Environment and Neighbourhoods Officer's Report

Bob Nelson

Freshwater Parish Council Meeting
Tuesday 6th July 2010
Environment & Neighbourhoods Officer Report

Skate Park.
The grand opening of the recently refurbished skate park was well supported by participants and spectators. Approximately 70 youths from all over the island took part in the competitions, which were fiercely competitive.
I was delighted with the way the day went and was asked, on more than one occasion, if this type of event could be repeated in the future.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Cllr Fleury and the committee on their continuing support in making the West Wight skate park a much desired and appreciated venue for youths of all ages to enjoy a highly skilful sport.
The above improvement to the skate park has yet again proved how important our younger people are valued as citizens and that it is important that they are not overlooked and are integral to the future and prosperity of the West Wight area.

Community Forum.
Following the recent Community Forum held on Friday 25th June at the Memorial Hall, Freshwater the top four issues of concerns raised were speeding, width restrictions, parking restrictions and cycling on pavements and foot paths.
On Tuesday 29th June Cllr Stuart Dyer (Yarmouth),the Police and myself, carried out speed checks at various locations where excess speeding had been reported. The locations identified were Yarmouth, Calbourne, Shalfleet, Ningwood and Freshwater.
No vehicles were found to be in excess of the speed limit.
Plans are being made to continue with speed checks and to address the concerns that were highlighted by the members of the public that attended the community forum.
I will continue to support my colleagues from the Police to resolve the matters .

Projects.
The Probation Service Community Payback team have now started to refurbish and stain all the memorial and parish owned seats and benches throughout Freshwater.
I am due to attend a meeting this coming Thursday with the Community Payback project officer - Jane Swan - to discuss future projects that have been highlighted, i.e.
Footpath between Whittington Place and Sunset Close - general tidy up and cut back of vegetation. The car park area at Solent gardens - tidy up and de weed.
Skate park repairs to tarmac surface following recent refurbishment programme as highlighted in the ROSPA report.
Other projects such as Spinfish Lane and Long Halves footpath are on going, and this work should be completed soon.
I am also keen to re-open the safe route to school footpath project located at Moa Place to prevent pedestrians having to negotiate the car park areas.

ENO Reports.
Due to the pending IOWC Street function review and the future role of locally based Enos this may well be my last report to the Parish Councillors.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the parish council for their support over the last few years and say how much I have enjoyed working with such a dedicated team.
I have been honoured to serve the community's of both Freshwater and Totland and will do my upmost, if appointed to a new position, to keep the Parish of Freshwater a clean and safe place to reside, work, and visit.

Bob Nelson