Report from I.W. Councillor John Nicholson

Posted by Admin on 26 April 2015, 9:40 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 – APRIL 2015

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My statement of being impressed with Island Roads regarding the works to Pallance Road has stirred some contention. But, as I have said, being impressed is a relative condition. Compared with how the road was, the length of time it had been in a state of decline, the relatively short time it has taken to implement the repairs and improvements, the time these new works will serve us, the fact that these works have been funded by government grant (and would have, otherwise, been unaffordable), plus the distinct effort that Island Roads made in considerations and communication (yes, it can always be better, but a noticeable and meaningful effort was made), I am impressed, and would further say, that it could be used as a model to build on for future works, learning from mistakes and the inevitable benefits of hindsight.
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There is a further point though, and it is one that is emerging to become very topical. It is the way that we, in our culture, in this Country (for all our ascendancies), tend to focus on the process rather than what underpins that process. Pallance Road, and my comments above, are one good example, but it goes wider than this. Our medical service is very focused on treating the symptoms rather than the underlying cause, our criminal justice system is very much based on punishment rather than addressing behavioural roots, our education system is focused on attainment in the learning process rather than targeted development of the person and personal ability. But, there is a national change emerging, and it is one that I have been writing about in these newsletters, under the theme of Community Wellbeing, where consideration is being made for the wellbeing, the whole person states that can affect our health, happiness, behaviours and circumstances that we make for ourselves and that we find ourselves in. This is something that I have been using my position as Councillor to talk with and bring to the consideration of, with some significant progress and success, our MP, health officials, the police, community peers and communal organisations, as well as bringing it as an agenda topic to Northwood and Cowes Councils. With our eminent and enlightened Director of Public Health, and the various leading initiatives that are emerging on the Island, we are set to be a national example in this progressive field.
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The Post Office have struck a deal with Sue; after much research and negotiation, they have accepted her original offer to maintain a service for 3 days a week: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, as of Monday 13th April. This is not to say that they are not still looking for another business and venue to take on; we must remember, with gratitude, that Sue is due retirement and recognise the commitment that she has shown to the community in maintaining the service for so long (without a break), and her willingness to continue for the sake of our community.
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By the time this article is published, we will hope that the HCA (Homes and Community Agency) will have finished the works and opened the pavement in Seaview Road in time for the charity football tournament as promised. The next question is when will Persimmon make the estate roads fit for adoption into Highways?
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John Nicholson
Ward Member for Northwood & Cowes South.