Formation Cowes Town Council is, by Island standards, a relatively new council having been established in 1985. It is one of 29 Parish and Town Councils on the Isle of Wight and is a member of the Isle of Wight Association of Parish & Town Councils. Background Parish and town councils in England are the first tier of local government, ‘at grass roots' level. They deliver a range of varied services and can respond to the needs of the community. The town comprises of four wards, Cowes Central, Cowes Medina, Cowes Castle West and Cowes Castle East (click on ‘MAP OF WARDS' still under construction) Powers & Duties Cowes Town Council is involved in Planning, promoting tourism, provision of grant funding. It also undertakes the promoting, funding and delivery of its own projects within the town. The Council works with the Isle of Wight's Unitary Authority in ensuring that those services delivered are in the interests and to benefit of the local community. Elected Officers and staffing The council has a maximum of 16 councillors most of whom have been elected unless, due to the lack of candidature, members have been appointed by the council following their approved nomination. There is no limit to an individual councillor's term of office but tenure is subject to statutory election periods of four years. The Town Mayor and Deputy Town Mayor are elected by their fellow councillors from among their ranks and their office is for a maximum of two years with an annual review. Cowes Town Council is served by a part time Town Clerk whose office is home based. The Council does not have its own Town Hall or office and, as a new un-encumbered Council, has no ownership or responsibility of any buildings or land (refer ‘Achievements'). Meetings are held generally monthly, except during the peak summer period, and are normally the first Wednesday of each month. Council meetings are held at Northwood House, Northwood Park, Cowes and members of the public and press are welcome. The full Council meeting commences at 7 pm and, prior to this, a Planning Committee meeting is held usually commencing at 6 p.m. In addition an Annual Town meeting has to be convened between 1st March and 1st June (both inclusive) when the public can raise issues concerning the town and their council's management of their affairs. At the Council's monthly meetings an agenda item allows the general public to ask questions of the Town Council. At present two of the Town Councillors are also Isle of Wight Councillors and an agenda item allows them, and any other local Isle of Wight Councillor, to address the Town Council. The Agenda also allows a period for the local police constabulary to give a report and to answer councillors' questions. Funding Cowes Town Council receives no central or local government funding and is dependant on its revenue income from its precept which is currently set at £79,000 per annum. This charge represents a levy of £19.23 on each rate paying household at band D or just 37p per week. Some of the Achievements
• Provision of a skate park at the Recreation Ground, Northwood Park. This is certainly the best and most durable of the Island's skate parks and is fully lit and wholly maintained by Cowes Town Council. • Installation of quality information boards throughout the town showing maps and places of interest. • Provision of fingerpost directional signs throughout the town. • Provision and servicing of welcoming ‘Cowes' signage at entry points with quadruple hanging baskets in most locations. These are wholly maintained by the Town Council. • Installation of interpretation boards on ‘stone' mounts in Northwood Park. • Manufacture and erection of additional ‘stone' Lions on pedestals along the Esplanade. • Provision of picnic benches at Northwood House and Queens Road junction with Mornington Road. • Decorative lighting along the Parade and throughout the High Street. • Provision of seats along Princes Green, the Cut, the Parade, Birmingham Road. • Weekly Help Centre every Friday at The Beckford Road Centre, Beckford Road for residents to meet councillors to discuss and assist with any issues (click on HELP CENTRE). • Financial support for local events and institutes on an annual basis by way of provision of grants. • Provision of double faced ornamental pillar clock in Shooters Hill. • Enhancement of the former Cross Street entrance to St Mary's Road car park. The area has been re-paved, additionally lit and seating areas formed. In a dedication ceremony this newly formed amenity area was named Francki Place after the late Capt. Francki, commanding officer of the Polish destroyer ORP Blyskawica who defended the town on 4 th /5 th May 1942. | 