IW Council Press Release - Cowes Floating Bridge back in service

Floating bridge back with saver card offer

The floating bridge will return to service at 5am on Monday 30 September, having had both prow hinges strengthened.

As a goodwill gesture, the council is offering the floating bridge Saver Card at no cost for the duration of the St Mary’s junction improvement works, instead of the usual £2 fee to buy one.

The saver cards provide discounted travel on Cowes floating bridge.

Councillor Ian Ward, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said: “Now the floating bridge is back in service, it will provide an easy and valuable option for Cowes and East Cowes commuters, during the St Mary’s roadworks, as well as supporting the economy of those communities.

“I would also like to thank the staff and engineers who have worked tirelessly to make sure the vessel returned to service ready for Monday.

“I also hope people will take advantage of the free Saver Card offer, as it is the cheapest and simplest way to use the floating bridge. It works in the same way as the Oyster Card in London, with cash credit stored in an online account which deducts money as and when it’s used.”

The floating bridge current timetable can be found at https://www.iwfloatingbridge.co.uk/timetable/

Once registered, the Saver Card gives a considerable saving to floating bridge users, in comparison to the casual ‘pay as you go’ rate.

Cards are available from Rashley’s convenience store, Park Road, Cowes and Halls Convenience store, Ferry Road, East Cowes.

Cards must be registered online for the savings to apply.

For more information about the Saver Card, visit: https://www.iwfloatingbridge.co.uk/saver-card/

The vessel has had its prow and hinge mechanism on the Cowes side repaired and the decision was taken to also strengthen the East Cowes side while the floating bridge was out of the water, to minimise the risk of having to take the vessel out of service, should a similar problem arise during the St Mary’s Roundabout roadworks.

Contact Information

Joanne Sedgmondjoanne.sedgmond@iow.gov.uk

IW Council Press Release - Isle of Wight Council to challenge government-driven housing targets

Isle of Wight Council to challenge government-driven housing targets

Government-driven housing targets which could see almost 10,000 new homes built on the Island over the next 15 years look set to be challenged by the Isle of Wight Council.

The authority intends to prepare an evidence-based case that demonstrates the real housing needs of the Island.

The move comes in direct response to comments and concerns raised by residents in respect to housing numbers contained in the draft Island Planning Strategy – or Local Plan.

Using a new common formula set down by government for councils to “objectively assess housing need”, the plan proposed an annual housing target for the Island of 641 homes.

Council leader Dave Stewart said the authority had listened to Islanders’ concerns and would now seek to put forward its own calculation based on fact, rather than a formula.

As part of that, he said he would work closely with Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely to argue the Island’s unique circumstances and what could realistically be achieved in terms of housing delivery.

But he warned: “We can’t just say to the minister we don’t want any houses on the Isle of Wight.

“We have over 2,500 people on our housing register, including people in temporary accommodation, so I don’t accept the argument we do not need houses. I do accept the point that we need the right homes in the right places.

“We must provide homes that meet the needs of the Island; housing of all types and tenures including more affordable housing."

Councillor Stewart said the authority would gather evidence in several ways, including engaging with town and parish councils and the Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils (IWALC), to establish local housing needs information to inform the council’s approach.

Housing is just one element of the Local Plan which sets the approach to planning for the Island up to 2035.

The current draft document, which was published for public consultation in 2018, will be redrafted and be subject to further engagement and consultation before replacing the ‘Core Strategy’ which has been in place since 2012.

The council’s planning team is still working through all the comments received during the initial consultation phase to produce a further version of the plan in the new year.

A further consultation will be launched in March 2020.

Contact Information

Martin NevilleIsle of Wight
martin.neville@iow.gov.uk

IW Council Press Release - Further Update on the Cowes Floating bridge

Further update on floating bridge

The floating bridge will return service at the end of next week.  

The reason for the extended delay is that, in addition to the completion of the current works to repair the prow and hinge mechanism on the Cowes prow side, we are taking the opportunity while the vessel is out of the water to also replace the prow and hinge mechanism on the East Cowes side to ensure the continued operation of the bridge.

