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?	Parish Plan - What's the point? Posted: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 8:19 AM (BST) I like you read this imposing document. My conclusion is also like yours; "whats the point" This self generated group, to be fair, put a great effort into getting this far with the purpose of creating a Northwood Parish Council. However the results speak for themselves, the large majority of Northwood residents have no overwhelming desire for another layer of local so called democracy.The concept seems a grand idea but in the final analysis it will end up as just another talking shop. The main decision making will most certainly still come from Newport via the Isle of Wight Council. Most of the heady aspirations of the NVMC will in my opinion be thwarted by shortage of funds and decree's from IWC that schemes we in Northwood, see as important to our community will be "listed for action when funds allow" tell me this is not what happens now? Apathy to enabling of a Parish Council will not, with the best will in the world, allow the NVPC to truly be representative of the community; Returns far higher are needed to reach that goal.
?	Parish Plan - What's the point? Posted: Sunday, October 21, 2007 11:07 AM (BST) The Parish Plan Im afraid, probably suffers the same lack of interest that is bestowed upon the Northwood Website. Personally I love the idea of the website, but it seems to be ignored by most of the Community, with the obvious exception of 'us three' in this list. I have contributed often to this website and have always been very disappointed at the apparent lack of interest in it. Likewise, I think the fantastic job that is done by those that create the brilliant flower beds etc around the village goes unnoticed by most. A Parish Plan can only work if there is a Community spirit.................unfortunately, a thing of the past in my opinion.
Admin	Parish Plan - What's the point? Posted: Monday, October 22, 2007 4:31 AM (BST) I appreciate that this forum thread concerns the Parish Plan but as one of the website administrators I thought the last comment was sadly correct in terms of the website and its input from members of the local community. I also note that there was an interesting comment in the Parish Plan - Information section that after a glowing endorsement of the website said the following "However, the reach of this facility is not clear". I would agree with this comment within the context of readers/writers within the Village of Northwood. I would point out though that actual reach of this website is global and is the only information source in Northwood that can truly make that claim. As an administrator I have access to the website statistics and can tell you that the number of unique visitors and visits is on an upward path (last month 1690 unique visits and 3233 visits). When we look at the search phrases that lead visitors to the site a large number are concerned with finding local information on Northwood and Cowes however an equally large proportion are for general information such as "Harvest Poem" or "When do the clocks go back". So even through I will join with the previous commentator and bemoan the lack of community input. I will also remain positive that the website provides a unique information source that is used by people throughout the world and in some small measure promotes a tiny community on a small Island somewhere off the South Coast of England. Peter Gallop
?	Parish Plan - What's the point? Posted: Monday, October 29, 2007 3:28 AM (BST) What's the point is a very good question, one that I've asked myself time and time again when drawing the short straw to co-ordinate the plan!! The purpose of the Plan is to consult with residents and to ensure that our representatives be them elected Councillors or appointed (i.e un-elected) Committee Members, have a better understanding on how our community evolves. We can also use the Plan to give substance to Planning Reps, Highways priorities, Social needs and by allowing ourselves and other community groups to tap in to funding streams by giving funders evidence they require to sustain effective projects. I will endeavour to answer the comments, the very best I can in my capacity as Chairman of the NVMC and PP Co-ordinator. We shared the concern regarding the returns from the Questionnaire. Interestingly the Countryside Commission set a 15% threshold for returns. A lot of time was spent trying to get the Questionnaire right in the first place. One member of our committee felt the Questions were limited, not leading enough and the survey was too short, another member felt there were too many questions. Another matter that caused discussion was how best we enhanced returns. My personal view that 'we' should knock on doors to collect unreturned Questionnaires was resisted. Instead with the second tranche we stopped at collecting from letter boxes, (although I did get the opportunity to chat to some residents about their worries). All in all when you take in to account those households who returned surveys from different household members our returns stood at around one third of all households. That said, we gave every household the chance to return a Questionnaire....twice, so we can't say we didn't at least try! This I felt gave all residents in the village the opportunity to become involved, so in the very least satisfied the criteria for returns. On the more specific aspects of targeting the Under 45's, we used the school on numerous occasions to engage with the children