Surgeries.
10:30-11:30am, Thursday 1st
October, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
4:30-5pm, Tuesday 6th October,
Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes. (To Be Confirmed)
5:30-6pm, Tuesday 6th October,
Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes. (TBC)
5:15-5:45pm, Wednesday 14th
October, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
12:30-1pm, Wednesday 21st October,
The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.
11-12pm, Thursday 22 October, Paradice Ice Cream Parlour, 56 High Street, Cowes. (New Surgery)
5:15-5:45pm, Wednesday 28th October, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
11:30-12pm, Thursday, 29th
October, Food Shack & Bar, Gurnard Pines, Gurnard.
Because of evolving Coronavirus guidelines
surgeries will take place outside, if possible. Surgeries are subject to change
at short notice. For details please visit: paulfullercc.blogspot.com
Seafront
Car Parking charges proposals.
To date, I have been copied in and have
received over 150 objections to proposals by the Isle of Wight Council’s
administration to charge residents to park on Cowes and Gurnard Seafront.
Again to all residents that have opposed
these ill-conceived charges, a very big thank you. Further to questions asked, I have received
the following response from officers:
1. Who makes the final
decision on the matter?
As
with all previous parking orders it is an officer decision which considers the
public comments received.
2. What the timescale
is for this?
This
depends on the volume of feedback received and requiring review; the decision
paper is drafted and covers Cowes to Gurnard, Somerton Park and Ride as well
extending seafront charges at all locations to all year round. Once the
consultation responses are received the PFI client team they will be reviewed
and summarised in the report with the councils responses. The aim is to have
the paper signed off by 02.10.20.
3. Is there scope to appeal against
this?
No
4. When the charges
(if agreed or modified) will be implemented?
Once
the paper is signed off we will need to instruct Island Roads (through the PFI
client team) to go ahead with the purchase and installation of ticket machines,
signs and lines. In terms of implementation on site early January 2021 is
currently considered achievable.
**UPDATE** (5th October):
Following the above response from officers, I am advised that the decision on this, is due to be taken by members. This I assume is because of the feedback from residents. This will be considered alongside charging for parking at SOMERTON PARK AND RIDE and the implementation of 'all round parking charges' for seafronts.
In total, the three orders received 560 comments.
As yet a decision has not been taken how members will decide on this, what the recommendation is likely to be, or what timeframe will be enacted. One option (which I suspect may be applied in this instance), is taking the final decision to the IW Council's cabinet.
My full response to the consultation can be
found below:
18 September 2020.
Dear Scott,
Proposed
Parking Charges, Cowes/ Gurnard Seafront.
As local Councillor, I wish to raise
my objection to charge for parking on Princes Esplanade, Gurnard and Egypt
Esplanade, Cowes.
My grounds for doing so, can be
summarised below:
1. General Principle
of car parking.
A number of residents have approached
me, concerning the principle. Several residents, particularly the elderly
and those on low incomes are upset that they will lose the ‘free‘ access and
opportunities the seafront affords.
2. Economic Impact
upon Local Businesses.
I have spoken to the owners of local
businesses. Following the impact of Covid 19, in Gurnard one business has
closed, and all others has seen a downturn in trade. One business, the
Watersedge Cafe has already invested heavily, as has the nearby Woodvale Hotel,
The Holmwood Hotel and Plaza Ice Cream. In addition, Gurnard Parish Council
has refurbished the local toilets, Cowes Town Council has provided investment
in shelters, whilst Gurnard Sailing Club continues to invest in their
facilities in the local area.
These businesses are essential to the
local economy as they provide local employment, leisure facilities and help to
safeguard our local environment on Gurnard Green and the shore.
One local business owner has advised
that they could not sustain themselves if the IW Council put in place further
hurdles, whilst another that approached me stated the following: ‘Covid
19, has brought my business to its knees- Now the Isle of Wight Council seems
determined to want to kick us, while we are down...’
From my perspective parking charges
will only add to the pain being suffered by businesses in light of Covid 19 and
its ongoing impact.