This will not only address the current problem but also minimise the likelihood of having to take the vessel out of service, should a similar problem arise during the St. Mary’s Roundabout road works.

The council recognises the value and option the floating bridge will provide during the proposed St Mary’s road works to help mitigate disruption and provide an alternative to commuters and other road users in the Cowes and East Cowes area, as well as supporting the economy of those communities.

Both prows will be tested and it is expected the vessel will be back in full service by 30 September. The foot passenger launch will remain in place in the meantime, offering a shuttle service for pedestrians between 5am to 11pm daily.

The improvement works to the vessel are part of our strategy to maintain a good and reliable service for the floating bridge, as reflected in recent figures of use. Approximately 200,000 foot passengers and 78,000 cars used the bridge over the last four months.

These figures are publicly available, on the dedicated floating bridge website at: https://www.iwfloatingbridge.co.uk/about/ferry-stats/  

Contact Information

Joanne Sedgmondjoanne.sedgmond@iow.gov.uk

Newport Road, Northwood - Resurfacing Dates

As all should be aware, Island Roads had intended to commence the three night resurfacing treatment for this scheme on Monday 25th, but this was delayed due to adverse weather conditions.

It is now their intention to commence the resurfacing tonight, and works are scheduled to take place from 10pm through to 5am.  Though the crew should be on site earlier than 10pm for prep works. 

Hopefully the dry weather prevails and they can complete the scheme overnight on Friday. 

IW Council Press Release - Next Phase of Fishbourne Lane improvements

Next phase of Fishbourne Lane improvements about to start

The final phase of major work to improve Fishbourne Lane is set to begin at the end of the month. The night-time work by Island Roads will see further sections of Fishbourne Lane reconstructed to address weak foundations and the entire length between Elenors Grove and the Wightlink Terminal resurfaced. The work is scheduled to start on 30 September and last an estimated five weeks, during which time night-time road closures will be in place. Island Roads has liaised closely with residents, Wightlink and Fishbourne Parish Council and will be working reduced shifts in order to keep disruption to a minimum. As a result, working shifts will be between the later start time of 9pm and the earlier finish time of 3.30am Monday to Thursday and 10pm to 3.30am on Fridays. There will be no work on Saturday or Sunday nights. During the project’s work hours Fishbourne Lane will be closed to traffic but pedestrian access will remain  Wightlink has consequently amended its timetable to reflect the closure of Fishbourne Lane during these night-time project work hours and is providing extra sailings on its Yarmouth to Lymington route. You can read more about Wightlink’s services during this work on  https://www.wightlink.co.uk/information/fishbourne-lane-roadworks/ Keith Gourlay, Island Roads’ Construction Manager, said: “As well as Fishbourne Lane looking better, the work will mean it will also have a much better ride quality which should also reduce the noise of traffic travelling across it. “Once again we would like to thank residents, local businesses and Wightlink and their customers for their ongoing co-operation and understanding during this project.” 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 - Information evening as major junction remodelling work gets underway in Newport

Public invited to information evening as major junction remodelling work gets underway in Newport

Residents are being invited to an information evening at Medina Theatre as major works to remodel the junction at St Mary’s roundabout get underway next week.

The 15-month scheme will replace the existing roundabout with two, linked traffic light-controlled junctions.

Preparatory works, including the set-up of a site compound/works depot, are due to start on Monday (30 September).

At this point, most of the approaches to the roundabout will be unaffected with all existing lanes open to traffic north and southbound between Cowes and Newport on either side of the roundabout.

The major change during this period until Monday, 4 November will be Forest Road which will become one-way eastbound into Newport from its junction with Argyle Road.

This is to accommodate works by BT, WightFibre and SSE high voltage cabling works ahead of the road widening work at this junction.

A signed diversion will be in place for traffic heading towards Gunville and West Wight via Medina Way, St Georges Way, Trafalgar Road, Carisbrooke Road and Gunville Road.

During this phase, work will also take place to introduce the additional lane to the B&Q mini roundabout.

