IW Councillor's Report: August 2022

 

Surgeries.

 

4-5pm. Monday 1^st August, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

10:30-11:30am, Wednesday 3^rd August, Benches adj. Watersedge Kiosk, Shore Road, Gurnard.

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

 

Please note that despite fewer surgeries in August, I remain available and continue to pick up emails and texts, should I take any Annual Leave.  To note because of leave, it may take longer for officers to respond to enquiries/ matters.

 

‘Secret’ Beach Works.

 

I was approached by a number of residents concerned over the movement of rocks and shingle at the secret beach between Shore Path and Marsh Road.

 

As a result of being contacted earlier this year permission was granted for minor works on the proviso that rocks could be repositioned (with photographic evidence) to the original location prior to the spring storms. To ensure no damage was done, this has been monitored.

 

Barbecues.

 

The IW Council are supporting calls to ensure disposable barbecues are properly used and discarded  sensibly. If disposable barbecues can be avoided all together this would be brilliant!

 

If not, once cooled please ensure debris is safely disposed of. Incidents have occurred  where abandoned barbecues has caused fires to surrounding countryside as well as plastic litter bins.  There have also been incidents where barbecues have scorched ground where they are been lit, whilst on beaches barbecues has caused burns when trodden on.

 

In response to the regularity of incidents requests have been made to formally ban disposable barbecues.

 

Jet Ski’s.

 

The anti-social use of jet ski’s at Gurnard was reported to the Marine Police, who continue to monitor waters frequented by bathers.  Please note a bye-law exists which prohibits all ‘personal watercraft’ being used faster than 8 knots and in depths of less than 2 metres.

 

Please report incidents to: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

 

Extreme Hot Weather.

 

Last month the temperature reached 40°C in the United Kingdom for the first time since records began. 

 

What you can do

 

·         Stay out of the heat, cool yourself down, keep your environment cool or find somewhere else that is cool.

 

·         Look out for neighbours, family or friends who may be isolated and unable to care for themselves; make sure they are able to keep cool during a heatwave.

 

·         Get medical advice if you are suffering from a chronic medical condition or taking multiple medications.

 

·         Make sure medicines are stored below 25°C or in the fridge (read the storage instructions on the packaging).

 

·         Carry on taking all prescribed medicines unless advised not to by a medical professional. But be aware that some prescription medicines can reduce your tolerance of heat.

 

Cowes Week.

 

Despite no Fireworks, there remains a number of events taking place in and around Cowes. These can be found here:

http://www.cowesweek.co.uk/web/code/php/main_c.php?map=cw22&ui=cw4&style=std&override=&section=shoreside&page=entertainment

 

Speedwatch

 

More volunteers  are still desperately needed to join Cowes Speedwatch. Please let me know if you are interested in joining Last month the volunteers were asked to monitor traffic speeds in Tuttons Hill.

IWAONB Meeting.

 

At the recent meeting of the Management Committee that oversees the Island’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty the following was reported:

 

·         The AONB Team are to sponsor the recovery of Swifts, now classified as an endangered species of bird.

·         Officers visited an equivalent AONB/ Biosphere zone in Normandy.  In France, areas of ecological importance have been designated by UNESCO due to their being no rights of way, open access and therefore visits to ecological importance can only happen with the agreement of local landowners.

·         It is with concern that intended strike action could have a negative impact upon the Isle of Wight’s Covid recovery through tourism and potential reduced visitors coming to the Island by ferry and rail.

·         For the timebeing there will be the release of no more white tailed eagles on the Island due to avian flu. 

·         Concerns continue to be raised regarding the use of carbon trading, and the threat this may have upon farmland.

·         For details visit: https://www.wightaonb.org.uk/?fbclid=IwAR202CeBXxRxvovULpngiHcBpdrbI7SOiAyfoYqOhmVl5EaAjTmisbMl_fs

 

Local Planning Matters:

 

·         Planning Enforcement Officers have visited a chalk based track to the south of Cockleton Farm. Originally this track led to a brick works, and has been upgraded to allow access to a landlocked piece of land that is required for agricultural purposes, for storage and for a building to cover up a borehole.

·         Planning Enforcement support has also been requested following concerns raised over mobile homes in holiday parks

·         I am supporting a resident concerned with the intended extension of a neighbours dwelling in Albert Road.