3. Displaced Parking.
In June/July 2019 I undertook a
residents survey concerning parked vehicles in and around Worsley Road, and the
impact that parked vehicles had on sight lines, traffic flows, accidents and
near misses. This survey was followed up with a consultation with
residents of Albert Road which highlighted resident’s difficulty parking, both
surveys are included within my objection
Following these surveys and their
feedback it was made very clear that in Worsley Road, Albert Road, Solent View
Road, Shore Road and Church Road parking was at a premium.
Dialogue and feedback show the lack
of parking capacity has led to double parking, pavement parking, blocked road
junctions and disabled residents unable to park near to their homes. Residents
highlight regular instances of heavy goods and public service vehicles
(including the Community Bus) not being to able to proceed in Worsley and
Albert Road.
In light of this, I have contacted
Parking Services on eight occasions concerning perceived parking infringements
in the past 18 months.
In addition, with the growth in
housing at Bucklers View (Worsley Road), Shore Road and Albert Road the
situation has got markedly worse in recent years. Furthermore, inevitably
changes to parking arrangements at Gurnard School will narrow parking capacity
in Woodvale Road, Gurnard Heights and Baring Road.
In my opinion, the opinion of Gurnard
Parish Council and local residents parking charges and their high hourly rates
will put further pressure on Cliff Road, Marine View Close, Egypt Hill,
Woodvale Road, Woodvale Close, Gurnard Heights, Shore Road, Worsley Road,
Solent View Road and Albert Road where parking remains at a premium
particularly during the summer.
4. Tidal
and Weather Conditions, and the cost of sustaining parking meters.
In the last 12 months, Princes and
Egypt Esplanade has flooded and was impassable on 19 occasions.
According to a Freedom of Information
request to Devon County Council, each parking meter cost £3,500 to purchase and
install meters (in 2017) https://www.devon.gov.uk/accesstoinformation/archives/information_request/parking-meters) the ongoing cost
and maintenance of servicing machines were outlined.
Although the life of a parking meter
is on average 10 years, it has been acknowledged that meters in seaside
locations, need to be replaced more often due to the corrosive nature of
prevailing cumulative flooding and weather conditions reducing the lifespans of
meters. Within the seafront with its limited period of operation, I have
concerns over how sustainable would meters be- particularly with the ongoing
cost of damage to meters from sea water, rocks, shingle etc.
5. The Seasonality of
Car Parking.
Several years ago my predecessor,
Cllr John Effemey on many occasions questioned the suitability of car parking
meters and the fact that there was no evidence to support that meters were cost
effective on Cowes Seafront. Between 2002 and 2004 Cllr Effemey’s
research found meters at Queens Road and The Parade to not be sustainable.
(Please see this attached) Whilst accepting that this was between 15 and
20 years ago, it should also accepted that:
1. Vehicular movements
and demand are greater the closer you are to Cowes, and
2. Maintenance and
Corrosive Damage would increase west of Egypt Point.
In addition, there is further
evidence of poor take up of off road parking at Mornington Road Car Park- which
I was informed a few years ago raised was around £1200 per annum. It has
been acknowledged that a very high proportion of revenue accrued occurred
during Cowes Week and for a few weeks (during warm weather) either side of
this. As an alternative to charging for seafront car parking, I have
suggested a better, more effective means to maximise revenue at Mornington Road
could be achieved through wider residents parking. This was something
Cowes Town Council felt they could better oversee than the IW Council.
With the exception of Cowes Week,
there are currently no issues with parking demand on Egypt/ Princes Esplanade.
In Gary Hall’s representation he has stated that the Esplanade parking is
only ‘busy’ for 40 days per year. Given this level of demand with existing free
parking, can it really be justified that revenue (at the rate of £1.70 per
hour) would be accrued for 365 days a year?
6. Mental
and Physical Wellbeing.
Concern has been expressed that
charges will discourage elderly, mobility impaired and other residents taking
advantage of the free access to the seafront. Charges will discourage
opportunities to relax, exercising of dogs, walking on a flat surface, jogging,
bathing, swimming, sailing, cycling, angling, beach combing and access to the
‘free’ children’s play area- itself a facility that can safeguard young
children.
