IW Councillors Report, November 2019

Surgeries.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 5^th November, Cowes Library, 12-14 Beckford Road, Cowes.

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

10:30-11am, Thursday 7^th November, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

5-6pm, Wednesday 13^th November, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

5-6pm, Tuesday 19^th November, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

10:30-11am, Thursday 28^th November, Coffee & Chat, All Saints Church, Gurnard.

12-12:30pm, Thursday 28^th November, Eegons Cafe, 72 High Street, Cowes.

Cowes Traffic Orders.

Earlier than I anticipated, these new orders are in-situ in Baring Road, Woodvale Road and Crossfield Avenue.  

In response, to free up parking space I have again requested that contractors working at Gurnard Primary School and The Dottens are adhering in full to the Construction Management Plan. 

Whilst recognising restrictions can be irritating for some parents dropping off and collecting children, the reasons for their need was purely to improve the safety of children following a number of traffic related incidents outside the school. 

Flu Jabs: News for Cowes Medical Centre Patients.

Flu vaccinations are free for over 65’s, patients with long term conditions, if you are pregnant, or a carer.

Flu Jabs can be provided during a consultation, by booking an appointment on 294902, or for residents signed up for online services at cowesmedicalcentre.com.  It is best for appointments to be booked before the end of November.  It is easy to do, as there is no waiting in a queue. 

Winter Is Coming!  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 visit: http://www.footprint-trust.co.uk/projects.html or call 01983 822282.

TOP TIPS.

·         Check you are on the best energy deal.

·         Ask about the Warm Home Discount

·         Go onto the Priority Service Register if you have a vulnerable person in your home.

·         Keep heating in your Living Space between 18C and 21C

·         Lag your water pipes.

·         Call 0800 027 0800 and ask about the Watersure Tariff, if you have a disability or high water usage due to illness

·         Make sure your torch is charged, and you have spare batteries.

·         Wrap up warm. Wear thick socks indoors.

·         Keep a supply of tinned and non-perishable goods in case extreme weather prevents you from shopping.

·         Make sure you have enough medicine; Don’t leave re-ordering to the last minute

·         Keep important phone numbers on your fridge.

MONEY SAVING TIPS.

£30 per person could be saved by taking a four minute shower

£35 could be saved by having your home draught-proofed.

£80 per degree could be saved by turning down your thermostat

£150 could be saved by having home cavity wall insulated.

£170 could be saved by installing loft insulation in your home.

Further information on the Warm Up Wight Scheme offering free loft and cavity wall insulation can be found here: http://www.warmupwight.co.uk/, or by callin 01983 472805.

St. Mary’s Junction.

I attended the public information evening requested at Medina Theatre last month. 

Proposals for Phase 3 and Phase 4, which will take place between 4^th November and 20^th December include:

·         Forest Road two-way.

·         Outside lane on approach to St Mary’s roundabout from Cowes closed.

·         Outside lane of dual carriageway northbound (towards Cowes) closed.

·         Inside lane of St Mary’s roundabout closed.

·         Right-hand lane from B&Q roundabout to St Mary’s roundabout closed.

Meeting with District Steward.

·         IW Community Club, Park Road.  Consideration to extend double yellow lines to include the Bus Stop opposite the entrance. This would improve site lines of oncoming traffic and traffic accessing the club.

·         Worsley Road/ Church Road junction.  Vegetation currently impeding sight lines would be cut back to 0.6m, and managed by Island Roads.  If this fails to improve visibility and safety, double yellow lines would be considered losing 2-3 car parking spaces outside Bucklers View.

·         Worsley Road/ Glen Place junction.  Island Roads to contact the planners concerning the need for the approved splayed junction.  If this was not possible a site meeting would be needed with the street superviser to consider options, which may include the loss of two parking spaces at the junction.

·         Worsley Road, south of Gurnard Press.  Vegetation to be cut back to 0.6m to enable motorists to park hard against kerb.  If this does not resolve issues, the street superviser would recommend suggestions.

