Open Forum with Bob Seely MP

NORTHWOOD PARISH COUNCIL INVITES ALL LOCAL RESIDENTS TO AN

OPEN FORUM

TO BE HELD ON

SATURDAY, 6 JULY IN

NORTHWOOD VILLAGE HALL

COMMENCING

10.00am

WITH

BOB SEELY MP

TO RECEIVE YOUR CONCERNS AND DISCUSS HOW, COLLECTIVELY, THE HOUSING FIGURES OF 641 PER YEAR, FOR 15 YEARS, AS SET OUT IN 

THE ISLAND PLAN

CAN BE REDUCED AND TO ENSURE THAT THE HOUSES THAT ARE BUILT, ARE BUILT FOR ISLANDERS

ALL WELCOME

IW Council Press Release - Isle of Wight Celebrates UNESCO Biosphere Announcement

ISLE OF WIGHT CELEBRATES UNESCO BIOSPHERE ANNOUNCEMENT

Today (19^th June 2019) marks a special day for the Isle of Wight, as the announcement of the Island becoming the UK’s latest UNESCO Biosphere Reserve was made by the United Nations Man and Biosphere Co-ordinating Council. 
The Isle of Wight is only the third place in England and just the 6^th area in the UK to be awarded such a status. 
Put simply, becoming an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve means the Isle of Wight is now recognised as one of the best places in the world to explore the sustainable way people interact with their natural environment. 
UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are unique areas of environmental significance in which communities strive to work hand in hand, innovatively and responsibly to protect and support the local environment and the world we all live in. 
This year’s Isle of Wight Mardi Gras Parade in Ryde will be in celebration of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with over 30 schools, community organisations and off-Island carnival companies joining the New Carnival Company at 3pm on 29 June. 
The Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership worked on the application for UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status (on behalf of the British Government) for 3 years to ensuring the Island is recognised for the way people and nature coexist.

CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Richard Grogan, Isle of Wight AONB Lead Officer
01983 823855
richard.grogan@iow.gov.uk

Link to downloadable assets including video, audio and images:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/omr546hdckslnom/AAA4kbi_h40_tMJu-O1jG65Ca?dl=0

QUOTES 
Richard Grogan, Lead Officer for the IW AONB said: 
‘This is global recognition that our Island is not only an area of outstanding natural beauty, but that Islanders have played their part in looking after it. In spite of the modern day pressures brought about by the progress of human beings, nature continues to thrive here.' 
Richard hopes that the process of development and nature working together will continue for coming generations: ‘The AONB partnership will continue to encourage all Islanders to take care of the environment for our children and grandchildren, as our parents and grandparents did in their turn.’ 

Jonathan Bacon, Chair of the IW AONB, welcomed the announcement and the potential opportunities it provides: 
‘Achieving Biosphere status is like receiving the biggest gold star on offer anywhere in the world for people’s relationship with the world around them. It shows that on the Island we are getting closer to finding the right balance between meeting our needs and our children’s needs, while including the needs of wildlife. It is now up to us to maintain all the good things we have here and see how we can use the accreditation to support and develop local, national and international recognition of what the Isle of Wight has to offer, so as to boost our visitor economy and encourage appropriate sustainable development. All in all the accreditation gives us a fantastic opportunity, both to continue the work on the Island that has now been recognised by UNESCO as well as taking steps to further protect and enhance the place where we live.’ 

Bob Seely, Isle of Wight MP said:
‘I am delighted that the Isle of Wight has achieved this internationally-recognised status. Gaining this award is part of the agenda to appreciate and celebrate our landscape, for our quality of life and our aspirations as an island.
We need to celebrate our unique and beautiful landscape and this award is recognition of the way we do that. We must continue to respect our landscape and preserve it for future generations. 
I congratulate all those involved in securing this status for the Island.’

