Isle of Wight Gazette - Issue 82

THE ISLAND PEOPLE’S PAPERGazetteTHE ISLE OF WIGHT

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PUGH’S LAMBS LED TO

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TEN HOUR BATTLE TO SAVE BURNING THATCH ROOF

SEE PAGE 2-3 FOR FULL STORY

Contact the Gazette for News and Advertising: 01983 898340 www.iwgazette.co.uk The Gazette, Friday, February 4, 20112

NEWS

FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE THATCHED

COTTAGE BLAZE

Contact the Gazette for News and Advertising: 01983 898340 www.iwgazette.co.ukThe Gazette, Friday, February 4, 2011 3

NEWS

Firefighters from across the Island battled a blaze on Sunday evening (February 6) that broke out at a thatched cottage in Coopers Lane, Wellow.70 firefighters with appliances from Newport, Yarmouth, Freshwater, Ventnor, Cowes and East Cowes were tasked to the scene, along with the incident command vehicle from Newport, the water bowser from Ventnor and the foam salvage unit from Cowes.The occupants of the cottage, both retired and believed to be in their late sixties, escaped unharmed.Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property to cover items within the cottage to protect them from any possible water damage occurred in the attempt to stop the blaze. Firefighters also used six long extension ladders to make a fire breaks to stop the spread of the fire to the rest of the property.A neighbour, Mr. Robin Minchin, spotted the blaze after returning home from a day out on his boat and alerted the retired owner of the property, believed to be Mr. David

Vennings, who called the Isle of Wight Fire Service.Mr Minchin said “Coming along the road I could see smoke pouring out of David’s house. I alerted him and we then attempted to control the flames using a ladder and two hoses, but they [the flames] spread along the ridge too quickly”.The British Red Cross were on scene providing shelter and support to the owners of the property while firefighters continued to extinguish the blaze.Incident Commander, Station Manager Graham Orchard, said they arrived to find part of the ridge of the roof well alight.He said “initially the crews worked mainly from the outside to try to get the blaze under control and to try and create a break in the thatch to prevent the flames from spreading across the whole of the roof. A major problem with thatch fires is the blaze can spread undetected beneath the thatch – that’s why we made the break well away from where the fire appeared to be burning.The fact

it was a modern roof construction, with some fire resisting qualities, assisted us in limiting the damage.”Firefighters worked very hard to strip the thatch off by hand, while others salvaged what they could from inside the property and covered the rest in salvage sheets to protect it from water damage.Mr Orchard said they were grateful to a local farm owner who provided a vehicle from the farm, a telescopic handler, to help remove the huge quantities of thatch strewn around the property.“We were very pleased with the result. It was a successful operation, as we managed to restrict the damage to one section of the roof and prevented the fire spreading down through the roof meaning there was very little smoke and water damage inside the property.”He said the most likely cause of the fire was heat from the flue of a log burning stove, but they could not be absolutely sure.


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MAN ARRESTED OVER SHOVEL ATTACK

A man has been arrested by Island Police after an assault left a man needing hospital treatment.

A 26-year-old man, who police are not naming, was held and quizzed at Newport Police station for 12 hours by CID officers. He was questioned after a 31-year-old man, also from the Godshill area, was left with serious head injuries following an attack on Monday, January 24 outside Godshill Primary School.

The Gazette can reveal that Isle of Wight detectives swooped on a property in School Road, Godshill in the early hours on Tuesday

morning (February 1) to detain the man.A spokesman for Hampshire and Isle of

Wight Police said: “We confirm a 26-year-old man from Godshill, Isle of Wight was arrested on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 on suspicion of wounding with intent. The suspect was questioned at Newport Police Station and bailed until February 24, 2011 pending further enquiries.

“Detectives from Isle of Wight CID are continuing to investigate an alleged assault, which was reported in Godshill shortly before 3pm on Monday, January 24, 2011.”

Island Police are investigating a public order incident that occurred in Warwick Street, Ryde on Saturday evening (February 5), during which a 43-year-old Island man received a head injury.

The injury is not serious but the man remains in hospital on the Island for observations.

Two men aged 36 and 50, and a 45-year-old woman, all from the Isle of Wight, were arrested and released on bail while enquiries continue.

Officers were called by a householder to the scene at around 8.30pm on Saturday.

It is not yet clear how the man came by his injuries; therefore, officers are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident, or from anyone who has further information.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the CID office at Newport on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

POLICE LAUNCH APPEAL AFTER

SERIOUS HEAD INJURY

PUGH’S LAMBS LED TO THE SLAUGHTER

Granny Bo peep aka Doreen Britton swapped her nurses uniform for a shepherds crook as she joined many Island residents outside County Hall on Tuesday evening (February 8), who were protesting against the impending budget cuts imposed by the Isle of Wight Council.

Feeling they have been led astray, protestors gathered outside County Hall prior to the budget cuts meeting that saw councilors and residents alike express their deep concerns over the Council’s plans.

Ms Britton, a registered nurse, expressed that she felt the budget cuts are attacking the most vulnerable groups in society.

“Everything affects the ordinary folk and the budget cuts are targeting the elderly, the mental health service and youth employment” she said.

In a shock U-turn decision, Cllr George Brown announced that libraries at Sandown, Ventnor, Freshwater and Cowes will remain open for longer during the day, increasing to a total of 21 hours a week for a period of 1 year.

In addition to this, Cllr Brown also said that 4 libraries, East Cowes, Bembridge, Brighstone and Niton, would remain open for a further 3 months after the proposed closure date of 31st March 2011.

