IW Councillors Report, May 2019

Surgeries.

10:30-11am, Friday 3^rd May, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 7^th May, Cowes Library, 12-14 Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 7^th May, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

6-6:6:30pm, Wednesday 8^th May, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

1-1:30pm, Wednesday 15^th May, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 15^th May, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

10:30-11am, Thursday 23^rd May, Coffee & Chat, All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.

12-12:30pm, Friday 24^th May, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

6-6:6:30pm, Wednesday 29^th May, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

12-12:30pm, Thursday 30^th May, Eegon’s Café, 72 High Street, Cowes.

Bank Holiday Rubbish.

During the late half of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, I started to receive complaints concerning overfilled bins at Gurnard Green.  However, this was followed up by complaints from very angry residents and visitors quite rightly upset by the accumulation of rubbish throughout the Island during the weekend.

Residents contacted me assuming this was as a consequence of the IW Council’s administration revising its PFI contract with Island Roads.  

In response to this, I have contacted the IW Council for an explanation.  The purpose of questions put, is to understand better the problems of emptying, so solutions can be found to limit future re-occurances.

The questions asked are as follows:

·         When does Summer emptying regime come in to force, and what days do these take place?

1st April. Gurnard Green bins are emptied 3 times a week all year round.

·         What is the current (Winter) emptying regime, and when does this happen?

Monday/Wednesday and Friday

·         What is the emptying regime in place on highways under control by Island Roads? Is there scope for partnership between Parks and Beaches, Island Roads and Amey?

Island Roads empty esplanade bins Monday-Friday in the winter and daily in the summer.

·         What scope is in place for a more flexible regime, whereby bins can be emptied more frequently during a) hot weather and b) bank holidays?

In the past Gurnard Parish Council has requested The Green Bins are emptied on a daily basis during school holidays – and we are happy to consider this again if requested.

·         Is there scope to ensure bins are a) made bigger, b) animal proofed esp. against foxes and gulls? and c) being adapted to ensure waste is separated (as occurs with normal household collections)

Yes happy to consider a range of options with the Parish Council

·         Is there feedback from our Environment Officer, as to improving litter bin collections?

General feedback is frequency is ok but not busy summer weekends and there has been an impact of the larger waste container being removed

·         Are there any Town and Parish Councils/ Businesses elsewhere on the Island that has an enhanced litter collection service, and if so what added value is provided to these areas?

Yes Ryde and Newport

·         Can the issues being experienced across Island during the Bank Holiday weekend, be as a consequence of revisions to the PFI contract with Island Roads? If so, what steps do the IW Council intend to take to ensure that a repeat of unemptied bins does not reoccur?

More Rubbish…

I am advised that one of (several) reasons for overfilled bins, was due to weekend visitors and residents with second homes leaving their household rubbish in and adjacent bins.

If you are a regular visitor, please visit www.iwight/waste or call 01983 823777 to subscribe to the Collection Plus service.  This enables any resident to have their bins collected from their property without the need to place bins on the kerbside.  This costs £60 per year, and is free for residents with medical/ mobility needs.

In addition, Amey/ The IW Council also has a garden waste collection service, again costing £60 per year.

and more Rubbish…   

Last month, I was contacted by a resident concerned about warnings made by Amey and the subsequent non-collection of waste and recycling from the Flats at The Green, Crossfield Avenue.

Officers have met on site, and a solution has been found to increase capacity. In response, I’ve requested owners/ landlords are found to help facilitate improvements. In the meantime waste/ recycling is now being collected again.  

Parking.

·         Worsley Road.

I continue to receive complaints concerning bad parking in, and adjacent to Worsley Road, Gurnard.

The main areas of concern are:

1.    The junction of Worsley Road and Church Road.

2.    The junction of Glen Place and Worsley Road and outside the Nisa and Gurnard Press.

3.    Where Worsley Road narrows before the junction with Westbrook Lane.

As a consequence residents have highlighted travel delays, obstructed sight lines for vehicles exiting junctions and pedestrian safety, as fresh reasons for considering a parking order to resolve these issues. In addition, a suggestion has been made to re-route the community bus and goods vehicles. 

In response, I do have real concerns that ‘double yellow’ lines, will transfer problems to adjacent roads where parking is also at a premium. I also have concerns over how restrictions may affect the viability of businesses.

