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 Village News Magazine |
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This page was last updated on
Thursday September 20, 2007
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| County Councillor's Report. |
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| County Councillor David Harrison |
I love Marchwood. I really do. It’s an amazing place, with so much going on. I am constantly surprised by the variety of different activities taking place in and around the village. A lot of these activities were on display at the summer fete. Where else could you see enjoy such an exotic line up of the traditional English summer sideshows, combined with Chinese dancing dragons, singing from Fiji and The Plonkers!
It’s never long before the football season starts again. The Southampton F.C. players have been getting themselves super-fit at the Staplewood training ground, amidst rumours of boardrooms battles and billionaire buy-outs.
Meanwhile, I have been involved in a £400 million project, the construction of a new power station by the edge of the Solent. I’m very much hoping that the developers will provide financial support for a community facility that will be of direct benefit to Marchwood residents. More details about that will be provided in a future edition.
I was fortunate to attend the official opening of The Dome, the new Energy from Waste facility. I met the French architect responsible for the design. In my view, the design is of outstanding quality.
Of course, there is a significant downside to living so near to so much industry and commercial activity. I’m supportive of plans to improve the Household Waste Recycling Centre but felt it right and fought with others “tooth and nail” to oppose the sighting of a new waste transfer station next door. It looks like I have lost this particular battle. Even my late appeal to the Leader of Hampshire County Council (the landowner) has been rejected.
I think have more hope of succeeding with the proposed lorry ban through the village. The unrelenting campaign has prompted a meeting with County Highway Engineers. There seems a good prospect of an even greater reduction in lorry traffic travelling through the village, if we can just agree the best means of achieving this. Thanks to all the residents who have provided me with photographs, horror stories, and information that I have been able to use to make the case for action.
I was delighted to visit Marchwood Infants school and be shown around the facilities by Head Teacher, Mrs Green. What a fantastic school! The main purpose of my visit was to congratulate Gill Spencer who has completed 37 years full-time teaching at the school. The “Thank you” ceremony was brilliant.
It seems that almost everyone in Marchwood has heard about my new grant making powers! I have an annual budget of £10,000 to award to worthy organisations and projects within my division. At the time I write this, the Mulberry Centre will already have benefited to the tune of £500, towards kitchen improvements. I’m looking to support other Marchwood based activities in future months.
If I can help with anything, I’m always pleased to do so. I’m a Liberal Democrat Councillor, but work in partnership with Parish & District Councillors of different and no political party, all of whom believe that Marchwood should come first. |
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