CONSERVATIVES – Two decades of exceptional civic service

InPORTCHESTERTouch – Spring 2019 ‘Here’s another fine mess they’ve gotten us into’ pend the Draft Plan and take it back to the drawing board. Keith Evans and Portchester Councillor Sue Bell led fierce IT READS like a Laurel and Hardy farce, but for Council opposition to the changes, but intensive lobbying of Fareham planners the mess they have been gotten Housing Minister Kit Malthouse and senior civil servants by the into by the Government is no laughing matter. Council Leader and Fareham and Gosport MPs fell on deaf ears. In less than a year, yet more green fields have come under threat He stated: “Government ignored our objections and is proceed- as Whitehall demands the Borough Council finds space for up to ing with the new mechanisms – although it conceded on one point 2,500 extra homes. and will introduce the measuring against new numbers effectively And these come on top of the 2,300 houses we have already from 2020 rather than being backdated. been forced to add to the new Draft Plan 2011-2036. “We are working through the numbers, but it looks certain to “What an awful Government-inspired mess this has been,” said be in the range of 1,800 to 2,500 more houses above the original Executive Member for Planning and Development Councillor additional 2,300 – an enormous increase and one which will have Keith Evans. to be met in the main from further new greenfield sites.” To meet the original target of 2,300, the Council proposed hav- Fortunately, the suspended Draft Plan remains valid while the ing as much brownfield development as possible, plus large new Council confirms the extra numbers and evaluates all the remain- greenfield sites in Warsash, Portchester, Titchfield Common and ing green space in Fareham. South Fareham, which sparked furious protests from residents. Residents are being consulted on site options which will be The dust hadn’t settled before Whitehall moved the goal posts merged into the current Draft Plan before a new plan is issued again with a new formula to calculate housing need, a stronger for public comment in the autumn/winter 2019. obligation to take up unmet housing need from nearby councils Sue Bell added: “Fortunately, we have a good knowledgeable and severe penalties for non-planning approval or non-delivery. team of planning officers who are helping to minimise delays and The mess became a mire and led to the Council having to sus- the additional costs.” Celebrating 20 years of outstanding Conservative administration FAREHAM Council is the most district councils, high quality envy of every local author- parks, leisure facilities, a good refuse ity in Hampshire and way collection service and, as far as we beyond. can, clean streets. Conservatives have brought “We support local commerce and consistency, stability and prosperity industry with fantastic business fa- since taking over running the Bor- cilities, including our industrial es- ough 20 years ago from the failed tates and business parks at Solent Lib Dem/Labour pact that left the Airport@Daedalus. Council facing bankruptcy. “We invest in commercial prop- The anniversary on May 4 was celebrated with a party at Port- erty to raise millions of pounds to deliver excellent services and chester Parish Hall, attended by nearly 100 councillors, one for- work with others to bring huge road infrastructure investment in mer and two sitting MPs, party workers and supporters. our Borough. It also marked the date that Seán Woodward was elected as its “We treat taxpayers’ money as it should be treated – to be dynamic Council Leader. spent only as necessary and always prudently. He said Fareham had steadfastly voted Conservative because “It takes a great deal of planning and delivery. We have an excel- the Council was seen to be delivering for local people. lent team of officers who deliver for our residents day after day. I “We have consistently set the lowest taxes and best services of am so grateful to them for their work.”

Almost England’s lowest district council tax – thanks to CONSERVATIVES 2 InTouch CONSERVATIVES promise no parking charges for Portchester InTouch 3 Upgraded play areas thrill Portchester kids ‘Fantastic service’ rewarded with new contract NEWS ROUND CHILDREN from Big Discoveries Nursery and roundabout. THE CHARITY ‘One Community’ will contin- Executive Member for Leisure and Community Council- were delighted to officially open a newly At Castle Street play area, there’s a new castle- ue to offer first-class services to Fareham resi- lor Sue Bell said: “One Community has offered an excel- refurbished play area at Portchester themed climbing unit, an inclusive swing and a dents after the Council renewed their contract. lent service and made a difference to so many community Park. roundabout. Traditional games and graphics have The Council will carry on funding One Community to de- organisations that operate for the benefit of people living in It’s one of four which has been improved by Fare- also been painted on the ground and equipment liver a package of community services in the Borough after the Borough. ham Borough Council with new play equipment. repainted and cleaned. a strict tendering process. “We are delighted that One Community is going to con- Portchester Park, Sweethills Crescent in Sarisbury, Before work began, residents were consulted and The Council provides the funding to deliver the ‘Big 3’ tinue to offer this fantastic service. Castle Street, Portchester and Eastern Parade, asked to vote on what pieces of equipment they initiative which provides a focused package of support for “There is so much evidence that people benefit from No station funding Fareham have been upgraded as part of a £500,000 wanted in the play areas. the benefit of individuals and local groups. The ‘Big 3’ are: opportunities provided by volunteering and engagement Fareham MP Suella Braverman had been five-year programme to