COUNTY COUNCIL NEWS

Crossing the A32 in West Meon

Felicity Hindson, working with the Parish Council, has persuaded the County Council to make it easier for pedestrians to cross the A32 in order to reach the shops. "I have been concerned for some time about the difficulties of crossing this main road and the County Council has now agreed to make some changes to the crossing point with a new dropped kerb and some additional white lining which it is thought will be an improvement for pedestrians".

Fighting for a Fair Deal for Hampshire

Leader of the Council, Ken Thornber has been making the case to Government Ministers for a fair deal for Hampshire's council tax payers, pointing out that the county's grant settlement is wholly inadequate for the services which must be provided, particularly for vulnerable people. The new grant system leaves Hampshire's council tax payers footing the bill for 80% of total cost of services while residents in other counties pay on average only 40% with Government making up the rest. Hampshire receives only £95 per head to deliver its service while the average in the UK is £156.

Top Rating for HCC - Conservative Policies Work

Conservative run Hampshire County Council has come out in the top group of local authorities in the country for delivery of services and value for money in the Audit Commission's annual assessment. This is the fourth consecutive year that the County Council has made it into the top performing group where, interestingly, there are more councils controlled by Conservatives than any other political party!

The South East Plan - No Infrastructure No Houses

The Conservative controlled County Council is sending a strong message to the South East England Regional Assembly and Government that it can not support housing levels of 6,100 new homes a year without guarantees that funding for infrastructure will be provided.   Felicity says   "We must protect the quality of life of  Hampshire people and the character and identity of our towns, villages and countryside".

The South Downs Way

A further public inquiry into the route for the South Downs Way to cross the Meon Valley will be held on Wednesday 10th May 2006 in the Meon Hall, Meonstoke at 10.00 am.

31st January 2006