Councillors Report for July and August

Surgeries:

1-1:30pm, Wednesday 18^th July, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 31^st July, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

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

12:30-1:30pm, Tuesday 28^th August, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

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

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 4^th September, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

Planning: Cliff Cottage, 8 Cliff Road.

An application which has sparked a great deal of interest locally, is one to extend the site of Cliff Cottage in Cliff Road.

I have undertaken a letter-drop to Cliff Road Residents, have met with the applicant and with local residents, and am asking this planning application to be considered by the Planning Committee on 23^rd July.

Mornington Road Car Park.

On another matter connected to Cliff Road, I've received notification from Car Parking that residents living in Cliff Road and some properties in Queens Road are entitled to apply for a Annual Permit to park in Mornington Road.  Once I find out what conditions the IW Council imposes upon the £150 permit, I hope to circulate this information to residents that are entitled to use such a permit. 

Planning: Asphalt Plant.

The planning application to construct an Asphalt Plant on land off of Arctic Road, Cowes is still under consideration of planning officers.  Following a very large number of comments being submitted by residents there remains a number of questions that officers have concerning this application.

Planning: Wind Turbines.

I accompanied other members of the Planning Committee when viewing Wind Turbines, just outside Kettering, Northants.

The wind turbines which we viewed, are similar to those that are proposed for Wellow.  We were advised by a member of the Public to view Turbines, whilst it was windy…. Fortunately, July being July the wind and weather did not let us down!  A special Planning Meeting for the Wellow application will take place on 16^th July at Cowes Yacht Haven.

SHLAA (Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment) and Neighbourhood Plan Update.

Last month I arranged to look at all of the SHLAA sites with representatives of Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan Committee (there are no proposed development sites planned for Cowes West) with a representative from Planning Policy.  Members felt strongly about preserving the Green gap between Cowes and Gurnard.  In the meantime, with representatives of Northwood Parish Council we are planning to meet landowners of Comforts Farm SHLAA which will result in a letter-drop to residents of Pallance Road.  Although Comforts Farm itself is within Northwood, it’s farmland is in Gurnard!

In Gurnard this month Questionnaires are being distributed to local residents.  In order to ensure we receive a decent return and raise awareness about Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan, members will be hand delivering and collecting from householders in the village. (I’ve volunteered for Rew Street!)

In Cowes I’ve met with residents, who have requested a similar plan to protect the Cowes Conservation Area.  This follows concerns from residents about recent developments that has arisen in and around the Cowes Conservation Area.  Cowes Town Councillors are looking into options at their July meeting.

The Moorings.

I was very pleased to attend the official opening of the new extension which will serve The Moorings Residential Care Home in Egypt Hill.  The new extension, and facilities are of high quality and will be much appreciated by both residents and their families.

In the meantime, officers have visited the site following allegations of non-compliance to the construction of the new dwellings sited to the rear of the care home.  I am advised that the dwellings have been built on site in accordance with the plans, and the Tree Officer has advised no damage has been caused to nearby trees.  Planning Compliance Officers are due to visit the site again this week to investigate the location of windows, and to ensure the dwellings have been built at the correct levels.

Gurnard Luck.

I’ve been asked to resolve a dispute which has arisen in Gurnard which relates to a diversion order for footpath CS35, which leads from the Luck Bridge to the beach where residents store their boats.   I’m hoping to conclude this dispute with a meeting with Rights Of Way later this month.

Blood Waiting Times.

I attended last month’s Health & Community Wellbeing Scrutiny Panel.  One aspect of the agenda which I’ve had personal experience of, and has been raised by local residents are the Waiting Times at the Pathology Department, St. Mary’s Hospital.

The Scrutiny Panel was informed steps were being taken that could see more Medical Centres taking blood (currently only 50% only participate), evening sessions being implemented, with appointments for emergency patients all under review.

In the meantime, I’ve made a formal request for Cowes Medical Centre to participate to overcome waiting times for local residents.

Health Profile 2012.