upgrade 20 play areas. The children were given goody bags to mark the •Volunteering, skills exchange with community groups, so it is of paramount importance pushing the Department of Transport Portchester Park in Westlands Grove has new occasion by company Wicksteed, who supplied the •Funding advice, support to offer well-supported, effective community and voluntary for funding for improved access at Port- toddler and junior play equipment, an inclusive swing play area equipment. •Governance, building community resilience activities.” chester Station Suella said: “I supported this bid so I am disappointed that Portchester and Citizens of Honour Swanwick stations will not receive Gov- Appeal lodged over Winnham Farm homes plan refusal awards for two brave ernment funding for disabled access. Portchester residents “I’ll keep pushing for this with the DEVELOPERS have lodged an appeal after their 2 The site is not sustainably located in terms of Department for Transport at the next controversial scheme to build 350 homes east access to local services and facilities. TWO PORTCHESTER residents who funding round.” of Downend Road was thrown out by Fareham inspired others while battling serious planners. Planning committee chairman Portchester Coun- handicaps received Fareham Citizens Leisure Centre ‘outstanding’ Miller Homes’ plan for the Winnham Farm green field site cillor Nick Walker said: “I had concerns about this of Honour awards. Fareham Leisure Centre, which is man- had brought fierce objections from residents and council- application from a highway point of view. Sadly, one of them, Robin Chawner, died aged by Everyone Active on behalf of lors fearing traffic impact at the A27 junction and the Delme “This would be the impact for pedestrians before he could be presented with his medal FBC, has been recognised for its out- Roundabout. across the railway bridge, the increase in traffic by retiring Mayor Susan Bayford at the mayor- standing services following a thorough And those fears were taken into account when the plan- along Downend Road and on to the A27 and the making ceremony in Ferneham Hall. assessment by Sport England’s leading ning committee rejected it for two reasons: increase of the potential for rat-running along Robin, who was seriously affected with Par- national quality scheme, Quest. side roads.” kinsons, founded a local public speaking group It is the first leisure centre nationally 1 A big increase in pedestrians using the narrow road Portchester Councillor Sue Bell said: “Miller with affiliation to Toastmasters International to gain four consecutive outstanding bridge over the railway. Homes indicated that they intend to request called Solent Speakers 16 years ago. judgements. Drawings submitted by Miller Homes provided for an in- the Secretary of State for an inquiry process and He helped hundreds of people to develop adequate footpath to ensure pedestrians’ and road users’ REFUSED that the appeal be put through a pilot scheme be- self-confidence and improve their public speak- Bloom competition launched safety. ing run by the Planning Inspectorate with the aim ing and communication skills. This year’s ‘Fareham in Bloom’ competi- Works to the bridge titled ‘priority shuttle working’ would result in unacceptable of holding inquiries much earlier than usual.” He was also involved with the local Prince’s tion was launched with a popular ‘Bloom harm to safety and convenience of highway users. PHOTO: The appeal site is outlined in red. Trust, helping attendees to present their final Day’ in Fareham Shopping Centre. project. Organised by the Council’s Parks Despite battling Parkinsons, he continued to Department, over 1,000 wild flower seed 200 more police to fight crime wave Clean up dog mess or face a fine promote Toastmasters and assist with the club packets were given away, children were HAMPSHIRE will lice officers for Fareham A CLAMP-down on dirty dog owners came into force on as far as he could. able to make masks and grown-ups a bird get 200 additional Borough. April 1. His family will feeder using willow. police officers to Councillors had been The Council’s new Public Spaces Protection Order was introduced to receive his award combat the rise in campaigning for the last encourage dog owners to be more responsible. privately. Weed spraying under way crime. year to ensure Fareham It allows the Council to continue to tackle dog fouling and request dogs be Nine-year-old Lewis The County Council was scheduled to This is in addition to gets the level of resources put on leads if causing a nuisance in public. Heaysman (pictured), start weed spraying in Fareham from the 150 police officers it deserves, including liais- They must be on leads in sensitive places such as cemeteries and are attends Wicor the beginning of May, working west to already safeguarded by ing with the Police and excluded from certain places such as play areas. The PSPO also limits the Primary School and east to complete the job by the end of the PCC. Crime Commissioner. number of dogs a person can walk at any one time to four. has serious hearing the month. That means there will be a total of 350 more The exact figures are still to be published Blind, deaf and those who rely on assistance dogs are exempt. problems, wearing This is much earlier than the last few police officers in Hampshire next year. but Fareham should end up with an extra two People who don’t clean up dog mess face a fixed penalty of £100 or a two hearing aids at years and should be more effective. Proportionally that’s an extra two dozen po- dozen police officers from this. £1,000 fine if they are taken to court. all times. Spraying can only take place in dry and Despite his pro- calm conditions so there may be delays found disability, Lewis to the intended programme. BOROUGH COUNCILLORS COME AND JOIN US has refused to allow Portchester West If you support Conservative principles and would like to it to stop him from Spot those potholes Nick Walker Sue Bell vote to select your Council and Parliamentary candidates, doing what he wants We are always on the lookout for damag- Turret House, Hospital Lane Turret House, Hospital Lane, to attend social and political events or help us by deliver- to do. ing potholes, so please tell us if you see Portchester, Fareham PO16 9LT Portchester, Fareham PO16 9LT ing InTouch in your street, then why not join Portchester He had piano les- any in your road. Branch of Fareham Conservative Association? Please sons and has become so competent that he re- When they are aware, Hampshire High- Tel: 023 9238 4943 Tel: 023 9238 4943 phone Nick Walker or Sue Bell on 02392 384943. cently won a piano competition in Birmingham. ways mark them out in white. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] He has also learnt to tap dance and this year has a speaking part in the Aladdin pantomime. Why not “like” our facebook page - In Whether you voted for us or not, your Conservative councillors promise the highest standards of service to everyone Lewis gives a wonderful example to others Touch with Portchester West. WE SERVE YOU ALL in the community. Contact us any time and we’ll respond personally within 48 hours. like him who have a disability. 4 InTouch with Westminster Prepare for a ‘No Deal’ and just get us out Like many residents in Fareham, I am Suella disappointed and frustrated that the Government did not deliver Brexit on March 29 as promised. BRAVERMAN MP for Fareham As a Brexiteer, in Parliament I have consistently Campaigning bureaucratic and voted against extending Article 50, against holding for better unfair. European Elections and against a 2nd Referen- social care John White, dum. from Fareham, Instead, I voted in favour of No Deal so that we Many residents (pictured) came could just get out. are worried about to see me about Sadly I was in a minority in Parliament. The solu- social care for caring for his tion is clear: the Government and Prime Minister their elderly and sister-in-law who need to prepare for ‘No Deal’ and take the UK vulnerable rela- was suffering out of the EU. tives. with Alzheimer’s The relevant plans are in place and by providing The Government is committed to disease. certainty to the country and businesses, we will improving social care. £1.8 billion is Funding applications were rejected be able to move on from this damaging impasse. allocated for 2019-20 through the by West Hampshire CCG and the I will keep working for this in Parliament and improved Better Care Fund, ie a appeals process was delayed so that will do all I can to ensure that we deliver Brexit, 23% increase on last year. funding was only granted after 6 ie leaving the Customs Union, the single market For Hampshire, an extra £4.7m years – too late for his sister-in-law and taking back control over our borders and has been allocated for winter pres- who had sadly passed away. laws. sures, and in Fareham, I have visited I am working with local residents, excellent residential care homes Ministers and Hampshire CC to im- CONTACT SUELLA like Gracewell, Hamble Heights and prove the system. I also spoke about Abbeyfield where residents are bril- the issue in Parliamentary debate on 14 East Street, Fareham PO16 0BN liantly cared for. April 24,which you can read here: Tel: 01329 233573 Despite the good work, there are www.theyworkforyou.co.uk Email: [email protected] many people who find the Con- If you would like support on this Facebook: fb.com/SuellaBraverman tinuing Health Care system slow, matter, please get in touch with me. Speed camera demand for Portchester school A SPEED CAMERA should be “Clearly something needs to be done installed near a school in White to enforce the speed limit, especially at Hart Lane. peak times when children are arriving The call came from InTouch new team for school.” leader for Portchester East Lindsey Lindsey promised to contact the Sach, who was quick to respond to Council to request installation of a complaints about speeding outside speed camera. Castle Primary School in White Hart “Having spoken to residents, I believe Lane. it is important to do all we can to pre- The issue was raised by Mrs Carol vent a potential accident and installing a Cotton, who lives in Windsor Road speed camera outside the school should opposite the school’s back entrance. encourage drivers to drive safely.” She said: “I hear cars zooming past PHOTO: Lindsey Sach (left) discusses every morning. the speeding issue with Carol Cotton.

Fareham MP sparks Parliament inquiry into fireworks law change THERE’S been a bonanza of set off unnecessarily. Fireworks are impact on veterans, particularly those support for MP Suella Braver- a nuisance to the public. They scare suffering with post-traumatic stress man’s lobbying of the Govern- animals, young children and people with disorder (PTSD), public nuisance and ment to change the law on a phobia. noise effects on children and animals, private use of fireworks. “They injure thousands of people concerns about fireworks used as weap- A current petition by Amy Cullen, every year. They cause damage to build- ons and the effects on the emergency signed by nearly 300,000 people, calls ings, vehicles, emergency vehicles and services. for a ban on the sale of fireworks to the kids are still being sold them.” An inquiry into the law on fireworks public and for fireworks displays to be There are 11 other petitions calling has been launched by MPs, with the case restricted to licensed venues. for stricter fireworks regulations. for banning their sale to the public to She wrote: “Every year fireworks are They have raised concerns on the be examined. Website: www.farehamconservatives.org.uk Email: [email protected] Published by Portchester West Conservatives,14 East Street, Fareham PO16 0BN. Printed by Cedar Group, Unit 3 Triton Centre, Premier Way, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey SO51 9DJ