http://www.dharrison.org.uk/index.php http://www.dharrison.org.uk/index.php?entry=entry120207-144446 Bury Road, Marchwood is due to be resurfaced during April and May this year.

The road is in poor condition, almost entirely due to heavy usage by HGV traffic. Concerns had been raised by local motorists about possible hazards arising from the condition of the road which has been cracking up under the strain of being one of the most frequently used routes for HGV traffic in Hampshire.

Local County Councillor for Marchwood, David Harrison has been lobbying for the road to be repaired. He says “I'm really pleased that this road is now going to be resurfaced. Much of the work will be carried out during the night and at weekends, avoiding the need to divert HGV's through the village more than necessary” ]]> http://www.dharrison.org.uk/index.php?entry=entry120207-130336 The prospect of an hourly rail shuttle service, linking Hythe, Marchwood, Totton and Southampton is still on track.

Consultants “Atkins” have finished the first part of a Waterside Rail study which confirms a strong business case for upgrading the existing railway line, making it possible for a future passenger service. A possible extension to Fawley has been ruled out because the additional journey time would make it impossible to run an hourly service. There are also problems running public trains through an oil refinery.

In view of the encouraging outcome of the initial report, Hampshire County Council have agreed to fund the next stage of the study called a GRIP 3 (Governance for Rail Investment Projects), which will assess the viability of new potential rail infrastructure and services.

Councillor David Harrison, County Member for Totton South & Marchwood, is a member of the Waterside Rail Partnership, a body responsible for overseeing the project. He says “ This is very good news. A passenger rail linking the city of Southampton with Totton, Marchwood & Hythe would be terrific and I'm sure very popular. My one big reservation is the potential impact on the closure of train gates in Junction Road, Totton. There must not be any significant increase beyond the closure times in place now, (about 20 minutes every hour).” ]]> http://www.dharrison.org.uk/index.php?entry=entry120127-213050
Anyway, some residents have taken to putting signs up. I have reported the ongoing problem to our local bobby, who is part of our Safer Neighbourhood team. It would be good to catch the offender. Perhaps a newsletter, circulated to all residents, warning that we are on the look out will persuade this person to do the right thing and start poop-scooping!]]> http://www.dharrison.org.uk/index.php?entry=entry120127-205638 Mcdonald's coming to Totton......... Again?

The Famous Fast Food Burger Chain, McDonald's, have submitted an application to build a new drive-in restaurant in Commercial Road on the site where the Red Lion Public House used to be.

The site in question has been empty concrete ever since the pub was demolished following a fire. Rumours that it might be snapped up by Mcdonald's have proved to be accurate. A formal planning application has been submitted to construct a modern two storey building with internal and external seating for 85 customers, along with 41 car parking spaces.

The application will be determined by New Forest District Council in March. It is likely to be strongly opposed by some. Already officers on Totton & Eling Town Council are recommending refusal as such a building would be considered out of keeping with existing policy for the town.

The Totton Urban Design Framework (2003) says that “All new development will be required to contribute positivelly to local distinctiveness and sense of place, being appropriate and sympathetic to its setting in terms of scale, height, density, layout, appearance, materials and relationship to adjoining buildings and landscape features”.

Further problems are that the site sits on a flood plain. It is also adjacent to a school and and a nature reserve that has SSI and RAMSAR status.

On the plus side, McDonald's claim that the new facility would employ some 65 full and part-time staff.

McDonald's already operate a restaurant in Totton, located in the nearby Asda Store. There is no mention in the application whether this will continue if the scheme is approved.

County Councillor for Totton South, David Harrison says “ I would be very interested in hearing what local people think about this application. I personally don't think it is good or necessary for the town to have two McDonald's. I'm also very worried that the facility might cause traffic congestion on one of the main routes in and out of the town"

Councillor Harrison can be contacted by e-mail on dharrison100@aol.com
]]> http://www.dharrison.org.uk/index.php?entry=entry120126-181230














Beware the MAMIL ! (Middle aged Men in Lycra)


The question of cycling is the latest controversy being tackled by the New Forest National Park Authority. You might be forgiven for wondering what the problem is with cycling. It's a healthy form of exercise, gets people out and about and causes no pollution. The National Park Authority (NPA) is already committed to helping develop and promote cycling in the New Forest as part of its' Recreation & Management Strategy.

