Surgeries.
2:30-3pm, Monday 1st July, Cowes Library,
Beckford Road, Cowes.
10:30-11am, Thursday 4th July, Gurnard Press
and Bistro, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
5:30-6pm, Wednesday 10th July, The Portland,
Worsley Road, Gurnard.
10:30-11am, Thursday 18th July, Benches adj.
The Watersedge Kiosk, Shore Road, Gurnard.
10:30-11am, Thursday 25th July, Coffee & Chat, All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.
11:45-12:15pm, Thursday 25th July, Eegons
Café, 85 High Street, Cowes.
5:30-6pm, Wednesday 31st July, Portland Inn,
Worsley Road, Gurnard.
Hot Weather.
Always the
eternal optimist (apparently), I am still awaiting hot weather to bask its
happiness across the Island!
Once it
warms up (for the school holidays!) please ensure our furry friends are kept
cool and watered, as in the past I receive distress calls from neighbours
regarding barky dogs being left at home by ‘mums and dads’.
School Place Plan.
Work
continues on issues facing the Island regarding the significant drop within the
school role. This is also a national issue for local authorities, and within
the Island numbers will fall by a third within in five years. In the last 12 months, our Island Education
Authority have investigated local options, rather than those considered by
Hampshire.
Information
on the Isle of Wight’s position, delayed by the General Election will be shared
this month.
Contacting me.
Each month I receive
a considerable amount of requests for support.
As I spend more time travelling to and attending meetings, the best most
instant way to receive a response (if you have the technology!) is to send a
short text on how I can give support. Requests can often be dealt with during
downtime in minutes. With other forms of communication, (including weekends and
holidays!) I aim to respond within 24 hours of receipt for local residents. If
you do not receive any response within seven days, please let me know as your
email/ call may have been missed!
Please, if leaving
voicemails ensure you provide contact details!
Waste
Services: Collection Plus.
The Collection Plus service
allows you to have your domestic wheeled bins or reusable sacks collected from
an agreed point on your property. This could be the side of your house, instead
of being required to place them on the kerbside. Collection Plus benefits residents
who:
·
work away from home during the week
·
work irregular shift patterns
·
are second home owners
·
are elderly. (To note this service is offered at no charge to residents
who are mobility impaired)
Apply at: https://www.iow.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/additional-household-services/paid-for-waste-services/ or call waste
services on 01983 823777. This service
costs £69 per annum.
Barbecues.
Please, please avoid
disposable barbecues. In the past these have caused fires when not properly
disposed of, and left unsupervised. In
my opinion, following the volume of bye-laws in place, and having heard several
horror stories I believe that it only a question of time before Government will
legislate an outright ban.
Opportunist Burglaries.
The police ask residents to be
vigilant by locking sheds and ensure doors are locked. This is requested as
unwanted intruders and opportunist burglaries occur during the summer.
Overgrown Hedgerows, grass verges and
vegetation.
With summer
here, so remains the thorny issue (pun intended) of overgrown hedges. I have asked Island Roads to contend with
hedges in Tuttons Hill, Place Road and
Baring Road. Please continue to keep
me updated!
Grass Verges reconfiguration.
Working with
Island Roads and the Isle of Wight Council, Southern Water are intending to
reconfigure grass verges ‘later this year’ to capture more surface water
rainfall through Sustainable Drainage Solutions (SUDS) which will involve
swales etc. On this, I have requested Southern Water to hold an ‘open face to
face event’ to relay their proposals to Gurnard residents affected. Once I know
more, I will let you know!
Jet
Ski (Personal Watercraft): Legislation.
Legislation has been introduced to prevent
dangerous misuse of watercraft such as jet skis. New Powers mean that:
·
Anyone riding a jet ski recklessly or causing harm to others now face up
to 2 yrs in prison and an unlimited fine.
·
Maritime and Coastguard Agency to be granted more powers to prosecute.
·
In addition the Maritime Police Unit also has powers under local the local
bye-law.
