IW Councillor's Report, August 2019

Surgeries.

12-1pm, Friday 2^nd August, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 6^th August, Cowes Library, 12-14 Beckford Road, Cowes.

5-5:30pm, Wednesday 28^th August, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

Cowes Week 2019.

·         Sail GP Event.

With Cowes Week fast approaching, I have been liaising with and supporting Queens Road residents concerning the Sail GP Event and the impact this will have upon residents during the event which takes place 9-11^th August.  In response, two meetings were called and assistance has been provided with respect to the timeframe for structures to remain in-situ.  In addition, I continue to liaise with the IW Council about retaining access to the seafront.

·         Cowes Week Traffic Order.

Motorists, signs that confuse motorists, signs in dangerous locations, ambiguous traffic orders, multiple temporary one way routes, blocked footways and a digger dismantling walls have all been issues that I have been dealing with this year’s order. Throughout the roll-out of this year’s order, I’ve been liaising between residents and Island Roads. In response, the network manager has advised he has attended each day (weekend included) that compliance has much improved since introduction on Thursday 25^th July and is looking into improving signage at Egypt Hill.

·         Cowes Week Key Dates.

On Cowes Parade there is free live entertainment taking place from 2pm until 23.00pm daily. We have a great mix of local and Mainland bands throughout the week which are all completely free to watch and enjoy. To see up to date entertainment schedules from the Parade and the other Cowes Week venues please visit www.cowesweek.co.uk

Friday 2^nd August: Barriers put out along Parade car park and all parking prevented (nb the lower end of Cowes Parade will already be closed from 31st July for the RORC Fastnet Crew Party)

Saturday 3^rd August: Build commences, 8am Friday 9^th August: Cowes Parade Village opens until Sat 17^th August

Friday 9th August: Kings Cup Regatta takes place by the SailGP Race Village www.thekingscup.com

Saturday 10^th and Sunday 11^th August: SailGP Racing takes place at Egypt Point https://sailgp.com/

Tuesday 13^th August: Ladies Day. Look out for special offers in and around Cowes and don’t forget to join in by wearing navy and white stripes!

Friday 16^th August: Typhoon Display followed by Fireworks

Sunday 18^th August: Breakdown commences.

Tuesday 20^th August (4pm): Breakdown complete, car park swept and reopens.  

 

  

Planning.

·         Bucklers View.

I am anticipating a modified planning application regarding this proposal, and concerns raised over the scale, height, design and soft landscaping of this development.

·         Holiday Units, Ward Avenue.

An application to provide self-catering units in the garden of a property in Ward Avenue has been withdrawn following concerns being raised by neighbours, which I have supported.

·         Woodvale Drive.

An application to build a property on Woodvale Drive has been re-advertised following confusion on its status, when advertised the first time.  This offers a further opportunity for residents to comment.

·         The Range, Place Road.

A planning application has been submitted to sell food and drink items.  This follows a national trial, whereby The Range and Iceland are working in partnership.  In response, I am supporting the need for improved crossing points and extending footway by 150 metres to connect The Range to connect with Four Cross, Northwood.  

Housing Numbers.

I attended a public meeting in Northwood, and support the Member of Parliaments view that the 641 new homes per year within the IWC Island Planning Strategy is unsustainable, given the Isle of Wight’s ‘exceptional circumstances’.

The view which Bob Seely is taking, has mirrored views that I expressed earlier this year to the Island Plan.

In response, I am working alongside the Association of Local Councils (which Cowes TC, Gurnard PC and Northwood PC) are all members of facilitating and hosting a Planning Workshop for all local councillors, which will now take place later this year.

Issues that are being questioned are Empty homes, Safeguarding the Environment, Local Housing for Local People, Developer Contributions and an update on the IW Planning Strategy. 

Section 106 (Developer) Contributions.

Isle of Wight members and Town/ Parish Councillors, are being asked for their priorities should planning applications be approved.  Tentative suggestions that I am making are as follows:

·         Improved mobility access to local shops, businesses and bus stops in Worsley Road and Gurnard Green through dropped kerbs and parking for the disabled.

