David Harrison - County, District and Town Councillor
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  • 2010
    • September
      • • Officer Slip Up on Contracts
        07/09/10
        I was able to throw a little more light on how Council Officers at New Forest District Council managed to invite the flooring company, “TPS” to tender for work, despite a new tender process having been put in place following the “Slippery Floors” scandal.

        I used the opportunity of a meeti

    • August
      • • Slippery Floor Saga Still Haunts Tory Council
        06/08/10
        There are a few red faces at New Forest District Council. The Conservative run authority attracted national publicity and was even included in the “Rotten Boroughs” section of Private Eye, for losing over £345,000 of taxpayer’s money when it took on a flooring company who, they claimed, was responsi

      • • Totton Youngsters Get Shirty
        06/08/10
        A towering inferno of fun was enjoyed by young people in Totton recently.

        Scores of young people attended a special T-shirt designing workshop at The Tower Youth Club, based at St. Winfrid’s Church, Salisbury Road, Totton.

        The project was funded by a community engagement grant

      • • New Forest Tories Shut Door on Swimmers
        04/08/10
        Conservative Councillors on New Forest District Council have ignored pleas to save swimming for thousands of people at the council run Health & Leisure Centres.

        On the run up to the school summer holidays, the conservative cabinet member for Leisure, Culture & Youth Matters, Coun

      • • Avoid Sun-Beds
        02/08/10
        “Avoid using sun-beds” – that’s the stark message from leading health campaigners in the New Forest District.

        Hampshire County Councillor David Harrison, a member of the Authority’s Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee, told fellow members that he was shocked by figures released by

    • July
      • • Rumbridge Street - A Patchwork Quilt
        26/07/10
        A number of residents have asked me why the brand new pavement surface in Rumbridge Street, Totton is already beginning to look like a patchwork quilt. In several places, it has been dug up. Unlike the surrounding high quality yellow coloured surface, the repaired patches are just black asphalt.
      • • Polluted Land in Totton - Soft Response
        26/07/10
        I have rather fallen out with the majority of members on the New Forest District Council. In my view, they talk tough but act soft when it comes to care of the environment, especially in my home town of Totton.

        The most recent example of this is a decision not to declare the Eling Wharf a

      • • Silchester Town Life Project
        22/07/10






















        I was recently one of a few County Councillors who took the chance to visit the Silchester “Town Life” Project.

        If you are tempted to discover what secrets

      • • Free Swimming
        20/07/10
        Liberal Democrat Councillors have prevented the ruling Conservative group from scrapping the free swimming initiative at all the council run leisure centres in the New Forest District.

        The Tory Cabinet Member for Leisure, Cllr Di Brooks, had decided to scrap the scheme following a gover

      • • Eling Wharf : Toxic Waste
        20/07/10
        The ruling Tory group on New Forest District Council have come under fire for failing to designate Eling Wharf as a polluted site.

        At a meeting of New Forest Council this week, Councillor David Harrison, the member for Totton South blasted the ruling Tory group for adopting a softly, soft

      • • Asda Plans Approved
        20/07/10
        New Forest District Council has granted planning permission to allow the Asda store at Totton to expand.

        The conservative controlled authority went against officer advice to reject the scheme.
        The shopping area will grow larger and the plans also allow for a one-storey car parking a

      • • New Forest Health Profiles
        09/07/10
        The South East Public Health Observatory has just published a health summary which shows how the health of the people living in the New Forest District compares with the rest of England.

        Details of all the data (very detailed) can be found on the website www.healthprofiles.info
      • • Local Government Conference 2010
        08/07/10
        The majority of Councillors, whether parish, district or county members, rarely (if ever), attend national conferences. I’m one that does. I find I get a lot from them. I’m always rooting around for ideas and wanting to know what the future holds. One of the best ways to achieve this, is to attend t

    • June
      • • Grass Policy Should Grow
        23/06/10
        The new grass cutting regime on the glebe fields at Goatee beach, Eling is being hailed a spectacular success by local councillor David Harrison.

        In the past, Totton Town Council used to cut the grass all to the same length. However, this prompted complaints from people who wanted to use

      • • Eling Wharf - Uncertain Future
        22/06/10
        Eling Wharf in Totton throws up some serious challenges. It is an employment site, but somewhat under utilised. The main access is via The High Street, a source of great irritation for those living in the area who have to suffer the noise and vibration from HGV movements at all times of the day and

      • • Asda be the Wrong Plan for Totton
        22/06/10
        Asda Stores Ltd have resubmitted a fresh planning application to New Forest District Council. The mammoth retailer wants to expand the Maynard Road Store in Totton by 1,250 square metres. It involves construction of a single storey deck car-park to accommodate more car parking spaces.

        I a

      • • Kestral guards ugly Incinerator
        19/06/10
        Demolition of the old incinerator at Marchwood has been delayed once again. This time, it is as a result of a kestrel nest discovered on the structure.

        Local people will be very glad to see the back of the building, often described as the ugliest building in Hampshire. Unfortunately, the

      • • Rumbridge Street, Totton
        15/06/10
        A great many people in my home town of Totton have expressed a keen interest in finding out what went wrong when Hampshire County Council decided to spruce up Rumbridge Street.

        It’s a subject that is close to my heart because I live very close by and know a lot of the shopkeepers and resi

      • • Marchwood Power Open Day
        14/06/10
        I was invited to do the honours at a special Open Day at Marchwood Power Station this weekend. Richard Holman, the General Manager, asked me to say a few words at the opening ceremony before the “Marchwood Power” flag was raised to much applause.

        The £380 million facility is fully operati

      • • Government fails us on fluoride
        11/06/10
        This week, my local MP, Dr Julian Lewis, asked the following question to the Leader of the House of Commons:

        “May we have a reaffirmation by health Ministers of the statement made in opposition that fluoridation would not be imposed on Southampton and Totton without the approval of the ma

    • May
      • • New Liberal / Tory Government urged to intervene on Fluoride issue
        19/05/10
        Hampshire County Councillor, David Harrison, a leading critic of plans to add fluoride to tap water, has proposed a direct plea to the new national coalition government, to intervene and shelve the plans.

        At a meeting of the powerful Hampshire County Council Health Overview and Scrutiny C

      • • Redbridge Traffic Delays
        19/05/10
        I went jogging across Redbridge, towards Southampton, earlier this week. I thought then that I might have smelt gas. My worst fears were confirmed when I joined a long queue of traffic today, held up by “urgent” repair work being carried out by contractors for Southern Gas networks.

        The w

      • • Lib / Con Government
        12/05/10
        Well… what can I say?… it’s been an incredible week on the political front and for a change, my party, the Liberal Democrats have been right at the heart of it all.

        My local Lib Dem colleagues were naturally disappointed at the results in the New Forest. The local disappointment was refle

    • April
      • • Down in The Mine
        30/04/10
        I have taken a short break from General Election campaigning, visiting the Lake District. It’s of special interest to me, being a great supporter of our National Parks.

        The original intention was to take a long walk up a hill called The Haystacks, near Keswick. However, after about 45 min

      • • Marchwood Transport Strategy Meeting
        16/04/10
        I was very pleased to attend a meeting of the Marchwood Transport Strategy Group last night, (Monday 12th April). It was the first one held for some 15 months. Some of the members were getting quite frustrated at the apparent lack of progress. However, it soon became clear that it wasn’t as if thing

      • • Marchwood Waste Meeting
        07/04/10







        Today, I attended a meeting of the Liaison Panel for Marchwood Energy Recovery Facility (otherwise known as The Dome).

        The Panel comprises of representatives from different local authorities, County, District & Parish, the Facility Manager,

    • March
      • • Report for Totton & Eling Town Council 2010
        30/03/10
        I have almost completed my fifth year as County Councillor for Totton South & Marchwood. As this is my first Town report following re-election with a much increased majority, I would like to record my thanks to all who voted in the elections.
        The conservative party hold the majority of sea

      • • Fluoride Plans Should be Shelved
        30/03/10
        Health bosses who want to add fluoride to tap water are to get another stinging rebuke from elected Councillors in Hampshire.

        The Strategic Health Authority, (SHA) are fighting a Judicial Review into the decision to add fluoride to the tap water in about 8,000 homes. In a series of blows,

      • • Fluoride Decision - The Anniversary
        25/03/10
        On the anniversary of the decision by the Strategic Health Authority to impose the fluoride in the tap water in thousands of Hampshire Homes, a leading County Councillor has called upon them to scrap the proposals for moral reasons.

        County Councillor David Harrison, the Liberal Democrat

      • • Own Up On Rumbridge Street
        18/03/10
        A leading Totton Councillor has called upon Hampshire County Council to “Own up and admit what went wrong” with a scheme to improve Totton’s Rumbridge Street.

        It is widely believed that a series of project management blunders led to very long delays completing the works and additional cos

      • • Veolia Visit Calms Lorry Fears
        18/03/10
        County Councillor, David Harrison visited the Veolia Transport depot, located next to the Marchwood Energy Recovery Facility in order to find out more about future plans for transporting waste in the area.

        Councillor Harrison was accompanied by the Interim Chief Executive of the New Fore

      • • Totton High Street
        17/03/10
        I have undertaken a site visit with a local resident and the Head of Parking Operations, New Forest District Council, in The High Street, Totton.

        It was a useful meeting. The resident concerned was annoyed about vehicles parking on yellow lines on a regular basis, without being ticketed.

      • • Report to Marchwood Parish Council March 2010
        17/03/10
        Bus Services

        The Marchwood Bus Services Focus Group met on the 19th February, Chaired by Cllr. Shooter. We dealt with a few issues concerning services to and from the village, with the assistance of County Officers and Mr Alex Hornby from Solent Blueline. Fortunately, Marchwood services h

      • • Fire Conference
        11/03/10
        I attended the 13th, (but my first), Annual Fire Conference, run by the Local
        Government Association today, 9th March 2010.

        It is being held at The Hilton, the tallest building in Manchester. Hampshire
        Fire and Rescue Service is very well represented, our own Chief Officer pla

    • February
      • • Safety Improvements Get Thumbs Up
        25/02/10
        Representatives from the local police, Hampshire County Council, New Forest District Council, Totton & Eling Town Council and Marchwood Parish Council gathered at Sunnyfield Farm, hosted by Ian Nelson gathered today to discuss proposed improvements to highway safety along Bury Road.

        C

      • • Rumbridge Street Scandal - Taxpayers Pay twice
        23/02/10










        The wasted money spent on Rumbridge Street, Totton has been well and truly swept under the carpet by the Conservative controlled Hampshire County Council.

        It is widely believed that the environmental improvements to Rumbridge S

      • • Tories block Zero Council Tax Increase
        23/02/10
        New Forest Liberal Democrats put forward plans for no increase in council tax.
        In a budget that promised that the New Forest would be a greener, fairer and safer place, the Liberal Democrats tried to stop the ruling conservative group from imposing a 2% increase, matching a similar increase on

      • • Another Accident in Bury Road.
        15/02/10






















        I was delivering leaflets this afternoon in Eling Hill when I was alarmed by police, ambulance and fire tender sirens, all the vehicles congregating at the staggered ju

      • • Commoning in the New Forest
        15/02/10
        I joined a few other members of the National Park Authority this morning to learn a bit more about the practise of communing in the New Forest.

        We met at a small holding located at Bolderwood before moving off to Queens House in Lyndhurst. Our host was Lindsey Stride, a young commoner who

      • • Flying Visit to Totton Air Cadets
        11/02/10
        Totton Councillor, David Harrison paid a flying visit to the Totton Air Cadets, to present a grant cheque worth £250 to Flying Officer Gary Harding RAF VR (T).

        The organisation is celebrating success, having recently won the official status of an Air Cadet Squadron. From having only three

      • • Totton Noise Nuisance is Unacceptable
        11/02/10










        County Councillor for Totton South, David Harrison, is asking that the High Street in Totton could be declared a “Statutory Noise Nuisance”. The move follows complaints from residents that are woken by HGV movements at night time.
        <

      • • Community Rail Partnership
        11/02/10
        I attended the first meeting of the Waterside Community Rail Partnership today, held at Hythe Parish Offices.

        The meeting was Chaired by Cllr. Mel Kendal and included Councillors from Totton, Hythe & Fawley, officers from different authorities, including Southampton City Council, Marc

      • • Totton & Eling Twinning Group
        10/02/10









        Totton & Eling Twinning Association have been given a grant of £250 to help extend their activities, particularly with young people.

        Totton Councillor, David Harrison, has supported the group by using a grants budget given to him

      • • Minstead Study Centre
        10/02/10
        I visited the Minstead Study Centre today, deep in the heart of the New Forest.

        I was prompted to do so by a request for a grant to help towards the cost of construction of a deer fence. As a Hampshire County Councillor, I have an annual budget of £10,000 to award to community engagement

      • • Heritage Threatened by HGV's
        04/02/10
        HGV Traffic is threatening the very heritage of the New Forest town of Totton.

        A very large lorry, exiting from the wharf at Eling was driven down Eling Lane and got stuck in the narrow area between the ancient tide mill and heritage centre. In trying to manoeuvre out of the area, the lor

      • • Verges Need Protection
        04/02/10
        Liberal Democrat Campaigners, Councillor David Harrison and Prospective MP, Terry Scriven are calling upon Hampshire County Council to provide more resources to protect grass verges on housing estates.