Call 999 in emergency. Non-emergencies
contact www.hampshire.police.uk. Other concerns call
101 straight away!
Flytipping.
Last month,
I had to dispose of the lawnmower dumped by a resident on the steps of Gurnard Pre-School
in Cow Lane. Because this was left on
private land, nobody wanted to take responsibility to get rid of the wretched
mower.
Because I
was ping-ponged between service providers, the mower was taken to the lovely
people at B&Q to recycle.
In the
meantime, a number of waste bins continue to have an issue with both household
and commercial waste. This is being monitored by neighbours, myself, Jason
and Senad our Environment Officers.
Highways Matters
·
Roundhouse Bus Stop. Southern
Vectis confirmed that the No.1 service was not diverted via Crossfield Avenue,
due to vehicles blocking the road when buses were rerouted earlier this year. When notice is given in future to re-route
the bus service, I will be requesting a traffic order to prevent obstructions
occuring.
·
Cycle Dismount Signage.
Signage was requested to advise walkers and cyclists
to dismount where the shared cycle/ walking route at Queens Road when
approaching the Cabin on the Green from Cowes.
·
Winding Way. Damaged
fencing at Winding Way has been
reported by Gurnard Parish Council.
·
Cow Lane parking bay. A new unauthorised parking bay has been
reported to Planning Enforcement. To
note only two households and the school that has vehicular access to use Cow
Lane overseen by the IW Council.
·
Gurnard School/ Pre-School Parking. I met with
residents who raised concerns with me regarding parents blocking accesses in
Woodvale Road and Baring Road. For the
School’s Sports Day, issues came to head with parents and residents involved in
hot-headed disputes. Although Parking
Enforcement were also on site, I please ask for parents to please be mindful of
where they park! To note even on busy
days, there remains parking availability within only six minutes walking
distance of the school.
·
SGN works. Although the prospect of these works were unpopular once
proposed, I would very much like to thank Chris from SGN (who lives locally)
for his support to residents getting in and out of Gurnard. In the meantime, to note further ‘emergency’ works
are intended to take place this month in Baring Road.
·
Pot Holes etc, Princes Esplanade.
Works to infill a pot
hole/ void beneath the pavement in Princes Esplanade was completed this month
following herris fencing being in place for several months. I am also hoping that repairs will also take
place besides the beach Huts to repair damage.
Planning Issues.
·
Sunnycott Caravan Park.
This application was approved through the
Planning Inspector. In light of this
there is no longer a requirement for further formal consultation to discharge
conditions. However, I understand
liaison regarding drainage continues, as does the need for an updated ecology
report. This continues to be monitored.
·
Cockleton Lane. An application
was made to remove a non-residential condition for a boat house adjoining a
property in Cockleton Lane. Because this
application is outside the settlement boundary a request was made for a call-in
request to Planning Committee.
Licensing Committee.
At the last
meeting of the Licensing Committee, IW Councillors agreed increase restrictions
on A-Boards. This follows the current position whereby only those boards 1.5m
or higher requires a licensing consent to promote a business. Following debate, Councillors considered it
appropriate that all A-Boards should be licensed given concerns raised over
boards being a tripping hazard to pedestrians… Please let me know what you
think?
Trees.
An application
has been made to cut back by 20-30% a tree in Solent Shores. Gurnard Parish Council, considered that tree
thinning here was inappropriate and should be minimised. No more than 20% was
suggested.
Street Trading, Princes Esplanade.
Both myself
and Licensing Officers continue to monitor street traders on Princes
Esplanade. I understand that further
meetings have taken place by traders. In
the meantime following approval of licenses, I have received no further
complaints from those living nearby and continue to monitor the situation.
Southern Inshore Fisheries Conservation
Authority (SIFCA)
It was a
considerable honour to be appointed as the new Chair of SIFCA. SIFCA’s role is to ‘lead, champion and manage a sustainable marine environment and inshore
fisheries by securing the right balance between social, environmental and
economic benefits to ensure healthy seas, sustainable fisheries and a viable
industry’.