·         A resident has contacted me with concerns over water resilience and conservation, and the inability of water companies to build reservoirs. This is a matter I’ve taken up with the Council’s Environment & Sustainability Forum.

 

Island Planning Strategy: July Observer article

 

I think everyone must by now know about the Island’s serious housing issues. You probably know someone yourself who has been affected by this crisis – struggling to rent, to buy or even just to move house. These issues are by no means exclusive to the Island, and the local planning system is key to resolving them. As cabinet member for planning and enforcement, I want to use the planning system to address some of these problems, supporting the work being done by Cllr Stephens as cabinet member for housing.

 

You may have heard of the Island Planning Strategy, or ‘the IPS’ for short, and this document will be the local ‘planning bible’ for the Isle of Wight. We recently commissioned an independent review of the planning service, which confirmed that getting the IPS approved by central government is essential to the Island's planning process. We carried out public consultations on the draft IPS in early 2019 and last summer. The responses we received allowed us to make significant changes to the plan to better fit what you told us you want and need. 

 

The council will use policies within the IPS to help make decisions on planning applications, but first it must be signed off by central government. I like to refer to the policies as ‘planning tools’ and the sooner we can get some new ‘planning tools’ in our planning toolbox the better, as they will play a key role in addressing some of the housing issues we have. One example is being able to use an Island definition for affordable housing rather than the government one. This would help make homes more affordable and accessible for island residents.

 

Because of how national planning legislation works, when we make decisions on planning applications under the present arrangements there is sometimes little we can do to refuse these applications - even if we think they are in the wrong place. Or if we do refuse them then the Planning Inspectorate can overturn the decision. I have seen this recently in my own ward where a scheme for six homes on greenfield land that was refused by the Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee in March 2021 was allowed on appeal by the Planning Inspectorate. The longer it takes to get the IPS approved and in place, the longer we will all be in this position across the whole island.

 

At the next full council meeting on 21 September, councillors from across the island will decide whether to publish the IPS for a period of public representation, and then to send the plan, with any comments, to central government. There will also be another period where comments can be sent to the government’s appointed inspector. I am working closely with councillors of all political persuasions to ensure as many as possible choose to support this vital planning document, and what it will do for the island.

 

I hope the IPS gets the support from councillors that it needs in September to allow us to move forward as soon as we can. Without it, we will not have the planning tools we need to help meet the needs of the Island; and most urgently, to address the housing crisis. 

 

Local Listings: Heritage Assets.

 

There are a number of houses, structures and local features that although not listed that has a sense of local importance to the local character of our community.  Because of this, I am seeking to work with residents to highlight a local list of heritage assets important to our community.  If there are assets you consider should recognised, please let me know!

 

The current Local List can be found here:

https://www.iow.gov.uk/azservices/documents/1322-Local%20List%20Database%20220211.pdf

Parkhurst Forest: Poison Warning!

 

I have received a number of recent calls concerning dogs that have been walked in Parkhurst Forest being poisoned.

 

This follows from a couple of years ago, when there were a number of reports of dogs falling ill, following being walked from Marks Corner.

 

Please be on your guard!  The police has been notified.

 

In the meantime, please let me know if you or somebody that you have known has experienced similar instances. 

 

School Holiday Events.

 

A wide range of activities – which also provide a nutritious meal – are on offer for children and young people of all ages Isle of Wight during the summer holidays.

 

Grants totalling £213,305 have been awarded to local organisations, who will provide schemes for children and young people from low-income families during the school break.

 

Free places are available for children who receive benefits-related free school meals. Places are also available for children and young people on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP), those open to social care, or with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

 

The following organisations are offering activities and parents and carers wishing to find out more should contact the provider directly:

 

Aspire Ryde

Activity: Children’s play session and healthy meal in the Kingdom play activity centre.
Contact: foodandfun@aspireryde.org.uk or phone (01983) 716020.