        Cllr. David Harrison has identified the issue for priority action at a meeting of the N

      • • EU Law Should Continue to Protect Dibden Bay
        02/02/10
        “European Union law should continue to protect Dibden Bay in the New Forest for generations to come”. This is the view of Councillor David Harrison, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on New Forest District Council.

        The Cabinet of New Forest District Council is to respond to a consultation o

    • January
      • • Grant for Royal British Legion
        30/01/10
        The members of The Royal British Legion at Totton have been given a major boost with funds to help refurbish the RBL Headquarters in Commercial Road.

        The premises has served the organisation very well over the years but has slowly deteriorated and is badly in need of repair and redecorati

      • • Dartmoor - National Park Induction Course
        29/01/10


























        I spent three days in Dartmoor this week, participating in a Members Induction for the New Forest National Park Authority. There were eight othe

      • • Another £50K legal Bill for New Forest Taxpayers
        29/01/10
        Conservatives on a New Forest Council have cost the local taxpayer over £50,000 in another bungled legal case, similar to the famous Slippery Floor Fiasco.

        Red Faced Tories have been hugely embarrassed by the result of a County Court decision that requires New Milton Town Council to pay 8

      • • Report For Marchwood Parish Council January 2010
        22/01/10
        Report for Marchwood Parish Council Meeting, 25th January 2010

        Weather Problems

        The authority has been very stretched coping with the unusually high volumes of snow and ice in Hampshire this winter. The problems have been more severe north of the county but did impact everywher

      • • Marchwood Power Station Up & Running
        15/01/10
        Nearly five years ago, very soon after I was elected onto Hampshire County Council, I was invited to a meeting at Marchwood village hall about proposals to build a new power station.

        I had expected to meet a group of protesters. Instead, the group who met with me were engineers, designers

      • • Meeting About Marchwood Waste Plans
        14/01/10

        This week, I had an important meeting with Cllr. Mel Kendal, the Executive Member for the Environment on Hampshire County Council, Mr Paul Archer, Assistant Director for Environmental Services and Barrie Foley, Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority.

        Both Barrie

      • • Marchwood Quarry Activity Gets Go Ahead
        13/01/10
        Hampshire County Council has given permission for quarry activities to continue at Marchwood for a further 12 year period.

        At a meeting of the Regulatory Committee today, members agreed by a narrow majority to agree an extension of time for operations to continue and for a new part of the

      • • Article for Marchwood News
        10/01/10


        If you are of a certain age, you might remember a song from the Rolling Stones called “You can’t always get what you want”. This is certainly true in my role as County Councillor for Marchwood.

        I have been doing my level best to try and improve things for the area. A large p

      • • Plans for Processing Radio Active Waste
        06/01/10
        A number of people have contacted me, including representatives from the New Forest Friends of The Earth, concerned about the advertised proposals for processing radioactive waste at the Tradebe Incinerator, near Fawley.

        I have received much more detailed information about the proposals

      • • More Losses on Slippery Floor Case
        05/01/10

        The cost of the New Forest Slippery Floor Fiasco continues to rise. The Tory controlled New Forest District Council suffered a major embarrassment last year as news emerged that the wrong sort of polish used on sports hall floors and a subsequent failed legal case resulted in a loss of aroun

      • • Totton Suffers Bus Cuts Threat
        02/01/10


        Totton County Councillor, David Harrison is calling upon the First Bus Company not to proceed with planned cuts to bus services that will make it more difficult for local people to access Southampton General Hospital.

        The campaigning Councillor has asked for an urgent meetin

  • 2009
    • December
      • • Marchwood Quarry Worries
        24/12/09
        Another battle is looming, over HGV movements in the Marchwood area.
        Local County Councillor, David Harrison, is opposing an application to extend quarry activity in the area for a further 12 years.

        Quarry activity in Marchwood was supposed to have come to a halt earlier this year, a

      • • Acknowledge The Debt
        22/12/09


        I used to joke that the area I represent as a member of Hampshire County Council, Totton South & Marchwood has just about everything one could imagine that might cause problems for people, except for a nuclear waste facility.

        We have very high levels of HGV traffic, much

      • • No Public Inquiry Into Marchwood Industrial Estate
        20/12/09
        There will be no public inquiry into the issue of increased HGV usage of Marchwood Industrial Estate.

        Traffic Commissioners, who are responsible for issuing HGV operators’ licences, have confirmed that they will not be holding a public inquiry in response to concerns from local residents

      • • Radioactive Plans Get Thumbs Down
        17/12/09


        David Harrison, the County Councillor for Totton South & Marchwood, has called upon the Environment Agency to stop plans that will mean transportation of radioactive waste down the Waterside, for processing n the Fawley area.

        The Environment Agency has just launched an

      • • Hark the High Street HGV's
        16/12/09


        New Forest District Council is being pressed to deliver a Christmas present to the residents of the High Street, Totton.

        The issue of excessive lorry noise and vibration has been high on the list of local people, often kept awake at night from HGV’s entering and leaving Eli

      • • Forest Council Charges Rise
        16/12/09
        New Forest District Council has just announced increases in fees and charges on a range of council services for the coming financial year.

        The new charges include above inflation increases on a range of services, including beach hut site rentals, green fees at Dibden Golf Club, rises for

      • • Report for Marchwood Parish Council ; December 2009
        14/12/09
        Report for Marchwood Parish Council Meeting 14th December 2009

        Introduction

        My final report of the year and an opportunity to thank all the staff and Parish Councillors, as well as the two District Councillors for the support and assistance received. Let’s look forward to anoth

      • • Threat of EU Air Quality Fines
        08/12/09
        Hampshire County Councillor, David Harrison, is calling for more urgent action to tackle air pollution in New Forest Towns, such as Lyndhurst and Totton.

        Britain is likely to be hit with up to £300 million of EU fines in less than 18 months and up to 36,000 people could die prematurely

      • • Not Persuaded by The Dome Promises
        08/12/09

        Local County Councillor for Marchwood, David Harrison, does not accept assurances that there are no plans to increase the capacity of the Marchwood Energy from Waste Facility.

        Hampshire County Council, recently gave permission for the ERF to process waste brought in from outside H

      • • Supporting Residents in Marchwood
        05/12/09
        Councillor Mel Kendal, the conservative Hampshire County Councillor and Executive Member for the Environment Portfolio, has issued an official statement, accusing me of being “party political” over my efforts to restrain HGV movements in and around Marchwood.

        It seems he does not realise

      • • Solar Panels at Totton College
        03/12/09
        I was “Guest of Honour” today at Totton College.

        I had been invited to undertake the official opening of new solar panels that have been installed on the roof of the college building.

        A couple of years ago I had hooked up Totton College with Marchwood Power Station who have be

      • • Asda Plans Improve Store - but not Totton
        03/12/09
        Town District and County Councillor for Totton South, David Harrison, has expressed strong reservations about plans to extend the local Asda store.
        The plans include extending the floor space, building a single storey car park over the existing car park and provision of 32 additional car parkin

    • November
      • • Highway Matters - Marchwood & Totton
        13/11/09
        I have had a very busy week dealing with Highway issues in my County Council division. Apart from the usual bits and pieces of case-work, I have had meetings with Officers and other Councillors in Totton, Marchwood & Winchester, all looking at various highway issues.

        I thought it migh

      • • In My View - County Council Waste Policy
        12/11/09


        Should Hampshire County Council get into the business of dealing with waste from outside the County? It is a reasonable question and there are probably some good reasons for doing so. However, I can also think of some significant disadvantages.

        I have been battling to find o

      • • New Forest to get Waste from Outside Hampshire
        11/11/09
        Permission has been granted for the Energy Recovery Facility (The Dome) at Marchwood to start processing waste brought in from outside the County.

        The decision was taken today by the Regulatory Committee of Hampshire County Council which had earlier deferred the decision. The committee ac

    • October
      • • Crunch Time for Health Bosses
        29/10/09

        News that children in Southampton suffer no more tooth decay than the national average has called into further question the decision to add fluoride to tap water in local homes.

        County Councillor David Harrison is a leading campaigner against the plans. He is a member of the Count

      • • Park Authority Agrees New Plan
        29/10/09
        The New Forest National Park Authority has approved a revised plan for managing the park in future years.

        The authority has had a difficult time in the first four years of operation, with no permanent headquarters, the resignation of its first Chief Executive and criticism for including i

      • • A "No" to Dibden Bay Development
        28/10/09

        New Forest District Council is set to object to proposals for port development at Dibden Bay.

        Local authorities in the area have been asked to respond to a draft Port Master Plan, prepared by Associated British Ports (ABP). It follows past failed attempts to develop the New Forest

      • • Hounsdown School wins Eco Status
        27/10/09
        Hounsdown School in Totton has become only the third school in Hampshire to be awarded the prestigious title of Eco-School.

        Local County Councillor David Harrison was guest of honour at a special event held at the school to promote green activities and was asked to raise the green flag to

      • • Slippery Floor Inquiry Plea
        23/10/09

        The Leader of the New Forest District Council Liberal Democrats, Councillor David Harrison, will be calling upon the Tory controlled authority to agree to an independent inquiry into the circumstances that led to the authority, losing a High Court Case against a flooring company it had engag

      • • Work Together Plea
        21/10/09


        Totton & Eling Town Council and Marchwood Parish Council are being urged to work together in order to promote a safe means of walking and cycling between the village and the town.

        Hampshire County Councillor David Harrison, who serves both communities, has asked the Town

      • • Marchwood HGV Inquiry Looks Likely
        21/10/09
        A public inquiry into proposals that would increase HGV movements to and from Marchwood Industrial Estate looks increasingly likely.

        Hampshire County Councillor David Harrison, has been pressing the Office of The Traffic Commissioner to hold an inquiry. He was prompted to do so by an appl

      • • Town Council to Fight Bill for Disabity Parking
        15/10/09

        Totton Town Council will be fighting proposals that put the provision of car parking disabled bays at risk.

        Members heard that officers working for the Valuation Department were insisting that the Town Council pay more tax as a result of marking out new bays on the town council ca

      • • Totton Carnival Should be Blooming Good
        15/10/09


        A riot of colour to brighten the town! That’s what Totton & Eling and Town Council are hoping for in 2010.

        The authority has been working to help restore the popular town carnival next year. At a full council meeting this week, Town, District & County Councillor Davi

      • • Campaign Against Marchwood Quarry Grows
        14/10/09


        Quarry activity in Marchwood must cease. That is the message that both Marchwood Parish Council and Totton & Eling Town Council will now deliver to Hampshire County Council.

        Both local authorities had originally not put forward any objection to a proposal from operators

      • • Totton Council Drives Green Agenda
        14/10/09

        Liberal Democrats on Totton & Eling Town Council have boosted the green agenda by agreeing to purchase an electric van.

        In a first for the Town Council, it has agreed to purchase a Mega Electric Van. Powered by rechargeable batteries, it has a top speed of 28 miles per hour an

      • • Marchwood Fatal Accident
        14/10/09

        One of the worst things about being a County Councillor is hearing that there has been a fatal road traffic incident in the area that you are responsible for.
        Late this Monday afternoon, a young adult cyclist lost his life following a collision with an HGV in Bury Road, Marchwood. It’s

      • • Horses to be moved on
        13/10/09
        Two horses on land managed by New Forest District Council are to be moved following complaints that they have been bothering and frightening local dog walkers.

        The horses are privately owned but were allowed to graze land at Testwood House Farm, providing they were tethered. It was seen

      • • Marchwood Village Wants Allotment Land
        13/10/09





        A report to Marchwood Parish Council this week reported that there are now 41 people on the waiting list for an allotment. The big problem is that the village has a waiting list, but no allotments!

        County Councillor David Harrison is often asked about the p

      • Report For Marchwood Parish Council 12th October 2009
        13/10/09
        Bus Services

        I’m not aware of any plans to change the current services enjoyed by the village. However, I’m monitoring the situation carefully because a lot depends on the willingness of HCC to pay subsidy to the bus companies to keep services going.

        There have been a few gru

      • • Marchwood & Totton HGV Decision
        07/10/09







        A powerful Committee of Hampshire County Council has been persuaded by a single County Councillor not to approve a request that may mean increased HGV movements in Totton & Marchwood, including the processing of domestic and commercial waste brought in

    • September
      • • £1.2 Million Tory Car Parking Profits
        30/09/09
        Conservative controlled New Forest District Council has made an annual profit of £1.2 million pounds from car parking charges and penalties.

        The fat profits are revealed in a report covering the financial year 2008-2009. The council has to produce the report under a new law called the Tra

      • • Slippery Floor Fiasco - District Auditor Investigation
        25/09/09




        New Forest District Councillors will get another chance today to find out what really caused the slippery floor fiasco.
        Most members were completely unaware that the authority had decided to engage in a legal fight with a flooring company (TPS), accusing it of providin

      • • National Platform for Fluoride Campaigner
        18/09/09
        Totton Councillor, David Harrison, has accepted an invitation to be the key note speaker at an event on the topic of fluoridation, to be held in Bournemouth.
        The event has been organised by the National Pure Water Association and forms part of the Annual Liberal Democrat Conference. It is tit

      • • New Forest Walking Tour
        18/09/09






















        As a new member of the New Forest National Park Authority, I am keen to educate myself on all aspects of the area.

