News and views

Isle of Wight Council is consulting residents on the help it provides for those on lower incomes in paying council tax. Around 5,000 residents currently get this help, known as local council tax support. Last year, the level of support was cut from 70 percent to 65 percent. Earlier this year, the council agreed with me that it should look at restoring the level of support it gives, especially given the cost-of-living crisis. I’m pleased this is among the options being considered. The main options included in the consultation include: keeping the level of support as it is at 65% increasing the top level of support from 65% to 70%, increasing the level of earnings disregard from £25 to £30…

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The pedestrian crossing on Horsebridge Hill has not been working for a few days. I’ve taken this up with Island Roads for an urgent repair or, at least, a set of temporary lights to be put in place until a repair can take place. This is a very busy road with a speed limit of 40mph. It makes it very difficult for any resident to cross, especially those who are less mobile. UPDATE: the crossing was repaired by the electricity company (SSE) last week. It was disappointing that it took nearly two weeks. I’ve told Island Roads that I was disappointed that, in the meantime, they did not put in a temporary crossing saying that residents could use the crossing…

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I reported the cracking pavement along Forest Road to Island Roads, who’ve confirmed that they will carry out “crack seal repair” from Parkhurst Military Cemetery westwards for about 200 metres.

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The council has set up a Facebook Page and a dedicated section of the Isle of Wight Council’s website  will both carry information on the race course and estimated race timings as well as advising residents on the best ways to watch the action and enjoy the spectacle. The sites will also explain what steps residents who live on the route need to do to keep the circuit safe for riders and spectators as race day approaches. Roads affected in Parkhurst & Hunnyhill ward are: Cowes Road Horsebridge Hill Parkhurst Road Forest Road A ‘rolling’ road closure will halt traffic a few minutes before riders pass through, and then re-open as they pass. There may also be ‘clearways’ where residents…

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Campaigning for safer pedestrian crossing by the mini-roundabout near Lidl was one of my election commitments. It’s taken time to get progress, but I’m pleased that a camera-based survey of the use of this crossing finally got under way earlier this month. Once the numbers have been crunched, the council will be able to look at what it can do to help make it safer when crossing the road at this point.

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The retaining wooden wall on Hunnycross Way is bowing outwards. I asked Island Roads for their view and they told me that they don’t consider it to be an imminent safety issue. They have said, though, that they will contact the landowner requesting repairs.

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