It is noted that on many occasions the worst incidents, are those parking for short periods to collect single items and individuals from the village hall!

In the meantime, I will be consulting with residents in and around Worsley Road to discuss their thoughts and suggestions on how best I pursue this.  This will also be discussed by Gurnard Parish Council.

From my perspective, I continue to plea with residents to park hard against the kerb, as well as think where and how they park ensuring roads and junction sight lines are kept unobstructed to allow large vehicles and the bus to pass.      

·         Pavement Parking.

At the Cowes Mobility Forum, I have also received complaints about bad parking in Place Road.  The complaint received was from a resident who relies upon using a mobility scooter.  According to this resident, on occasions they have had to leave the footway to take their scooter on to the highway, into the oncoming traffic lane.

It is noted that this not only applies to the disabled but also to parents with young children in push chairs/ prams, and is more so relevant with the development of the Meadow View Estate.  

Please can I appeal to residents who park on the footway/ pavement in Place Road to please consider pedestrians and leave more than adequate space for mobility scooters/ prams to pass.

Carriageway/ Footway Resurfacing Updates.

Firs Close’s footway was resurfaced last month and seating in Cowes has been maintained for the summer season.

In the meantime, carriageway resurfacing is on course to take place in Park Road (June) and Crossfield Avenue (July).  Also, the Zig Zag Steps footpath has reopened following works to remove the fallen tree and repair the paths handrail.  

Planning.

This month I supported a Planning Application in Baring Road, refused by Planning Officers. In my opinion, this proposal is in an area where similar and more dominant applications in respect to size and mass have been approved.  

Proposed perceived residential developments off West View Road, Rew Street continue to cause myself, Gurnard Parish Council and residents concern.  I continue to liaise with officers on these matters in the hope that appropriate action can and will be taken.

I have also been in contact with both Planners and Cowes Enterprise College concerning complaints from Ward Avenue residents regarding the construction and hours of work for the new Multi Use Games Area, as well as poorly fixed signage to street furniture.  It is believed this occurred due to imminent Gas pipeline works and carriageway resurfacing in Crossfield Avenue, scheduled for coming weeks..  

As a consequence, disruption stopped. Thank you to the school’s Principal and to contractors in their swift response!

In the meantime, I have also sought reassurance from planners regarding the MUGA’s new floodlights.

Annual Report.

I had a fantastic time last month delivering my Annual Report.  Despite my enthusiasm wanting to discuss parking, highways, planning, waste and dog dirt, the one issue that people wanted to discuss with me was Brexit or lack of it!

It was very clear during my discussions that faith in politicians, seem at an all-time low following residents (and my) frustration in actually getting on with the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.  This is very understandable given Government and its parliamentarians have now had two years to agree a deal.

In the meantime, if you have not received your report please let me know!

Neighbourhood Watch/ Police Request.

Every year, once the warm weather and sunshine appears, I receive requests from the police to let residents know to leave sheds and household doors locked as opportunistic burglaries can and do happen!   

In the past few months there has also been cold callers attempting to sell their services across the Island.  I have requested an updated supply of ‘No Cold Calling’ stickers from Environmental Health and once these are received, I will circulate these to residents who have requested theirs.  Please note (sadly!) the No Cold Calling initiative does not apply to religious or political canvassers.  

Town/ Parish Council Co-options.  

Thank you to all residents who applied to both Cowes Town Council and Gurnard Parish Council.

Successfully co-opted was Cllrs. Matt Smith, Jan Williams and Nikki Wood to Gurnard Parish Council and Cllrs Ken Gilpin and John ‘Jock’ Rafferty to the Cowes Medina Ward of Cowes Town Council.

As Isle of Wight Councillor, I very much look forward to working with and supporting our new local councillors.

Brown Tail Moth Warning.

The IW council is warning against handling the creatures, whose hairs can break off as barbs, potentially causing skin irritation and breathing difficulties.                                                                                                    

Once again the annual influx of the brown-tail moth caterpillar and residents are reminded to avoid handling them, as they can cause skin and eye irritation, especially in children.