So, what is the problem? Well, a long term concern amongst people concerned with the care of the environment and the tranquil nature of the New Forest is the fact that a lot of cyclists ignore the designated cycle routes in favour of other forest tracks. There is an argument as to how much damage this causes and real problems when it comes to policing and enforcement.

The more recent problem, which has placed the issue high up on the agenda of the NPA, is the growing trend for large groups of cyclists to use New Forest Roads for various events, including charity fund raisers, non competitive “Sportives” and triathlons. Somewhat surprisingly, there have been almost no organised large cycle races in recent years. Apparently, this is due to regulation applying to races and the costs involved in paying to police them.

The difficulties of having large numbers of cyclists attending events in the New Forest is that the wishes of the cyclists to pursue their sporting activities can clash with the sometimes very different wishes of local people. A fair degree of unhappiness has been expressed and the NPA has had to consider what action it might take to improve matters.

I was one of a number of NPA members who met at Lymington Town Hall to hear presentations from the likes of representatives of the British Cycling Association, a commercial organiser of cycling events, the Verderers & The Commoners. It was quite informative. A startling fact is that in Holland, some 27% of trips undertaken are by bike. In the UK, only 2% of trips are by bike. It's a small wonder that we have a major health problem here, with one in four of us obese!

We heard from a Parish Councillor in Brockenhurst who complained bitterly that large numbers of cyclists are seriously restricting her ability to drive a car, particularly at weekends. There were also examples of anti-social behaviour, including cyclists spooking animals and even interfering with the drift (the round-up of New Forest ponies). It seems a lot of people want to regulate these activities. The problem is that, as the law stands, there is no way of regulating them and anyway, nobody seems to have much idea as to how regulations could be effectively enforced.

The NPA is not the highway authority for the New Forest and has virtually no powers to limit numbers using the New Forest for cycling. There seemed to be a broad consensus that the NPA should try and do more to encourage responsible cycling through various means of communication.

The NPA has already teamed up with the South Downs Park Authority to make a joint bid for government cash to improve local transportation. If successful, we will hopefully see more things like signposted routes, facilities for parking bikes etc.

It should also be possible to extend and connect up some more of the designated cycle routes in the New Forest. The meeting finished on a positive note with various action points agreed upon, these to provide the basis of a report for all NPA members to consider.
]]> http://www.dharrison.org.uk/index.php?entry=entry120124-193601
A survey of 5000 Totton households has shown strong support for the reintroduction of a Town Market.

Councillor David Harrison, a Town, District and County Councillor for Totton South, undertook a survey of half the homes in the town during December and January to find out what local people really think about the future of a Town Market.

The market, based in Salisbury Road, collapsed when traders withdrew support towards the end of the last year. The Town Council has been discussing the best means to revive it at a future date.

Councillor David Harrison says his survey gives the best evidence yet of the opinions of local residents and the chances of making the market a success in the future.

Key parts of the survey reveal :

70% of those surveyed felt Totton was suitable as a market town.

Almost everybody responding agreed that free car parking in the Town was an important factor in making a success of the market.

About 50% of those responding thought the market would be better supported if it was held in a different location, with many expressing a wish that it was held in the precinct.

Most of those surveyed felt that the market was advertised sufficiently.

There was a very strong preference for the market to be reintroduced as a “Farmers Market”, preferably selling good quality locally grown food.

Councillor Harrison has delivered a results sheet to all households that participated in the survey and will be sharing the information with fellow members of the Totton & Eling Town Council.

He says “I'm encouraged by the survey results. It looks to me like we can make a success of a market in the town, providing it offers the sort of things people want to buy. I'm hoping we can try out a Farmer's market, in line with people's wishes. A market also has more chance of succeeding if started when the warmer weather arrives”.

Here follows, with the very kind permission of Mr Morley, one of the responses to the survey from a local resident - reproduced here because Cllr Harrison thinks it contains some very good points and ideas :

David,

I have just read your latest Focus, thank you.

