Northwood Parish Council - Parish Councillor Vacancy

PARISH COUNCILLOR VACANCY

PLEASE DON’T DELAY,

APPLY TODAY!

There is one vacancy on Northwood Parish Council.

If you feel you have one/two hours a week to spare and want to make a difference locally, please submit an application in writing, by 22 August, to the Clerk, Mrs Barbara Herbert of 11 Wyatts Lane, Northwood, PO31 8QB or contact her on 01983 290086 or clerk@northwoodparishcouncil.org to find out more details of what would be involved.

The Parish Council would welcome hearing from any persons who are interested in standing as a parish councillor, providing they fulfil the eligibility criteria* set out below. 

If two or more applications are received then prospective candidates will be asked to make a short presentation on how they can contribute to the Parish Council and the community of Northwood.  This would be immediately prior to the meeting scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 3 September 2019.

* A local councillor must be 18 years of age or over and a British subject or citizen of the Irish republic.  He/she must also be a local government elector of the Parish or a person who has:

i.             During the whole of the 12 months before nomination, occupied land or premises as owner or tenant in the parish or,

ii.         During the same period resided in the parish, or within 4.8 km   thereof or,

iii.     During the same period had his/her principal or only place of work in that area.  

IW Council Annual Report 2018/19

COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT FORMALLY PRESENTED

The Isle of Wight Council’s annual report — highlighting services, projects and achievements in 2018/19 — will be formally presented by council leader Councillor Dave Stewart today (Wednesday 24 July).

Councillor Stewart will introduce the document during his report to the Full Council at County Hall, Newport.

The report features highpoints and progress across a range of council activities, including improvements in Children’s Services receiving an Ofsted recognition with a ‘good’ grading, as well as regeneration projects such as the Newport Harbour redevelopment.

Councillor Stewart said: “The annual report is designed to give Islanders a flavour of the many activities and initiatives we are undertaking on their behalf — and I would encourage people to take a good look so they can see for themselves what we have been doing.

“Throughout the year we have tried to keep residents up to date with all that is going on — and the annual report brings many of these things together in one document.”

The report can be accessed via the following link: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Meetings/committees/mod-council/24-7-19/PaperC-AppendixA-IsleOfWightCouncilAnnnualReport2018-2019.pdf

Councillor Stewart said: “At the heart of our record of achievement remains our ambition to deliver our strategic vision ‘for the Isle of Wight to be an inspiring place in which to grow up, work, live and visit’.

“As leader of the council, my personal ambition is also to ensure that the commitments we have made to our local community at the time we were elected to serve remain at the heart of our decision-making.

“We will continue to: provide sound financial management; deliver economic growth and prosperity; preserve our environment; protect our community; plan for our future needs; and create opportunities for all.

“The report includes some clear measures of success for each of the council’s main priorities and how we are performing against those measures, demonstrating to Islanders that we are on track and in many places exceeding our targets already.”

END

St Mary's Roundabout Layout Image

IW Council Press Release - St Mary's Roundabout Junction Improvements

ST MARY'S ROUNDABOUT JUNCTION IMPROVEMENTS

The Isle of Wight Council is close to finalising a major scheme to reduce traffic congestion and improve access for pedestrians and cyclists at one of the Island’s busiest junctions.

Construction of the scheme will transform the approaches to — and access across — St Mary’s roundabout in Newport.

The scheme is designed to reduce congestion now as well as ‘future-proofing’ the junction given expected growth in traffic movement and the possibility of developing land nearby for new homes and economic regeneration projects.

The project is the largest of a package of schemes to improve traffic flows through Newport which have been financed largely by a government grant of over £9 million, supplemented with developer contributions.

The works will involve replacing the roundabout with two linked traffic light-controlled junctions.

There will also be enhanced features to improve bus journey reliability and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.

While the design has been independently assessed by Hampshire County Council as the best possible approach to the improvement of the junction, the programming of the works has yet to be finalised.

The council is working to integrate the scheme with planned statutory utility works in the area to minimise disruption which could mean a start date at the end of September.

