Your magazine from the Isle of Wight Council Issue seven July 2007 oneIsland www.iwight.com
Sailing spectacular Getting ready for Skandia Cowes Week
Also inside: Residents’ survey Special town focus on Cowes Your magazine from the Isle of Wight Council LKB Issue seven P' > I K A July 2007 www.iwight.co Welcome One Island is published each month, except for September and January – m these editions are combined with those of the previous month. If you have community news to share with other readers or would like to advertise in One Island, we would like to hear from you. Sailing We also welcome your letters – you can contact us by post, email or spectacular Getting ready for telephone. Skandia Cowes Week Post One Island, Communications, County Hall, Newport PO30 1UD
Email [email protected] Also inside: Residents’ survey Telephone 823105 Special town focus on Cowes
Welcome to the July issue of makingcontact councilmeetings the Isle of Wight Council’s USEFUL CONTACTS magazine, which brings you Isle of Wight Council, County Hall, important information from Newport PO30 1UD our latest residents’ survey – Fax 823333 showing how our One Island Email [email protected] programme of initiatives is Website www.iwight.com already making a difference across the Island. The second annual residents’ TELEPHONE SERVICES survey took place in April Call centre 821000 and May, and provided key Mon to Fri: 8am to 6pm information for comparison Saturday: 9am to 1pm with similar research carried For telephone assistance we recommend you contact the call centre directly where out last summer. You can find we aim to answer as many enquiries as out about the survey findings possible at this first point of contact. Unless otherwise stated, all meetings by turning to a special feature Popular numbers are in public at County Hall. Call 823200 24-hours before a meeting to ensure it on pages eight and nine. The Council tax 823901 is going ahead and to check if any items results show things are starting Education 823455 FACE TO FACE SERVICES are likely to be held in private session. to get better, although there is Environmental health 823000 Newport Help Centre Planning Committee much still to do. Housing benefits 823950 Tel 821000 (council chamber) Libraries 203880 County Hall, Newport PO30 1UD 24 July (4pm) In this and future editions of 21 August (4pm) the magazine we will continue Licensing 823159 Mon to Fri: 8am to 6pm Sat: 9am to 1pm to highlight progress with Planning 823552 Licensing Committee Ryde Help Centre (committee room one) the One Island programme Refuse collection 823777 Tel 812678 13 August (4pm) Roads and highways 823777 of initiatives which, through 188 High Street, Ryde PO33 2PN Audit and Performance Committee consultations, you have Tourism 813818 Mon to Fri: 8.45am to 5pm (committee room one) identified as the priorities for Trading standards 823396 Sat: 9.30am to 12.30pm 31 July (6pm) Brading Help Centre us to work on. Leisure services 823828 Scrutiny Committee We remain determined in our Adult and children’s services Tel 405873 (committee room one) West Street, Brading PO36 0DR 2 August (6pm) quest to ensure these projects Adult services 520600 IW Council desk – Tues: 9am to 1pm really have a positive influence Children’s services 525790 Shanklin Help Centre Policy Commission for Business and Local centres: Cowes 291144 Infrastructure on the lives of Island residents Falcon Cross Hall, Falcon Road, Shanklin (committee room one) Newport 823340 Mon only: 10am to 4.30pm and the Island as a place to live Ryde 566011 1 August (6pm) West Wight Information Centre 29 August (6pm) and visit. Sandown 408448 Tel 756140 Elsewhere in this edition we Headquarters 520600 Policy Commission for Care, Health Freshwater Library, School Green Road, and Housing feature a helpful preview of Housing 823040 Freshwater PO40 9AP (committee room one) arrangements involving the Mon: 9am to 5.15pm, 8 August (6pm) council during Cowes Week, Tues and Wed: 9.30am to 5.15pm, EMERGENCY NUMBERS Thur: (closed), Fri: 9.30am to Policy Commission for Children and and focus on Cowes and East 4.45pm. Closed for lunch (1.30pm to School Results Cowes as part of our regular In an emergency dial 999 2.30pm each day) (committee room one) look at how different areas of Fire and rescue Wootton Bridge Centre 25 July (6pm) the Island are represented. control centre (24hrs) 525121 Tel 884361 Policy Commission for Safer Out of hours: Joanne’s Walk, Brannon Way, Communities Highways 525121 Wootton Bridge PO33 4NU (committee room one) Councillor Andy Sutton Waste disposal 0800 3283851 IW Council desk – Mon, Tues, 26 July (6pm) Leader, Isle of Wight Council Wightcare 821105 Thurs, Fri: 9am to 1pm 30 August (6pm)
South Central Connexions sponsors One Island South Central Connexions is a government initiative, funded by the Department for Education and Skills. It supports all young people aged 13 to 19 years (or up to 25 for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities). Connexions provides impartial and independent advice on a range of issues affecting young people.
