October and November 2003

At the October Monthly meeting the Chairman introduced Mr J Winwood, a local resident and firefighter, who had asked to address the Council on the Fire Authority’s Risk Management consultation document, which was in the list of correspondence to be considered by the Council.

Mr Winwood gave a brief resume of the document and highlighted possible effects on the standard of service provided on the Island.

Mr Poingdestre reported on a Neighbourhood Watch forum that he had attended and commented on the deteriorating condition of Neighbourhood Watch signs within the Parish. He agreed to find out the cost of replacement signs and the number that would be needed. The Chairman invited Mrs Lale to attend the Best Kept Village Awards presentation evening to represent Alverstone, which she agreed to do. Two planning applications were considered, including one for retention of a stable block and store on land at Burnt House Lane in respect of which it was agreed to reiterate the comments made on the earlier application for this development in May of this year. The Council was dismayed to learn that the Isle of Wight Council had recently advised the Clerk that it was unable to meet its share of the cost for Queen’s Bower location signs until the next financial year.

The future of Newchurch Post Office (PO) and stores featured on the Agenda as a result of which an Extraordinary Meeting was called to discuss the matter further. In addition to outlining possible options and commented on sources of funding, the Chairman expressed thanks to

Mr and Mrs J Sandell for both maintaining the provision within the village and for seeking alternatives for continuation of the service in the future.

At the Extraordinary Meeting on 6^th November three planning applications were considered, including one for development at Holliers Farm about which a letter of comments had been received from the Vectis Astronomical Society (VAS). The Council resolved to support the Holliers development whilst including in its comments the same concerns as raised by VAS about potential light pollution. The remainder of the meeting focussed upon options for continuation of PO services in Newchurch village.

The November Monthly meeting began with a briefing by, and discussion with, PC Gledhill (Community Support Officer) and PC Harbour (Beat Officer for Brading, Newchurch and Winford) regarding provision of recreation facilities for residents of Winford. A presentation on the Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000 by Lee Skinner of the IWC Rights of Way (RoW) section followed, together with discussion on local RoW issues.

Four planning applications were considered to which the Council resolved to make no objections. The Chairman provided an update on progress with future PO provision. Mr Winwood produced some suggested comments on the Fire Authority’s plan which were noted in drafting the Council’s response. The Clerk reported that Mr Geoff Pidgeon, Area Highways Officer, had agreed to attend the January monthly meeting and it was suggested that this may be an opportunity to pursue outstanding Highways requests.

No monthly meeting is scheduled for December 2003. The next monthly meeting will be on Monday 19^th January 2004.

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL CHAIRMAN’S AWARD - NOMINATIONS

Nominations are sought for the above award, which is intended to provide recognition for “unsung heroes” of local communities. Details of how to make a nomination and of eligibility criteria are available from the Clerk. The deadline for applications is 31^st December 2003.

  CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR REFUSE COLLECTION ARRANGEMENTS 2003/2004