The Department of Health has issued its latest Health Profile for the Isle of Wight, at a glance it states:

• The Health of people living on the Isle of Wight is mixed compared with the England average.  Deprivation is lower than average, however about 5,000 children live in poverty.
• Life expectancy for women is higher than the English average.  Life expectancy is 4.9 years lower than men, and 3.9 years lower for women in the most deprived areas.
• Over the last 10 years, all cause mortality rates have fallen.  Early death rates from cancer and from heart disease have fallen.
• About 17.3% of Year 6 children are classified as obese. Levels of GCSE attainment, alcohol-specific hospital stays among those under 18 and smoking in pregnancy are worse than the England average.
• The level of breast feeding is better than the England average. The level of Adult obesity is worse than the England average. The estimated level of adult smoking is better than the England average.
• Rates of sexually transmitted infections, smoking related deaths and hospital stays for alcohol related harm are better than the England average.

For details please visit: www.healthprofiles.info.

Cowes Week.

Cowes Week Ltd, are promoting their events programme of activities that are available on their website: www.aamcowesweek.co.uk. This website features details of the Family Day, Ladies Day and how novices can become more involved.

Meanwhile, I’ve been advised that there will be no Sail Bus operating this Cowes Week by Southern Vectis. Because we were advised of this at the ‘eleventh hour’, this did not provide us with utilising an extended service for the Community Bus, which we wanted to operate as an alternative.  In light of this, this is a matter we hope to re-explore next year in partnership with the IW Council, Southern Vectis and Cowes Week Ltd.

As a Member of the Economy & Environment Committee, I received a presentation about how there is to be further streamlining of the Environmental service provision which will save the IW Council £65,000.

Members were advised that until recently there was some duplication of services provided by Environment Officers, Dog Wardens and Enforcement Officers.  It is proposed that these officers take on broader responsibilities and will be based in specific geographical areas, rather than by their distinctive roles.

Cowes Library.

Cowes Library are holding Children’s Game Clubs on Saturday 21^st July, 4^th August, 18^th August and 1^st September from 10:30 until 12 noon.  Please feel free to bring your games!

Cowes Library are also continuing with their Magic Clubs which are run by Huxley the Magic Man for children aged 10 and over. The clubs are being run 3:30- 4:30pm on Monday afternoons for four weeks.  The Magic Club costs £2 per week, and must be booked in advance from Cowes Library- given the clubs popularity.  For details please call Cowes Library on 293341.

Andrew Turner Summer Surgeries.

I look forward to joining Island M.P, Andrew Turner at his Summer Surgeries being held this year at:

Monday 30^th July: 12:10-12:30pm Village Clock, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

Monday 30^th July: 12:40-1:10pm Co-Op, Terminus Road, Cowes.

Last Month: In a nutshell

• Action had been taken to stop Contractors obstructing Baring Road.  Since this has occurred, there now seems to be a problem with vehicles allegedly ignoring the 6ft 6 restriction.  On this matter I have spoken to the Traffic Police and Highways to investigate complaints.
• I have been discussions with Planners over the application for Gurnard Pre-School on the site of Gurnard School in Baring Road.  Neighbours have highlighted some concerns with Planners, which I am anxious to see are overcome, given the general support for this facility.
• On 16^th June the IOW Harness Club held its Diamond Jubilee Concours D’Elegance to raise funds for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice, which resulted the closure of Cowes Seafront during the afternoon.  Prior to the closure, I helped to ensure Highways put notices up advising residents of the road closure.
• I’ve requested that the IW Council looks into its liabilities concerning Japanese Knotweed growing in Baring Road and Tuttons Hill.
• I managed to support the Folk Station event at Havenstreet, when organisers required seating.
• I am in the process of setting up a meeting with Cowes Golf Club following the removal of trees and shrubbery on its perimeter with neighbouring properties.  Concerns have been raised concerning residents privacy.
• I’ve requested action is taken following the lack of ‘grounds maintenance’ in Cockleton Lane following Gurnard School relocating to Baring Road.
• Highways has advised me that the combined sewer has blocked again in Shore Road. This has been reported, whilst I’m awaiting a conclusion from Southern Water on what steps are likely to be taken in the long term to fix reoccurances of this problem.
• There were further instances of vandalism in Cowes and Gurnard with Bus Shelters and Telephone Boxes damaged, and further graffiti being picked up on Gurnard Beach.  I’ve been advised that one of the Graffiti ‘artists’ have been apprehended by the police.
• I’ve assisted a resident, in repaying funds back to the IW Council for Adult Care Allowances.  This resident has also received assistance in claiming Government Grants, which was gratefully received.
• I am working with residents with problems encountered regarding drainage in Battery Road. Discussion is ongoing between residents and the IW Council, which I hope will be properly addressed.  I have offered to support residents in their efforts!
• I responded to a questionnaire from Age UK about community engagement for Older Residents.
• I received a complaint from a resident who has complained about the conflict between pedestrians and cyclists on Cowes and Gurnard Seafront.
• At the Health & Community Wellbeing Scrutiny Panel, I requested further information regarding support for victims of Domestic Abuse which I’ve been advised is disproportionately high on the Island.
• The IW Council are assisting to ‘pump-prime’ funding for apprenticeships to work in local businesses across the Island.  I’ve requested that the Council investigates opportunities to appoint their own apprentices, whilst I’m looking into the opportunity for Young People to shadow me in my work.
• There was a landslip on The Zig Zag which I reported to the IW Council. One of the trees from Mornington Woods had to be felled following this incident
• I joined an IW Youth Councillor, in distribution of Jubilee Coins to children at Gurnard School, and look forward to doing the same on Monday to children from Cowes Primary School.