Many Islanders have been asking for Pugh’s lambs to be led to the slaughter, and tonight it was revealed that

£6.4million would be saved after 38 senior management posts are to be axed, as a delegated decision yesterday (Monday).

Council Leader David Pugh announced that revised recommendations will be presented to the Full Council, who is due to sit on 23rd February.


NEWS

KATE AND PRINCE WILLIAM TO VISIT ISLAND

Set to be the Island’s most iconic development of the decade, Pan Meadows, will be officially launched by housebuilder Barratt on Saturday (12 February) in a wave of royal excitement.Prince William and Kate Middleton lookalikes will descend on the Pan Meadows development in style, flying in on a helicopter at midday, to officially launch the development of 846 energy efficient new homes in partnership with Isle of Wight Council and Spectrum Housing.Barratt managing director Ian Wallace said: “We are delighted to officially launch Pan Meadows and having a helicopter and our very own Prince William and Kate Middleton bringing the glamour will really do it in style.”The launch will see Barratt open sales for Phase One of the development which includes one, two, three and four bedroom homes built to high green standards and level 4 in the Code for Sustainable Housing.Homes will be powered by a specially created biomass plant, which will supply energy from burnt woodchip, sourced primarily from the Island.A new education and community centre called “The Hub” will also launch this weekend, and will act as a central point for the local community to not only keep updated with developments at Pan Meadows, but also socialise and learn.“We really are building a new community at Pan Meadows and will be on site for several years; committed to providing residents

with a greener lifestyle, continued Ian.As well as all the homes at Pan Meadows being energy efficient, Barratt is creating them all to be ”Lifetime Homes” which are normal homes but incorporate certain design criteria.Mr Wallace went on to say “Each feature adds to the comfort and convenience of the home and supports the changing needs to individuals and families throughout their lives.“The homes are designed specifically to be flexible and adaptable, so for example there could be an area for a lift to be installed and the ground floor could be adapted to live in, if necessary.“Barratt is committed to building homes for the future and meeting theLifetime Homes design criteria is paramount in demonstrating this. Thedesigns are intelligent and cover almost every eventuality in a livingsituation for the rest of a person’s life.” Providing homes for the Pan Community isn’t Barratt’s only commitment. Barratt is also working hard to employ many Islanders directly, and work with local suppliers to deliver the landmark development. Training apprentices in the construction industry and assisting in building Islanders futures is also a key goal. Pan Meadows, situated between Staplers Road and St Georges Way, will also include a new country park, visitor centre, new recreation and play areas,teamed with a new local recycling centre.

TEEN REMANDED OVER STABBING CHARGE A teenager appeared before Island

Magistrates on Monday (February 7) accused of stabbing a 16-year-old boy following a fight at a house in East Cowes on Friday evening (February 4).

Officers were called at around 9.45pm to Gort Road, after reports of a public order incident involving a large group of youths.

18-year-old Kieran May-Cunningham, who gave the address of no fixed abode to magistrates, faced two charges of possession of an offence weapon in a public place, namely a lock knife, and a further charge of malicious wounding against the 16-year-old.

Standing passively in the dock, May-Cunningham, who had two black eyes, a broken nose, and large scratches on the side of his neck, confirmed his name and date of birth to the magistrates before being remanded to HM Prison Isle of Wight.

May-Cunningham’s case was adjourned to February 14 where he will appear before the Island’s crown court.


NEWS

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The Isle of Wight Islanders have announced that popular racer Tom Hill will be back wearing the Islander’s race jacket once more in 2011.

Hill, from Sheffield in Yorkshire, is a rider who has really been taken to heart by the Islander’s fans and his never say die attitude was one of the reasons that the Island management were quick to re-sign him, once they knew the new 2011 National League set up.

Tom said “I always wanted to come back, it’s a great place to race and a great club to race for, I love it and the fans too, they really have made me so welcome. I hope I can repay their faith and add a point or two to my average.

“I know everyone wanted

to come back, but the averages as they are were always going to prevent that, but we still have a good team lined up and I think we can surprise a few people.”

Another rider returning to Smallbrook is local lad John Resch. The youngster stepped in to help the Islanders during their hour of need at the tail end of the season and impressed enough to earn himself a contract for 2011.

Kevin Shepherd said “Tom was always in our plans, I think we would have been crucified had we not brought him back, the fans love him and we are sure he has more to offer, if he can continue in the progress he has made over the last two seasons there is no reason why he can’t be pushing for a heat

leader spot by the end of the campaign.

“In John we have a great little racer, we haven’t seen the best of him yet, he has a lot of talent and a good run in the team could see him become a big hitter for the team.”

Other signings are due to be announced soon as the Islanders prepare to try and bring home some silverware.

Work meanwhile continues to bring the stadium up to scratch, with new toilet blocks being constructed by the pits and plans are also afoot to upgrade the Premier Bar and kitchen.

Meanwhile Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd are busy planning the fixtures for which the opening one will be on Tuesday 19th April.

SECOND SIGNING FOR ISLAND SPEEDWAY

A Ryde businessman, who put sailing students in danger during an Atlantic voyage that should not have gone more than 60 miles offshore, has been fined more than £16,000 by resident judge Peter Ralls QC at Southampton Crown Court.

Oxford educated George Haworth, 41, of In2Sail Ltd, used the yacht ‘Quay Three’ but did not have the vessel equipped to the minimum levels of lifesaving equipment.

During the 4,000-mile voyage, the yacht hit a whale and also experienced other problems, which meant it had to head to port for repairs.

