Safe Crossing for Otterbourne

07/09/2026

VERY GOOD NEWS FOR HAMPSHIRE 🌳

The Government has today WITHDRAWN its decision on Local Government Reorganisation in Hampshire and the Solent.

This is, quite simply, the best possible outcome at this stage.

And the timing could hardly be more appropriate. As I write, campaigners from New Forest Together are at Parliament presenting their petition against the proposals to split the New Forest.

What a day for them to be there.

Thousands upon thousands of people have backed their campaign to Keep the New Forest Together. Communities elsewhere in Hampshire have also made very clear that they did not want historic communities carved up simply to make an imposed reorganisation model work.

At Hampshire County Council we challenged the Government’s decision for another, equally important, reason.

We launched Judicial Review proceedings because the Government had failed to provide satisfactory answers about the evidence behind its decision and, particularly, the financial sustainability of the new councils it proposed creating.

We were repeatedly told that pursuing legal action was unnecessary and a waste of money.

Today rather emphatically demonstrates why we believed it was necessary.

Following updated legal advice, the new Secretary of State has withdrawn the Hampshire decision and ordered a review of Local Government Reorganisation.

That does NOT mean I believe nothing should change.

I have always said that this is not about preserving existing councils. It is about getting what replaces them right.

The previous proposals risked splitting established communities, transferring major areas of economic growth and business-rate income between authorities and leaving behind councils whose long-term financial sustainability was, in my view, deeply questionable.

Getting that wrong could have cost Hampshire taxpayers tens or hundreds of millions of pounds over the next decade and meant less money for the services people actually rely upon.

We now have the opportunity to start again.

I hope Government will allow Hampshire and the Solent’s councils to come together, with proper time and proper evidence, to develop a solution which is properly costed, financially sustainable and commands much broader support.

And I am particularly delighted today for everyone involved with New Forest Together.

They organised, campaigned, collected tens of thousands of signatures and refused to accept that splitting their community was inevitable.

To be standing in Parliament presenting that petition on the very day the decision they have fought against is withdrawn is quite something.

Well done to them. 👏🌳

Now we need to work together to get whatever comes next right.

01/09/2026

Consultation now open: Badger Farm and Oliver's Battery Road South junction.

BADGER FARM ROAD & OLIVER’S BATTERY ROAD SOUTH JUNCTION

HAVE YOUR SAY

Residents across Oliver’s Battery and Badger Farm -please take the opportunity to comment on proposals for major changes to the Badger Farm Road/Oliver’s Battery junction.

Hampshire County Council's public consultation is now open at and runs until Sunday 11 October.

These are the changes being proposed:

New traffic-light controlled pedestrian crossings

A new north-south cycle route across Badger Farm

Bus priority measures, including a new northbound bus lane from the Sainsbury’s roundabout

Improvements to the road junctions

A new cycle route towards Wi******er city centre.

THE PROPOSALS INCLUDE THE 40MPH TO 30MPH SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION ON THE BADGER FARM ROAD AS WELL AS A WIDENING OF THE RIDGEWAY JUNCTION TOO

Hopefully these changes are positive and welcome as I have previously described, but do look carefully at the detail and let the county highways engineers know what you think.

These changes are designed to improve both the safety and accessibility at this tricky junction without creating any additional problems for motorists, buses or residents using the surrounding roads.

Importantly there will also be a public information event on Wednesday 23 September at St Mark’s Church, Oliver’s Battery, from 2.45pm to 7.30pm. The highways project team will be available to answer questions and explain the proposals.

You can share your views here:

https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/transportschemes/badger-farm-junction-improvements

Oliver's Battery Parish Council
Badger Farm Parish Council

28/08/2026

Your chance to comment on the proposed Wi******er Lido!

🏊‍♂️ RIVER PARK LIDO — WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Wi******er City Council is proposing to dispose of the former River Park Leisure Centre site to Sea Lanes, which is behind the successful lidos at Brighton and Hilsea.

This could be very positive for the city -bringing this long-derelict site back into use with a new outdoor swimming facility, splash pad and additional community facilities sounds very attractive. The Council says the wider River Park green space, tennis courts and public access will remain unaffected.

There are two decision making committees (Scrutiny and Cabinet) due to meet this September before the Council commits to a long-term disposal of this publicly owned site.

Ahead of this decision residents and councillors will want to raise some important questions. For example:

🔹 What is the financial deal for the tax payers of Wi******er -Were other competing bids received and how did Sea Lanes win the competition.
🔹 What happens if the lido is not financially successful -who carries the risk if the operator gets into difficulties or the facility closes. Should the site be disposed of or leased by the council.
🔹 What safeguards are there over prices, community access and accessibility. Will the flood risk be mitigated.
🔹 How securely are the skate park and indoor bowls facilities protected.
🔹 What happens in the future if the use changes or the operator changes.
🔹 What will be the impact on parking, traffic and events around River Park particularly with the closure of St Peters car park.

The Council is holding a public information event on Thursday 3 September, 3pm–7pm at The Courtyard, