Dear Grayshott residents,

This is my six weekly newsletter for the week beginning 28th. November. I'm afraid it's a week later than I promised The next newsletter should be posted during week commencing 9th. January. 2006.

So, first of all, merry Christmas to everyone and a very happy and prosperous New Year.

Police

Hampshire Constabulary are going to reorganise again soon and the sector officers have been kind enough to keep me up to date. PCSO Jim Leggat has no change in his responsibility for Grayshott. We have a new sector Police Constable now who is PC Luke Peters. I have met Luke and he has already gained a good knowledge of the village. For those of you who attended the Remembrance Day service and recognised Paula Jackson, Luke was the young male officer helping to direct traffic.

We are likely to get a change to our Sector Sergeant, which is regrettable as Sgt. Nickson also gained a good understanding of the village and I was delighted to see him present a wreath on Remembrance Sunday. I am assured his replacement will be just as good and Nick won't be too far away, at Alton, if we need any advice from him.

Finally, at long last, Hampshire Constabulary have started taking action over Tesco lorries that obstruct the road and two have been moved on in recent weeks. I have also received an assurance that if there continues to be a problem after the unloading bay has been designated and marked, (which took place on Monday 21st. November) they will be willing to take further action, subject to other operational pressures such as emergencies.


Village Strategy

Many thanks for all the comments on the strategy topic "Retail Economy". I have so many responses to the first two topics, (Traffic Management in the Village, renamed from Car Parking in the light of the replies and Retail Economy), that I am going to have to put a hold on further items until I can deal properly with the material I have received so far. I do have a third topic in mind but I am going to hold off until January at the earliest before launching another discussion topic.

Many thanks for the fantastic response to date.

The Square

I have reopened discussions with the owner to see if we can bring this village landmark into community ownership. Although he is a willing seller, there are numerous problems to be overcome before we can assess the possibility of taking it over from him. Whilst I believe there is a solution to the maintenance costs and I know there some wonderful ideas for redeveloping The Square to make it a more appropriate village landmark, there is the thorny issue of the purchase price, the legal costs involved and the impact on the leases of those who live and work around The Square.

All I am really saying now is that I am going to have another go at this after a gap of four years!.

Pyrotechnics in Grayshott

I thought the display, organised by PIG, was wonderful and was, by far, the best display I saw this year. Many congratulations to PIG and to the team who put it all together. I hope enough cash was collected to put it on again next year.

I do get several calls around Guy Fawkes' night complaining about the noise and the effect on pet animals, As a pet owner I do know that considerable distress can be caused. However, provided the displays, whether domestic or organised, comply with ever more strict legislation, I'm not sure any action is justified or even desirable. I feel there has to be a bit of give and take around celebrations because it's just about impossible to celebrate without, in all honesty, being a nuisance to someone.

Provided the event is seasonal and therefore to be expected, or out of season and duly notified to near neighbours and is conducted reasonably, then I think that is probably acceptable. There are remedies through Environmental Health legislation for regular nuisances, or unreasonable behaviour such as excessive noise or lateness for one off events. If you think you want help with a nuisance, please let me know.

...and finally

I normally save this slot for a few personal comments. My career as a District Councillor has changed a bit over the past year and I thought I might bring you up to date on my roles at EHDC apart from representing the village. I chair a weekly review of the Council's media image and its radio and press coverage. I am in the Council's Cabinet and I look after the finances and also contract management. I am a member of the new Policy Panel that deals with "Providing Good Quality Services". There have only been two meetings of this panel so far, and I hope that given time, we will make the Council's services more responsive to taxpayer demands. I am a member of the Affordable Housing Working Party and within that I have a specific brief to look at a new idea called Choice Based Lettings.

Once again, have a lovely Christmas.

As usual, if you have comments, agree or disagree with me, please contact me on 01428-609858 or on Fcowper@aol.com

Best wishes,

Cllr. Ferris Cowper
EHDC Councillor for the ward of Grayshott and Cabinet member for Finance