Minister and Ambassador of United Kingdom of Great-Britain and Northern Ireland to UNESCO, Matthew Lodge, said:
'Congratulations to the Isle of Wight for becoming a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

As an international agency of the United Nations, UNESCO seeks to build peace and a sustainable future for everyone through education, science and culture. If we are to solve the challenges we face together as a planet, we must all learn to live and work in harmony with nature -- and this lies at the heart of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves - a global network of 686 reserves in 122 countries. The Biosphere reserves play a crucial role in solving one of sustainable development’s most significant issues -- the disconnection between people and nature. They reconnect people and the local economy with their environment to improve health and wellbeing; they protect and promote the area’s biodiversity, land and natural beauty; they support environmental education and awareness; and, they increase community engagement through a range of projects and initiatives. 
The Isle of Wight community works hand-in-hand to conserve and enhance the island’s rich range of cultural heritage and natural biodiversity by bringing together many partners in their pursuit of a more culturally and ecologically sustainable future. By joining this network, the Isle of Wight will be able to learn from and cooperate with communities all over the world who are pursuing innovative initiatives of looking after our precious environment for future generations.

I am particularly pleased that this decision has been made during the Year of Green Action, a year-long project initiated by the UK Government to get more people from all backgrounds to connect with nature, and to show how we can all take affirmative action to improve our environment.’ 

Dave Stewart, Isle of Wight Council Leader said: 
‘In the Isle of Wight Council we know that the unique landscapes, coast and wildlife of the Island bring people here not just as tourists, but also to live, work and do business. We believe that the key to economic success is living and working sustainably on our island, and we are very proud of the new Biosphere Reserve status and recognition given today by UNESCO.’ 

Will Myles, Managing Director at Visit Isle of Wight said:
‘This award is incredible, and a testament to the hard work that the Isle of Wight AONB Partnership have done – and continue to do. 
The Island’s hundreds of thousands of visitors recognise its unique qualities and to achieve the status of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is something that will most certainly have a positive impact on our visitor economy.’

END

IW Council Press Release - Islanders have their say on Planning Blueprint

ISLANDERS HAVE THEIR SAY ON PLANNING BLUEPRINT

Around 1,800 Islanders took the opportunity to have their say on the Island’s planning blueprint.

The draft Island Planning Strategy sets out the proposed approach towards housing, employment, transport, commercial and leisure land use on the Isle of Wight in the future.

During a 12-week consultation, the Isle of Wight Council received 3,736 comments — of these, around 1,400 related to housing, either the overall housing number or the proposed allocation sites.

Councillor Barry Abraham, the council’s Cabinet member responsible for planning and housing, said: “It is clear there are strong feelings around how we plan for housing on the Island into the future.

“We will need to think carefully how we balance this within the context of national planning policy and relevant legislation.”

The Island Planning Strategy, created in 2018, will replace the ‘Core Strategy’ which has been in place since 2012.

The document reflects the needs of Island people, particularly housing and draws from a whole range of evidence from bodies such the Office for National Statistics.

The consultation responses will now help officers finalise a plan that complies with national requirements and reflects, as far as it possibly can, the views of the Island’s communities.

There will be further opportunities for people to comment on the draft strategy later in the process.

Councillor Abraham added: “We must make sure the plan is current and relevant to the short and long-term future and reflects the needs of people living on the Island.

“It’s important because the plan will be the starting point for assessing the merits of individual planning applications.

“The council will be undertaking further work to understand what the real level of need is, and some of the practical difficulties building new housing that is impacting on rates of delivery.

“In particular, there is further work taking place to ensure we plan for the right housing in the right places on the Island.”

END

IW Council Press Release - Celebrating Shared Lives Week

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL TO CELEBRATE SHARED LIVES WEEK

An opportunity to discover the benefits of Shared Lives and how to become involved is being offered at special drop-in sessions this month.

Shared Lives Week starts on Monday 17 June 2019 and the Shared Lives team has several venues where they will be out and about for people to come and have a chat about what the scheme offers.

Shared Lives was introduced to the Island last year and involves carers using their own family home to support disabled individuals, either long-term or for short stays, day support or respite.

It provides high-quality, regulated care, helping people to build a complete life in their community, enabling access to more activities through a supportive living environment.

If you are an Island resident, you can apply to be a Shared Lives carer providing you have a home that you own or rent with a spare room. Relevant care work experience is not essential; Shared Lives welcomes all applicants.

