Voting by proxy in May local elections

People who need to self-isolate because of coronavirus (COVID-19) will still be able to vote in the local elections on Thursday 6 May.

In order for fair and COVID-secure participation in the upcoming Isle of Wight Council, parish, town and community councils, and the Police and Crime Commissioner elections, anyone who is self-isolating due to COVID-19 can access an emergency proxy vote, up until 5pm on election day (6 May).

New legislation was passed by the government in February meaning those who are unable to attend a polling station as a result of COVID-19, can appoint a proxy beyond the usual deadline (deadline for ordinary proxy voting is 5pm Tuesday 27 April).

All those with an existing proxy arrangement can appoint a new proxy up until 5pm on polling day if their proxy is affected by COVID-19 and are unable to act as a proxy.

Usual proxy vote

If you are unable to vote in person or by post, you can choose to have someone you trust cast your vote for you. You can vote by proxy for a number of reasons — you may be away on polling day, have a medical issue or disability or not be able to vote in person because of work or military service.

In addition, the person you wish to appoint as your proxy can only act as proxy if they are 18 and are registered individually themselves.

A person cannot be a proxy for more than two people at any one election or referendum unless they are a close relative. You will need to download and complete a form to apply to vote by proxy. There are different forms depending on the reason that you need a proxy vote, at www.iow.gov.uk/Council/Elections/Electoral-Registration/Proxy-Votes

If you want to vote by proxy in the local elections, you will need to apply by 5pm on Tuesday 27 April.

Emergency proxy vote

If, after 5pm on Tuesday 27 April, you find you are unable to attend your polling station in person due to a medical emergency, or due to your occupation, service or employment and you only become aware of that fact after 5pm on Tuesday 27 April, then you may be able to appoint an emergency proxy to vote on your behalf.

Please contact the electoral services team by email: electoral.services@iow.gov.uk, in writing: Electoral Services, Isle of Wight Council, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1UD or call (01983) 823380.

Emergency proxy votes can be issued up until 5pm on 6 May 2021.

Contact Information

Martin Neville

Isle of Wight

martin.neville@iow.gov.uk

Arreton Parish Council News - Increased testing appointments - Road Closure Merstone

 Dear Resident

I hope that no one needs it but just in case, you may like to know that there are now increased testing facilities on the Island - details below.  There are also details of how to apply for a test through the post.  As far as I know, priority post boxes have a sticker on them.

Best wishes

Sheila

Mrs Sheila Caws

Clerk to Arreton Parish Council

Increased testing appointments available to support demand for COVID-19 tests

A pop-up drive-through coronavirus mobile testing unit will be available on the Island from tomorrow (Friday 8 January), and will be available for at least the next three weeks.

Given the increase in cases and demand for tests, additional testing capacity has been set up to ease the pressure on the current facility at Newclose County Cricket Club, Blackwater Road, Newport.

The mobile testing unit will be at 1Leisure Medina, Newport. It will be open seven days a week, including Sundays, from 9.30am until 3pm.

The COVID-19 testing centre at Newclose has also extended its opening hours to 9am until 4pm (Monday to Saturday) in order to carry out more tests as needed.

These changes to testing on the Island increase capacity from 400 to around 800 tests per day as required.

People with COVID-19 symptoms who are unable to get a test slot online should call 119 and will then be advised of appointments at either Newclose or 1Leisure Medina.

Home testing kits can also be ordered online or via 119. These should be posted in priority post boxes: COVID-19 home test: a step-by-step guide (adults and children) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Isle of Wight Council leader, Dave Stewart, said: “I am pleased we are moving quickly on this opportunity.

"Increased testing enables us to pinpoint the virus, help those infected and isolate and protect those put at risk. The sharp rise in local cases means we must make sure people who need a test, have swift access to one.

“I am grateful to our team and our Local Resilience Forum (LRF) for pulling this initiative together so quickly and hope that increased access to testing provides reassurance to our community as we work together to get our cases down.

"This approach will also help to relieve pressure on the testing centre at Newclose and the NHS team that has been staffing the site.”

Simon Bryant, the council's director of public health, said: “It remains extremely important that we all stick to the guidelines and stay at home – only leave home to purchase essential items, get a COVID-19 test, for exercise or to work if you absolutely cannot work from home.