Councillors Newletter: June 2012

Surgeries:

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 3rd July, Cowes Library, 12-13 Beckford Road, Cowes.

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

6-6:30pm, Tuesday 10th July, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

1-1:30pm, Wednesday 18th July, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 31st July, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 14th August, Cowes Library, 12-13 Beckford Road, Cowes.

12:30-1:30pm, Tuesday 28th August, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.* (TBC)

SHLAA Update.

My grateful thanks to members of the Neighbourhood Plan Working Party who joined myself and one of the Planning Policy Team who looked at all of the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment sites in Gurnard, on a soggy Monday in June. 

Whilst looking at the sites, there are some that will clearly have more restrictions than others- however the final decision on which sites will be allocated and to what extent will be determined by the Housing Needs Survey for Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan, which will go out to wide public consultation later this year.

Since last year, two new sites have been indicated. These being the former Reader’s site, Place Road and land rear of gardens in lower Pallance Road, adjacent to Comfort’s Farm. 

Planning Applications Update.

The plans submitted to develop 33 dwellings at land to the rear of 44 Worsley Road has been formally withdrawn by the applicant.

In the meantime, I’m advised discussions are ongoing between applicants and Planners, on a revised scheme for 76 Worsley Road.

In Cowes, I continue to chase up alleged planning breaches in Egypt Hill,  Ward Avenue, Mornington Road and Crossfield Avenue, and am in the process of undertaking a letter drop to residents of Cliff Road.

Because of the complex issues and due to local concerns being expressed in these applications I am continuing to listen to views being made regarding Wind Turbines (Noke Common), and the Ashphalt Plant in Cowes.

Gurnard Beach- Recommended by the Marine Conservation Society.

I’m thrilled to report that Gurnard Beach was recommended as a Good Beach following successful water quality readings by the EA last year.  This follows a number of initiatives being carried out by Southern Water, The EA, Parks and Beaches and from members of Gurnard Sailing Club.  After one failure last year I’m hopeful that Cowes Beach will echo Gurnard’s success following similar intervention. 

Water Leaks.

Last month, Southern Water undertook a camera survey of the leaking combined sewer at the end of Shore Road and Worsley Road.  I remain ever hopeful that a long term solution can be found to resolve the issue of foul water entering the highway.

Please let me know of any additional leaks, you are aware of that you feel has not been properly fixed.

IW Council, successful in Green Transport Bid.

The IW Council was successful in its bid for almost £4m to improve green travel and tourism.

The cash will be used in a number of areas including providing integrated transport hubs at the Island's five main tourism towns, upgrading significant parts of the Island cyclepath and footpath network and providing real time travel information at ferry terminals and train and bus stops using mobile technology.

