MP Answers Questions at AGM

- Mon 25th Oct 2004

HAVANT MP David Willetts was our guest speaker at Hayling Island Residents’ Association annual general meeting, which was held at the United Reformed Church Hall on October 21.
David talked about many aspects of the flooding threat to Hayling; Langstone Bridge and the need for a secondary bridge for cyclists and pedestrians; the Hayling School’s exam successes and its specialist status; Hayling United Football Club and its new ground on the Hayling School field; policing; law and order and Liveability Funding. He also answered many questions from the audience and took part in a lively and constructive discussion.

Elections

At the AGM, the existing HIRA committee members were re-elected. Robert Blinden was elected as our new Planning Officer and Lesley and Nigel Marsden were elected as new committee members. Shirley Adams was confirmed as both Membership Secretary and Treasurer. Other officers remain unchanged: Chairman, Paul Fisher; Reporter, Tony Higham and Lois Neale, Noticeboard.

Planning Issues

There are a number of planning issues that have arisen in recent weeks. None of then are particularly important but they are worth airing.

The application to build houses at the Hayling Trailer’s site south of the Texaco garage has been turned down. There were a number or reasons but generally everyone thought it was quite inappropriate for the area and would set an enormous precedent.

The funfair drop ride is the subject of an application to extend its use for a further period. After discussion the committee felt that the earlier objections on noise grounds were unfound and that the only issue is appearance. Even on this aspect it is purely a matter of opinion and so the feeling of members was that there was no ground on which we would object to the extension of its use.

An application for the construction of two houses in West Town on the site of a small builders yard has been submitted. As most of the other properties in what used to be a parade of shops are already residential, again there seems little reason to object.

Of more general interest is an application to extend the permitted occupation period for certain caravans and sites on the Island to ten months of the year. This and other previous restrictions had been intended to prevent holiday homes becoming permanent residences and thus limiting the availability of holiday accommodation. One point that has been made is that many owners would like to come to Hayling over at least part of the Christmas period which at present they are not allowed to do.

From the point of view of HIRA, we need to decide whether we favour a particular commercial interest (holiday business) or would rather have more permanent occupation by people who then have more of a commitment to the Island. If you have any views please let us know.

Billy Trail

A meeting was held recently between the parties interested in the Billy Trail and its maintenance and improvement. No decisions were made but we hope that the recent survey made of the Trail’s use will help to resolve the differences between English Nature and the other parties over resolution of the erosion problem.

In discussion during our meeting it was noted the extent to which it was used by people over a wide area of Southern England. A preference was also noted to have a wide single trail than to have it divided as it is at the southern end. Further it was pointed out that the present parking arrangements were quite inadequate and that properly extending the Trail to Havant would allow greater use of the Havant town centre car parks. This allow more people to use it and to be introduced to Havant as a attractive local community when, in due course, all the Town centre improvements are completed.

A further matter, of more general interest was discussed and this was litter bins. We are informed that it is permissible to put dog droppings in the normal rubbish bins. We are also well aware that many normal bins are often full and not always emptied frequently enough to prevent their contents spilling on the ground.

It was suggested that it would be better to have more or larger bins but fewer in total, emptied more frequently, than to go to the trouble of having different kinds of bins that were not always adequate. We understand that this matter may be considered by the Council at a future meeting. More strategic placing of some bins should also be studied.

HIRA Matters

Shirley Adams has now become membership Secretary and treasurer, a very sensible arrangement as most finance is associated with membership issues. She will be assisted in subscription collection.

It has been apparent for some time that the main contact amongst members is at our quarterly meetings but that little chance exists at those meetings for much social interchange. We therefore hope to have some form of social get together early next summer. Details will be published in due course.

Liv(e)ability

I put the ‘e’ in brackets because there is some disagreement on its spelling!!

At the recent meeting, reported elsewhere, the first area to be reviewed for funding is the Beachlands one, in this case, extending from Sandy Point to the Ferry. Various suggestions have been put forward for changes and a quick survey is being carried out of the needs and opportunities that exist to allow them to be highlighted. Watch the various articles to see how developments take place.

Hayling Park

The security TV system has now been installed at the Community centre and is reputed to be helping prevent vandalism in the area. Recordings are made on a continuous basis and so any disturbances can be reviewed as needed. To me it seems a shame that the images are not put on the internet so that Centre officials can view proceeding from their homes if so desired. This would need security protection to prevent anyone using the system in an unauthorised manner but would provide greater immediate response opportunities.

The MUGA (multi use games area) is now under construction in the Park. It will be interesting to see how use of this develops.

A youth shelter is also to be placed on the Island but I understand its (and their) location(s) have not yet been finalised.

Tony Higham.

Main contacts:

Chairman: Paul Fisher 92461412

Notice Board: Lois Neale 92469339

Reporter: Tony Higham 92464723.

By forum user, PaulFisher