IW Council Press Release - Medina Bridge Study to be Commissioned

MEDINA BRIDGE STUDY TO BE COMMISSIONED

A study to look at delivering a bridge over the Medina within the next decade looks set to be commissioned by the Isle of Wight Council.

The major infrastructure project will effectively act as a Newport bypass for traffic heading between Ryde and the West Wight and cut congestion and pollution in the town.

The year-long study is due to start this summer and the council is working with Hampshire County Council transport experts on it.

“Spending money on this study is showing this council is ready and able to tackle major infrastructure issues on the Island surrounding traffic congestion, quality of life and pollution,” said council leader Dave Stewart.

“There is much work to do to work up any plans, and we will need to secure funding and possibly land purchases, but this study is the start of what could be an ambitious and exciting project for the Island into the next decade.

“Everyone is fully aware Newport is plagued by congestion and this is potentially an excellent solution to ease traffic going through the town but also encourage sustainable transport.

“We want to build this bridge as soon as possible.”

The Medina is on average 150 yards wide but it is likely that wherever the bridge is placed the structure would need to be much longer.

The study will look in detail at the exact location of any bridge, how it can be paid for through a toll or other means, the timings of the project, the potential environmental impact and funding issues.

The council said it would need to secure funding from central government and from Solent Local Enterprise Partnership LEP as the bridge would be part of the South East’s strategic road network.

We will consider the potential for the bridge to also have a cycle and walking path in addition to taking vehicles, Councillor Stewart said.

He added: “Many Islanders recognise the need for us to address the impact of traffic congestion in Newport as well as improve our transport infrastructure generally on the Island and this is just what we intend to do.”

If the outcomes of the study prove the bridge is workable then the council is looking to secure funding and designs as soon as possible.

The council said the bridge was not intended to replace the Cowes floating bridge.

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IW Council Press Release - Treasures of the Deep

TREASURES OF THE DEEP

Two fascinating talks exploring the world of maritime archaeology are to take place at Cowes Library.

The Shipwreck Centre and Maritime Museum, based at Arreton Barns, will be at the library on Thursday 30 May and Thursday 20 June, between 7pm and 8.30pm.

The talks will cover the forgotten wrecks of the First World War and the nature of war at sea, as well as covering the work of the Maritime Archaeology Trust.

Cowes Library supervisor, Joyce Blizzard, said: “It is amazing to explore the tales behind our maritime history here on the Isle of Wight, and we are lucky to have such a wealth of finds that have been brought up from the deep by the Shipwreck Centre and Maritime Museum. I would urge the public not to miss these events, as they are sure to have a wide appeal.”

Visitors will have the chance to look at artefacts that have been found by the museum and hear some of the fascinating stories behind them.

Christin Heamagi, curator at the Shipwreck Centre and Maritime Museum, said: "We are very happy to be working with Cowes Library and to have been given a chance to bring our amazing collection out of the museum and directly to the public to show you that even if our shipwrecks are out sight they are not out of mind.

“There is an incredible archaeological resource just off our coasts and by sharing the artefacts recovered from the seafloor we will show you that shipwrecks aren't only accessible for dolphins, divers and dogfish."

Each session is £2 per person. There is no need to book and refreshments will be available. For more information, please contact Cowes Library on (01983) 293341.

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IW Council Press Release - Garden Waste Service Success

GARDEN WASTE SERVICE SUCCESS

Thousands of Islanders have signed back up to the successful garden waste scheme operated by the Isle of Wight Council.

Just over 7,000 households have joined up to the scheme this year meaning that the service has reached the maximum capacity for the 2019/20 subscription year.
However, existing subscribers may request a second or third subscription if the property has already signed up for the service.

Head of waste services, Natasha Dix, said: “We are extremely pleased that the garden waste service has proved so valuable popular and welcome in its first year to users, in taking the hassle out of taking it to the tip and reducing the cost of travel to residents. We aim to extend the service to more households in the future.”

If you just missed your chance to register on the scheme, you can still sign up to be contacted when there is new availability or when subscriptions open for next year (2020/21). Please email: waste.contract@iow.gov.uk  and ask to be added to the waiting list.