Haworth, who won top national salesman 2001, pleaded guilty on day two of a trial on Friday (February 4), to using an unsafe commercial yacht on a transatlantic voyage, when carrying students signed up for a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training course.

The businessman sent the students, who paid £8,000 each, on a voyage from Cowes, Isle of Wight to the Caribbean island of St Lucia with a skipper who was not properly qualified for the task, and on a yacht that only had the basic equipment to operate no more than 60 miles from a safe haven.

‘Quay Three’ had only one liferaft stowed in a locker and the only means of distress alerting was by a VHF radio of limited range and an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. The vessel also had no qualified mate.

The parents of one of the students, Annie Aitchison, were horrified at the lack of safety.

The students went onboard to gain qualifications from the RYA, which has since suspended its recognition of the company.

Haworth was ordered to pay a £7000 in fines and £6000 in costs, and was told he would face a default prison sentence of six months if the fine was not paid within a six month period.

Simon Milne, head of vessel policy at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said: “The codes of practice for small commercial vessels lay down minimum safety standards. Some sailing schools and charters go above minimum standards. The operator fell very well short of even the expected standards.”

BUSINESSMAN RISKED LIVES OVER POCKET

GazetteTHE ISLE OF WIGHT

NEWS IN BRIEF

POLICE PROBE NEWPORT CAR FIRE

CAR PLOUGHS INTO CRASH BARRIER

Police are continuing their investigations after a car was discovered on fire on Riverway Industrial estate in the early hours of Tuesday morning (February 8).

Firefighters from Newport were called to the blaze shortly after 0230 following reports of a car being well alight.

The fire is being treated as suspicious.Anyone with information is asked to

contact Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police on 0845 045 45 45 or 101

Delays were caused on Tuesday evening (February 8 ) on Medina Way, Newport after a car ploughed into the central reservation of the dual carriageway.

Emergency services attended the scene, which involved a black Honda Civic that was heading northbound towards Cowes.

Police closed off one lane of the carriageway while crews recovered the vehicle.

It is not believed that the driver suffered serious injuries.


NEWS

MYSTERY REMAINS OVER UNCONSCIOUS CYCLIST

POLICE have issued an appeal for information after a 19-year-old cyclist was found unconscious with no apparent injures, on the main road between Newport and Cowes late on Saturday evening (February 5).

The victim, who has not yet been named by Police, was spotted collapsed at the side of the road next to his bike by a passing motorist on the A3020 Parkhurst Road near Newport at around 2355 on Saturday.

Police officers attended the scene and carried out mouth to mouth on the cyclist, who was then taken the short distance to St Mary’s Road Hospital, where doctors continued to carry out CPR. The man

remains in a critical condition in the hospital’s intensive care unit.

Officers from the Road Policing unit closed the road for over five hours whilst they searched for clues on how the incident happened. The road reopened at just before 5am this morning (February 6).

Traffic officer WPC Penny Houghton said “We are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a male on his red pushbike prior to the incident. At present we are keeping an open mind to what has happened”.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police on 0845 454545 or 101, quoting Operation Tuba.

An Island man from Freshwater has been seriously hurt after being involved in a minibus crash near to the village of Pilley, Lymington on Tuesday (February 8).

The 44-year-old dad of two had to freed by firefighters after the minibus collided with the Freshwater man’s Toyota Carina shortly after 4.30pm near to the Crockford Clump carpark.

Retained firefighters from Beaulieu freed the man using cutting equipment.

The man was treated at the scene by South Central Ambulance Service and was taken to

Southampton General Hospital.The driver of the minibus was arrested by

Police and has been charged with an offence of dangerous driving.

Josef Vanek from the Czech Republic appeared before Lynhurst Magistrates court and pleaded guilty to the offence.

Magistrates banned Vanek for a year and fined him.

The Freshwater man who police are not naming remains in Southampton General Hospital.

CZECH DRIVER BANNED AFTER COLLISION

Hovertravel, the fastest Isle of Wight passenger service across the Solent, has partnered with Brittany Ferries to create some amazing offers, including relaxing mini cruises to St. Malo, France or Santander, Spain from Portsmouth International Port, from only £34.95 per person. All the offers include Hovertravel to and from the Island.

For a two night weekend break to St. Malo, customers can book from now until 17 March for departures every Friday at 2030, until 18 March 2011, priced from £34.95 per person. You can spend the evening enjoying the onboard facilities, with plenty of time to relax in the bar and get something to eat. The ship docks near the historic walled town. Visitors can walk round the ramparts of the city’s 20-foot thick walls for one mile to get splendid views of the town and the harbour and have a full day to wonder around the area and visit the local attractions and beautiful sandy beaches before departing at 22h00, arriving back in Portsmouth at 08h30.

The fantastic offer to Santander includes travel departing Portsmouth on Sundays and Wednesdays at 11h00, with 24 hours on board to enjoy facilities such as a stylish shopping mall, a leisure bar area, a luxury pool and a wide choice of restaurants. Customers will spend two days and nights on board Pont Aven, Brittany Ferries largest ship and the company’s flagship. Customers will arrive in the heart of Santander, within easy walking distance of the bustling town centre and can spend four and a half hours exploring the fabulous shops, tapas bars and restaurants. With elegant plazas and beautiful parks, it offers a great taste of the delights of northern Spain. The ship departs Santander at 16h30, arriving back in Portsmouth at 17h00 the following day. Book from now until 19 March for travel between 09 February and 20 March 2011, prices start at £59.95 per person.

To book these fantastic offer visit www.hovertravel.com or purchase tickets at the Ryde or Southsea hoverports.

