NEWPORT PARISH COUNCIL

www.newportwight.org.uk MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 27th APRIL 2011, AT THE PARISH CENTRE, TOWN LANE, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT, COMMENCED AT 7pm. Present : Chairman Peter Whiteman IW Cllrs - John Hobart, Julie Jones-Evans and Geoff Lumley Safer Neighbourhoods Team Sgt Phil Smith, PC Joe FInch 7 members of the public Clerk: Mrs Maxine Yule

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies were received from IW Cllrs Dawn Cousins, Roger Dixcey, Richard Hollis and David Whittaker. 2. MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING 2010 The minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 28th April 10 were approved. 3. GUEST SPEAKER RAY HARRINGTONVAIL FROM THE FOOTPRINT TRUST Mr Harrington-Vail gave a background to the Footprint Trust. This was set up in 2002 in response to an IWC report on the ecological footprint of the Island. It was identified that we use 2.5 times of our earth share and there was a need to communicate this with a view to reduction. The Trust was started to help people understand how to reduce their carbon footprint. Talks are regularly given on saving money in a number of areas including water and heat conservation. The Trust highlights current schemes such as cavity wall insulation and free white goods from the power companies. He said there are a high number of people suffering from fuel poverty and the Trust can help to find grants to alleviate this. The Trust currently employs one full time and two part time members of staff, as well as numerous volunteers. They welcome applications from any residents, but prioritise referrals from Age Concern and Social Services. Mr Harrington-Vail went on to outline the Adopt a Garden scheme where residents with large gardens that are not being used are matched with gardeners. So far 40 matches have taken place. It was confirmed that all applicants are CRB checked. He said he had a good relationship with the housing associations and had helped residents who were struggling with their gardens. It was suggested that some collaborative work could take place with the SNT to emphasise the joint messages of conservation and safety. Cllr Lumley confirmed that space had been set aside at the Shide end of the Pan Meadows development for allotments.

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4. ANNUAL SUMMARY SAFER NEIGHBOURHOODS TEAM Sgt Phil Smith and PC Joe Finch gave a short report. The overall crime figures were down for the year and the special operation at Christmas to combat shop lifting had been a great success. Sgt Smith said that violence against the person had increased and this was not helped by having several licensed premises together in the High Street. Burglary numbers had reduced and this was due to the main perpetrator being convicted. The drug figures are always skewed by the IW Festival and Bestival, but these had still reduced. Theft from cars had also reduced. He reported that domestic violence had increased, although this varies due to the time of the year. A request was made for the figures to be distributed to the councillors. The Section 30 order that allows for the dispersal of a gathering of two or more people had successfully reduced trouble in the bus station and Church Litten area. Questions were asked out the Local Area Groups. These have been set up in Pan, Fairlee, Carisbrooke, Parkhurst and town centre areas. They consist of members of the public and business owners who prioritise areas for the SNT to action. One area highlighted is the anti social behaviour in the High Street. The SNT are now proactively looking to review licences to see if stricter controls are required. Cllr Coburn said it would be beneficial for the parish council to know the views of the SNT when looking at new licence applications. The area borders and membership of the LAGs were also questioned. Sgt Smith explained that the guidance for membership required members of the public other than councillors, however at one of the first meeting a request was made for a member of the parish council to attend. He also explained that the groups had been set up to cover the four neighbourhood areas, Carisbrooke and Shide, Newport North, Newport South and the town centre. 5. ANNUAL REPORT - NEWPORT PARISH COUNCIL The Chairman of the Parish Council presented the annual report. This was distributed at the meeting and forms Appendix A of these minutes. 6. ANNUAL SUMMARY - IW WARD COUNCILLORS Carisbrooke Cllr Hobart submitted his report. This is attached to the minutes. Newport Central Cllr Jones-Evans gave a verbal report. She commented on a number of areas: Parish ward boundaries these were now in line with the IWC boundaries Church Litten this was a lot tidier and the litter picking was working well. Nodehill School this will become a 6th form centre and she hoped the pupils would take ownership of the green space and become role models for the area. She hoped eventually to see the return of the library to its roots and the building could possibly house a heritage centre. Youth Cafe this is now open from 4pm and it was a direct result from the LAG meeting. Hookes Way landscaping was taking place with trees and raised beds. Parking following the cessation of residents parking permits, a 150 permit had come into operation allowing parking 24/7 for council car parks within 200m of their home. However the short stay car parks are empty and this is an ongoing consideration. Mill Street/ Sainsburys/Foxes Road it is hoped that the planning issues would be resolved to enhance the conservation area while not stifling growth.

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Newport East Cllr Lumley submitted his report in advance. This was distributed at the meeting and is attached to the minutes Newport North Cllr Cousins was unable to attend the meeting and submitted a written report which is attached to the minutes. Newport South Cllr Dixcey was unable to attend the meeting and submitted a written report which is attached to the minutes. Newport West Cllr Whittaker was unable to attend and had submitted his report in advance. This was distributed and is attached to the minutes Parkhurst Cllr Hollis was unable to attend and submitted a written report which is attached to the minutes. The reports form Appendix B of the minutes 7. OPEN SESSION Mr Goodman asked if the parish council were still committed to making Newport a Green Town. This was confirmed. The meeting closed at 8.15pm Contact : Maxine Yule: 01983 297367/559119 or maxyule@gmail.com

CHAIRMAN

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