Hayling comments from David Willetts M.P.

- Thu 8th Jun 2006

Hayling Island is a very special place with its own special character, and we are very lucky to have one of the best
beaches on the South coast.  In fact, I have already done my first swim of the season at Beachlands 
It was a bit on the fresh side!  There is always a lot happening on the Island, and I do try my best to help people
when I can.

Flooding remains a big issue.  The progress on getting the flood plain improved is painfully slow. 
I wrote to the responsible Minister last month urging him to find the funds for improved coastal protection on the
Island, especially the Eastoke Beach frontage. 
But I’m afraid it does look as if the Government has already
committed money to other projects and we may be kept waiting for this
and other flood protection work to happen.

Anti-social behaviour is getting particularly bad around West Town
and the area of the Community Centre. 
I asked the local Police what more can be done to tackle this problem,
since I am all too aware that it is important
to tackle early before the group causing the trouble gets too
big and completely out of control.

There has been a lot of concern about Bosmere Field. 
It has been difficult to get reliable information as to any agreement
between Hampshire County Council and possible developers. 
What most people are concerned about is the impact the
development might have on the flow of traffic. 
If we have too many sets of lights there will be a gridlock all the way down to the bridge –
and it can be difficult enough already getting on and off!

I am now six months into my role as Shadow Education Secretary. 
Early on, I had a very useful meeting with the Head Teachers
of Hayling schools. 
Clearly, a big problem identified is the sheer burden of initiatives
and bureaucracy imposed on them. 
I want to restore respect for teaching as a profession and we should have

more trust in their professional standards.

I enjoyed visiting Mill Rythe Infant School recently. 
The cook there has kindly invited me back to the school for her one of her dinners –
I look forward to doing this before the Summer holiday. 
I suspect Jamie Oliver has met his match!

By forum user, HIbot