·         Improved dropped kerbs, Park Road, Cowes.

·         Improved access to the Roundhouse Bus Stop serving Cowes and Newport.

·         Increased frequency of the Cowes Circular Bus Service (service 32).

·         Improved access and enhancement of public footpaths, beach and public slipway access.

·         Improvements to public toilets.

·         Enhanced street lighting, Albert Road, Gurnard.

·         To support the extension of the western footway to connect Four Cross with The Range, Place Road.

·         Footway and Play Area Enhancements, Northwood Recreation Ground.

·         Enhancement of Grass Verges, Crossfield Estate.

Floodlighting, Cowes Enterprise College.  

Last month drones were used to monitor floodlighting for the new Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) site at Cowes Enterprise College.  Unfortunately, I received a complaint concerning this, as the floodlighting was switched on until 11pm, following the studies which took place in July.

It is noted that once operational the Floodlighting is currently conditioned for use until 10pm.  However, the College advises me that it would be on rare occasions that the lighting remains on after 9pm.  Once the school re-opens after the summer break I will be supporting residents affected who are monitoring any impact from light spillage.

Licensing Application, Isle of Wight Community Club, Cowes.

The Community Club has requested a permanent licence to overcome the need to request Temporary Entertainment Notices for events being hosted at the Club. The purpose of this, is to reduce paperwork and to provide flexibility for functions.

Following feedback, and a revision agreed in general terms things will not change and the club will continue to close at 11pm (at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, when functions take place).

Fly-tipping.

Three counts of flytipping took place in Tuttons Hill.  On the third occasion an elderly resident was spotted, and their details were reported to the authorities.

Doggies.

I have received two complaints this year concerning dogs who become distressed from separation anxiety, whilst their owners are at work. This is not only upsetting for the dogs themselves, but ultimately upset those living nearby.

Barbecues.

If you use a disposable barbecue, please ensure after use and cooled the remnants are properly disposed of.  This follows issues of residents being burnt when stepping on coals with concerns raised regarding litter. In addition, beach hut owners have also complained of damage, whilst in Cowes two bins have been replaced at a cost to Council Tax payers to damaged Bins.  In response, I have requested signage has been replaced and updated.

Litter Bins.

Foxes have been spotted scattering litter at Gurnard Green.  When bins are full, please take your litter home!

Highway Matters.

·         Verge/ Cutting and Hedgerows.

Brambles in Baring Road, Place Road, Tuttons Hill, Worsley Road; Overgrown hedgerows in Crossfield Avenue, Woodvale Road and uncut grass verges in Battery Road have been reported to and action taken by Island Roads.  In the meantime, the Bird Nesting season ends from August.  

Elsewhere, Northwood Parish Council has resolved to increase village cuts by two extra cuts this coming year.

·         Memorial Benches.

Island Roads are able to assist with applications for memorial benches on the public highway or ‘project network’.  This network includes most pavements and roads on the Isle of Wight, but excludes parks, beaches, footpaths, public buildings and private roads.

A new bench and engraved plaque currently costs approximately £2500 and includes site assessment, liaison with the IW Council, bench, engraving, delivery, plinth (if applicable), installation, inspections and maintenance until 2038

·          Last month, rather than in June manhole covers in Shore Road were made safe.

·          Cycle Hoop/ Barriers were re-anchored in Princes Esplanade adjacent to the Pumping Station.

·          Access will be reinstated to the Public Slipway next to the former HSBC Bank in Cowes High Street, following a request made to clear the slipway of obstructions in the form of commercial waste bins and Herris Fencing.

·          An unkempt grass verge was reported to Island Roads.  Apparently, this verge is now a home for badgers!!

·          An abandoned vehicle in Parklands Avenue has been reported, and follow up action taken by the IW Council.  

·          A very big thank you to Carolyn Sibley and Tony Westmore for their support alerting Open Studios participants in concerns expressed regarding parking in Worsley Road. I am told that during the weekend traffic moved obstruction free. Thank you to all involved!