        I was therefore really pleased to join a w

      • • Council to Axe Sun Beds
        14/09/09
        The New Forest Liberal Democrats have emerged victorious in the battle over sun-beds in local Health & Leisure Centres.

        The opposition Lib Dem group have been campaigning for some years to get sun-beds removed from the Health & Leisure Centres, for health & safety reasons. H

      • • Another HGV Battle Looms
        11/09/09
        Another battle to restrict HGV traffic In Marchwood and Totton is underway, following the news that Marchwood Aggregates have applied to extend quarry activities for a further 12 years.

        Local County Councillor David Harrison has pledged to try and stop operations.
        Marchwood Aggregate

      • • Fire & Rescue Service puts New Forest Road Safety high on list
        10/09/09
        Improving road safety in the New Forest was a major topic of discussion at Lyndhurst Fire Station. County Councillor David Harrison, a member of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority has met with Steve Foye, Group Manager for the New Forest.

        The campaigning councillor was keen to hear about

      • • District Auditor Investigates Slippery Floor Case
        08/09/09
        The District Auditor has been investigating some of the detailed circumstances that have led to New Forest District Council paying out over £300,000 in a failed legal bid against a company that supplied floor surfaces to its’ Leisure Centres.

        The conservative council was left reeling ea

      • • A Step Change Improvement
        07/09/09
        Using metal steps to deposit your waste items at a local recycling centre may be a thing of the past.

        Hampshire County Councillor, David Harrison, has been pressing for improvements at the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) at Marchwood to include a special split level system, which

      • • Fluoride Decision To Be Challenged In Courts.
        01/09/09
        The decision by the Strategic Health Authority to proceed with adding fluoride to tap water in thousands of Hampshire homes is now to be challenged in court.
        Campaigners against the plans have welcomed the outcome of a Judicial Review that has decided that there is a legal case to answer. Cons

    • August
      • • Park Authority More Responsive to Dog Owners
        30/08/09
        A more reasonable attitude towards dog owners in the New Forest has been warmly welcomed by local people.

        The New Forest National Park Authority had intended banning dogs from some car parks in order to protect sensitive sites, including areas often used by ground nesting birds. However,

      • • Street Surgery Success
        30/08/09
        Cllr. David Harrison is gearing up for another round of Street Surgeries to be held in Totton & Marchwood.

        The surgeries held earlier this year were well attended, with a whole range of concerns raised.

        David is a Town, District & County Councillor, so there are very fe

    • July
      • • Pollution Incident Costs Southern Water £30K
        31/07/09
        Southern Water has been fined a huge £30,000 for a catastrophic pollution spill that killed hundreds of fish and obliterated wildlife at Bartley Water, Totton.

        The sewerage spillage followed the failure of all three pumps at Ashurst Bridge Wastewater Pumping Station caused by a power sur

      • • Credit Crunch Increases Flood Risk
        31/07/09
        The credit crunch has increased the risk that hundreds of homes in Totton will be flooded. Last year, Town, District and County Councillor, David Harrison, urged Totton & Eling Town Council to persuade the Environment Agency that action was needed to protect homes from flood risk.

        Th

      • • Call for Sunbed U-Turn
        29/07/09
        Liberal Democrats on New Forest District Council are calling for a review of existing policy following a recent report that sunbeds can increase the chances of developing skin tumours by 75% and pose the "highest" risk of cancer.

        The International Agency for Research on Cancer

      • • Police Meet Totton's Needs
        27/07/09
        The two County Councillors for Totton, Alan Weeks and David Harrison met up with senior police chiefs today, to discuss a range of local issues.

        Chief Inspector Gary Cooper and Acting Inspector Ian Smith hosted the meeting at Totton Police Station. Topics discussed included ongoing proble

      • • British Fluoridation Society Exposed
        26/07/09
        The British Fluoride Society, the organisation responsible for promoting the benefits of adding fluoride to tap water, have been sensationally exposed for misleading the public.

        Campaigners against the proposals have uncovered a public relations scam, aimed at giving people confidence in

      • • Highway Tour of Totton South - July 22nd 2009
        22/07/09
        Highway Tour of Totton South : 22nd July 2009

        I undertook a further tour of highway issues today, accompanied by two highway officers (based at the Area Office, Jacobs Gutter Lane). As usual, it was a very god chance to pick up and deal with issues raised with me in recent months (often

      • • Fluoride - The Will of the People must prevail
        21/07/09
        The issue of whether or not fluoride is added to tap water is of huge significance. It is about how we wish to order society. It is a fundamental test. Do we live in a democracy or have we given up on the idea?

        I have always entertained the notion that important decisions should be made

      • • Marchwood Energy Recovery Facility
        18/07/09
        I attended a meeting of the Marchwood Energy Recovery Facility Liaison Panel this week, (otherwise known as “The Dome”).

        Some good news, it appears that the tendering exercise for demolition of the old incinerator and construction of a new waste transfer station is coming to a close. Afte

      • • County Supports Tap Water Vote
        16/07/09
        Hampshire County Council has now formally agreed to press for a public vote on the question of whether fluoride should be added to tap water.

        The issue was raised by campaigning County Councillor, David Harrison, the member for Totton South & Marchwood. About 8,000 households in his

      • • County Council to Consider Fluoride Referendum
        13/07/09
        Campaigners against plans to add fluoride to tap water are pressing ahead with new measures, designed to challenge the decision of the Strategic Health Authority.

        A cross-party consensus has been formed, with conservative MP, Dr Julian Lewis and Liberal Democrat Councillor David Harriso

      • • Marchwood Parish Council Report 13th July 2009
        13/07/09
        Report for Marchwood Parish Council Meeting, 13th July 2009

        Elections

        Elections for seats on Hampshire County Council were held on June 4th. Conservatives won 51 seats & retain control of the authority. I was one of the 25 successful Liberal Democrat candidates and am par

      • • Marchwood Needs HGV Inquiry
        12/07/09
        Marchwood residents are hoping that a public inquiry might provide some relief from ever increasing HGV movements in the village.

        County Councillor David Harrison has written to the Traffic Commissioners, the organisation that grants licenses to HGV operators, asking for a full inquiry t

      • • Marchwood Residents Kick up a Stink
        10/07/09
        A gas-like pong settled over the village of Marchwood this week. The first I heard of it was when I received a call from a villager, asking for the telephone number of the Power Station. I checked and quickly established that it was unrelated to the power station which has not been discharging anyth

      • • Marchwood Power Station Working Group
        10/07/09
        I chaired a meeting of the Marchwood Power Station Working Group last night. The group comprises of management of the newly constructed facility, parish & district council representatives, residents and a community / schools liaison officer.

        This time around, we also had people fro

      • • Dibden Bay Threat Looms Again
        10/07/09

        The threat of port related development in the New Forest area has been raised once again. Associated British Ports, the owners of Dibden Bay, have prepared a “Master Plan” that includes proposals for developing the green area next to the Solent for port use over the next twenty years.
      • • Tory Cracks On Property Services
        06/07/09
        Conservative Councillors on New Forest District Council are divided on proposals that will see a major re-structuring of property services within the authority.

        The Tory controlled Cabinet forced through proposals despite unhappiness expressed by staff members and all other conservative c

      • • Colbury Crossing Will Save Lives
        04/07/09
        The new pedestrian crossing at Colbury is in operation, helping local people to safely cross the busy A35 road.

        The campaign to get a proper crossing started about two years ago, with parents of school children at Foxhills and Hounsdown, particularly active in lobbying Hampshire County Co

      • • Marchwood Fete
        04/07/09
        It was my very great pleasure and honour to formally open the Marchwood Fete this year.

        I kept my speech very short, thanking the organising committee, the sponsors and the very large numbers of volunteers who have all worked so hard to make it possible.

        It stopped raining just

      • • Local Government Conference
        04/07/09
        This week I have been in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, attending the Annual Local Government Association Conference. I am representing Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service.

        The theme for the conference is “Big issues, local solutions”. I’m looking forward to discussions and workshops on a ra

    • June
      • • Beware of Adders
        29/06/09
        Following my re-election as Hampshire County Councillor for Totton South & Marchwood, I’m really pleased to have been appointed onto the New Forest National Park Authority.

        I’m joining as a new member at a difficult time. There have been very well documented problems with various prot

      • • Ancient Grazing Rights to Protect Totton Land
        19/06/09
        The plans of developers, Linden Homes, to develop housing on green areas in Totton might yet be scuppered by ancient grazing rights.

        The highly controversial plans to build on sites off Ringwood Road and Testwood Lane (the home of AFC Totton) were thrown out by locally elected councillors

      • • Rushington Pavements - A Sticky Problem
        16/06/09
        Cllr. Harrison wants Highway bosses to halt all resurfacing work on pavements in his Totton & Marchwood division.

        Residents on the Rushington Manor Estate have been bitterly complaining about the quality of work undertaken to pavements in the area. In roads such as Rushington Avenue a

      • • Totton High Street Speeding Problems
        16/06/09
        Councillor David Harrison has been an early morning breakfast guest at the Brimar Bed & Breakfast establishment, High Street, Totton.
        The campaigning councillor had accepted an invitation from the owner, Mr Roy Neet, to enjoy some coffee and toast, (for which he paid), whilst sitting at a w

      • • Amphitheatre Open for Business
        12/06/09
        Cllr. David Harrison was a guest of Marchwood Junior School this evening at an open-air picnic in the school grounds. The event was organised to celebrate completion of a new facility, a wooden amphitheatre. This will be used to stage a variety of entertainments including musical events, choirs and

      • • Watch out for Tree Eating Dogs
        12/06/09
        Local Councillor, David Harrison, is asking Totton residents to be on the look-out for tree eating dogs.

        A large number of trees in the Rum Green, Brockenford area of Totton have been badly damaged by dogs. It is feared that the trees will die as bark is stripped off the trunks.

      • • Fluoride Protest Moves To Westminster
        09/06/09
        The Campaign against adding fluoride to tap water has taken a significant step forward. County Councillor David Harrison, Liberal Democrat member for Totton South & Marchwood and Leader of the New Forest District Liberal Democrats joined 30 other members of “Hampshire Against Fluoride” to lobby

      • • Election Victory
        05/06/09
        Cllr. David Harrison has been re-elected as County Councillor for Totton South & Marchwood.

        The election count for the New Forest finished at about 3.30am this morning. As luck would have it, the Totton South & Marchwood seat was the last to be announced.

        The turn-out

    • May
      • • Conservative Claims Won't Wash
        14/05/09
        Conservative Claims Won’t Wash!

        As the fight for Hampshire County Council seats warms up, conservatives have pushed out election leaflets with wild claims, purporting to set the record straight.

        Conservatives are now admitting........

        They are very likely to try and

      • • Lib Dems Choose Leader
        14/05/09















        Liberal Democrat Councillors on New Forest District Council have elected Cllr. David Harrison to serve a second term as Leader.

        The 14 strong opposition group have had a good year, holding the ruli

      • • Tap Water Issue Keeps Flowing
        14/05/09
        Campaigning Liberal Democrat Councillor, David Harrison has helped keep up the pressure on the Strategic Health Authority (SHA) on the issue of Fluoride in tap water.

        David has been working with the local Conservative MP, Dr Lewis, putting in a joint complaint to the Parliamentary and Hea

      • • The Return of the Magnificent Seven
        14/05/09
        Totton’s Conservative Councillors, Lagdon, Russell, Brooks, Lucas, Scrivens, Dart & Britton all turned up to the full Town Council meeting this week so that they could vote for themselves when deciding who gets committee places and installing another Conservative Chairman.

        Unfortunate

      • • Village Yearns for The Quiet Life
        09/05/09
        Ideas to tackle problems with HGV noise nuisance in the New Forest village of Marchwood were discussed this week at the village hall.

        County Councillor, David Harrison, called for and chaired the meeting. It included local residents, representatives from the Parish & District Council

      • • Youth Crime Stresses Community
        04/05/09
        Residents in the Rumbridge Street area of Totton turned out in force to express anger and concern about crime and anti-social behaviour. The meeting took place at Totton Civic Centre, Chaired by the Council Chairman, at the request of County Councillor David Harrison.

        In recent weeks, the

    • April
      • • Grazing Rights May Save Green Spaces
        27/04/09
        Linden Homes may yet be prevented from developing two sports grounds in Totton with new housing developments.

        All local Councillors are opposed to the plans, which will see the further loss of vital green space in the town. The planning application was rejected by New Forest District Coun

      • • New Signs for Eling Wharf
        27/04/09
        New improved signage to Eling Wharf is to be erected in the hope that HGV drivers will be less likely to lose their way.

        HGV’s have been regularly turning up at the bottom of Eling Lane, near to the Tide Mill and Heritage Centre. The HGV driver then has to undertake a very delicate and co

      • • Asda - Till Problems
        27/04/09
        The Asda store in Totton have come under fire from a number of local people who have complained about the loss of the “10 items or less checkouts”.
        It seems these have been dropped in favour of new self-service tills.

        Unfortunately, the new tills don’t suit everybody. Some customers,

      • • Solent Froth is Clean
        26/04/09
        Members of the Power Station Working Group toured the newly constructed facility at Marchwood this week.

        The £400 million project is due to go into commercial operation at the end of August , providing electricity to thousands of homes.