Natasha said: “We are continually looking at ways in which we, as a council service, can become more sustainable so this project was a key part of our plans - making sure more waste was diverted from landfill and improving composting rates. As all garden waste collected is composted locally here on the Island and contributes to our national recycling targets, I would also like to thank residents for helping us to achieve this together.”

The optional fortnightly scheme launched last year and collects garden waste from the kerbside at total cost of £60 per year, working out at just over £1 a week.

For further information, please visit: www.iwight.com/GreenGardenWaste  

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Island Roads Press Release - Upgrade for Cowes Town Centre

Upgrade for Cowes Town Centre site

A busy section of Cowes town centre is to be resurfaced by Island Roads next month. The ‘loop’ between Terminus Road, the High Street, and Carvel Lane is due to be upgraded over two nights – Tuesday 4 and 5 June. Work is being undertaken at night, given the busy nature of the section and the fact it serves the Red Jet Terminal, a taxi rank and Southern Vectis’ Cowes bus route. Island Roads is talking to these transport providers about the impact of work on their services. The working hours will be between 7.30pm and 6am, during which the roads will be closed to traffic. The road will be open as normal outside of these times, and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. Keith Gourlay, Island Roads’ Construction Manager said: “This is a busy section of road that those who use it will be well aware is in need of an upgrade. “We hope that by doing the work overnight we will keep disruption to a minimum, but I would like to thank road users and businesses in advance for their co-operation and understanding.” The scheme is part of the Island’s Highway Improvement Programme which is financed in the main through a grant of £477 million awarded by the Department for Transport. ENDS For further information, please contact info@islandroads.com or visit www.islandroads.com Island Roads, made up of VINCI Concessions, Meridiam Infrastructure and Ringway, is working in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council to deliver the highways maintenance service. Island Roads began from 1 April 2013. Ringway is a well-established and experienced highway maintenance service provider in the United Kingdom and has worked on the Island for many years.

IW Council Press Release - School Governor Recruitment

SCHOOL GOVERNOR RECRUITMENT

A recruitment campaign has been launched to help fill 114 school governor vacancies across the Isle of Wight.

The Isle of Wight Council is encouraging Island businesses and their employees to support local schools by becoming governors.

An event is being held on Thursday, May 16 at the Wight Innovation Centre, St Cross Business Park, Newport, when people can find out how they can play a part in the future success of Island children.

Diane Hiscock, governor services officer, said: “You don’t need to be a parent or a teacher to become a governor — governors come from all walks of life.

“Governors don’t need to have any link to the school, in fact, it’s often good if they don’t have any prior relationship with the school. This helps to bring a wider, external, business perspective on the running of the school.”

School governing boards provide the challenge and accountability required for school improvement and to develop good educational provision for all children and young people.

Governors, typically, spend an average of around six  hours a month on governing duties and connecting with their community.

Tonya Jayston is vice-chair of governors at Binstead Primary School and finds the role very rewarding.

She said: “I became a governor when staying at home with our children and found it a great way to keep my brain active.

“It also fulfils a vital role dedicated to help support the children's futures. 

“When our children were old enough for me to go back to work part-time, the training and experience of being a governor was a great addition to my CV.” 

Retired teacher, Ursula Hutchinson, is chair of governors at Barton Primary School in Newport.

She said: “Lay people, with no adult experience of education, are extremely valuable members of the school community.

“They can bring their own skills and life experience to help support and develop the leadership and management of the school, which in turn contributes to the life quality of our children.”

Chris Douglass, chair of governors at Nine Acres Primary School, Newport, added: “One of the highlights is meeting the kids.

“They are all bursting with pride to show and share their work and are brimming with enthusiasm and confidence for their own futures.”

People can hear more from serving governors at the information event on Thursday, May 16.

Sessions take one hour and start at either 4pm or 5pm, refreshments will be provided.

•             For more information on becoming a governor, contact your local school, call governor services on 01983 817280 or e-mailgovernor.services@iow.gov.uk

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Storeroom 2010 Newsletter - April 2019

Cowes Mens Shed Birthwday

Have you seen an ASIAN HORNET