·         I have received a call from an elderly resident dependent on regular support living in Debourne Close.  If parking in this road, please ensure are left unobstructed by parked vehicles.  On this, I have contacted parking services for their support.

·         I look forward to discussing horse riding options with the IW Bridleway Group.  This follows concerns raised by riders regarding safety.  On this matter, I would like to see proposals to link Gurnard and Northwood (where stabling is one of the most prolific areas in the UK) to bridleways that connects across the spine if the Island.  

·         Proposals to highlight vehicular restrictions to Cowes High Street, continues to be pursued by Cowes Town Council.  Bollard Covers, improved signage and alternative cycle provision is due to be discussed in September by the Town Council’s Project Committee.

·         I have offered support to a Gurnard business for tourism signage.

St Mary’s Roundabout Reconfiguration.

I have seen for myself proposals to reconfigure the St Marys roundabout in Parkhurst Road.  This scheme will in my view cause major disruption for 15 months following commencement at the end of September.  Councillors were advised at a session myself and Cllr Peacey-Wilcox attended that engagement will take place from this month.

In the meantime, I’ve requested for officers support for a public information session to take place next month, and am working closely with both the local councillor, Andrew Garratt and other Cowes IW Councillors. 

Cowes Traffic Regulation Order.

This is due to be signed off on 31^st July, by Cabinet Member Cllr. Ian Ward.  In preparation, I have liaised with Highway Officers and Schools to ensure no further delays take place implementing proposals.

Car Parking, Cowes: 2020:200.

Following the current car parking drought in Cowes, I am campaigning to identify the availability of 200 car parking spaces by next year.  These spaces can be on-street, off-street, private, public, can involve reconfiguring existing space, removing double yellow lines where they are no longer needed.

If you know of a space that can be used, or better used please let me know!

Consultation on Concessionary Travel Scheme Changes.

A consultation is taking place on potential changes to the Island’s concessionary travel scheme and use by disabled residents and their companions before 9:30am and after 11pm. The consultation continues until the 8 October 2019

For further information, please visit:  https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ConcessionaryTravelSchemeConsultation

I hold the view that this a mean-spirited sanction against some of the most vulnerable people within our community, and I have concerns that this will make mobility impaired residents feel even more isolated. 

Japanese Knotweed.

I am supporting a resident dealing with Knotweed which has spread to their property from adjoining open land.  In response, I have spoken to both the IW Council and neighbouring landowners also concerned by the spread.

Although there is no restriction on having Japanese Knotweed on your property, landowners are restricted from allowing the weed to spread.  It is noted that specialist treatment needs to take place over several years to rid Japanese Knotweed which can adversely impact upon buildings structure.

IT Access For All?

Like many other public bodies, the IW Council are seeking to roll out more opportunities to engage with residents via digitalised online services.

Returning to the Corporate Scrutiny Committee, I raised concerns given that the most vulnerable residents will be further isolated should proposals come to fruition.   According to the Office for National Statistics 10% of the adult population are internet non-users, whilst there remains a large proportion of internet users (45%) without the confidence to access services, fill in forms or engage with service providers.

Full Council.

Two petitions were received by Full Council.

The first requested Council considered all options to improve the Vittlefields junction at Forest Road, Newport following traffic incidents.  This petition was supported by myself and all Councillors (except one who abstained)

The second petition was to request reconfiguration of mental health services.  During submission and throughout the debate concern was expressed that residents could be placed at risk following cutbacks for the service primarily in the evenings and weekend when the need was greatest.  In light of the petition and following my consistent opposition to some savings being accrued, I was one of 13 Councillors who voted in support of the petition (22 Councillors opposed this)

In addition, a motion with cross-party support was made and resolved to reinforce and substantiate climate change concerns alongside a further 171 other local and district authorities.  This I supported.  However, it was noted that both the Council’s Leader and Deputy (both emphasising climate change scepticism) voted against this.  Ironically, this vote was taken the day before the highest temperature ever (38.7C) was recorded in the UK.        

Also this month.