"If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, self-isolate and don’t leave home for any reason except to get a test at either Newclose or 1Leisure Medina.”

Alison Smith, managing director of NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The Island community has been working incredibly well at keeping rates of the virus down, however, we know that, like the rest of the country, the numbers have been increasing at a much greater rate.

“One of the key things we can do to continue to keep people safe is to offer more COVID-19 tests and it’s great to see we are increasing our capacity to enable this.

“Of course all of the other precautions must still remain – I remind everyone to continue to wash their hands for 20 seconds regularly, to wear a face-covering when required and to maintain social distancing of two metres.”

Chapel Lane in Merstone will be closed for a couple of days

The Isle of Wight Council (Chapel Lane, Merstone, Isle of Wight) (Temporary Prohibition of Through Traffic) Order No 1 2021 

Island Roads on behalf of The Isle of Wight Council give notice that between 0800 and 1600 hours, for two days, from Monday 18 January 2021 until Friday 22 January 2021, or when the works have been completed, no person shall cause any vehicle to proceed along Chapel Lane, between its junctions with Merstone Lane and Arreton Bridleway. The alternative route will be signposted locally. The closure is required for safety during drainage works.

CORONAVIRUS: TEST CENTRE MOVES TO NEWCLOSE COUNTY CRICKET CLUB

 Report from Isle of Wight Radio website.

The coronavirus (Covid-19) testing facility on the Isle of Wight is due to move from its current location to Newclose County Cricket Club.

From Monday, August 24, people will need to go to Newclose County Cricket Club, in Blackwater Road, Newport, to access a coronavirus test. To help people access the cricket ground, the speed limit for part of Blackwater Road will be reduced from 40mph to 30mph.

Parking has been arranged to segregate those attending for testing from those using the clubhouse and cricket grounds. There will be clear signage at all times and someone on the testing site gate to direct traffic when the site becomes operational.

Since lockdown both 1Leisure Medina and Medina College have been closed which enabled the car park to be used as the testing site. However, from September both of these sites will be fully open and therefore will no longer be able to host the testing facility.

Dr Michele Legg, GP and clinical lead for NHS Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“As lockdown eases we are seeing more facilities reopen and a return to some sort of normality. This is why we are relocating the testing facility – ensuring it remains on the island – so that residents can have easy access to a test should they require it.

“It’s important to remember that if you or anyone you live with show coronavirus symptoms – a high fever, new continuous cough or a loss of taste or smell – then you need to self-isolate and book yourself a test.

“It’s vital to have the test within the first five days of showing symptoms as this will make the test more effective. Getting a quick result will also help you to know whether you need to continue self-isolating and contact test and trace if you test positive and if you test negative then you know you can safely continue with our new normal.

“Hand washing is still very important please remember to wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds.”

Since the Island has had its own testing facility, more than 3,400 people have had a swab to see if they have the virus. The test involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud.

You can do the swab yourself (if you are aged 12 or over) or someone can do it for you. Parents or guardians have to swab test children aged five to 11.

Sara Weech, project lead for the testing centre, said:

“We want to reassure residents that although the testing site has moved, we are still here to provide you with a safe and efficient service. Once you have your appointment, you arrive at the site either by your car or on foot, and we will then provide you with a self-testing kit so you can take a swab.

“You should get your results within 24 hours. We realise the process may be unfamiliar to many and cause anxiety, however, we are here to talk you through it and provide you with support.”

As well as getting tested if you or someone in your household is showing symptoms, it’s also important to carry on using methods to reduce the risk of passing the virus between people.

Simon Bryant, director of public health for the Island, said:

“Island residents have done a phenomenal job in keeping coronavirus transmission rates low; however we must not be complacent. Good hand hygiene remains important, making sure you wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and water.

“In line with guidance wear a face covering when visiting public indoor spaces such as shops, supermarkets, hospitals and GP practices. Keep two metres away from those outside of your household.

“And of course, if you start to display coronavirus symptoms, then ensure you self-isolate and book yourself in for a test.”

The cricket ground testing site will be open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 2.30pm. People are advised to book a test by either calling 119 or visiting https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/get-a-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus/

People on the island should not travel to mainland testing sites when symptomatic, and that if the requesting system only offers them a mainland testing site, you should either try again the next day to book one on the island, or order a postal test

Isle of Wight Covid-19 app test, track and trace plan

Isle of Wight Covid-19 app test, track and trace plan

Isle of Wight residents will be the first to be offered access to a new contact tracing app, as part of Government action to test, track and trace to minimise the spread of Covid-19 and move towards safely reducing lockdown measures.