Imposing charges will also impact the
most on those residents who are on very low incomes given the access to free
facilities nearby. As Ward Councillor, talking to ‘older’ residents
today, I share concerns that should charges be introduced to park, there is a
real likelihood that some residents will stay at home increasing social
isolation and impacting adversely upon mental and physical wellbeing.
This applies also to the many young families who enjoymthe nearby
activities.
Please note contrary to popular
belief nearby, there are pockets of social deprivation in Gurnard that rely
upon inexpensive and accessible facilities.
In addition, I consider that this
contradicts:
·
Gurnard Parish Age Friendly Communities Strategy (2018) https://www.communityactionisleofwight.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Gurnard_report18-April-2018.pdf
·
Cowes’ Age Friendly Community Strategy (2018); https://www.communityactionisleofwight.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Cowes_report18-Final-report.pdf
·
Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan (2017)- (Policy T2 stipulates
‘consideration to provide car parking for those with limited mobility)’; https://www.iow.gov.uk/Meetings/committees/Cabinet/13-7-17/PAPER%20G%20-%20APPENDIX.pdf
·
the Isle of Wight Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2018-2021 and its
underlying principles which support Mental and Physical Well-being https://www.iow.gov.uk/documentlibrary/view/health-and-wellbeing-strategy-2018-21
·
the Isle of Wight Mental Health Strategy https://www.iow.nhs.uk/Downloads/Strategies%20and%20Policies/PR030914-No_Health_Without_Mental_Health_Strategy_Document.pdf
·
the Isle of Wight Transport Plan (2011-2038). https://www.iow.gov.uk/azservices/documents/1190-itp-strategy-v1.pdf
·
NHS Guidance: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-as-you-get-older/
If charges were to be introduced, I
would have a concern on what adverse impact and cost this would have on mental
and physical wellbeing. Although difficult to ‘cost’, I nevertheless have
concerns that any revenue accrued, would be lost through necessary wellbeing
interventions.
7. Disparity of
Costs..
A number of residents that have
approached me have questioned why there is no disparity of charges, as is the
case in other areas. When you compare the activities, facilities and
services that are available in Ryde, Newport, Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor to
the pub, the green and ice cream vendors at Cowes Seafront there is a
substantial deviation between what a small semi-rural location like Gurnard can
offer in contrast to what can be offered by seafront resorts on the Island. This seems both unfair to local residents,
and questionable as to when or if the meters will pay for themselves.
Elsewhere there is evidence to
support semi-rural car parking charges are pitched at a much lower rate than
other resorts. It has been argued by businesses- why would you
choose to park in Gurnard, when resorts can offer a much greater choice for
visitors?
8. Impact upon local
Volunteers.
At Cowes, and particularly in Gurnard
there is a considerable reliance upon volunteers who take on clearing up litter
from both our beaches and our Green throughout the year. Although, the IW
Council and Island Roads do their very best, there is a strong reliance upon
volunteers who assist in doing this.
To impose charges on these volunteers
does an incredible disservice to those individuals who give up their time
freely to support the efforts of the IW Council to keep both Gurnard Green
litter free.
9. Beach Hut Owners.
In recent years Hut Owners, have
experienced considerable license increases. Many owners believe these
increases have targeted and had more of an impact upon local families (often on
low incomes) in favour of those who have second homes nearby.
10. Loss of Safe
Pedestrian Route to Gurnard Primary School.
Proposals will adversely impact upon
a potential route to provide a safe walking route between Cowes/ Gurnard
Seafront and Gurnard Primary School. This route was discussed and
supported when considering alternative pedestrian options to ease parking congestion
outside Gurnard School and Pre-school in Baring Road. It is of concern
this opportunity will be lost should parking charges in their current form be
implemented on the Esplanade.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Fuller, JP CC,
Independent Isle of Wight Councillor
for Cowes West and Gurnard
In light of accompanying evidence
support my objection, I have supplied the following:
Appendix A: Cllr John Effemey’s
Summarys to Cowes Town Council (2002-2004)
Appendix B: Worsley Road Car
Parking Survey Feedback (July 2019)
Appendix C: Albert Road
Questionnaire (January 2020) (Summary of responses)
PARKING
METERS ON THE ESPLANADE. COWES: Minutes from Cowes Town Council Meetings. APPENDIX
A.