·         Odd, that it sounds I received a call from a resident asking me who they should vote for, as new Prime Minister! In response I replied that as a member of no political party, this was a matter for them!  That said, following the support for Boris Johnson I am overjoyed by the promise made by the new PM to the IW Council Leader, Dave Stewart and MP, Bob Seely for an Island Deal which recognises the extra costs our Island has to bear…  

·         I’ve received calls from residents of Cliff Road who have approached me concerning improving parking provision

·         I have been approached by a resident who requested the right of way status of the private lane connecting Wyatts Lane to Newport Road via Luton Farm.  This is not a right of way. However a public footparh does connect Oxford Street to Newport Road exiting opposite the Military Museum.

·         I am supporting a resident (wanting to restore a private dwelling) who received a court summons for Council Tax.

·         I have attended Councillor Training.  What was made important to me was a greater requirement for cross-party communication and engagement, which in my opinion does not happen as well as it could.

·         At the AONB Partnership, members were advised of initial relationships being built through the recent biosphere designation. This is particularly relevant to chalk downland (Brighton), and working with schools (Isle of Man).  

·         I have received feedback from residents concerned with the speed of traffic on Cowes/ Gurnard Seafront.

·         Feedback has been provided concerning the plastic waste, what is recycled and how things will change once the Forest Road centre becomes operational later this year.  This information will be passed on in a future report.

·         Vandalism and Tree damage my somebody wealding and Axe in Northwood Recreation Ground was reported.

·         Two empty properties have been reported to the IW Council.

·         5G technology is being rolled out nationally.  Good or Bad?  Please let me know your thoughts.

·         At Corporate Scrutiny, it was reported by the Council Leader that the Floating Bridge is operating at 94% reliability.

·         I have been contacted by Abbeyfield residents in Bath Road who recently won a national award for their gardens.  Congratulations to Peter Hutchinson for his efforts!

·         Congratulations to our Sportsmen and women who were successful at the Island Games where the Isle of Wight came 9^th within the Final Medal Table, winning 34 medals!! The Island is justly very proud.

·         Men In Sheds are hosting this year’s open day from 11am-1pm on 8^th August.  For just £1, you can witness the great work being carried out, buy shed made products and of course make the very most of the Bacon butties on offer at 25/26 Somerton Business Park, Cowes.  

IW Councillor's Report, July 2019

Surgeries.

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

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 4^th July, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

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

1-1:30pm, Wednesday 10^th July, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 17^th July, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

10:30-11:30am, Thursday 25^th July, Coffee & Chat, All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.

12-12:30pm, Thursday 25^th July, Eegons Cafe, 72 High Street, Cowes.

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

Cowes Primary School.

Cowes Primary School are seeking new School Governors.  Please let me know if you are interested. This work can be both very challenging, as well as rewarding. 

Opportunistic Burglaries.

Please ensure doors and sheds are kept lock during the summer.  Please note opportunistic thefts can and do happen, and police request that residents keep their accesses secure.

Worsley Road Parking Survey.

Many thanks to the residents who responded to the Parking Survey which I circulated. 

The return rate was over 56%, with 62 responses from the 110 households/ businesses in and adjoining Worsley Road.  Feedback shows:

On the Worsley Road/ Church Road junction:

69% support a 24hr parking restriction; 8% support a limited restriction; 23% support no restriction and 0% No opinion. 

On the Worsley Road/ Glen Place junction:

42% support a 24hr parking restriction; 11% support a limited restriction; 44% support no restriction and 3% No opinion.

Between Gurnard Press and the junction with Westbrook Lane, Worsley Road:

37% support a 24hr parking restriction; 18% support a limited restriction; 42% support no restriction and 3% No opinion.