Everyone on the Island will receive access to the official NHS COVID-19 contact tracing app from this Thursday, with NHS and council staff able to download from 4pm tomorrow, Tuesday 5 May.

Part of a new test, track and trace programme, the app will work together with enhanced contact tracing services and swab testing for those with potential Covid-19 symptoms to help minimise the spread of Covid-19.

Developed by NHSX, the technology arm of the health service, and a team of world-leading scientists and doctors, the app is designed to significantly speed up contact tracing, helping reduce the chance of the virus spreading by enabling us to rapidly identify people most at risk of infection so they can take action to protect themselves, the people they care about and the NHS.

When someone reports symptoms through the app, it will detect any other app users that the person has been insignificant contact with over the past few days, including unknown contacts such as someone they may have sat next to on public transport.

The app will be able to anonymously alert these contacts and provide advice, including how to get a test to confirm whether or not they do have Covid-19. Users will be able to order tests through the app shortly.

For those who may not have access to the app, or the ability to use a smartphone, there will be an option to report symptoms and order tests in other ways.

As the integrated service develops, everyone who reports symptoms, including app users, will also be asked to record recent contacts using an online service (or through a telephone interview if they prefer), so that contact tracers can reach all contacts who may be at risk, whether or not those contacts are app users.

Contacts will then be alerted either by the app or by email/telephone - advising them to self-isolate or offering public health advice.

As the test, track and trace programme rolls out nationally, expected in mid-May, Public Health England will oversee the deployment of 18,000 additional contact tracers to support the programme.

This first phase is a major step forwards in government’s next phase of the coronavirus strategy and will improve understanding of how this new integrated approach to test, track and trace will work for the rest of the population.

NHS and council staff will be emailed a download link on Tuesday afternoon. From Thursday the app will then open for all residents on the Isle of Wight.

All households will receive a leaflet with clear instructions on how to download and use the app on Thursday, and a targeted marketing campaign will begin on Friday.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said:

“The Isle of Wight is playing a vital role in this pioneering work to help keep Britain safe. This will pave the way for a nationwide roll-out when the time is right.

“Coronavirus is one of the greatest challenges our country has ever faced and this app will play a vital role in getting Britain back on her feet.

“The app will help control the spread of coronavirus by alerting people they may have come into contact with it and recommending appropriate action.

“This ground-breaking technology, combined with our heroic frontline health and social care staff, and both a nationwide contact tracing testing programme will ensure that we remain in the best position to move toward easing the lockdown.

Matthew Gould, chief executive of NHSX said:

"Technology can help us get the country back on its feet.

“By launching the NHS Covid-19 app we can reduce transmission of the virus by alerting people who may have been exposed, so they can take action to protect themselves, the people they care about and the NHS.

“When combined with testing and enhanced web and phone contact tracing, this will help the country return to normality and beat coronavirus.”

Deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van Tam said:

“By widespread testing those suspected to be infected with coronavirus, tracing their contacts and where appropriate advising them to self-isolate, we can slow the onward spread of the virus.

"This new app-based system, developed by technology experts in partnership with clinicians and scientists, will run alongside traditional contact tracing by PHE. If uptake and use are widespread it will give us the greatest room for manoeuvre to ease other social distancing measures.”

Dr Yvonne Doyle, medical director and director of health protection at Public Health England said:

 “Alongside the NHS Covid-19 app, PHE’s phone and web-based contact tracing will be a critical part of the Government’s strategy to get the country back to normal.

“Taking these first steps on the Isle of Wight will help us prepare for a scale-up of our contact tracing capacity, with an 18,000 strong team ensuring the contacts of confirmed Covid-19 cases are followed up and given the information they need.”

The government has collaborated internationally and learned from examples of best practice across the world, which has informed the development of a bespoke approach that is right for the unique needs of the UK.

The app uses similar Bluetooth Low Energy technology to that employed by Australia, Norway, and Singapore among others.

The privacy and security of users’ data is a priority and NHSX has involved experts from the National Cyber Security Centre to advise on best practice through the app’s development. Data will only ever be used for NHS care, management, evaluation and research and the NHS will comply fully with the law around its use, including the Data Protection Act.