·         Church Road/ Tilbury Road.  A complaint was received concerning extending the length of double yellow lines following resurfacing.  It was found, that previously lines were not compliant with the Traffic Order.

·         Crossfield Avenue resurfacing. Following concerns raised over the deteriorating condition of the road, I have formally requested 6 monthly inspections of this road. 

·         Egypt Hill Bus Stop opposite The Moorings.  A request has been made to provide a barrier, at the bus stop.  This is due to the gradient.  Both the Moorings and other agencies would be sought for grant funding.

·           Rew Street surface water and drainage.  A further meeting is due to take place on site to consider options to alleviate the volume of standing surface water on Rew Street.

·          Street lighting in Albert Road was discussed, and is being monitored.  This follows a light being damaged, removed and not replaced many years ago.  With the potency of new lighting, I’ve requested improvements.

Also….

·         Extra parking has been created in Cross Street Car Park following removal of recycling bins earlier this year.

·          I have been supporting residents of Rolls Hill concerned about speeding traffic, concerns have been fed back to the police.

·         Parked boats and trailers have been reported for alleged non-roadworthiness compliance in various locations.

·         Fly-Tipping has been reported in Shore Road, Nodes Road and Crossfield Avenue.  With respect to Shore Road, this continues to be reported both to Island Roads and the Environment Officer, as animals split the bags open spreading food waste. On this, action continues.

·         Contrary to popular belief I am advised that there are no exemptions in place allowing certain residents to travel the wrong way along Church Road in Cowes.

·         Ponding outside The Dottens in Baring Road has been reported.

·         I have requested action to monitor and assess drainage which surfaces at the bottom of Woodvale Road.

·         Concerns have been raised by non Blue Badge Holders parking in Disabled Bays. I have been asked support disabled motorists, who currently rely upon able-bodied drivers being courteous keeping bays clear..

·         I have been approached following damage being attributed to Cow Lane

·         An approach has been made over future sponsorship of the Somerton Roundabout

·         I have reported residents concerns over the Advertising Board, which last month appeared at the County Showground. Concerns have been forwarded following drivers reporting this is distracting on a stretch of road, where traffic incidents are commonplace.   

·         I continue to receive emails of support, as well as opposition to overnight parking restrictions during Cowes Week on Egypt Esplanade.

·         I have requested that the condition of a retaining wall close to the junction with Baring Road in Crossfield Avenue is monitored and appropriate action taken to make the wall safe.

·         I have requested the emptying of overfilled dog bins in Northwood Recreation Ground.  In response it is noted that despite the bin being overfilled, bins nearby had space to accommodate the bags filled with poo.

Planning Applications.

Following feedback, I have called in two planning applications to be considered by the Planning Committee these being the application to extend Bucklers View, Gurnard.  The grounds cited include whether the size, scale and density and how this mitigates and enhances the entrance into the village.

The other application at 28 Albert Road, Gurnard, I’ve cited how the application for flats conform with the roads street scene, concerns raised on density, parking its impact upon the amenity of neighbours and finally how proposals reflect the housing needs for local people.

On both these applications, my request will need to be considered by planning officers and the Planning Chairman on whether our objections would be sustainable as a refusal on appeal.   

The other application which I am scrutinising is the proposal for ancillary tourist accommodation in Ward Avenue.

Is Coastal Management Effective?

Myself, Lora Cowes Mayor and several other residents, business people and those with an active interest in the coastline attended a very proactive presentation which was hosted by enthusiastic 11 and 12 year olds at Cowes Enterprise College. 

It is my hope that closer work and support between students and Cowes Enterprise can take place in advance of future Shoreline Management Plans.

Winter Gritting Routes.

This year Island-wide there will be a reduced winter gritting service.  This largely affects rural areas, with the Newbridge, Wellow and Thorley road and Military Road no longer gritted during winter conditions.