Key comments made, in priority suggested and requested:

·         Impeded site lines due to parked cars at, and opposite The Portland.                                        12 comments

·         Regular near misses witnessed Glen Place junction.                                                                    8 comments

·         Regular near misses witnessed Church Road junction, Worsley Road.                                        7 comments

·         Concerns regarding Speeding Traffic from Tuttons Hill to Worsley Road/ Church Road              7 comments

·         Impeded site lines within Worsley Road (shrubs, business signage)                                             4 comments

·         Difficult to proceed in Worsley Road                                                                                              4 comments

Following feedback received, action that I will be taking includes the following:

·         As a priority, meeting on-site with Island Roads and the IWC to investigate and feedback all options (including proposals for a traffic order) for the Church Road, Worsley Road junction.

·         To meet on site with Island Roads and the IWC to consider options to address other highway and parking concerns in Worsley Road.

·         Report to the Planning Department parking concerns regarding the Bucklers View Application

·         Report to Planning Enforcement Team concerns relayed over the Glen Place junction, Worsley Road.

Parking Fines.

In recent years, I frequently receive feedback from residents who receive ‘unfair’ or ‘unreasonable’ parking tickets, although I frequently can and will support residents further information (rather than the myths!) can be found at: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/private-parking-tickets/

Hedgerows.

With recent rainfall, and hot weather following I continue to receive calls concerning the overgrown hedges.  To note, there is limited options to cut back vegetation until the bird nesting season ends in August.

Foliage has been trimmed back and made safe in Tuttons Hill, Place Road and Winding Way whilst a request has been made to improve site lines at the Somerton Roundabout, which continues to be monitored.  

Cowes Traffic Order.

Meetings continue to proceed positively to iron out residents concerns with the Traffic Order.  The proposals are due to be signed off by the Cabinet member at the end of this month.  However, I have requested that preliminary support is provided to Gurnard School to ensure parents are fully prepared for when proposals are in place.   

Car Parking.

Because of recent work on Cowes Traffic Orders and discussions with residents on the Gurnard parking priorities, I hold the view that residents and visitor parking in Cowes should be better managed and improved.  In light of this, I have set myself a 200 extra parking space target to free up and create new spaces.  This is something I look forward to bring forward with fellow Cowes Councillors.

If you know of any location in Cowes where parking could, and should be utilised please let me know!

Meeting with Island Roads.

I was joined by Cllr. Peacey-Wilcox and Cllr. Matt Smith (Gurnard Parish Council) at the meeting with Island Roads. Items discussed, and action points raised, were as follows:

·         Cowes Week Traffic Management Arrangements.

These were to be circulated.  Little change to last year.  Request for no overnight seafront parking under review.

·         Carriage Way Resurfacing.

°         (Lower) Park Road, Denmark Road surface treatment under review in liaison with IWC conservation officer.

°         Concrete section of Shore Road will be resurfaced following utility works.  Manhole covers being monitored.

°         Deterioration of resurfaced stretches of highway (Mill Hill Road/ Oxford Street) is being monitored. It was acknowledged Islandwide that this was an issue particularly where springs/ water leaks occur.

°         Not all roads will be resurfaced within investment period. Annual scanner surveys will continue, and where roads fall below statutory highways standards resurfacing will continue beyond 2020.

·         Grass Verge cutting.

°         Policy has changed from cutting certain length of grass to number of annual cuts. Amenity grass cuts will reduce from 10-12 cuts per year to 5. This will take longer, no evidence to suggest equipment damage.

°         Potential to work with local councils to increase cuts.

°         Nationally, it was noted restricted visibility encourages lower entry speeds.

·         Litter Bins.

°         Discussions taking place with IWC to have a joined up approach when emptying of all litter bins.

°         Dialogue with waste providers concerning fly-tipping and supporting disposal of household waste.

°         Extra collections being monitored for Round the Island Yacht Race (at present not a designated IW Event!)

·         Car Parking.

°         Island Roads are happy to liaise with local councils to increase availability for parking. 

·         Weed Control.

°         Control is necessary to safeguard pavement damage. Island Roads advised weed killers in use were more diluted form than household weedkillers. In noting harm from incidents elsewhere, this was due to use of glyphosate in undiluted form. Island Roads to liaise with Councils concerning treatments and alternatives. 