themselves. By involving the children, particularly through the camera project you engage also with the parents. Sadly, like in most walks of life you always seem to see the same old faces... One of the Questions, that I considered important to ask was the 'What Services are felt to be a priority for the Parish Council' one. Having tabled this particular question when the NVMC was setting the budget for this year, and following demands from a frugal NVMC to cut expenditure, no-one was more surprised than me, to see that residents actually agreed to supporting these functions despite my health warning that this would increase precepts. The fact that the Parish Council will be irrelevant, will really depends on how proactive the Councillors will be in supporting the communities aspirations contained. At least when the Parish Councillors are elected (or appointed) next year, this should give them a mandate for the community rather than making off the cuff decisions. This will give them no excuses for making duff decisions. As far as the NVMC is currently concerned, I consider we have a good working relationship with the Isle of Wight Council. Although I can name two or three decisions that have not gone our way, I consider our relationship to be largely proacive and supportive with our views usually incorporated. It is my hope that next year we will have an Election for the Parish Council. As somebody who believes strongly in local Councillors being appointed to represent the views of their communities rather than there own self interests, or solely the interests of there supporters. I consider this paramount for any elected rep. Our Parish Plan will give these 'Councillors' at least a framework to work from. From Paul Fuller (Aged 38!!), Chairman NVMC and PP Co-ordinator
?	Parish Plan - What's the point? Posted: Friday, November 02, 2007 9:36 AM (BST) I have no problem with people having aspirations to the benefit the local community;but when comments such as "As somebody who believes strongly in local Councillors being appointed to represent the views of their communities rather than there own self interests, or solely the interests of there supporters. I consider this paramount for any elected rep." Where does this political animal live? In my opinion our elected representatives from Government down to Parish Councils all suffer from this self delusion. At the final analysis when shove becomes push our "democrats" will cling together under whatever banner they march and take decisions not for the good of the community but based on the political will that prevails and with it the power. Time will be the judge of that. The basic and definite element that will drag the community from its slumber is when they have to start paying extra with whatever precept is set by this new body; Once set it will be not many years before it starts climbing year on year as the current Council Tax does. At this point the usual dross will be trotted out telling us that "they have kept the rise to within the rate of inflation etc. etc." and its what the people of Northwood want so someone has to pay. Good luck to those involved, but I foresee that as time goes by then we will see the infighting that is so prevalent higher up the democratic chain. As with all things once "invented" it cannot be undone easily.
?	Parish Plan - What's the point? Posted: Saturday, November 03, 2007 5:30 AM (BST) Why is there a Parish Council? A minority are involved in it and a minority asked for it in the first place. It appears to me to be yet another level of bureaucracy which we have to pay for. The Council provides the services so lets pay them directly and miss out the middle men. It is our elected councillors job to represent our views an make sure the Council provides the services we require. Is it possible to remove a parish council if we get another minority to sign a petition?
?	Parish Plan - What's the point? Posted: Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:56 PM (BST) With reference to the final sentence of the previous view "Is it possible to remove a parish council if we get another minority to sign a petition?" Unfortunately the die is cast! it will need a large turnout of the residents of Northwood at meetings, and through letters, emails etc. to try and influence the NVMC that the whole scheme is not wanted by the "majority of residents". My own fear is we have left it too late!! But time will tell. Come on Northwood vote with your views at least one way or the other; make democracy work. Turn outs of 30-50 at meetings out of a potential 1100-1200 voters is not good enough; make your self heard, once its all done and dusted we all will be paying the price. In some cases duplicating payments. In my opinion this profligate scheme should go the way of the DODO. In the past Northwood has comprehensively voted against Parish Empowerment that was the right decision then and its the right decision now!
?	Parish Plan - What's the point? Posted: Wednesday, November 07, 2007 4:55 PM (BST) If residents were too ignorant to get up off their backsides and object to emparishment two years ago at the public meetings and then again at the time the signatures were collected, then what do they expect? 300 people signed a petition calling for Emparishment and although its a minority of the overall population, nevertheless its 300 people more than those who actually did something about objecting to it in the first place. Let's just hope the same apathy doesnt continue when it comes to the elections, otherwise who knows what the precept will be!!
