IW Councillor's Report: March 2021

 Surgeries.

 

6-7pm, Monday 1^st March.  Telephone Surgery.  Please call me on 01983 289595.

6-7pm, Monday 8^th March.  Telephone Surgery. Please call me on 01983 289595.

6-7pm, Monday 15^th March.  Telephone Surgery.  Please call me on 01983 289595.

6-7pm, Monday 22^nd March.  Telephone Surgery. Please call me on 01983 289595.

6-6:30pm, Monday 29^th March. Telephone Surgery. Please call me on 01983 289595.

6:30-7pm, Monday 29^th March. Zoom Surgery.  Please follow link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81322051831?pwd=czJza2ZsN1cybjNzT1lFMytaZEs2Zz09

 

Covid 19: The Roadmap.

 

Step 1.

 

°         Stage 1: 8^th March.

 

·         Schools start to reopen to all ages.

·         Care home residents can have one regular visitor

·         2 people can meet outdoors for recreation, not just for exercise.

·         We are still encouraged to stay at home.

 

°         Stage 2: 29^th March.

 

·         2 households, or up to 6 people can meet outdoors including in private gardens.

·         Travel is permitted outside of your local area, although overnight stays are not permitted.

 

Step 2: Will take Place at least 5 weeks after Step 1, meaning no earlier than 12^th April.

 

·         Indoor Leisure (including gyms) will open for use individually or with household groups.

·         Outdoor attractions can open such as zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas.

·         Libraries and Community Centres can re-open.

·         Personal care premises can reopen, such as hairdressers and beauty salons.

·         All retail stores can reopen.

 

Step 3: Will take place at least 5 weeks after Step 2, meaning no earlier than 17^th May. 

 

·         Indoor entertainment and attractions can resume, such as museums and cinemas

·         30 person limit outdoors.

·         Rule of 6 or 2 households can mix indoors (Subject to review)

·         Domestic Stays overnight permitted.

 

Step 4: Will take place at least 5 weeks after Step 3, meaning no earlier than 21^st June. 

 

·         No legal limits on social contact.

·         No legal limits on all life events.

 

Vaccination Transport Support For Those Who Cannot Get To Their Appointments

 

With second vaccination jabs about to start happening for older and less mobile members of our community - the Optio Voluntary Car Service is available Island Wide to support those in need of transport support.

 

If you, or somebody you know is struggling and in need of transport to get their appointment, please call the Optio helpline on 01983 522226, where free return transportation will be provided, subject to availability of volunteer drivers.

 

The Optio telephone line is open from 9.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday

Transport availability will cover Monday to Sunday all throughout the day.

Passengers should be able to walk from their door to the car and be able to get in and out of it – on their own. 

 

Useful Helplines:

 

°         If you are worried about your Fuel Bills call The Footprint Trust on 01983 822282.

°         Islehelp for advice and information on benefits, money issues, rent concerns. Telephone: 01983 823859/ 823898;  Website: www.islehelp.me; Email: enquiries@iwcab.org.uk

°         Isle of Wight Council Covid-19 Support  Telephone: 01983 823600

°         Struggling on your pension? You may be entitled to more money. Pension Credit helpline 0800 991 234.

 

IW Council, Town and Parish Council and Police Commissioner Elections, Thursday 6^th May.

 

These are now on course to take place. However, restrictions will apply to candidates canvassing etc., owing to Covid social distancing restrictions. You can register to vote on the following link: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote  Alternatively, to vote by post please follow the link: https://www.iow.gov.uk/news/Apply-now-for-a-postal-vote

 

As a potential candidate for re-election, I am considering options knowing canvassing will be curtailed.  If arrangements between now and the election change, and you would prefer not to be canvassed from next month please let me know.   

 

Isle of Wight Council Budget 2021-2022.

 

As has been common practice for the last few years, I have been working with others to amend the Council’s budget being considered at Full Council. Unfortunately, unlike the ruling group other Councillors have difficulty putting forward any alternative budget, as Council resources do not allow officers to provide the same level of support as they can to the ruling Conservative group, within the limited timeframe that is available.