This will start in mid-October for five weeks, including two weeks of night-time work during which the mini roundabout will be closed to traffic. Works undertaken here during the day will not affect traffic movement.

In the second phase of work, from Monday, 4 November to 20 December, Forest Road will revert to two-way traffic, while all other approaches to the St Mary’s roundabout will be reduced by one lane while works to remove the central reservations and roundabout take place.

While static and electronic signs are already out on site to advise of the forthcoming works and an extensive letter drop, bus information screens, social media, information display boards, stakeholder briefings, website updates, press adverts and information have been issued, the council and its contractors Island Roads, are keen to ensure that residents have the opportunity to ask questions about the scheme and the traffic arrangements being put in place.

A public information evening is therefore being held at Medina Theatre on Thursday, October 17 at 7pm for anyone wishing to hear more about the works.

Councillor Ian Ward, Cabinet member responsible for transport and infrastructure, said: “The scheme is the largest project to date to improve current and predicted future traffic volumes and traffic flow in and around Newport and facilitate the planned redevelopment in the area including a major project at Camp Hill.

“The scheme is particularly complex because we need to complete the work while keeping this busy junction open to traffic.

“We have carried out extensive communications already ahead of the works starting but recognise there may still be people who have questions about the scheme and the traffic arrangements being put in place and we are therefore holding this information evening so we can answer their questions.

“In the meantime, we would also urge people to take note of the information on both the council’s and Island Roads’ websites to help them plan their journeys and to allow more time for travel, especially at peak times.”

The scheme will transform the approaches to the roundabout with new widened shared-use cycle and pedestrian facilities, an additional lane around the B&Q mini roundabout providing better access from the industrial estate and a dedicated bus lane at the exit from Medina Way northbound at the junction with Hunnyhill.

St Mary’s is the largest of a much wider package of junction improvements which, once complete, will make journeys for those travelling in and around Newport much easier with fewer delays.

Other schemes within the overall Newport Strategic Junction Improvements, such as the new arrangements at St George’s Way and Shide, have already been implemented, while others which will follow in the next three to five years — including the link between Coppins Bridge and the Matalan roundabout, which has also been given the go ahead — are still being planned.

Council leader David Stewart added: “Councillor Ward and I have engaged with officers to explore what further steps can be brought forward for Coppins Bridge itself.

“Considerations include lane realignment, traffic light management, turning lights off when not essential, and improved access signage for vehicles entering and exiting the roundabout from different locations.

"I am also keen to see plans for a Medina Bridge progress as soon as practicable. I believe this holds the long-term solution to much of the lack of infrastructure identified and will have a positive environmental impact as well as alleviate the congestion.

"We are already underway with the feasibility study and I aim to bring plans forward as soon as possible to we can get funding and take this project forward for the benefit of our community."

Tickets to the public information event must be obtained in advance by visiting https://www.iow.gov.uk/theatrebookings/, or from the theatre Box Office.

For more information on the scheme visit www.islandroads.com or www.iow.gov.uk/ 

Contact Information

Martin NevilleIsle of Wight
martin.neville@iow.gov.uk

IW Council Press Release - Further Update on the Floating bridge

Further update on floating bridge

The floating bridge will unfortunately be out of service until the end of next week, following a further assessment of works undertaken so far.

We had hoped that, following considerable progress to repair the prow and hinge mechanism on the vessel, we would have it in service earlier. However, following the assessment of work and parts required today, it is not a simple fix, as had been hoped.

This is due to additional works being required as well as the supply and fitting of both standard and bespoke parts. Once the prow and hinge repairs have been completed, a crane will be used to lift the prow section back into place.

Both prows will then be tested and once this is satisfactorily completed, it is hoped the vessel will be back in service at the end of the week.

The foot passenger launch will remain in place in the meantime, offering a shuttle service between 5am to 11pm daily, until the floating bridge is back in service.

We apologise again for the inconvenience and thank residents for their patience as well as the staff and engineers on site who are working as hard as they can to get the service back up and running.

Contact Information

Joanne Sedgmondjoanne.sedgmond@iow.gov.uk

IW Council Press Release - The Museum of Island History at Newport Guildhall and Newport Roman Villa will be opening free of charge on set days in September.