If you are unlucky enough to have handled the caterpillars, you may experience a rash together with irritation similar to a severe nettle rash. Because hairs can become airborne some people may experience symptoms affecting their eyes and breathing similar to hay fever symptoms.  Normally this will give a few hours of localised discomfort. Washing the affected area with water and the application of calamine lotion to the skin may ease discomfort. The hairs may also worsen symptoms of asthma for some people.  You should seek medical advice from your pharmacist or GP if symptoms do not settle down within a few hours. 

European Elections.

If you recently moved, please note that the very latest deadline to vote in the European Elections is Tuesday 7^th May.

Mayors Report.

This is my last report as Mayor of Cowes. Thank you to my wonderful colleagues who gave me the honour of representing our community. It has been a fantastic two years, where I have met some lovely warm people.  I also wish to place on record my grateful appreciation to deputy mayor, Lora Peacey-Wilcox and our Town Clerk, Debbie and Deputy Clerk, Kate who have always gone above and beyond the call of duty in their support to me and to Cowes. Also this month:

·         Cowes Town Council has agreed to provide financial support for the Park Road crossing patrol.

·         The Town Council has supported the repair to the Watch House Shelter, with work due to commence this month.

·         The Northwood Recreation Ground footway working party met, and subsequent support has been given by the Cowes Access Forum for the project.

·         Cllr Peacey-Wilcox, myself and Assistant Clerk Kate Gibbs met with officers at County Hall to discuss parking.

·         I attended the Red Funnel’s naming ceremony for its latest vessel (for freight) Red Kestrel.

·         The Visitor Cowes Working Group met, and things are now looking more positive with the Town Council stepping into the shoes left by Destination Cowes.  I remain really positive through the group, and with support from the CBA inroads can be made to build upon the foundations laid by Destination Cowes.

·         I had a fantastic afternoon at Old Charlton Houses Easter Event, and felt privileged to judge residents Easter Bonnet competition.    

·         My last civic event as Mayor will be the wreath laying to commemorate the Blyskawica’s defence of Cowes.

Also this month.

·         I continue to support the Watersedge Café, which was broken into last month.  Since then, I am liaising with the owner on a number of issues such as cleanliness of The Green, the Beach and the collection of rubbish.

·         I have given advice following complaints regarding bonfires, affecting the Meadow View development.

·         Advice has been provided to a resident with information on Rew Street pond.

·         I have supported a resident with information for Quad Bike parking.

·         Concerns have been relayed regarding adders.  Please note all snakes are protected. Adders are declining due shorter winters and habitat loss. If you see an adder it is advisable to leave it alone. 

·         A very big thank you to those residents who joined Town and Parish Councillors for the tidy up events held!

·         The consultation on the English Coastal Path commences next month.  I have learnt that it is unlikely that Colwell Bay, Quarr Abbey, Jersey Camp and the Osborne and Barton Estate may not be included.  Details to follow!  

·         I’ve been approached by a resident anxious to see eco-housing supported.  On this, I have no hesitation in doing so.  I have contacted Planners asking for a policy supporting this within the Island Planning Strategy.

·         In response to an enquiry made concerning inaccessible bus stops, I have responded suggesting that bus stops at Hillis Corner, Pallance Road; The Moorings, Egypt Hill and Nodes Road are made more accessible.

·         I have requested improvements to sight lines in Marsh Road.

·         I am liaising with the developer responsible for Westwood Close who is intending to undertake work to make more attractive land where the old play area was at the end of this road.   

IW Councillor's Report: April 2019

Surgeries:

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 2^nd April, Cowes Library, 12-14 Beckford Road, Cowes.

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

10:30-11am, Friday 5^th  April, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11:45-12:15pm, Wednesday 10^th April, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

6-6:30pm, Wednesday 10^th April, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 24^th April, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Wednesday 24^th April, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

9:30-10am, Thursday 25^th April, Eegon's Cafe, 72 High Street, Cowes*.

*The advertised drop-in at Coffee and Chat at All Saints Church, Gurnard has been cancelled due to the naming ceremony of the Red Kestral in Southampton. Please note an alternative surgery takes place at Eegon's Cafe instead. Apologies for inconvenience caused.

English Coastal Path Update.

Natural England have confirmed it their intention to include Spencer’s Copse and Shore Path within the proposals for the new English Coastal Path, due to be consulted this summer.

