On 29th October there was a meeting to update the public on the progress of Waterlooville Regeneration. The regeneration team were there (Stuart and Lorna) with Wayne yet to be replaced. The new Havant BC chief executive was there as well as the leader of the council and the planning officer.
There was a quick run through of what had been achieved and a lot has been achieved in a relatively short time. We should be so pleased that the wishes of residents have been listened to. It is true that the ‘high street’ may not be as it was 30 years ago, but it does look better. There are many new shops. Someone commented that there were no bakers, butchers etc. Sadly we can only blame ourselves as, even if they were there, would we use them? The greengrocer struggles to survive because it is easier for us to go to the supermarket! The town is definitely busier.
The town centre does look much better, much cleaner and cared for. It was confirmed that the funding set aside for the renovation of the town centre from bandstand to the clock has been ring fenced. The plans have been drawn up after the consultation with residents, and have been sent to Hampshire CC for approval (the road belongs to them!!) Things should be happening soon.
As to the future there were plans afoot to get things into place to keep this hard work continuing. HOWEVER, when asked about what happens after devolution, and we most likely are joined up with Portsmouth, Fareham, and Southampton, answers became vague. What came across is they don’t know.
There is a petition to let Waterlooville have a Town Council to ensure it has a voice. (Hayling Island and Emsworth have already submitted a petition for each of them to have one). A Town Council could help ensure Waterlooville has a voice and is not forgotten, as has happened in the past. Otherwise could it become a suburb of Portsmouth? It is something to think about.
Another question raised was the lack of an adequate bus service to Havant from Waterlooville. The leader of the council said he would research and report back.
Hopefully there will be another meeting in the Spring so that pressure remains on the council to deliver for Waterlooville.
From a report provided by Jackie Buckley
