From joy’s humble crumble kitchen

We are still working on ideas to help make the budget go that bit further, last month was slow cooker recipes, this month using an air fryer that enables the air to circulate to help cook the food quickly while retaining crispiness on the outside and juiciness on the inside.

COURGETTE FRITTERS - Children will love these!

2 medium courgettes - grated - hand squeeze the liquid out

60g seasoned flour • 100g cheddar grated • 1 egg

2 cloves garlic - optional • ½ onion grated - optional.

* Put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

* Make 8 patties with the mixture. (place in the freezer for 5-10 minutes) to keep the shape.

* Put courgette patties in the air fryer at 180 °C for 5-10 minutes, leaving space between each then flip the patties over for an additional 5-10 minutes or until brown.

Use as part of a meal, a side dish or on its own with a dipping sauce.

CRUMBED CHICKEN FILLETS - 4 servings - Air fryer 180 °C

640g mini chicken fillets • 1 large egg • 150g dry bread crumbs

2 tbsp veg. oil • seasoning

* Whisk the egg in a small bowl

* In a second bowl mix the breadcrumbs and drizzle oil over - mix to together and season

* dip each fillet into the egg, then dip into crumb mixture until evenly covered.

* lay the chicken in the air fryer basket in an even layer and cook for about 10-12 minutes

STUFFED PEPPERS 4 servings - 180 °C

4 large bell peppers • 500g mince beef • 1 tsp. oil • 1 small diced onion

2 cloves garlic - grated • 1 tin chopped tomato - drained good squeeze tomato sauce • 1 tbsp - oregano • 200g cooked rice

100g grated cheddar - or parmesan or a mix of both.

* Cut the peppers in half - scoop out seeds

* Stir fry the mince, onion, garlic in a little oil (cook until mince is no longer pink). * Remove from heat - add the chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, seasoning and oregano - add the cooked rice - mix well together

* Stuff the peppers with the mixture and place the peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket

* Cook at 360 degrees for 10 minutes. Top the peppers with the cheese and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes (until the cheese has melted)

Swap the beef mince for minced turkey or chicken.

News Report from Cllr Paul Fuller - for Cowes West & Gurnard

Tel: 01983 289595/07935 090835 - Email: paulfulleriw@gmail.com

Dogs

Last month I received the sad news that a dog not on a lead bit another in Gurnard. Following this, I was made aware that similar incidents had arisen both in Northwood Park and at the Recreation Ground. According to our Environment Officer, such incidents have increased since the lockdown. Please be aware and ensure that when your dog is being walked it is under control at all times!

Southern Water Pathfinder Presentation

Thank you to everybody who attended Southern Water’s session at Gurnard Village Hall. Although concerns continue regarding water quality, it was fantastic to speak with residents and find out about the plans Southern Water have to address bathing water and concerns over storm water.

Although the company has plans to contend with misconnections and water flow, it was again highlighted some of the issues that make the problem worse… On this, I had a long discussion over the impact that front driveways, paving over of gardens and artificial grass has upon the issue.

In the coming weeks eligible households in Solent View Road, Albert Road, Worsley Road, Church Road, Hilton Road, Baring Road, Woodvale Road, Woodvale Close, Jordan Close, Shore Road, Solent Lawns and Gurnard Pines will be contacted face to face to discuss having their free Water Butts connected.

Post Box Update.

Good news for followers of the Cockleton Lane Post Box. Following its base corroding Royal Mail will replace this much-loved post box. If necessary, I will continue to chase this!

Unadopted Roads. Because of incidents that have caused injuries to ‘Bin men’, there is a threat that where unadopted roads are deemed hazardous residents may be asked to leave bins in a safe location nearby.

Apparently, under legislation it is the responsibility of the homeowner behind dangerous sections of road to ensure this is kept safe. Mindful of this, I am assured this will only be actioned as a last resort following discussion with residents. Roads of most concern to me are Hilton Road and Debourne Manor Drive.

Council Tax Support for families on low incomes.

One of my commitments on re-election was to campaign to offer support for those working families on low incomes. In previous years this level of support through Council Tax has fallen from 100% to 65%, this followed the government prioritising support only to those of pensionable age.

Noting that entitled pensioners are entitled to a 100%, at Full Council, I supported proposals to raise support from 65% to 70% given the impact Council Tax debt has upon low income working families.

Planning Applications.

• Gurnard Pines: Application for 36 zero carbon Holiday Lodges. Ref: 22/02279/FUL continued over the page

Further to last years’ public meeting, proposals to redevelop a vacated part of Gurnard Pines was consulted upon last month.

• Bucklers View, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

Because the timeframe to commence on this application has lapsed, it is now necessary (should development be required) to submit a revised proposal. Because of this, I have requested Southern Housing clarify their position.

• Former Poultry Farm, Place Road, Cowes. Proposal for 14 dwellings.

Ref: 20/02229/OUT

Following concerns raised over highway access and affordable housing this proposal has been approved with conditions.

Military Road.

The life of Military Road could prove limited following the extent of landfalls following the cold spells this winter. At present road’s life could be as little as less than 5 years. Because of this, there is ongoing dialogue on whether the road should be left, or whether a short-term scheme to barrier and pile the road to safeguard its short-term future. The IW Council are working with stakeholders to find a solution whereby any structure would not impact upon the setting of the road and AONB. Please let me know your views!

Gurnard Pines.

A number of residents have contacted me concerning the recent closure of the Gurnard Pines complex.

Gurnard Pines have stated ‘it is anticipated

Cllr Paul Fuller

that we will reopen at the beginning of March, with a fresh look and ready to invite all Gym members and visitors alike.’

To note, The Pavilion café continues to operate through the closure.

Highways Issues.

• Bucklers View junction. Following complaints concerning impeded sight lines, Island Roads have reduced the height of foliage outside Bucklers View. This has been necessary at this time to avoid the bird nesting season which restarts this month.

• Gurnard Green.

Following the above Gurnard Sailing Club will be doing the same to trees adjacent to Gurnard Green. On this, I have requested before works commence that the IW Council’s Tree Officer has his overview of necessary works.

• Abandoned Vehicles.

These continue to be reported. For details see: www.gov.uk/report-untaxed-vehicle

• Pot Holes.

Following sub-zero temperatures this winter, our Island is currently rife with pot-holes. For everything you wish to know about pot holes call 01983 822440, or visit: www.islandroads.com

• Waste Bins.

The IW Council has taken over responsibility for waste bins from Island Roads. Following complaints over the delay replacing bins, I have been in touch with the IW Council who have now replaced lost bins.