Newport Parish Council, now according to new electoral data the largest town on the Island, have this week agreed a programme of projects and services for the coming year.
The precept was set at £296,298, an increase on the previous year allowing for the services taken over from the Isle of Wight Council. The average Band D household will pay 38.40p per week. A chart showing the precept since 2008 when the council began, was shown, demonstrating that the precept was more or less the same for 6 years and has only increased as more services were taken on.
Cllr Jones-Evans said:
“I thank Cllr Lumley for his work on explaining the changes in the precept, which shows that we have been a fiscally responsible organisation and one that has grown organically in order to provide the services which our residents value. There are some exciting projects coming forward this year and I look forward to us working together to get them completed”.
Negotiations are on-going with the Isle of Wight Council regarding the details for the transfer of the 4 toilet blocks and £54,395 has been agreed for the running of this provision on 2016/17. It was also agreed to continue with the current cleaning contract for 4 months from April.
The Destination Business Improvement District (DBID), which is being put forward by Visit Isle of Wight, has indicated that public realm improvements could be made should the DBID be successful. With this in mind, £5,000 has been set aside for potential partnership work between Newport Parish Council and the DBID for improvements within the parish area.
Provision has also been made should the Isle of Wight Council cease Planning Enforcement functions, amounting to £12,000.
Projects agreed include:
• Medina River Historical walk
• Barton School WW1 memorial
• Great War
• Carisbrooke/Gunville (Lukely Brook, benches, bins, planters and Nelly’s)
• 20 is Plenty (20mph zone)
• Town Squares
• Outdoor Fitness
• Notice boards
• Worsley Road Playing Field
• Nine Acres field
Community support agreed includes on-going financial support for:
• Newport Rowing Club – £1,000
• Newport Jazz Festival – £750
• Newport Phoenix Boxing Club – £1,000
• Riverfest – £1,500
• Newport Carnival -£3,000
• Shopmobility – £500
• Carisbrooke Castle Museum – £500
• Monthly community donations fund – £3,000
• 39 Bus route – £5,000
• Country side areas – £5,000
• Citizens Advice Bureau – £500
Events:
• Summer & Christmas Fairs – £2,000
• Fireworks 5th November – £3,000
Full details of the budget can be found at www.newportwight.org.uk.