 

Since last year’s inclusion of Cowes/ Gurnard Seafront Charging within the Conservative Budget, this is an area that I know is under scrutiny by residents.

 

The Independent amendment has proposed:

 

·         £35,000 To Reinstate proposed reduction in Local Council Tax Support grant for Town & Parish Councils

·         £20,000 for a New Community Engagement Fund - to facilitate better public engagement in policy & strategy decisions

·         £300,000 for a New Sustainable Transport Fund - match funding open to Town & Parish Councils and Community Groups for a range of sustainable transport measures

·         £225,000 for a New Empty Property Regeneration Fund - Interest free "Bounce Back" loans to enable empty properties to be brought back into use and made available for a minimum defined period to those on the housing register at rents in line with Housing Benefits rates.

 

In addition to the above I have raised concerns over ‘savings’ accrued from Council Tax Support for working families (£308,000)- which was also opposed last month and features in next year’s budget.

 

Also, I had concerns regarding £300,000 allocated for new Speed Cameras, Corporate Expenditure on replacing IWC IT equipment (£100,000), Video Conferencing (£30,000), Replacement Vehicles (£150,000) and County Hall windows, toilets and lifts (£500,000)

 

Areas that I personally would seek extra revenue from are ‘unnecessary’ car parking charges, reassessing long stay car parking, one-off waste collections and additional savings from staffing costs. A monetary value could not be placed on these items, within timescales provided, so could not be incorporated within the Independent amendment.

 

However, there is some good news!  Several years ago, whilst I was the Executive (Cabinet) Member for Planning and the Environment, one campaign that was really important to me was Coastal and Flood Protection.  The time spent supporting residents of Simeon Street and The Strand (as County Councillor in Ryde), as well as those residents on Gurnard Marsh who were devastated by Flooding resonated deeply with me.   

 

For this reason, I could not support reducing any IW Council contribution (£5.84m) to the Environment Agencies award of £34.86m for coastal protection schemes. To note proposals include a future scheme for Cowes and Gurnard Seafront.

 

Seafront Car Parking Charges.

 

As mentioned last month, the fight against the parking meters continue.

 

Since then, Gurnard Parish Council has met with the IW Council; Gurnard Sailing Club has made a request to meet with IWC Leaders, Legal action continues to be followed up and a further petition has been set up.

 

As yet, no date has been set to install meters and I remain optimistic if there is a change in leadership, the scheme can be scrapped alongside other less viable schemes (such as overnight parking). It remains my aim for more cost effective and sustainable alternatives will be considered. The next meeting of objectors group meets early March

 

 Planning Applications.

 

·         Negotiations continue to overcome what is seemingly insurmountable hedgerow issues affecting a Planning Application in Woodvale Drive.

 

·         The proposal to develop 6 new units on Baring Road, north of Greenacres will be considered by the Isle of Wight Planning Committee.  This follows a recommendation by Officers for Conditional approval   

Census Day: 21^st March 2021.

 

The census is a once-in-a-decade survey providing the Office for National Statistics the most accurate estimate of all people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out since 1801, with the exception of 1941.

 

It will be the first run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets.

 

Census day will be on 21st March, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March.

 

The census will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, for the first time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity.

 

Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years – kept safe for future generations. This means that records from 1921 will soon be made available.

 

There’s lots of information available if you would like to find out more about the Census in advance at census.gov.uk. Ursula Dowd, census engagement manager for the Isle of Wight, can also be contacted on 07452 936794 or by emailing ursula.dowd24@field.census.gov.uk.

 

Highway Matters.

 

A follow up request regarding repairs to the barrier protecting the pavement from a retaining wall at the Crossfield Avenue and Baring Road junction. This work is intended to take place this year, however no date has been set.

 

At the other end of Crossfield Avenue, at the junction with Ward Avenue, pot holes have been filled- as have holes in Park Road. 

 

In Egypt Hill, a water leak (during icy conditions) was repaired; Gullies were cleared in Park Road a Cul de Sac was blocked off from pedestrian use on the Crossfield Estate and further repairs and advice concerning grass verges and highway access in Worsley Road.

