Report for Marchwood Parish Council, Monday 8th December 2014

Reports

Totton to Marchwood Cycle Route

I am sure that all members will be aware of the great progress that has been made and that construction will likely start in the Spring and hopefully an opening in late summer 2015.

It’s not a sticking point, but the question of ongoing maintenance has yet to be agreed. I expect that it will be a high quality surface with little in the way of future maintenance costs, but (of course) you never know!

Marchwood Military Port

Again, I think members will be well aware of the ongoing campaign to force the MOD to consult with local people. I’m supportive of the initiative of Cllr Mrs Golden, instigating a legal challenge and asking for a Public Enquiry. I’m working on gaining the support of NFDC and the NPA.

Buses

HCC recently announced yet another round of cuts to bus subsidies, with the intention of saving £1.5 million. Fortunately, Marchwood has been spared this time around, but it will hit the link buses in Totton. I am, however, hoping that the Town Council will step in and replace the existing service with a similar one, using minbuses.

I am pretty certain that, with the scale of cuts required, HCC will be withdrawing all subsidy for bus services in future years. This will likely have a significant impact on Marchwood. Maybe, this is a good time for the Parish Council to consider what happens then.

Police

The front desk at Totton has now closed. Local people are now expected to use Lyndhurst police station as an alternative. I’m afraid I don’t know whether Hythe retains a front desk service. I’m told that people can ring the non-emergency number “101” for things like keys, wallets or mobile phones found.

Highways

In the pipeline, we have safety improvements to the crossroads at Long Lane, junction with Tavells Lane, with the idea of making it safer for cyclists.

Hopefully, we can also get a pavement installed along Long Lane

All the very best to Staff & Members for Christmas and the New Year !

Any Questions or Comments : E-mail: dharrison100@aol.com Tel. 02380 864500