Building Homes

Last week's report in the Andover Advertiser over the plans of developers to build flats instead of a promised pub in Picket Twenty is yet another of a long line of promises made but then broken. Public spaces are being traded for profit. Yet alternative proposals such as a public garden or additional parking for the community facilities in place, which are inadequate, have been ignored. This is not a unique event in the sorry state of the development of Andover's Estates.

The death of Shirley Williams is heartbreaking news for the whole Liberal Democrats party.

Since the sad news was announced, Liberal Democrat members and figures from public life have been remembering Shirley and paying tribute to her.

We've collected a few of those memories here.

You can also share your memories of Shirley and add your name to the book of condolence here.

Latest Government figures show that the annual waste generated per person here reduced by less than the weight of 2 bags of sugar in 5 years.

Only 36.9% of the waste collected from homes in Test Valley is recycled or reused compared with an average of 47.6% for the South East as a whole.

Is it just coincidence that the top three councils for recycling in Hampshire are all controlled by Liberal Democrats?
HCC too needs a clear plan to invest in renewables to create green energy.

Liberal Democrats have the climate emergency at the heart of all of our policies. We will target zero emissions by 2035 - 15 years ahead of the current vague and unambitious plan.

We will rethink public transport, support greening homes, tackle air quality and demand a healthier Hampshire for all.

We need action - not excuses. We need ambition in Hampshire - not empty words. If we don't take action locally, it will literally cost us the Earth.

Hampshire County Council Tories are planning to cut the grants of two organisations which have done hugely valuable work during the pandemic.

Hampshire Councils for the Voluntary Sector (HCVS) and Citizens Advice (CA) are to have their grants cut by 10%. In each of the last three years HCVS received £551,100. Volunteers have helped 1,000s over the last year. Their reward? Their grant is cut to £495,990. The Citizens Advice grant is down from £70,000 to £63,000.

Statement on the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

Test Valley Liberal Democrats share the nation's feelings of sadness of the passing of HRH Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke dedicated his life to the Queen and service to our Country. He was also a practical and hardworking inspiration to us all and always stressed the need to get on with things. We acknowledge and respect his example.

Jo Slimin taking the opportunity to discuss local policing issues with Richard Murphy, LibDem candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner. Residents have expressed concerns about recent cases of antisocial behaviour(ASB). Jo, as a Tadley Town councillor, had attended a meeting with the local police in March. While she learnt that crime in the area has reduced during the last year, re-assurance was requested on what actions are being taken on ASB especially. Richard is campaigning for more police visibility which is what our community wants.

I want to send my best wishes to Muslims in the UK and across the world as we welcome the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Ramadan is a time of reflection, renewal and generosity. These are much needed in our communities, our politics and all our lives.

A second year observing Ramadan with restrictions on meeting together will be difficult. Holding an iftar will be different, loved ones will be missed and celebrations will be muted.

On behalf of her family, it is with great sadness that we announce that Shirley Williams, Baroness Williams of Crosby, died peacefully in the early hours of Monday April 12th.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said:

This is heartbreaking for me and for our whole Liberal Democrat family.

Shirley has been an inspiration to millions, a Liberal lion and a true trailblazer. I feel privileged to have known her, listened to her and worked with her. Like so many others, I will miss her terribly.