 

I have been in contact with BT OpenReach regarding new telegraph poles, which are intended for Debourne Close and (Little) Park Road.  After a very positive discussion with the company, I am positive that at the very least poles will not be installed in the lower section of Debourne Close (where I have received complaints from)

 

Dog Poo.

 

Thank you for the feedback (and the photos!) on dog dirt.  I am liaising with the Environment Officer and Island Roads on a number of ‘routes’, where the concentration of dog poo is high!

 

Elsewhere, I have received a number of complaints on discarded bags tossed into the hedgerow on Cow Lane. Please can I ask that bags are either emptied in dog or litter bins, or taken home, as this is not fair on residents living nearby, those who retain these hedges and walkers who often have to negotiate bags when they biodegrade or fall from the hedgerows.

 

In addition, I took action concerning overflowing bins in Firestone Copse.

 

Green Garden Waste.

 

There are 3,000 additional spaces for the IW Council's green waste service for this year. New customers are able to join the council's green garden waste collection service (for the subscription year starting 1^st April at:. https://www.iow.gov.uk/gardenwastesubscriptions/

 

The subscription window remains open until 20 March and costs £72 per year. This entitles householders to a fortnightly collection of green garden waste and free collection of your real Christmas tree each year. 

 

This service was updated in 2020 to offer users the option of a new direct debit payment service that will automatically renew your subscription each year.

 

E-Scooters.

 

I continue to receive feedback concerning use of e-scooters by youngsters (who seemingly would not have a licence), on pavements and of scooters being left in inappropriate locations.  If you witness anything that causes concern please email myself and Beryl, who are responsible for the scheme at: support@beryl.cc 

 

Also this month:

 

·         I am supporting a resident in their campaign for ferry companies to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to support disabled residents.

·         I continue to receive complaints concerning garden bonfires in and around Albert Road.

·         I have countersigned a letter in partnership with the Pesticide Action Network UK concerning pesticide phase out in favour of more sustainable (and sometimes more effective) alternatives.

·         I continue to liaise with officers following advice concerning the ‘Harbour’ at Gurnard Luck.

·         I have been working with IWALC on potential support from Local Council’s on ICT support in local schools.

·      As the new Chairman, I am currently in the position of ‘opening up’ the Isle of Wight Local Access Forum, who are tasked to oversee use of public rights of way on the Island.

·         I have been asked to provide feedback on a large grass verge that is for sale in Greenways Close, Northwood.

·         Following complaints regarding perceived inaction on parking compliance on Highway land at Cowes Yacht Haven, I understand that the opposite is true and since 2021 no less than 11 penalty notices have been served.

·         Advice was sought concerning an incident which occurred at Northwood Park.

·         I have been approached by local family members concerned over a vulnerable residents wellbeing and a resident concerned with a mother in crisis needing support.  In the last 6 weeks, a number of mental health issues have been relayed, as have concerns over online abuse against teachers which is causing me concerns.

·         I attended a Councillors Briefing, with respect to the IW Council’s Parking Strategy.  Details (and why I am outlining why I and others are taking a stand on sustainable parking) can be found at: https://iow.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s2371/Appendix%204.pdf

IW Councillors Report, February 2021

 

Surgeries.

 

6-7pm, Monday 1^st February.  Telephone Surgery.  Please call me on 01983 289595.

6-7pm, Monday 8^th February.  Telephone Surgery. Please call me on 01983 289595.

6-7pm, Monday 15^th February.  Telephone Surgery.  Please call me on 01983 289595.

6-6:30pm, Monday 22^nd February.  Telephone Surgery. Please call me on 01983 289595.

6:30-7pm, Monday 22^nd February.  Zoom Surgery*. 

 

*Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84479074820?pwd=SGhuejVBT0xRTXVWcU5Kc1h3TnE2dz09

 

Gurnard/ Cowes Seafront Parking approved by IW Council’s Cabinet.

 

Despite widespread opposition, the IW Council’s Cabinet saw fit to approve proposals to implement charges on the seafront.

 

I wish to place on record my very grateful appreciation to the 449 objectors who wrote to the IW Council, the thousands of residents who signed the petition (3074, at the last count), the businesses, experts, legal advisors and Councillors who stood shoulder to shoulder with us throughout the campaign. Thank you!    