 

Brading Community Partnership

Activity: Activities for eight to 18 year olds, ranging from music and theatre workshops to arts and crafts at Brading Youth and Community Centre.
Contact: gin.jane.b@gmail.com

 

CM Sports, Newport, Ryde and East Cowes

Activity: Sports coaching and arts and crafts activities for eligible children aged five to 11 in Newport (Barton Primary and Nine Acres primary schools), Ryde (Oakfield Primary School) and East Cowes (Queensgate Primary School).
Contact: 02392 987881 or email www.cm-sports.co.uk

 

Island Riding Centre, Newport

Activity: Riding sessions with a healthy lunch provided for ages six to 14.
Contact: (01983) 214000 or email summer@islandriding.com 

 

Scallywags, Broadlea Primary School

Activity: Scallywags Holiday Fun Club are offering spaces for ages three to 18 years old.
Contact: scallywags0@btinternet.com

 

Theatre Educational, Ryde 

Activity: A range of professional, experienced community arts tutors who will provide arts and theatre themed activity for seven to 16 year olds at Oakfield Primary School, Ryde.
Contact: www.theatreeducational.co.uk 

 

UKSA, Cowes

Activity: A wide range of fun activities including paddle-boarding and dinghy sailing, kayaking and keelboating.
Contact: www.uksa.org 

 

YMCA

Activity: YMCA are offering places at its day camps throughout the summer holidays for children aged up to 12 years old.
Contact: whnursery@ymca-fg.org or call (01983) 862441 (option 4).

 

Funding for the programme comes from the Department for Education and was set up so that local authorities could offer healthy food and enriching activities in the school holidays to children in receipt of benefits-related free school meals.

It also forms part of the council’s connect4communities programme, details of which are available here: www.hants.gov.uk/connect4communities

 

Highways and Environmental Issues Issues.

 

·         I have requested a replacement of the lost lifebelt from Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

·         Following complaints from residents, Queens Road planting took place.

·         I continue to receive complaints over vehicles using the Green, Crossfield Avenue as a Car Park.

·         I am supporting disabled residents requiring enhanced support accessing rubbish tips at Lynnbottom and Afton.

·         I have requested the repainting of faded double yellow lines in Shore Road.

·         I am supporting residents in Shore Path in receiving Grant Funding to repair the sea wall.

·         Last month a burst water main in Northwood Recreation Ground was fixed.  I am working with Cllr John Nicholson to see repairs made good to the access road to Northwood Cricket Club.

·         Complaints were received concerning where Marsh Road meets Rew Street.  Unless parking problems can be resolved, it may be necessary to request double yellow lines to allow high sided vehicles to pass.

·         I’ve contacted transport contractors who recently used Church Road for access. In response, it was highlighted by the that Church Road is the most direct, accessible route for traffic, whilst causing the least disruption to residents.

·         A request has been made to remove a concrete block which miraculously appeared on Gurnard Beach.

 

Hedgehog Corner:  This month- The hidden dangers of Ponds, Swimming Pools, Spas…

 

Garden Ponds / Swimming pools can be death traps to small mammals. Always ensure that there are several gently sloping slipways around the edge of the water to allow animals to escape if they fall in. Ensure that swimming pool covers are on every night and that polystyrene floats are placed near the side for a hedgehog to cling to. Slipways may be made by half submerging bricks or rocks around the edges of ponds. Alternatively a piece of chicken wire or (green) plastic coated wire can be hung over the edge of ponds and pools like a scrambling net. Hedgehogs can use this to climb out of the water to safety. Keep the pond level topped up so that hedgehogs can reach the wire. Do remember hoglets will need a longer ramp than an adult hedgehog.

 

Chairman’s Report, Gurnard Parish Council.

 

·         An informal site meeting has taken place of the Old School Meadow Working Group to discuss a number of action points from the last meeting of Gurnard Parish Council.  Because of the dry weather, a request was made to move one of the picnic seats to an alternative location.

·         A meeting has taken place to discuss options and opportunities for improved village signage.  Feedback will be reported back to the Parish Council at its meeting in September.

·         During one of the warmest weekends so far this summer, there was issues with the locking mechanism for the toilets on Gurnard Green, which resulted in the toilets being out of action.  It was believed this was as a result of power cuts that occurred in the village the night before.

·         I continue to receive feedback from beach hut owners concerning perceived anti-social behaviour from both smokers and bench users discarding litter.  I am continuing to speak to beach hut owners and am monitoring the situation.

·         Myself and Councillors are meeting to discuss Terms of Reference for the new Gurnard Beach Working Party. 

·         I have been asked to formally nominate the former chairman of Freshwater Parish Council, Cllr. Anne Banbridge to be Vice Chairman of the IW Association of Local Councils

·         A question was asked at the most recent IWALC meeting to the IW Council’s Cabinet.  This referenced a discussion that took place concerning the potential for the IW Council withholding Parish Precepts following instances of delayed payments of Council Tax to the IW Council.  At the Cabinet meeting, members advised that all options were ‘under review’.  

