Report from I.W. Councillor John Nicholson

Posted by Admin on 21 October 2014, 12:14 am

COUNCILLOR JOHN NICHOLSON

WARD MEMBER FOR COWES SOUTH & NORTHWOOD

MEMBER OF IW PLANNING COMMITTEE

MEMBER OF HEALTH AND COMMUNITY WELLBEING SCRUTINY PANEL

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

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REPORT – OCTOBER 2014

It seems, nowadays, that never a month goes by without a new concern or crisis. This month it has been regarding the roads, particularly what has happened at Wyatts Lane, the break-up of the new middle section in lower Pallance Lane and lack of information or response on what is planned for Pallance Road; all these concerns affecting the local community to a greater or lesser degree.
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The problem with Wyatts Lane, so I am told, was the amount of services that were not at the correct level, requiring greater care and causing complications in the work. The Island apparently has more services at the wrong levels (too shallow, that would be) than is usually found, which may be the legacy of decades of poor supervision and enforcement. I think we can all sympathise with Island Roads if this was indeed the case, but their distinct lack of effective reactive communication does nothing to help their case. I would say though that when I raised concern about continuing to resurface the last section of Pallance Lane using the same specification that has so obviously failed in such short time in the previous middle section, the matter was quickly responded to, and an upgraded specification was used. I have to say that the workmanship was markedly better too! Any response or information to the forthcoming works to Pallance Road is still awaited. Maybe they don’t know themselves, but the silence hardly builds confidence. Nevertheless, I will continue to pursue.
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Many thanks to those people who responded to my thoughts regarding people in the community who need help or company, and those who have the time and ability to give it. It is very heart-warming to see that such a level of human compassion resides in Northwood. One of the foremost organisations doing excellent Island-wide work in this regard is Age UK (www.ageuk.org.uk/isleofwight Tel: 01983 525282), with Mark O’Sullivan heading the Good Neighbours Scheme. I am exploring ways that we can raise awareness in the community, perhaps via one of our local organisations (offers welcome). This issue, which is not just concerning older people, should I believe be an item for regular review, and I will be discussing ways of effectively implementing this with our Parish Council.
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Meanwhile, we are on countdown to Christmas again, and I would ask people to consider some basic points for the season. If you are going away, let somebody (a good neighbour or friend) know, and leave means of contact, just in case the unexpected happens. In the season of goodwill, please take some time to make sure neighbours, especially the elderly, handicapped or infirm, are warm enough, have sufficient provisions and not left physically or emotionally stranded. If you have any concerns regarding somebody, please let me know and I will do my best to make sure they are looked after. Lastly, it has become evident to me that there are people in our community who have some great ideas on what we could be doing or how we could do things better, this is a largely un-tapped resource and I would welcome anyone who wants to share their ideas coming forward to let me know what they think.

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John Nicholson
Ward Member for Cowes South & Northwood