November 2002, December 2002 and January 2003 Meetings

The November monthly meeting of Newchurch Parish Council was attended by nine members of the public. Mr Lee Skinner from the Rights of Way (RoW) section of the Isle of Wight Council (IWC) gave a brief history of RoW and described the role of his section. Enquiry was made of him as to the progress, if any, that had been made in creating a RoW over the track that leads from Wackland to the old railway. Items discussed included the provision of lighting in the School Lane car park and obstruction caused by inconsiderate parking of vehicles outside All Saints Church Hall. Five Planning Applications were considered, including revised plans for Hill Farm, to which the Council reiterated the objections it had previously made.

Although no monthly meeting was scheduled for December, Newchurch Parish Council met twice in that month as a "Planning Committee" to consider a total of eight Planning Applications.

The January monthly meeting, at which 6 members of the public were present, started with a short talk by Bill Collins from Apse Heath Post Office on the options available in the future for payment of benefits. Under Parish Reports Mrs West stated that Winford Park Residents’ Association was seeking support from various local organisations for the provision of facilities for young people. Mrs Lale conveyed concerns that had been expressed to her over the problems of road safety for pedestrians at Apse Heath and it was agreed to once again ask the IWC to provide a "pelican" crossing over the Newport Road. She also reported on continuing problems with accumulation of debris in the East Yar and streams leading to it between Newchurch and Alverstone. Mr Colenutt reported that the updated Parish Directory had now been published and would be distributed soon. He also asked if certain Newchurch PC documents, such as Agenda, could be made available on the "unofficial" Newchurch website (www.newchurchiow.co.uk) , and this was agreed.

The Chairman then raised the issue of the Hill Farm Planning Application, which had been considered by the IWC Development Control Committee (DCC) on Tuesday 14^th January, when it was resolved to make a site visit on Friday 24^th January before making a decision. He explained that there seemed to be some doubt over the relevance and validity of the advice provided by Highways to Planning concerning the proposed access track. The Chairman allowed contributions from members of the public, after which it was agreed that the Clerk, after checking that no other advice had been provided by Highways, should e-mail members of the DCC expressing the strength of feeling among local residents and raising this Council’s concerns.

The tragic, fatal accident on the Downs Road had brought road safety at the top of Knighton Shute onto the Agenda. It was agreed that Highways should once again be asked to introduce appropriate measures to reduce risks to road users at that intersection. It was noted that this matter had been raised repeatedly over the years with no satisfactory response received from Highways to date.

Reports had been received of vehicles being parked in The Bower car park contrary to the rules displayed there and it was agreed to take firm action (the possibility of wheel-clamping was suggested) against offenders.

After examining a draft budget, it was resolved to keep the Council’s precept at £8000 for the forthcoming financial year, which may contrast sharply with the IWC’s demands!