Totton Market

Since having recently read through the Mary 'Portas Review' about our
High Streets, sadly more retail chains are in trouble, public sector
cuts to severe and too quick - but dont get me started on that one.

Some of her ideas feature around making the High Street (or could be a
location in Totton) more of a meeting place, a daytime social hub. The
weather is a factor and I wonder whether a large frame marquee (with
the canopy or roof being added as needed)could be erected on Saturdays
and say one other day, where by small local entrepreneurs could rent
small trestle tables (set up by the Town Council), to sell crafts,
cosmetics, memorabilia, antiques, maybe stalls hired to businesess who
may only want a one off date or once a month.

Perhaps local charities,clubs, organisations, associations could be given space free to promote other activities. for example Totton Football club could have an
occasional stand to sell their scarves amd match tickets for example,
the Rugby club, the sea Scouts and their Donkey Derby tickets....The
Police might want to get a message across occasionally...

Portas also suggests car booters should be brought to the High Street
to increase footfall and diversity.

Some of this would be green, recycling goods rather than dumping them.

The local allotment associations could be invited so they can sell
seasonal surplus F&V to give the supermarkets some competition,
reducing food miles.

just some thoughts for you to consider if this has not been all covered
before.

Kevan Morley]]> http://www.dharrison.org.uk/index.php?entry=entry120121-144335 Is this the worst pavement in Hampshire? I spotted this rather badly neglected example whilst out delivering leaflets in Powell Crescent on the Hounsdown Estate, Totton.

I have, as I always do, reported this to the local Highways Office for urgent attention. It is an extreme example of a pavement that is in such poor condition, it should not be used. I struggle to work out exactly how this one got into such a state.

Sometimes, underlying tree roots are the cause but not this one. My best guess is that the damage has been done by a Heavy Goods Vehicle.
]]> http://www.dharrison.org.uk/index.php?entry=entry120120-194410 A resident in Eling, Totton called me recently. She was very concerned that the Environment Agency have designated where she lives as “At risk of flooding”. She told me that she fears she won't be able to get insurance cover for the flood risk in the future and this could have implications for her mortgage and the re-sale value of her property.

I tried to reassure her as best I could. In fact, there is an agreement in place between the government and the insurance industry whereby insurers will provide cover for homes at risk, at least until 2013.

Central government have been looking at options for the future and a new announcement is expected in the spring. There are apparently tensions between the government and insurance companies because less money has been spent on flood defences than had been anticipated and government takes the view that it would sooner spend what little money there is available on preventative works than it would supporting a fund for victims should the worst happen.

It used to be said that homes in Eling were at significant risk of flooding once every 200 years. However, climate change seems to have increased the risk. My own view is that it would be better for taxpayer's money to be spent on prevention. Already this week, I have been on to the Environment Agency asking them to check cracks appearing in nearby flood defences.

Insurers should continue to offer insurance to homeowners in high risk zones but with special conditions attached. It might be some insurers will exclude the risk of flood damage altogether, whilst others might offer policies with a very large excess relating to flood risk only.

This is not something to worry about excessively. Even if climate change has doubled the risk of flooding for some homes, it still means we might expect a major flood incident to occur once every 100 years. With insurance companies able to collect premiums every year there isn't a flood, there should be enough available in the pot to pay out for claims when the water rises.]]> http://www.dharrison.org.uk/index.php?entry=entry120117-105334
I understand that a Conservative District Councillor, (so far unnamed), has fallen out with his fellow Conservatives on the New Forest District Council and is to leave the group.

Meanwhile, here in Totton, a Conservative Councillor, elected only last May, has failed to show up for a single Council meeting in 6 months, thereby becoming disqualified from holding office. A bye election is sure to follow. The Tories have apparently persuaded former Lib Dem, Len Harris, who failed to get elected last May, to stand as the Conservative Candidate for the vacant seat on the Town Council.

Meanwhile, the Greens, have persuaded another former Lib Dem Councillor, Bill Catt, to stand for them in the same election. It's not all good news for the Greens though because their most prominent Campaigner, John Spottiswood, the man who led the "Hampshire Against Fluoride" has defected from the Green party and joined the Labour party.

This is a bewildering merry go round, reflecting the fact that party loyalty is not as strong as it used to be. What the voters will make of it all, it remains to be seen.

