National News
Letters to the Press
This page shows a selection of recent letters sent by representatives of Havant Liberal Democrats to the local press.
To The News, from PPC Alex Payton, March 2010
Dear Sir,
A dedicated bridge for cyclists using the Hayling Billy makes sense at any level.
It would provide a vital link in a network of sustainable transport that would help to reduce car use and therefore help the local environment. A continuous cycleway from Havant for Hayling would be a major tourist attraction and thus help the Island's economy. Cycle sales have gone through the roof in recent years as more and more people re-discover the joys of pedal power. It sits well with the borough's aim to improve health through physical exercise.
On the wider matter of cycling generally on the island much remains to be done. In theory Hayling should be a cyclist paradise with its fine sea views and unspoilt lanes. I wish the Sustran's bid every success and pledge my full support.
Alex Payton, Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Havant Constituency
To The News, from Councillor Susan Stocker, January 2010
Dear Sir,
I would like to thank all those who organised the recent evacuation of Langstone House due to a gas leak.
The care and thoughtfulness shown by everyone involved, including the well-rehearsed emergency planning team of Havant Borough and Hampshire County Councils, Guinness Hermitage, the Police and Southern Gas, who rolled into action in the early hours of Monday morning, was I am sure much appreciated by all the residents affected.
Havant Leisure Centre housed the evacuees and the staff couldn't have been more helpful, providing hot drinks and food, DVDs, games and puzzles. And thank you also to St John Ambulance volunteers who were on hand to help with medical problems.
Southern Gas representatives gave regular updates about what was being done, and last, but not least, a thank-you to whoever fed and watered the parrot, lizard and kitten who had to be left behind.
Cllr. Susan Stocker
To The News, from Councillor Ann Buckley, January 2010
Dear Sir,
I should like to send my praise and thanks to all the home carers who have continued to work braving this terrible weather to reach people at home providing important services for their clients in their own homes.
These carers travel between clients on foot or bike by public transport or car and ensure that older people or those with disabilities or health conditions are well nourished warn, clean safe and well. Without the help the home carers provide thousands of people in Hampshire would not be able to live independently at home.
During this time of such low temperatures when many people are house bound and at the risk of hypothermia increases the work home carers undertake is even more important.
Cllr. Ann Buckley
To The News, from Councillor Ann Buckley, April 2009
Dear Sir,
The News on 20th April reports the planting of an oak tree in Leigh Park by local MP David Willets to symbolise the start of a regeneration drive in Leigh Park.
Surely seeds of regeneration for Leigh Park, or acorns, should have been planted over the last 17 years since David Willetts was first elected and those would be bearing really good fruit by now.
Cllr. Ann Buckley
To The News, from Councillor Ann Buckley, April 2009
Dear Sir,
Cllr. Pierce Jones states in his letter published in The News on March 30th about the current financial crisis "incidentally don't expect any help from MPs they never saw the crisis coming and are clueless about a solution".
He may wish to say this about his own Conservatives and the Labour MPs who have not shown foresight, but the Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable, has been dubbed in the national press as 'the soothsayer' for his prescient analysis of today's turbulent economy.
Last April I put a question at the Havant Council meeting asking if the council's new homelessness policy took into account the possible impact of sub prime mortgages and being on the edge of a recession. The answer given to me by a member of the Havant Executive was "we do not have those mortgages locally"!
Cllr. Ann Buckley