If approved, you will receive training, fees and ongoing support.

Shared Lives carers are self-employed and do not work to a fixed schedule.

One drop-in session will be hosted by Arlen and Andy, who are Shared Lives carers and recently featured in the Isle of Wight Council’s new digital magazine, The Island.

Andy said: “If you are looking for something that you can truly apply yourself to, something that will challenge you and something that will reward you, then look again at Shared Lives.

“Forget the daily trudge to work, you can make real differences to people’s lives; you can watch how they grow into their new environment and see how they respond learning to do things which they hadn’t thought possible.”

Shared Lives manager, Yvonne Millmore, explains: “Our carers are invaluable — they provide practical and emotional support in stable homes where they and the adult can share their lifestyles and interests.

“Help people become more independent and more connected with friends and family, and build a full life in their community.

“You don’t have to be a health worker or social care professional; it’s more about openness to sharing your life and helping someone develop and grow as a person.”

Councillor Clare Mosdell, Cabinet member for adult social care, housing needs and public health, said “The Isle of Wight Council is committed to ensuring disabled individuals are given every opportunity to live full and independent lives in ordinary homes. 

“Shared lives also enable people to build a full life in their community and contribute to it.”

END

Notes to Editors:

Shared Lives drop in sessions
Monday 17 June	9am to 5pm	Main Co-op, Ryde
Monday 17 June	12 noon to 2pm	Ventnor Winter Gardens (Shared Lives carers Arlen and Andy will be there)
Tuesday 18 June	10am to 7pm	Asda, Newport
Wednesday 19 June	9.30am to 12.30pm	Waitrose
Wednesday 19 June	3pm to 4pm	Browns Golf, Sandown Esplanade
Thursday 20 June	10am to 4.30pm	Main Co-op, Shanklin
Saturday 22 June	3pm to 4pm	Shared Lives office, Riverside Centre, Newport

The Island (Digital Newsletter)

https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/UKIOW-23c248d?wgt_ref=UKIOW_WIDGET_1

To find out more go to: www.iwight.com/sharedlives

IW Council Press Release - 3 July Public Meeting for Crime and Safety

JULY PUBLIC MEETING FOR CRIME AND SAFETY

Do you have a question about crime and safety in your local area? If so, make a date in your diary for the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) public meeting.

The meeting is taking place on Wednesday 3 July, starting 5pm at the Riverside Centre, The Quay, Newport, PO30 2QR.

Chair of the CSP, Amanda Gregory, said: “Partners, including the council and police, will at the meeting and we are looking forward to meeting the public. We want to hear from you about what your safety concerns are and let you know how we have been addressing your concerns over the year so far.

“I would invite you to come along and engage with us because your opinions matter and feed into our priorities for the coming year, as well as highlighting where we can all work together.”

Amanda will be chairing the meeting, which brings together the CSP partners, including the council; Police; Fire and Rescue; the Clinical Commissioning Group; Probation Service and the Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC).

Cabinet member for community safety and public protection, Councillor Tig Outlaw is unable to attend but will be represented at the meeting by fellow Cabinet member, Councillor Steve Hastings.

The public invite gives residents the opportunity to find out more on how Island partners are working together to reduce crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour and gives the opportunity to ask questions.

The agenda will include a presentation on the 2019 annual Community Safety Partnership Survey and updates on projects that have taken place.

The agenda will be available to view the week before the meeting at the following link: www.iwight.com/communitysafety . The 2018 - 20 CSP Strategic Plan can also be found at this link, which sets out the priorities for the partnership.

You can also ask questions in writing to ensure a full reply is given. These should be submitted no later than 5pm on Monday 1 Julyto community.safety@iow.gov.uk  

FACT FILE 
The CSP brings together key organisations to work together to tackle, prevent and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour on the Island.

Partners are Isle of Wight Council; Hampshire Constabulary; Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service; National Probation Trust; Hampshire Community Rehabilitation Company and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group.

