Report from I.W. Councillor John Nicholson

Posted by Admin on 20 June 2016, 8:59 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

See the I.W.Councillor’s section

WARD REPORT – JUNE 2016

Remedial Work to New Road Surfaces
Remedial work is underway to some of the defects left or incurred by the new surfaces in Northwood. Manhole covers in Pallance Road have been marked up for relevelling and stabilising, some of the flooding problems near the Pallance Road junction in Pallance Lane have been addressed. I have requested confirmation that the remainder of the issues, mainly to do with drainage/flooding problems are to be dealt with prior to the winter months. Also, the Parish Council have formerly expressed dissatisfaction at the number of patched-in new road surfaces, especially the mess that has been made on the bend of Nodes Road. The trouble is there is always an excuse, but that does not detract from the fact that these new roads are a gift to the Island People; they are our roads, and no matter what the excuses are, it is possible to reinstate to better and higher standard than what we are seeing, and, I don’t think that we should put up with it!
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Northwood – A Contented Parish?
In recent door knocking visits to various areas in the Ward, asking if people are OK, it seems that most people are, and that they live in this area because they like it, and don’t want to see too much change. There were one or two people that had experienced troubles with the bin changes, including one family who, in the very early days, had seen their black waste paper bin crushed in the bin lorry, as they had followed instruction and put it inside the lid of their green bin! I can’t help feeling, though, that inside all the content that seems to typify Northwood, there are people that have time and resource that they are able and willing to give and people who are short of the same, whether that be company, doing a bit of shopping, forming community interest groups, helping with a bit of gardening, either with someone who struggles, or in public areas to enhance the community. If you think that you have an asset of deficit in any of these, or any other, regards, please drop me an email, as I would like to test the water.
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IW Council Formally Recognise the Significance and Importance of Mental State
At Full Council on 15th June, a Motion was received stating that This council recognises the importance of Mental Health to the overall Wellbeing of our Island Community and acknowledges the need to prioritise this subject as a key area of work for the Council. This Council therefore requests that the Children’s Committee and the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Sub Committee considers terms of reference of a role for a specific member to be appointed as Mental Health lead for Scrutiny. The expectation being that the role of the member would be to include reporting to Full Council on progress in this area of work in liaison with the Executive. This is an important and significant move, and in line with a growing awareness on mental issues that is sweeping the Country. It should be realised, though, that working with mental state is not just about helping people that might be in distress; as Prof. Steve Peters has shown with his phenomenal programme that has been responsible for transforming our national sports performance in many fields. It will be very interesting to see what the Isle of Wight can make of this, as I believe that we have the ability, environment and personnel to lead the Country.
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Broken Leg
Well 40 years of motorcycling and not coming a cropper has come to an end. I fell off my Triumph Rocket III on Sunday 5th June, not going fast or far; I just jammed my brakes on and the bike slipped from under me and something touched my leg, just below my right knee, and shattered the bone. I never felt it, nor has it hurt. Miraculously, the shattered bone remained in place, especially at the bits that really matter. So if anyone sees me about, do forgive me for not waving as I will be in a full non-weight bearing leg plaster and crutches for 6 weeks. I think I can feel it healing, as the sap on my energy regulates. I am managing to make it into work for a few hours and to essential Council meetings, provided I can secure a lift from patient and helpful family, friends or colleagues. They say that these things are sent to try us, and it is certainly an eye-opening experience on how difficult it must be for anyone suffering disability. One striking thing was just how good our local hospital is, and how remarkable our police can be, with the policemen who attended my accident following up, just to see that I was alright.

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John Nicholson
Ward Member for Northwood & Cowes South.