?	Parish Plan - What's the point? Posted: Thursday, November 08, 2007 1:58 AM (BST) Reading the comments on this thread I get the distinct idea that the answer to the original posters question is that apathy rules. However if we accept that the NVMC/Parish Council is a permanent fixture (even if due to apathy), then how can we assist Paul Fuller et al? As far as I am aware the members of the NVMC are not deluded or self-serving but individuals that are trying to better the community. I believe the keyword here is community or actually lack of it. Northwood is becoming a non-descript, boring housing estate on the outskirts of Cowes. We need events and projects to focus the attention of residents and reinforce the identity of the village and residents. So how about a Christmas Fair or a Summer Fair, why don't we have a Northwood Firework event like Gurnard? I know we always return to apathy but I believe the number one job of the Parish Council is to address the subject of community and they may find that a lot of the mundane work they do will be easier for it.
?	Parish Plan - What's the point? Posted: Thursday, November 08, 2007 1:09 PM (BST) Finally some one has risen and decided to address/defend the issue "Is there a need for a Parish Council?" Within the post there is a small case for emparishment...Community Spirit: Unfortunately in this 21st century many people are too busy living their own lives to spend time, and more often than not, waste precious hours working to develop a "Community" If apathy reigns on this issue then that is what a large percentage of the residents want; not as a sign they are lazy and complacent only too willing to let their area die a slow death due to apathetic boredom. Regarding events such as Summer Fairs etc.These type of events are extremely time consuming and generally not supported well, the best example of this is the County Show (incidentally held in Northwood) dying year on year. I am only too aware my views are perhaps not popular with those of the village population who it seems are committed to Parish Empowerment, but if I kick start some form of debate on the whole issue then the end result will be a result for democracy and at least reflect the wishes of a larger number of the village. Those who wish to donate their time and commitment to serve the rest of us, then what they do on our behalf will be without challenge and sniping, but let there be more responses either through this forum or via mail to the members of the NVMC. Speak now at least when it can make a difference. G R Cotterill Northwood These are my personal views, I am not attached to any flag or banner.
?	Parish Plan - What's the point? Posted: Monday, November 12, 2007 7:43 PM (BST) Further to my previous posts regarding Northwoods slide into Parish Empowerment; I wonder how many residents are under the impression that the new Precept will be between £5 to £10; Well be prepared to start paying in the region of double that per each home. What! I hear some of you say; and this is only the beginning, soon as the Isle of Wight Council see that there can be saving on their budget watch the skies for those schemes to come flying over to land on the doormat of accountability of ...Parish Council. They look good...we those with Parish Empowerment are left with explaining to do?? Our village needs a thriving community,a place where people give help where needed. We will still have in place the Community Forum,the Church,the school,Brownies,scouts and Guides all working to help keep the spirit alive; we don't need another layer of local democracy...do we? If you feel strongly against this then do something, when the vote comes round in 2008 register your intentions through the ballot box. Write to member of the NVMC expressing your views, they are basing the whole issue on the returns from just under 300 + votes. Apathy will reign if people waste this chance to influence their lives. Too late whinging after it is all done and dusted. G R Cotterill Northwood
?	Parish Plan - What's the point? Posted: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 4:26 AM (BST) It might be worthwhile at this stage to remind readers of this thread to why we will find ourselves with a Parish Council, for the second time in recent history. In 2002, on behalf of the then Northwood Residents' Association and Northwood Community Forum I circulated a Questionnaire to every household in Northwood asking householders various questions on projects they wanted developed and also whether they supported a Parish Council. Of the 406 returns- 73 Agreed, 154 Disagreed and once again an astounding 179 had no opinion one way or the other. In 2005, things changed... At the end of that year, the Community Partnership (the body which absorbed the NCF and NRA) was told by the Isle of Wight Council, that Northwood was going to be precepted whether we liked it or not, in a bid by the IW Council (and government) to counter double taxation, as it was felt that Communities with Parish and Town councils were subsidising those without. In Northwood we were advised this was to the tune of £8000 per year (I think), and if we did not set up a Parish Council this amount would be levied upon our ratepayers. This gave the community two options 1. We rolled over and accepted the precept- with limited control to how this was spent or how much this became