News from Cowes Town Council

THE THREE CROWNS PUB

in Cowes' High Street has had a makeover. The previous eyesore of dilapidated hoardings to the facade has, with thanks to Cowes high School students, been adorned with a superb mural depicting a Cowes scene from the water. The project was managed throughout by Grahame Deacon, Cowes' Town Manager, with funding from Cowes Town Council, the Isle of Wight Council and Cowes Business Association. The mural was presented for viewing at a ceremony on 22 nd July when the actor, Geoff Hughes, gave thanks and credit to the students who had provided the vibrant graphics for the mural. A good sized crowd heard from Rod Ainge, chairman of Cowes Business Association, who gave particular thanks to the Town Manager. The mural is such that it can be re-located to cover any future Cowes eyesore.

Refurbishment at The Cut

The Town Council has embarked on fulfilling those local requests for the refurbishment and upgrade of The Cut between the High Street and Cross Street.

In a survey, a few years ago, local opinion was that this was an area which should form a pedestrianised extension to the High Street for the benefit of the general public.

In recent years the Town Council has undertaken improvements to what was, initially, the old vehicular entrance to St Mary's Road car park by embracing this as an amenity area which was subsequently named Francki Place after the Captain of the Polish destroyer ORP Blyskawica which defended the town in 1942. This scheme has proven most successful with locals and visitors.

The Council has obtained Planning Permission for the proposed refurbishment works in The Cut and a copy of the approved plans are shown below.

The Town Council's particular thanks go to MJ Hayles Architectural Services, in Cowes, who developed the scheme with the Council without charge.

The Town Council has appointed Mike Wheeler of Norton Projects to manage and oversee the project on behalf of the Town Council and, at this time, a 'schedule' of proposed works is being prepared with a view to submitting documentation for tendering purposes. Once the tenders are obtained the aim is to seek part grant aid funding and part Town Council funding for the implementation of the works.

The plans for The Cut will not necessarily be in full accordance with the approved plans inasmuch that financial constraints may negate or delay some of the less important features of the re-development.

The aim is to provide a pedestrian amenity area whereby through traffic will no longer be permitted thus rendering the area a safe pedestrian thoroughfare. It is hoped that this amenity can be used, subject to licensing, for market stalls etc and, generally, provide an annexe to the High Street for meaningful activities during Cowes' important festival periods. An unloading bay will still be retained and, together with the construction of the new uni-sex toilet block, expected this autumn, we can eventually see ourselves towards the provision of yet another important amenity area for all to enjoy.

Cllr Geoff Banks Cowes Town Mayor 30th August 2007

"Photographs contributed by Cllr Tim Gladdis"