 

As you can read from the texts below, everything that could be put into the campaign was.  From the viability of charging, to offering the Council a more sustainable means of raising revenue (This was supported last year, the case by financial officers); from legal challenges, to arguments that the proposals were out of context with the Council’s Corporate and Wellbeing Strategies the Team behind the campaign seemingly left no stone unturned.

 

A. Corporate Scrutiny. (Resolution put to Corporate Scrutiny 12^th January).  Motion Fell For: 3, Abstain: 1 Against: 4

 

Corporate Scrutiny requests that the Cabinet reconsiders charges proposed for Cowes/ Gurnard Seafront on the following grounds:

 

1.       Within the report there is no evidence to counter concerns over the adverse impact charges will occur to local businesses and organisations such as Gurnard Sailing Club. Given concerns over broader opportunities to invest outlined by businesses, we consider proposals are contrary to the IW Corporate Plan’s priorities which support economic regeneration and businesses after COVID. Within the context of the Corporate Plan priorities, we are further concerned over the impact charges are likely to have upon residents physical, social and mental well-being.

2.       The Committee has concerns over how costs accrued from charges will be sustainable given the ongoing maintenance from sea air, regular flood damage and subsequent corrosive action.  In light of the £66,000 Revenue Stream proposed, noting that 2019/20 parking revenue was limited, we ask for a Full Impact Assessment to consider future maintenance programme and related Officer time on the costings for enforcement.

3.       It is noted that under S 122 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, Highway Authorities powers to charge should relate to the need for Public Safety, Reduce Congestion (or allow for traffic to pass freely) and to enable access to property. Within the report none of these matters are addressed as grounds to comply within the framework of the Act.  In response to this proposals unpopularity, the Committee asks for charges to be reconsidered.  This is relevant in light of updating and re-assessing long and short stay Town Centre parking and should be a focus of the Council’s Parking Strategy where need, demand and justification for charges in compliance with the RTRA is greater.

 

B. Cabinet (Letter sent to all Cabinet members) 14^th January.  IW Council approved charges: For: 10  Against: 0.

(The Cabinet comprises wholly of members of the Council’s ruling group)

 

Dear Cllr Stewart and Cabinet Members,

 

Thank you for allowing me to reflect the views of those opposed to seafront car parking charges between Cowes and Gurnard.

 

For many years, as a Ryde Isle of Wight Councillor, and then as a Cowes Town Councillor, myself and many long standing members will recall one of my predecessors, Cllr John Effemey speaking against the madness of parking meters located in Queens Road, Cowes and how meters year on year failed to create a revenue source for the IW Council due to the corrosive action which salt from the sea air played on machines.  Although this was 20 years ago, I can report that in 2019/20 the machines in that more sustainable area of Queens Road and Mornington Car park before costs made less than £6000 Revenue for the Council.

 

Despite, Cllr Effemey’s efforts, and by the Council arguing with John that Queens Road and Mornington Road were close to Cowes and all the facilities that the Town afforded there is no evidence here to suggest the annual £66,000 revenue will ever be met.  One elderly resident, pointed out to me for those 42 weeks, when nobody parks out of season;  He will continue to sit in his car, drink from his flask and read from  his paper and if he views an emerging parking attendant he will just begger off, drive around the corner and park again when they’ve gone.

 

Please note, last year Parking failed to balance its budget for the IW Council. If Newport, Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor with its numerous shops, bars, tourist facilities, harbour, sandy beaches, restaurants, travel hubs etc fail to make revenue, what chance is there for Gurnard its pub, ice cream van, a kiosk, sailing club and Light.

 

Knowing that Gurnard’s unique selling point is the sea gets closer to our Car Parking provision than elsewhere, it remains of concern that meters will not only be prone to the sea air but will also spend around 21 days of the year immersed in sea water. Can this seriously be considered good value for our Council Tax payers, when machines costing over £3,000 each requires maintenance and replacing up to every three years?

 

Within the report officers have flagged up the fact that just 449 residents objected to this consultation... Please note that besides the 449 objectors, over 3050 have now signed Adam Provis’ petition. The derogatory comments concerning this feedback, is not only disingenuous to all those who responded, but shows a real disregard to those members of our community who took time to comment.