HOVERTRAVELS DATING BRITTANY FERRIES

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NEWS

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Hovertravel, the fastest Isle of Wight passenger service across the Solent, are going orange again this year to help raise money for Go Orange Day on February 18th, where Independent Lifeboat Crews across the United Kingdom raise awareness for lifeboat stations.

Neil Chapman, managing director of Hovertravel said: “To support Go Orange Day we are decorating our terminals orange and our staff will be collecting donations for the charity. Cooperative Ryde has kindly donated oranges

to be handed out to every customer and in addition we are launching Sea Safety Week to teach our passengers about how to be safe on the water.”

Hovertravel have partnered up with Ryde Inshore Rescue to giveaway a trip on the inshore lifeboat as part of Sea Safety Week. Customers will be given sea safety leaflets, including a kids section on the back, with a quiz which gives people the chance to win the once-in-a-lifetime prize, a Hovertravel goody bag and a free family ticket for the hovercraft.

Neil adds: “Staff member Gary Spearman brought Go Orange Day to our attention and highlighted the importance of customers being fully aware of the safety precautions at sea and how we can help educate families by giving tips on sea safety. We chose to launch Sea Safety Week during half term (18th - 27th February 2011) because we know there is going to be a lot of families traveling across the water and we wanted to give them a fun way of learning about sea safety.”

NO BOTHER FOR THE HOVER

LARGE FINE FOLLOWING PLANNING BREACH

FAULTY LIGHT SPARKS ALERT

PENSIONER TREATED FOR SHOCK AFTER TOASTER FIREA pensioner was treated for shock after

a fire at her Shanklin property on Tuesday evening.

Three fire crews from Shanklin, Sandown and Newport attended after a toaster was accidentally placed on an electric ring of the pensioner’s cooker at the terraced house in Arthur’s Hill.

The fire was out before crews arrived, who vented the kitchen using blowers and removed the melted toaster from the cooker ring.

The woman was treated for shock by Isle of Wight Ambulance service; however, she was not taken to St Mary’s Hospital.

Refusing to remove a fence from a Grade II listed property has resulted in a Newportman receiving a bill for over £3500.

During a site inspection in March 2009 by planning officers to Jeremy Paul Cooper’sproperty at 114 Carisbrooke Road in Newport, it was found that work was underway to erect a fence on top of a boundary wall without the necessary planning permission or listed building consent.

A letter requesting the work cease was sent to Mr Cooper, although no response wasreceived by the council.

Two further letters were sent to Mr Cooper between March and July but again no responses were received by the council. On 13 July 2009, a letter warning the ownerof enforcement action was sent.

No response was received, and the council began enforcement action in February 2010,resulting in the serving of a listed building enforcement notice requiring the fence to be removed before 24 June 2010.

An inspection on 30 June 2010 at the property showed the fence still in place andthe Isle of Wight Council subsequently began legal action against Mr Cooper.

He was charged with failing to comply with

a listed building enforcement notice under the Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act 1990 and he pleaded not guilty at a hearing on 15 November 2010.

Following a trial at Newport (IOW) Magistrates Court, on Friday 4 February 2011 Mr Cooper was found guilty of failing to comply with a listed building enforcementnotice and ordered to pay a fine of £2000 as well as costs of £1528.77. Mr Cooper is still required to remove the fence.

Jean Penney from IW Council’s planning department said “Despite several letters andwarnings of legal action, Mr Cooper persistently ignored the council and as a result is now facing a large bill.

“The building he owns has Grade II listed status and there are very strict regulations when it comes to alterations on listed buildings because the laws are there to protect the archaeological heritage of towns and villages such as those on the Island. Alterations can also impact on the local area and indeed neighbouring properties.

“The best advice to homeowners is that before you look to put up large structuressuch as a fence, you should always check with the planning authority first.”

Three fire appliances from Shanklin, Sandown and Ryde attended a small fire at a former costume workshop that contains costumes in Station Avenue, Sandown, Isle of Wight Wednesday afternoon (February 9).

Fire crews were alerted after the owner

raised the alarm after smelling burning.Firefighters removed a florescent light

fitment and checked for hotspots using a thermal imaging camera.

No was injured in the fire.


NEWS

COUNCIL TO SAVE £1.8M OVER NEW CONTRACT

The Isle of Wight Council is set to save hundreds of thousands of pounds a year after awarding a new grounds maintenance contract to John O’Conner (Grounds Maintenance) Limited, ‘The Gazette’ can reveal.

The council has been able to save in the region of £1.8m over the life of the six year contract by combining several contracts together, however maintaining most landscape maintenance standards and in some areas, improving them.

John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance will maintain all of the Council’s formal parks, esplanades, cemeteries and churchyards, as

well as highway verges and some countryside areas.

Duties that will be carried out by the new contractors vary from grass cutting, planting and managing flowerbeds, clearing ponds and water features, sweeping leaves and managing shrubs to clearing litter and grave digging.

The Council has worked hard to ensure high horticultural standards of flower beds in public areas so that the Island’s parks and esplanades continue to look their best, despite the financial savings.

Other measures introduced to help achieve the savings include adjusting the number

of cuts per year and areas mown, along with using more efficient machinery and horticultural methods.

Mr John O’Conner, founder and Chairman of John O’Conner (Grounds Maintenance) Ltd, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed by the Isle of Wight Council to deliver grounds maintenance across the Isle of Wight. We are proud to employ local staff and are committed to supporting the local economy, having invested in a range of new equipment from Island suppliers.

“The Isle of Wight has outstanding landscapes and wildlife, and sustaining the Island’s beauty for both residents and

visitors alike is a top priority for us. We are looking forward to working with the council and the Island community over the coming years.”