With imminent works at St Mary’s Roundabout the road from Pallance Road to Shalfleet and Whitehouse Road will be gritted due to the uplift of vehicles using this route to and from Newport. Details can be found at: http://www.islandroads.com/27-winter-service-.html

Police Meeting.

Alongside other Councillors, I attended a meeting with the police. Items discussed included police resources, traffic enforcement, non-visible policing, technology.

One issue that came from the meeting is the importance of on-line reporting of offences to the police.  This is considered to be the quickest means of reporting incidents. For details, visit:  https://www.hampshire.police.uk/

New volunteers are needed to for Community Speedwatch to train and assist monitoring speeding traffic.  Please contact Lora Peacey Wilcox  for details at Tel: 01983 64576 or email lora08@sky.com 

Parking Fines and Penalty Charge Notices.

I receive a number of calls concerning challenging parking fines.  What I always advise residents that to challenge the issuing of a ticket, it needs to be demonstrated that a ticket was issued ‘unfairly’.

There are a number of helpful websites which also support and offer advice.  One’s which I regularly use are Citizens Advice https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/parking-tickets/ (Tel: 03 444 111 444) and Money Saving Expert https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/private-parking-tickets/

Solent Forum.

At the Solent Forum, a report was provided on how dredging material was being used to safeguard erosion of marshland, mud flats and salt marshes east of Hurst Spit in the western Solent.

At the meeting a presentation was given on the decline of the fishing industry and its importance to the Selsey community.

Brexit.

Accepting that Brexit didn’t happen as was anticipated last month… I have continued to put pressure upon the Isle of Wight Council to be prepared.

In response the IW Council provided Councillors with a briefing on how Adult Social Services, Children Services, Staffing, Regulatory and Environmental Services and Business/ Economic Development are preparing for when we leave the EU. Evidently, much of this work was going on behind the scenes without councillors knowledge.

Since the uncertainty of a No Deal Brexit has for the timebeing vanished, so too has some residents concerns.  However, with a new parliament due to be elected within the coming months the only certainty seems that uncertainty will continue…until our MP’s make up their collective minds!

Floodlighting, Cowes Enterprise College.

I have put two households in touch with Cowes Enterprise College concerned about the floodlighting spillage onto properties in Ward Avenue and Baring Road. I am hopeful with the intervention of floodlighting specialists that disturbance will be restricted.

Waste and Recycling.

One of the most common questions that I am asked is about is what items can and cannot be recycled, This information can be accessed at: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/Environment-Planning-and-Waste/Waste-and-Recycling/

Probably easier to remember are those items that cannot be recycled. These are:

·         Nappies	·         Sanitary items	·         Bubble wrap	·         Cling film
·         Blister strips (from pills)	·         Polystrene	·         Cold ash	·         Pet food pouches
·         Sweet wrappers	·         Contaminated Paper/ foil	·         Pet Litter	·         Ceramic items

Please rinse bottles, tins, food containers and cartons so that they are empty and clean. P.S. You don’t need to remove labels. All these are recyclable on the Island, whatever it says on the packaging!

Environment and Sustainability Forum.

At last month’s Forum it was reported that the new Forest Park Waste Plant is operational.  The Plant has the first ‘twin stream’ recycling facility in the country, and will support the Island recycling more of its waste through diversion from landfill.

At present 54.6% of household waste is recycled, and it is hoped that through the Environment Bill more stringent policies will be imposed to do more.

Also discussed was concerns expressed over the use of Glysophate, and the fact that Public Health England do not consider this weed killer to be dangerous…  In addition, discussion took place about the roll-out of charging points for electric vehicles and the creation of making more land available as future woodland zones.

The next meeting taking place will focus on future planning and housing, and how these can be ‘greener’ and more energy/ water efficient.

Telephone Boxes.