 

I know that the IW Council recognises that there was real potential for Cowes/ Gurnard seafront, in the last year alone there was reinvestment by Gurnard Parish Council in new toilets, there was potential for a new cafe, with local businesses intending to further invest.  Locally this investment could and would have brought over £1m into our local community.

 

Since then and since these proposals came to light, I hear from local businesses prepared now only to invest criticism for our Council.  One business owner stated on the week charges were advertised, ‘it’s as though the Council wants to put themselves first and then kick local businesses when Covid pushed them to their knees’.

 

As local member I would make the point that proposals are at odds with our Corporate Plan which seeks to regenerate our economy, as well as offering opportunities to enhance physical, social and mental wellbeing

 

My final point.  And this, is more a point of legal clarification which I raised last week.  To note when implementing car parking charges, under section 122 of the Road Traffic Act (1984). I am advised, that charges should only be levied when there is a clear public safety, access or traffic flow requirement to do so.  From the Report, officers are clear that the primary role for implementing charges is to raise revenue, which has been pointed out to me by people more legally qualified this remains at odds with the Act.  Please note, there have been successful Judicial Reviews concerning this such as the High Court ruling against the London Borough of Barnet in 2013.

 

As a Councillor facing these unpopular proposals, surely it makes more sense, to improve, enhance and update vehicular access to regenerate our Tourist and Town Centres within our Parking Strategy, rather than entering into conflict with our local businesses, residents and communities, which I consider will be an inevitability should these proposals go ahead.

 

On this, I stand by counter proposals whereby car parks in central locations in our towns could be put to greater use sharing short stay with long stay use.  Residents have argued for a long time that car parks are not utilised to capacity, and if people are prepared and happy to pay a premium to do this, doesn’t this make more sense that installing meters that are not properly utilised as I guarantee will be the case for most of the year on Cowes/ Gurnard seafront.   

 

At Cabinet it was emphasised that the decision was considered lawful.  However, there was much greater emphasis put in a response to meters providing consistency and fairness rather than being seen as an income generator.

 

C. Cabinet Call-In (Deadline: Monday 25^th January)

 

Following feedback, a request was made to Call-In the decision taken by Cabinet.  This was made in response to, mirrored and provided detail to suggestions made by the Chair of the Scrutiny Committee during the debate.  Believing this was better than the Final Recommendation agreed by Cabinet, the following appeal was made:

 

Councillors ask Cabinet to rethink its decision on implementing charges on Cowes/ Gurnard seafront on the following basis: 

 

1. Reconsideration of parking charges between the Woodvale and the Pumping Station.

2. Reconsideration of parking charges out of season between the Pumping Station and Egypt Light (during the winter, when meters could be covered to sustain their lives)

3. Ongoing arrangements for the maintenance of Isle of Wight assets.  (i.e The Sea Wall, Meters, Railings, Egypt Light, public slipways and steps to the beach).

 

This proposal was rejected by the Corporate Scrutiny Chairman in liaison with the IW Council's Monitoring Officer.

 

As far as I and many residents are concerned, the fight goes on.

 

Whatever your opinion on parking charges, the decision at the very least shows flaws whereby a Council’s Scrutiny Committee doesn’t work effectively when dominated by members of the Council’s ruling group.

 

Rosie’s Bench

 

A new picnic bench has been agreed to be located next to Gurnard Green in memorial of Rosie Jardine who sadly passed away last year, and was subject to fundraising by friends and family.  In addition, Gurnard Parish Council are also positioning a further picnic bench, following a thumbs up from the IW Council.

  

Coastal Path.

 

Following a further landslip the coastal path between Gurnard and Sticelett has been formally closed. 

 

Please note the landslipped section will not be rolled back and reinstated until ground movement stabilises. 

 

 

Elections: Thursday 7^th May.

 

At the moment, there will be elections for Isle of Wight Council and Local Town and Parish Councillors, as well as this elections are also being held for our Police Commissioner.

 

I say at the moment, but I hold the view that when the election timetable commences mid-March, safety will inevitably be compromised.  This is particularly relevant given most residents will not have been vaccinated by then, raising an issue over fairness. I personally believe that Elections are more likely to take place during the Autumn.