From my
perspective, it is important to improve the interface between local authorities
and the Authority. At present there
remains a number of Councils that are not involved in SIFCA, or its work to
address this I am seeking to discuss the need for local authorities to allow
deputies should their lead member not be available.
Also in the
coming months, SIFCA will be commissioning a new patrol vessel ‘Vigilant’, due
to be commissioned later this year following testing taking place in July. In
addition, SIFCA also submitted the ‘Bottom Towed Fishing Gear’ byelaw and
undertaking Black seabream research commissioned on behalf of funding partner
DEFRA.
Elsewhere at
the recent AIFA meeting recognition was granted to provide support for women in
the fishing industry and the declining number of small fishing boats.
Island Planning Strategy
Formal
engagement is due to commence on Monday
8th July, to follow the General Election. Depending on the colour of the new Government
may depend on how positively the Strategy progresses. Although the Inspector will assess the
strategy on its own merits, this could be under the backdrop for change. With respect to manifesto commitments, all
political parties have pledged to accelerate particularly social housing.
Having
scanned the political manifestoes this suggests 1.9 million homes (Liberal
Democrats), 1.6 million homes (Conservatives) and 1.5 million homes (Labour). The
Greens are seeking to create 0.75 million social homes, whilst Reform, who haven’t
provided numbers, echo others commitment to build ‘affordable’ housing whilst protecting
the green belt. (To note on the Island,
we have no Green Belt). As a health
warning, it is worthwhile noting manifestoes are aspirational and the numbers
specified above need to be taken in context with aspirations outlined within
manifestoes.
Because of
the delay caused by the General Election in May this could prove to be one of
the last planning strategies to be submitted to Government. Once I have notice of timescales, these will
be reported in August.
Warm Weather: News from Cowes Medical Centre.
Increased
temperatures can cause risk to people’s health, so it’s important we look after
ourselves and each other. People most at risk of harm include older people, the
very young and people with pre-existing medical conditions.
During prolonged
hot weather there is risk of developing heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heatstroke can occur if symptoms of heat exhaustion are left untreated, it
can also occur suddenly without warning.
Please take extra
care over the next couple days and follow these top tips to keeping safe during
the hot weather:
- Stay out of the
heat
- Keep out of the
sun between 11.00am and 3.00pm
- Walk in the
shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat
- Avoid extreme
physical exertion
- Wear light,
loose fitting, breathable clothes
- Have plenty of
cold drinks and avoid excessive alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks
Hedgehog Corner.
Hedgehog
incidents always spike during July. If
you find a hedgehog in peril please call: 01983
613145.
To note the
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary at Sandown Zoo has taken a lead in supporting our
prickly friends.
Since
creating Hedgehog Island in collaboration in 2019 with Save our Hedgehogs Isle
of Wight, hedgehog Island has had three core goals, these being:
·
To inspire and empower Isle of Wight
communities to take positive action for hedgehog conservation.
·
To gain a better understanding of the size
and distribution of the wild hedgehog population on the Isle of Wight.
·
To provide a safe permanent home at our
sanctuary for rescued hedgehogs to badly injured to return to the wild.
Report from
the Cabinet Member for Planning, Flooding and Coastal Protection.
·
The meeting arranged with Off Island
delegates to discuss Coastal Protection, Flooding and Land Stability was
cancelled for political ‘leaders’ and residents was postponed due to the
General Election.
·
I’m supporting a swift outcome for planning
proposals for Sandown. This may be considered by Committee soon.
·
At the most recent IWALC meeting a request
was made from Freshwater PC requesting fairness with free hourly parking, which
unlike other towns is not available in the village. This, I understand is being looked into.
·
At the Island Rivers Group, I was concerned
to hear of very high phosphate levels in our Island’s rivers. In addition the Group are seeking to support
Farmers regarding carbon credits, water testing at Newtown and restoring the ecology
of the Eastern Yar.
