Report from I.W. Councillor Roger Mazillius

Posted by Admin on 22 March 2012, 11:11 pm

COUNCILLOR ROGER MAZILLIUS

I.W. COUNCILLOR FOR COWES SOUTH & NORTHWOOD
21 OXFORD STREET, NORTHWOOD
ISLE OF WIGHT PO31 8PT
Tel: 01983 295556
Email: roger.mazillius@iow.gov.uk

REPORT – APRIL 2012

Thorness Corner
Would any motorists who have experienced loss of grip/skidding on this corner coming from or going to Porchfield and onwards please let me know. Our Highways department have carried out detailed tests on the road surface following complaints from motorists who have lost traction on this quite sharp bend but have found the road surface is up to standard. I remain concerned that there are conditions (apart from ice) which give rise to loss of grip and it would be most helpful if residents who have experienced this give me appropriate details for me to pass on to Highways.

Reduction in Rateable Values
Several residents have contacted me about unsolicited mail received from a Manchester firm offering to obtain a valuation reduction on their home on a “no win, no fee” basis with a 25% fee being payable if they obtain a reduction.
May I suggest that residents who may feel tempted to take up this offer first contact our local valuation office at The Valuation Office, 88/91 St James Street, Newport, telephone (01983) 270100 to seek impartial free advice before becoming involved with this unsolicited offer.

Nodes Road Grass Verges and New Speed Restrictions
I have again received complaints from residents about parking on and consequent damage to several grass verges in this road. I understand Highways Officers are contacting those causing this damage to make it clear that they will be liable for the cost of re-instatement of the damaged areas (in several cases this is down to bare earth). I sincerely trust that the residents concerned will make this step unnecessary!
I have been pleased with the new speed limit restriction of 30mph on this busy road and trust residents are now used to driving at the lower speed. There will unfortunately always be inconsiderate motorists but I know that any history of excessive speeding will be monitored by the police with subsequent action!

Water Shortage
As residents cannot fail to have noticed, Southern Water have applied for Drought Orders to enable limitations e.g. hosepipe bans, on the use of water to domestic premises. Whilst these are expected to be in force in other parts of the South East, at the moment the Isle of Wight and Hampshire are not under such restrictions.
However, this may change if the dry spell continues so it is important that we recognise water as a limited but vital resource which should not be wasted.
In the meantime the Isle of Wight Council has recognised their role in reducing Council water consumption by planning to install smart water meters to monitor usage and drive changes in the use of water. In addition the Council is meeting with Southern Water to discuss measures to assist householders and businesses to be more drought resistant and reduce water consumption.
Residents will recall the Southern Water subsidised water butt scheme during our last water restrictions in 2006 and this is an option we will be suggesting to the Company. In addition, the Highways PFI scheme will incorporate the re-use and recycling of water and rainwater run-off in what is a first of it’s type contract provision in the country.

Shed/Garage Break-ins
May I remind residents of the potential target expensive tools and equipment can make, especially if left in unlocked sheds or garages. A recent theft from a Place Road garage (where in that case a locked door was forced) has led the home-owner to ask me to inform residents to be aware that thieves may be targeting our area looking for tools and equipment. Of course if residents have any useful information about these matters please telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. All calls are free of charge.

Concessionary Bus Passes
May I remind residents using these passes that they are coming up for renewal following their commencement five years ago. Suitably informative notices are being placed on buses to remind users to renew if their pass is approaching it’s expiry date.
Southern Vectis have agreed to accept passes up to one month after the expiry date. Further information is obtainable via www.iwight.com or the Council’s Call Centre on (01983) 821000.

Horses Grazing at Luton Farm
PCSO Stephen Oatley reported at the March Northwood Parish Council meeting that several horses had been moved and fence posts moved and damaged in this area. This has unfortunately not proved to be an isolated incident and it is thought that whoever is responsible is probably experienced in handling difficult and temperamental animals.
If any resident has any helpful information please ring 101 or 0845 045 45 45 or email Stephen at stephen.oatley@hampshire.pnn.police.uk

BAE Systems – Aldi Store Development
I have enquired about the delay in building this store and have been told the main reason has been the need to completely clear the site of old WWII pipe bombs laid when the site had airfield use. A detailed survey for this purpose has recently been carried out. BAE have been advertising several commercial planning applications recently highlighted in a recent County Press article so I expect some positive news as the year progresses.

Best Wishes to all

Roger