Once the scheme has been formally commissioned with Island Roads, full details including the start date will be confirmed by the council.

Such is the scale of the project, the council is advising motorists to expect delays during construction which is likely to take 15 months.

Work will take place during the day and — at times — at night when it is sensible to do so.

Councillor Ian Ward, the council’s Cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said: “It is important to be clear from the outset that a scheme of this nature, although bringing long-term benefits, is of such a scope and scale that some disruption to travel is inevitable.

“I think this project demonstrates the ability of the council to attract new government money to support schemes that will benefit the whole Island. I am particularly pleased the work will also bring about enhanced features not just for cars but for pedestrians and cyclists also.”

During the work there will be various temporary traffic arrangements in place which will enable it to be undertaken as quickly and safely as possible. Traffic lanes will be reduced temporarily, and contraflows introduced as well as short-term speed reductions.

To assist access to the Riverway and Dodnor trading estates, parking will be suspended in both Manners View and Riverway.

A comprehensive communication strategy has been prepared giving further details of the scheme and the likely impact of the works; it will be launched as soon as the works programme is finalised and covers each stage of the construction process.

Separate discussions have already been held with St Mary’s Hospital and the emergency services to ensure all blue light responders are not unduly compromised by the works, as well as the Isle of Wight College and B&Q.

END

OPTIO VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

OPTIO VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

ISLE of Wight based voluntary car service, Optio, is in need of new volunteers.

Across the Island, Optio has a network of volunteer drivers who give their time freely, using their own cars to provide a door to door service.

Passengers are taken to and from medical appointments, shopping, or to much needed social activities, and the service has existed for more than 20 years, providing essential transportation for members who are unable to access public transport.

A spokesperson for Optio said, "We have a team of over 40 drivers across the Island who undertake trips for people who live in their local areas.

"We have new members joining the scheme every week, but with over 350 members across the Island, we urgently need more drivers to meet all the requests we have for trips.

"Volunteering as an Optio driver is a great way of helping people in the local community, and our drivers get a great deal of satisfaction working in this role."

Optio always try to find a driver who lives near the member requesting a trip to cut down on driving distances, and currently need drivers in all areas of the Island except Cowes and East Cowes

Volunteers can drive as little or as much as they wish each week to fit with their existing commitments, and are reimbursed at a rate of 45p per mile from their home for the whole journey until they return home.

Anyone with a valid driving licence that is fit to drive can contact Optio on 01983 522226

IW Council Press Release - New Bridge Proposed for Newport Harbour

NEW BRIDGE PROPOSED FOR NEWPORT HARBOUR

A brand-new foot and cycle bridge across the Medina is one of the features of the Newport Harbour Masterplan.
After two years of consultation the Isle of Wight Council has put forward the latest plans to redevelop the harbour and quay area in the heart of the Island’s historic county town.
Options under consideration include restaurants, housing, commercial space, new car parking, higher education resources, a rebuild of the existing Riverside Centre, a new hotel and a cultural venue.
The project is intended to increase connectivity to the existing town centre, attract visitors, and ensure the future of the harbour by providing for maintenance and investment in harbour facilities.
The new proposals are mostly on the eastern side of the estuary, keeping the Medina itself available for boats and leaving more commercial functions on the west, including the existing marine and boating activity.
The plan aims to keep and reuse buildings where possible, to help conserve and enhance the historic and marine heritage of Newport Quay.
Plans have been drawn up in the light of suggestions from harbour users, residents and businesses, and as a result the new proposals include a smaller residential area as a gateway to the green space, the chance to create places where people can both live and work, and a potential new focus on creative industries.
The proposed lifting bridge is for pedestrians and cyclists, linking Seaclose Park with destinations such as the Isle of Wight College and St Mary’s Hospital, as well as the many shops and businesses at Dodnor.
This would be in addition to any possible future vehicle bridge, which is not included in this plan.
The proposals could be adopted as planning policy, which will then be the framework for development over the next 20-25 years with the first projects on the ground in the next two or three years.
Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Business Development: Councillor Wayne Whittle said: “Our historic county town drives the economy of the Island, and the Newport Harbour masterplan gives us a chance to see some serious investment in the future of the town. 
I’m confident these plans will be the blueprint for some exciting and innovative improvements to the whole of Newport – and I’m looking forward to seeing the new businesses and visitors arriving.”