BT are set to remove a total of 16 public telephone boxes from locations across the Isle of Wight. The service provider has notified the IW Council of their plan to take away call boxes from some towns and villages on the Island

The telephone boxes to be removed include:

·         Coronation Avenue, Northwood	·         Broadway Cresent, Binstead
·         Adelaide Grove, East Cowes	·         Nettlestone Green, Seaview
·         Avenue Road, Sandown	·         Main Road, Brighstone
·         Sandown Road, Sandown	·         High Street, Godshill
·         Alverstone Road, Apse Heath	·         High Street, Wroxall
·         Gunville Road, Newport	·         Newport Road, Apse Heath
·         Malthouse Green, Newbridge	·         Steyne Road, Bembridge
·         Chale Stores and Post Office, Chale Green	·         Lane End Road, Bembridge

A total of 292 calls were made from the 16 telephone boxes in the past 12 months. The least used is High Street, Godshill with only 2 calls made, with the most calls being made from Adelaide Grove, East Cowes – a total of 42.

Also this month:

·         I attended a meeting where concerns were raised that more incidents of Asian Hornets have been reported. During this summer it was reported on the impact this has had upon bee colonies in the Channel Islands.

·         A presentation was made to the IW AONB Committee on the progress of the English Coastal Path.  As an update, Natural England reported that dialogue was continuing between English Heritage and the Ministry Of Defence.  The final proposals will be consulted upon in February 2020.

·         I am no longer a member of the IW Councils Pension and Audit Committees.

·         I am supporting the IW Community Club in their bid to fund inclusion facilities.

·         I am supporting residents and Councillors from Havenstreet and Brighstone with proposals that I am putting forward for a new community bus service which connects rural and isolated communities to Newport, Ryde, Freshwater and St Mary’s Hospital.

·         Advice and support has been given to a Cowes Business targeted by negative social media.

·         The Boundary Commission has approved ward changes for local elections to be held in 2021. Locally Ward Avenue, Queens Road and Park Road (east of Firs Close) will transfer from Cowes West to Cowes North.

·         I attended the official opening of the Cut’s new mural, which was a concept initiated by Cowes school children, local artists and Cowes Town Council (when I was Mayor!!)  Thank you to all who was involved!

·         If you are having a Firework Party, visit:  https://www.rospa.com/Home-Safety/Advice/Fireworks-Safety    please, please let neighbours with pets know before lighting up! Every year, I receive calls from owners of petrified animals.

Isle of Wight Councillors Report, October 2019

Surgeries.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 1^st October, Cowes Library, 12-14 Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 1^st October, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

10:30-11am, Thursday 3^rd October, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

1-1:30pm, Wednesday 9^th October, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

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

10:30-11am, Thursday 24^th October, Coffee & Chat, All Saints Church, Gurnard.

5-5:30pm, Wednesday 30^th October, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

12-12:30pm, Thursday 31^st October, Eegon’s Café, 72 High Street, Cowes.

Brexit Preparations.

It is very clear from the Prime Minister that he intends for the UK to leave the European Union on 31^st October.  In recent weeks government has issued advice to Businesses, EU Nationals and residents on options.  This can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/prepare-eu-exit

In the meantime, I’ve contacted the IW Council for advice for those with long term medical conditions and the availability of medication, should there be any uncertainties.  I have also been approached by EU Nationals living and working locally requesting better support from the IW Council on support and advice. Once received this information will feature on my website!  These concerns were echoed at Full Council, with action promised by the Council Leader.

Pavement Parking.

I continue to receive complaints from parents/ grandparents with push chairs, and from disabled residents regarding pavement parking in Place Road.  Subsequently this has resulted in pedestrians being forced to walk in the carriageway to pass vehicles.

If there is not adequate space to park off road, please can residents and visitors, please be aware of ensuring enough space is allowed for pedestrians. In light of complaints received, this has been reported to both the police and parking services who have been asked to take enforcement action.

Gurnard Primary School.  

I continue to receive complaints of unsafe and anti-social parking outside Gurnard School. In light of this, I have asked parking officers to undertake patrols to ensure that roads are kept safe for children.

In addition, I have also received complaints over some residents putting in place traffic cones.  I am told this is to prevent building contractors vehicles from the school obstructing driveway accesses.  If you are experiencing problems please contact parking.services@iow.gov.uk, as it is unlawful to position cones on the public highway without permission and good reason.  In the meantime I have requested the intervention of planners and parking services on the volume of contractors vehicles being parked in both Woodvale Road and Baring Road.

In the meantime, I anticipate the new Cowes Traffic Order will go live November/ December.  The timeframe is:

·         Island Roads require 6-8 weeks to implement TRO and will ensure road markings and signage are in place.

·         Gurnard Primary School and local residents will be notified of changes, once these are confirmed.

·         Gurnard School to liaise with parents and children.

·         Civil Parking Enforcement Officers have been asked to monitor and will take action against non-compliance.

·         Should this not resolve matters, the IW Council will consider implementing a no waiting experimental order.

In light of the new parking arrangements being implemented speaking to parents, residents and children despite building contractors at both the school and the Dottens development, I am told there remains available car parking capacity within 5 minutes walking distance of the school gate…

St. Mary’s Roundabout.

Following residents feedback, and the lack of detail provided on proposals, I requested an Extraordinary Council meeting to relay concerns over the 15 month scheme to reconfigure this junction.  Issues that continue to be of concern to me, and to residents are:

               

·         The lack of dialogue and early intervention by the IW Council, demonstrating the rationale for these works, and how these fit into easing congestion at Coppins Bridge?

·         What mitigation will be in place to reduce traffic speeds in Pallance Road, Rew Street and Rolls Hill?

·         What steps are being taken to promote walking and cycling to reduce traffic growth, particularly given the junctions proximity to Hunnyhill School, the college, hospital, employment hubs and future housing?

I have consistently opposed these current proposals, and in light of this I seconded the motion raising objections to the current scheme, which fell 12 votes to 16.

In light of this decision, following my request the Council Leader has agreed to my request for a Public Information meeting.  This will take place 7pm, Thursday 17^th October at Medina Theatre, Newport. 

Updates can be found here: http://www.islandroads.com/182-newport-st-marys-strategic-junction-improvements-.html

Cowes Parking 200 for 2020.

Please see ideas, suggestions and questions to create and rethink extra capacity to increase car parking for residents, visitors and commuters.

·         Reconfiguration of existing residents parking zones.

Where residents parking exists, the bays or boxes exceed 4.8 metres (the maximum car length), whereas most vehicles actually measure less (around just over 4 metres). By removing painted bays I estimate the creation of 8-9% extra space within parking zones could be created.

·         Removal of ‘unnecessary’ restrictions.

There are areas where yellow lines exist that may not be needed. In the Cowes TRO Spaces were found in Crossfield Avenue where buses used to drop off students.  Elsewhere potential spaces in Victoria Road and Cliff Road have been found.  In addition, there may also be disabled bays unused.

·         Better use of private off road parking, garages and former car parks.

By offering privately managed spaces (i.e driveways and garages) to commuters, would assist taking commuter spaces off the road.  One concern for commuters is the lack of secure parking, which commuters suggest they are prepared to pay for.  I would suggest there is considerable scope for householders to come to a private arrangement to use unused off road parking.

There are former car parks on the road to Cowes, that could be used for Park and Ride.  These are on the main Cowes to Newport Bus Route, and could offer secure parking for Newport, Cowes and Southampton commuters.

There are also under-utilised car parks in town that remain empty. Could ownership be transferred and used more effectively?  Is there scope, when closed premises, schools etc, are better utilised outside normal ‘working’ hours?

·         Parking Management Questions and scope for Improvements.

Is existing Long Stay/ Short Stay parking effective?  

Is there a requirement for more long stay parking in the centre of Cowes?  

Are disabled bays fit for purpose and best located to support residents?  

