Councillor Claire Critchison

Annual Report 2023

Councillor Claire Critchison  –  Chale, Niton and Shorwell Ward

Resident engagement

I have placed councillor updates on Facebook, Shorwell newsletter and Connections each month to keep residents informed of latest council news and what I have been involved with locally.

I hold monthly surgeries at the Niton Exchange Parish Council office. Regular visits to the community coffee mornings at Chale Village Hall, the Crown Inn, Shorwell and Whitwell Church – these have been a useful way to meet with residents and get to know the community.

I have followed up resident enquiries with planning issues, road safety, vehicle access, police enquiries, rights of way and environmental health. Giving advice and passing on information.

Regular liaison with the Parish Councils on issues involving the IW Council e.g., Niton Football Club, Chale Green, Sway, Wightfibre, Island Roads, Rights of Way, and planning queries.

Road safety

A joint road safety meeting discussed traffic management, quiet roads, road safety and community speed watch in the South/West Wight. It was a very informative meeting, and we will be arranging more in other villages throughout the year. Speedwatch teams are being arranged for the villages.

I have had many requests for a pedestrian crossing at the junction near Norris Stores in Niton. I have met with the IWC Highways Team, and they have confirmed that budget has been allocated towards the investigation of a crossing in Niton Village.

I will continue to request for other traffic management requirements in all the villages and the need for highways risk assessments.

Events

I have attended village events including, Christmas markets, village coffee mornings, Niton and Whitwell horticultural show, Shorwell Midsummer Fayre, Wolverton Fair, WI Soup and pudding day, Parish Hall Christmas markets, Church services, Dark Skies Event, Jubilee celebrations, remembrance services, WI Coffee mornings, Chale Show and community mornings at Chale Green.

Claire Critchison

May 2023