Cllr Edward Giles, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We are really pleased to be working with John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance, who we are confident will provide good value for money while maintaining a quality service.

“The contract commenced on 1 January and we are impressed with the high standard of work carried out to date.”


FEATURE


FEATURE

GIVES PENGUIN THE BIRD

Facebook has upset thousands of children by shutting down the profile of Dippy the penguin from Seaview Wildlife Encounter, without warning – for not being human.‘Dippy’ has been the star attraction at Seaview Wildlife Encounter in Ryde since 1997 and was the first penguin to own a Facebook page.

Youngsters make regular visits to feed him fish – and nearly 3,000 fans from across the globe have been following his antics on Facebook for the past two years.Hundreds of photos posted included Dippy visiting a local ice rink, traveling to the Island by hovercraft and wearing cute costumes including an England football shirt and Santa outfit. He has also been snapped meeting celebrities including Dancing On Ice starsKyran Bracken and Daniel Whiston. Dippy is a 17-year-old Humboldt penguin, an endangered species normally found in coastal areas of Chile and Peru in South America.Wildlife park bosses

have used his profile as a light-hearted educational tool to inform children about conservation issues. Dippy had almost 3,000 Facebook friends, who have to be aged over 13 to sign up for the social networking site, with many more younger children using their parents’ profiles to follow his progress. Facebook took his ‘Dippy Seaview’ profile down on Tuesday without any warning or consultation, outraging the park’s staff and disappointing his confused fans.

The park’s manager Jules Brittan spent an hour a day updating his profile and corresponding with children.

She said “I am shocked and distraught and so are all the children. “Dippy had become an iconic mascot for us.”“My phone has been ringing all day with parents asking where Dippy has gone. Their children log on to Facebook and suddenly they find nothing.”

“Facebook is the ideal platform to connect with a young audience who

can learn about important conservation issues in a fun way.”“It is like Big Brother the way Facebook has taken Dippy down without any warning, explanation, consultation or offer of an alternative.”

“Dippy has brought loads of love and laughter to children all over the world.”“He loves being the centre of attention when children visit him and feed him fish and then they want to stay in touch afterwards through Facebook.”“I could understand his profile being closed down if we were doing something illegal, immoral or underhand.”“But he is an innocent source of happiness to so many children worldwide.”

“Why are Facebook picking on something so innocent, harmless and miniscule?”“Why silence Dippy? It is an absolute outrage.”Mum Sarah Jackson said that her eight-year-old daughter Liberty could not understand why Dippy had disappeared from Facebook.

She said: “Liberty was only looking

at pictures of Dippy dressed in a Santa costume on Facebook the other day. She loves Dippy and is looking forward to seeing him at the park later this year.”“She is wondering where he has gone and I think it is cruel that Facebook has spoilt so many children’s fun.”

Facebook insisted that its profiles are only for humans and refused to restore Dippy’s. It suggested that Seaview should start again from scratch and create an official ‘fan page’ for Dippy instead like those for footballer Wayne Rooney and talking TV meerkat Aleksandr Orlov.A spokesperson said: “Facebook profiles are for real people to connect with each other and share the things that mean a lot to them. “Dippy is a penguin, not a real person, so he should have a Facebook fan page instead, as used by thousands of celebrities, brands and organisations. “Dippy is welcome to come back to Facebook with a fan page where he can carry on talking to his fans.”


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FEATURE

MEET THE PARTNERS

9 PAGE PREVIEW ON SATURDAY’S PARTNERS AGAINST CRIME 2011


FEATURE

Geof Clynch…BNP.Organiser. www.bnp.org.uk

Island firefighters will be demonstrate their casualty rescue skills during a road safety display

Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is taking part in the event on Saturday to raise awareness of road safety issues.

Firefighters will stage demonstrations to show how they rescue casualties from traffic collisions using specialist cutting equipment.

Crews will be happy to speak to people about road safety and all aspects of their work, and will be able to arrange free Home Fire Safety Checks for them.

Road Safety DemoIW Fire Service

CCTVCrimestoppers charityDrug & Alcohol Action TeamEnvironmental HealthFirearms and Knife Education Fire and Rescue ServiceForensic CSIGet Sorted drugs educationHampshire Probation TrustHampshire Search and

RescueHM Prison Isle of WightIon Track drugs detectionLicensing

Mocktail BarNeighbourhood WatchNHS IW Ambulance ServiceNHS services (various)Police services for deaf peoplePolice Special ConstablesPolice volunteer recruitmentSmartWaterTrading StandardsVictim SupportWessex Youth Offending Team

Exhibitions


FEATURE

Hampshire Probation Trust supervises over 6,000 offenders across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who have been released from prison on licence or have been sentenced by the Courts to either a Community or Suspended Sentence Order. As the area in which we work is a mixture of urban cities and country towns, each environment requires a different approach and presents a variety of challenges.

We collaborate with a range of partner agencies and organisations to help provide the best offender management possible, by rehabilitating offenders and working to protect the public by

reducing re-offending. Through our provision of Community Payback, we ensure that offenders work hard to give back to their local community as a punishment for their crime. In 2010, over 200 offenders completed over 18,000 of community work on the Isle of Wight itself.

Every offender has diverse needs, and requires different support. This can be a challenge, but we believe that everyone has the capacity to change and we work hard to value people and their differences, and to support them on their way to a brighter future free from crime.