This follows me pushing for this again in the last few months, a resolution put and supported by the Local Access Forum and the tireless campaigning by Isle of Wight Beauty In Perpetuity and local residents. This is good news, as this will offer funding opportunities to ensure the path can be maintained through external sources.  In addition, this takes liabilities off of landowners which can exist and cause difficulties elsewhere.

It seems likely that proposals to divert the trail via Burnt Wood at Thorness may be dropped due to ecological restraints.  However, suggestions for ‘red flag’ shooting day exemptions at Jersey Camp ‘may’ be considered.

Once again, the timescales have slipped on implementing the coastal path. This is as a consequence of Brexit, with officers from Natural England being deployed elsewhere. It was noted that some of the funding for the trail came from the EU, and depending on what Brexit deal is struck may reflect on how and to what extent the path is supported in future years.   

Local Access Forum Update.

At the most recent meeting of the Local Access Forum the following was reported:

·         Military Road.

It was confirmed that Military Road could not be diverted via Afton Down due to Environmental Designations which exist. Because of the creation of a new chine, south of Brook Green it is believed the road’s life may be reduced. When the road is severed, it was intended to create car parks at both the eastern and western points of the road. 

Following Dunsbury Farm (Brook), being purchased last year by the National Trust it was reported that land would be reverted from arable agriculture to grassland, likely to be grazed.  It is understood that by doing this and by looking at water courses and withy bed enrichment this will prolong the life of the road.

·         Grass verges.

Following success in Dorset, Island Roads are due to trial a cut and collect approach to verge management on rural roads. Collecting the arisings reduces verge fertility, which reduces future growth rates and therefore the need for cutting. Low fertility also benefits wildflowers which thrive in a low nutrient environment and provide an attractive road side, improving the environment and reducing costs.

·         Public Space Protection Order.

Proposals for the new Public Space Protection Order are still under review by officers.  However, despite objections from Cowes Town Council and Ryde Town Council it seems likely that a new restriction to dogs in cemeteries seems likely.

Annual Report 2019.

My Annual Report will be circulated this month.  If you have not received yours please let me know. Both my Annual Report, and updated Register of Interests can be viewed at: http://www.paulfullercc.blogspot.com

Asian Hornets. 

There is currently considerable concern about the predatory Asian Hornets arriving from the continent.

1. Please use the Asian Hornet Watch app on your phone to send a picture and a location via GPS in the app straight to the non-native species secretariat and National Bee Unit.

2. If you cannot download the Asian Hornet Watch app, please use this online recording form: http://www.brc.ac.uk/risc/alert.php?species=asian_hornet

3. As a last resort, you send a picture and email with details of where you saw the Asian hornet with your contact details to: alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk

White Tailed Eagles.

A consultation (which I missed) took place last year to reintroduce White Tailed Sea Eagles to the Island.  This survey was undertaken by the Roy Dennis Foundation, who are working with the Forestry Commission to identify habitats.  It is noted where eagles have been introduced, this has had a positive impact upon the local economy.

The Isle of Wight was the last location in England where these substantial birds (the largest birds of prey in the UK having up to a 2.5 metre wingspan!) were found.  

Because of concerns raised by Farmers and Conservationists, I have contact both Mr Dennis and Helen Butler from Wightsquirrels.co.uk to seek their views.  In response, it was highlighted that in recent years squirrels have adapted to the presence of buzzards who prey upon small mammals.  That said, there remains concern over young livestock.

Housing Survey.

Following the IW Council’s administration’s recent consultation on the Island Strategic Plan, Island MP Bob Seely has initiated his own survey. This seems at odds with the IW Council and his Government imposed targets.  This consultation can be found at: http://islandvision.uk/islandplan/#part2.

In Bob’s narrative (which very much mirrors my viewpoint), the MP makes the following observations:

·         This housing is not being built for Islanders and will be unaffordable for most Islanders. It is purely designed to hit national targets.

·         It is not deliverable due to the lack of Island building capacity and we do not have the infrastructure to cope.

·         Large-scale housebuilding will damage our landscape, quality of life and the Island’s tourism and visitor economy.

·         By accepting targets we cannot fulfil, the Council leaves itself vulnerable to developers to force greenfield development.