or 2. We established for ourselves a Parish Council, where local people controlled the precept. In local residents agreeing through petition signaturees to emparishment (Option 2), the new Northwood Village Management Committee was tasked to prepare for the new Parish Council. For the last two years 'our' precept fell well below the figure which the Council wanted to impose upon us, The reason why our precept is lowest out of all the Management Committees is because 1. The NVMC are all local residents themselves not wanting high precepts; 2. We are all happy to do much of the work ourselves rather than relying upon paid personnel; 3. As an organisation we have been successful in bids for Grant Funding,(with thanks for this to Colin Palmerton of the Northwood Community Partnership, and Maxine Yule as NVMC Secretary!) and 4. At the end of the day we are all accountable in the decisions we take, be it with our neighbours or through the prospect of the ballot box next year! In light of the opinion expressed, I feel I must add are that we are not '"democrats" clinging together under whatever banner we march, taking decisions not for the good of the community but based on the political will that prevails and with it the power', as suggested. Let's get real here, we are 9 volunteers making recommendations on planning, discussing dog dirt, dealing with planting up the village and supporting our secretary in writing bids for grants- with the hope that we can put OUR precept to the very best use. In my past lives as a County Councillor, as a Town Councillor and as a Parish Councillor- I have never worked alongside any team, so enthusiastic, hardworking and passionate about its local community. Since forming the NVMC, we have tried the very best that we can to make the Committee as transparent as possible, by allowing 'open' access and participation to the Committees meetings, regular reports in the Northwood News, Open debates, involvement with setting the precept, Questionnaires to each household etc. What more, would residents expect from me as Chairman, from my Management Committee or a future Parish Council? That said, if the option is we do nothing prevails- I for one am more than happy to accept this, (it might mean that I saw the daylight occasionally!!) After all there is nothing stopping residents putting themselves forward for election, choosing to meet irregularly and never making decisions or representing the views of the Community. Indeed the first Northwood Parish Council was a Parish Council in name only, as was the case at the turn of the last century. At least in residents agreeing to Option 2, in the first instance gives future Parish Councillors this option. Although I would personally favour seeing our precept reinvested back in to the community, in light of our Parish Plan's aspirations. The final decision will fall on our Parish Councillors, in whatever shape or form they may materialise. Paul Fuller, Chairman. Northwood Village Management Committee 74 Wyatts Lane, Northwood. Tel: 289595.
?	Parish Plan - What's the point? Posted: Friday, November 16, 2007 8:00 AM (BST) In response to the last post from the Chairman of NVMC, I feel he is preaching to the converted, I am very aware what the ramifications are, if the residents decide they do not wish to ratify the decision regarding the empowerment of Northwood Parish Council, What then?... Its no use "throwing baby out with the bath water" as the penultimate paragraph of his post implies. If we are to have representation then then its a case of either put up or shut up in my opinion. In regard to the comments on the transparency of the Community Forum followed by the NVMC, yes he is correct there can be no criticism of the openness of the procedure so far; but that doesn't mean residents cannot express themselves and their concerns. The remarks regarding the precept for 2008 I find some what worrying; as one living in the "real world" as was so eloquently put, I know all about trying to meet the demands of living, heating, Council Community charge, and soon a Parish precept on top of that. I am not so naive to think that as the years roll on that both the Island Council and all Parish Councils will be under the cosh trying to issue "rate demands"that will not create ill feeling at the ballot box... any one who has represented large bodies of people know only too well that when push becomes shove the only one's that get trampled on are local representatives; for all the years of community work and countless hours, day's, weeks working to make life just a little better;all goes out the window when the demands for extra cash drop through the letter boxes. Finally I am "impressed" by the paragraph with the CV laid out, let hope all the experience gained can be put to good use and for the benefit of Northwood and its residents ; but I do feel that its insertion into a village forum debating the future plans of that village, is akin to early electioneering. Relating back to an earlier comment I made stating "one should either put up or shut up" when the time for submissions comes round then I will give full consideration to allow my name to be put forward for consideration by the village electorate. G R Cotterill. Venner Avenue, Northwood.
?	Parish Plan - What's the point? Posted: Tuesday, April 08, 2008 12:53 AM (BST) Answer to last question: BOTH!