Report from I.W. Councillor John Nicholson

Posted by Admin on 27 November 2013, 12:27 am

COUNCILLOR JOHN NICHOLSON

WARD MEMBER FOR COWES SOUTH & NORTHWOOD

SUNNYSIDE

PALLANCE LANE

NORTHWOOD

PO31 8LT
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Tel: 01983 209642 (evenings best)
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Email: cllr.john.nicholson@btconnect.com

Click here for the I.W.Councillor’s section

REPORT – CHRISTMAS 2013

Christmas is upon us once again, and the cold weather has really bitten in. I don’t know what happened to autumn, I guess it just went the same way as spring, if you remember how long last winter hung on?
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Well, it’s not just the weather that changes; we have a new administration at County Hall, and despite the initial and inevitable settling in period, much good work seems to be being done, across the parties, and there is no better example than how Paul Fuller (Gurnard and Cowes West) and I have managed to get along in a most productive and resident-focused manner, holding joint surgeries for common issues and generally working together in a team-like manner.
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There is also the change at the Travellers Joy, seeing Derek and Ruth gracefully bow out after 25 years of solid service; they have done us proud in carefully selecting the new landlord and landlady, Ashley and Kate, who have put that spark into the pub that they so eagerly sought. Ashley is a professional chef and has had much experience in this country and abroad, and is succeeding in putting a new popular spin on the old Travellers – try it, you will be impressed!
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With the shadow of the Asphalt Plant now gone like the summer sun, we return to our everyday perennial problems, like speeding and its perception in what it might do. It is a mark of our society, I am afraid, and not just confined to Northwood. However, I can thank our blessings that, as the police point out, we do not have the accident record to support our fears, but this is no reason to not impose controls wherever we can.
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Parking is a growing problem too, especially at the lower end of Venner Avenue, where capacity falls well short of demand. The Parish Council are consulting with the County Council and Island Roads on this, for practical suggestions.
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Occasional parking at school drop-off and pick-up times continues to be a problem and hazard for the duration, and there seems to be no easy answer, while families who do live within walking distance continue to drive their children to school. Research does show that children’s attention and chances are significantly increased by the exercise of making their own way to school, albeit accompanied by an adult in supervision.
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After a sterling Remembrance Day service at Chawton, where the Scouts and Brownies really did the community proud, as did all the other participants who paid their dues, it only remains for me to wish all of you, our Northwood community, a happy and peaceful Christmas and a fortunate New Year, and, please don’t forget, I try to make myself available at any time for your comments and concerns, even if all I can do is just listen.
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Just a final note, please do bear in mind any neighbour that you know who might struggle, especially in the cold weather. A kindly word or deed very often costs nothing, can make you feel good and very often makes a significant difference to someone else.

Best seasonal wishes!

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John Nicholson
Ward Member Cowes South & Northwood