Following on from News OnTheWight’s Isle of Wight council cabinet updates at the beginning of the year, Cllr Karen Lucioni, whose portfolio covers Community Protection, Regulatory Services and Waste, was keen to share further updates throughout the year. Here’s her second entry, in her own words. Ed
This is my second update that News OnTheWight have kindly allowed me to publish, thank you!
I am pleased that Donna Jones our Police and Crime Commissioner has agreed to come and meet with residents (from anywhere on the Island) where questions can be asked.
I do want to remind everyone that this is about ‘Debate not hate’, this way we will all get more out of the evening.
Isle of Wight Crematorium
Nestled in ten acres of parkland and woodland through which Palmers Brook flows into the Solent, the grounds of the Isle of Wight Crematorium are carefully and sympathetically tended to by a team of three technicians.
This year has seen significant work in restoring eroded riverbanks in the brook and clearing it of flood debris following the harsh winter storms.
Tranquil woodland walk
Although a bridge has been lost, the woodland walk remains a popular and tranquil area to visit and to scatter cremated remains. It is particularly beautiful during springtime with an abundance of primroses, anemones, violets and then bluebells. Indeed, the woodland has several plants indicative of it being part of an ancient woodland historically.
The parkland where families have scattered cremated remains of loved ones has beautifully kept lawns (courtesy of Eric and Erica the robot mowers) and specimen trees of varying ages.
Enhancing flora and fauna
While we already have resident squirrels, we are aiming to enhance our flora and fauna with the release of hedgehogs and participate in the national bat survey this month.
We are also developing a natural wildflower meadow and will be putting up owl and bat boxes. Residents are welcome to visit when the site is open for private time for reflection.
Thanks to staff
I would like to also thank the staff for the love they show the site and the dignity and respect they offer to families and their loved ones at an extremely difficult time.
Waste and recycling
Another important part of my council work relates to waste and recycling and straight away I’d like to thank everyone for continuing to support our important reduce, re-use and recycle sustainability message.
We are already an Island of recyclers, but, as they say, we can all do that little bit more.
Pass on what you no longer need
One option is to download the mobile App Olio that lets you pass on what you no longer need to people who live nearby — that could be food surplus or perhaps clothing you haven’t worn in over a year.
Although recycling textiles is quick and easy with our fantastic kerbside collection, there are lots of things you can do before that.
This can include re-using your clothes by upcycling them into something new, such as a t-shirt into a bag or cushion cover. Or simply donating to a charity or selling online.
Reduce consumption
The best option is to reduce the amount of clothing we buy.
We all have those clothes at the back of the wardrobe which seemed like a bargain at the time, but we have never worn.
Trading Standards
Trading Standards also falls under my remit, and you may have seen recent headlines about a major Isle of Wight Council investigation which resulted in a prolific rogue trader being brought to justice.
Earlier this year a jury unanimously convicted Simon Regan, who traded under Angel Coatings Resin Drives Ltd and National Resin Drives Ltd, of Fraudulent Trading after a trial that lasted nearly five weeks at Southampton Crown Court. He was jailed for three years and disqualified as a company director for six years.
During the case, the jury heard how Regan would simply ‘fob off’ his customers along with lying to Trading Standards during the investigation.
Thanks to staff and residents
I want to thank all the staff who helped bring this case to court as well as express my heartfelt gratitude to the many brave Island residents who gave evidence during the case.
If you ever encounter rogue traders, they can be reported in confidence to Trading Standards on (01983) 823371, or if you feel in danger please call police on 999.
Emergency management team
Finally, my work also involves working closely with the council’s emergency management team who work hard to ensure arrangements are in place to be able to respond to any significant risks that would affect the Island’s residents and the environment.
Examples of their current work include:Reviewing our response to incidents during the winter months, particularly around flooding and ground movement.
- Reviewing business continuity plans held by council service areas. These plans ensure critical services can continue during periods of significant disruption such as adverse weather, loss of premises and loss of utilities.
- The development and delivery later in the year of a live evacuation and shelter exercise, involving numerous council services and the voluntary sector.
- Supporting Public Health colleagues in the development of the council’s Heatwave Plan in line with the soon to be released National Heatwave Plan for England. This plan includes arrangements to protect our most vulnerable residents from the effects of a heatwave and guidance for event organisers.
- The ongoing review of plans submitted to the council’s licensing team by event organisers, including the development of specific plans and participation in exercises for the Isle of Wight Festival.
- Working to deliver the Island element of a regional multi-agency exercise to be held later in the year based on a storms, gales and flooding scenario.
I’ll sign off now by wishing you all a wonderful summer and please remember you are always welcome to contact me if you have any questions.