END

Summer Skateboard Sessions

Parish Council Vacancy

PARISH COUNCIL OF NORTHWOOD

           

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT: -

I.             A vacancy has occurred in the Parish of Northwood for a Councillor to serve on the Parish Council.

2.         If ten local government electors for the Parish of Northwood give notice in writing on or before the 29 July 2019 to:

The Proper Officer

Isle of Wight Council

County Hall

Newport

Isle of Wight

PO30 1UD

that they wish an election to be held to fill the vacancy, then a by-election will be held.

If notice is not given as mentioned in (2) above, then Northwood Parish Council will proceed to fill the before-mentioned vacancy by co-option.

Signed:  Barbara Herbert   Dated: 9 July 2019

Address: 11, Wyatts Lane. Northwood, Isle of Wight, PO31 8QB

IW Council Press Release - Cabinet Supports Protection of Marine Manufacturing at East Cowes

CABINET SUPPORTS PROTECTION OF MARINE MANUFACTURING AT COLUMBINE

Moves to protect marine manufacturing at East Cowes’ historic Columbine site have received key support from the Isle of Wight Council’s Cabinet.

Councillors tonight (Thursday, 11 July) gave the green light to ongoing negotiations to purchase the site – known for its iconic Union flag frontage — from Homes England, as well as three other nearby sites for potential regeneration.

So the sites can be acquired without unnecessary delays, subject to an offer being agreed with Homes England, delegated powers to approve the purchase were given to Cabinet members and directors.

The sites are collectively known as Venture Quays – and as well as Columbine, include the Victoria Barracks building, the Albany warehouse, and a Maresfield Road site currently used for car parking.

By acquiring the sites the council will be able to maintain marine and associated industries at Columbine — securing employment opportunities for East Cowes and the Island — and potentially redevelop the Victoria Barracks site for leisure and public realm use, and the Albany and Maresfield Road sites for housing.

The purchase of the sites will be funded by regeneration funds, approved by the council in its budget for 2019/20, but is subject to being able to agree a purchase price with Homes England.

Councillor Wayne Whittle, Cabinet member for regeneration and business development, said: "I hope businesses and the community will recognise we want to acquire these sites for the long-term benefit of East Cowes and the Isle of Wight, and that they will be encouraged to invest in the area on the back of the certainty we can offer.

"It will also give us an opportunity to work with the local community and complete the regeneration of the area for the good of all."

END

IW Council Press Release - Combined Fire Authority Plans Put Back

COMBINED FIRE AUTHORITY PLANS PUT BACK

Plans to create a combined fire authority (CFA) for the Isle of Wight and Hampshire have been put back by government.

The new authority, which will be responsible for fire and rescue services on the Island and in Hampshire, including Portsmouth and Southampton, was due to go live in April 2020.

However, unforeseen pressure on both Home Office policy and legal resource over the first half of 2019 has seen the expected incorporation date pushed back to April 2021.

Chief fire officer Neil Odin said: “We remain totally focused on delivering this important initiative and will now need to review the programme plan we have recently constructed together.

“The additional 12 months that this will run for will provide an opportunity for us to more closely align our services in advance of the CFA going live than was otherwise going to be possible.

“The project plans will now be changed to meet the needs of our new timeline.”

Members of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Combined Fire Authority programme team met with government officials recently to discuss changes to the timeline previously given by them.

They confirmed the original ‘go live’ date of April 2020 was no longer possible.

Building on the successful partnership already established between Hampshire and Isle of Wight fire and rescue services, the Island council’s Cabinet backed the plans in January.

The move will provide access to more resources across both counties and further improve what is already an excellent service.

Councillor Tig Outlaw, Cabinet member for public protection, said: “Although this delay by government is disappointing, we will use the extra time wisely to ensure everything is in place to go live in April 2021.

