Councillor Chris Quirk

Annual Report 2020

Councillor Chris Quirk  –  Shanklin South Ward

The administration, of which I am part, has set and met challenging budgets over the last three years, with only 5% of cuts related to reduced levels of service.  Whilst doing this the administration more than doubled the Council’s reserves, putting us in a good place when Covid-19 struck.

My successes for Shanklin include blocking the proposals to charge for parking on Regent Street for the last three years, and stopping loss of parking bays during the Covid-19 crisis.  I was a Member of the working party that negotiated the £6.5 million project to improve swimming water quality of our beaches, resulting in us achieving a gold award for swimming water quality.

Prior to being elected I was the Chair of Governors at Sandown Bay Academy, where I blew the whistle on AET, and fought to keep the school open, a battle that was won with exceptional support from our Education Officers.  This was a major victory as it is the only time a school has been transferred from a Trust back to the community.

Under my leadership as Chair of Planning we have introduced new planning procedures to speed up the planning process, are operating at above national standards, and have approved major developments including the new Goddard Brewery at Branstone Farm and a new home for Newport Football Club.

I have helped many residents with issues relating to planning. housing, Council Tax, anti-social behaviour and parking.  I am available to discuss facing residents and to try to help.  I do not run a weekly or monthly ‘clinic’ but I am always available to my residents to help wherever I can. I do answer my phone, I do call back if local residents leave messages, and I am happy to meet with individuals or groups who need help. 

May 2020