I recently talked to Bitterne Park's local website about being a 'Bitterne Parker' you can read it in full here http://www.bitternepark.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2390:bitterne-parker-royston-smith&catid=83:bitterne-parker&Itemid=100138
Hampshire Fire and Rescue and Hampshire Police are to share some premises in a bid to improve services to the public while at the same time saving hundreds of thousands of pounds of public money every year. The most significant building to become a joint facility is Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's Headquarters [...]
At today's council meeting I highlighted the plight of one of my constituents who has not had her glass recycling collected since the scheme was introduced in April. Despite calling the council's 'Actionline' five times and receiving assurances each time, her glass bin has not been collected. I raised it with the Cabinet Member responsible [...]
If Southampton is going to reach its full potential the Labour Council simply must do better. Today the Daily Echo reveals that no bid will be made to attract the hugely successful and popular Clipper Race back to Southampton. We all know and acknowledge the financial challenge Southampton is facing but it's not all about money. In today's [...]
This evening I chaired a meeting of the City Council's Conservative Group. We discussed Labour's mini budget announcement at length and particularly the huge job losses in day care services and the potential closure of the specialist dementia centre, Woodside Lodge. We are all shocked by how brutal these latest cuts are but probably not [...]
Yesterday I attended the public consultation for the Royal Pier Development. Developers were asking the public for their ideas about what they would like to see included in the scheme. The redevelopment will not be completed for many years but at least it has moved a step closer. Dozens of Southampton residents attended the consultation [...]
Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government is addressing an audience of councillors, council officers and public sector employees at the BIC in Bournemouth.
Today the Labour controlled Southampton City Council released details of its Mini Budget. This is an interim budget and while not being as significant as the Annual Budget it does allow us to gauge Labour's direction of travel. This budget is a betrayal of Labour voters and council workers. When Labour campaigned for office they [...]
I am listening to a fascinating speech from the Managing Director of Ipsos MORI, Ben Page about political leadership and localism. Some really interesting statistics not least only 23% of people know who the leader of their local council is.
This evening I attended the topping out ceremony of Southampton's new tallest building. The 26 story tower is Southampton's largest ever apartment block and now dominates the city skyline. It will be completed and ready for its first occupants ahead of schedule in November.
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