2 oneIsland In this issue NEWS DESK 4-7 Council and community news Islandimage FEATURES 8 Residents’ survey 2007 Your views on the council 10 Skandia Cowes Week Round-up of council arrangements 12 Representing Cowes and East Cowes Special area focus 14 Ryde Help Centre celebrates Ten years at the heart of the town 15 Dog control Beach bans and other measures 16 Guide to recycling waste Where our domestic waste goes
REGULARS 18 Coast and country Rural and coastal news 19 Trailers Events and activities Cover picture: Skandia Cowes Week (www.patrickeden.co.uk)
ONE ISLAND is published by the Isle of Wight Council. The council does not accept responsibility for goods or services offered by advertisers. Additional copies are available from the Customer Service Centre at County Hall, libraries and other council facilities. Typetalk calls welcome. Written, designed and produced by Corporate Communications, Isle of Wight Council. ISSN 1752-8038 © COPYRIGHT 2007 Isle of Wight Council, County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1UD. Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Limehouse.
Picture: Yachts off Cowes, by Carol Turvey
One Island is available on request as an audiotape, in large print, in Braille and in other languages. For further details, please contact One Island on 823105. The magazine is also available online at www.iwight.com
July 2007 3 newsdesk Joining forces to Big tackle speed Wild Read Picture courtesy IW County Press The latest council initiative to cut traffic accidents by targeting speeding motorists is Isle of Wight libraries are inspiring the Summer Reading Challenge Library staff will encourage now well underway. young people to read their way has formed a groundbreaking children in their reading and The Community Speedwatch through the summer holidays – partnership with The Woodland suggest interesting books for them scheme is being piloted at and earn new trees for British Trust’s Tree for All campaign. to try. The Fairway, Lake – and woodlands at the same time. Every book that a child on the The Big Wild Read website will involves police supporting local The Big Wild Read is the Island reads as part of the Big capture children’s responses to the volunteers in monitoring the ninth national Summer Reading Wild Read will be rewarded by tree books they are reading, and help speed of traffic. Challenge – a reading promotion tokens, which can be converted them discover more about their The speedwatch volunteers that runs in libraries throughout into new trees for Britain’s woods. favourite authors. use hi-tech radar and blue tooth the summer holidays. The more books that children There will be games and equipment to clock the speed Children are challenged to read read, the more trees will be planted, activities, tips on how to make a of motorists and record the six or more books of their choice, with up to 20,000 being planted in difference and a link with stories details of offending vehicles. spurred on by an exciting range of the UK in the autumn as a result of on the web through which children These are then passed on to the free incentives (including a medal) the challenge. can contribute reviews. police who contact and warn and activities. The Big Wild Read is Island libraries will be helping Elspeth Jackson, the council’s motorists that their speeding is also a call to action for children to children every step of the way. development librarian for young unacceptable. make a positive difference to the Each participant will be given a Big people and lifelong learning, said: The Lake speedwatch is environment. Wild Read folder with stickers to “We hope as many local children the first scheme of its kind on Libraries and the BBC have collect during the summer. as possible will join in the Big the Island, and others will be worked together to link the The libraries will also be offering Wild Read and enjoy a summer introduced over the coming year. Reading Challenge to the Breathing children free packets of wild flower of reading. Isle of Wight libraries The speedwatch locations Places environment campaign, seeds when they join, which if will help children explore the have been chosen by council as featured in programmes like planted at the beginning of the imaginative world of books, and road safety experts after parish Springwatch and Nature’s Calendar. summer, will grow and flower by find out how to make a difference and town councils were asked As part of Breathing Places, the autumn. to the environment.” to submit problem areas in their patches. Tracey Skipper, the council’s Paul is Island’s new chief fire officer senior road safety officer, said: The council has appointed long- of “poor” to its current position of “The aim is that the warning serving firefighter Paul Street as the “improving well”. notices received by speeding Island’s new chief fire officer. Stuart Love, director of motorists will educate them that Paul, 48, from Brighstone, was environment and neighbourhoods, the speeds at which they have selected ahead of applicants from all said: “Paul not only understands the been driving are not acceptable.” over the UK. need to take the service forward Other steps being taken by He has been a firefighter on the through modernisation, he has the council to cut the number Island since 1978 and has risen been at the heart of the great work of traffic accidents include through the ranks to become acting done so far in that direction. He installing speed-reactive signs, chief fire officer since October 2005. has tremendous knowledge of the anti skid work and introducing In that time, the service has moved service at all levels and also has a 20mph speed limits outside on from an Audit Commission rating great passion for the Isle of Wight.” schools where possible.
4 oneIsland Council and community news
Twenty years after it was launched, the Crimestoppers charity is going from Actor helps strength to strength. launch special Designed to give a lifeline to those with information who would not or could week not talk to the police, Crimestoppers can claim at least 17 arrests a day across Britain from information passed to the police. It has taken time to get the message across, break down old prejudices and generate confidence that the protection of anonymity provided by Crimestoppers means no one will know you phoned. On the Island, there were 37 useful calls in May, more than Portsmouth and Southampton. The Island figures have risen significantly this year following a leaflet with the Isle of Wight County Press newspaper late in 2006. In April this year there was one call a day to Crimestoppers on the Island, a big increase on the one call a week figure for April 2006. Crimestoppers established a volunteer board on the Island in the summer of 2005. Its first campaign – in conjunction with Medina Housing – was to bring How to keep the message to Pan. Since April 2006 there have been 32 valuable calls about safe was the key crime in Pan. A second campaign against doorstep crime was launched with theme highlighted Age Concern and Neighbourhood Watch to highlight the vulnerability of older by the council’s Campaigns people taken in by distraction burglars and rogue traders. learning disability The Island board was set up by Dick Bradbeer, chairman of the County Press services when the boost Group, who has now handed over to Peter Grimaldi – former Island High Sheriff. Island took part in All calls from the Island are handled by the charity’s call centre at Godstone National Learning Crimestoppers’ in Surrey, which is open around the clock. It is manned by paid professionals Disability Week. trained in handling agents and informers. The council success Calls are free and callers’ details are neither asked for nor captured. No teamed up with recordings are made of any calls. Mencap Pathways as well as other organisations to Smartening up our raise awareness of Gurnard joins No Cold the issues faced public conveniences by people with Calling Zones Three toilet blocks have been overhauled at learning disabilities the end of the first phase of a major £800,000 during the week at The parish of Gurnard has become drive to improve Island public conveniences. the end of June. the latest area on the Island to The refurbishment of toilets at Eastern The week was declare itself a No Cold Calling Gardens and Devonia in Sandown and the launched with an Zone. Parade in Cowes are part of the council’s One Information Fair In the scheme – supported by Island programme of initiatives. at the Riverside the council’s trading standards Plans to build new public lavatories in Centre, Newport, service – No Cold Calling Zones Brannon Way car park, Wootton, Brading’s and was opened are clearly defined by signage main car park, Yaverland car park and the by actor Geoffrey warning rogue traders they are Cascades at Ventnor are also progressing. Hughes (pictured) not welcome. In addition, the toilet building in The Cut and Councillor Work is also done within the in Cowes is being replaced, while a major Dawn Cousins, zones to inspire confidence in overhaul of the toilets in Appley Park, Ryde will cabinet member for residents to say “no” to uninvited also begin this year and be completed well in health and commu- salespeople or tradesmen. This time for the 2008 holiday season. nity well being. process involves pre-notified As well as refurbishment the initiative Activities during visits by trading standards involves employing toilet attendants to service the week included: officers who give advice to Isle of Wight Age Concern, some of the busiest Island conveniences • a sponsored walk households and hand over an Neighbourhood Watch and during peak holiday periods. These attendants to raise funds for information pack with safety Crimestoppers. will be employed in the following towns (on the chemotherapy messages, telling householders Julie Woodhouse, senior fair duty from 11am to 7pm each day): unit at St Mary’s their rights and what to do if a trading officer, said: No“ Cold • Ryde (Western Esplanade, Eastern Hospital, Newport; cold-caller or rogue trader comes Calling Zones are one of the tools Esplanade, Appley Park, Puckpool, Lind • a ‘Play in a Day’ knocking. the trading standards service Street). arts performance The Gurnard scheme, aided on the Island is using to combat • Sandown (Yaverland, Eastern Gardens, The where people with by a British Telecom grant, was doorstep crime. It goes hand in Pier, Devonia, St John’s). a learning disability launched last month. hand with initiatives such as our • Shanklin (Chine Bluff, Esplanade Gardens, spent a day prepar- Other partners in the scheme work during the Operation Rogue Falcon Cross, Tower Cottages). ing an evening are the fire and rescue service, Trader project and also our Buy • Cowes (Medina Road, The Cut, The Parade, performance. community support wardens, With Confidence scheme.” Park Road, Mornington Road).
