Local Issues

01 Jan

REASONS FOR OPTIMISM IN 2021

2020 has been the most appalling of years for many of us for many reasons. It is right that we look forward to 2021 in the most optimistic way possible and I am grateful to The News, Portsmouth
for offering me the opportunity on behalf of the residents of the Borough of Fareham to do just that.
We hope and pray that a robust vaccination programme will be put in place, particularly for our most vulnerable residents, in coming months otherwise there is little prospect of us emerging from this lockdown.
Looking forward to 2021 there are potentially a number of positives on the horizon for Fareham:
LEISURE CENTRES
Fareham Leisure Centre and Holly Hill Leisure Centre are between them having seven million pounds spent on significant improvements to these very popular fitness venues.
Fareham
• A ‘Top Rock’ climbing wall for children and adults set alongside a soft play area for younger users
• An indoor splash pad
• A large extension to the gym on the ground floor with windows opening onto the surrounding parkland
• Improvements to existing facilities such as the café, dry changing rooms and reception area
• Additional parking for 32 vehicles.
Holly Hill
• Addition of a steam room and sauna
WELBORNE
As one of the country’s largest developments this has certainly been a long time coming but as the legal agreements get signed and the funding is being put in place we should expect to see a start on much-needed homes for Fareham people including hundreds of millions of pounds worth of infrastructure such as schools, roads, open spaces, shopping and community facilities.
SOLENT AIRPORT

This has been a huge success story since

Fareham Borough Council

took ownership of

Solent Airport, Daedalus

in 2015 starting with the runway refurbishment without which the airport would have been closed to flying. Pictured with the intrepid Kimberley Barber from

The News, Portsmouth

who trusted me to take her aloft at the opening in March 2015

Investment in offices and workshops for local businesses will continue as interest grows in new businesses starting and existing businesses relocating to

Fareham Innovation Centre

Plus the letting of all of the hangars. We also intend improving the airport with runway lighting and instrument approach to aid safety and increase the variety of users. Our huge new open space – Daedalus Common – will also be opening to the public as a great recreational facility.

The National Grid UK IFA2 interconnector is also soon to start delivering power for over 1,000,000 homes.
ELECTIONS
May will see the postponed local elections taking place when residents will be asked to elect Borough Councillors, County Councillors and a new Police and Crime Commissioner.
OTHER PROJECTS
We will be constructing a new arts and entertainment facility – Fareham Live – on the site of the old Ferneham Hall as well as bringing the adjacent car park up to modern standards.
SHOP LOCAL

I believe that 2021 will be the year of the independent trader and we have many dozens of these in the western end of West Street including shops and cafes. Picture with the Mayor

Councillor Pamela Bryant

at

CrumbleJack

People seem prepared to go for good service more than cheap goods and as the large chain stores fail the independents will become staple as they were generations ago. I strongly encourage everyone to Shop Local and Eat Local during 2021 and see the difference it makes to the vibrancy of our town and village centres.

29 Dec

COUNCILLOR KEITH EVANS

I am so sorry to have to advise you that Keith lost a brief battle against COVID-19 on Sunday. You may be aware he has been very poorly for some time but unfortunately contracted the disease as a patient in Queen Alexandra Hospital on Tuesday and passed away on Sunday. I am sure many will join me in passing their kind thoughts to his family. Fortunately they were able to be with him for his last hours.
It has been a privilege to have known Keith for 33 years. He first stood and was elected for Sarisbury Ward in 1988 and has been a Councillor for 30 years having subsequently represented Locks Heath Ward on Fareham Borough Council . He was an excellent Executive Member for Planning and Development. He was elected to Hampshire County Council in 2005 and as he was Chairman of the River Hamble Harbour Board the flag above the Harbourmaster’s Office in Warsash is flying at half-mast today.
The Union Flag outside the Civic Offices in Fareham is being flown at half-mast today and tomorrow as a mark of respect. It will also be flown at half-mast on the day of Cllr Evans’s funeral, the date of which is yet to be confirmed.
I am extremely saddened by this news and will miss Keith terribly. We have worked closely together for the past three decades and he has been a valued member of the Executive and indeed a personal friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children at this very difficult time.
23 Dec

WITH THANKS AND BEST WISHES

I wanted to take this opportunity to express my thanks for the very many supportive messages and calls I have received over the last couple of weeks both on Facebook and privately. They mean a great deal and I am grateful for each and every one.
In order to counter the massive amount of misinformation that was circulated by a few Facebook accounts I thought it might be helpful to state the roles I currently undertake on your behalf, in addition to my constituency duties, as your Councillor:
• Fareham Borough Council Councillor for Sarisbury
• Leader of Fareham Borough Council
• Director of the Solent LEP
• Chairman of the Partnership for South Hampshire
• Chairman of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Government Association
•Hampshire County Council Councillor for Sarisbury Division
• Chairman of the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee
As always if I can help in any way please do not hesitate to contact me via swoodward@fareham.gov.uk and I will continue to do my very best to solve your problems and answer your queries.
Today’s picture is the unchanging scene at Swanwick Shore that I took on Christmas Day 2019 when nobody could have foreseen the year we had in store. I wish you and those you are close to a safe and Happy Christmas and pray that we will all have a far better New Year in 2021.
Image may contain: sky, cloud, ocean, outdoor, water and nature