Surgeries.
4:30-5pm.
Monday 3rd October, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.
5:30-6pm. Wednesday 12th October, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
10:30-11am,
Wednesday 19 October, Benches adj. to Watersedge Kiosk, Shore
Road, Gurnard.
11-11:30am,
Wednesday 19th October, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.
5:30-6pm.
Wednesday 26th October, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
10:30-11am,
Thursday 27th October, Coffee & Chat, All Saints Church, Tuttons
Hill, Gurnard.
11:30-12pm,
Thursday 27th October, Eegons Cafe, 85 High Street, Cowes.
Queen Elizabeth II
Buckingham
Palace has opened an official Book of Condolence to leave
tributes to Queen Elizabeth II online.
A form has been opened inviting well-wishers
to leave messages on the https://www.royal.uk website
Palace officials will hand-pick a number of
messages to pass to King Charles III and members of the royal family.
In the meantime, locally all libraries
continue to hold Books of Condolences.
Beryl E-Scooters.
With the E-Scooter trial set to end in
November, Beryl’s announced that some
bays will cease to exist in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, notice has been given to extend the E-Scooter trial to
March 2024 to operate alongside the recently agreed public bike share scheme
for the Island as part of the Solent Future Transport Zones initiative.
Locally this applies to the bays at: Egypt Hill, Reynolds Close, the Portland
Inn and Church Road.
Trees and Hedgerows.
·
Now
the Bird Nesting Season has ended, overgrown hedgerows can now be dealt
with. Further action has been taken to address overgrown hedges in recent
weeks.
·
Concerns
were received concerning the extent landowners cut back overgrowth. This arose
recently on the footpaths adjoining Gurnard Heights.
·
Tree works have taken place at
Gurnard Pines. Although permits were not
required the arboriculturalist has been in dialogue with the IW Council’s Tree
Team
·
I have received a complaint
concerning garden waste being deposited in waste bins. Action is pending
against those responsible.
Old School Meadow.
I’ve calls regarding
perceived anti-social behaviour and noise at Old School Meadow in Cockleton
Lane. If you witness any such behaviour
please let myself and Gurnard Parish Council know.
Anti-Social Parking, Gurnard School.
Concern has been raised by residents living locally
of driveways being blocked by people collecting children from Gurnard Primary
School this has resulted in recent altercations between parents and those
unable to leave and access their properties in Baring Road, Battery Road, Woodvale
Road and The Dottens.
Please note that obstructing an access can result in
police action- Despite the belief from some parents believing there is an exemption for ‘just collecting
your child’, this was the reason for the parking restriction becoming more
onerous for motorists last year.
Street Clutter.
A few years ago, under the then new
PFI contract Island Roads were seeking to reduce and remove unnecessary signage
and other street clutter. Several years on, I know there is still signage still
in existence that is no longer in use and I will be campaigning to get this
removed. If you know of any signs,
please let me know.
Isle of Wight Foodbank.
This month the IW Foodbank,
based at Love Lane, Cowes are requesting 500g/ 1KG bags of Rice, Sponge
Puddings, Long Life Milk, Rice Puddings, Shaving Gel and Razors, Nappies
(3/4/5/6), washing up liquid, washing tabs/ powder and ladies deodorant.
In the last 6 months the
Team at the Foodbank issued 2650 emergency food parcels for residents in
crisis, 1068 children and 100+ local referral agencies issuing food vouchers.
Please visit: https://isleofwight.foodbank.org.uk/ for further information.
Register for Priority Services.
If you, or somebody that you know is classed as
vulnerable you can apply to SSEN/ Southern Water to be supported during water
and energy outages.
This applies to those over 60, those living with
children under 5, those with a disability, sight or hearing loss, chronic
illness, reliant upon electrical aids and water, those with dementia or mental
health needs.
For details call SSEN on 0800 294 3294, https://www.ssen.co.uk/priorityservices; Southern Water on 0800 027 0800 https://www.southernwater.co.uk/priority-services. Alternatively, I’ve left
application forms in Cowes Library.
