supported increasing Council Tax support for claimants (often working families) from 70-80%.  To me this, is more relevant following the introduction of Universal Tax Credit and its impact upon those on low incomes and private landlords. 

I also supported the two motions being considered at Full Council providing help for students (through the Red Box and other initiatives) requiring free access to sanitary products at school.

Mayors Report.

This month I have undertaken the following:

  • ·         Attended Remembrance Services and have laid wreaths at St Mary’s Church (and on behalf of the IW Council) at All Saints Church.  The Cowes service was followed by taking the salute at Cowes Parade and attending a function with the British Legion.
  • ·         With Cllr Jean Bartrum, I met with Jigsaw an organisation set up to support those affected by family separation.
  • ·         Met with IW Council officers and representatives from Gurnard Parish to discuss future proposals to replace seafront railings.
  • ·         With Cllr Jean Bartrum attended the Cowes Mobility Forum meeting.
  • ·         Supported the Footprint Trust’s Monergy drop-in for residents at Cowes Library.
  • ·         With Cllr Ellis, I met with officers of the Cowes Shoreside Committee, and discussed action points for Cowes Week 2019.  Very relevant at the meeting was the Committees desire to develop and build upon ensuring the single use of plastics is reduced and recycling improved.  In addition discussions took place to improve better public transport, better signage to venues and improved policing of access to deliveries in town.
  • ·         With Councillors we met with Acting Sgt. Justin Pringle.  Items discussed included drugs, domestic abuse, work with schools, speedwatch and the need by the police to prioritise resources.
  • ·         With Cllr. Taylor, Cllr Bartrum and Cllr Bartrum I attended the switch on of the Christmas Lights by Queen Victoria.  Thank you so much to Mark and Ben Board for stepping in with a Rolls Royce at such very short notice, and thank you to Lynn, Bob Hammond and our Cowes Carnival Royalty for providing a fantastic atmosphere to this event!
  • ·         Conversations are ongoing with Shanklin’s Cllr Jon Gilbey regarding public toilet refurbishment. (Similar discussions are taking place with Gurnard Parish Council).
  • ·         At the moment, the Finance Committee are considering freezing next year’s Town Council precept.  This follows last years increase.
  • ·         Cllr Taylor, Cllr Oliver, Cllr Bartrum, Cllr Bartrum and I attended the Cowes Foodbank in Love Lane.  The Foodbank has requested where possible pudding donations… Please note that the Foodbank also receives toilet paper, sanitary items and clothing.  Hannah King the Foodbank Manager, has also highlighted the need for the Foodbank to receive dry products. 
  • ·         Myself and Cllr Peacey-Wilcox attended the Big Lunch Presentation at Northwood House, where good causes were supported (The Cowes Foodbank and Cowes Classic Boat Museum).
  • ·         Cllr Peacey-Wilcox and I attended an event held by the Cowes Sea Cadets, and provided an insight to some of the activities pursued by this fantastic organisation.    
  • ·         I attended and helped to man (too briefly) Cowes Town Council’s stall at Cowes Yacht Haven during the haven’s Annual Christmas Event.  Thank you so much to Cllrs Brown, Bustin, Peacey-Wilcox and Taylor and Assistant Clerk, Kate Gibbs for giving up their time throughout the weekend!
  •   ·   With Cllr Bertie and Cllr Peacey-Wilcox a meeting was held with Island Roads and the IW Council to discuss the future of the Park Road Crossing, Cowes Traffic Orders, increasing parking availability, regulation, enforcement of vehicular traffic (including bicycles!) in Cowes High Street and concerns on emergency utility repairs.
  • ·      At the meeting with Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils which I attended concerns were expressed concerning proposals to withdraw Local Area Co-Ordinators who support residents with health and social needs.  In addition positive updates were given on  the withdrawal of business rates for (some) public toilets, the Dark Skies Park for the SW corner of the Island, the involvement and inclusion of IWALC within the Planning Committee and the take up and positive feedback to training.  At the meeting, I suggested (and was supported) that IWALC should request more of an input within the IW Council’s Scrutiny Committees.  


Also this month:

  • ·         Confirmation has been provided through the Planning Department that the Public Slipway in East Cowes will be retained. Should it be necessary to restrict any use Red Funnel have been advised a new slipway should be provided through conditions.
  • ·         I have provided signposting and support for residents with housing needs in Arctic Road, Sun Hill and at Gurnard Pines.
  • ·         I have taken forward a residents complaint concerning the delayed process of a planning application.
  • ·         I have forwarded a request made to reinstate cast lions on Cowes Parade.
  • ·         A tripping hazard has been addressed in Baring Road.
  • ·         I have signposted two residents to the police following complaints of missiles (golf balls and eggs) being thrown.
  • ·         Fears were expressed regarding the prospect of bonfires at Meadow View.  These were allayed when the resident was advised that the developer had no intention of lighting wood on site.
  • ·         A received a complaint concerning lighting at Cowes Yacht Haven.  This has been referred to Environmental Health.
  • ·         Flytipping has been reported and is being monitored at Pond Green, Lower Church Road, Gurnard.
  • ·         Overfilled dog bins at Northwood Recreation Ground has been reported to Island Roads. Like the above this is being monitored by Samantha our Environment officer.
  • ·         A complaint has been made concerning the perceived volume of vehicles from the Somerton Industrial Estate using the Park and Ride and reducing the capacity for residents to travel to the mainland.
  • ·         I’ve been approached by Businesses expressing concerns over the discontinuation of parking permits.
  • ·         I have received complaints concerning adverts being placed at the Four Cross junction and have asked the IW Council (who owns this land) to remove these.
  • ·         In the last month I have undertaken Licensing Training and with Gurnard Parish Council took ‘Being a Good Councillor’ Training…