]]> http://www.dharrison.org.uk/index.php?entry=entry120113-151945
Already, somebody has put together a WordPress website, titled "Marchwood Bypass Safety Campaign”, which has been picked up by the local press. It mentions the need for traffic calming measures and indicates that a petition will be put together and the local MP lobbied.

In fact, Hampshire County Council is the body concerned with safety on the local highway and I know that they will be looking carefully at the scene of these two incidents and taking on board any lessons gleamed from any accident investigations. I know this, because I have already alerted the Highways Department to my concerns and asked them to do so.

I will be leading the charge for safety improvements, if indeed these are justified following a careful analysis of the accident scene and circumstances.

There is always a pressure to rush to action, a natural human response to events like this. However, it's equally important to investigate matters fully before deciding how best to respond.]]> http://www.dharrison.org.uk/index.php?entry=entry120112-211522
Totton Councillor, David Harrison, has welcomed a U-turn from the Conservative administration running Hampshire County Council that had planned to close Totton Library on Wednesdays.

Long serving Town, District and County Councillor, David Harrison had urged Hampshire Tories to think again about cost cutting measures that would have meant closing the library all day on Wednesday, the same day the town has chosen to try and get a market established.

Library users are now celebrating that the County Council has responded to pressure and decided to keep the library open on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 1pm.

Councillor Harrison says “ This is a great result, not just for the people of Totton who use the library but for all of us concerned with establishing a sustainable market in the town. It says Totton is still open for business and three cheers for that!” ]]> http://www.dharrison.org.uk/index.php?entry=entry120112-170327
Totton County Councillor, David Harrison, was asked to perform the ribbon cutting ceremony on a new play trail that has been installed at the school. He had contributed £1,500 from his grants budget, enabling the facility to be installed at least a year ahead of time.

Speaking to a playground filled with excited children and parents, Councillor Harrison, a former pupil at the school said “It's great to be invited back, especially to do something as thrilling as this. I hope the new play trail will provide fun and healthy exercise for many years to come”.]]> http://www.dharrison.org.uk/index.php?entry=entry120112-123505 Totton and Eling Town Council is being urged to check the legality of charging tolls for the use of Eling Toll Bridge.

Town, District and County Councillor, David Harrison, is concerned that the Council might be guilty of illegal taxation as the right to charge for use of the bridge seems to have shaky foundations.

Graham McBain, a legal historian who is the author of an article about toll bridges, has challenged the right of Totton & Eling Town Council to charge, demanding to know on what legal basis it is doing so. He has suggested that he might even challenge this by way of a test case by incurring a charge himself and then issuing proceedings for recovery of the debt. This will force the Town Council to prove that it has a legal right to charge.

Most toll bridges have a legal right to charge through grant of the Crown or Act of Parliament. However, this appears not to be the case with Eling Toll Bridge. Instead, the council appears to be relying on the fact that the passageway was originally created as a dam and bridge for the nearby tide mill. The passageway is therefore secondary to the original construction as a dam and therefore a Royal Charter was never needed.

The right to charge tolls, a medieval tax, can only be granted by the Crown or Act of Parliament. The onus is on the Town Council to prove that it has the right.

Councillor Harrison has formally asked the Town Council to look carefully again at the issue, to make sure that the charges are in fact legal. He says “Potentially, all of the charges for crossing the bridge, levied over many years, may have no proper legal basis. Whilst it is important for the tolls to operate for reasons of traffic management and subsidy to the nearby tide mill, the Town Council can't afford to be acting outside the law. If a change in the law is required, then the Town Council should actively pursue this”.

Councillor Harrison adds “The Town Council might also benefit from some research undertaken by any willing local historians. I would be very happy to hear from anyone prepared to undertake some voluntary work to establish the facts here. Graham McBain feels that looking through the ancient records of Winchester College may be the key”.]]> http://www.dharrison.org.uk/index.php?entry=entry111217-193602 I have just completed another round of Street Surgeries this weekend, the last ones of this year. I conducted these at Hounsdown, Eling, Testwood and Ashurst Bridge. Although the weather was very cold, at least it stayed dry and I had enough people attend to make me feel it was worthwhile.

