Eastoke Corner and other ideas for the future.

- Fri 16th Dec 2005

HIRA Report for January 2006

The HIRA public meeting in the URC Hall at 7.30 on January 19th will present the final plans for the Eastoke Corner development. It will also review the remainder of the Liveability programme that was developed by the Community Board. Included in the plan is a sculpture, appropriate to the location. It will be interesting to see the response to this compared to that which occurred in relation to the one proposed for the bridge!
In addition to these specific items, it is intended to discuss other suggestions that have been made, particularly those other items proposed by HIRA, at the beginning of that programme. These included suggestions for Creek Road, Central Beachlands and the area around the Inn on the Beach. In addition, as most people will be aware, Bob Haddock is keen to extend the railway Westward as far as is practicable.
All these ideas are of interest to residents and many of the suggestions may well not be to the liking of some people. So, if you come to the meeting, you can join in the discussions and make your views known.
On this last point, one of the main purposes of HIRA is to act as a forum for the exchange and presentation of ideas to all interested parties. This is so that things are not allowed to happen that, in the past, often resulted in protests after the event, by people who say they had no idea that 'such and such' was taking place.
Other programmes: In addition to the Liveability programme, a number of others have appeared over the horizon, some of which might have a considerable impact on Hayling should we wish to participate and handle our bids effectively. The Market Town Initiative has been mentioned a number of times and is now proceeding with the Health Check or data collection phase.
There is also the Around the Solent programme that could result in some improvements to the marine boundary of the Island. Finally, there is the Living Landmarks programme that is currently being considered and may result in some interesting suggestions in the New Year. This programme is potentially very well funded and a successful bid here could be very rewarding.
Higworth Farm Caravan Site: We understand that this has been sold to a company that is in the leisure business. It has submitted plans for the, more or less, complete replacement of the present shop, restaurant and other core elements, with a modern building containing all these elements plus a new pool.
At our last meeting we discussed this matter and felt it would be of considerable benefit to the Island and perhaps provide improved facilities for visitors as well as residents.
On the basis of what we know at present HIRA is taking a relaxed view of the development. We are however suggesting that access should be improved and certainly be made more visible and safer.
Recent Flood: Since the last HIRA report I had a very long session with Lyall Cairns of HBC, who is responsible for development of the beach defences. Contrary to my comment last month, the atmospheric pressure was normal on that day but the other conditions were as stated. The big problem was the unusually long period Atlantic swell.
Exacerbating the problem was that, due to limitations being placed on the availability of material, the last beach replenishment was not to the desired level. This indicates that we must keep a close eye on those who make such decisions.
Further discussions covered types of groynes and how they could be deployed. (At the last HIRA meting on this topic there was considerable support for rock groynes: at least the material can be re-used and repositioned even though it is initially expensive.)
The main positive outcome of the meeting was that a new programme is being worked up for possible implementation in 2006 and this is intended to provide a higher degree of protection, with a higher degree of confidence in its performance. It is intended to present this and associated programmes at our public meeting in July.
Outcome of previous meetings: Over the last few months a number of items have been discussed by HIRA, primarily relating to traffic and parking issues. These have now been assembled and are in the process of being submitted to HBC and HCC. It is interesting to note the recent shift of emphasis on road safety issues and the intention of the government to make greater use of 20 mph zones. This could have some impact on Hayling.
Christmas Holiday: All HIRA paid up members are to receive our Christmas missive, reviewing the past year and outlining our programme for 2006. It is a nice bright card, with lots of useful information. We hope they find it effective as it a way to keep in touch with our members.

We hope that everyone had a good holiday and are looking forward to 2006.

Tony Higham.

Main contacts:

Chairman: Paul Fisher    9246-1412

Membership: Shirley Adams   9246-2881

Notice Board: Lois Neale   9246-9339

Reporter: Tony Higham    9246-4723

By forum user, PaulFisher