 

In the meantime, you can register to vote on the following link: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

 

Planning Updates.

 

·         Land adjacent to 77 Place Road. Ref: 20/02229/OUT. 

As reported last month, an outline proposal has been submitted to develop on the old poultry farm site in Place Road, opposite Place Side.  This application comprises of 14 dwellings for the first phase (which this proposal relates to) and 27 further dwellings planned for the second phase.

 

Under current proposals, the second phase will comprise of 14 ‘affordable’ dwellings.  As an ‘outline’ application this proposal is to consider the principle of development, with details to be submitted at a later stage if approved.

 

A letterdrop to 50 neighbouring households of Deauville Avenue, Place Road and Place Side took place in mid January.  Surprisingly, this large-ish development has not been met with the same opposition as some others..

 

·         Single dwelling, Woodvale Road. Ref: 20/02048/FUL.

Both myself and Gurnard Parish Council have received a number of calls concerning this application located in Woodvale Drive, at the junction of the unmade road leading to The Stables and The Kennels.

 

Concerns have been raised about the setting of the dwelling, and conditions concerning access to the site and retaining the rural characteristics of this special area.

 

Planning Enforcement

 

Further enquiries are ongoing concerning a property being used for residential use in Gurnard, whilst two incidents were reported regarding the removal of a hedgerows during the winter.

 

Public Inquiry: Stopping Up of Hardstanding, off Charles Road.

 

This inquiry follows a request made by Island Roads to stop up a concrete hardstanding where Charles Road, Mountbatten Avenue and The Green on the Crossfield Estate.

 

Because parking is of a premium in this area the Management Company responsible for Flats on The Green considers that the ‘stopping up’ to be unnecessary.  Also, because when the first application was made, there was no issue raised by Island Roads the company has made this appeal to the Department for Transport.  

 

From my perspective, in light of no feedback from residents, I had hoped this minor matter could have been resolved through negotiation without the need to spend public money, on what to me is a very minor matter.  In light of this I have notified the DFT to oppose stopping up which will result in the reduction of residential parking spaces.

 

E-Scooters

 

I continue to receive negative feedback from residents concerning the roll-out of E-scooters in Cowes

 

Areas that Beryl agreed with the IW Council prior to any consultation were:

 

Cowes West	Gurnard
Reynolds Close Ward Avenue (junction with Crossfield Avenue) Baring Road (junction with Egypt Hill)	Princes Esplanade (East of Pumping Station) Church Road (junction with Cockleton Lane) Church Road (junction with Worsley Road) Place Road (junction with Broadfields Avenue) Place Road (The Range) Cockleton Lane (junction with Pallance Road)

 

From my perspective I will not support this roll-out until assurance can be provided that the e-scooters will be used safely, lawfully and will be rigorously enforced.

 

Cowes Floating Bridge.

 

At last month’s Scrutiny Committee, an announcement is anticipated on the Floating Bridge in February.  The Council Leader that mediation concerning the Bridge’s design and build should be resolved ‘shortly’.

 

Dog Poo Audit.

 

Following several complaints that have been forthcoming on social media, I am undertaking an audit of dog poo and of areas that are prone to fouling.  Please let me know of regular hotspots where there are issues, and then I can request our Environment Officer to initiate patrols in the hope that those responsible are dealt with.

 

Full Council.

 

Please accept my apologies for a very moany report this month!

 

Under the Council Leader’s Report, it was highlighted during the debate that extra funding offered to the Island through both the Fair Funding Review and an Island Deal had again not been forthcoming, as a consequence difficult decisions will be taken at next month’s budget meeting.

 

There were two key votes at Full Council, the first related to the Council’s Pay Policy for Staff, whilst in contrast the second related to Local Council Tax Support.

 

In recent years, Government has given local Council’s the ability to consider how much Council Tax support they offer to residents.  This of course, is in light of local Councils facing year on year savings and additional pressures.    From our Government’s perspective older residents on very low incomes receive Full Council Tax support capped at 100%, whereas working families support has been cut from 100% to a lower level.

