News and views

Island Roads annual customer survey is under way with a closing date of 28 February. The short survey invites residents to give feedback on the range of highway services delivered by Island Roads such as highway maintenance, road and pavement resurfacing, winter services, street cleansing and lighting, verge and grass cutting. The feedback from the survey helps identify those services deemed to be performing well and also those where it is felt improvement are needed. The survey can be accessed online with paper copies of the survey including large print versions available on request, by emailing info@islandroads.com

Read more…

The planning application for 203 homes at Acorn Farm on Horsebridge Hill was passed by planning committee members last Tuesday (23 January 2024). No councillor voted against the scheme. I’m not a member of the committee so didn’t get a vote. In my remarks to the committee as ward councillor I highlighted: I said to the committee that, although it is regrettable that a greenfield site is lost, having a site used for housing that is much more likely to help Islanders who need affordable homes to rent or buy makes this scheme acceptable. It isn’t a perfect scheme though. In particular, having urged the committee to consider the highways impacts it was disappointing that they didn’t discuss these at…

Read more…

I have noticed that the pedestrian crossing on Forest Road seems to be acting as though the button is permanently pressed. Traffic is being held up when there is no-one waiting to cross. I’ve alerted Island Roads, reminding them this has happened before. On one occasion this was, I understand, due to a microswitch that had been affected by the very cold weather.

Read more…

A resident alerted me to the return of the water leak in Hampshire Crescent near the junction with Forest Road. Leaks are never good and with icy weather this could be hazardous. I took this up with the council and they’ve confirmed that Southern Water have been informed. An inspector was due to visit yesterday (Wednesday, 17 January 2024). This post will be updated when I have more information.

Read more…

The following is adapted from an Isle of Wight press release …. ______ Eligible Island residents can now get free upgrades to make their homes more energy efficient. The scheme is first come, first served so apply now by visiting the Warmer Homes website or calling the freephone number on 0800 038 5737. People can also email: retrofit@warmerhomes.org.uk. These upgrades are worth up to £38,000 per household and could include insulation, air source heat pumps and solar PV panels. The money comes from the Home Upgrade Grant and aims to help lower income households whose home is not very energy efficient and not heated by mains gas. Energy saving measures could include solar panels, solid wall insulation and air source heat pumps which can…

Read more…

Isle of Wight Council is asking for residents for their views on the council’s budget and council tax for the coming year. The online survey is open till 26 January. The survey is rather limited but it would still be helpful to get as many responses as possible. Comments or suggestions can be emailed to budget@iow.gov.uk which may provide a better way for residents to get their views across in detail.

Read more…