Issues that were raised by residents included concerns about HGV traffic using Salisbury Road (rather than the bypass), ideas for improving hygiene in the changing areas at Totton Leisure Centre, somebody wanting to know about progress with the campaign to keep fluoride out of our tap water, a request for vegetation to be cut back and unnecessary signage to be removed, a drainage problem at Eling cemetery car park and worries about car parking charges.

I have answered all the questions or will be actioning items, as necessary, in the coming week before the Christmas break. I plan to put together a leaflet that will provide residents with feedback. Although, most residents don't ever find it necessary to attend my surgeries, I'm told the service is appreciated and it remains the case that I am the only local Councillor who takes the trouble. ]]> http://www.dharrison.org.uk/index.php?entry=entry111213-123143 Hopes are rising that a cycle route and footway that will link Marchwood village with Totton will soon become a reality.

A safe means of walking and cycling between village and town has long been on the wish list of Marchwood Parish Council, identified in the community plan several years ago. Ideally, it would run alongside Jacobs Gutter Lane / Bury Road, nowadays a major HGV route.

County Councillor for Marchwood, David Harrison, has been campaigning for the new facility. In recent months he has had discussions with a trustee of the landowners, commercial intersts and the agent for the operators of Marchwood Quarry. He says, “With reductions in bus services, it is more important than ever that a safe means of cycling or walking between Marchwood and Totton can be found. The biggest barriers have been cost and land ownership problems. However, I think we might well be able to overcome both difficulties.”

The cost of constructing a cycle route and footway had been estimated at £300,000. In these difficult economic times it was felt highly unlikely that local authorities would find the necessary funds. However,, Councillor Harrison believes that it should be possible to progress the scheme providing all interested parties are prepared to co-operate.

Councillor Harrison says “The operators of Marchwood Quarry can provide diggers and gravel directly. This should substantially reduce the costs. I have also been encouraged by my discussions with the landowners, The Barker Mills Estate. I know also that we can expect generous funding from at least one major local commercial interest.”

It is hoped that more detailed work on a scheme can be progressed in the coming months.]]> http://www.dharrison.org.uk/index.php?entry=entry111210-121743
It's a bit difficult for anyone to make their minds up about the decision of our government to veto a treaty that would have helped ensure greater financial stability across Europe.

The first point worth remembering is that the problems of global debt did not start in Germany or France or indeed most of the countries that make up the European Union. However, the dangers can only be dealt with by the EU working together as an economic powerhouse, one that is capable of competing with the United States, China or other great trading blocks.

A fact that is also not in dispute is that our own economy is unbalanced. Our prosperity relies far too heavily on earnings from the financial sector and not nearly enough on other areas of wealth creation, especially manufacturing. Should London lose its' status as the financial capital of Europe then we would be in very deep trouble.

Rather sadly, the UK had become rather isolated in Europe long before this most recent development. Under the influence of the Eurosceptic wing of the Conservative party, our Prime Minister decided to leave the moderate grouping called the European People's Party and align his party with some seriously flaky politicians. As most politicians know, most decisions are made during informal meetings, through finding consensus, long before formal meetings and votes taken.

For me, the fact that the UK is now so far out on the fringes of EU decision making is a sure sign that we have failed to forge friendship and trust with our European neighbours. Worse still, the result of using our veto is not that a treaty won't come about, it will, but with no input from ourselves, the interests of the UK will not be taken into account.

It is absolutely essential that the Eurozone does not collapse. The UK will suffer as much as any other country that is in the club. Our use of the veto has not exactly been helpful to the cause of greater financial stability, has worsened our relations and standing within Europe and decreased any residue of influence we did have.

Of course, our Prime Minister will portray his decision as standing up for the best interests of our country. He will be briefly praised by the Eurosceptics within his party. On the other hand, he will have sown discontent amongst the Liberal Democrats, his partners in the coalition government.

My guess is that it is simply not possible for any political party to be half committed to the European Union in the way that the Conservative party clearly is. It might require an approaching General Election for political parties to spell out exactly where they stand on our future with the EU. Despite the negatives, I hope the Liberal Democrats will stand solidly behind enthusiastic support for the organisation.]]>