“The decision to move towards a combined fire authority will bring us even closer together, making us more resilient, alongside the other operational benefits it will bring.”

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Cowes Men's Shed - General Information

The Cowes Men’s Shed 

We are members of the UKMSA (UK Men’s Sheds Association) and our shed has the longest opening hours of any ‘Sheds’ on the Isle of Wight; Monday to Friday, 10am-3pm. We give free membership to everyone aged 18+, so that no one in our community is excluded; despite the name, ladies also are most welcome. 
We conservatively estimate at least 50 people (mostly aged over 60) as a total member figure by the end of 2019. Currently we see up to seven people attending our shed at one time, up to 15 if we hold an event. 
The Shed opened on 14 May 2018; this Community project has a carpentry workshop, which is now very well equipped, exterior horticulture area with raised beds and two polytunnels, both being used for horticulture. Already we have received kind donations of items such as chop saw, pillar drill, table router and lathe etc. for the carpentry workshop and some shrubs and plants for the horticulture areas from our new members. 
Men is Sheds is a great concept and there is a national organisation which can offer us support in making Cowes into the best shed ever! The negative impact of loneliness and isolation on a person’s health and wellbeing is well documented and evidence has found it is hazardous to health. Surveys from Mental Health Charities found millions of people feel lonely on a daily basis. Men typically find it more difficult to build social connections and rarely share personal concerns or worries. Sheds are about meeting likeminded people and possibly having someone to share your worries with too. Men are more likely to talk about their troubles when working shoulder to shoulder with other men. 
Men’s Sheds (or Sheds) are similar to garden sheds – a place to pursue practical interests at leisure, to practice skills and enjoy making and mending. The difference is that garden sheds and their activities are often solitary in nature while Men’s Sheds are the opposite. They’re about social connections and friendship building, sharing skills and knowledge, and of course a lot of laughter. Sheds are whatever the members (or Shedders as they are called) want them to be. Whatever the activity, the essence of a Shed is not a building, but the connections and relationships between its members. 
Sheds can also mean having fun again, sharing skills and knowledge, gaining renewed sense of purpose (often lost when people retire) and belonging. Typical activities in sheds vary greatly, but at Storeroom we can offer carpentry and horticulture activities all year round. People can try out new activities or rediscover old hobbies, utilise their skills and share learning, enjoy some company and maybe become more active too. There is free parking locally and the Cowes Park and Ride Bus Stop is just two minutes walk along the road; so easy access for everyone. 
Some quotes from Men in Shed’s beneficiaries ‘Good to get out regularly for social interactions’ ‘It makes me feel useful again’ ‘Getting out meeting new people learning new skills’ ‘Gives me a reason to get up in the morning’ ‘Love it! Great company and fun’ ‘It gives me a place to go and it helps my mental health. Someone to chat to where I never see anyone where I live. Have a goal in life’ ‘Something to get up for in the morning’ ‘My family are pleased I have found another niche’ ‘I hope the project goes from strength to strength as it will help so many lonely people like myself. Loneliness is an illness’. 
 1 Mariners Way, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 8PD Tel: 01983 298679 Email: nicksstoreroom@yahoo.co.uk Web: storeroom.org.uk Registered Charity 1142010 Registered Company 7488966 Patron: Fred Dinenage MBE 
Predominantly, the project will address the issues of isolation and loneliness. It will help people from succumbing to boredom or depression through lack of social interaction. For those who are unemployed it will help with confidence and social skills. There are over 800,000 chronically lonely people in the country and their situation impacts on their health. Nationally the ageing percentage of our population of over 65 years of age is growing and with this growth are health and depression issues from retirees who feel they have lost their personal identity and purpose. 37,886 (27.1%) of people on the Isle of Wight are older than 65. This is the 15th highest level of any local authority in England and Wales. 
The Shed project’s objective is to provide a comfortable, safe place where people in need of company to combat feelings of isolation and depression can meet, socialise, practice hobbies etc. They can enjoy the company of others, talk, hobby, make things and drink tea together! ‘Shedders’ are often retired, but anyone aged 18+ is welcomed. Unemployed people may find they gain confidence and social skills which will help in their search for paid work. Retired people have a wealth of knowledge they can pass onto the younger generation and help them in many ways. 
Our Shed project is an innovative response to the issue, as other Men in Sheds projects on the island are not really fulfilling the original concept of being there for people when they need company and something they can do to pass the time. This is why we are opening for 25 hours a week, 50 weeks a year and welcome members under the age of 50. We envisage people being able to dabble in carpentry and horticulture projects as they wish. Shedders participating may wish to help upcycle, repair furniture or complete horticultural projects where items could be sold for Storeroom charity, but this is not compulsory, although one member is already making bird boxes and garden trugs for us to sell to support the Shed; all out of wood scraps and bits of old pallets. 
We believe Storeroom’s Cowes Men’s Shed will be popular and provide companionship and company for not only people of all ages over 18, but especially to retired people who suffer from loneliness and isolation. Currently 27% of the national population are senior citizens, the client target group we are advertising to attract. 
Over the next ten years, it is expected that the number of 65 to 79-year-olds will increase by nearly 17%, while the over 85s will increase by 40%. 
Many of this group are lonely or bored, some are suffering with a mental health condition which could be helped a little by getting out and meeting people. The UKMSA, believe older people, especially men, can benefit from the company, conversation, creativity and connections that a Shed environment can provide. They say that Sheds are playing a particularly important part in meeting the needs of older people – particularly older men, who often feel that traditional services targeted at older people are not right for them. The creative, productive nature of Sheds provides an activity around which people can form bonds and networks, which go on to benefit them outside of the Shed itself. 
Please do call me or our project leader Adam, if you would like any further information about our work, or if you, a friend or relative wishes to visit The Cowes Men’s Shed; telephone during our opening hours on 01983 209734. 
Nick Miller Manager / CEO Storeroom2010