·         St Marys Roundabout

°         Work to reconfigure the roundabout and junctions on St Mary’s roundabout will begin at the end of September taking 15 months to complete. Local Councils may require stakeholder consultation/ engagement to take place prior to this.

Many thanks to all residents and councillors who liaised with me on these matters, prior to last month’s meeting!

Mobility Access.

Many thanks to residents who have reported to me concerns which impedes mobility.  As a priority, where this does exist, I am requesting support through developer contributions to improve pedestrian access.  Please let me know your ideas and suggestions? 

Local Council Tax Support Consultation.

The IW Council is requesting feedback on the future of the Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) Scheme.

Each year the Council decides whether to change the Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) scheme for working age applicants. The LCTS scheme for Pension Age claimants is set by Government who state pensioners are fully protected under the same rules that applied to Council Tax Benefit.

Therefore, changes affect working age claimants who receive LCTS or who may apply in the future, to provide support for people on certain benefits and low incomes. This scheme replaced the Council Tax Benefit scheme by the Department for Work and Pensions in 2013. Although Government initially provided funding to local councils, funding has reduced each year in line with the reduction in the Revenue Support Grant provided to councils.

Options being considered are as follows:

·         Option 1 - Introduce an 'income grid scheme' for all working age applicants, to replace the current means testing approach.

·         Option 2 - Introduce an 'income grid scheme' for all working age applicants, to replace the current means testing approach, but with the addition of the following options:

·         Option 2a - Disregarding Carers Allowance which is currently taken into account as income   

·         Option 2b - Replacing the three current earnings disregards with a standard £25 disregard, irrespective of a person’s circumstances

·         Option 2c - Replacing the five current non-dependant deduction rates with a standard deduction of £2 per week for each non-dependant in a household

·         Option 3 - Disregarding any payment made under the Infected Blood and Thalidomide Regulations in full as income or capital

In the past I have supported safeguards for those residents and families that are on low incomes.  Please let me know, if you feel that I have got this wrong!  In the meantime, this consultation continues until 9^th August.

Gurnard Beach.

·         Barbecues.

If you use a disposable barbecue, please ensure after use and cooled the remnants are properly disposed of.  This follows issues of residents being burnt when stepping on coals etc, plus concerns raised regarding litter. In addition to this beach hut owners have also complained of damage caused.  In response, I have requested signage has been replaced and updated.

·         Disabled Parking.

I’ve received complaints to me of non-blue badge holders parking in disabled bays. Although, recognising parking is at a premium at this time of year, please can I request that people are mindful of where they park. In the meantime, following complaints, tickets can and will be issued by Parking Enforcement Officers when bays are obstructed. 

Planning Enforcement.

I am dealing with two separate Planning Enforcement matters adjacent to Egypt Hill.  In the meantime, I continue to liaise with officers over concerns in Worsley Road and Rew Street.

IW Council Planning ‘Public Access’ Portal

I have received feedback from residents concerning accessing applications and information (such as deadline dates) on the IW Council’s Planning Portal.  These concerns have been reported to the Head of Planning, and I remain hopeful that these teething problems will be resolved.

Empty Homes.

Because of the current local housing need particularly in Cowes, the IW Council remain committed to (where possible) to bring into use locations where empty properties exist.  In my position, I know of several properties that are empty and these have been reported and action taken.  If you know of an ‘empty property’, please let me know and I can either report this, or if it has been reported previously I can provide an update on steps being taken.

Planning Applications.

·         Woodvale Road.  Following dialogue and feedback from residents and Gurnard Parish Council, an application to redevelop a site in Woodvale Road has been refused by Planners.  In the meantime, I have been in liaison with both the applicant and neighbours, to ensure better engagement occurs regarding any future modifications.

·         Bucklers View.  I am in liaison with the case officer regarding parking and over dominance of the proposal to extend this sheltered housing site.  I have also requested should the application be approved that a construction management plan is in place (to regulate traffic movements through construction), developer contributions are accrued to improve access to and from the accommodation and finally that a local lettings requirement is in place to prioritise dwellings for those living locally.

Emptying of Rubbish Bins.

