What’s happening in our area by ‘Local and Vocal’ Lora

Peacey-Wilcox

RESIDENT PARKING ZONES: Due to residents’ concerns over on street parking (or rather lack of!) another consultation has gone out at the PD Wharf end of Arctic Road and on part of Bellevue Road.

I have had a number of residents email me with concerns.

As someone who has lived in an area with parking zones; it did not help our situation. However, fortunately we live in a democracy hence the consultation. PLEASE respond. The amount of work that goes into these requests is enormous. The last one yielded a very poor and inconclusive response.

HEDGES: Now is a good time to really trim the hedges right back before nesting season starts. Especially at entry and exits to your home. Think about a real prune back or redesign of the area. We know how quickly they grow. Don’t forget the council’s green collection service…….gosh I find it so easy (especially brambles and rose bushes).

BUDGET: The IW council will be voting soon on its budget for the coming year. They have to produce a balanced budget by law. This will be heart wrenching for many of us making decisions. Like everyone else, the cost of running premises has gone up dramatically - And that is despite us searching and locking in the best rates we could, some time ago.

My thanks to all of you who completed the IWC budget consultation. YOUR views

DO make a difference. We DO listen, YOUR voice helps us decide YOUR priorities.

As always our largest monies are spent on adult social care and children’s services. Again, everything we do is governed by law, and boy, is that complex!!

DEBT: Please don’t hide the bills in a drawer, bury your head in the sand. GET help and support. www.islefindit.org.uk

GRIEF: You are not alone. Many of us are grieving in many ways. GET help. www.cruse.org.uk 0808 808 1677 or helpline@cruse.org.uk also help at: www. islefindit.org.uk

ALL SORTS OF HELP: www.islefindit. org.uk www.islefindit.org.uk/advice-pages/ advice-directory

As always, please keep in touch via email. I no longer have a house phone due to moving to fibre and not the old copper cable. lora08@sky.com

If you are organising a community event please feel free to email the information to islandmagazines@ gmail.com and details will be shared in the ‘Dates for your Diary’ section

St Mary’s Church, Church Rd, Cowes

Mon: 10am & 5.30pm (improvers/intermediate)

Wed: 5.45pm (beginners/improvers)

Fri: 10am (improvers/intermediate) 11am (beginners/improvers)

Northwood Village Hall, 364 Newport Rd, Cowes

Wed: 11am (mixed abilities)

For info and to book call 07539 544865 email: dawn.e.middleton@gmail.com dawn.pilates.iow

My name is Dawn and I run Pilates classes locally in Cowes & Northwood.

As with many people in the fitness industry, I see such an influx of new people at the start of a new year. Some people ‘stick’ to their new resolutions, but some don’t manage it. The trick is to keep your goals small to start then any achievement is positive and don’t worry if you ‘let go’ now and then, be kind and patient with yourself. Whether you want to start a new hobby, meet new friends, or get fitter now is a very good time to start as January is out the way and Spring (hopefully) is fast approaching.

Pilates is suitable for everyone and ticks a lot of ‘resolution’ boxes - group classes are super friendly where you can meet people, improve your fitness and relax.

I am a Level 3 Mat Pilates instructor and hold certificates in Pilates with Small Equipment, Pilates for Common Orthopaedic Problems and Pre and Post Natal exercise. I am registered with CIMSPA, fully insured, DBS checked and have completed a Covid Awareness course.

Please see my main advert for details of my classes. I also offer private 1:1 or 2:1 tuition in your own home should you feel you aren’t quite ready to join a group yet.

So, if you fancy a try, come along and join us, you can call me on 07539 544865 or send me an email.

Report from

Cllr Richard Quigley - Cowes North

Email: richard.quigley@iow.gov.uk

After several requests to look at residents parking in Cowes North, the parking team undertook a survey of Albert Rd, Arctic Rd, Bellevue Rd, Bernard Rd, Fellows Rd, Grove Rd, Mill Hill Rd, Moorgreen Rd and Victoria Rd. Following the survey, the roads that met the criteria for a residents parking vote were Albert St, Arctic Rd ( between Smithards Lane and the roundabout at P.D Ports), Bellevue Rd (upper section only), Bernard Road, Moorgreen Rd and Victoria Rd. Letters have been sent out with details of how to support or oppose the proposals.

After the cold spell before Christmas, it has been much milder (but wetter), which will be a relief for keeping energy costs down. Gas prices are falling back to their previous levels too. I would still encourage anyone that is worried about their bills to contact the citizens advice on 0800 144 8848 or the Footprint Trust on 01983 82 22 82 For a caring and compassionate service 40 Place Road, Cowes. Tel: 292932 www.geoffleather.co.uk

I met with Southern Water just before Christmas, to see how they can help residents with their bills (I’m still pushing them to stop pumping sewage into the sea too). They offer several ways to get assistance with bills, Essentials offers a 45% discount on your bill if your household income is less than £21k per year, Watersure caps your bill in cases where you need to use more water for a medical condition, or if you are on means tested benefits and you receive child benefit for 3 or more children. It’s worth calling to see if you are eligible 0800 027 0363 or southernwater.co.uk/ payless.

07880 587931