The Isle of Wight was chosen to trial the project because it has a single NHS Trust that covers all NHS services on the Island.

Its geography as an Island with a sizeable population makes it an ideal place to introduce the NHS COVID-19 app and wider testing service in its initial roll-out period.

Isle of Wight Council leader, Dave Stewart said:

“On behalf of the Island I am very pleased we can be the first place to use this new digital technology in the country.

“I have always been keen to ensure we keep our special community safe from the virus but at the same time explore ways to enable us to get back up on our feet and move forward from it. This scheme offers the tightly controlled approach we need to help us do just that.

“Widespread tracing and testing holds the key to this ambition and if we are able to help the country move forward then the Island will also have done its part in helping government in tackling this virus and rebuilding our lives through safe social distancing when the time is right.

“I am sure Islanders will rise to the challenge and help avoid post lockdown spread of the virus and keep people as safe as possible.”

The ambition of test and trace is to enable the UK to start to come out of some elements of lockdown. This will be a gradual process and our experts are considering how best to do this in a way that keeps citizens safe and protects our NHS.

Virus update - Arreton Hare and NFU guidelines.

It is good to see that the Aerrton Hare is taking the COVID-19 virus seriously by wearing a mask.

Information from Isle of Wight Radio news report

National Farmers Union NFU

Islanders are being urged to follow the countryside when taking their exercise during the coronavirus pandemic.

With the long bank holiday weekend ahead, Island farmers are urging us to follow the rules.

As people seek alternatives to popular beaches and parks, farmers have seen significant increases in people making use of footpaths instead.

keep dogs on leads near livestock. "Lead Max 2mtrs in length".

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) on the Island is urging anyone using public rights of way to maintain social distancing requirements, especially when walking near or through farmyards, and to follow the countryside code and to keep dogs on leads near livestock. "Lead Max 2mtrs in length".

Note from Arreton Traveller

"Remember don't let anyone out of your household stroke your dog, as they could pass the virus to the hairs of the dog. Which would then transfer to you when you next stroke your dog. So make sure your dog is always visible to you while out walking."

Matt Legge, chairman of the Isle of Wight NFU, is also urging people to use hand sanitiser or gloves when opening gates or climbing styles.

He said:

“Some rights of way are seeing in excess of 50 people an hour using the same routes and handling the same gate latches etc.

“Very few of these people are currently considering the risk of passing on the infection to other path users or those who live or work on that land.”

The Isle of Wight Council has produced a poster which home and landowners who have a public right of way running through or very close to their property can print out and use on-site.

It has been designed to encourage walkers, horse riders and cyclists to be considerate at this time by taking simple steps, such as:

Keeping to the path and not stopping to play or have a picnic;

Keeping dogs on the path and away from other people and animals;

Not entering buildings, touching animals or equipment or approaching any staff;

Staying two metres apart from other people at all times;

Leaving gates as you find them and hand wash/sanitise after touching any shared surfaces, such as stiles or gates.

Councillor John Hobart, the council’s Cabinet member for environment and heritage, said:

“We all recognise there are multiple health and wellness benefits to getting out and enjoying the countryside but it’s absolutely vital we all heed guidance during these difficult times.

“It may seem harmless to walk wherever you want, but this is a critical time of year for our farmers. There’s a narrow weather window to get crops planted and we’re in the middle of lambing too, so getting ill will have a huge impact on their ability to produce food for the coming year.

“Please be very considerate and aware of what you and your dog are doing when using the rights of way network during this Covid19 lockdown time.

“You may not realise what a big impact you could make to the lives of the landowners or landworkers around you, as well as other members of the public even though you believe you are not doing anything wrong – but these are unprecedented times.”

Arreton Parish Council - COVID-19 Scam Alerts

Dear Resident

Hopefully, I will have some cheerful news to give you at some point but, in the meantime, here is some useful advice on scams.  I find it very sad but unsurprising that some people will use any opportunity to pursue their illegal activities.  With regard to the doorstep ones, I would suggest that you do not answer the door anyway but speak to them through a window if possible, although I am sure that you have thought of that already.  If the Parish Council finds that it can offer a volunteer shopping/dog-walking/whatever service to those that need it, it goes without saying that we would put volunteers and recipients in touch with each first.