WEDNESDAY 9TH JANUARY
2002: MINUTE 4958
Councillor Effemey
stated that parking meters on Princes Green are not economic.
WEDNESDAY 9TH FEBRUARY
2002: MINUTE 4972
Councillor Effemey stated that while
there were parking charges imposed on our Esplanade, East Cowes Esplanade
remained free.
WEDNESDAY 6TH MARCH
2002: MINUTE 4984
Councillor Effemey stated that although
he had written to Councillor Marc Morgan-Huws for support in his campaign to
have the parking charges removed on the Esplanade/Mornington Rd sites, he did
not appear to have made representations and had totally ignored the letter.
WEDNESDAY 1ST MAY 2002:
MINUTE 5025
Cllr Effemey stated that because he had
not received an answer to his questions regarding parking on the Cowes
Esplanade he intended to refer the matter to the appropriate Scrutiny Panel.
WEDNESDAY 8TH JANUARY
2003: MINUTE 5146
Councillor Effemey stated the
annual Traffic Regulation meeting was imminent and he was still campaigning
against the meters on the Esplanade.
Income from parking on Cowes Esplanade
between April & September totalled only £5,690 (62p per space per day) and
at Mornington Road £1,049 (14.5p per space per day)
He was arguing for the removal of the
meters for all periods except the two busy months of July & August.
WEDNESDAY 5TH MARCH
2003: MINUTE 5178
Councillor Effemey was intending
to object to the massive charging increase proposed in the IW Council Parking
Order and to the charging between 1st May and 31st October
on the Esplanade and Mornington Road and he hoped Cowes Town Council would
support his objections.
WEDNESDAY 2ND APRIL
2003: MINUTE 5194
Councillor Effemey said his
request to have the parking meters removed from Mornington Road and
Princes Esplanade had again been rejected.
WEDNESDAY 7TH MAY 2003:
MINUTE 5219
Councillor Effemey said he was
still campaigning against the parking charges imposed on The Esplanade and the
Mornington Road car park. For the first 23 days, which included the Easter
period, the takings at Mornington Road had been only £2 and for The Esplanade
only £150.
WEDNESDAY 16TH JULY
2003: MINUTE 5252
Councillor Effemey stated that
the income for parking on the Esplanade for May & June had been
abysmal.
WEDNESDAY 7TH APRIL
2004: MINUTE 5376
Councillor Effemey said he was
objecting to the proposed all year-round parking charges on the
Parade as advertised in the IWC (Parking Places) Order for the fourth time was
asking for a review of the parking charges for Princes Esplanade.
WEDNESDAY 3RD NOVEMBER
2004: MINUTE 5475
Councillor Effemey stated that the
parking income for the Esplanade and Mornington Road car park between August
and October was abysmal. The people of Cowes were denied while parking at
other rural beaches was free during the summer months.
Worsley Road Survey Feedback, July 2019. APPENDIX B.
Early last
month I received a flurry of complaints concerning bad parking in and adjoining
Worsley Road.
When asking Island Roads and the
IW Council to consider implementing any Traffic Order, I need to demonstrate:
1. A health and
safety issue exists, and
2. That any
restriction would be broadly supported by those residents most affected.
When the
restriction (for the Church Road junction) was last considered in 2016, Island
Roads rejected this request due to the lack of evidence demonstrating that a
safety issue existed. Because of this, I have sought residents feedback
to potentially challenge this standpoint.
In addition, the
purpose of the survey was to:
1. Highlight
the pros and cons of a Traffic Order in a balanced way.
2. Gather
evidence potentially showing Island Roads that a safety issue exists.
3. Listen to
residents, and to act upon concerns and suggestions raised.
4. Raise
residents awareness of the problems.
5. Find out
if residents could help by increasing parking capacity.
6. Use
evidence as feedback responding to current/ future planning applications.
In order to ensure
the feedback was robust, thorough and could not be challenged, I set myself a
target to ensure that the response rate from the 110 households/ businesses
surveyed would be greater than 35-40%. This figure was the target
previously set for the initial Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan consultation. To proceed with any Traffic Order proposal,
it is helpful to have at least 2/3 of respondents in support.