·         Grass has been strimmed at Old School Meadow with a view to re-opening up the area leading from the bridge.  In the meantime following an upturn in dog poo not being picked up and deposited, consideration is being made in restricting dogs entirely from the field.  To prevent any restriction, please, ensure dog poo is deposited in the bins.

Energy Price Increases.

 

Energy prices are soaring.  For up to date support visit: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/ and  http://www.uswitch.com/ Tel:  0800 688 8557. Alternatively, talk to the Footprint Trust on 01983 822282 or email: info@footprint-trust.co.uk.

 

Councils will oversee the repayment of the £150 rebate through Council Tax reimbursements for A to D properties. To speed up payments residents are being encouraged to pay Council Tax through Direct Debit. For details visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/news/Energy-rebate-update

 

If you do not pay via Direct Debit an Access Code is needed. Codes are being sent separately. For details visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/Benefits-Council-Tax-and-Business-Rates/Council-Tax-Services/Council-Tax/Energy-rebate

 

Also this month:

 

·         At Full Council, I supported the need for an extra meeting to follow the Council’s Budget Meeting in February.  From my perspective, I was fully supportive of the need for all Councillors to have the opportunity to scrutinise the work of the IW Council’s administration.

·         I continue to await feedback from the Watersedge Café on support I can provide to owners if required.

·         There are currently No Cold Calling stickers that I have left in Cowes Library.  In addition, following a resident’s complaint, I have also left copies of Southern Vectis’ bus timetable in the library.

·         I have contacted Southern Water, who I have asked support a resident locating their stopcock.

·         I am supporting a resident with a housing enquiry  

IW Councillor's Report July 2022

 

Surgeries.

4:30-5pm. Monday 4^th July, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

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

10:30-11am; Thursday 7^th July, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 13^th July, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Wednesday 20^th July, Benches adj. Watersedge Kiosk, Shore Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Wednesday 20^th July, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 27^th July, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard. 

10:30-11am, Thursday 28^th July, All Saints Church Coffee & Chat, Gurnard.

11:30am-12pm, Thursday 28^th July, Eegon’s, 85 High Street, Cowes.

 

Planning Decisions.

 

·         Sunnycott Caravan Park, Rew Street. (Ref: 22/00726/FUL)

Proposals to increase the number of mobile holiday homes at Sunnycott was refused by officers.  This followed concerns expressed by Gurnard Parish Council at their meeting last month.

 

·         The Dottens, Baring Road. (APP/2114/W/21/3277258)

The decision to increase dwellings at the Dottens was refused by the Planning Inspectorate.  Following feedback, from the Appeal, further concerns were raised concerning the apparent loss of the wildlife corridor conditioned as part of the original application.

 

·         Six dwellings adjacent to Greenacres, Baring Road. (APP/P2114/W/21/3278577)

The application to refuse in March 2021 has been overturned and approved by the Planning Inspectorate. 

 

The Planning Inspector noted that because the IW Council ‘cannot demonstrate a 5 year housing supply’, ‘its plan for housing delivery is out of date’ and by the suggestion within 2012’s Island Plan that the site is ‘immediately adjacent to the settlement boundary’ this application was approved. This observation in itself demonstrates the importance of adopting the Draft Island Planning Strategy to be considered by Full Council in September.

 

For several months now and key to the Council’s recent Peer Review on Planning, it remains imperative that the DIPS is adopted at the earliest opportunity. With major controversial applications pending, it should remain a priority for Councillors.

 

Other Planning issues.

 

Apart for rallying for support acceptance of the Draft Island Planning Strategy, I’ve been asked to:

 

·         Monitor and take appropriate action with respect to the development of new dwellings, which could be used as second homes.  This follows examples of local councils elsewhere implementing Neighbourhood Plans.  Recently St Ives, Salcombe and Whitby have adopted plans, whilst Brighton and Hove is the first city looking to do the same. At present this cannot be incorporated within the DIPS as second home ownership on the Island is not as high as many places. That said, there are some Island spots where second home ownership is beyond the 22% tipping point level. This is a notable issue in Seaview, Yarmouth and Bembridge.  