The Isle of Wight Council’s Dog Warden Service currently consists of four officers, whose duties include the collection of stray dogs and the subsequent return of them to their owners. Last year the Dog Wardens collected 222 stray dogs, the majority were returned to their respective owners. As well as dealing with strays, the Dog Warden Service seek to help owners to prevent their dogs from escaping again. They also assist the police with dog control issues, as well as other Council services. Work is also carried out from time to time with local Dog Training groups to promote responsible dog ownership. Patrols are

also carried out frequently to enforce the three Dog Control Orders, which are dog fouling, dogs on leads and several dog prohibition zones on some beaches around the Island from May 1st to the September 30th.

The Dog Wardens are offering a dog chipping service at Medina Leisure Centre during the Partners Against Crime event on Saturday, February 12. This technology helps owners to trace and locate lost dogs. On Saturday, the first 20 dogs will be chipped for free and thereafter dog chipping will cost £12 per dog.

IW Council Dog Wardens

Hampshire Probation Trust

Hampshire Probation Trust with Island MP Andrew Turner


FEATURE

FIND THE STRENGTH

“Very supportive and caring - keep up the good work”

:

“I was treated with the utmost respect today. All our needs were met. Thank you for being there for me and my family”

“For a volunteered charity, the work done and support is absolutely fantastic and would be hard to improve”

One Victim Support volunteer said: “I’m naturally a people person and like to communicate and make a positive difference to the community”


FEATURE

TO HELP FACE CRIME

“I like meeting different people, we’re all different, it’s all part of the fun of the work”

“The Witness Service has been very helpful and makes you feel a lot better in yourself and they look after you while you are waiting to go in court”

“Fantastic service and a big thank you”

“Just to commend you on the excellent service you are providing the community. It makes you feel like you are not alone and does put your mind at ease”

Finding the strength to face the consequences of crime is the mission of a campaign that has growing support on the Isle of Wight. The independent charity Victim Support is recruiting more volunteers who can give free and confidential help to people affected by the actions of criminals. Students from the Isle of Wight College and the RedTIE Theatre Group had makeup applied to their faces this week to highlight the physical and psychological harm caused by different offences. Volunteers are vital to Victim Support’s efforts to provide reassurance and resolve to people whose lives become difficult and disrupted because of

traumatic events. Anonymous comments from people already helped by the charity’s volunteers show that such support makes a huge difference to someone’s ability to cope with personal, painful experiences. Without volunteers, Victim Support could not continue to do all the positive work for victims and witnesses of crime. New volunteers are needed to ensure the very best support is maintained. For more information on how to become a volunteer for Victim Support, visit our stand at the Partners Against Crime event on Saturday, February 12. Alternatively, phone 01983 533688 or visit www.victimsupport.org.uk


FEATURE

“SEND IN THE DOGS” Canine crime fighters are on duty for a showcase of their skills

during this Saturday’s ‘Partners Against Crime’ event.

The Dog Support Unit based on the Isle of Wight has five dog handlers, including one Sergeant who supervises four police constables. The officers and their dogs provide round-the-clock cover for policing the whole Island. Three of these officers are demonstrating the work of a police dog handler with indoor and outdoor displays at the Medina Leisure Centre complex.

PC Nathan Lucy will run a training exercise for his German Shepherd dog named ‘Rebel’ to tackle a mock ‘suspect’ on the run from police. The part of the suspect is played by a second experienced police officer who will wear a professional police ‘bite suit’ to help ensure a safe public demonstration.

PC Lucy is joined on the day by fellow Isle of Wight-based dog handlers PC Matt Brading and PC Rob Dimond. They will also be involved in presenting a passive dog display, showing how the acute senses of their animals can detect the scent of drugs on suspects.

Visitors can see PC Brading’s new dog, a Golden Retriever named ‘Connie’ in action as she carries out a passive drugs search. Connie joined the police with support from the Isle of Wight Council’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team (IWDAAT), which works to protect families and communities on the Island by reducing harm from substance misuse.

PC Dimond will be showing the working skills of his Dutch Herder ‘Irma’ who is a general purpose police dog. Officers from the Dog Support Unit will be available to answer your questions.

IW Police Dog Support Unit

PC Nathan Lucy Isle of Wight Dog Support Unit

PC Nathan Lucy with German Shepherd ‘Rebel’ during a training session with a police dog trainer.

PC Matt Brading and Connie,Isle of Wight Dog Support Unit


FEATURE

SOME QUOTES FROM VICTIMS:First Responders are volunteer

members of the community who are trained to respond to emergency calls through the 999 system in conjunction with the Ambulance Service.Responders provide immediate care to patients in rural areas where distance may delay the prompt arrival of an ambulance. They are trained to deliver Basic Life Support and defibrillation to patients in Cardiac Arrest and other appropriate calls including oxygen administration to patients suffering from a range of conditions. First Responders are based within the community in which they live or work. Responders can attend the scene of an emergency in a very short time, often arriving within the first three or four minutes. Sometimes they are

the first emergency resource to get to the scene. The Community First Responders can then begin vital life saving first aid before the Ambulance arrives, further increasing the patient’s chance of survival.

In an ideal world, there would be an Ambulance available on every street corner in each town or in every village. This is not the case, and is why First Responders can make such a difference in their communities, especially in rural areas.

Staff from the Isle of Wight ambulance services and the NHS Responders will be available to answer questions on how to become a volunteer.