One of the knock on effects I’ve been discussing with officers is improving Safe Routes to School in the Cowes Area.  As part of the Local Access Forum, I am working in close partnership with other agencies to ensure this funding can be utilised by different user groups.

Details can be accessed via the following link:

http://www.iwight.com/living_here/environment/transport_strategies/LSTF/default.asp

Cowes Week.

Cowes Week Ltd, are promoting their events programme of activities that are available on their website: www.aamcowesweek.co.uk. This website features details of the Family Day, Ladies Day and how novices can become more involved.

Cowes Library.

Cowes Library are holding Children’s Game Clubs on Saturday 7^th July, 21^st July, 4^th August, 18^th August and 1^st September from 10:30 until 12 noon.  Please feel free to bring your games!

Cowes Library are also continuing with their Magic Clubs which are run by Huxley the Magic Man for children aged 10 and over. The clubs are being run on Monday afternoons and consist of four sessions over four weeks.  The Magic Club costs £2 per week, and must be booked in advance from Cowes Library- given the clubs popularity.  For details please call Cowes Library on 293341. 

Andrew Turner Summer Surgeries.

Talking of magic, I look forward to joining Island M.P, Andrew Turner when holding his Summer Surgeries this year at:

Monday 30^th July: 12:10-12:30pm Village Clock, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

Monday 30^th July: 12:40-1:10pm Co-Op, Terminus Road, Cowes.

If you have any concerns, please do pop along.  No appointment is necessary!

In the last month:

I sat on the Licensing Committee, which imposed additional conditions on Shanklin’s WOW Fest, and determined applications for licenced premises in Ryde and Newport.

I attended 2 meetings of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee.  At my second meeting the Committee looked into the potential disposal of IW Council sites.  Of local interest in Cowes is Cowes Youth Club and Gurnard School in 2012/3 and Parklands, Park Road in year 3 (2014/5).   Before any disposal is considered for Parklands, I will be working to ensure there is widespread consultation with stakeholders. 

Following the rainfall this month I have again requested gully clearance in Cockleton Lane, the repainting of road markings in Worsley Road, Gurnard and have requested that care is taken when replacing the paving slabs outside Egypt House, Egypt Esplanade.

Officers have taken action in Charles Road, Baring Road and Crossfield Avenue following complaints made concerning damage to the road, whilst at the Cowes end of Princes Esplanade I’ve requested similar action is considered for the new development.

I’ve also had discussions with officers over the use of Public Slipways,  the better utilisation of Mornington Road Car Park by residents living nearby in Queens Road and Cliff Road, contractors parking in Baring Road and assisted residents wanting to find out more concerning Access Protection Bars.

I’ve been chasing up Planning Compliance matters at Cowes Enterprise College, Mornington Mews and at Planning Committee raised a question on behalf of residents concerned with aspects of development at the Moorings, Egypt Hill. 

In the last month, I've been supporting parents who have complained to me of bullying within a local school.  The school has been helpful in being reactive to these concerns which they were previously unaware of.

Letter to Residents re: 44 Worsley Road.

Dear Resident,

TCP/30990, P/00486/12 land at and rear of 44 Worsley Road Cowes Isle Of Wight PO31. Demolition of dwelling and stables; residential development comprising 33 dwellings with associated parking and landscaping.

I am writing to advise you of the above application which is proposed for the above site.

I have for information purposes copied the layout of the plans overleaf and advise the full application is available on the Isle of Wight Council’s website, iwight.com, or can be viewed at the Planning Offices at Seaclose.

If you wish to make representations to this application, these can be made again via the Isle of Wight Council’s website, or alternatively in writing to Isle of Wight Planning Services, Seaclose Offices, Fairlee Road, NEWPORT, Isle of Wight, PO30 2QS by Friday 18^th May 2012.

Gurnard Parish Council are due to make their representations to this Planning Application on Tuesday 15^th May at Gurnard School, Baring Road.

If I can be of any further assistance on this, or any other matter please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours,

Paul Fuller JP, CC

Isle of Wight Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard. 

The proposals for this application can be found by following this link:

http://www.iwight.com/council/departments/planning/appsdip/AppDetails3.aspx?frmId=24711

Annual Report, April 2012

Paul Fuller 

Independent Isle of Wight Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard. 