Best wishes
Sheila
Mrs Sheila Caws
Clerk to Arreton Parish Council

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear partner this is the first of a couple of updates today. The following message is a press release from the National Scams Team and contains very useful information. Please share with your clients/user groups as appropriate

 BEWARE OF COVID-19 SCAMS

Unscrupulous criminals are exploiting fears about COVID-19 to prey on members of the public, particularly older and vulnerable people who are isolated from family and friends. National Trading Standards is warning people to remain vigilant following a rise in coronavirus-related scams that seek to benefit from the public’s concern and uncertainty over COVID-19.

Members of the public should ignore scam products such as supplements and anti-virus kits that falsely claim to cure or prevent COVID-19. In some cases individuals may be pressurised on their own doorsteps to buy anti-virus kits or persuaded into purchasing products that are advertised on their social media feeds. In addition, some call centres that previously targeted UK consumers with dubious health products are now offering supplements that supposedly prevent COVID-19.

Communities are also being urged to look out for signs of neighbours being targeted by doorstep criminals. While there are genuine groups of volunteers providing help during self-isolation, there have been reports of criminals preying on residents – often older people or people living with long-term health conditions – by cold-calling at their homes and offering to go to the shops for them. The criminals often claim to represent charities to help them appear legitimate before taking the victim’s money. There are genuine charities providing support, so consumers should be vigilant and ask for ID from anyone claiming to represent a charity.

COVID-19 scams identified include:
Doorstep crime

Criminals targeting older people on their doorstep and offering to do their shopping. Thieves take the money and do not return.
Doorstep cleansing services that offer to clean drives and doorways to kill bacteria and help prevent the spread of the virus.

Online scams

Email scams that trick people into opening malicious attachments, which put people at risk of identity theft with personal information, passwords, contacts and bank details at risk. Some of these emails have lured people to click on attachments by offering information about people in the local area who are affected by coronavirus.

Fake online resources – such as false Coronavirus Maps – that deliver malware such as AZORult Trojan, an information-stealing program which can infiltrate a variety of sensitive data. A prominent example that has deployed malware is ‘corona-virus-map[dot]com’.
Refund scams

Companies offering fake holiday refunds for individuals who have been forced to cancel their trips. People seeking refunds should also be wary of fake websites set up to claim holiday refunds.
Counterfeit goods

Fake sanitisers, face masks and Covid19 swabbing kits sold online and door-to-door. These products can often be dangerous and unsafe. There are reports of some potentially harmful hand sanitiser containing glutaral (or glutaraldehyde), which was banned for human use in 2014.
Telephone scams

As more people self-isolate at home there is an increasing risk that telephone scams will also rise, including criminals claiming to be your bank, mortgage lender or utility company.

Donation scams

There have been reports of thieves extorting money from consumers by claiming they are collecting donations for a COVID-19 ‘vaccine’.

Loan sharks

Illegal money lenders are expected to prey on people’s financial hardship, lending money before charging extortionate interest rates and fees through threats and violence
People are being encouraged to protect their neighbours by joining Friends Against Scams, which provides free online training to empower people to take a stand against scams. To complete the online modules, visit www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk.

NTS is also issuing urgent advice to help prevent people from falling victim to COVID-19 scams through its Friends Against Scams initiative.

Members of the public are being urged to keep in contact with family members regularly and inform them of the most prolific scams and the possible dangers to them. If someone has been targeted by a scam it can be reported to Action Fraud online at www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or by calling 0300 123 2040. For advice and information on how to check if something might be a scam, visit: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/check-if-something-might-be-a-scam/.

Many thanks for your continued support at this difficult time.

Kind Regards

Sally

Sally Ash | Fair Trading Officer | Planning and Regulatory Services |

Isle of Wight Council | Jubilee Stores| The Quay | Newport | Isle of Wight PO30 2EH

Web: www.iwight.com

New guidance on rubbish collection for coronavirus self-isolating

Dear Resident

Please see below for information on rubbish collections.

I am attempting to out a newsletter together but the news and information changes faster than I can keep up.

Best wishes

Sheila


Mrs Sheila Caws
Clerk to Arreton Parish Council

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Isle of Wight Council has issued advice for households which have suspected coronavirus (Covid-19) infections for disposing of waste.