        The number of staff working at the site h

      • • Street Surgery Update
        19/04/09
        Over the last five weekends I have completed another 10 of my “Street Surgeries”. I’m not sure whether the hardest work is delivering the 500 invitations beforehand, or grappling with all the case-work that I pick up from each one. Hopefully, it is appreciated. My surgery this evening at Eling Tide

      • • Rumbridge Street - Only a Full Inquiry Will Do
        16/04/09
        Liberal Democrats in Totton are pressing for a full inquiry into how a Totton street revamp ended up over £700,000 over budget.

        The work in Rumbridge Street is now nearing an end. However, it was meant to finish in October 2007. The delays have had massive negative impact on local busines

      • • Thuggish Activities to be Curtailed
        16/04/09
        Totton Councillor David Harrison has given hope to victims of young thugs. Residents of Osborne Road and Rumbridge Street have reported high levels of vandalism and thuggery in recent weeks.

        Youngsters have been kicking cars, stealing and even lighting fires, causing distress and alarm.
      • • In My View - Slippery Floor Outcome
        12/04/09
        Anyone following the story of the slippery floor saga, involving New Forest District Council and a High Court battle will have been pretty shocked that it has cost local taxpayers up to £350,000. It works out at about £5 per taxpayer in the New Forest district.

        I doubt whether this matter

      • • Goal Posts - A Big Hit
        11/04/09
        “The best £500 ever spent in Marchwood” – that’s the verdict of Lib Dem Parish Councillors, Rolli Rowlands and Keith Petty.

        The two Councillors were approached a while back by County Councillor David Harrison who was seeking good ideas on how best to spend his annual community grants bud

      • • Marchwood Highway Issues
        06/04/09
        I have received an early report from an Officer at Hampshire County Council, following my request for feedback, following the recent 3 day exhibition at Marchwood village hall. Here it is :

        We had a very good turnout on each of the three days and the exhibition seemed to have gone down v

      • • Tory Slip-Ups Cost £350,000
        06/04/09
        Cllr. David Harrison, has exposed why the conservative administration on New Forest District Council lost £350,000 in a High Court battle.

        The Judge ruled that the authority had wrongly tried to blame a flooring company (TPS) for three dangerously slippery floors at local sports halls.
      • • Air Quality Issue still not tackled
        01/04/09
        Town District and County Councillor for Totton South, David Harrison, has launched a stinging attack over lack of effective action to deal with serious air quality issues in his home town.

        The campaigning councillor spoke up at a full meeting of the District Council Cabinet this week, exp

      • • Close Escape Hatch for Thieves & Vandals
        01/04/09
        Totton Councillor David Harrison is supporting residents in the town who are calling for a walk-way to be closed off.

        The walk way links Rumbridge Gardens with Osborne Road. In recent weeks, local residents have suffered repeated incidents of vandalism, especially to parked cars, with the

    • March
      • • Fluoride - Don't take the risk !
        22/03/09
        In my View ..... By County Councillor David Harrison

        Fluoridation

        I take entirely the opposite view of Dr Steve George who writes in support of adding fluoride to our tap water.

        There may well be some scare stories attached to the issue. Highly qualified experts

      • • Flouride Decision Anti- Democratic
        21/03/09
        A big question hangs over the validity of the decision made by the Strategic Health Authority (SHA) to instruct Southern Water to add fluoride to tap water to thousands of local homes.

        A freedom of information request made to the SHA has revealed that only one member of the 12 people on t

      • • Safer Normandy Way
        20/03/09
        The prospect of a safer speed limit on a busy New Forest road has moved a stage forward.

        County Councillor David Harrison has made the case for a 30 mile an hour speed limit to be applied to Normandy Way, in Marchwood. The road has become increasingly busy in recent years, especially with

      • • Street Lighting to be Replaced
        20/03/09
        New Street lights are coming to Totton & Marchwood.

        Hampshire County Council have signed a contract to replace all street lights across the County over a five year period.

        The new lights will be more energy efficient and provide better illumination than the current ones. In

      • • Ashurst Bridge Surgery
        20/03/09
        I held a Street Surgery at Cockley Down roundabout, Ashurst Bridge, Totton, this evening.

        My first visitors were a group of three lads on bikes. They had seen my leaflet and had decided to tell me about concerns they had with safety of the roundabout itself. Apparently, one of them had be

      • • Tap Water Complaint is lodged
        15/03/09
        Totton Councillor, David Harrison, has lodged a formal complaint to the Strategic Health Authority, following a decision of the Board to add flouride to tap water. If implemented, about 8,000 homes in Totton will be affected.

        Councillor Harrison says "The basis of my complaint is t

      • • Report for Marchwood Parish Council March 2009
        15/03/09
        Report for Marchwood Parish Council Meeting, March 16th 2009

        Bus Services

        I have organised the next meeting of the Marchwood Bus Services Focus Group for 7pm on Tuesday, 31st March. Mr Alex Hornby from Solent Blue line has been invited and confirmed he will attend. I would welc

      • • Highway Tour of Totton March 2009
        13/03/09
        I have just finished my most recent “Highways Tour” of Totton. It’s a quick whirlwind tour of all the case-work issues I have picked up relating to highway issues in recent weeks.

        I get taken around in the Area Surveyor’s car, visiting each site on my list and I’m then able to view and di

      • • Testwood Baptist Church Get a Little Lift
        12/03/09
        The Two County Councillors for Totton, David Harrison and Alan Weeks, have combined forces to improve access for disabled people.

        Both Councillors decided to contribute £1,000 each from their community grants budgets, to help pay for a stair lift at Testwood Baptist Church.

        The

      • • Street Surgery at Testwood
        12/03/09
        I conducted a Street Surgery in Testwood (junction of Shelley Road and Shakespeare Drive) tonight.

        I had a steady stream of visitors, some familiar faces, some new.
        Amongst the issues raised were :

        Anger with contractors, (employed by the District Council), for making such

      • • Linden Homes Win Planninq Inquiry Appeal
        10/03/09
        Linden Homes have won the appeal against a decision by New Forest District Council not to allow them to develop two Totton sports grounds with housing developments.

        The planning Inspector held an Inquiry in the town during October. The proposals included building major housing development

      • • Conservatives In Touch
        09/03/09
        Yes, an election is looming....

        The sure fire way of detecting an election coming is that the conservatives have finally put out a leaflet, rather ironically called “In Touch”.
        The March edition of “In Touch”, proudly trumpets the lowest council tax increase for 40 years. Well, giv

      • • In my View - Public Money Wasted
        05/03/09
        I think the Daily Echo is really onto something with the continuing “It’s my money” campaign.

        I have long suspected that there is a huge amount of wastage when it comes to spending public money. In some cases, it is central government that is to blame. Obviously, you can take a view on wh

      • • Call for Independent inquiry into Hythe Promenade Scheme
        04/03/09
        The Liberal Democrat Leader on New Forest District Council, Councillor David Harrison, has demanded an independent inquiry into the latest scandal to hit the authority, a further £135,000 bill that local taxpayers will have to pick up,
        following a series of mistakes on the Hythe Promenade Enha

      • • No Fat Cat Bonus Payments on NFDC
        03/03/09
        Figures obtained by local Liberal Democrats reveal that there have been no fat bonus payments paid out of the public purse to District Council employees.

        Councillor David Harrison, Leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition group, has uncovered details of payments made to staff, that would

    • February
      • • Free Theatre Tickets
        28/02/09
        The best deal in Town right now, for anyone aged under 26? It has to be free theatre tickets for The Nuffield, Southampton!

        An Arts Council England scheme is providing 618,000 FREE theatre tickets to anyone under 26 in more than 200 venues across England, between February 2009 and March 2

      • • Rumbridge Street Row Intensifies
        28/02/09
        An almighty row is brewing over a £700,000 council overspend, a series of mistakes and a year’s delay, causing disruption to shoppers and traders, in Rumbridge Street, Totton.

        Local Liberal Democrat County Councillor for Totton, David Harrison has been pressing for an inquiry into the pro

      • • Pot Holes & Grumbles
        28/02/09
        At the last meeting of Hampshire County Council, conservative councillors tried to ridicule the opposition Liberal Democrat group by suggesting we would all be out getting our photographs taken by potholes for the election leaflets.

        As a Lib Dem Councillor, I think it is an essential pa

      • • Pavement Hazard
        28/02/09
        Sometimes, time spent out on the streets can pay dividends that you don’t anticipate. I was out delivering the last of my Annual County Reports this weekend when I came across this hazard, In Milverton Road, Eling.

        A resident has just had a new hard surface constructed in their front ga

      • • Tories verge on the Ridiculous
        28/02/09
        Many of the grass verges in Totton are not in fact grass verges. As a result of vehicles being frequently driven over them or parked on, they have become hazards. They are often deeply rutted and filled with water.

        Conservative controlled Hampshire County Council say there isn’t enough

      • • Tories face tough questions over latest £135k loss
        27/02/09
        Tory Controlled New Forest District Council is in trouble again over contract blunders that have cost local tax payers an additional £135,000.

        The inquiry into the slippery sports hall floors fiasco, which cost taxpayers over £200,000, has been scheduled for April 9th. The Conservative ad

      • • Tap Water Decision
        26/02/09
        Words can hardly express how angry I am. I have just received the news that the local Strategic Health Authority have voted to add fluoride to the tap water, including thousands of homes in Totton.

        These people have never faced an election, unlike all the members of Hampshire County Counc

      • • Tory Council ignores plea to limit rent increases
        25/02/09
        Conservative Councillors on New Forest District Council have decided to impose an inflation busting 5.8% increase in council rents.

        Liberal Democrats proposed limiting the increase to just 3%, but were voted down by the ruling conservative group.

        Councillor David Harrison made

      • • Tories increase council tax X 3
        25/02/09
        Council Tax Payers have been clobbered again by Conservative controlled New Forest District Council.

        Tory Councillors voted down Liberal Democrats who proposed a zero increase in council tax at the annual budget setting meeting.
        An increase of just under 3% in the council tax was vo

      • • Poets Estate Churned up by Tory Council
        25/02/09
        Grass Verges on The Poets Estate, Totton have been ruined by council contractors.

        County Councillor David Harrison has fired off a letter of complaint to the Chief Executive of Tory controlled New Forest District Council. He says, “I can hardly believe that the contractors can cause so mu

      • • In My View : Safer Cycle Routes
        22/02/09
        The bicycle is a fantastic invention, probably one that most of us take for granted and probably don’t utilise as much as we should.

        The problem with bikes is that we often have to share the same space with vehicles large and small. It takes a brave, some might say foolhardy, person to cy

      • • County Council Increases Council Tax
        20/02/09
        Liberal Democrats on Hampshire County Council were voted down by the ruling Conservatives in their efforts to deliver a zero increase in Council tax for the coming year.

        The ruling Conservatives have built up reserves of over £180 million, partly by increasing council tax by over 4% in pr

      • • New A326 Speed limits on the way
        20/02/09
        New speed limits are to be imposed on the A326, Marchwood By-pass, in response to public calls to improve safety.

        New 50 mph and 40 mph limits are to be implemented on a temporary basis before the end of March. However, it is anticipated these will then be made permanent if the subsequent

      • • Rumbridge Street Inquiry Bid Gains Support
        18/02/09
        Totton Town Council has decided to support calls for an inquiry into the project to improve Rumbridge Street.

        County Councillor for Totton South, David Harrison, told the members of the Town Council that he was pressing Hampshire County Council to conduct a full inquiry into the project,

      • • Derek Biggs Completes 35 Years Service
        18/02/09
        The Town Clerk for Totton & Eling, Derek Biggs was centre stage this week, being rewarded for 35 years service.

        The two Hampshire County Councillors for Totton, David Harrison and Alan Weeks paid tribute to Mr Biggs at a special ceremony marking the event following a meeting of the fu

      • • Ongoing HGV Problems Prompt Public Inquiry Call
        08/02/09
        Ongoing nuisance from HGV traffic in a Hampshire village has prompted a request for a public inquiry.

        County Councillor David Harrison, the member for Marchwood, has written to the Traffic Commissioners, expressing concerns about vibration, noise, night-time disturbance and road safety fe

      • • Slippery Floor Case Gets Scrutiny
        04/02/09
        The Leader of New Forest District Council, Cllr Barry Rickman, has today made a statement, confirming his commitment to a full and open review of the circumstances that led to the loss of a High Court case with a flooring company, Titanium Polyurethane Seal (TPS).

        The Council have now adm

      • • Verging on the Ugly
        02/02/09
        Is England, a green and pleasant land? Some parts of Totton are looking far from that.

        As a County Councillor for the area I get a lot of complaints about grass verges being taken over by parked vehicles or completely churned up and ruined by vehicles running over them.

        I recen

      • • Parker Beware in Totton
        01/02/09
        It is a case of “Parker Beware” in a Totton car-park as scores of motorists fall victim to an £80 fine for staying over the time limit.

        The car-park in Commercial Road, provides easy access to shops like Argos. However, it is privately owned with strict time limits on how long you can pa

      • • Flood Problem Sorted
        01/02/09
        Residents of Old Magazine Close, Marchwood are relieved that a serious flood risk has been sorted.

        The end of the Close has been regularly flooded, often with raw sewerage. Residents efforts to get Southern Water to fix the problem had met with little success. County Councillor David Harr

    • January
      • • Saturdads - Up and Running
        31/01/09
        I was invited to visit Marchwood Village Hall this morning, in order to meet the organisers of “Saturdads”.