The Isle of Wight Law
Centre.
The Law Centre has been thrown a lifeline by the IW
Council to remain open for the next 6 months.
With more residents falling into debt this service is becoming more and
more valuable to local residents.
The Centre offers
free legal advice to people with housing, welfare benefits, debt and employment
problems. For further details contact: https://www.facebook.com/iowlawcentre/ or call: 01983 524715.
Over the years, I’ve
referred many residents who have been supported by this service and despite
some criticism from one resident for continuing to support this valuable
service, I am committed to continuing to do so!
Energy Helpmates
The local Footprint Trust charity has recruited
volunteers to help it cope with unprecedented levels of enquiries, as Islanders
struggle with energy price hikes.
On hearing their proposal the Isle of Wight Council
and independent renewable energy developers, Ridge Clean Energy, came forward
with funding.
Isle of Wight residents are facing unprecedented
domestic energy bills. As from 1st October, a new ‘Energy Price Guarantee’ will
mean a typical UK household will now pay an average £2,500 a year, however the
Trust points out that those in poorly insulated homes with old heating systems
could have bills of over £6,000. Before the Covid pandemic fuel poverty levels
were around 11% of households on the Island, they then rose to about 18%. The
Footprint Trust predicts that this will rise to around 30% of Isle of Wight
households by the end of the 2023 winter. This means that some 21,000 homes
will be affected, making difficult choices between heating and eating.
The Footprint Trust helps around 2,000 fuel poor
residents every year, through practical guidance and grants.
They are recruiting volunteers with a level of
expertise in energy and related matters. Such people may be retired
electricians, plumbers, gas fitters, engineers, teachers, university lecturers.
But anyone would be considered who has numeracy skills and a desire to help,
subject to a DBS being carried out and receiving information from the Trust and
approved City & Guilds training. There will an initial training day
in Newport on Saturday 8th October. For
more information, please email ray@footprint-trust.co.uk or call 01983
822282.
Energy
Price Increases.
For up
to date support visit: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/ and http://www.uswitch.com/ Tel: 0800 688 8557.
Alternatively, talk to the Footprint Trust on 01983 822282 or email: info@footprint-trust.co.uk.
In the meantime the Footprint Trust is holding its free Annual 'Winter Is Coming’ Event which offers support on cutting energy and water bills, benefits and money and grants and allowances that are available. The event takes place from 9:30am-1:30pm, Thursday 13th October at the Riverside Centre, Newport Quay, PO30 9QR.
Citizens Advice First Aiders.
With an increasing need for
support and advice the Citizens Advice Bureau are recruiting volunteers at the
moment. For details please visit: https://www.citizensadviceiw.org.uk/advicefirstaider
Halloween.
In the run up to Halloween Hampshire and Isle of
Wight Constabulary advises that if you have young children never let them go
trick or treating on their own and make sure you accompany them and only visit
people you know.
In addition, if you have teenagers make sure they
don’t have access to fireworks, alcohol, eggs or flour. Explain why they must not play tricks on
strangers, tell them that if nobody answers the door or a ‘No Trick or Treat’
sign is on display they must leave immediately and please remind them to stay
with friends and make sure they never enter the home of a stranger. For details
and posters, please visit: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/search?q=Halloween
Flu/ Covid Jabs: News from Cowes Medical Centre.
Vaccination
clinics are due to start at the end of September and are expected to run to the
end of the year. We are scheduling a series of Saturday clinics to
deliver most of the vaccinations.
The initial supply of the new Autumn Covid
Booster vaccine is limited across all vaccination providers - we are therefore
prioritising in the first instance the over 80’s, and care home residents, then
the over 75s, as directed by NHS England.
Vaccination clinics for patients 50 to 64 with no long-term health
condition are due to start from mid-October as directed by NHS England.
To ease
pressures on our telephone system, we are texting updates to those patients who
can receive these and using alternative means of communication for those that
can’t.
It is safe
to have both vaccines at the same time, and you can let the clinician know in
your vaccination appointment if you would like one or other, or both. For further details please visit: https://www.cowesmedicalcentre.co.uk/
Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation
Authority
Last month
I attended the local SIFCA meeting in Poole.
SIFCA is the local authority that oversees the impact of fishing and its
impact upon the marine environment and future stocks. Of key at the last meeting decisions were
made on the following matters.
·
Marine
Asset Review. On this item discussions were had
concerning one of the vessels that patrol the region. Supporting SIFCA was Dorset County Council
whose procurement department who assisted with their guidance.
·
Beached
Nets. SIFCA was asked to
become more involved in concerns over discarded nets found both on the
coastline and on the seabed by local divers.
Although it is not mandatory to tag/ mark nets, it felt it would be
useful to monitor the issue which impacts upon marine wildlife
·
Funding.
DEFRA has committed itself to funding Project Officers-
However concerns were raised regarding increased costs.
·
Industrial
Commercial Fishing. The
Fisher community has raised concerns over the scale of commercial fishing in
the Channel by larger commercial enterprises.
It was mentioned that the length of nets (10,000m) could be potentially
have an impact upon fish stocks and smaller fishing fleets. Concerns were raised concerning Dover Sole
and Pollack fish stocks.
·
Isle
of Wight Matters. A
marine license for was rejected for a Yarmouth fisherman because of the
perceived impact (which was unchallenged) this would have upon the marine
environment. In addition, action was
taken following damage by a vessel to the seabed at Ryde Pier.
Island Planning Strategy.
A
number of meetings were last cancelled following the passing of Queen Elizabeth
II. As a result the Full Council meeting
scheduled to determine progress of the Island Planning Strategy was rescheduled
to 5th October.
At
Cabinet members accepted most of the suggestions made by Corporate Scrutiny
Committee. This included enhancing
policies for local affordable housing, supporting the regional benefits of Free
Port Status, net zero suggestions and protection of green field/ gaps. In addition to these suggestions that came
forward from the Conservative Group, the cabinet also felt mindful of
supporting the potential for future development in Newport.
The
one issue that Cabinet could not agree to was the removal of four sites in
Bembridge and Freshwater. From my
perspective this would have resulted in recalculating housing numbers elsewhere
on the Island which could delay the plan further.
Another
concern (quite rightly) raised was the use of data the Council uses to consider
population growth. When considered it was felt data from the 2021 census is not
recognised by Government as a true reflection of future housing need. It has been pointed out to me that this data,
is not yet recognised by government, except for National Park Authorities.
Officers also note that population growth does not correlate with housing
growth, and need and the requirement for new 1 and 2 bedroomed properties
needed as a result of the Island’s growing aging population and falling
household sizes.
Other Islandwide Planning and Enforcement
matters.
·
I have forwarded a resident’s formal
complaint regarding a Planning Enforcement matter to the IW Council.
·
In the coming weeks proposals will go to
public consultation on a major planning application at Somerton Farm.
·
Work continues on processing priorities
following the recent Planning Peer review which took place. The first meeting of the Planning Improvement
Working Party takes place on 10th October.
·
I attended the Chamber of Commerce’s Expo
Conference showcasing the commitment of local businesses to invest on the
Island. One of the key messages during
networking was the urgent need to complete the Island Planning Strategy. With
other IW Cabinet members I also had the opportunity to discuss issues with
stallholders.
·
I met with Niton and Whitwell Parish Council
at a presentation to redevelop the villages pre-school. Following this meeting, I am looking forward
to meeting up again to discuss flooding issues in Niton.
·
New staff members have joined our Planning
Team, I remain positive for recruitment of officersto join the Enforcement
Team, which will help to strengthen the Planning Department.
Affordable Housing.
Assuming that this is because I am the Cabinet
Member responsible for Planning and Enforcement, I continue to receive
considerable calls concerning the availability of Affordable and Social
Housing.