Take a trip through time – for free!

The Museum of Island History at Newport Guildhall and Newport Roman Villa will be opening free of charge on set days in September.

The attractions are among more than 5,000 properties across the country to be opening their doors as part of Heritage Open Days 2019.

The Museum of Island History will be open for free on Friday 20 September between 10.30am and 3pm.

On display is the new exhibition: ‘A Tale of Two Shipwrecks’, exploring two very different shipwrecks located off the Isle of Wight - the HMS Pomone and the Yarmouth Roads Wreck.

HMS Pomone was wrecked off the Needles in 1811. There are incredible artefacts on display which belonged to members of the ship’s crew and passengers including a pair of sugar tongs, part of a sextant, and a syringe from a doctor’s kit. The loss of the Pomone is documented through extensive letters and diaries that bring alive the events of the fateful night and provide an insight into the characters on board.

The exhibition will also tell the tale of the Yarmouth Roads Wreck. This mystery ship is thought to be a late 16th century Spanish merchant carrack and is located just off Yarmouth Pier, marked by a large yellow buoy.

Visitors’ archaeological finds can be examined by Frank Basford from the Portable Antiquities Scheme, while other artefacts found on the Isle of Wight can be viewed and explored ‘hands on’.

Newport Roman Villa, in Cypress Road, Newport, will be open free of charge on Saturday 21 September between 10.30am and 3pm.

The incredible remains of this Roman farmhouse are hidden away on the outskirts of Newport and were discovered in 1926. The Roman Villa has one of the best examples of a Roman bath suite in Southern England. Heritage Service staff will be on site to show you around and there will be a photo hunt and craft activities for families.

Both days have been organised by the Isle of Wight Council’s Heritage Service.

“Our heritage service provides a great introduction to Island history and culture. I would like to invite residents and tourists alike, especially if they have never been before, to take advantage of the opportunity to find out more, for free, about our history,” said Cabinet member for environment and heritage, Councillor John Hobart.

“I’m particularly looking forward to viewing the new shipwreck exhibition – our Island has always had a long and varied marine history. Once again, our hard-working staff have provided some fantastic activities and events, open to all, for this annual event.”

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture, bringing together over 2,500 organisations, 5,000 events and 40,000 volunteers. Every year in September, places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. This year is the 25th anniversary of the national scheme.

For more information please contact museums@iow.gov.uk or call (01983) 823433 or visit the website at www.iwight.com/museums 

You can also contact Visit Isle of Wight’s Newport Visitor Information Centre on (01983) 521555, ext 32.
To contact Newport Roman Villa call (01983) 529720.

For further information on Heritage Open Days, please visit https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk  

Contact Information

Joanne Sedgmondjoanne.sedgmond@iow.gov.uk

IW Council Press Release - Floating Bridge suspended until early next week

Floating bridge expected to return to service next week

The Cowes to East Cowes Floating Bridge will be out of service until early next week.

This is to enable necessary repairs to the prow and hinge assembly.

It is anticipated that the repairs will be completed with the bridge returning to full service early next week.

In the meantime, a replacement foot passenger launch is in place, operating a shuttle service between 5am and 11pm each day, until repairs to the prow have been completed.

Reminders and updates regarding the work will be shared on the council’s social media pages (Facebook: @isleofwightcouncil and Twitter: @iwight) and the dedicated floating bridge website at: https://www.iwfloatingbridge.co.uk/ 