The drop and
collect survey took place with households and businesses located in and around
the road, and those junctions immediately nearby at Glen Place, Church Road,
Hilton Road, The Avenue, Albert Road and Solent View Road. The response rate for the survey was 62 or 56%
of households surveyed responding.
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.
Of the 60 households responding one advised
they might consider occasional use of their driveway by neighbours.
Other comments raised:
·
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 (shrubs, business signage)
4 comments
·
Difficult
to proceed in Worsley Road
4 comments
·
Elderly
and children have difficulty crossing Worsley Rd.
3 comments
·
Could
we have restriction one side only in Worsley Rd. 3 comments
·
Witnessed
incidents re: Community Bus
3 comments
·
Parking
restriction required on one side of Worsley Rd 3 comments
·
Double
yellow lines would impact on local businesses
2 comments
·
Side
Roads are empty and allows for overspill parking
2 comments
·
Concerns
re. Bucklers View Extension and other business premises (Pub, Gurnard
Press) 2 comments
·
Parking
requires enforcement (Church Rd junction)
2 comments
·
Impeded
site lines Glen Place junction, Worsley Rd
2 comments
·
Residents
aren’t sensible about how and where they park
2 comments
·
Glen
Place junction is not safe. Not compliant w/ conditions
2 comments
·
We
would support residents parking
·
Parked
vehicles causes frustration and hold ups
·
Unable
to leave driveway due to parked cars.
·
Double
yellow lines would speed up vehicles
·
A
one way system would help
·
Emergency
Vehicles struggles to proceed into Church Rd
In conclusion to the feedback, I am
suggesting:
·
Meeting
with Island Roads to look again at a Traffic Order for the junction with Church
Road, Worsley Road
·
Report
to the Planning Department parking concerns regarding the Bucklers View
Application
·
Report
to the Planning Enforcement Team concerns relayed over the Glen Place junction,
Worsley Road.
·
To
meet on site with Island Roads and the IWC to consider options to address
parking concerns in Worsley Road.
Albert Road Parking
Survey: Conducted, January 2020.
APPENDIX C.
How often do you find it difficult to park in
Albert Road?
37 respondents from 31 out of The 55 households surveyed
|
Response.
|
Numbers.
|
|
Not
At All
|
0
|
|
Sometimes
|
11
|
|
Often
|
7
|
|
Nearly
Always
|
12
|
|
Always
|
4
|
|
No
Comment
|
3
|
Flu Jabs: News from Cowes Medical Centre.
The Medical Centre are now contacting
patients most at risk of flu in accordance with NHS England guidance for an
appointment in October/ November. These
patients will receive a text message or a letter.
Most Flu vaccines will be by appointment at
our drive-through centre, with some at the Practice.
Patients 65 and over, who are not in the high
risk category can be added to the waiting list. If you would like your name
added to this list please call the Centre on 01983 295251 in the afternoon when phone lines are less busy
If you are aged between 50 and 64 and not
in a clinical at risk group, the earliest you will be offered a flu vaccination
is November, providing the Government provides sufficient vaccine
Please check the Practice website https://www.cowesmedicalcentre.co.uk/ for
up to date information about our flu vaccine programme.
Footprint
Trust: Winter Is Coming
The Footprint Trust are holding their ‘Winter
is Coming’ event 9:30am-1:30pm, Thursday
15th October at the Riverside Centre. The event will provide details
on Benefits, Cutting Bills and Saving Money (and Free Tea & Cake). Alternatively
please call 01983 822282 or join the
Facebook info session from 2-4pm
Coronavirus
Updates.
The second wave of Coronavirus cases is proceeding
as was predicted. Because of the fast
evolving nature of guidance- updates can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Details concerning the NHS Covid 19 app can
be found at: https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/nhs-covid-19/
Planning
For the Future: A developers Charter?
Under the Governments new white paper
concerning planning, it is intended to increase housing numbers for the Isle of
Wight to 1045 dwellings per annum. (This figure has consistently grown from 520
four years ago) Please see: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/907647/MHCLG-Planning-Consultation.pdf
In response to these new figures, I have
formally objected to the Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, and have forwarded
these concerns to MP, Bob Seely, citing that increased housing figures are
unsustainable, given how many applications currently received, are approved,
the fragility of the economy and the pressures in place with the Island’s
Environmental Designations.
