Northwood Parish Council

Posted by Admin on 24 September 2011, 10:14 pm

NORTHWOOD PARISH COUNCIL

MEMBERS:

CHAIRMAN – JOHN PULLEN
86 Wyatts Lane, Northwood PO31 8PY
Email: pullenjd@hotmail.co.uk
Tel: 01983 281250

VICE-CHAIRMAN – PATRICK BENTLEY
95 Noke Common, Newport PO30 5TY
Email: pat.bentleyready@gmail.com
Tel: 01983 248287

PAUL FULLER
74 Wyatts Lane, Northwood PO31 8QA
Email: paulfuller@onwight.net
Tel: 01983 289595

DEREK SMITH
Greenwood 85 Venner Avenue. Northwood PO31 8AG
Email: tjoy@globalnet.co.uk
Tel 01983 281522

RAY MEW
63 Horsebridge Hill, Newport PO30 5TJ
Email: ray.mewvl@gmail.com
Tel: 01983 245234

CHRIS RIDDET
‘Vert Bois’ 46 Cockleton Lane, Gurnard PO31 8JD
Email: ringwood49er@hotmail.co.uk
Tel: 01983 245033

CLERK & RFO TO NORTHWOOD PARISH COUNCIL – BARBARA HERBERT
11 Wyatts Lane, Northwood PO31 8QB
Email: barbara.herbert@sky.com
Tel: 01983 290086

plus TWO VACANCIES

MEETINGS
Meetings of the Parish Council are held on the first Tuesday of the month, commencing at 6.30pm.
The meeting of the Planning Committee, if required, is held on the third Tuesday of the month, commencing at 6.30pm.

ALL MEETINGS ARE HELD AT
NORTHWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL, WYATTS LANE, NORTHWOOD.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND THE PRESS ARE VERY WELCOME TO ATTEND.

The comments made in the following articles represent the views of the individual contributors, rather than Northwood parish council.

Local Safer Neighbourhood Team
In November, PC Mark Thomas is due to be transferred to a patrol team in Newport. His post would not be replaced following his departure. This will have a direct effect on the number of Police Patrols in the Village. This move is taking place despite a pledge from the Chief Constable that front line Police numbers will not be reduced. Mark, with years of local knowledge will be sorely missed.
The current crime figures for Cowes and the surrounding area remained low. However car crime appeared to be spreading from Cowes town centre. This was due to cars being entered in to as they had been left either unlocked or with the keys still in the ignition.
A comparison of the crime figures was provided between last year’s figures and this year, which showed that crimes in all areas had reduced significantly. The police considered they were doing well, but could do better and were working hard to be pro-active to do so.
I have a supply of No Cold Calling window stickers, paid for by the Parish Council, if anybody would like one. Please call 281250 to obtain one.
I have at present no recycling bins, due in some part to the new bins being issued in the new year.
Do not forget Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111. You do not need to identify yourselves and the calls are not recorded.
John Pullen

News from the September meeting of Northwood Parish Council.
Derek Smith was approved as a co-opted councillor;
Good Neighbour Scheme – Mr Mark O’Sullivan had reported that a leaflet drop had been carried out covering 75% of the area, with the rest to be completed shortly. The response locally had been fantastic, with 8 volunteers to date.

The Future of Planning
The Council discussed a letter from Miss J. Pearce regarding proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework.
Miss Pearce was present and addressed the Parish Council, providing an update on changes to the situation, as she perceived them, since her letter dated 2 July.
Councillor P. Bentley re-assured those present that in his view, after reading through the majority of the National Planning Policy Framework, the document taken in conjunction with other forthcoming legislation, including the Localism Bill, seemed reasonable. The policies of the Local Planning Authority, through the Island Plan Core Strategy or Parish Council’s Local aware of any implications for the Parish Council and the Island in general, should any amendments be made to the proposals following the on-going negotiations between the Government and national bodies.
Miss Pearce was thanked for her diligence in working through all the documents and media reporting, in order to raise the matter. Miss Pearce in return expressed that she was content with the response of councillors

Football Pitch at Venner Avenue
After discussion it was decided that a Football Pitch Working Party be established, comprising of Councillors Ray Mew, Chris Riddet, Derek Smith and the clerk to progress the investigation into funding sources in order to provide a very basic all weather facility, which would not require maintenance or re-seeding on the Play Park area, and to report back to the Parish Council.
It was also decided that the Venner Avenue Play Park be nominated to the IW Playing Fields Association for inclusion in the Queen Elizabeth II, 2012 Field Challenge.

Village Notice Board
Cllr J Pullen reported that the Northwood Community Partnership had arrangements in hand for a replacement board to be installed, to replace the existing badly warped panel. Cllr Pullen had offered his assistance, if needed.

Best Kept Village Award
The marks awarded for Northwood in this year’s Best Kept Village competition were noted. The clerk advised that the winners of the ‘large village’ class had a total points score of only ⅔ of a point higher than Northwood. The village had been marked down as there was no village map displayed on the Notice Board.

Northwood in Bloom
Mention was made that action should be taken to contact Ryde House Nurseries to order the winter planting. Cllr Pullen agreed to assist Cllr Mazillius with this. The source of a large supply of free well-rotted manure was noted. It was decided that a programme to replenish the compost in the planters/tubs be commenced, at a maximum cost of £50.00.

Village Design Statement Working Party
Cllr P. Bentley advised that he had nearly finished reading the planning proposals in the forthcoming Localism Bill and National Planning Policy Framework. He had also been in contact with Wendy Perera, the IW Council’s Deputy Head of Planning Services (Policy). Work was now to commence on a draft action plan for the production of a Neighbourhood Plan. There would be a need to publicise for support from the local community, in accordance with the Guidelines for producing a Neighbourhood Plan.

Play Area
The Play area was officially opened on Friday September 16th by Thomas Hirst from Northwood Primary School. A seat in memory of his mother, is now located on the edge of the play area. The money was raised by the school’s PTA at a race night.

Parish Council Vacancies
The are currently two vacancies on the Parish Council, to find out more, contact the Clerk, Barbara Herbert on 290086.

Volunteer Bus Drivers
Service 32 is up and running, but more drivers are still needed. If you feel you can help, contact Rusty Adams on 567522, for details of training.