Contact Information

Joanne Sedgmondjoanne.sedgmond@iow.gov.uk

IW Council Press Release - Reducing the Risk of Doorstep Crime

REDUCING THE RISK OF DOORSTEP CRIME The Isle of Wight Against Scams Partnership (IWASP) is advising residents on how to prevent doorstep crime, as part of IWASP Awareness Month (September). Doorstep crime refers to rogue traders, bogus callers and distraction burglary. While we do have genuine callers at our doors there are unfortunately those that exploit people in their homes. This includes people that knock on your door, phone you at home, deliver leaflets through the letterbox offering house repairs, garden services and using false logos, false local addresses and telephone numbers to appear genuine. Distraction burglary is when a person tries to gain access to your home by trying to trick you into believing they need help or are officials in the area. “The advice is not to let anyone into your home unless they are expected or known to you. Most traders are honest but some are not - they are criminal conmen using a legitimate trade as a smokescreen to mask their true intentions of taking your money for unnecessary work,” said Cabinet member for community safety and public protection, Councillor Tig Outlaw.  “Distraction burglary is where burglars will attempt to talk their way into your home, posing as a variety of people such as an energy supplier, the council, police, Trading Standards or even someone in need. They may use a story such as needing to access your property to turn off the water or they need to use your phone as their car has broken down. If in doubt, shut them out! “Doorstep crime isn’t common, but it can have a long-lasting impact on victims’ lives. Remember if you’re not sure of a caller, don’t open the door.”  TIPS TO AVOID DOORSTEP CRIME -  Always keep your front and backdoor locked at all times, even when you are at home. -  Before you open the door, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Before you answer, make sure no rear or side doors and windows have been left open. It may be that the caller is trying to distract you while someone else sneaks in. -  Consider fitting door chains so that you have that additional security when opening the door. -  If you are expecting callers from a utility company or the council, set a password when you make the arrangements that the caller has to give on arrival. Ask to check their identity card and check that they look like the person on the card. -  Avoid buying Do not buy goods and services from traders who call uninvited. -  Consider using the Trader Approved Scheme. Our Trading Standards team has set up a register so that you can buy with confidence. For details of traders who have been assessed and are members of the scheme, visit www.iwight.com/tas or email: trading.standards@iow.gov.uk -  Distraction burglars may ask to use your phone or ask for a glass of water - don’t worry if you choose not to help, it is not rude or unfriendly. -  If in doubt – shut them out! Doorstep calling should always be reported to Trading Standards on (01983) 823371. If immediate assistance is required, call police on 999. Further information can be found at: www.iwasp.org.uk

Contact Information Joanne Sedgmond joanne.sedgmond@iow.gov.uk

IW Council Press Release - Drive Less - Eat More

DRIVE LESS - EAT MORE A new guide promoting electric bike use combined with a love of food has been launched from an Island business, thanks to funding from the council. Created by The Seaview Hotel, Seaview, with routes by CycleWight and featured eateries chosen by Isle of Wight restaurant critics, Matt and Cat; the new ‘Cycling Gourmand’ guide will help promote ride routes that take in some of the Island’s best food establishments, providing a boost to other Island businesses. Cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, Councillor Ian Ward, said: “This is a really exciting project from one of our Sustainable Transport Innovation Grant winners and it is great to see the active travel message being carried out in such a creative way. “I’m sure visitors will be encouraged to drive less and see more of our beautiful Island, with a little help from electric bikes and at the same time, helping support our local tourism economy. I’m delighted to see the success of this local business and we will continue to support their active travel initiatives.” Tracy Mikich, marketing manager at Seaview Hotel, said: “We hope that the combination of bike riding and stopping off for good local food will become a unique and sustainable Isle of Wight tourism experience. The ‘Cycling Gourmand’ guide and short break offer combines a love of food, enjoyment of the natural world and a passion for cycling but with a little support from the electric bikes, if you need it. “You can definitely see more of our beautiful coast and countryside from a bike and what better way to refuel than a lovely locally-sourced lunch at one of the Island's delicious eateries, at the same time as making a greener sight-seeing choice.” The guide recently received a boost when the hotel invited Island food bloggers Matt and Cat to try out the routes they had helped create. Cat James from Matt and Cat said: “We were delighted to be asked to curate the rides for the ‘Cycling Gourmand’ trails. It was hard to restrict ourselves to just six featured eateries for the ebike adventure, as there are so many fantastic places to eat on the Island. We had a great day riding the hotel’s electric bikes visiting lovely venues.” Visit www.MattandCat.co.uk  or twitter (@MattandCat), to find out how they got on.  The Seaview Hotel successfully bid for funding following the launch of the Sustainable Transport Innovation Grant Fund in July 2018, when the council put out the call for organisations to submit applications for funding to deliver their own innovative sustainable transport projects. More information on ‘Cycling Gourmand’ short breaks is at: https://www.seaviewhotel.co.uk/cycle-wight.aspx Cycling Gourmand was funded competitively from the Isle of Wight Council’s Active Travel Innovation Grant. The Sustainable Transport Innovation Grant forms part of a wider programme of sustainable transport interventions being delivered by the Isle of Wight Council up to 2020, after securing £1.35 million funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) Access Fund for Sustainable Travel. For further information on current projects, please visit: http://www.iwight.com/

