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 another challenging year, one where we continue to work together, getting the best for the community of Marchwood.
Marchwood Energy from Waste Facility

You were provided with an update from Cllr. Kendal at the recent Planning Committee meeting. Although I have a corporate duty towards Hampshire County Council, my primary focus is on protecting the interests of residents in Totton South and Marchwood. There are many issues surrounding the future operation of the site which are being kept secret. I think it highly likely that the capacity of the plant will be increased at a later date. This will have a significant impact on HGV movements in and out of Marchwood.

I made a Freedom of Information request asking for details of any recent reports or studies commissioned by HCC which would lead to increased capacity of the Marchwood ERF. HCC have now formally declined to supply me with this information, not because they don’t exist, but on the grounds that “it is not in the public interest” to disclose.

I will leave members to decide who they place their trust with. Rest assured, I won’t be letting this matter rest.

Marchwood Power Station

The station has now “gone live” and is fully operational, now in the hands of Marchwood Power (rather than the contractors). I am told that the official opening of the facility will now be undertaken early in the new Year.

It is likely that the Marchwood Power Station Liaison Panel meetings that I have chaired over the last 4 years will now cease, but I am recommending that they be replaced with a similar panel for picking up all issues relating to the use of the industrial estate, in as much as operations affect the quality of life of villagers. Marchwood Power have kindly agreed to host such meetings, if this is agreed and supported by MPC.

I was delighted to officially open the solar panels which have been fitted to The Cove building at Totton College, as part of the Solar For Schools Initiative.
.

Marchwood Transportation Strategy Group

This group hasn’t met for some months, but I hope it will do early in the new year, if only to brief members on what has been happening.

There are significant improvements planned, costing in the region of £50,000, to four areas in Marchwood, all of which will contribute to pedestrian safety. We also need to keep up momentum on the proposed footway / cycle links both north and south out of the village.

As I understand it, it is for MPC to co-ordinate & organise meetings of this group. I’m happy to support it, as necessary.

HGV Problems

The Traffic Commissioner has still not responded to my request and a 50 resident petition to hold a public inquiry into proposed increases in granting licenses on Marchwood Industrial estate. It’s a government quango and not at all responsive to local concerns. I rather doubt I will get anywhere with it, but I keep trying.

I’m still hoping that HCC will support what the majority of Marchwood residents say they want, a ban both north & south on HGV traffic using Hythe Road.

A326 safety

Lighting is being installed at the junction of the A326 and Twiggs Lane. A safe pedestrian crossing will be constructed early in the new year.

Marchwood Bus Services Focus Group

I think it worthwhile holding a meeting of the group in January. I am suggesting a few possible dates to Officers at HCC, who will organise things and send out the invitations. There are some real concerns about reliability of the service. I’m hoping Alex Hornby from Solent Blue Line will be able to attend to address these.

Community Grants

In the past 2 months, I made the following grants :
Youth & Families Matter ; £1,000
Solomon’s Theatre (Drug & Alcohol education at Hounsdown school ; £1,000
Forest Bus (now based at Marchwood) : £1,000
Hampshire Fire and Rescue (Memorial) ; £500

County Councillor David Harrison