The authority has issued new guidance for putting out rubbish to protect people and reduce the risk of spreading infection.

When self-isolating with Covid-19 symptoms for seven or 14 days, to protect our recycling and waste collection crews please follow these simple steps:

* Place all personal waste such as used tissues, wipes, kitchen roll and cleaning cloths into a rubbish bag.

* When full, tie the bag and place in a second and tied securely.

* Keep this waste separate from other waste in the room/household in which you are self-isolating.

* Please keep aside inside your property for at least 72 hours (three days) before putting out for collection.

Other recycling and waste can be disposed of as normal.

Lynnbottom and Afton Marsh household recycling centres are open. Please remember to practice social distancing while disposing of your recycling and waste.

For more further information and service updates, visit our webpages at www.iwight.com/waste

Isle of Wight Council response to COVID-19

The Isle of Wight Council is continuing to urgently review and adjust its activities to maintain critical services to Island residents in line with the ongoing updates from the government in relation to Covid-19 (coronavirus).

From today (Wednesday 18 March) a number of key changes will take place, while maintaining critical front-line services.

“We are putting all our efforts into keeping our most essential services running during the outbreak”, said Councillor Dave Stewart, leader of the Isle of Wight Council.

“Unfortunately, that means that we’ve had to temporarily close some Isle of Wight Council services. We apologise for any inconvenience that may cause, but feel it is essential to help to protect our community and minimise unnecessary travel and social contact during this time.”

“Our staff are changing their ways of working to ensure that we maintain our business continuity and the essential services for our community, especially those most vulnerable who rely on our services,” said John Metcalfe, chief executive and head of paid service.

“Where possible our staff are being encouraged to work from home in order to minimise travel and support those who have had to socially isolate themselves. We have plans in place to support critical services and are working hard to ensure that this continues throughout the coming weeks.”

Many of our services are available online - please save time and go online if you can.

Service details

Adult Community Learning

The Community Learning Centre, Westridge, Ryde is closed, however staff are still contactable by email to: acl@iow.gov.uk

Further Adult Community Learning updates will be shared on Facebook. www.facebook.com/IWCACL

Adult social care

Offices are open as normal: Monday to Thursday 8.30am until 5pm and Friday 8.30am until 4.30pm
Telephone: 01983 814980 or 821000

Outside of these times urgent calls should be directed to Wightcare: 821105.
If you are worried about a vulnerable adult, please contact: Wightcare: 821105 (24 hours).
You do not need to know everything about a vulnerable adult and what is happening before you contact us.
IN AN EMERGENCY CONTACT THE POLICE BY DIALLING 999.

Bereavement Services

Crematorium Grounds and Book of Remembrance: open Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm.

The office, chapel and Book of Remembrance room will be closed weekends until further notice starting from 29 March 2020.

The grounds can be accessed at any time, but if the gates are closed, please park in the road outside and use the pedestrian gate.

Office hours are as above for weekdays, except for bank holidays, when the office is closed.

All cremation documentation, burial forms and music should be delivered at least three clear office working days prior to each service, especially over this period.

Funeral services are continuing as normal at present and we will keep you informed of any changes that may have to be put into place in the near future.

Children’s Services

Offices are open as normal: 9am - 5pm
If you are worried about a child or young person, please contact: Isle of Wight Children’s Services: 0300 300 0117 (24 hours).
You do not need to know everything about the child or young person and what is happening before you contact us.
In an emergency contact the police by dialling 999.

Contact Centre and help centres

The Contact Centre remains open as usual.
Newport Help Centre remains open as usual.
Ryde Help Centre, at Ryde Library, remains open as usual.

Coroners office

As from 23 March 2020 the office will be closed to the public.
To contact the Coroner Service please email coroners@iow.gov.uk or telephone 01983 823010.

Council buildings or land

For emergencies involving council-owned buildings, please contact Wightcare: 821105.

Floating bridge

Cowes floating bridge is operating as normal.

Highways emergencies

Flooding, fallen trees, traffic lights not working etc - please contact Island Roads: 822440 or visit the website - www.islandroads.com

Emergency calls received during these times will be diverted to the duty engineer and dealt with accordingly.