Annual Report: APRIL 2012.

This is my third report and summarises my work as your councillor for the past 12 months.

All Councillors are under an obligation to write a 300 word annual report each year, which features on the IW Councils website.

Rather than ‘just write a report’, that would largely go unnoticed on iwight.com I believe it much better practice to mail out my report to every household each year.  This gives me the chance to catch up with residents, and make sure issues I’ve been pursuing have been properly resolved!

If you wish to know more about my work, I write monthly reports for Cowes Town and Gurnard Parish Council meetings, available from Cowes Library.  These are reproduced in an edited format for the Cowes Magazine, Gurnard News and online through my blog paulfullercc.blogspot.com

Representing Our Community First.

I’m ever grateful and consider it a huge privilege to represent our community as local councillor.

Because I chose not to hold any key position within the Council, this enables me to focus on putting the needs of our community first.  Because I have no political baggage this enables me to work positively not only with officers, but also in partnership with Community Representatives from all backgrounds.

Since 2009, I’ve worked full time as your councillor strongly believing I’m elected to serve the interests of Cowes & Gurnard in County HalI, rather than serving the interests of County Hall in Cowes & Gurnard.  

As your Councillor, I’m here to serve all residents. If residents opinions conflict, I’ll work to find a compromise that suits all. As your Councillor if you’re not happy, or I get things wrong please tell me and I promise to do whatever is necessary to support you!   

How To Contact Me:

By Post to: 74 Wyatts Lane, Cowes, Isle of Wight. PO31 8QA.

By Telephone to: 01983 289595 (24 hours) or 07 935 090 835 (mobile or text)

By Email to: paulfulleriw@gmail.com

Visits and Surgeries.

Please never hesitate to contact me if you require any support and I am happy to meet you at a time which suits you. If in the unlikely event, I can’t help you, I will try to signpost you to somebody who can.  Alternatively, please drop in to one of my surgeries which usually follows this cycle:

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

5:30-6pm, 1^st Tuesday of the month: Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, 2^nd Tuesday of the month, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

1-1:30pm 2^nd or 3^rd Wednesday of the month, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard. (Summer)

3-3:30pm, 2^nd or 3^rd Wednesday of the month, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Av., Cowes (Term times)

5:30- 6pm, 4^th or 5^th Tuesday of the month, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

FOR DETAILS OF SURGERIES,  MONTHLY REPORTS, REGISTER OF INTERESTS AND MUCH MORE,  PLEASE VISIT: PAULFULLERCC. BLOGSPOT.COM

Some of the initiatives I’ve been pursuing since April 2011:

April 2011.

·         I met with parents and staff at Cowes Primary School over traffic concerns.

·         Discussed with Gas Main contractors concerns over the closure of Cockleton Lane.

·          With officers, I prompted action taken on highway repairs, speeding traffic and developer contributions.

May.

·         Consultation & Public Meeting called after Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment locations unveiled.

·         I took action following Cold Calling complaints.

·         I worked alongside Gurnard & Cowes Councils in preparing for a Community Bus Service.

June.

·         I ensured action was taken on monitoring litter and dog fouling on Cowes & Gurnard beaches

·         I sat on Licensing Committee which granted a licence for IW Festival for 3 years.

·         I requested action taken following damage to protected woodland.

July.

·         I attended end of term events at Cowes High, Cowes Primary & Gurnard  Primary schools

·         I supported resident’s representations over future proposals for the Gurnard School site.

·         I was elected as a Cowes Town Councillor.

August.

·         I joined Andrew Turner MP during surgeries held in Cowes and Gurnard.

·         I supported residents of West View Road, Gurnard following concerns regarding traffic.

·         I arranged a meeting following a water quality failure in Cowes.

·         I liaised with residents over plans to replace the radio transmitter from Cowes High School.

September.

·         The new Community Bus Service was launched. Residents were interviewed for the BBC’s One Show and Postcode Lottery.

·         I sat on Licensing Committee which granted the licence for the WOW Fest.

·         Action was taken following complaints over speeding traffic in Place Road and Park Road.

·         I requested further repairs following damage to Ward Avenue, Parklands Avenue, Baring Road and Crossfield Avenue.

