Report from I.W. Councillor John Nicholson

Posted by Admin on 25 October 2017, 11:13 pm

COUNCILLOR JOHN NICHOLSON

Ward Member for Northwood & Cowes South
Chairman of Policy & Scrutiny Committee for Adult Social Care & Health Committee

SUNNYSIDE

PALLANCE LANE

NORTHWOOD

PO31 8LT
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Tel: 01983 209642 (evenings best)

Mobile: 07918 757843
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Email: cllr.john.nicholson@btconnect.com

See the I.W.Councillor’s section

WARD REPORT – OCTOBER 2017

The Report appearing in the November 2017 edition of Northwood News:

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WARD SAFETY WALK
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The Ward Walk with the Highways safety team was very constructive, and solutions to hazards like water
creeping across main routes, uneven manhole covers, humps and dips were recognised and taken away to plan
works for resolution. Also, hazards caused by parking at several locations that induced potentially unsafe
traffic conditions were also recognised and taken away for consideration. All of these issues met the criteria
for having significant marked effect for small investment, an important feature when limited resources are in
wide demand.
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This brought, in particular, good news for Lanesend School, where simple traffic management alterations,
campaigned for jointly by myself and my neighbouring Ward Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox, are being
progressed in the process nearing implementation.
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Disparity in speed limits was another item that was discussed, regarding several locations, and it was
recognised how this has arisen with changes in the built environment and volume of traffic. However, it is one
thing changing a speed limit and quite another enforcing it, but the areas where there is clear disparity will be
considered case by case on merit, effect and cost.
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Regarding Place Road, it was noted that we are still waiting for The Range to fulfil their Planning Conditions,
one of which was installing a pedestrian crossing.
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Thank you to all those residents who have brought items and issues to my attention.
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BEER & BUSES & HISTORIC WALKS WEEKEND
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The Beer, Buses and Historic Walks Weekend has been a bigger success than ever, and with a major focus on
the Cowes district, more buses and venues, people came to see and enjoy what Cowes, Northwood and
Gurnard are all about. For those that took part in the festival, you will know what I mean, as it involved a wide
range of participants, of all ages and interests, some who were just interested in the buses, others in the pubs,
some in the historic walks, others in the Island scenery, and most in just getting out and socialising with
friendly people in an Island-wide friendly atmosphere.
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The benefits to the Island are bound to repercuss; I personally met a couple from Birmingham who had never
spent time in Cowes, viewing it only as a port town to pass through, but after their experience of Cowes during
the event, said they would be visiting the town for a stay in the future, and to take some of the historic walks.
Likewise, there was a gentleman who had flown his private plane in for the event and was so impressed with
the Island, and especially the facilities and friendliness of Cowes district. Even shopkeepers in the High Street
were saying how the event helped boost their businesses and how remarkably friendly and good natured the
people participating were. One good move was involving some Sailing Clubs, and we had very good reports
from the clubs and their festival visitors, many of whom had never seen a sailing club before. It was
unfortunate that the Royal London Yacht Club, singularly, had to withdraw, with such calibre of people and
interest about, and that the Horseshoe decided not to participate, meaning that there was no bus stop there for
locals and visitors this year – maybe next year?
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The Visit Isle of Wight Travel Ambassadors, who helped out in Cowes, were enthralled by the event, and
could see a real potential for showcasing our local communities, and that will be something that I shall
continue to advocate with our Town and Parish Councils to see how they can get involved in promoting their
communities amongst such a wealth of visitors, enjoying our Island culture, history and heritage so much.

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John Nicholson
Ward Member for Northwood & Cowes South.