Cowes Men's Shed - Bacon Butties 8 August 2019

IW Council Press Release - Domestic Abuse Awareness Campaign

DOMESTIC ABUSE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

An Island wide campaign offering sources of help and advice to anyone affected by domestic abuse starts today (10 July).

From 10 to 21 July, the Isle of Wight Community Safety Partnership, of which the Isle of Wight Council is a partner, is focusing on a different theme of domestic abuse on the council’s social media each day and the help available through You First, part of The YOU Trust - the Island’s domestic abuse and sexual violence/crime service.

The themes are emotional abuse, effects on health, role of family and friends, bystander intervention and sexual abuse.

Posters outlining sources of help and advice will be on display on bus stops, GP surgeries, libraries, leisure centres and shared with partner organisations.

Councillor Tig Outlaw, Cabinet member for community safety and public protection, said: “This campaign is an opportunity for CSP partners to highlight the help and support we have on offer for anyone experiencing domestic abuse.

“Our priority is, and will always be, keeping our communities safe. Anyone who has been a victim of domestic or sexual abuse can report it to police, if they are able to. You will be listened to, taken seriously and supported.

“If you need support and advice, you can also speak to You First and they can talk you through your options, or even just give you support.”

You First, part of The YOU Trust, is the Island’s domestic abuse and sexual violence/crime service. You can contact them in the following ways:
- Phone: 0800 234 6266 (leave a message)
- Email: youfirstIOW@theyoutrust.org.uk  
- Facebook: facebook.com/youfirstIOW

Tonia Redvers, head of hidden violence and counselling services for the YOU Trust, said: “We are all aware that domestic violence and abuse is mainly experienced by women and this is the focus for many services. However, this focus can mean that people don’t know that You First offer emotional and practical support for all and we work with men and children and people in same sex relationships. We also offer interventions for those who use abusive behaviours in their relationships.

“We know that some people don’t realise they are experiencing domestic abuse or their behaviours are abusive - this campaign highlights what it is and that it can happen to anyone in our communities. You First is an integrated service and offers support for people experiencing sexual abuse and are soon opening a counselling service to support people referred to the team.”

In an emergency, dial 999. If you would like to speak to someone out of hours, the National Domestic Violence Helpline number is 0808 2000 247.

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