Can parking be improved to support businesses and commuters without impacting on visitors and residents?

Please let me know your thoughts?

Egypt Light.

Due to the perseverance of former Town Councillor, Elliott Hamilton the Egypt Light was last restored in 2007.

Following concerns raised by Cowes Heritage of its future as both a Heritage Asset as well as a navigational structure, a meeting took place with Geoff Banks to discuss options to retain the Light.

It was agreed following the meeting, to find out who owns and is responsible for the structure, to undertake a survey of the structure and consider options for its future.  It was agreed in the first instance to liaise with Cowes Harbour Commissioners, Trinity House, The IW Council and Cowes Combined Yacht Clubs.

Once jurisdiction is known, a report would be drafted with the potential for future maintenance and retention.  In addition, discussion took place about potentially forming a Trust to oversee and agree options.

If you have an interest in Egypt Light, or know of its history, and who may have jurisdiction over the structure, please let me know. 

Garden Waste.

With the purchase of a new vehicle to collect garden waste, the waiting list to subscribe for this service is growing. If you would like to be contacted when this service is available for 2020/2021, please email: waste.contract@iow.gov.uk and request to be added to the waiting list. Further information can be found at: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/Waste-and-Recycling/Household-Waste-and-Recycling-Collection/Green-Garden-Waste

Planning Updates.

·         Bucklers View.

A modified plan has been submitted, which has taken on board comments made concerning the need to reduce the size, scale and mass of the proposals. I am advised that conditions are likely to be added which includes a financial contribution to improve access to shops, soft landscaping and a construction management plan during works.  In addition, I am asking for officers to consider data received from the questionnaire circulated in June to consider long term parking challenges faced by residents.  

·         Westview Road.

Proposals to permit some residential use of a mobile home was refused by Planners.

·         Ward Avenue.

I am advised that a renewed planning application has been received to consider holiday use for outbuildings in the garden of a property in Ward Avenue.

·         Pedestrian Refuge, Place Road.

Because of the delay implementing this a formal enforcement case has been enacted to conclude these conditioned highway works.

Cowes/ Gurnard Seafront.

·         Beach Steps.

With grateful thanks to this being picked up by Gurnard Parish Council Chairman Cllr Terry Nolan, steps leading to the beach from the seafront has been power-washed by the IW Council to clear algae.

According to officers steps should be monitored and cleaned fortnightly during the summer, and monthly during the winter. Due to this year’s indian summer, I have requested more frequent monitoring and cleansing.

·         Fly tipping.

Discarded rubbish was reported and cleared from Shore Path, after this was reported.  Indications show that the bags contained litter from either from a holiday let, or visitors.  In response a letterdrop has been undertaken to property owners nearby.

·         Gurnard Green.

Overfilled bins were again reported to the IW Council, following hot weekends in September. Of concern, is the fact that bins are being filled with household rubbish, which could be as a result of holiday homes.

On this matter, I have requested bins that are animal proofed to prevent foxes scattering litter. In the meantime, I remain ever appreciative of residents that continue to keep me updated concerning this!    

Dead Animals.

Island Roads will arrange for the removal of large and domestic dead animals from all publicly accessible areas. Please note they do not remove small animals such as rabbits, birds, vermin that do not pose a danger/hazard to pedestrians or road users. 

If cats/kittens, dogs, foxes, badgers and swans are killed on a highway they will be picked up. However, rats, ferrets, birds, pheasants or squirrels will not be collected. Cats and dogs will be taken to St. Christopher House where a member of staff will scan the animal and contact the owner, if it is chipped.

Please note that dead animals will not be collected from private or unadopted roads.

If you believe your pet has been collected by Island Roads contact Island Roads 24/7 helpdesk (01983 822440) to ask about the animals we have have found. Our team will be able to give you details of any pets we have collected and where they were found.

Dog Fouling.

A regular has been witnessed fouling dogs. Following the individual being identified, I have requested that action is taken.  Many thanks to a number of residents for reporting this to me!