Southern
Gas Road Closures, Gurnard.
SGN essential works continue to take place in
Gurnard, and Church Road continues to remain closed until necessary repairs
finish at the end of this month.
Despite a shaky start with communications, my
grateful thanks to the crews working throughout the weekend to ensure that
roads in Gurnard could reopen within 10 days.
During the work sadly it was necessary to
report several residents travelling the wrong way in the one way system. This
became a problem and required police intervention with a number of vehicles
leaving Gurnard Pines
Full
Council.
Despite being held ‘virtually’, last month’s
Full Council was more prickly than usual.
·
Chair
of Scrutiny:
The Conservative controlled Council elected a
Conservative colleague to lead committee to scrutinise their work. This I
consider to be a real issue, as there is a real perception that decisions cannot
be fully called-in or scrutinised following an earlier decision ensuring the Committee’s
proportionality also favours the Council’s ruling group.
One of the most important aspects of my work
as a Councillor, is the fact that I am questioned, challenged and properly held
to account. I feel to listen to diverse
views, that may differ from your own makes my position and residents I
represent stronger and more credible. By
altering the make up of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee, in my opinion will
reduce the IW Council’s accountability.
·
IW
Councillors Allowances:
As is traditional, I voted against proposals
to increase IW Councillors allowances.
On this occasion, I was joined by fellow Independents, Cllr Debbie Andre
and Cllr Michael Lilley who were motivated by the fact that islandwide,
residents are being hit by job losses, pay freezes as a consequence of the
recession.
From my perspective, whether there is remuneration
or not, I would still put my name forward for election- as the numerous Town
and Parish councillors, School Governors and many other volunteers do across
the Island.
Local
Access Forum.
At the meeting, the following matters were
discussed:
·
English
Coastal Path:
Natural England are collating feedback from the public
consultation. The Forum are concerned
that there appeared no resolution on the stretches between the Folly and Kings
Quay (East Cowes) and Locks Green to Thorness.
·
Lost
Ways: These ‘disappeared’ rights of ways and marine landing
stages will need to be restored in time to meet the April 2026 deadline. IW
Ramblers and IWC Parks and Beaches have been supporting this work.
·
E-Scooters: The IW Council are bidding for Government
funding for a local pilot. In response,
I have contacted the Council to find out more, following some concerns being
raised.
·
Military
Road: It was reported
that the road and coastal path is now less than 3 metres from the cliff edge.
Proposals are being investigated to pile and stabilise the road.
·
Pop-Up
Cycle Lanes: Following concerns raised, funding for new pop-up cycle
lanes in Cowes (Beckford Road) and Newport have been shelved.
·
Adders:
During the summer there were an upturn in adders being seen.
Planning
Committee.
I attended my second Planning Committee,
since being reappointed this summer.
The one application considered was a proposal
to expand Ryde’s Nicholson Industrial
Estate. Unfortunately, this
application was not supported by Island Roads who raised concerns over
junctions (at capacity) at Westridge Cross, Great Preston Road/ Smallbrook Road
and Smallbrook roundabout.
From my perspective until these three issues
could be resolved, I could not support the application- particularly, in light
that for the time-being there is industrial units elsewhere that could cater
with any upturn in demand.
Mobile
Homes and High Sided vehicles.
I received a call from a resident requesting my
intervention on a mobile home being parked outside their home.
Although mobile homes and high sided vehicles
have no restrictions parking on the roadway, please can I ask for owners to
ensure vehicles are safely parked, not obscuring sight lines and not
restricting nearby residents of light.
Local
Council Tax Support.
Following comments made to me, I have
formally written to the IW Council to provide extra Local Council Tax Support
to working residents on low incomes. In addition, I’ve also requested widening
the parameters of the IW Council’s Hardship Fund to support those on low
incomes.
Floating
Bridge Update: From the IW Council.
I have received the follow update from the IW
Council:
We are
pleased to report that work to resolve the Hydraulic Problems with the Cowes
Floating Bridge are nearing completion and we are sorry for the inconvenience
caused by the continued delay in return to service.