END

IW Council Press Release - Floating Bridge Festival Travel

FLOATING BRIDGE FESTIVAL TRAVEL

Islanders going to the Isle of Wight Festival will be able to plan ahead now that the Cowes Floating Bridge has released its timetable to help you get to and from the famous music event.

Last ferry at Cowes throughout the festival will at 1.20am and from East Cowes at 1.25am, apart from Sunday 16 June, when the last ferry at Cowes will be 12.50am and East Cowes at 12.55am.

This year’s Isle of Wight Festival will run from Thursday 13 June to Sunday 16 June.

The Isle of Wight Council has announced an amended timetable in a bid to ensure it can support its daily commuters and additional crowds of festivalgoers travelling to one of the UK’s biggest and most iconic music events, taking place at Seaclose Park, Newport.

Over the festival period last year, the floating bridge carried 10,009 passengers, 4,071 vehicles and operated for 80 hours.

You can check live status and find further information at https://www.iwfloatingbridge.co.uk/

FLOATING BRIDGE FESTIVAL TIMETABLE
Thursday 13 June 2019 (into early hours Friday)
COWES First Ferry 5am Last Ferry 1.20am	EAST COWES First Ferry 5.10am Last Ferry 1.25am
Friday 14 June 2019 (into early hours Saturday)
COWES First Ferry 5am Last Ferry 1.20am	EAST COWES First Ferry 5.10am Last Ferry 1.25am
Saturday 15 June 2019 (into early hours Sunday)
COWES First Ferry 5am Last Ferry 1.20am	EAST COWES First ferry 5.10am Last Ferry 1.25am
Sunday 16 June 2019 (into early hours Monday)
COWES First Ferry 6.30am Last Ferry 12.50am	EAST COWES First Ferry 6.40am Last Ferry 12.55am

END

IW Council Press Release - Council Service Changes over the Isle of Wight Festival

COUNCIL SERVICE CHANGES OVER ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL

While the Isle of Wight Festival is taking place from Friday 14 June to Sunday 16 June, some council services are affected.

Seaclose Office, Newport
Seaclose Office, Newport will be closed from 12 midday on Thursday 13 June – partially reopening to the public from 8.30am on Monday 17 June (depending on the service required) and fully open to the public from 8.30am on Tuesday 16 June.

Anyone attending this office between Monday 10 June and Thursday 13 June – Parking during this period only will be at the entrance to Seaclose Park on the grassed area.

Register Office
The Isle of Wight Council's Register Office Marriage Room will temporarily move to County Hall in Newport during the festival. From Friday 14 June until close of business on Saturday 15 June, all civil ceremonies will be held at County Hall, Hight Street, Newport. The civil ceremonies will be back at Seaclose Park from Monday 17 June.

All birth, death and marriage notice appointments will remain at Seaclose offices throughout the festival. Seaclose offices will be closed on 14 June from 12 noon and all day on 15 June. Telephone enquiries will continue to be handled via the existing number, (01983) 823233.

For further information, please call the Register Office on (01983) 823233.

Coroner’s Office 
The Coroner’s Office will operate from Seaclose offices as usual, although there will be no provision for personal collection of paperwork from Thursday 13 June at 1pm until Monday 17 June. Telephone enquiries will continue to be handled via the existing number, (01983) 823010.

Crematorium 
The crematorium will be operate at its usual opening hours over the weekend of Saturday 15 June and Sunday 16 June, from 10am to 2pm.

Planning/ICT offices
The council’s Planning Services office will be closed to the public from 12 midday Thursday 13 June, Friday 14 June, and Monday 17 June. In the days leading up to and after the festival there will be public access but parking will be extremely limited so customers are advised it may be better to avoid the Seaclose office, unless it is to attend a pre-arranged meeting. The office will be open as normal to the public from 8.30am on Tuesday 18 June.

Customers can check information and use the online services available on the council website at
https://www.iwight.com/Residents/Environment-Planning-and-Waste/Planning/  

Leisure centre/theatre 
Customers are advised that 1Leisure Medina will be closed for the duration of the Isle of Wight Festival from 2pm Thursday 13 June and will re-open at 7am on Monday 17 June. Westridge at Ryde and The Heights, Sandown will be open as normal throughout this period. Swimming lessons at Medina are cancelled from Wednesday 12 June to Saturday 15 June. The lessons will resume on Monday 17 June.