Locally, I continue to hear concerns over the extent
of properties being utilised as ‘holiday homes’ by their owners. As yet there are no current legislation that
discourages this. However, I understand that this is something being ‘looked
into’ by government.
Gurnard Parish Council Chairman’s Report.
At the last meeting of Parish Council it was good to welcome Senad Adams,
the local IWC Environment Officer.
Senad has already done some brilliant things particularly with her
monitoring Gurnard Green, the Public Toilets and the Beach. With Cllrs Mark
Franklin and Penny Acton, I am looking forward to working with Senad within the
new Beach Working Party- this follows issues concerning the conflict with jet
skis, kite surfers and bathers. In
addition a meeting is being organised to address ongoing issues concerning the
public toilets.
Senad reported that action had been taken concerning the lighting of
barbecues on Gurnard Green, which was restricted during the summer break.
Following requests from Beach Hut owners to remove new seating, Cllr
Nolan has agreed to lead on the initiation of a survey to gauge feedback on the
new benches. Many thanks for Terry’s
lead on this!
The Old School Meadow Working Party met twice over the summer. Action Points discussed included the damage
caused to perimeter fencing, dogs off leave and issues associated, anti-social
behaviour and the need to improve the old firepit area. At the Parish Council meeting a discussion
took place with the prospect of using the area as part of a Forest Schools
initiative. Once proposals are agreed
this will allow future works to take place.
With respect to anti-social behaviour, I have spoken to a number of residents about perceived anti-social behaviour in Old School Meadow. On this I met some of the youngsters and at the time I saw no evidence of this happening, and in fairness to the young people understanding that residents had complained they were not too unhappy to move on. In the meantime, if residents do witness what they believe is ‘anti-social or criminal behaviour’ please log the time, place and nature of the incident(s) and report this to the police copying me in.
Hedgehog Corner.
Autumn
juveniles are second littler hogs.. An autumn juvenile hedgehog is one which is
old enough to be away from its mother, yet too small to hibernate for the
winter. The autumn juvenile season begins in September and ends in November.
Being an autumn juvenile can cause problems for a hedgehog, as it will not have
enough time to build up the necessary amount of fat in order to hibernate for
the winter due to long, cold nights and lack of food availability.
If you spot a very small hedgehog in peril out during the day, it could be a tell-tale sign that it needs medical attention. If you see a hedgehog in need of assistance, take it inside, place in a high-sided cardboard box lined with a sheet, towel without holes or ripped up newspaper and ensure that the hog has heat by placing a well-wrapped hot water bottle inside the box. If you place a hot water bottle in the box, ensure the hedgehog has enough room to move away from the hot water bottle to avoid overheating. It is vital to keep this hot water bottle warm, as letting it go cold will do more harm than good. Ensure that you check the temperature of the hot water bottle frequently and change the water if necessary. If you have no spare hedgehog biscuits, hogs will also eat dog or cat biscuits.
Once you have taken all of the advised steps
stated above, contact The British Hedgehog Preservation Society
(BHPS) hogline on 01584 890 801 who will further assist you
on next steps. If you think that the hedgehog needs urgent or
professional medical attention, you can take it to your local veterinary
practice.
Also this month.
·
A number of meetings were last cancelled
following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
As a result the Full Council meeting scheduled to determine progress the
Island Planning Strategy was rescheduled to 5th October.
·
A number of overgrown hedgerows were reported
to the IW Council.
·
I met with Natural England to be given an
update on the Isle of Wight section of the English Coastal Path. To note,
meetings are still ongoing with English Heritage concerning the section to the
east of East Cowes. In the meantime, I feel positive on the intended footpath
through Spencers Copse, Gurnard taking account of feedback
·
A resident has contacted me concerning
personal medical data being circulated without authority by healthcare
providers. This is a matter that I am
taking up on this residents behalf.
·
With Cllr Carter from Cowes Town Council, I
am in the process of arranging a meeting between Cowes Enterprise College. This has been delayed due to the College
returning after the Summer Break.
· A big thank you to the resident who upturned
the overlifted planters in Worsley Road.
You are a star!