·         There is no public support amongst Islanders for large-scale house-building which is not for Islanders.

Planning Updates.

·         Baring Road: 4 dwellings adjacent to Greenacres.  

A planning application for 4 dwellings was consulted upon last month. A letter drop to nearby households took place.

Further details can be found at https://www.iow.gov.uk/planning/AppDetails3.aspx?frmId=35355

·         Bucklers View, Worsley Road. Application for 12 new dwellings.

The planning application for expanding Bucklers View remains pending.  Once this is formally advertised, a letterdrop and a further drop-in for residents will take place.  In the meantime, I have been given to understand concerns on retaining trees/ soft landscaping have been discussed with Southern Housing.

·         Planning Enforcement.

I have requested the intervention of Officers on matters one off Rew Street, the other at Cockleton Lane.

·         Pedestrian Refuge, The Range, Place Road.

Meetings have taken place between Island Roads and The Range, with plans anticipated for these works. I am advised delays occurred due to ‘copyright issues’ with studies and plans! This is something I continue to monitor.

Storm Damage.

During last month’s storms, the following was reported:

·         Damage to Navigational Aid, shoreside of Cooks Bay, Gurnard.  This was reported to Trinity House to monitor and take necessary action to repair the damaged sign and post.

·         Felled tree, Place Road.  This was reported to Island Roads, and a replacement tree was requested.

·         Felled tree, Zig Zag steps, Baring Road.  The footpath to from Baring Road to Mornington Road needed to be closed for five days whilst the tree was cleared.

Support The Isle of Wight Foodbank

‘Items Most Urgently Needed’ list for March 2019 is:

·         Squash

·         Toiletries & Toilet Roll

·         Rice Pudding

·         Sponge Puddings

·         Juice

Please take any donations to the Isle of Wight Foodbank, Love Lane, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7ET. Their opening times are 10am to 12 Noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Public Toilets.

Both Cowes and Gurnard Parish Council’s support repair and where appropriate replacement to Public Toilets to be given a high priority.  Please let me know your thoughts concerning this?

Bonfires.  

With spring arriving early, I have received reports of bonfires in the dip of Baring Road where the spring flows from Cowes Golf Club, to the west of Egypt Hill

Please advise neighbours if you plan to have a bonfire, as I’m reminded this can cause distress, particularly to those with health concerns and those suffering from breathing difficulties.   If you are unable to dispose of garden waste sustainably, please ensure fires do not cause a nuisance and are not left unattended!  For information on Green Garden Waste please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/iwforms/form.aspx?k=GreenWasteSub2019

Highways Updates.

·         Carriageway Resurfacing.

I am advised that resurfacing has been scheduled to take place in Park Road and Carvel Lane in June 2019, and for Crossfield Avenue in July 2019.

As yet the date for resurfacing Newport Road, Northwood has not been agreed.  However, given the strategic importance of this road it is likely this will take place at night and remains on course to take place this year.

·         Trees, Three Gates Road/ Place Road junction, Cowes.

A request has been received from BAE Systems to remove trees and landscaping in Place Road.  This is necessary following a bid by the company to the Ministry of Defence to test radar equipment from their site.

BAE systems has requested that soft landscaping is at the same height (around 3 metres) as perimeter fencing to allow for the testing of equipment from their site across fields to the Solent.

·         Drainage.

Concerns over drainage and leaking pipes have been raised with Island Roads in Cockleton Lane, Ward Avenue and Woodvale Road.

·         Cowes Traffic Order Latest.

Because of delays progressing other orders, I remain positive that the Cowes TRO will be finalised in the next four to six weeks.  This has been confirmed by officers dealing with this.  Fingers crossed!

·         Meeting with Island Roads.

I am in the process of setting up a meeting between Local Town and Parish Councillors and Island Roads to discuss ongoing residents concerns.  I am hoping this meeting can take place towards the end of April/ Early May.

·         Off-Road Parking.

When parking your vehicle, please ensure that residents accesses are left unobstructed this applies not only to driveways themselves, but also directly opposite entrances where in narrow roads it can be very difficult for householders to enter and exit safely. 

Old School Meadow.

I have received feedback from residents asking for Gurnard’s Old School Meadow to be used for Conservation purposes, rather than primarily recreational use.  This follows Gurnard Parish agreeing to increase mows.