For further information, please email medinaleisure@iow.gov.uk or telephone (01983) 823880.

Waste services
No changes will be made to the collection day of your waste or recycling. Please ensure all waste is out by 7am (6.30am for Fairlee Road residents) on the day of collection, as routes maybe changed due to roads being affected by traffic diversions.

Festival complaints contact
If you have any concerns relating to noise or licensing issues during the Isle of Wight Festival, you can contact the Isle of Wight Council on (01983) 823426. This is a 24-hour number.

To go to the official Isle of Wight Festival website, please visit: https://isleofwightfestival.com/  

For further council related information, including travel regarding the festival, please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Council/OtherServices/Events-Isle-of-Wight-Music-Festival/About

END

Island Roads Press Release - Road resurfacing improvements intensify across the Island

Road resurfacing improvements intensify across the Island

Road resurfacing schemes are set to intensify in the coming months as the improvement work rolls out across the Island. With the onset of warmer, drier weather, schemes that could not be undertaken in the winter months are now being scheduled in all parts of the Island with a greater emphasis on residential roads, now that many of the major routes have been upgraded. Over 30 schemes are scheduled to take place between now and the end of June include those in Newport, Ryde, Calbourne, Lake, Sandown, Brading, Havenstreet, Apse Heath, Ventnor, Binstead, Merstone, Freshwater and Shanklin. The majority of schemes are being undertaken during daytime hours, typically between 06.30hrs and 18.00hrs but with some specific schemes, particularly those with more challenging access/traffic requirements such as Trafalgar Road, which is a heavily used bus route, being undertaken during night-time hours to minimise any disruption to local traffic. Residents affected by those schemes will receive advanced notification of the works by letter but are asked to check the yellow information boards on site as work can be rescheduled as a result of external influences such as the weather.  Pedestrian footways will remain open at all times throughout our works. On schemes where there is no footway, properties will be accessible, but there may be minor delays for public safety reasons when heavy vehicles are manoeuvring, or hot materials are cooling. Residents who require urgent vehicular access whilst road closures are in place, are asked to contact the Island Roads contact centre on 01983 822440 in advance of their scheme start date so that any such necessary arrangements can be planned accordingly. Keith Gourlay, Island Roads’ Construction Manager said: “Our programme of resurfacing work starts each year in March and continues until around November time, depending on the weather.  At this time of the year, work tends to intensify as we try to complete as many schemes as possible either side of the main summer holiday period.  “For residents this does mean that there are some periods of more significant disruption, but we recognise, as an Island reliant on the tourism trade, that we need to ensure visitors can get around the Island easily in the summer months. “We hope however, that the improvements made to the Island’s roads will far outweigh any temporary disruption people may experience and thank residents in advance for their patience.” ENDS

IW Council Press Release - Isle of Wight Festival Traffic Plan 2019

ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL TRAFFIC PLAN 2019

It’s that time of year again as the Island prepares to welcome thousands to the Isle of Wight Festival.

The Isle of Wight Council, Island Roads and Hampshire Constabulary are once again working closely with the organisers of this year’s festival to ensure traffic flows smoothly and disruption is kept to a minimum for the world-famous event.

The council and partner agencies have approved the traffic management plans submitted by the event organisers, covering areas such as event car parks, separating Red Funnel and Wightlink traffic and measures to ensure close co-ordination between partners.

The plan is designed to ensure disruption to local traffic is kept to a minimum, although some delays are inevitable with the increased levels of traffic on the roads.

The main route for festival traffic from the Red Funnel terminal at East Cowes will be up York Avenue and along Whippingham Road where it will turn right onto East Cowes Road and into the festival car park. Festival-bound vehicles travelling from the Wightlink terminal at Fishbourne will be directed to the right on to Kite Hill, through Wootton, down Lushington Hill and right at the Racecourse roundabout and then left onto East Cowes Road and into the festival car park.

