Report from I.W. Councillor John Nicholson

Posted by Admin on 25 September 2017, 12:14 am

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 – SEPTEMBER 2017

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

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AUTUMN THOUGHTS
It seems that autumn is upon us earlier than some might have expected; no Indian Summer this year. Autumn is traditionally the time for tidying up the garden, ready for winter, a time for taking stock, for bonfires, hedge trimming, harvesting and storing, and if you are American, thanksgiving!
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It can also be a time for considering your neighbours and community, because our actions seldom have no effect on others. Simple measures like considering when to have a bonfire, or other activity, to minimise nuisance, can have effect, although it may only be noticed when it causes offence; being a good neighbour by what you don’t do is as important as by what you do.
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Clearing up hedge cuttings is another example, so thorns don’t puncture or penetrate; also, an act noticed by omission, as is not trimming a hedge alongside a pavement or road so that it does not encroach over where people pass. Every year there are complaints of hedges obstructing passage, particularly for people with pushchairs, wheelchairs or simply walk side by side on an otherwise perfectly wide enough pavement.
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Checking that your neighbour is alright and coping is an act noticed by its doing, so appreciated in a positive way; it’s the little things that matter and that make a difference.
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SCAMS
Please be wary of unsolicited offers that you may receive. These include offers and notices by email; only click links if you are more than certain of their origin and are genuine. Offers of tax refunds, rate rebates, request for bank or account verifications, cries for help from stranded friends (that you didn’t know were away), unsolicited attachments, etc., if followed or opened can lock your computer and lose everything on it.
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Beware of strangers knocking on your door offering work at special rates, or advising you that you need work done. Many people innocently fall for these scams, and it was only recently that the police turned back a boat to arrest a group of individuals who had been on the rampage ripping Islanders off with such scams.
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In fact, my advice, if you want it, is never to pay any trader in advance for any work that has not been done to reasonable satisfaction or for materials not in your possession. If you don’t know them, their work, credentials and reputation, steer clear or treat them with the utmost caution, because unfortunately our authorities do very little to prevent such rogue traders, allowing anyone to set up a business in almost anything.
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If you have any concerns about rogue traders or scams, do let Trading Standards know, and copy me in, too.
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DO WE WANT A LOCAL DOG WARDEN?
Apparently, it is within the power of Town and Parish Councils to appoint their own dog wardens, with the ability to issue fines for fouling. It may be beyond the means for Northwood to do this alone, but could be viable, and warranted, for Cowes Gurnard and Northwood to share such a venture – your comments, please.
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NORTHWOOD W.I.
It looks like the W.I. hall is entering a new phase in its life, in forming a new management independent committee. The hall is a facility that many Parishes would pay a lot of money for, and could undoubtedly be put to greater and better use. If you have any ideas or would like to be involved, please let me know.
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HISTORIC WALKS FOR THE BEER & BUSES WEEKEND
If you do any of the Historic Walks over the Beer & Buses Weekend (or any other time), do let me have your feedback, good or bad, as I am passionate about bringing our history and culture to life, and want to know if what I am doing in that regard is working. Currently we have 2x Walks for Cowes, 1x for Gurnard, Ventnor and Shanklin, so 5x to date.

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John Nicholson
Ward Member for Northwood & Cowes South.