I am advised that 95% of litter bins should be emptied on a daily basis.  However, there are locations (working with Gurnard Parish Council, Chairman Cllr. Terry Nolan), where it is apparent this has not occurred.

This problem has been exacerbated where fly-tipping and the disposal of household waste also occurs regularly.  This applies to bins at Princes Esplanade and Place Road.  Concerns have been expressed this may apply to second home owners who are encouraged to sign up for the collection plus service.  For details, please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/Environment-Planning-and-Waste/Waste-and-Recycling/Household-Waste-and-Recycling-Collection/Other-

Garden Waste.

In May, I highlighted the Garden Waste Collection service which I campaigned successfully for in the days when I was lead member for between 2015-2017.  In recent months, this has become increasingly popular to the stage that the single vehicle being used is no longer large enough to cope with the demand.

As a result a new vehicle is on order, and a waiting list is in place. If you would like to be contacted when there is new availability of the Service OR would like an email update when subscriptions open for the next subscription year (2020/21), please email waste.contract@iow.gov.uk and request to be added to the list. Existing subscribers may request a multiple subscriptions at a property already subscribed by contacting waste services on 01983 823777.

Isle of Wight Biosphere.

The Isle of Wight has been designated as an UNESCO Biosphere, following a recent successful bid by the Isle of Wight AONB Partnership. As a Councillor, and member of The IW AONB Partnership I’ve supported this initiative since it’s onset in 2016. 

What is a biosphere reserve?

A biosphere reserve is an area that has been recognised for its unique mix of plants and animals, valued environment and sustainable way of life of the people who live and work within the biosphere reserve. The biosphere reserves are chosen by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) but rely on local cooperation to ensure the careful management of the resources within biosphere reserves that allow development without harming the area for future generations.

What are the functions of biosphere reserves?

Each biosphere reserve should fulfil three functions that work together and reinforce one another.

·         A conservation function - to preserve genetic variation, species, ecosystems and landscapes;

·         A development function - to foster sustainable economic and human development;

·         A logistic function - to support research, monitoring, education and information exchange related to local, national and global issues of conservation and development.

A biosphere reserve isn't an artificially constructed area. They are real places where people live and work. The local community care for the environment and manage resources in the biosphere reserve that allow stable and sustainable economic growth and development.

What are the benefits of biosphere reserves?

Biosphere reserves provide a framework for projects that improve people's lives and protect the environment in a sustainable way. Communities, local stakeholders and government officials gain an increased awareness of environmental and development issues. Biosphere reserves may attract funding to demonstrate approaches to conservation and sustainable development that can provide lessons to be applied elsewhere.

Also:

·         Free Tennis is available at Northwood Park!  For detail please visit: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/TennisintheParkCowes

·         Damage and trip hazards in Winding Way has been reported to Island Roads.

·         Support has been given to residents concerning the new licensing arrangements for Beach Huts.

·         A request has been lodged for a tree protection order for trees in Edinburgh Close

·         Cycle Hoop damage has been reported on Princes Esplanade.

·         Gravel has been cleared from the junction with Hilton Road in Cockleton Lane.

·         With the support from Southern Water, Manhole covers have been made safe in Shore Road.

(With Cllr. Peacey-Wilcox), I volunteered support to IWALC in facilitating a Planning Forum for Town & Parish councillors. At IWALC’s meeting, I requested training for local councillors to become CAB Advice First Aiders.

·         I have provided support concerning a dropped kerb request made by Island Roads.

·         My updated Register Of Interests and Annual Report now features on my website.

·         A complaint was received following the installation of a new bench in Princes Esplanade. This is being monitored 

·         On behalf of the Footprint Trust, I have attended the IW Anti-Poverty Awareness Group.

·         With more time available, I’ve been appointed to the IWC Pension Fund Committee. I have also been appointed Deputy Leader of the Independent Group.

·         At the IW Plastics Forum, I was asked to support Amey liaising with residents in Alexandra/ Coronation Road on difficulties being raised navigating waste and recycling vehicles.  A meeting will take place in the coming weeks.