The replacement bridge at the Sea Street entrance to Newport Quay will be in place prior to the commencement of the festival. People requiring access to the quay in vehicles will be required to use the bridge and avoid going through Seaclose Park. There will be restricted public access through Seaclose from Wednesday 12 June.

If any of the entrances to the car parks are temporarily blocked, or an incident occurs on any of the roads being used by festival traffic, there are a number of diversion options where festival traffic can be temporarily ‘stacked’ away from the main roads and released into the network once the problem has been resolved.

Residents will be kept up to date with routine traffic information, details of road closures and diversions, and updates about those council services affected by the festival. Hampshire Constabulary will provide security and safety updates. Messages will be shared via social media and local media.

The council would like to remind people that the one way system along Fairlee Road, Newport will be put in place from lunchtime on Wednesday 12 June. All outbound traffic from Newport will be directed up Staplers Road.

Councillor Ian Ward, cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said: “Once again, on behalf of the council, I would like to welcome festival goers to our beautiful Island. As usual, there has been a lot of hard work behind the scenes to ensure that this year’s festival runs smoothly and has the least amount of disruption for residents.

“Of course, I would highlight that Newport is still open for business throughout the duration of the festival and would encourage members of the public and visitors alike, to continue to support local shops and other businesses during the event.”

Residents meanwhile are encouraged to look at the dedicated festival pages on iwight.com, which contain important information about the road closures and diversions, including access to Seaclose Park and changes to council services, as information becomes available.
You can see the traffic plan at and other festival information at: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Council/OtherServices/Events-Isle-of-Wight-Music-Festival/Travel-Information/

The council asks that residents plan their routes carefully to avoid the designated festival traffic routes on the Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Monday of the event - when traffic volumes will be their highest.

Useful websites/ social media accounts 
Isle of Wight Council:
www.iwight.com
@iwight
www.facebook.com/isleofwightcounci l

Island Roads: 
www.islandroads.co.uk
@Islandroads

Hampshire Constabulary: 
@HantsPolice
@HantsPolRoads
@IOWPolRoads
@FestivalCop
@RydeTownPolice

www.facebook.com/hampshire-constabulary  

Transport updates: 
Southern Vectis: @SouthernVectis
Wightlink: @wightlinkferry
Red Funnel: @RF_Travel_News
Hovertravel: @HovertravelLtd
South West Trains: @SW_Trains

END

Storeroom 2010 - May Newsletter

IW Council Press Release - Overnight Parking Charge Update

OVERNIGHT PARKING CHARGE UPDATE

The new overnight pay and display parking charge is being rolled out across the Island this month.

Over the next three weeks, the Isle of Wight Council will be updating signs and ticket machine software to accommodate the new £1 fee.

Motorists are advised to check the tariff board or ticket machine signage as these will be changed to indicate overnight charging has started.

It is estimated the new on and off-street overnight parking charge will generate around £147,500 to help fund services.

The introduction of a night-time fee is not unique to the Isle of Wight with many other local authorities operating an overnight tariff.

The council is reminding residents who live within 200 metres of a pay and display car park that they can purchase a discounted permit to park there for £165 per year — less than £3.20 per week.

For more information on the permit, visit www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/Transport-Parking-and-Streets/Parking-Services/Parking-Permits/Residential-Permits

END

IW Council Press Release - Privilege Seats on School Buses

PRIVILEGE SEATS

Applications for ‘privilege seats’ on school buses are being welcomed by the Isle of Wight Council.

Parents and guardians of children not eligible for free school transport can apply for a privilege seat for the 2019/20 academic year.

Online applications will be open from 9am on Monday 3 June and will close at 4pm on Friday 14 June.

The privilege seat costs £390 — the equivalent of around £2 a day over the academic year — which can be paid in termly or half termly instalments.

Councillor Paul Brading, Cabinet member for education, said: “All children eligible for free home to school transport will be allocated seats on their nearest available contracted bus route.

“In addition, a number of spare seats have been identified on the services, these will be offered via a randomised application process.

“I am pleased to confirm the price of these seats remains unchanged from last year.”

For more details on how to apply, visit www.iwight.com/IWCPrivilegeseats

The website will be live from Monday.

END