Storeroom 2010 - Newsletter August 2019

IW Council Press Release - Work starts soon on project to ease congestion and boost regeneration on the Island

ST MARY'S ROUNDABOUT Work on a major scheme to reduce traffic congestion and improve access for pedestrians and cyclists at one of the Island’s busiest junctions is to begin at the end of September. Construction of the Isle of Wight Council scheme will transform the approaches to — and access across — St Mary’s roundabout in Newport. The scheme, which is part of the wider Newport Strategic Junction Improvements, is designed to reduce congestion now as well as ‘future-proofing’ the junction — given expected growth in traffic movement associated with regeneration projects in the Newport area. It is the largest of a package of schemes designed to improve traffic flows through Newport, which have been financed largely by a government grant of £9.6 million, supplementing development contributions. Other schemes within the overall Newport Strategic Junction Improvements, such as the new arrangements at St George’s Way and Shide, have already been implemented, while others which will follow in the next three to five years — including the link between Coppins Bridge and the Matalan roundabout, which has also been given the go ahead — are still being planned. Collectively these schemes, once completed, will transform the flow of traffic in and around Newport and accommodate the projected volumes of traffic expected in the emerging local plan. The St Mary’s junction scheme includes benefits for vehicular, pedestrian, cyclist and local bus traffic with new widened shared-use cycle/pedestrian facilities and the removal of the current roundabout which will be replaced with two linked traffic light-controlled junctions to improve traffic flow. There will also be an additional lane introduced at the B&Q roundabout to ease congestion on the approach to and from the new junction. It will also include widening of the northbound carriageway of Medina Way to accommodate two right-hand turn lanes to facilitate traffic turning onto the industrial estate. The road from Cowes into Newport will also be widened on the southbound side to ease congestion on the approach to the junction. Works will also be implemented on Forest Road at the same time as SSE carry out planned high voltage cable upgrade works to help minimise future disruption for residents and the travelling public on this route. The council is however advising road users that the work will cause disruption during some phases, particularly until motorists become accustomed to temporary traffic arrangements during construction. Plans for the scheme have evolved over time with a significant number of changes being incorporated following feedback from the public consultation. The signal-controlled junction is one such major change together with improvements to the B&Q roundabout and enhanced cycle and pedestrian links. Since then the proposed scheme has undergone a further independent, external review to be absolutely certain that the scheme presents the best possible approach to the improvement of that key junction. The project is the largest of its kind on the Island for many years, so the council is keen to give advance warning to motorists ahead of construction which is planned to begin on 30 September and be completed in December 2020. Construction will pause over the Christmas and New Year holiday and during the Isle of Wight Festival period next June. Work will take place during the day and at night when appropriate. To support local businesses, the council will be offering free, weekend afternoon parking in its Newport town centre car parks in the run up to Christmas. Meanwhile, Cowes floating bridge Saver Cards — which usually cost £2 — will also be available for free during the works, offering discounted travel on the crossing. Further details of both schemes will be announced in due course. Councillor Ian Ward, Cabinet member responsible for infrastructure and transport, said he was pleased the authority had secured government funding over and above the millions already secured to improve the network through the Highways Improvement Programme. He said: “The St Mary’s junction scheme, the largest of the package of schemes under the Newport Strategic Junction Improvements, has been a complex scheme to put together as we have had to acquire some land in order to include features such as the shared use footway..  “We have also made significant changes to the scheme in response to suggestions made during the public consultation. “We have been assured that a traffic-light controlled junction will have more capacity for vehicle movements than a roundabout. “But we are now set to begin this major scheme to improve traffic flows both now and in the future at what is a notoriously busy junction. The project will also leave us better placed to unlock other regeneration schemes in this area. “I am particularly pleased that the work will also bring about enhanced features not just for cars but also for local bus traffic, pedestrians and cyclists.” David Evans, strategic manager for highways and transport added: “During construction there will be various temporary traffic arrangements so work can be undertaken as quickly and safely as possible. “Traffic lanes will be reduced temporarily, and contraflows introduced as well as short-term speed reductions. Road users will inevitably experience delays and should allow additional time for their journeys.“ Recognising the impact on adjacent areas, double yellow lines will also be introduced to Manners View and Riverway for at least the duration of the scheme, to enable better access to the industrial estate. Residents living near the works and stakeholders have received letters about the scheme and its implications and will continue to receive updates at each of the key phases during the works. Discussions have also been held with emergency services and with St Mary’s Hospital and access to the hospital site will be maintained at all times. Special provision for emergency vehicles has also been included during the works. A webpage on the homepage of www.islandroads.com has also been created to give regular scheme updates and real-time information for motorists. Information will also be relayed via on-site information boards and via Twitter. The work to improve the junction will be carried out by Island Roads. ENDS.