        Activities were in full swing when I arrived. The large hall was filled with play equipment and a few dads were present with their children, helping build train tracks, constructing

      • • New HGV Restrictions - A Step Nearer
        31/01/09
        I had a meeting with senior highway officers this week, at the Area Office in Totton. Cllr. Brian Dash was also present. As local County Councillors, we were both very interested in discussing the outcome of the consultation on HGV movements, impacting on both our areas.

        In my time as Cou

      • • Totton Councillor Wins ACSO Promise
        27/01/09
        All doubts surrounding the future of funding for the Accredited Community Safety Officer, (ACSO) service in Totton appear to have been lifted.

        Recently, Conservative controlled New Forest District Council announced that they were no longer prepared to part-fund the service. In response, C

      • • Sunday Bus Services
        27/01/09
        There is more evidence this week that there is some way to go before local people get a bus service that is truly responsive to their needs.

        As Hampshire County Councillor for Totton & Marchwood, I received an E-Mail yesterday advising that the Sunday evening bus services are going

      • • Colbury Crossing Delight
        25/01/09
        In a victory for “Parent Power”, two local schools are to benefit from a new pedestrian and cycle crossing, due to be installed at Colbury, near Totton.
        Parents at Hounsdown School and Foxhills School had joined together, forming a protest group, lobbying for a safe means of crossing the busy A

      • • Tower of Strength In Totton
        24/01/09
        A grant of £1,000 has helped a youth facility in Totton to promote itself and encourage more young people to get active.

        County Councillor David Harrison has used part of his community grants budget to fund production of posters and advertising materials for The Tower project, based at St

      • • Report for Marchwood Parish Council ; January 2009
        24/01/09
        Report for Marchwood Parish Council Meeting 26th January 2009
        From Hampshire County Councillor David Harrison

        I wish a very happy New Year to all staff and members of Marchwood Parish Council.

        Marchwood Power Station

        I chaired a meeting of the liaison group, J

      • • Rumbridge or Glum Bridge Street ?
        21/01/09
        Rumbridge Street, Totton, has a magnificent history. It was once the main route through the town. However, during the last 50 years, it has slowly declined. The range and number of shops have reduced markedly. It has been very badly neglected. Part of it has been declared an Air Quality Management

      • • District Council wants to sweep cleaning methods under the carpet
        20/01/09
        New Forest District Council have released a statement to the local press admitting that losing the High Court Case with "TPS", the sports floor company, has cost local council taxpayer's at least £142,000.

        They have offered no apology to the company concerned, despite bein

      • • £200k High Court Judgement to get Council Scrutiny
        14/01/09
        Councillors on New Forest District Council will get a chance to quiz senior Officers after a High Court Judge ruled against the authority, forcing it to pay thousands of pounds to Titanium Polyurethane Seal, a company that supplies sports hall floors.

        The Judge dismissed a £100,000 count

      • • Anger at More HGV's on Totton's roads
        07/01/09
        Hounsdown Business Park in Totton is to be home to a huge new recycling centre for commercial waste, operated by SCA Recycling.

        A Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) will be built in the business park despite objections from councils, businesses and residents.

        The £15 million s

      • • Tory Threat to Totton College Dreams
        07/01/09
        Will the £40 million plan to bulldoze a Hampshire college and rebuild it from scratch survive an incoming Conservative government? That is the question being posed by local Council bosses.

        Totton College has been given the go-ahead to demolish all the 50-year-old buildings on the site an

      • • In my view...."It's your money" Campaign
        07/01/09
        In my View....

        I’m strongly supportive of the Daily Echo “It’s Your Money” campaign, highlighting examples of public money being wasted.

        On the County Council, our Leader, Ken Thornber, will no doubt be hoping that the storm following his creation of a 21 seat Senate will blow

      • • Tories floored by High Court Judgement
        07/01/09
        The Conservative controlled New Forest District Council has been severely criticised by a High Court Judge and ordered to pay a sum in excess of £100,000 to a specialist flooring company.

        The Authority has lost out in a legal dispute with Titanium Polyurethane Seal Company, over the sound

  • 2008
    • December
      • • Fond Farewell to Woolies
        29/12/08
        This is the time of year for reflection. The sudden and quite shocking collapse of the Woolworths Store chain has caused me to reflect more than I normally would.

        Woolworths has been part of my life for over half a century, something that has always been there. It’s been a very signific

      • • Totton Library Closure
        28/12/08
        Totton Library is going to be closed from the 26th January until the 16th March. During this 7 week period, a redecoration will be taking place, including new flooring in the children’s library, shelving, soft furnishing and signage.

        County Councillor David Harrison says “The building is

      • • Rumbridge Street Saga needs Investigation
        28/12/08
        The long running saga of work undertaken in Rumbridge Street, Totton may be subject to a full County Council inquiry.

        Local County Councillor, David Harrison, has written to Cllr. Mel Kendal, the Portfolio Holder for the Environment, asking that he agree to a root and branch review of t

      • • Stronger Action Needed in 2009 on Marchwood HGV Problems
        28/12/08
        Stronger action will be needed to protect the lives of Marchwood residents from the threats posed by HGV traffic during 2009, says County Councillor, David Harrison.

        The campaigning Councillor says villagers deserve a much better deal from authorities jointly responsible for managing HGV

      • • No lights on Totton Bridge
        24/12/08
        The lights on Brockenford Railway Bridge, Totton are out of action. Local County Councillor David Harrison has contacted Network Rail, asking them to provide a better alternative.

        He says “These important lights are essential for pedestrian safety. Unfortunately, they keep on being vanda

      • • Report for Marchwood Parish Council : December 2008
        09/12/08
        Introduction

        It has been another very busy couple of months, since I last reported to you. As always, I’m very grateful to the members of the Parish Council and to the two District Councillors for Marchwood. We continue to work in partnership with a lot of good will – and not just at

      • • Tories under fire from Lib Dem Leader
        09/12/08
        The ruling Conservatives on New Forest District Council have come under fire from their chief political critic, Lib Dem Group Leader, Cllr David Harrison.

        A recent cabinet meeting, revealed increased charges across a range of services delivered by the local authority, some of which are

      • • The Food and More Project
        09/12/08
        County Councillor, David Harrison has thrown his backing behind a new project launched by the the owner of Sunnyfields Farm, Totton.

        The project has several strands to it, all relating to food - including sustainable production and transportation, marketing, education and employment.
    • November
      • • Woolworths Set To Close?
        26/11/08
        Fears that the Woolworths Store in Totton might be about to close seem to have been confirmed by news that the company is going into administration.

        David Harrison, Town, District and County Councillor for Totton South says “This is a really major blow for employees of the store and cust

    • October
      • • Linden Homes Inquiry Witnesses Fierce Exchanges
        24/10/08
        Former Chairman of Totton & Eling Town Council, David Harrison, spoke at the Public Inquiry, against proposals to build on two sports grounds in Totton.

        The developers, Linden Homes, have appealed against the decision of New Forest District Council to reject the schemes, triggering th

      • • Totton gets youth work boost
        23/10/08
        Totton’s two Hampshire County Councillors, Alan Weeks and David Harrison, have combined to boost youth work in Totton.

        Both County Councillors were impressed by plans produced by members of the Trinity Church in West Totton, to employ a youth worker who will be tasked to engage young peop

      • • Report for Marchwood Parish Council Meeting 13th October 2008
        10/10/08
        Introduction

        I present this report at a time of financial turmoil. We don’t yet know what impact the current economic crisis will have on council tax, pensions, or council services but I fully expect some tough times ahead.

        The date of the County Council elections has been m

      • • Better consultation needed over New Forest Plans
        03/10/08
        Cllr. David Harrison, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on New Forest District Council, has added his voice to calls for the New Forest Park Authority to extend and open up the consultation on the draft park plan.

        A lobby group called “One Voice” are demanding that the 10 week consultation

      • • Leader Seeks Zero Council Tax Increase
        03/10/08
        The Leader of the Liberal Democrats on New Forest District Council has called upon the ruling Conservative group to make every effort to eliminate any increase in council tax in the coming financial year.

        At a meeting of the Council Cabinet, Councillor David Harrison pledged the support

    • September
      • • Letter to The Editor
        25/09/08
        Dear Sir,

        The New Forest National Park Authority are certainly attracting a lot of headlines. Tougher planning laws, possible restrictions on dog walking, tougher rules on horse owners and now proposals that may mean road closures and a toll for motorists entering the New Forest.
      • • Conservatives costing you a mint
        25/09/08
        These pens and mints were being given out free in Bournemouth, Dorset as part of the County's £4.5m publicity spend. How is that putting us first?

        David Harrison will ensure your money is spent on the services you want, not PR and spin.

      • • Progress on Marchwood HGV Problems
        25/09/08
        There is some glimmer of hope that things may improve for all those suffering from HGV noise and vibration nuisance in Marchwood.

        Villagers have been protesting about the noise and vibration nuisance from HGV movements, mainly to and from the Marchwood Industrial Estate. The volume of HG

      • • Letter to The Echo
        20/09/08
        Dear Sir,

        When the last Conservative government deregulated the bus industry, they clearly did not forsee the problems that followed.

        Instead of a lot of different bus companies competing with one another to provide excellent services, one company has swallowed up another. Twen

      • • Dispute with Asda - Letter to Press
        15/09/08
        Dear Sir,

        I'm in dispute with management of the Asda Store, Totton.

        Very simply, I'm sick and tired of seeing an abandoned shopping trolley at the roadside in every corner of Totton. You can also find them in gardens, waste land and in the river Blackwater. I think it

      • • A326 Junction claims life
        14/09/08
        Another Hampshire motorcyclist was killed last night (Saturday 13th September) his Kawasaki having been in a collision with a Volvo car at the junction of Twiggs Lane and the A326, Marchwood by-pass.

        Local County Councillor, David Harrison, has asked Highway Officers to urgently investiga

      • • Annual Party Conference
        14/09/08
        Key members of the New Forest Liberal Democrat party gathered at Bournemouth this weekend for the Annual Conference.

        The mood amongst party members matched the sunny weather. This was the first annual conference with new party leader, Nick Clegg MP at the helm.

        Parliamentary Ca

      • • Tories Are Not Green
        13/09/08
        Conservatives running New Forest District Council have come under fire for failing to tackle important green issues.

        Cllr. David Harrison, Leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition group, told the ruling group that they were “Long on words but short on action when it comes to protecting

      • • Tories in Hot Water
        13/09/08
        Conservatives running Hampshire County Council have been blasted for being grossly extravagant. The authority has recently purchased six designer taps costing £2,000 each.

        The £12,000 spent on Zip Hydro taps forms part of a £40 million taxpayer funded restoration of its Winchester HQ. A f

      • • Decision Day for Bus Services
        13/09/08






















        Lib Dem Councillor David Harrison has made a last minute plea to Hampshire County Council, asking them not to axe vital bus services.

        The Conservative Port

      • • Library Service Set-Back
        03/09/08
        The Hampshire Library service has lost one of its stars, being downgraded from a two-star rating to a one star. The service failed to meet targets for library opening hours, visits per 1000 population, number of computers and new book buying. However those in charge of the county library service cho

      • • Letter to The Echo - Dibden Bay
        03/09/08
        Dear Sir,

        I'm not sure exactly what rule I'm supposed to have broken, sending a letter to Cllr, Ken Thornber, Leader of Hampshire County Council, asking him to consider the merits of purchasing Dibden Bay and making no secret of this. Still, a lot of things I do seem to make him

      • • Conservatives are Masters of Complacency
        03/09/08
        The Leader of Liberal Democrat opposition group on New Forest District Council has accused the ruling conservative group of gross complacency when dealing with serious air quality issues.

        Councillor David Harrison used the Cabinet meeting today to launch a stinging attack on the ruling gr

      • • Local River polluted by Southern Water
        02/09/08
        A New Forest river, filled with internationally protected species of fish has been badly polluted.

        Totton residents noticed a milky appearance to Bartley Water which feeds into the River Test and Solent. Dead and dying fish were spotted, floating on the surface.

        The Environment

    • August
      • • Rumbridge Street Highway Improvements
        31/08/08
        Work on the second phase of highway improvements to Rumbridge Street in Totton is due to commence on September 15th.
        The work will likely be completed in April 2009 when footways are surface treated.

        Long standing drainage problems are to be tackled with a new outfall that is to be

      • • Leader Calls On Council to Protect Personal Information
        30/08/08
        The Leader of the Liberal Democrats on New Forest District Council has called for removal of any sensitive data that appears online, on the New Forest District Council web-site.

        Councillor David Harrison has written to the Chief Executive following complaints that personal information has

      • • Congatulations to Totton College
        29/08/08
        County Councillor for Totton South, David Harrison, has congratulated Totton College on achieving outstanding examination results.

        The college is celebrating a record overall A to E pass rate of 98.2%, up from 97.9% last year.

        In a letter to College Principal, Mark Bramwell, Cl

      • • HGV's and Buses
        29/08/08
        The two issues that seem to have dominated my work as County Councillor for Marchwood in recent months have been HGV’s and buses.

        The village has so many local facilities that attract HGV movements, such as the large industrial estate, the military presence and waste disposal centres that

      • • Demand for Marchwood Allotments
        29/08/08
        Marchwood Parish Council are being asked to consider the provision of allotments for villagers.