Fire and Rescue Service ‘smoke room’G4S offender tagging demonstrationPolice drugs dogsPolice Taser demonstrationRoad collision demonstrationRoad safety SmartWater burglary kit demonstration

Demonstrations

Community Responders


FEATURE

EVENT MAP


FEATURE

EVENT MAP

Medina Leisure Centre, Fairlee Road, Newport

Saturday 12 February 201110am to 3.30pm

meet the Community Safety Partnership -demonstrations for all the family -get up close with a variety of emergency vehicles -let us inform you with what we’re doing -

1493

EE

Find out more at www.saferwight.org.uk/csi


FEATURE


FEATURE

unlimited travel for 7 days for just £20:go where you like, when ever you like, as often as you like the island’s buses


FEATURE


FEATURE

unlimited travel for 7 days for just £20:go where you like, when ever you like, as often as you like the island’s buses


ADVERTISEMENTJOBS

PART OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS

FIND YOUR WAY BACK TO WORK WITH JOBCENTRE PLUS

JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION

JOB CENTRE PLUS REFERENCE NUMBER. HOW TO APPLY

Hair Stylist

Sandown

Previous salon experience is essential. You should have relevant qualifications - NVQ level 3, be reliable and of smart appearance. You should be able to work well as part of a team and have excellent communication/customer service skills. Duties involve all aspects of hair styling and associated tasks. You will be working in a clean and modern salon. Duties will also include assisting on reception when required.

Exceeds National Minimum Wage – Negotiable

15-25 pr week ,2-3 days Mon – Sat 9:30AM - 5:00PM

Permanent

RFM/6777 -Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


MOT Tester/ Mechanic

Newport

Must have relevant mechanical experience. Experienced MOT Tester/Mechanic required. Must have own tools. Duties include vehicle repairs and maintenance, MOT testing and all other associated tasks as required. A pension scheme is available if required. A discounted private health scheme is also available.

Negotiable wage depending on experience

44 hours per week, 5.5 days from 7, between 8.30am - 5.30pm

Permanent

NIW/11728- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


HGV Class 1 (C + E) Driver

Ryde

A successful haulage company based on Isle of Wight is looking for a HGV Class 1 (C + E) Driver to join their busy team. This is a great opportunity for an experienced Class 1 Driver who is looking for commitment from a company. Your duties will include providing excellent customer service and delivering / collecting goods from Distribution Centres & Supermarkets in the following areas: IOW, Portsmouth, Weybridge. You must have no more than 6 points for minor offences - (due to legal requirements), you must also have a digital Tachograph card and a full understanding of the Tacho laws. The successful candidate will be required to complete a Driver Assessment prior to commencing employment.


44 hours per week, 5.5 days from 7, between 8.30am - 5.30pm

Permanent

NIW/11728- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


Chef

Ryde

Previous cooking experience for up to 24 meals preferred. Duties preparing and cooking Sunday lunch for elderly clients. Health and hygiene certificate preferred but training can be provided. Keeping kitchen clean and tidy Successful applicants are required to provide an enhanced disclosure. Disclosure expense will be met by employer.

£25.80 per day

3 hrs Sun – 10am – 1pm Permanent

RFM/6895 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


Guest Services Manager

Cowes

You will work as a Duty Manager of the holiday park leisure club to deliver high standards of services to all guests and drive profit from the business and focus on quality.To assist in the daily operation of the holiday park and be responsible for the smooth running of the shift. You will ideally have experience of working in a holiday park, hotel or health club. Would suit someone who has a passion to work and is self-motivated and enjoys working with people.


5 days out of 7 includes evenings and weekends

Permanent

NIW/11729 -Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


Television Editor/Camera Person

Bembridge

MUST HAVE previous experience in television editing and camera work. Duties will include editing of television programmes and camera work on location, mainly based on the Island.

£15,000 per annum

40-48 hrs per week - 5/6 days from 7 – days and weekends

Permanent

RFM/6901 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number


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FEATURE

1234567890 1234567890

| march 2011 whatcar.com whatcar.com march 2011 |[[1r]] [[2L]]

overpriced services

How much more do the UK’s motorway services charge motorists – and why?

WH Smith high street

£1.43National average

123.8pWH Smith motorway price

£1.69Average motorway price

130.2pMotorway mark-up

18.2%Motorway mark-up

5.2%

CoCA-ColA (500ml)UNlEADED (per litre)

BRITAIN’SSERVICESTATION

BUYiNG ANd oWNiNG

Britain’s motorway services are among the most expensive places in the UK to shop, and it seems motorists are sick of paying over the odds for a coffee, a bite to eat or a tank of fuel. two thirds of readers surveyed by whatcar.com said they feel ‘ripped-off’ every time they shop at a service station, and a further 25% think prices are too high. only 2% think these motorway pit stops provide a great service.

a damning verdict from the nation’s drivers, then, and it’s no wonder, given that a bottle of

water can cost almost two pounds in service areas such as moto, welcome Break and roadchef – but only half that on the high street. what’s more, a tank of petrol for a small family hatchback costs an average of £3.50 more than it does elsewhere.

Fuel pricesthis isn’t a new problem. as far back as 1967, the minister of transport (now secretary of state for transport) claimed that very few motorway services could justify their high prices.

now, more than 40 years later the situation is worse than ever. take the price of fuel. our research shows that motorway pump prices last December were a massive 7.4% above the national average. in the 11 service stations we mystery-shopped, a litre of unleaded cost 6.4p more than average, while diesel prices were 3.4p higher. a litre of LPG had the biggest premium, at 9.7p over the average.

these inflated prices mean that filling-up a petrol Vw Golf would cost an average of £3.52 more on

the motorway than off it, and that a tank of diesel for a Ford mondeo would set you back an extra £2.38. over 12,000 miles that’s up to £77 down the drain.

since most motorway services have BP filling stations, we asked the company why prices are so much higher on the motorway than on other roads.