 

·         Planning Enforcement continues to be a priority. In my new Cabinet Position as Member for Planning and Enforcement, the IW Council are seeking to strengthen the team following the local support of local councils.  This will mean that Planning Case Officers can concentrate on their roles, rather than chasing enforcement matters.  In addition to this role, I continue in my role liaising with Parish Councils as well as now being the Cabinet Member responsible for Flooding.

 

·         Although I have not been Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery for some time (this position is now the responsibility of Deputy Leader, Cllr Ian Stephens- also responsible for Poverty), I continue to be approached by a growing number of residents concerned over the lack of social and affordable housing.

 

·         In my role as Cabinet Member responsible for Building Control in recent months Government has introduced legislation which bans the use of combustible materials on the external walls of buildings.  This follows in the wake of the Grenfell fire.

 

Waste Collections.

 

Please ensure your households refuse and recycling is ready to collect by 7am. Residents are permitted to leave bins from 7pm, the night before.

 

To note back door (or nominated location) collections are free for those residents who are unable to leave their waste and recycling at the kerbside due to impaired mobility.  For other able bodied residents, particularly those who are unable to leave out or collect bins owing to work commitments the IW Council offers a similar collection plus service.  This costs £60 per year, and is available by calling 01983 823777 or emailing waste.contract@iow.gov.uk.

 

Police Matters.

 

·         No Cold Calling.

In the last month, I’ve been advised that Anglian Double Glazing and the Great Ormond Street Hospital charity has been cold calling.  On this, Trading Standards have been approached.  In the meantime, please let me know if your home is without a No Cold Calling sticker.

 

·         Thefts and Burglaries.

The police has asked that during summer, to avoid opportunistic burglaries that front doors are secured and not kept on the catch as walk in burglaries are sadly commonplace at this time of the year.  The police also ask that outbuildings such as sheds and garages are kept locked after use.

 

School Numbers.

 

I have been approached by School Leaders following concerns raised regarding the falling numbers of children entering the school system on the Island.  It is projected that if numbers continue to fall the intake within 5 years could fall from 1,500 to below 1,000.  This will impact upon staffing, school curriculums and the diversity of choice that schools are able to offer and may impact upon some schools remaining open.

 

Highways Matters.

 

·         Hedgerows.

 Following being cutback earlier this spring, the hedgerow which borders the pavement from Cowes Enterprise College needs to be cut back again.  This follows complaints received of low lying brambles. The cutting back of hedgerows has also been requested for Place Road, Crossfield Avenue, Baring Road, Tuttons Hill, Worsley Road, Woodvale Road and Newport Road.

 

With respect to the planting at Bucklers View, Worsley Road I am seeking a long term solution to deal with the overgrowth at this spot.

 

·         Community Speedwatch

Are still seeking volunteers to join them. This month, I hope to join in with the fun in Tuttons Hill.  Please let me know if you wish to volunteer!

 

·         Highway Mirrors.

Over the years, a number of residents have requested mirrors to aid visibility when pulling out of vehicular accesses. Please note these mirrors are not the responsibility of either Island Roads, or the Highway Authority.  The reason for this, is that mirrors can give a wrong perceptive of oncoming traffic and therefore may be responsible for accidents.  Where these do exist they have been placed by private landowners on private land!!   

 

·         Jubilee Tree.

A very big thank you to Bert Jupe for watering the new Tree planted at Pond Green in Lower Church Road, Gurnard to commemorate the Queens Platinum Jubilee.

 

·         Electric Vehicle Charge Points.

When this was first raised two years ago, I thought this would never catch on… However, with escalating fuel costs working with Paul Thorley from Vehicle Consulting Solent we are seeking ideas for where would be an ideal location for a local charge point for vehicles in and around Gurnard… Please let me know your thoughts!

 

·         Improved Car Park Signage.

I have requested signage for the under-utilised Mornington Road Long Stay Car Park.

 

·         Memorial Benches.

Complaints have been received concerning he sensitive matter of flowers, keepsakes and other paraphernalia on memorial benches.  Because of concerns that items/ debris are left and often discarded this causes concerns to residents.  Although benches can be a lovely reminder to those who pass away, please act sensitively when remembering loved ones.

 

Southern Water meeting, Gurnard.