Dust Storm over Magdalen Crescent.

Following grass being cut in dry conditions at the Isle of Wight Community Club, I received complaints from Magdalen Crescent residents affected by works.  As a consequence, I have been advised that ‘learning from this incident’, the club is very apologetic (devastatingly so!) and further incidents are unlikely to reoccur. 

Telecom Cabinets.

I have been in dialogue with residents and Wightfibre, following the prospect of a white cabinet being installed in Cliff Road which is within the Cowes Conservation Area.  In response, I am advised within conservation areas darker cabinets are generally positioned, and this would be the case for the Cliff Road cabinet.

Highways Issues.

·         Overgrown hedges have been reported, and action taken at Cockleton Lane, Tuttons Hill and Winding Way.

·         Following an initial delay, a broken manhole cover has been repaired and made safe in Park Road.  

·         Event signage, Advertising and Traffic Cones has been reported and removed from Queens Road (from Cowes Week) and Muggleton Lane (from the Wolverton Fayre)

·         Abandoned vehicles have been reported with action taken in Princes Street and Moorgreen Road. 

·         A caterpillar infestation on Newport Road was reported, and appropriate action taken.

·         I have reported to Island Roads incidents of falls that have taken place in Queens Road and St Mary’s Road.  Although, I am hoping both matters can be resolved promptly I anticipate the need to visit Queens Road to file a report.
At Full Council, it was reported that nearing the end of Island Roads core investment period 463 out of 818 miles of carriageways had been resurfaced. From this, questions were raised about initial claims and expectations made of the 25 year project, and concerns over when the remaining resurfacing will conclude.

Events.

·         IWASP have organised a Tea and Technology, Scones and Scams Event between 1 and 3pm on Thursday, 3^rd October at Newport Library which provides residents with tools to steer clear of online scams (and scones).  The event is hosted by Age UK and Trading Standards. 

·         With Winter approaching, Get free help from the Footprint Trust with Energy & Water Bills, Benefits & Money and Grants & Allowances from 11am-3pm, Thursday 10^th October at Newport’s Riverside Centre.   

·         The Blue Lamp Trust are holding a Home Safety & Security Event 10-12:30pm, Tuesday 15^th October at Cowes Library.

Also this month:

·         Meetings have taken place putting the finishing touches to draft proposals to the Isle of Wight section of the English Coastal Path, which will be consulted upon next year. In the meantime, negotiations continue with major landowners most notably to include access to Ministry of Defence and English Heritage owned land at Porchfield and Osborne.

·         I have met a number of residents and businesses who raised concerns over parking and highway arrangements for Cowes Week.

·         I attended a meeting hosted by Northwood Parish Council and attended by IW Council Leader, Dave Stewart and Planning Portfolio Cabinet Member, Barry Abraham.  Of concern to me was the increased annual housing number on the Island from 525 to 641, and now to 675.  Following my feedback, at this and a follow up meeting, I sense that this figure is now considered by Council Leaders to be too high.

·         A Parklands Avenue resident with an unkempt garden has been reported to Environmental Health, following rats being sighted visiting. This is the second incident within three years.

·         A resident has reported to me an alleged assault by a frisky seagull who attacks and pecks the heads on unsuspecting ramblers the Coastal Path overlooking Gurnard Ledge. Ramblers, be warned!

·         A resident has expressed concerns to me over IW Council allegedly withdrawing funding to the Ryde Aspire Project.  This is being investigated with local Ward Members.

·         I have received feedback regarding concerns over the roll-out of 5G technologies.  I am advised, to date that this is not currently an issue for Islanders.

·         A Full Council, I supported proposals tabled to support the IW Council’s Biosphere Strategy.

·         I have met supporters of the IW Tramway.

·         I undertook Licensing Training, and learnt near enough everything there is to know about licensing reviews!

·         A request was made for costings for a potential Free Parking Session at Cross Street Car Park.