‘Prices at all of our filling stations are set on a site-by-site basis, and there isn’t the fierce competition on motorway services which drives down fuel prices on the high street,’ said a BP

RIP-0FF

SPECIAL REPORTspokesman. ‘we also have to factor in the higher rent, business rates and fuel transportation costs of running a motorway forecourt.’

Put simply, part of the reason for the higher prices could be that BP knows people will pay them.

we also don’t understand why delivering fuel to a service station would cost more, since fuel lorries already use motorways as part of their delivery runs. However, BP told us that it’s because some motorway sites are in the middle of nowhere, and so can’t be included in the usual deliveries.

we also asked shell to comment but received no response.

Food and drink so, you think you’re being ripped-off when you fill-up with fuel on the motorway? then you’ll be even more furious at the price of most food and drink. we shopped for seven items in the wH smith branches of 10 services stations – by far the most common newsagent in Britain’s motorway services – and found prices were between 3% and 91% higher than on the high street.

we also shopped for five items in m&s simply Food, and found that prices were between 7% and 25% higher on the motorway. Coffee and fast food also carried a hefty premium.

wH smith says its motorway service branches are franchises, and that because of this it doesn’t have control over pricing. we got a similar line from other companies, including m&s and Burger King. so, we asked the service station operators why food and drink is so much more expensive than on the high street. roadchef said: ‘it isn’t reasonable to compare high street prices with those at motorway services. service areas are situated in remote locations and have extended opening hours, so the costs associated with running the retail outlets are higher than on the high street or in a supermarket.’

moto said that motorway service areas cost in the region of £25 million to build, and that it has to claw back this money somehow. it also said that it has to pay for the upkeep of the entire services area – including the slip {

Illustration Tim Slade


FEATURE

1234567890 1234567890

| march 2011 whatcar.com whatcar.com march 2011 |[[1r]] [[2L]]

overpriced services

How much more do the UK’s motorway services charge motorists – and why?

WH Smith high street

£1.43National average

123.8pWH Smith motorway price

£1.69Average motorway price

130.2pMotorway mark-up

18.2%Motorway mark-up

5.2%

CoCA-ColA (500ml)UNlEADED (per litre)

BRITAIN’SSERVICESTATION

BUYiNG ANd oWNiNG

Britain’s motorway services are among the most expensive places in the UK to shop, and it seems motorists are sick of paying over the odds for a coffee, a bite to eat or a tank of fuel. two thirds of readers surveyed by whatcar.com said they feel ‘ripped-off’ every time they shop at a service station, and a further 25% think prices are too high. only 2% think these motorway pit stops provide a great service.

a damning verdict from the nation’s drivers, then, and it’s no wonder, given that a bottle of

water can cost almost two pounds in service areas such as moto, welcome Break and roadchef – but only half that on the high street. what’s more, a tank of petrol for a small family hatchback costs an average of £3.50 more than it does elsewhere.

Fuel pricesthis isn’t a new problem. as far back as 1967, the minister of transport (now secretary of state for transport) claimed that very few motorway services could justify their high prices.

now, more than 40 years later the situation is worse than ever. take the price of fuel. our research shows that motorway pump prices last December were a massive 7.4% above the national average. in the 11 service stations we mystery-shopped, a litre of unleaded cost 6.4p more than average, while diesel prices were 3.4p higher. a litre of LPG had the biggest premium, at 9.7p over the average.

these inflated prices mean that filling-up a petrol Vw Golf would cost an average of £3.52 more on

the motorway than off it, and that a tank of diesel for a Ford mondeo would set you back an extra £2.38. over 12,000 miles that’s up to £77 down the drain.

since most motorway services have BP filling stations, we asked the company why prices are so much higher on the motorway than on other roads.

‘Prices at all of our filling stations are set on a site-by-site basis, and there isn’t the fierce competition on motorway services which drives down fuel prices on the high street,’ said a BP

RIP-0FF

SPECIAL REPORTspokesman. ‘we also have to factor in the higher rent, business rates and fuel transportation costs of running a motorway forecourt.’

Put simply, part of the reason for the higher prices could be that BP knows people will pay them.

we also don’t understand why delivering fuel to a service station would cost more, since fuel lorries already use motorways as part of their delivery runs. However, BP told us that it’s because some motorway sites are in the middle of nowhere, and so can’t be included in the usual deliveries.

we also asked shell to comment but received no response.

Food and drink so, you think you’re being ripped-off when you fill-up with fuel on the motorway? then you’ll be even more furious at the price of most food and drink. we shopped for seven items in the wH smith branches of 10 services stations – by far the most common newsagent in Britain’s motorway services – and found prices were between 3% and 91% higher than on the high street.

we also shopped for five items in m&s simply Food, and found that prices were between 7% and 25% higher on the motorway. Coffee and fast food also carried a hefty premium.

wH smith says its motorway service branches are franchises, and that because of this it doesn’t have control over pricing. we got a similar line from other companies, including m&s and Burger King. so, we asked the service station operators why food and drink is so much more expensive than on the high street. roadchef said: ‘it isn’t reasonable to compare high street prices with those at motorway services. service areas are situated in remote locations and have extended opening hours, so the costs associated with running the retail outlets are higher than on the high street or in a supermarket.’

moto said that motorway service areas cost in the region of £25 million to build, and that it has to claw back this money somehow. it also said that it has to pay for the upkeep of the entire services area – including the slip {

Illustration Tim Slade


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Documents

Isle of Wight Gazette - Issue 82