News and views

At a meeting of Isle of Wight council last night (5 October 2022) councillors voted by 18 votes to 16 not to approve the draft Island planning strategy. After this vote the council’s meeting reached its constitutional time limit of three hours, without any other decision taken on the proposals leaving the strategy in limbo. I voted against approval at this time. The proposals for Camp Hill and other prison land, along with sites on Noke Common and Horsebridge Hill, would mean a housing target of 1,025, with a development boundary still very close to Parkhurst Forest. In April this year I made clear to the council’s planning chiefs, and since then, that my view was that: the boundary needed…

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When walking into town from home, I noticed this road defect in Heytesbury Road and reported it to Island Roads. I’m pleased to see it has been marked up for repair.

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A resident alerted me to the poor condition of the footpath parallel to the dual carriageway in Hookes Way. There are many long and wide cracks. Adding to the hazard is a lot of overhanging vegetation. I’m pleased that Island Roads have confirmed that jobs have been raised for repair of the cracks, and cutting back of the vegetation. The worst cracks are to be filled in as urgent jobs.

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We need bold and urgent action to help families pay their bills and heat their homes this winter. There is no other choice. Families and pensioners across the country are in the grip of a cost-of-living crisis. We have already seen energy bills rise by £700 this year. They simply cannot afford another, even bigger rise of £1,600 in October. This is an emergency, and the Government must step in now to save families and pensioners £1,600 by cancelling the planned rise in energy bills this October. We need a bold plan to spare families from soaring energy bills. The Liberal Democrat plan is to cancel the increase in the energy price cap announced by Ofgem for October. The Government…

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A water leak in Hampshire Crescent near its junction with Forest Road was fixed several weeks ago. However, for many weeks the site was left with a stony, untarmacked surface, much to the frustration of local residents who noticed the surface worsening over time. So, after weeks of emails to Southern Water, Dynorod and the council, it was good to see that the road has finally been patched (23 August 2022).

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In Parkhurst & Hunnyhill ward, the route goes along Cowes Road, Horsebridge Hill, Parkhurst Road, and Forest Road. For the final stage of the Tour of Britain on 11 September, on-street restrictions will be in place for the following roads in Parkhurst & Hunnyhill ward: Cowes Road to Horsebridge Hill No on-street parking allowed. Horsebridge Hill to Parkhurst Road From 6pm on Saturday 10 September until the race has passed on Sunday 11 September. Residents may use designated layby, however road closure restrictions will apply please be advised that access will be restricted. Parkhurst Road to Forest Road No on-street parking allowed. Forest Road to Gunville Road No on-street parking allowed in this area, this includes marked bays on the…

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