        Cllr. David Harrison, the County Councillor for Marchwood, has received a lot of requests for allotments from local people. At present, the parish has no such facilities.

        Cllr. Harri

      • • Bus Deal on the Cards
        28/08/08











        Campaigning Totton Councillor, David Harrison, has expressed hope that part of the T1 Link bus service in the town will be restored in the near future.

        Cllr. Harrison has collected hundreds of signatures in support of his

      • • Trolley Annoying
        28/08/08
        Management at the giant Asda store in Totton are being pressed to get to grips with the problem of abandoned shopping trolleys.

        David Harrison, a Town, District and County Councillor, has written to Asda bosses calling on them introduce a coin return system. He says “A simple coin return

      • • Hounsdown School Parking Hazard Action
        26/08/08
        Parents who ignore parking restrictions near school gates will face stiff penalties thanks to the efforts of County Councillor for Totton South, David Harrison.

        People who park in the restricted areas outside Hounsdown School, in Jacobs Gutter Lane, Totton will be subject to warnings and

      • • Letter to the Daily Echo - Olympics
        26/08/08
        Dear Sir,

        The performance of Team GB, winning 47 medals, including 19 golds, at the Olympics was a truly magnificent achievement and one that will be very hard to better, even when we host in the games in 2012.

        Beyond the inspirational individual performances of the competitors

      • • Conservatives play dirty on bus cuts
        15/08/08
        Before I became a County Councillor, I did not believe that the Leader of Hampshire County Council would deliberately set out to undermine and misrepresent me. How wrong I was!

        As most local people know, I have been campaigning to keep bus services running in my area. The village of March

      • • Letter to The Echo - Dibden Bay
        14/08/08
        Dear Sir,

        Mr Dawson of Dibden Purlieu makes it clear that he would prefer Dibden Bay to be developed for port related activity (letters August 14th). Not many other local people will agree with him.

        He suggests my idea that Hampshire County Council might purchase the land i

      • • Councillor floats new idea for tackling HGV noise Nuisance
        14/08/08
        Town, District and County Councillor, David Harrison, has called for parts of the New Forest to be declared “Noise Quality Management Areas”. He says that in some areas of Totton and Marchwood, the constant noise and vibration from HGV’s has become intolerable for people living nearby.

        Co

      • • Safer Crossing Needed
        12/08/08
        County Councillor David Harrison has responded swiftly to a complaint that two pedestrian crossings in Totton are a hazard for the visually impaired.

        The campaigning councillor was holding one of his regular street surgeries in Totton when he was approached by a constituent who is unable

      • • Letter to The Daily Echo
        12/08/08
        Dear Sir,

        Your headline "Government Powers Will Hit Drivers In Pocket" can mislead. I'm rather pleased that local authorities will have new powers to get tough with motorists who are careless or dangerous in their parking habits.

        The vast majority of motorists wo

      • • In My View, Dibden Bay Purchase
        10/08/08
        In My View....

        by Town, District & County Councillor, David Harrison,

        I was a little horrified, but not entirely surprised, that Associated British Ports have recently been hinting that they still have hopes of developing Dibden Bay for port related activity. Many people mi

      • • HGV Levels Unacceptable
        08/08/08
        Hampshire County Council is to formally object to an application that involves a further 15 HGV’s and trailers being based at Eling Wharf, Totton.

        The application, made by Southampton Containers Limited, is to be considered by Traffic Commissioners, based in Leeds.

        The news ha

      • • Lorry Noise Meeting in Marchwood
        07/08/08
        I attended a meeting of the Marchwood Noise Action Group, (NAG), this evening.

        The group of residents, concerned about ever increasing noise and vibration from HGV movements, invited me to listen to the problems they have and to discuss ways in which we might improve matters.

        T

      • • Sylvia Crescent Under the Spotlight
        06/08/08
        Sylvia Crescent in Totton is going under the spotlight. County Councillor, David Harrison, was almost overwhelmed with complaints from residents in Sylvia Crescent at a recent Street Surgery, held in Testwood.

        He says “I had more people attend this surgery than any other in recent weeks.

      • • Use Interest Earnings on Totton Link Bus Service
        06/08/08
        Totton Councillor, David Harrison, has called upon the New Forest District Council to use interest earnings to subsidise a local bus service.

        At a meeting of the Cabinet at New Forest District Council today, the conservative administration were considering a report that recommended £50,00

      • • Councillor Urges County to Bid for Bay
        03/08/08
        Title : Councillor Urges County to Bid for Bay

        A leading Councillor has called upon Hampshire County Council to make an offer for Dibden Bay. Recently, port bosses made it clear that they haven’t completely given up on ambitions to develop the land, within the New Forest district, for po

      • • Totton Air Cadets
        03/08/08
        I visited the Air Cadets in Totton this week. It was a repeat visit. I had been along to see the Commanding Officer, Gary Harding and his deputy, Sgt Andy Watkins, about two years ago.

        At that time the 2495 Totton Detached Flight was in poor shape, with just the two of them running the o

      • • Letter to Hampshire County Council
        03/08/08
        Letter to ;
        Peter Chadwick,
        Development Control Manager,
        Environment Department,
        The Castle, Winchester,
        Hampshire
        S023 8UD

        4th August 2008

        Dear Mr Chadwick,

        RE: Revised temporary waste transfer station to that approved under planning pe

      • Street Surgeries in Hounsdown - August 1st
        03/08/08
        I undertook a couple more Street Surgeries on Friday evening, in the Hounsdown area of Totton.
        I was kept busy with a variety of local concerns. I was saddened to hear that a number of parents are still apparently ignoring the parking restrictions outside Hounsdown school. They are compromising

      • • Waterside Suffers The Most from HGV's
        03/08/08
        Increased HGV movements in New Forest towns are having a significant impact on the quality of life of local people.

        Liberal Democrat Town, District and County Councillor, David Harrison, has been leading efforts to tackle the problem. The member for Totton South and Marchwood claims that

      • • Air Quality - A Major Issue in Totton
        01/08/08
        Town, District and County Councillor for Totton South, David Harrison, has launched a stinging attack over lack of effective action to deal with serious air quality issues in his home town.

        The campaigning councillor spoke up at a full meeting of Totton & Eling Town Council this week,

      • • Highways Tour - August 1st
        01/08/08
        I undertook a tour of Totton today, accompanied by a Senior Highways Engineer. We looked at a series of issues, most of which have been raised by members of the public attending one of my recent Street Surgeries.

        Here follows a short digest of issues examined and action proposed:
    • July
      • • Consultation on HGV's Rescued
        28/07/08














        An important public consultation on possible further HGV restrictions in Marchwood has been saved, following a last minute intervention by County Councillor, David Harrison.

        Highway Officers have been wo

      • • Swift And Effective Action Needed on Lorry Noise
        28/07/08














        County Councillor, David Harrison, the member for Marchwood and Totton, has called on highway chiefs to respond “swiftly and effectively” to residents’ complaints about the noise and vibration from night-time HGV m

      • • Letter to Highway Bosses - Lorry Noise, Marchwood
        28/07/08
        Gentlemen,

        I need to make you all aware that there are very serious issues surrounding HGV movements In Marchwood. The main problem seems to be increased noise, from ever greater movements of HGV traffic, especially at night, for residents living in the vicinity of Normandy Way - a main r

      • • Street Surgeries - Friday 25th July
        25/07/08
        I undertook two of my Street surgeries this evening, both on the Rushington Estate, where I live.

        I had a few people attend with a range of problems and questions. It is clear that the people living in Bartley Avenue think it is high time that their pavement was attended to. It really is

      • • In my View - Gravel Extraction
        25/07/08
        In my View.... Gravel Extraction

        Conservative Councillor Mel Kendal says he has two words that will raise community concern, (In my View 23rd July). He is talking about gravel extraction. Well, two words spring to my mind when it comes to responding to his article, but I’m far too polite

      • • Letter to The Daily Echo
        24/07/08
        Dear Sir,

        I'm afraid I simply cannot agree with Councillor, or is it Emperor, Ken Thornber and his plans for a Senate, (In my view 21st July).

        If he was really interested in putting political differences aside, he could have put his ideas to all members of the County C

      • • Conservatives back away from Wheelie Bin Pledge
        23/07/08
        Wheelie Bins could be introduced into New Forest towns, like Totton – despite the wishes of local people.

        Conservatives on New Forest District Council were challenged to come clean on the issue of wheelie bins by Lib Dem Leader, David Harrison.

        Previously, Conservatives have pr

      • • Letter to Advertiser & Times
        23/07/08
        Dear Sir,

        I salute John Wright, letters 19th July, for displaying good humour in his willingness to wait several hours to be served by Nationwide staff. His secret is going prepared with a packed lunch, full flask and custard creams to sustain him through the afternoon.

        In anot

      • • Surgery Success
        18/07/08
        I held two Street Surgeries in Totton tonight, both ends of Salisbury Road.
        The first of my surgeries, outside St. Winifrid’s Church, was very relaxed. I only had a couple of people approach me. However, my second surgery, outside the old Unigate Dairy, was pretty frantic.

        There was

      • • Marchwood Residents Kept in the Dark
        16/07/08
        Hampshire County Council has come under severe criticism from one of its own Council members for a lack of openness and transparency on waste issues.
        County Councillor, David Harrison, the member for Totton South & Marchwood has been pressing council officers in The Environment Department,

      • • Letter to The Echo - HGV Noise
        15/07/08
        Dear Sir,

        Of all the case-work I deal with, one of the most difficult problems is noise from ever increasing HGV movements, especially at night.

        In my County division, Totton South and Marchwood, I am receiving complaints from residents in The High Street, Totton, those living

      • • Report for Marchwood Parish Council Meeting, 14th July 2008
        12/07/08
        Bus Services

        I have had no response from Cllr. Thornber following presentation to him of the petition slips calling for retention of all bus services through the village. I do understand that invitations to tender have been sent out. We will have to see how successful our campaigning has

      • • Totton College Uncovers Plans
        12/07/08
        Totton College has unveiled plans for a redevelopment of the main campus.
        An exhibition was held this week so that the public could examine details of the plans which will mean an investment of over £40 million into learning and education in the Totton area.

        Town, District and County

      • • Totton Cleans Up
        12/07/08
        Totton has enjoyed a very good clean-up, as a result of residents coming together to tackle littering and fly-tipping in the town.

        On the Rushington Manor Estate, a litter–pick and river clearing operation was organised jointly by the Chairman of the Residents Association, Cliff Thomas an

      • • Tories let the Trucks Roll
        10/07/08
        Conservatives on Hampshire County Council have voted down Liberal Democrat moves to reduce HGV movements in the Waterside.

        The Authority has approved a Minerals Plan that will include 10 sites across Hampshire, listed as potential mineral extraction sites. Councillor, Brian Dash proposed

      • • Letter - Stealing Lead
        09/07/08
        Dear Sir,

        In recent weeks, in my home town of Totton, there have been a series of thefts, all involving stealing lead from buildings. There have some been some very large losses, including the Hangar Farm Arts and Sports Centre, Calmore Community Centre and Testwood School. I spoke to one

      • • Road Noise Causes Sleepless Nights
        09/07/08
        Highway Officers are to look at measures to reduce noise from the busy A326 road, approaching Rushington roundabout. County Councillor, David Harrison, has reported complaints from nearby residents who say that they are suffering sleepless nights as a result of increased road traffic noise.
      • • Flood Danger Fixed
        09/07/08
        The problem of flooding in the Hounsdown underpass has been sorted. Contractors, employed by Hampshire County Council, moved in and finally fixed the long-standing problems with drainage that caused the underpass to flood.

        County Councillor David Harrison was responsible for getting the w

      • • Speedy measures needed
        08/07/08
        Highway Officers at Hampshire County Council are to look at new measures to cut speeding traffic in Totton.

        Salisbury Road, Totton, has the been the target of some activity, with installation of a speed indicator device (SID), that monitors traffic speeds and provides an immediate warning

      • • HGV Noise leads to sleepless nights
        07/07/08
        Residents of Marchwood village should not have to suffer the noise nuisance created by HGV traffic.

        County Councillor, David Harrison, has asked Highway bosses to look at measures that will reduce noise from trucks entering and leaving the nearby industrial estate.

        Recently, on

      • • Mental illness should be a priority
        07/07/08
        “Serving the needs of those suffering from mental illness should be a priority in the New Forest area”, says Councillor David Harrison.

        The New Forest District Council has, this week, approved a document that identifies partnership priorities, for all the major organisations in thi

      • • Totton needs Link Buses
        04/07/08
        The fight to restore a vital link bus service in Totton has moved an important step forward.

        County Councillor, David Harrison, spoke passionately at a meeting of the Town Council’s Planning & Transportation Committee, persuading the members present that they should support his call f

      • • Local Government Conference
        04/07/08
        I attended the national conference of the Local Government Association, held in Bournemouth this week. It was the first time I have had the opportunity. I found the three day event very interesting. It was packed with Council Leaders, Opposition Leaders, (like myself) and a lot of Chief Executives.<

    • June
      • • Fight to keep Link Service steps up a gear
        30/06/08
        I attended an informal meeting of Totton & Eling Town Council’s Planning & Transportation Committee this evening, (30th June). The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the future of the Totton Link bus service.

