Tories split on council tax

I see Alamein’s Tory councillors have dsitributed another of their In Touch leaflets.

In this they proudly announce that Hampshire County Council has frozen council tax. But, in smaller print, they admit the Tory controlled borough council has raised its council tax by a massive 4.1% and seek to distance themselves from it by saying none of them supported it. From what I remember of the council meeting they didn’t vote against the increase either, just made disapproving noises and then left the meeting before it ended. However you interpret their views its obvious the local conservative group are hopelessly split on how much council tax you should pay and what they should spend it on. Time for some changes at county and borough level??

I also notice they are pictured posing beside repaired potholes on Caerleon Drive. What a pity they didn’t take the time to visit Ryon Close or Viking Way while in the area. The potholes there are disgraceful and have been so for months.

Road safety at Knights Enham school

Photo 5 Knights Enham School

Residents in Tintagel Close have contacted me about the crossing on KIng Arthur’s Way from Tintagel Close to the local school (picture above).

Although there is traffic calming (single lane traffic, and 20mph limit sign along the road) this crossing is not as safe as it could be. I agree and so do the local police and school staff. I have contacted Hampshire Highways asking for improvements here in particular can they install -safety barriers along the pavements as they have further along, barriers to prevent children running or cycling straight out from the footpath into traffic and better slow down and speed restriction signs.

As usual I have yet to receive a response but will keep chasing them until I get an answer on this problem.

Thank you Viking Way

Out and about again this week speaking to residents in Viking Way. Thank you for your positive response and my apologies to anyone I missed. I’ll try and call back later but if you need to speak to me in the meantime please phone or email.

As in other areas residents are disgusted with the condition of  local roads and speeding traffic in the area. The state of Viking Way is appalling and untouched despite several people reporting it. The potholes are dangerous and should be filled immediately. No doubt the county council are waitiing in the hope that the developers at Augusta Park will do the job for them!!

Residents also expressed concerns about the increase, and speed of traffic, in the area, especially outside the school entrance. I have raised this before with Hampshire Highways and will continue to push for proper crossings both on Viking Way and on Roman Way. Local residents and their children deserve decent roads and safe crossings especially on roads destined to be some of the main access routes to the new housing at Augusta Park. This is the least the council and the developers can do for all those already inconvenienced  by the new housing developements in the area.

 

New seats for Smannell Road

Photo 6 Smannell RoadWhile out talking to local residents I was asked about the possibility of public seats along some of the new footpaths and cycle paths installed around town. As I knew there were sums of developers money collected for recreation purposes I contacted Test Valley council officers to enquire whether any of this could be used for public seating.

Very often councillors and council officers think of leisure in terms of play grounds, sports fields etc. but to many residents leisure is just as much a walk down the road, round the park or to the shops. Why not spend some of this leisure money on a few seats en route?

The good news is there is funding available and officers think its a good idea. I have made a formal request to borough councillor Phil North who is also in favour of the idea and look forward to hearing from him that this project is viable.

Police to respond to residents concerns on Smannell Road

On Monday we had another succesful meeting of the Roman Way Forum attended by residents from Roman Way and Cricketers Way.

Unfortunately our local PCSO was unable to attend because she was dealing with a police incident elsewhere, but all the comments about policing were passed on to her by town councillor Barbara Carpenter.

As a result of Barbara’s discussions with the police I can report that (1) police will carry out speed checks on traffic using Smannell Road to ensure the 30mph limit is enforced and (2) patrols will be increased in Cricketers Way to deal with youth nuisance and vandalism.

If you have any other similar issues in the area let me or Barbara know and we will pass the details on to the police asking for action.

Thank you St Mary’s residents

Out yesterday canvassing, delivering campaign newspapers, and talking to residents in Recreation Road, Acre Path, Batchelors Barn Road, Colenzo Drive and Seville Crescent. Thank you for the positive response I received from everyone and apologies to those I missed. I’ll try and get back to see you later.

All the comments I received will be passed on to councillors and council officers for them to follow up.

Len

Len Gates County Council candidate

Photo 4 Len and Rod email version

Andover Lib Dems have selected well know local campaigner Len Gates as candidate for Andover North in the forthcoming county council elections.

Len lives in Andover with his wife Linda, he works as Technical Manager for a Hampshire fruit farm. For eight years he was borough councillor for Andover’s Alamein ward.

As a borough councillor he campaigned for a 30mph speed limit and a parish council in Enham; in Smannell and Little London he worked for better broadband and backed the campaign against the diversion of Smannell Road through the new housing at Augusta Park.

On Roman Way and Cricketers Way he opposed the closure of, and sale of land at, Shepherd Spring School; he founded the Roman Way Forum giving residents the opportunity to meet regularly and raise concerns with the police and council officers. On King Arthurs Way he successfully campaigned to keep the shop and post office open and he opposed plans to convert family homes into flats.

Len has worked with many local community groups and charities putting Andover and its residents first. While leader of the Liberal Democrats on Test Valley Borough Council he worked to set up Andover Town Council, opposed the sell-off of the Guildhall, and spoke out against the demolition of the band stand and the plans to close the hospital. He took the lead in campaigning against fluoridation of local water supplies, supported the development of Andover Airfield, bringing new jobs to the town, and opposed plans to move Twinings jobs to Poland.

Voting takes place on Thursday May 2nd if you haven’t registered to vote yet or need a postal vote contact Test Valley Borough Council on 01264 368000

£1.8 million schools boost

Schools April

Andover schools are set to get an extra £1.86 million in cash, thanks to Lib Dem action in government. The cash is an increase in “Pupil Premium” funding, which is a major Lib Dem priority to help schools. 2350 local children are expected to be eligible in 2013/14, but the funding will help all schools improve.

 Liberal Democrats are building a strong economy and fair society where everyone can get ahead. I am proud that the Liberal Democrats are helping every child in Andover.

Action thanks to your Lib Dems!

£250k pothole bill!

Pot Hole Picket Piece

HAMPSHIRE’S ruling Conservatives have been left red-faced after it emerged they’ve been forced to pay-out nearly £250,000 to motorists in the last twelve months because of damage and injuries caused by the poor state of the county’s roads.

Despite promising to improve the terrible condition of our roads after years of neglect, in the past three years the amount of compensation paid out by the county has actually increased by an astounding 400%. Meanwhile in Southampton, the council paid out no compensation.

Local people are questioning how on earth HampshireCounty has reached this position. Many residents regularly report pot holes to the council but get no action or response. Some have even been advised by councillors to sue the council for compensation.

Year on year Hampshire taxpayers’ are forced to foot the bill for the poor condition of our roads. Three years ago the bill was £60,000 – now it’s nearly £250,000 of our money wasted. Andover Liberal democrats will continue to put pressure on the county to get road improvements in Andover and across northern TestValley.

If you spot a pothole, let us know and we will fight for action.