We can
continue to press our contractors to do all they can to get the vessel back in
the water as quickly as possible whilst making sure the chances of these faults
reoccurring are reduced to the absolute minimum.
The
hydraulic rams have been removed, stripped down, inspected and have been
rebuilt; the hydraulic system has been flushed and repairs to the hydraulic
pumps and motors are nearing completion, however, the extent of work required
to one of the motors has caused some further unexpected delay.
Subject
to this progressing, the floating bridge should now return to the water in the
week commencing 9th October.
Following water based testing we now expect a return to full service in
time for the start of half term 17th
October.
A
council spokesperson said: “We share the frustrations of the local community
about the issues with the vessel and ability to provide a reliable service
across the River Medina and apologise for the continued delays and ongoing
disruption to the service.
The
council will continue to provide the launch service for foot passengers will
continue to operate from 0500 - 2300hrs (0630-2300hrs Sundays) until the vessel
returns to full service.
Once
again we apologise for the inconvenience caused.
No Cold
Calling.
Anglian Double Glazing has been reported to Trading Standards for dismissing No Cold Calling in Cowes. Following this, I am advised that the Company
has been approached concerning the fact that Cowes, Gurnard and Northwood is a ‘No
Cold Calling’ zone, as well as some of the approaches being used by the firm.
In response to this, I have requested more ‘No Cold
Calling’ stickers from Trading Standards and am discussing options to update signage in Cowes, Gurnard and
Northwood.
If you require a No cold calling sticker for your home,
please let me know.
Gurnard
Pines.
I have received a call from a Cockleton Lane resident
advising me that they often receive post for addresses in Gurnard Pines, and
presumably this may also be happening to residents of Gurnard Pines.
Because of the number of Gurnard Pines addresses and the
ambiguity of the ‘Pines using their address as being in Cockleton Lane, I am
considering whether it may be worthwhile making an approach to Island Roads and
The Post Office suggesting Gurnard Pines addresses, remove the ‘Cockleton Lane’
line from their addresses…
Therefore, 299 Gurnard Pines, Cockleton Lane, Gurnard PO31
8RE would become 299 Gurnard Pines, Gurnard PO31 8RE. Before proceeding, please let me know your
views.
Speed
Limits, Place Road.
As motorists will be aware there remains a section of
Place Road between Place Side and the Northwood sign that retains a 40mph speed
limit. With junctions on this stretch of
road leading to Place Side, Three Gates Road and The Range, I have made an
approach to Island Roads to reduce the speed limit on this 300 metre stretch of
highway to 30mph.
Should proposals be given the green light to remove on-street
parking on Place Road, this could mean traffic flows speed up, which in turn
would make crossing the road for pedestrians difficult should a 40mph limit
still apply.
Please let me know your views concerning this.
Also
this month:
·
I continue to await a response concerning my
call-in against the increased housing numbers at The Dottens.
·
Following meetings with residents of Reynolds
Close and Firs Close, I have discussed with Cowes Sports Football Club about
relocating parked coaches. In response the Club has been more than happy
to comply.
·
Continued overfilled dog bins in Cockleton Lane has been reported to Island
Roads.
·
I have been approached by residents from
Battery Road concerning proposed new litter
bins. On this, I am hoping a compromise can be found with Cowes Town
Council.
·
I’m working with the family and friends of
Roanna Jardine, who sadly passed away earlier this year, and who has asked for
a seat to be erected in her memory. Friends and Family have raised over £2600
for Rosie’s Bench.
·
Brambles and thorns were collected following
a number of issues following hedge cutting
in Baring Road.
·
A long time abandoned vehicle left in Baring Road has again been reported to
the DVLA. The owner has on this occasion
dug his heals in and has to date refused to remove the vehicle..- This is be
pursued!
·
Steps to the beach from Princes/
Egypt Esplanade have been cleaned.
·
For Access
Protection Bar details visit: https://islandroads.com/our-highway-service/managing-the-roads/access-protection-bars/
·
A regular resident seen ‘not in control’ and
fouling dogs have again been reported to our Environment Officer.
·
Tactile crossing points are underway on the
junctions entering Park Road, as
requested to Island Roads.