        It followed on from a plea I made at the last meeting of the full co

      • • Eling Wharf to Accommodate more HGV's?
        29/06/08
        I’m grateful to a local resident who spotted a small notice in Saturday’s Daily Echo. Southampton Containers are applying to use for a licence to use, Eling Wharf, off the High Street, Totton as an operating centre for 15 goods vehicles and 15 trailers.

        The long suffering residents of The

      • • Please - No More HGV's Here!
        26/06/08
        I have had a meeting with three representatives from SCA Recycling at Appletree Court, Lyndhurst this week. The company have submitted a planning application to build operate a very large recycling plant at Hounsdown Business Park, (the building currently occupied by Mastercare).

        We had,

      • • In my View - Letter Writing
        24/06/08
        In my View........

        I’m a great fan of the letters pages in local newspapers. Over the years, I have contributed hundreds of letters. Used properly, this is a great forum for expressing a healthy exchange of views. I wouldn’t expect people to always agree with everything I have written. Ve

      • • Letter to the Daily Echo
        24/06/08
        Dear Sir,

        I'm a little puzzled by the latest conservative attack, apparently written by Dorothy Fudge, (letters 24th June).

        She suggests I'm heading for a fall. I'm a servant of the people. All of the people who voted for me as a Town, District & County Counc

      • • Open Surgery is a Winner
        23/06/08
        Surgery coming near you – soon!

        Town, District and County Councillor, David Harrison, has been busy adding to his case-work by conducting surgeries in the open at Totton and Marchwood.
        The campaigning councillor, distributes 300 flyers through residents doors, usually about 48 hou

      • • Allotments in Demand
        23/06/08
        Allotments are becoming increasingly popular. Certainly, I’m getting more and more people requesting a plot. At present, Totton & Eling Town Council is looking to increase the number of allotments. A new site just off Jacobs Gutter Lane in Hounsdown is being evaluated for suitability.

      • • Marchwood CE Infant School
        23/06/08
        “Marchwood CE Infant School is providing children with an outstanding education” – that’s the verdict following a recent moderation by the school’s improvement partner.

        The news has been welcomed by Cllr. David Harrison, County Councillor for Marchwood. He says “I’m particularly impressed

      • • Totton Titbit
        20/06/08
        I suffered a bad case of Focus Frustration today. Focus is the brand name of Liberal Democrat leaflets. I spend a lot of my time producing and then delivering leaflets – a great way of communicating with voters on a regular basis and not only at election time.

        Focus delivery can be quite

      • • Rail and Cycle Route ?
        20/06/08
        Hopes that there might be a secure cycle route, linking Totton with Marchwood and Hythe have been boosted.

        A small working group, called the Marchwood Transport Strategy Implementation Group, met at Marchwood Infants School this week to discuss plans aimed at advancing plans for safe cycl

      • • Wheelchair Walks
        20/06/08
        Do you use a wheelchair, or know somebody who does? I’m grateful to a local group called “New Forest Access For All” who alerted me to a new website that provides updated information on walks suitable for wheelchair users.

        The website address is www.walkswithwheelchairs.com.

        L

      • • My Letter objecting to more HGV movements in Totton & Marchwood
        19/06/08
        To: Peter Chadwick, Development Control Manager,
        Hampshire County Council Environment Department,
        The Castle,
        Winchester

        Dear Peter,

        RE: Application No HCC/2008/0088 Hounsdown Business Park

        I wish to formally object to the above application to change

      • • Totton Air Quality Action Plan
        18/06/08
        The problem of air quality in Totton town centre was raised once again in the council chamber at Totton Civic Centre tonight, (18th June).

        Other Council members must be getting really bored by my efforts to inject a sense of greater urgency in tackling the issue of poor air quality, arisi

      • • Totton Link Bus Service
        18/06/08
        Councillor David Harrison, the Town, District and County Member for Totton South has called for a vital bus service in the town to be restored. A Totton link bus service was suddenly withdrawn earlier this year due to the increased cost in operating the service and unwillingness of Hampshire County

      • • Sorry is Enough.
        18/06/08
        Sometimes, a simple apology, is all it takes to right a wrong. It’s normally how we conduct our day to day lives, whether at we get something wrong at work or perhaps when we upset another member of the family at home.

        As a local Councillor, I am also liable to get things wrong from time

      • • Hounsdown Target for Waste Company
        16/06/08
        SCA Recycling, one of the UK's market leaders in paper recovery, has
        applied for planning consent to develop a new Materials Recovery Facility at Hounsdown Business Park in Totton.

        Permission is being sought for the change of use of an existing
        distribution building on the

      • • Marchwood Street Surgery
        15/06/08



        I organised a Street Surgery at the Admiralty Quay Estate, Marchwood, on Friday evening. A handful of residents showed up to talk to me. They seemed very appreciative of the fact that I was prepared to meet with them and listen to a range of concerns.

        The requests I re

      • • Hounsdown School
        12/06/08
        Hounsdown School in Totton has been warmly congratulated for continuing to provide high quality education.

        The school has recently had its’ own evaluation moderated by the School Improvement Partner who agrees that it provides an outstanding education.

        Local County Councillor,

      • • Olympic Games in the New Forest
        12/06/08
        My efforts at trying to get New Forest District Council interested in the Olympic Games resulted in a special meeting of the Leisure, Culture and Youth Matters Review Panel this week.

        A number of guests, representing different sports and cultural interests, were invited to discuss the opp

      • • Hounsdown Underpass Flood Danger
        08/06/08
        A flood prone underpass risks the lives of local school children. That’s the message from Totton Councillor, David Harrison, who has been pressing for the drainage at the Hounsdown underpass to be repaired.

        The Town, District and County Councillor has been pressing local Highway bosses to

      • • Eling Experience - Questions Asked
        08/06/08
        Councillor David Harrison met with a group of Eling residents outside the Tide Mill today (8th June), to explain plans the Town Council has to promote the area as “The Eling Experience”.

        Residents expressed concerns about anti-social behaviour, vandalism, drug use, the problems of traffic

      • • Totton & Marchwood Grant Aid
        06/06/08
        County Councillor, David Harrison, has extended an invitation for local organisations to contact him, if in need of funds that will assist them in their work.

        The Councillor for Totton South & Marchwood division has a budget of £10,000 which he can distribute to worthy causes that are

      • • Totton police to clamp down on pavement cycling
        06/06/08
        Totton Councillor, David Harrison, has called for a crack-down on the dangerous practice of pavement cycling in the town.

        The Town, District and County Councillor has received numerous complaints, particularly from elderly and disabled people, that adult cyclists are putting them at risk

      • • Tap Water - To Fluoridate ?
        02/06/08
        In My View ......

        By Councillor David Harrison,

        Leader, Liberal Democrats, New Forest District Council.

        As a Liberal politician, I have been following the plans to add fluoride to our tap water with a great deal of interest.

        Very few issues seem to provoke

      • • County Councillor Grant Powers Extended
        01/06/08
        A variety of organisations in Totton and Marchwood will be boosted following a decision to extend County Councillor grant giving powers for another year.
        County Councillor David Harrison has been provided with another £10,000 budget from 1st June, so that he can decide which groups might benefi

    • May
      • • Tower Project Gets Chill-Out Room
        31/05/08
        Grants from Totton Councillor David Harrison and the Hampshire Police Authority have enabled a youth organisation to refurbish a storage room into a ‘Chill Out Room’ for the young people.

        The Tower project, based at St.Winifrid’s Church, provides young people with a safe place to relax, e

      • • Totton Flower Power
        28/05/08
        Totton is set to enjoy an explosion of summer colour next year.

        Town Councillors have agreed to take up an idea put forward by former Chairman, Councillor David Harrison, that the Town Council promotes a special “Totton in Bloom” Week.

        Councillor Harrison persuaded members of

      • • Conservatives Have secret Senate Plans
        25/05/08
        The fortunes of the Conservative party appear to have taken a significant boost in recent weeks, culminating in a by-election win at Crewe and Nantwich, where Mr Cameron boldly claimed “This is the end of New Labour”.

        It remains to be seen whether this is still the case in two years time

      • • Fawley Oil Refinery
        20/05/08
        Fawley Oil Refinery has been in the news recently, attracting some very negative publicity. Local media got hold of a report from the Health & Safety Executive which included some comments from workers on the site, expressing safety concerns and a culture of blame that discouraged workers from r

      • • District Group Elects New Leader
        16/05/08
        The Liberal Democrats on New Forest District Council have elected a new leader. Totton Councillor, David Harrison, was unanimously elected at the annual meeting of the group this week. He takes over from Hythe Councillor, Maureen Robinson who was voted into the role of deputy leader.

        Ther

      • • Letter to Lymington Times 11th May
        10/05/08
        Dear Sir,

        The Chairman of New Forest West Conservatives, Councillor Swain, rebukes me for making a personal attack on his colleague, Derek Tipp, (letters 10th May).

        He would like debate about hot political issues confined to private meetings of his chosen party. I'm afraid

      • • Totton Homes Plan prompts mixed views
        09/05/08
        I attended an exhibition in Totton today, (8th May) to view plans for a new housing development in Totton.

        The plans are at a very early stage. However, the developers concerned seemed genuinely interested in seeking the early views of local people and the ward Councillors before submitti

      • • Salmon Leap
        07/05/08
        Is this picture the very best that Totton has to offer?

        It was taken from a bridge over the River Test on the Salmon Leap Walk, at Testwood, Totton in May 2008.

        For me, it is of special significance because local people were denied this wonderful view when a large wooden fence

      • • Water in the right places
        07/05/08
        I have two bits of good news for the residents of the Admiralty Quay Estate, Marchwood.

        At a meeting of the New Forest District Council Cabinet this morning, it was confirmed that legal agreement between the Authority and the members of Marchwood Yacht Club has been reached. This importa

      • • Green Savings Benefit All
        07/05/08
        It was a very short Cabinet meeting today at the New Forest District Council.
        For me, the most important item on the agenda came out of the special “Green Audit” project. It was a proposal that a fleet management system be put in place with a target for council vehicles to reduce fuel consumpti

      • • Local MP Shuns Technology
        01/05/08
        Dear Sir,

        I note that my local conservative MP, Dr Julian Lewis, thinks that he and his staff have no need for E-Mail, relying the good old tradition of letter writing, (letters 1st May).

        For my part, I have been using E-Mail for so long that I can hardly imagine life without i

      • • Bus Services Must Be Saved
        01/05/08
        David Harrison, County Councillor for Totton South and Marchwood, has taken his fight to keep the bus services running to Hampshire County Council.
        There was a massive response from local people when they learned that vital bus services were being withdrawn. The village of Marchwood was one of

      • • Linden Homes Go To Appeal
        01/05/08
        Linden Homes, the property developers who want to build on the football ground at Testwood Park and the Sports ground off Ringwood Road, (the old BAT site), have appealed against the decision of the elected Councillors who rejected the application.

        All local Councillors have expressed opp

    • April
      • • Sports Facilities Boost For Totton
        28/04/08
        Testwood Sports College, in Totton, seems set to benefit from a massive boost as a centre of excellence for Table Tennis.

        The New Forest District Council is being asked to help fund a £275,000 project to upgrade facilities at the school site. The improvements will see a facility that is c

      • • War Memorial very fitting
        28/04/08
        Totton can feel proud that they now have a more fitting memorial to all those people who lost lives in defence of our country.

        A large number of organisations contributed towards a fund to include the names of local service personnel on the war memorial itself.

        This was first

      • • Sustrans to help Marchwood
        27/04/08
        The prospects of getting decent pathway and cycle links for Marchwood village are beginning to look a lot brighter. For a long time, the benefit of having a pedestrian and cycle link from Totton to Marchwood has been recognised. It appears in plans drawn up by the New Forest District Council. There

      • • Totton in Bloom Week
        25/04/08
        Totton in Bloom Week – what a good idea! The suggestion was made to me by a local resident who returned one of the grumble sheets from a recent edition of the Liberal Democrat Focus.

        Of course, we get a lot of complaints, which we are happy to try and address.

        However, someti

      • • Council is weak on Air Quality & Buses but tough on Quad Bikes
        24/04/08
        I wasn’t feeling too well when I attended a full meeting of Totton & Eling Town Council last night. I had a bad headache, one that subsequently kept me awake all night. I spent a lot of the time, going over in my mind, the things I complained about at the meeting.

        I expressed bitter

      • • Let's become a Chinese Twin?
        22/04/08
        From time to time I’m asked to get involved in twinning activities. I have never yet found the time to pay a visit to France or Germany. However, about a year ago, in my role as Chairman of Totton & Eling Town Council, I was very pleased to host a visit from our friends in France. I delivered a

      • • Question Prompts Enquiry into Contracts Scandal
        21/04/08
        The New Forest District Council is to urgently investigate details of contracts awarded to a number of construction companies following fears that taxpayers may have been swindled out of thousands of pounds.

        More than one hundred construction companies have been accused of conspiring to

      • • Marchwood Power Station
        19/04/08
        Marchwood Power Station, still under construction, was visited by a select group of local people this week.