October.

·         I relayed resident’s Crime & Disorder concerns when questioning the Chief Constable.

·         I attended the Gurnard Luck Village Green application.

·          I ensured action was taken restoring bridges & footpaths following landslips on Gurnard Cliff.

November.

·         I ensured Lower Church Road re-opened, following requests to prolong its closure

·         I called a meeting between highways and Police to resolve traffic issues in Baring Road.

·          Town Cllr. Bob Robinson and I undertook a  door to door survey with Cowes Businesses.

December.

·         I called a meeting after highway safety concerns were raised by Cowes Enterprise College. New road crossing points have been consulted upon and agreed.

·         I ensured action was taken following complaints lodged over contractors parking on the Crossfield Avenue Estate.

·         I worked alongside Gurnard Parish Council in consulting on options for the former school site

January 2012.

·         I took action following traffic delay complaints.

·         Following appeals made, I was advised the community bus would serve Rew Street.

·         I supported appeals by residents to retain the NHS dentist in Cowes.

·          I was the only Councillor to support members taking a cut to their allowances at Full Council.

February.

·         I helped instigate the Youth Advisor initiative between Cowes Enterprise College and local Councils.

·         I supported proposals to improve accessibility to Cowes Town Centre.

·          I supported residents over refuse changes.

·          I undertook and participated in consultations for the coming year’s IW Council Budget.

March.

·         I took action to ensure there was a full consultation on the future of the Music Service

·         I supported proposals from Cowes Town Council & Gurnard Parish Council for successful Economic Improvement Grants.

·         I began working with residents and Local Council colleagues on Neighbourhood Plans.

Isle of Wight Council Budget 2012/ 2013.

As I have done since becoming a Councillor I listen to residents before working with others to set budgets each year.  This year as part of the 10 strong group of Independent Councillors who put forward a balanced and legal alternative budget.

In 2011, Councils found themselves making decisions which adversely impacted on public services. On the Island, Councillors took a number of difficult decisions. Many of these proposals I agreed with, whilst others, I didn’t.  Cutting back on Public Toilets, the Library Service, removing Tourist Information Centres and Lifeguards were some aspects of last year’s budget which I and many local residents were bitterly opposed to.

Proposals for the Independent Budget Included:

• ·         Islandwide Residents Car Parking Permit.
• ·         Adult Social Care & Community Wellbeing Reinvestment.
• ·         Unoccupied Buildings Entrepreneurs Scheme.
• ·         Footpath & Cycleway Investment Programme.
• ·         Youth Sports Club Premises Grants.
• ·         Lifeguards for Seaside Resorts.
• ·         Library Support and Redevelopment.
• ·         Youth Service Reinvestment. 
• ·         Tourist Information Provision.
• ·         Dog Fouling & Litter Prevention Enforcement.
• ·         Public Toilet Expansion Scheme.
• ·         TetraPak Recycling.
• ·         Beach Hut Investment.
• ·         Support for Volunteers and Town/ Parish Councils.
• ·         Investing in Community Projects.
• ·         Top Slicing PFI expenditure by 10%.
• ·         Reducing Councillors Allowances by 7%.
• ·         Renegotiating IW Council Contracts.

This alternative budget which I supported would have achieved all of the above whilst freezing Council Tax.

Neighbourhood Plans and update regarding Future Housing Allocations.

One of the biggest issues that I have been involved within the last year, is supporting residents with enquiries over future housing development.

This was brought to light following suggestions which came forward seeking the inclusion of any potentially surplus land for future housing within the new Island Plan.  Within Gurnard suggestions were made to include land in the Jordan Valley (west of Place Road & Baring Road) and the Luck Valley (west of Cockleton Lane & Lower Church Road), whilst in Cowes land between Lammas Close and Pine Tree Close was also included.

Following May 2011’s public meeting, planners at the Isle of Wight Council received more comments from residents of Gurnard, Northwood and Cowes than any other area.

Since then, I’m pleased to report land in Cowes was removed, whilst in Gurnard I’m working with the Parish Council in augmenting a Housing Needs Survey as part of Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan. This survey will determine more precisely how many new homes will be required and gives our communities the opportunity to decide how many and where new housing should be located.