·
The Alliance have targeted five priorities
for the coming year. Within my portfolio these include the delivery of Section
19 (flooding) outcomes and the support of delivery Island affordable housing.
·
In response to the above, I am chasing on the
delivery of Flood resistance scheme for Binstead. This week, I understand an officer was seconded
from the EA to support delivery of this longstanding project.
·
I attended a meeting with Housing Provider
GRWN Homes.
·
At the last meeting, I arranged with the
Association of Local Councils, Councillors were able to question officers
responsible for Flooding and Coastal Protection.
·
Within the Planning Committee approval was
granted for a 22 bedroomed House of multi-occupation in Ventnor. In addition a business hub was approved on
Isle of Wight Council owned land at Branstone, as was proposals for Tapnell
Farm.
·
The Department of Transport are due to visit
the Isle of Wight to assess landslips at Bonchurch and Brook.
·
With land at St. Lawrence still moving,
concerns were raised regarding significant increases for Insurance in the
postcode area of PO38. This is of real
concern, particularly to businesses who have seen premiums increase
tenfold. In addition, having the same
PO38 postcode impacts upon many areas such as Chale, Chale Green, Rookley,
Godshill, Niton and Wroxall north of the undercliff, who had not been impacted
by ground movement. This is something that I will be putting pressure on our
new Member of Parliament’s to address.
·
There is to be a review of Traffic Regulation
Orders, this follows concerns raised insofar as TRO’s being used as a measure
to enable affordable housing delivery.
·
Following a discussion that I had a few years
ago with Planners, I understand that an Isle of Wight Wildlife Group are
seeking to enhance training for local Tree Wardens.
·
Following previous meetings Cllr Phil Jordan
and Cllr Ian Stephens are establishing a Property Action Group to accelerate
the development of Island Affordable/ Social Housing.
·
Two new members of staff has been appointed to
support residents on flooding/ flood alleviation measures. These positions have been filled in
partnership with Southern Water and was originally requested by me to assist
within planning enforcement, although has moved forward from what I initially
visualised.
·
I have received details of an empty property
in Newport. This has been through to the
Empty Property Team.
In a
nutshell, other matters I have been dealing with as IW Councillor for Cowes
West & Gurnard.
·
A new litter bin has been sought for Place
Road adjacent to the Deauville Avenue junction.
Because of the volume of household waste being collected from nearby
rubbish bins, I am concerned this could create an issue for residents living
nearby to bins.
·
I am working with Isle Access to seek potential
grant funding for a disabled lift for a shop in Newport.
·
I have request new waste caddies for
residents moving in locally.
·
I have sought a further update from Natural
England on the new Coastal Path.
·
Gurnard Growers attended the last Gurnard
Parish Council meeting. I understand
that they have approached the developer of Meadow View for his support. I am also supporting the Growers and am
supporting them getting the wheels in motion for what could be a fantastic
growing scheme/ project for local residents!
· More dying ash trees were reported to Island
Roads.
·
I have provided support to a resident who
wishes to become a magistrate.
·
At the Local Pensions Board, members
discussed concerns regarding risk management. Of greatest concern to me is the
impact of the shortfall of pension professionals joining the service, whilst
cybersecurity continues to be an area of concern. Locally the Pensions Board is monitored by
experts Heywood Pensions Security.
·
I received a call from a resident regarding
commercial vehicles being parked on the Crossfield Estate. This is becoming a real issue for the
community. To date I have spoken to a number of individuals to address this
issue.
·
I have raised concerns regarding the issue of
tents to homeless vulnerable residents. This in itself shows the importance of
the IW Council getting to grips with the Island’s homeless.
·
A discarded concrete block adjacent to
Gurnard Sailing Club was reported to the IW Council. Support was provided to
the Club in ensuring the block is removed and made safe to swimmers and sailors
using the slipway.