        The Marchwood Power Station Working Group meet on a regular basis to check construction progress and deal with any issues that have arisen or are likely to crop up in relation to op

      • • In My View - Television
        13/04/08
        In my View.....
        By David Harrison, Town, District and County Councillor,

        I’m a great fan of local newspapers. What is happening in your village, town or city is of interest, whether it is good or bad news. As a change from the printed media, by and large, local radio stations also

      • • Report for Hounsdown Community Association April 2008
        13/04/08
        Report for Hounsdown Community Association April 2008

        Drainage Problems

        Totton has more than its fair share of drainage problems and I am often reporting problems to the local Highways Office. Particular “hotspots”, (if that’s the right description!), include Eling Lane, Rumb

      • • Grant supports local sports team
        12/04/08
        County Councillor, David Harrison, has used part of his annual grant giving powers to support a local netball team.

        The Member for Marchwood and Totton South has been allocated £10,000 per annum to distribute to worthy causes. The funds are intended to support positive community activitie

      • • Letter to Lymington Times
        11/04/08
        To : The Editor,
        Lymington Times,

        Dear Sir,

        Conservative Councillor, Derek Tipp, has clearly ruffled a few feathers (letters 12th April). He claims that evidence gathered across the globe pointing to the causes of climate change is no more than propoganda. The ex-school te

      • • Marchwood Annual Parish Meeting 2008
        09/04/08
        Report for the 2008 Annual Parish Meeting of Marchwood Parish Council

        Introduction

        It continues to be a very great privilege to serve the division of Marchwood and Totton South. The Town and the village are both very different communities. I can barely believe that I am about

      • • County Council Meeting April 2008
        03/04/08
        It was a slightly strange meeting of the County Council this week. It was possibly because the meeting started with a deputation from a group of young ladies calling upon us to “Save the Nurseries” – something that nobody disagrees with – that set the mood for a largely harmonious meeting.

      • • Cabinet Meeting 2nd April
        03/04/08
        I was quite pleased with the outcome of the Cabinet Meeting at New Forest District Council this week.

        The most important item on the agenda, in my opinion, was to agree that developer’s contributions for the flood defence work at Admiralty Quay be released so that the work may commence. I

    • March
      • • In my View - Cars, Buses and Trains
        30/03/08
        In My View.........

        By Cllr. David Harrison
        Town, District and County Councillor.
        New Forest Liberal Democrats

        They say we all love our cars, but hate everyone else’s car. This is true if you find yourself stuck in your own tin box, waiting in one of the long traffic

      • • Vandals Active In Totton
        30/03/08
        “Vandalism is still a problem in Totton and we all need to play our part in combating it”.

        Local Councillor, David Harrison is calling upon everyone to help fight low level crime and anti social behaviour in the town.

        On a recent walk around the area, the local Councillor sa

      • • Pub Path will save lives
        30/03/08
        A new pavement has been constructed along Hythe Road, Marchwood, leading to the popular Pilgrims Inn.

        Contractors working for Hampshire County Council have recently completed the work which was funded by use of developer’s contributions which had originally been earmarked for drainage i

      • • Marchwood Flood Risk Needs Urgent Attention
        29/03/08
        Residents of the Admiralty Quay Estate in Marchwood are anxiously awaiting the outcome of a meeting this week that will decide if their homes are to be protected against flooding.

        The Cabinet of New Forest District Council will consider a report that recommends completion of vital floo

      • • Local website tops 1000 mark
        27/03/08
        A local website, featuring local news and views of Lib Dem Councillor, David Harrison, has received over one thousand visits since launching earlier this year.

        The site, www.dharrison.org.uk has been generating a lot of interest because it provides a direct means of finding out what is ha

      • • Plastic Bags
        20/03/08
        The Editor,
        The Daily Echo,
        20th March 2008

        Dear Sir,

        New Forest, Conservative Councillor, Derek Tipp, hopes that Hampshire County Councillors, like myself, will take note of what he describes as the plastic bag myth, (In my View, 18th March).

        Possibly, hi

      • • Hampshire Action Team Meeting
        19/03/08
        Hampshire Action Team Meeting 18th March 2008

        I attended a meeting of the New Forest HAT this week, a meeting of all New Forest County Councillors at Lyndhurst Community Centre.

        The HAT has no power to make any decisions about anything. However, County Councillors are being e

      • • Marchwood Bus Service Focus Group
        14/03/08
        I attended and Chaired the first meeting of the Marchwood Bus Services Focus Group, held at the Village Hall tonight.

        This group was formed following a suggestion that was made at the recent public meeting of some 200 people, all very angry about recent cuts to bus services impacting dire

      • • Report for Marchwood Parish Council March 2008
        13/03/08
        •Report for Marchwood Parish Council – Meeting 17th March 2008
        From County Councillor, David Harrison

        Bus Services

        Members will be well aware of the storm of protest that followed sudden notice of the withdrawal of bus services through the village. I attended and spoke

      • • Am I really Saga Material?
        12/03/08
        The Editor,
        New Milton Advertiser,
        12th March 2008,

        Dear Sir,

        Well, I suppose it was inevitable. Just like death and taxes. There is no escape.
        My hopes had been raised. I was given a few months grace. I had heard nothing at all. Perhaps I had slipped through the

      • • Bus Services
        11/03/08
        Dear Sir,

        Your readers won't be surprised to learn that I am not going to be distracted from my campaign to keep bus services running by a couple of critical letters from Conservative supporters, (10th March).

        We all know which political party decided to deregulate the bus

      • • Rewards for Young Bus Users
        11/03/08
        Young people in the New Forest area could soon be enjoying special discounts as a reward for using local bus services.

        The idea was put forward by Lib Dem Councillor, David Harrison, at a meeting of the Leisure Culture and Youth Matters Review Panel, this week.

        The Panel were m

      • • Council Sun beds go under Scrutiny - Again.
        11/03/08
        Council to Consider Sun Beds – Yet Again!

        New Forest District Council is to consider whether or not the Health & Leisure Centres should be offering a sun bed tanning service, once again.

        Amidst growing scientific evidence linking sun bed usage to skin cancers, the continu

      • • Why Bus Services Matter
        09/03/08
        In My View.....By Town, District & County Councillor, David Harrison

        The latest round of bus service cuts in my area of the New Forest follows a familiar pattern, right across the County. But does it really matter? Most people drive or have access to a car. Why should it matter to

      • • Shining a lilltle light in The Dome
        07/03/08
        I attended a meeting of the Marchwood ERF Liaison Panel tonight. We meet about twice a year at a rather plush office, inside the landmark building on the Waterside, known as The Dome.

        Representatives of the operating company, Veolia are present along with Parish & District Councillors

      • • Dealing with Household Waste in the New Forest
        06/03/08
        In my View, ......
        By Councillor David Harrison,
        New Forest Liberal Democrats

        The New Forest District has played an important part in dealing with household rubbish. These days, this waste is viewed as an energy resource. Much of it that isn’t recycled goes to the “Energy from

      • • Cabinet - 5th March
        05/03/08
        I attended a meeting of the New Forest District Council Cabinet today. Opposition members, like me, have difficulty influencing anything at all because all the Cabinet members have met previously in private and agreed what they will do.

        This usually involves supporting Officers recommend

      • • My Highways Meeting Tour
        04/03/08
        This morning, 4th March 2008, I met up with Highways Engineers at the Area Office in Totton in order to discuss local traffic issues and to undertake a series of site visits, dealing with concerns that have been raised with me in recent weeks.

        Generally, the quality of service I get from

    • February
      • • LIFE COURSES
        23/02/08
        It was a very real delight and pleasure to be guest of honour at a special event at Hardley Fire Station, in the New Forest, this week.

        I am a member of Hampshire Fire Authority and very supportive of a lot of the initiatives that the authority is undertaking, involved in fire prevention

      • • Letter to the Press - Bus Services
        23/02/08
        Dear Sir,

        There was a very real demonstration of people power at Marchwood village hall last week, with over 200 people packing into the village hall to protest about the latest round of bus cuts.

        Neither Hampshire County Council or the bus company, Solent Blue Line, come out w

      • • The Big Bus Meeting
        23/02/08
        The community of Marchwood came together last night (Friday 22nd February) in a massive demonstration of people power to protest against the latest round of cuts in bus cuts threatening the village.

        The impressive gathering comprised of over 200 villagers. All were determined to make the

      • • The Big Budget Meeting
        23/02/08
        This week, I attended what is probably the most important meeting of the year – the budget setting meeting of Hampshire County Council.

        The normal morning start was delayed for a Royal Visit, the official opening of the Winchester Discovery Centre. As in previous years, members arriving f

      • • Bus Cuts - The Latest.
        20/02/08
        I have been putting maximum pressure on Hampshire County Council in respect of the latest round of bus cuts. I’m collecting signatures from villagers protesting about the proposed cuts in services.

        Only yesterday, I received over 30 responses by post. I expect the final figure will run i

      • • Kids left alone on Colbury Crossing!
        20/02/08
        I attended a meeting of the New Forest H.A.T. this week, at Lyndurst. “HAT” stands for “Hampshire Action Team”. It’s a meeting of all County Councillors in the New Forest. In theory, we can discuss any issues of local concern and try to prompt positive action.

        The main business of the Feb

      • • Selected - Again!
        18/02/08
        Councillor David Harrison has been selected to fight the Totton South & Marchwood County Council seat for the Liberal Democrats next May.

        New Forest Liberal Democrats met in Totton and unanimously voted for David Harrison, the sitting County Councillor, to represent them again when th

      • • Fire Station Closes
        18/02/08
        Meetings of the Hampshire Fire Authority are not normally lively affairs. Generally, the Authority is performing really well and politicians of all colours work together to ensure that this remains the case.

        However, the February meeting of the Authority was highly charged, not least beca

      • • Tree Preservation Order
        07/02/08
        Dear Sir,

        At this time of year, local authorities are setting budgets which will equate to the amount of council tax everyone pays.

        Councillors are always looking to see if they can find examples of wastage within the various departments. Let’s cut the things we don’t need to d

      • • Poorest hit with 5% Rents Increase
        06/02/08
        Council tenants face an inflation busting 5% hike in rents.

        The ruling Conservative administration on New Forest District Council has today agreed a further inflation busting increase of 5% on rents that council tenants pay.

        In a meeting of the ruling Conservative Cabinet toda

      • • Bus Cuts to get Totton Council Scrutiny
        06/02/08
        Councillor David Harrison, Town, District and County Councillor for Totton South, has taken action to ensure that proposals to axe bus services in the town is properly looked at by Town Councillors.

        Cllr. Harrison has asked that an urgent item be added to the Planning & Transportation

      • • Letter to Cllr. Ken Thornber, Leader of Hampshire County Council
        05/02/08
        Cllr Ken Thornber CBE,
        Leader,
        Hampshire County Council

        5th February 2008


        Dear Ken,

        I am writing to ask that you personally intervene to resolve a very urgent problem, the loss of bus services in both parts of the Totton South and Marchwood division t

      • • Bus Services face the Axe
        04/02/08
        Tonight (Monday 4th February), I attended a very packed meeting at Marchwood Village Hall. Nearly 100 villagers turned up to quiz a Mr Hornby, Spokesman for Solent Blue Line, over plans to withdraw and reduce bus services through the village, effective on the 24th February.

        I have never s

      • • Local Bus Services Under Threat
        01/02/08
        Bus services in the New Forest are under threat.

        A failure by Conservative Councillors to agree a fair settlement with Blue Star buses means the likely loss of a much valued service that links Hythe to Marchwood and Totton will be slashed.

        A Spokesman for Blue Star buses has

      • • Letter to the Editor 01/02/08
        01/02/08
        Dear Sir,

        One has to chuckle at the timing of Tory Councillor, Di Brooks and her recent "In my View" article. She tells us that Conservatives would divert public money away from paying benefits to claimants and put it towards families.

        As we all now know, Tory MP, Der

    • January
      • • I am a frequent bus traveller
        29/01/08
        I often hop on a bus to and from the hospital where I work. It is in a rural location and the service is not always convenient for early starting times. At other times, the service has proved quite unreliable.

        This isn’t often the fault of the bus operators.

        Road works and

      • • Village Safety First
        25/01/08
        The New Forest village of Marchwood should soon be a safer place to walk around. Councillors representing the Parish Council, New Forest District Council and Hampshire County Council met with Highway bosses this week in order to plan safer routes around the village.

        County Councillor, D

      • • In My View... Scrutiny
        19/01/08
        The way in which your local council makes decisions has fundamentally changed in recent years. A lot of the old committee structures have gone. A small number of Councillors, usually formed exclusively from the ruling group, form a Cabinet. The Cabinet decides just about everything the Council does

      • • HGV traffic
        06/01/08
        A recent opinion poll survey, carried out in and around the New Forest village of Lyndhurst, revealed that the vast majority of people are very concerned about high volumes of traffic, in particular large numbers of HGV traffic using local roads.

        In the area I represent, Totton South and

  • 2007
    • December
      • • Sunbeds - A serious health risk
        20/12/07
        New Forest Councillor, David Harrison, has issued a stark warning about the dangers of sun bed use, calling for them to be removed from all District Health & Leisure Centres.

        At a meeting of the New Forest District Council this week, Councillor Harrison, Deputy Leader of the Liberal

    • November
      • • Annual Report 2007
        13/11/07
        Dear Resident,
        If you live in Totton South division, I am fortunate to represent you on Totton & Eling Town Council, New Forest District Council and Hampshire County Council, (as well as Hampshire Fire Authority).

        I thought you might appreciate a short report, detailing some of m