Contact Information Martin Neville Isle of Wight martin.neville@iow.gov.uk

Details St Mary's roundabout reconfiguration

Newport St Mary's Strategic Junction Improvements

Work on a major scheme to reduce traffic congestion and improve access for pedestrians and cyclists at one of the Island’s busiest junctions is due to begin at the end of September 2019 and last until mid-December 2020.

Construction of the Isle of Wight Council scheme will transform the approaches to, and access across, St Mary’s Roundabout in Newport. 

The scheme, which is part of the wider Newport Strategic Junction Improvements and agreed by the council in September 2018, is designed to reduce congestion now as well as ‘future-proofing’ the junction - given expected growth in traffic movement associated with regeneration projects in the Newport area.  

It is the largest of a package of schemes designed to improve traffic flows through Newport, which have been financed largely by a Government grant of £9.6 million, supplementing development contributions.

Other schemes within the overall Newport Strategic Junction Improvements, such as the new arrangements at St George’s Way and Shide, have already been implemented, while others which will follow in the next three-five years - including the link between Coppins Bridge and the Matalan roundabout, which has also been given the go ahead - are still being planned. 

Collectively these schemes, once completed, will transform the flow of traffic in and around Newport and accommodate the projected volumes of traffic expected in the emerging local plan.

The St Mary’s junction scheme includes benefits for vehicular, pedestrian, cyclist and local bus traffic with new widened shared-use cycle/pedestrian facilities and the removal of the current roundabout which will be replaced with two, linked traffic light-controlled junctions to improve traffic flow.

There will also be an additional lane introduced at the B&Q roundabout to ease congestion on the approach to and from the new junction. 

It will also include widening of the Northbound carriageway of Medina Way to accommodate two right hand turn lanes to facilitate traffic turning onto the industrial estate.  The road from Cowes into Newport will also be widened on the southbound side to ease congestion on the approach to the junction.

Works will also be implemented on Forest Road at the same time as SSE carry out planned high voltage cable upgrade works to help minimise future disruption for residents and the travelling public on this route.

The plans have evolved over time with a significant number of changes being incorporated following feedback from the public consultation.  The signal-controlled junction is one such major change together with improvements to the B&Q roundabout and enhanced cycle and pedestrian links. Since then the proposed scheme has also undergone a further independent, external review just to be absolutely certain that this scheme presents the best possible approach to the improvement of that key junction.

The council is however advising road users that the work will cause disruption during some phases, particularly until motorists become accustomed to temporary traffic arrangements during construction.

Timing/phasing:

The project, which is planned to begin on September 30 and be completed by mid- December 2020 is the largest of its kind on the Island for many years.