 

This year IW Councillors took the decision to cut support from 70% to 65%.  From my perspective, I felt that I could not support sleep at night supporting any further cuts to my residents who are struggling- not only with lockdowns arising from Covid, but with low incomes.  Instead, reluctantly I supported Cllr Andrew Garratts to retain the 70% threshold (I would have personally preferred 75%).  Sadly Cllr Garratt’s motion was defeated by the administration.

 

Bonfires.

 

Following calls from neighbours in close knit and residential areas, I still receive a large number of complaints from people who are regularly affected by those lighting garden bonfires.   Please, please, please- if you have no other choice than to have a bonfire let your neighbours know beforehand.  Again, at this time of the year damp vegetation being burnt unsupervised can cause considerable smoke and harm to those with breathing difficulties! 

 

Please note that if you live adjacent to dips in the land, smoke can linger longer.  In certain locations (dips in Baring Road, as well as the Jordan Valley and the Luck Valley), I regularly receive calls from distressed residents.

 

As a rule of thumb, depending upon what is being burnt more than one bonfire per month may constitute becoming a ‘statutory nuisance’

 

Smoke-Free Shelters.

 

Last month, I was asked to relay concerns over people smoking in bus shelters.  Of most concern locally are shelters adjacent to Bucklers View in Gurnard and at the Roundhouse. In light of this, I have requested stickers reminding smokers of the 2007 Smoke-Free Act.

 

Cowes Week 2021.

 

At Cabinet is was reported that Cowes Week would be 5G powered in 2021 with cameras on many boats. It was reported that spectators would be able to log on and become immersed and fits with the Digital Island Strategy and superfast fibre rollout putting the island on the map with one of the fastest broadband speeds in the world.

 

Cold Calling.

 

Gurnard Parish Council has become the first of our three local Council’s to replace No Cold Calling signage at gateway locations to its community.  In light of this, I know that both Cowes and Northwood are also considering doing likewise. 

 

Reduction in Bus Services.

 

Due to reduced passenger numbers during lockdown, Southern Vectis has reported that it is reducing some services.  Locally, the Cowes Community Bus (Service 32) will for the time being operate only on Saturdays and Tuesdays, whilst evening and Sunday services have been cut back.

 

Cowes Medical Centre.

 

I continue to receive feedback from residents concerning communication with Cowes Medical Centre.  From the perspective of E-consult, the response is generally positive.  However, those residents without access to a computer continue to find it difficult to get through to the Centre via the phone line which hangs up after three minutes.

 

All four IW Councillors attended a recent Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Meeting where feedback was shared with Cowes South and Northwood Councillor, John Nicholson.

 

Since the meeting, there was an issue concerning a Saturday drop-in at Cowes Medical Centre with those patients unable to receive their first Covid vaccination at Carisbrooke Medical Practice.  It seemed as though, everybody attended this!!   In response to, the Medical Centre has issued the following statements:

Covid Vaccinations - 26 January 2021

We are pleased to say that we are now vaccinating our housebound patients, and hope to have completed this within the next two weeks.

 

Covid Vaccinations – Saturday, 23 January 2021

To save our patients having to travel to the vaccination hub in Carisbrooke, we set up a Saturday clinic as we had Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, which is transportable.

 

While we had additional staff on hand to support the clinic on Saturday, we did not anticipate the number of enthusiastic patients who arrived very early, which lead to a long queue in the morning. Our afternoon clinic ran smoothly with very little queuing.

 

We are very sorry that patients had to wait outside in the cold, and we will of course do our best to ensure this does not happen again. We would like to remind patients that it is really important they arrive no earlier than five minutes before their booked slots.

 

To date our practice team have done an excellent job running  over 20 vaccine clinics at Carisbrooke, and one trial run here at Cowes, which have run smoothly and have received really positive feedback.

 

Top Tips from the Footprint Trust to help you keep Warm & Safe this Winter.

 

·         Talk to your energy company.  Are you on the best deal? Can you get the £140 Warm Home Discount?