July 2007 5 newsdesk
This summer holiday free casual/public and fun swimming sessions are once Helping again available to all Island children aged up to and including 15 years old. youngsters Free swimming is available to any child who presents a Junior Residents’ Registration One Card. The card is free and can be obtained from one of the make the participating centres by completing an application form. A parent or guardian transition signature is required. If a child already has a card through previous free swimming initiatives, just More than a bring along the card and start swimming straight away. dozen Island The Junior Residents’ Registration One Card is part of the council’s highly children successful One Card scheme that provides access to sports and leisure facilities who face or at affordable prices. have faced The free swimming offer is available at three pools operated by cultural and challenging leisure services: Medina Leisure Centre in Newport, The Heights Leisure Centre circumstances Free in Sandown and Waterside Pool in Ryde. It is also available at West Wight Sports in their lives will Centre in Freshwater, with the Junior Registration Card. be enjoying an swimming • There is no limit to the number of swims during the offer period, but as with all adventure to activities, participation is subject to availability. Free swimming will be subject to Wales over the set session times. The offer runs from Saturday 21 July to Sunday 2 September summer holidays for children! 20 07. as part of the Active8 scheme. The council- supported Eradicate those scheme aims to provide a smooth bugs and germs! transition between leaving Island middle school pupils turned middle school secret agents to undertake a and joining high real-life mission to rid their own school for young kitchens of villainous bugs and people most at bacteria. risk of struggling The youngsters from to settle in. Archbishop King Middle School The idea of teamed up with the council’s the Active8 trip Take care environmental health department is to help build to take part in a food hygiene confidence and during project called Mission:Possible! self-esteem. It The scheme, run in partnership also helps the heatwaves with the Food Standards Agency youngsters is a UK-wide initiative aimed at make new Older people on the Island are being advised teaching pupils aged eight to ten, friends with to take special care if a heatwave is forecast. about preventing food poisoning. adults and They may especially be at risk from heat The project, which coincided other young exhaustion leading to heat stroke during with National Food Safety people while periods of extreme heat. Week in June, has been designed helping them Heat exhaustion symptoms include to complement the national explore their headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, curriculum, contributing to several agent’ kit to take home and carry own personal muscle weakness or cramps, pale skin, a weak key elements. It will be extended out a number of experiments in expectations. pulse and high temperature. to other Island middle schools in their own kitchens, for example The group If these symptoms are ignored, then heat the future. checking fridge temperatures. will take part in stroke/serious illness can follow. During Mission:Possible! pupils Warren Haynes, environmental team activities, To prevent heat stroke and heat exhaustion were provided with a mission health manager, said: “This project group work, avoid going out in the hottest part of the day briefing from environmental is an excellent opportunity sport and a and wear loose-fitting cotton clothes. health officers. This involved for raising the awareness of range of other During a heatwave, draw curtains or blinds class-based fun exercises food safety and how to avoid activities. if the temperature is hotter outside than involving learning about the poisoning in the home. Children • If you would inside and have a supply of water and ice basics of food hygiene, the really enjoy the scheme’s secret like more available. Once the temperature inside falls, causes of food poisoning and agent theme, helping them to information open windows. how it can be prevented. learn practical applications of on the scheme • For further advice look at the NHS Direct After this initial briefing the science and share that knowledge you should ring website, www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk children were given a ‘secret at home.” 529790.
6 oneIsland Council and community news
Celebrating the Island’s history, architecture and culture
PICTURED: Quarr Abbey is just one of the sites opening up to celebrate the Heritage Open Days This September the Isle of Wight is taking part charges apply for rail travel); the Underwater in Heritage Open Days, a major national event Archaeology Centre at Fort Victoria; Ventnor to celebrate history, architecture and culture. Heritage Museum; talks at Quarr on the Heritage Open Days takes place each year, ruins of the ancient abbey, and free entry to co-ordinated by the Civic Trust and English the Grade II* monastic church designed by Heritage, and this year runs from 6 to 9 architect Dom Paul Bellot. The first September. Stuart Van-Cuylenburg, Heritage Open Days The event offers free access to buildings co-ordinator for the Island, said: “Heritage Isle of Wight usually closed to the public or which would Open Days was enjoyed by hundreds of normally charge an admission fee. There will people last year. It was fantastic to see so also be a variety of free guided tours, walks many people appreciating the events on offer Design Awards and activities on offer. and learning about their local heritage. We Events and attractions on the Island’s hope this year’s events will encourage even The best in architecture and environmental Heritage Open Days schedule, include: a more people to enjoy the Island’s history.” design is being encouraged through the guided tour of a newly restored Victorian lake • For more information visit www.iwight.com/ Island’s first bi-annual design awards scheme. and walled garden; ghost tours; free entry to conservation (click on heritage open days) and The scheme is being developed by the Havenstreet station and museum (*normal www.heritageopendays.org council’s conservation and design team, with the winners to be presented with their awards at a ceremony in October. Find out about Directions There were eight nominations in four categories for 2006,&URTHER