 

This meeting was held following up a previous meeting held by Gurnard Parish Council in January.  It was hoped at this meeting Southern Water would be joined by the Environment Agency who monitors bathing water quality.

 

Southern Water reported its commitment to reduce storm water flows by 80% by 2030.  The company mentioned it was in their companies interest to do so, as with rising fuel costs it is expensive to pump water and attributes nationally to 5% of the national grid. In addition, it was reported that it costs the company £2.60 per litre to dispose of water at Sandown, whilst with a water butt the cost was 12p per litre

 

One of the key problem areas with increased storm water flows, was the fact that non- permeable private parking has exasperated the problem in recent years. It was reported that when creating a parking bay of more than 5m2 planning permission is required!  To assist addressing this and meeting the 80% reduced storm flow target Southern Water highlighted their intention to issue free Water Butts and new-fangled smart water butts to households.

 

It was reported that after Wootton and Havenstreet, Cowes and Gurnard would be the second area chosen for the roll out. This is likely to take place in March 2023.

 

Further discussion was had about raw sewage and why testing does not take place for cryptosporoduim parasites.  These parasites are not necessarily as a result of sewage non treatment as they can be found in the natural environment from Agricultural run-off and naturally from animals and birds in the environment.

 

There was further excited discussion at the meeting regarding discharges from boats/ yachts and some very interesting data on poo and what happens beyond the U-bend…  In the meantime, I am looking forward to working with residents in the FAECES action group, from the Blue Seas Protection Charity and Surfers Against Sewage.

 

Hedgehog Corner.

 

In my capacity as Northwood’s Hedgehog Friendly Councillor, I have more facts about our prickly garden friends:

 

·         A group of hedgehogs is called an ‘array’.

·         A hedgehog has between 5000 and 7000 quills. Each one lasts about a year before dropping out to leave room for its replacement. 

·         There are 17 different species of hedgehog.

·          Hedgehogs have very poor eyesight, so rely on their smell and hearing to navigate. This is the reason they are nocturnal. 

·          Hedgehog quills are not barbed or poisonous. Quills are mostly hollow, each containing air chambers making them light but strong. 

·          Hedgehogs got their name from their love of garden hedges and the grunting noises they make!

·          Hedgehogs are one of only three mammals in the UK that hibernate; the other two being bats and dormice.

·          Hedgehogs are immune to snake venom, meaning that they’d probably snakes in a fight. They could even eat it afterwards!

·          When exposed to putrid smells or tastes, they ‘self-anoint’ by rubbing frothy saliva on their quills. Nobody really knows why!

·         Hedgehogs have small tails, we just don't often notice them under all of their spikes!

·          Their litters are born in numbers ranging from one to eleven. The babies will remain with their mums  for four to seven weeks before going off on their own. Mothers must guard their babies from predators during this period, some of which can actually be other male hedgehogs, who are known to prey upon the young of their species. 

·          Hedgehog mothers have been known to eat their young if the nest is disturbed, often thankfully they just move them to a new nest.

·          Hedgehogs breed between April and September.  Litters born in September seldom survive their first winter.

·          Hedgehogs travel between 1-2km each night!    

·          There are now fewer than one million hedgehogs left in the UK.

 

 Also this month.

 

·         Martin Lewis continues to provide updates on the best deals with the pending energy crisis.  These can alter on a regular basis.  For details please visit: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/

·         Illegal flags (a skull and cross bone) in Cowes High Street and Highway Accesses have been reported to Planning Enforcement.

·         I have reported ongoing complaints regarding the IW Council’s Planning Portal.

·         I am still awaiting a response from the Watersedge Café, regarding issues received. To find out more visit: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=watersedge%20beach%20cafe%20gurnard

·         I’ve received a complaint concerning coaches parking over on Cowes Parade. In response, I am advised that coaches are free to settle down (this is necessary for their hydraulic breaking systems). However, if coaches wait beyond 30 minutes they are liable for a Penalty Charge Notice.  

·         The IW Council (or their contractors) missed planting up flowerbeds on Queens Road, in time for the Round The Island Race.  In response the contractors are due to put this right and plant up beds before July.   

·         The IW Council are supporting calls to ensure disposable barbecues are properly used and discarded  sensibly. If disposable barbecues can be avoided all together this would be brilliant!  If not, once cooled please ensure debris is safely disposed of. This follows incidents where discarded barbecues on beaches has caused burns when trodden on.