·         Keep safe in a power cut or water failure.  Join the free Priority Service Register call 0800 294 3259 or visit www.ssen.co.uk/psr/southernwater

·         Lag your water pipes

·         Save £200 per year on utility costs! Talk to the Warm Island team at the Footprint Trust on 01983 822282 or email: info@footprint-trust.co.uk.

·         Phone 0800 027 0800 and ask about the Watersure tariff if you have a disability or high water use due to illness.

·         Make sure your torch is charged, and you have spare batteries.

·         Keep a supply of tinned and non-perishable goods in case extreme weather prevents you going out to the shops

·         Make sure you have enough medicine; don’t leave re-ordering to the last minute.

·         Keep important phone numbers on your fridge.

 

Useful Helplines:

 

°         If you are worried about your Fuel Bills call The Footprint Trust on 01983 822282.

°         Islehelp for advice and information on benefits, money issues, rent concerns. Telephone: 01983 823859/ 823898;  Website: www.islehelp.me; Email: enquiries@iwcab.org.uk

°         Isle of Wight Council Covid-19 Support  Telephone: 01983 823600

°         Struggling on your pension? You may be entitled to more money. Pension Credit helpline 0800 991 234.

 

Isle of Wight Council’s Exceptional Hardship Fund. 

 

The IW Council has a fund to support those on low income, who struggle to pay Council Tax.

 

According to the Citizens Advice Bureau, Council Tax debt is of greatest concern to residents on low incomes. However, support may be received support through:

https://www.iow.gov.uk/Council/OtherServices/Local-Council-Tax-Support-Entitlement/Exceptional-Hardship-Fund

 

To note, awards are discretionary, and from support given to residents in the past the bar is set frustratingly high.

 

St Mary’s Junction: Access to Cowes from St Mary’s Hospital.

 

I continue to receive questions from both hospital workers and patients concerning vehicles returning to Cowes from the hospital.  On this, I have received the following response from Island Roads:

 

Hi Paul

 

Thank you for your email regarding options available to drivers leaving the hospital.  There has been no change to the arrangements initially communicated. 

 

Those drivers who feel confident enough to do so, can undertake a U-turn at the traffic lights at the Forest Road Junction. On exiting the hospital they can get into the right turn lane to go into forest road, and when the lights are green, there is enough room for cars and small vans to undertake a U-turn safely as no other traffic flow is on a green light.

 

This U-Turn manoeuvre has previously been highlighted in Isle of Wight Council press statements, so nothing has changed with these options. 

 

However, as has been the case since the scheme was first discussed, this U-turn manoeuvre would not be signed posted positively, but also would not be prohibited, and that the signed route would be for vehicles exiting the hospital to go through the Forest Road junction, then onto the slip lane to go round the B&Q roundabout, and then up to and through the new St Marys signals and travel back northbound towards Cowes.

 

Also, it is in no way signed, but those staff working at the hospital, or those visiting the hospital may be aware that they could exit the hospital to the rear onto Dodnor Lane and approach the new St Marys junction via the B&Q roundabout, and then take the correct lanes back towards Cowes.

 

So there are still options available for drivers to get to Cowes after visiting the hospital.

 

Also This Month.

 

·         Environmental Health has been asked to contact a resident concerning an overpowering security light.  Please check yours to ensure they are not causing a problem to your neighbours.

·         Six residents have volunteered to join Speedwatch.  Please let me know if you are interested in joining.

·         I have now invested in Zoom Pro.  This means that I am no longer cut off after hosting meetings (This has happened on a number of occasions during calls that I have hosted).   Please note that my license has been funded by me on a personal basis, and is at no cost to the Isle of Wight Council. 

·         An overgrown hedge obscuring site lines at a junction has been reported to Island Roads.

·         I have been appointed as Chairman to the Isle of Wight Local Access Forum.  Items discussed at our last meeting included an update on the opening of the Islands Coastal Path, action being pursued at Parkhurst Forest and concerns over the Forthcoming Diamond Races and the impact this has on local Rights of Way.

·         At Cowes Town Council, the Finance Committee supported CCTV in Northwood Cemetery and supporting the transferral of the Beckford Centre (as a community asset) to Cowes Heritage.

·         Northwood Parish Council has raised an objection to develop housing on land in Pallance Road west of the junction with Pallance Lane