This in from Julia Hill. In her own words. Ed
A group of Island residents, led by East Cowes resident Julia Hill have launched a petition calling on Council Leader David Pugh to resign. The petition lists just some his failures and the damage done since he took control at County Hall.
Target of 200 signatures
Although only launched a couple of days ago, the petition is almost at the half way stage of its 200 name target (95 at time of publishing this article). When this figure is achieved, Ms Hill plans to send it to Councillor Pugh, who will be asked to respond in detail to the many concerns raised. These replies will be made public.
“Unfair that only Shanklin residents can get rid of him”
Julia says, “So many ordinary people are worried about the council and the way it operates. No-one I know thinks David Pugh has done a good job for the Island and we think it’s unfair that only Shanklin residents can get rid of him. We also think it’s unfair that only Tory councillor’s can remove him as Leader of the council. This petition gives people from everywhere on the Island a chance to have their say.
“My own issues include the ridiculous planning process relating to the Asphalt plant in Cowes, because I really fear for the health of my children. Other people are concerned about Cowes Enterprise College or the huge Pennyfeathers estate, but we are all disconnected, I want to pull all of us together so that Mr Pugh can put his side of the story on these and other matters and we will judge him on that.”
Lack of responses to emails
Julia went on to say, “One of the many comments already on the petition says he never replies to emails so let’s see if he responds to this? I can’t believe how quickly the list is growing because it hasn’t really had any publicity yet. My target is 200 names but there is no limit to how many can sign it at www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/pughmustgo
If you sign it and have an issue needing answers from David Pugh, please write your concern in the comment space provided.”
The petition
The petition states …
We urge you to resign as Leader of the Isle of Wight Council.
Some of the things we are concerned about are in this open letter, others will appear in the comments below.
1. The promises you made about school improvements after the re-organisation were not true. In fact things have got a lot worse and there are no signs of improvement.
2. You are responsible for the Cowes Enterprise College building contract which is a shambolic disaster. The College is failing our children and they are being taught in an old and unsuitable building. We do not believe that you or Alan Wells, the Chairman of Governors has got a grip on solving these serious problems and we still don’t have a firm opening date.
3. You have overseen the failure of the Children’s Services Department. It is so now bad that Government inspectors fear for the safety of Island children.
4. Toilets. Libraries. Tourism Information Centres. Ryde Theatre. All closed by you.
5. Island roads are in a shocking state and very few believe that your beloved PFI will be a success or value for money.
6. People think that the stinking tarmac plant in Cowes is an awful idea. You are risking the health of us and our families.
7. You decided the boss of Wightlink is the Island’s only business representative on the Economic Partnership, then stayed silent when they raise prices and cut ferries.
8. We don’t have our bins emptied weekly any more. The service is much worse.
9. Most of us know unhappy council workers – they say things have never been so bad.
10. Our car parks are always empty = like our town centres. You are obsessed with more supermarkets.
11. We believe that giant developments like Pennyfeathers are not right on our Island.
12. You will not work with town and parish councils for the good of everybody, for example Newport and Ventnor.
13. You claim a full-time salary but only work part time at the Council and have another job.