Presently there are no plans to do the same in Cowes, however I anticipate with pressure to build new homes, protect local businesses, green gaps and safeguard our conservation areas there will be a need to create a Plan sooner rather than later.  I’ve requested this is to be discussed by Cowes Town Council.  If you want to know more, please contact me.

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

In the last year…

Last year my term of office as a Governor at Cowes High School came to an end. Since then I continue to support Young People, Parents, Staff and Governors at Cowes Enterprise College, Cowes Primary School and Gurnard School as local councillor.

I’ve recently joined the Cowes Library Forum and continue to support and work closely with Gurnard Parish Council and Cowes Town Council. I continue being involved in the local Community Bus Project (now being successfully run by and with volunteer support). 

1 Year in numbers.  As your Councillor:

·         I am on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

·         I work full-time as Councillor and work between 30 and 60 hours a week

·         I attended 303 meetings associated with my work as an IW Councillor.

·         This includes 51 out of 51 IW Council summoned meetings, making me the best Councillor attendee for last year.

·         In addition I attended a further 59 associated meetings, briefings, site visits associated within my work.

·         I’ve attended 12 out of 12 Cowes Town Council’s monthly meetings and 12 out of 12 Gurnard Parish Council meetings plus a further 29 meetings associated with Parish/ Town Council activities  

·         I attended 55 Surgeries meeting 61 residents in 6 different venues.

·         I’ve called/ liaised 11 meetings in the past year, these include face to face meetings with Council Officers and meetings called with outside Agencies. 

·         I’ve written 12 monthly reports for Parish/ Town Councillors, which are edited and themed for Gurnard News, Cowes Beacon (until February) and the Cowes Magazine (from November)

·         I received over 3,000 Council related emails, 740 telephone calls and 43 letters (which I aim to respond to within 3 days- 12 hours for local residents)

·         I’ve leafleted 2,200 Annual Reports and a number of ‘local’ consultative reports.

·         I door-stepped and listened to the aspirations and concerns of over 50 businesses in Cowes.

·         As a Councillor I visited 83 residents, and attended 16 resident’s meetings.

This financial year I received a Councillors Allowance of £8,262.32 Gross Pay (this was £8,543.55 for 2010/2011)

My expenses for last year, are as follows:

£811.55 New Computer.

£240.00 Annual Report 2010/2011.

£196.54 Broadband, landline, mobile costs and use of home as office etc.

£ 43.47 Office Supplies (including ink, paper, stamps etc.)

£ 50.00 Donations.

£ 11.00 Travel Expenses .

£1,352.56 Total Expenses.

About Me.

I was first elected to serve as an Isle of Wight Councillor in 1995, where I represented Ryde North East as an Independent Councillor for 6 years.  On moving back to Cowes, I served on all three local councils and have continued to be actively involved in projects which support young people, crime prevention, the economy, planning and the environment.

I am married to Karen, and have two children (Caelan,15 and Zara,13) attending Cowes Enterprise College.

As your Isle of Wight Councillor I serve on Full Council, the Planning Committee, The Licensing & General Purposes Committee, The Economy & Environment Scrutiny Panel, The Children & Young People Scrutiny Panel and occasionally The Health & Wellbeing Scrutiny Panel.

I am appointed by the IW Council as a member of the Local Access Forum, an independent body set up to monitor the Island’s rights of ways.

In my own right I’m a Cowes Town Councillor and a Northwood Parish Councillor. I’m a Trustee for the Friends Of Northwood Cemetery, a Friend of Northwood House & Park, sit on the Management Committee for the Footprint Trust and serve as a Justice Of The Peace. 

And Finally…

In the coming year, I’m committed to ensure our Council says yes, rather than no, and as long as I remain your Councillor, I’m committed to listen to you and fight your corner whenever and wherever necessary. In this role, I aim to be an effective and hardworking councillor doing this without any political prejudice. 

The reason I do this, is because I thoroughly enjoy it. Because I enjoy my ‘work’, I hope that it shows and I am achieving the right outcomes for our community!

Thank you for reading my report, and for supporting me for the last three years!