Although conservation is important and can be utilised alongside recreational use despite feedback received I still hold the view that the majority of local residents who use the old school playing field and orchard does so for recreational use.  Please let me know your thoughts..

Mayor’s Report.

·         A meeting took place to resurrect plans to create a hard surfaced footpath to circumnavigate the football pitches in Northwood Recreation Ground.  This project was initially considered by Cowes Community Partnership and Cowes Town Council about 11 years ago, and was overtaken by Playbuilder funding to improve play facilities for the park.  It is understood that funding from developers contributions were previously ring-fenced for this project.

·         I was joined by Cllr David Jones and Cllr Paul Taylor on flag-raising and commemorating Commonwealth Day in Francki Place, Cowes.

·         There has been successful meetings between the Isle of Wight Council, contractors from Trevor Jones Contracting who support the view of both Cowes Town Council and Cowes Heritage who wish to see the Watch House Shelter repaired rather than removed.  For Trevor Jones Contracting, Gowan Ruler has highlighted that the company are prepared to do this for the town at cost.  On behalf of the Town Council, I wish to thank Gowan for his support to save this asset for visitors and residents. In the meantime, I remain hopeful that a compromise negotiated whereby the IW Council project manages repairs can proceed.

·         Cowes Town Council has been approached to continue funding the school crossing patrol in Park Road.  This follows Cowes Primary School not being in a position to continue to fund this crossing point, which is also used by students from Cowes Enterprise College, as well as Blackberry Lane Nursery. The difficulty across the Island with crossing patrols is that the recruitment of new lollypop men and women is very limited, and it is fully recognised that where and when these exist patrols are worth their weight in gold!

·         Cowes Town Council are considering options to increase parking availability in the town.  Of priority is supporting residents, shoppers and visitors.  However a more joined-up and a consistent view on parking arrangements throughout the town is being considered by Councillors.  In the meantime, please let me know your views?

·         Following a request made to the producers, the Town Council was successful to gaining samples for a pilot scheme to test a more sustainable weedkiller.  The weedkiller itself is made from Acetic Acid and is endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society.

·         A meeting took place to monitor the management and upkeep of Mornington Woods.  It was reported that damage occurred to a neighbouring household when the branch of a maple tree fell down in stormy weather.  It was noted that prior to this, local residents did not consent to works taking place.  In addition other damaged trees are being monitored and bat surveys are taking place.

Also this month:

·         I have supported a resident in getting their blue badge processed.

·         I am supporting tenants who are in conflict with their landlord following neighbours discarding wet wipes/ sanitary items which has led to blocked drains and pipework

·         I am meeting with residents from Gurnard Pines, who have asked for my support with the cost of new meters.

·         I am supporting a resident who is suffering from damp conditions in their home, which is having an adverse impact upon this residents children.

·         I am helping a resident to receive an improved healthcare package to suit their personal needs.

·         Support is being provided to residents of Hamlet Court.

·         Following last months report, repairs have taken place to damaged kerbing in Blackberry Lane.

·         Advice and signposting has been provided to residents requesting new paper bins and recycling of Garden Waste.

·         Repairs continue to broken railings on Cowes/ Gurnard Esplanade.

·         I am supporting residents liaising with Planners over a building within a conservation area.

·         An Extraordinary Meeting of the IW Council took place to grant the Mountbatten Hospice founder Dr Desmond Murphy ‘Freedom of the Isle of Wight Status’.  This was granted unanimously by the 28 Councillors (myself included) in attendance for this special meeting.

·         A ‘sink hole’ was reported to me last month.  I have offered this resident support, should this be necessary.  In the meantime, I have liaised with colleagues on this matter.

·         I am advised that the name for the new development proposed for land adjacent to Dottens Farm is proposed to be either The Dottens, Dottens View or Pond Close.  Please let me know your thoughts?

·         I have been contacted by a number of residents concerned over proposals to increase revenue from overnight parking.

·         Support is being given to residents of The Green, given a hard time from Amey due to a lack of storage capacity for waste and recycling. To date, residents have not been supported on the room available leave waste. Discussions are ongoing with the IW Council who are due to contact landlords and owners to resolve the problem.