Report from I.W. Councillor John Nicholson

Posted by Admin on 26 February 2015, 11:24 pm

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

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

REPORT – FEBRUARY 2015

Pallance Road Drainage Works appear to have, more or less, caught up with programme but pressure is still on to get the works completed before Easter. The contractors say they are appreciative of locals’ understanding and support in helping them get the work done as quickly as possible, and so far have been able to keep the road passable after work, at evenings and through weekends.
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The search for a suitable location for the Post Office is still on, with applicants that we know of to date falling short of ideal requirements, yet not entirely dismissed. The Post Office assure us that they are committed to maintaining a service in Northwood, which, they say, is a significant business.
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With the help of the MP, it seems, the Homes and Community Agency have apparently agreed to reopen the closed pavement in Seaview Road, after what they consider essential repairs have been undertaken to make it safe – well, they would say that wouldn’t they. But, thanks to Andrew Turner, who is always ready to lend his weight to support whenever he can.
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The Hillis Corner Planning Application has been sent back by the Planning Authority, due to shortcomings, but we are expecting a fight, even though the reasons for its previous refusal at appeal still bear, and some with greater weight. You can never take things for granted in Planning. The same goes with the Place Road Application, where the Gurnard Parish Housing Plan may carry enough weight to see that the major concern of the three communities, in maintaining the existing gap between Gurnard and Cowes, is upheld.
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I must apologise to residents about the amount of apparently abandoned, untaxed, and uninsured cars that seem to be accumulating around Northwood, some of them, undoubtedly, associated with motor trade. This is a problem not just confined to Northwood. I am battling away to get something done about it, and I cannot see what the problem is that is causing the inaction between the Police, Island Roads and the IW Council, who all seem to be shelving responsibility to the other.
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We had a presentation at February’s Parish Council from the Public Health Directorate on Asset Based Community Development, for which there is a two day workshop in April, at the Riverside Centre, where I will be assisting. Northwood is the first local Council to have considered this on its agenda and is in line to pilot Community Wellbeing. However, we are waiting for the announcement of who is the new permanent Director of Public Health before we can see what the next step is.

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John Nicholson
Ward Member for Northwood & Cowes South