Construction will take place over a number of phases.  The initial phase will begin on 30^th September 2019 and run until 20 December 2019.  Please refer to the key documents below for a summary of the work that will be undertaken in this first phase.

The works will pause over the Christmas and New Year holiday in 2019 and during the IW Festival period next June. Work will take place during the day and at night when appropriate and elements of the scheme will be implemented concurrently. 

There are a variety of factors including inclement weather, emergency works and scheme extensions that can affect the timing of works.  Due to the size and nature of this scheme, the works programme is subject to change, but programme updates will be issued as each phase progresses.

Likely impact:

The work to improve the junction will be carried out by Island Roads and during construction there will be various temporary traffic arrangements to enable work 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.  Road users will inevitably experience delays and should allow additional time for their journeys.  It is worth also considering, where possible, changing the time in which you travel to avoid rush hour or potentially look at alternative modes of transport or routes.

Recognising the impact on adjacent areas, double yellow lines will also be introduced to Manners View and Riverway for at least the duration of the scheme, to enable better access to the industrial estate.

Information and updates:

Residents and stakeholders have received letters about the scheme and its implications and will continue to do so at relevant points throughout the scheme.

Discussions have also been held with the emergency services and with St Mary’s Hospital to ensure all blue light responders are always able to reach their destination.  IW College, Amey and B&Q have also been informed along with other local businesses.

Regular scheme updates and information will be included on this page as the scheme progresses and will also be relayed via Twitter.

If you have any questions about the scheme that are not covered by the frequently asked questions document below, or would like to contact us - you can email info@islandroads.com or telephone 01983 822440.  You can also use our Report it online facility here.

Key documents 

• Newport St Mary’s Strategic Junction Improvement scheme plan
• Phase 1-4 (30 September – 20 December 2019) summary of activity
• Press release
• Frequently asked questions

IW Council Press Release - Scam Partnership Awareness Campaign launched

SCAM PARTNERSHIP AWARENESS CAMPAIGN A month-long awareness raising campaign against scams has been launched by the Isle of Wight Council. The Isle of Wight Against Scams Partnership (IWASP), of which the council is a lead partner, is launching IWASP awareness month for September and aims to put the spotlight on advice and guidance against scams and doorstep crime, as well as encouraging businesses and organisations to join the partnership. Approximately 3.2 million people in the UK fall victim to scams each year, with the cost to the UK economy being between £5 -10 billion each year.  It is estimated that only 5 per cent of these crimes are ever reported. The awareness month will be supported by regular news stories on the council website as well as a social media campaign over the council’s social media pages to help people spot scams, understand more about how it impacts victims and give advice on how to protect themselves and their neighbours. “We want to send out a strong message that there is zero tolerance to scams on the Island and want to inform residents, businesses and organisations on how to spot, report and protect against scams,” said Cabinet member for community safety and public protection, Councillor Tig Outlaw. “Scams are nothing new to the Island, largely down to unscrupulous individuals and businesses taking advantage of our older population here. However, anyone can be a victim of a scam due to the increasingly sophisticated techniques they use to encourage us to part with our money.” Councillor Outlaw said: “IWASP would like to encourage anyone who has been a victim of scams to come forward and let us know so that we can build a really strong community network to let scammers know they are not welcome. “This includes doorstep crime and if anyone has any information concerning people calling on residents and attempting to sell goods or services such as tree work, roof repairs, jet washing drives, checking drains etc, can they please contact the Trading Standards Service or the Police.  If we have enough evidence of a crime we will prosecute. The awareness month re-iterates that we want those who are victims of scams to feel confident to contact us because we’ll take your reports seriously, protect you, and make sure you get all the support you need.” IWASP aims to provide a united front against scams and make the Isle of Wight a hostile county to scammers. The scheme involves the council’s trading standards team working with organisations both voluntary and statutory across the Island to provide more sources of support, help and advice. More information on IWASP and how to report scams and doorstep crime can be found at:www.iwasp.org.uk

Contact Information Joanne Sedgmond joanne.sedgmond@iow.gov.uk