Paul Gray

Paul Gray's Roadmap to a Better Hayling Island

Comprehensive Action Plan for Positive Change

Dear Hayling Island residents,

As your local borough councillor candidate, I am committed to addressing the key concerns and challenges that our community faces. Over the years, I have listened to your voices, and I understand the urgency for tangible solutions and proactive leadership.

That is why I am presenting you with this comprehensive action plan, outlining my roadmap to a better Hayling Island. This document provides a clear strategy for making positive change and improving our community, starting from day one of my tenure, should I be elected on May 4th.

From improving infrastructure and protecting our environment to fostering better communication with residents and working closely with stakeholders, my 10-point plan outlines the key steps and initiatives that I will work tirelessly to implement.

I hope this roadmap demonstrates my commitment to transparency, accountability, and, most importantly, a better Hayling Island for all. I am eager to work together with you to build a brighter future for our community, and I invite you to join me on this journey towards positive change.

Action Plan

1. Champion Hayling Island and Drive Policy Change

Ensure that Hayling Island receives its fair share of attention and resources from Havant and Hampshire Councils, as well as the national government, by actively representing our community's interests, advocating for our needs, and lobbying for policy changes that benefit our island.

  • From Day 1: Establish channels of communication with Havant and Hampshire Councils, relevant government departments, and other local councils to highlight Hayling Island's specific concerns and shared policy interests.
  • Initial Phase: Begin the process of building relationships and trust with key decision-makers and work together to address immediate concerns and identify opportunities for collaboration.
  • Ongoing: Actively advocate for Hayling Island's interests, ensuring that our community is prioritised in local and regional decision-making processes while also lobbying the national government for policy changes that benefit Hayling Island.

2. Partnership Building

Develop strong partnerships with neighbouring councils, regional organisations, and national stakeholders to ensure a collaborative approach to addressing shared challenges.

  • From Day 1: Identify key regional organisations and stakeholders for potential partnerships, such as the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Nature Partnership and Solent Local Enterprise Partnership.
  • Initial Phase: Establish initial contact and explore opportunities for collaboration.
  • Ongoing: Develop and maintain strong working relationships with partners, seeking new opportunities for joint projects and initiatives.

 

3. Community Engagement

Empower residents to take an active role in local decision-making and problem-solving by organising regular public forums, town hall meetings, and workshops to gather feedback, ideas, and input from the community.

  • From Day 1: Set up a dedicated communication channel (e.g., social media or email newsletter) for residents to stay informed about local issues and upcoming events.
  • Initial Phase: Organise the first in a series of regular public forums, town hall meetings, or workshops to gather community input.
  • Ongoing: Continue to engage with residents, incorporating their feedback into decision-making and involving them in local problem-solving.

4. Business Support and Economic Development

Engage with local businesses and promote economic development initiatives that align with the long-term interests of Hayling Island, ensuring sustainable growth and job opportunities.

  • From Day 1: Identify key local businesses and industry stakeholders and establish a dialogue to understand their needs and concerns.
  • Initial Phase: Collaborate with businesses and local organisations to develop and promote economic development initiatives that benefit Hayling Island.
  • Ongoing: Monitor the success of initiatives and adapt as needed, ensuring ongoing support for local businesses and sustainable growth.

5. Infrastructure Development and Maintenance

Address the challenges posed by overdevelopment and the lack of adequate infrastructure, including sewage systems, road networks, and public utilities, by working closely with local authorities and developers to ensure responsible growth and the maintenance of existing facilities.

  • From Day 1: Review the current state of infrastructure on Hayling Island, identifying areas in need of improvement and opportunities for sustainable development.
  • Initial Phase: Engage with local authorities, developers, and relevant stakeholders to develop a strategy for responsible growth and infrastructure maintenance.
  • Ongoing: Monitor progress on infrastructure projects and work with relevant parties to ensure ongoing improvements while advocating for responsible and sustainable development practices.

6. Education and Training Opportunities

Work with local schools and training providers to ensure that educational opportunities meet the needs of Hayling Island residents, supporting skills development and preparing young people for future job opportunities.

  • From Day 1: Initiate discussions with local schools and training providers to assess current educational offerings and identify areas for improvement.
  • Initial Phase: Develop a plan to enhance educational and training opportunities in collaboration with local institutions and businesses.
  • Ongoing: Monitor progress and advocate for additional resources and support where needed, ensuring Hayling Island residents have access to high-quality education and training.

7. Health and Social Care

Advocate for improved health and social care services for Hayling Island residents, working with local healthcare providers, social services, and community organisations to ensure that vulnerable individuals and families have access to the support they need.

  • From Day 1: Connect with local healthcare providers, social services, and community organisations to understand the current state of health and social care services.
  • Initial Phase: Identify gaps in service provision and develop a strategy to address these issues in collaboration with key stakeholders.
  • Ongoing: Advocate for improved services and resources, working closely with local providers to ensure vulnerable residents receive the support they need.

8. Transport and Connectivity

Collaborate with transport authorities to improve public transport and road infrastructure, promoting sustainable and efficient transportation options for Hayling Island residents.

  • From Day 1: Review the current state of public transport and road infrastructure on Hayling Island, identifying areas for improvement.
  • Initial Phase: Engage with transport authorities to develop a plan for addressing infrastructure and public transport needs.
  • Ongoing: Monitor progress on infrastructure projects and work with transport authorities to ensure ongoing improvements to Hayling Island's transport and connectivity.

9. Environmental Protection and Resilience

Work with environmental organisations and local partners to protect Hayling Island's natural resources, habitats, and ecosystems, while enhancing the island's resilience to the impacts of climate change.

  • From Day 1: Establish relationships with key environmental organisations and local partners to discuss environmental challenges facing Hayling Island.
  • Initial Phase: Develop an environmental action plan that outlines initiatives for habitat protection, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience.
  • Ongoing: Monitor progress on environmental initiatives, adjusting the plan as needed and ensuring continued collaboration with partners to address emerging challenges.

10. Preserving and Promoting Local Culture and Heritage

Celebrate and preserve Hayling Island's unique culture and heritage, fostering a sense of community pride and supporting local cultural initiatives.

  • From Day 1: Identify key cultural and heritage sites on Hayling Island and engage with local organisations involved in their preservation.
  • Initial Phase: Develop a plan to support the preservation and promotion of local culture and heritage, including support for cultural events, heritage projects and educational initiatives.
  • Ongoing: Monitor progress on cultural and heritage initiatives and work with local organisations to ensure the continued preservation and promotion of Hayling Island’s unique cultural assets.

In conclusion, this comprehensive 10-point action plan outlines my dedication to making tangible improvements in the lives of Hayling Island residents. As your local borough councillor, I will focus on delivering real change and implementing solutions that will directly address the concerns and challenges our community faces.

From day one, I pledge to take decisive action, working diligently to ensure the betterment of our island. I believe in creating a transparent and accountable local government where your voice is not just heard but acted upon. Together, we can build a stronger and more prosperous Hayling Island.

This roadmap to a better Hayling Island is just the beginning. I am committed to working closely with you, our community, and other stakeholders to adapt and expand these plans as we make progress. The time for complacency and empty promises is over; I am ready to roll up my sleeves and work hard for the betterment of our island.

Your support is invaluable, and I am eager to begin this journey towards positive change with you by my side. Let us make a difference together for the sake of our community, our environment, and our future.

 

Yours sincerely,

Paul Gray
Hayling Island Liberal Democrats