Harbours

Newport and Ryde Harbours will remain on a “business as usual” footing as far as possible, whilst implementing UK Government and NHS advice. Hospitality suites will be closed and there will be restricted access to the harbour office. All customers are encouraged to leave a message or email for any enquires:

Newport Harbour: 01983 823885 newport.harbour@iow.gov.uk

Ryde Harbour: 01983 613879 ryde.harbour@iow.gov.uk

Housing Needs

Email: housing@iow.gov.uk
Phone: 01983 823040
Opening Times: Monday - Thursday 8.30am - 5pm and Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm
Emergency contact number (out of hours only): 01983 821105

Leisure Services facilities

The Heights: will close at 9pm on 18 March
Medina: will close at 9pm on 18 March
Westridge: will close at 9pm on 18 March.

Libraries

The following libraries are open as usual. However, venues are subject to changes due to availability of staff.

Cowes Library
Freshwater Library
Newport Library
Ryde Library
Sandown Library
Ventnor Library
The mobile library
Service 24-hour online facility is available with your library card. Please log on www.iwight.com/thelibrary
Home library service is not scheduled for the next two weeks and will be reviewed.
Museum Service

Record Office (Hillside, Newport) will close at 5pm on 18 March
Dinosaur Isle Museum will close at 4pm on 18 March

Cowes Maritime Museum

The same opening hours as Cowes Library, above.
Museum of Island History will close at 5pm on 18 March

Planning and Building Control

All planning applications should be submitted electronically, either to development@iow.gov.uk or via the Planning Portal https://www.planningportal.co.uk/.

Planning files are still currently available to view at Seaclose, although customers are asked to carefully consider whether viewing files is necessary.

Building Control is maintaining its service, but applications should be submitted electronically either to building.control@iow.gov.uk or via the Planning Portal https://www.planningportal.co.uk

Recycling and waste collections

All recycling and waste collections continue to operate as usual.

Please remember to set out your wheeled bins/gull-proof sacks and food waste by 7am on the correct day of your collection or they will not be collected.

If your household is self-isolating you will need to follow guidance for Cleaning and Disposal of Waste:

Use your usual household product, like detergents and bleach. Clean frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, handrails, remote controls and tabletops.

• Place cleaning product plastic bottles & nozzles in the recycling
• Place used kitchen towel, tissues and wipes in the General Waste
• Wash tea towels and cleaning clothes appropriately.
• Personal waste such as tissues and disposable cleaning clothes must be placed in the general waste.

During your period of self-isolation please
• place waste and recycling in plastic bags, tie these and then place in a second bag and tie again. (Double Bagging)
• do not place your waste out for collection for 72 hours after it has been double bagged.

More guidance is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

If you or a member of your household receives a positive Corvid-19 result you will be provided with guidance on waste by your healthcare provider. Do not place out for regular collection.

Register office

The register office is open but with some restrictions:

No in-person copy certificate request or collections – please order online
No in-person provisional ceremony bookings – please call us
The number of guests at any ceremony at Seaclose at has been reduced – couples will be advised individually.
To register a birth or a death please tel: 823233 option 1. There are limits on the number of people attending to register – you will be advised as you make your booking.
We will continue to take ceremony bookings but this may change at short notice.

Regulatory Services (Licensing, Environmental Health and Trading Standards)

Jubilee Stores - Regulatory Services (Licensing, Environmental Health and Trading Standards and Housing Renewal)

Jubilee stores reception will be are closed to the general public from Friday 20th March 430pm. Services are still available Monday – Friday by contacting:

Environmental Health – eh@iow.gov.uk or 01983 823000
Trading Standards – trading.standards@iow.gov.uk or 01983823000
Community Safety – communitysafetyteam@iow.gov.uk or 01983 823000
Housing Renewal – housing.renewal@iow.gov.uk or 01983 823000
Licensing – licensing@iow.gov.uk or 01983 823159

Out of hours service, please tel: Wightcare on 821105.

Revenues, Benefits, Parking Services, Blue Badges

Online applications remain available for council tax/local council tax support/housing benefit and Blue Badges. To apply for a Blue Badge please visit www.iow.gov.uk/bluebadge
To use the Citizens Access Portal to view your council tax account online please visit www.iwight.com/revsandbens (selecting Council Tax and then Citizens Access Portal).
To use the Citizens Access Benefits Portal to apply and notify a change of circumstances please visit www.iwight.com (selecting under the 'Save time do it online' Housing Benefits).