Welcome

So many local residents have asked me to post a regular news item on the Grayshott.com website that at long last I have decided to have a crack at it. I won't really know if it is what you want unless you tell me, so please do drop me an email to Fcowper@aol.com and let me have your comments.

Some basic principles I will follow are these;

- Minimal, possibly no, politics.
- No names mentioned apart from mine, other figures in the public eye already, or with consent.
- Local issues about Grayshott.
- Not too much about STOAT!
- Updated every 4 to 6 weeks.

Local Government Election 1st. May 2003.

The village of Grayshott voted to return me as their District Councillor with an overwhelming 85% share of the vote! Thank you all very much indeed for voting for me. This huge majority gives me the confidence to continue the style of representation I have adopted over the past four years. The aspect that pleased me most of all was the large number of residents who told me that while they normally vote Lib-Dem or Labour, at this election they would vote for me. That's what local government should be about; choosing someone who will do a good job and not getting hung up on politics.

But why did only 39% of you bother to vote? I was hoping that as I am one of the more active Councillors, raising the profile of local government, the turnout in Grayshott might be over 50% Sadly, not. If you didn't vote, I'd love to know why not. Together with my supporters, we did our bit to get you interested. My election leaflet was delivered to over 1000 of the 1100 residences in the village and we called personally on over 800. Don't forget, it's easy to apply for a personal vote and regardless of your politics I can help you get one if you would like me to.

Grayshott's Toilets

Aren't they awful? I'm embarrassed to say that they are run by the District Council. Refurbishment has been out of the question lately because we have a 'few problems' there that have involved the police. However it's looking as though these problems have subsided. Tell me what you think we should do. I'm thinking of having them really done up nicely so that anyone would feel comfortable using them. Some folk have suggested they should be like those in London where you pay to use them and they are almost vandal proof. I'm interested in views before I start a project there.

Bottle Bank

Ok, here we go with the controversies. First of all, let me make my position clear. Not only did I disagree with the loss of the Bottle Bank at Applegarth, but also it was done without my knowledge and whilst I was away on holiday! I have remonstrated with the Council's officers and I have a meeting with the relevant Council Director and also Clive Slaughter, Parish Council Chairman, to discuss the options on 17th. June. Any ideas, please let me know. I'll keep you posted on the outcome.

STOAT

Just one point from me on this. The Council is holding a community meeting to discuss the pros and cons of closing the old A3 on Tuesday 17th. June, (yes, the same day I have the meeting on the bottle bank!). It is VERY important that the village is extremely well represented there. The Highways Agency will present for 15 minutes and then STOAT will do likewise. After that, it?s public question time. Although this meeting will not decide the Council's official position on the subject, it will be extremely influential.

Most villagers want the road kept open, so please come along to the Millennium Hall, Ontario Way, Liphook, (near Sainsbury's), at 18.30 on Tuesday 17th. June and have your say!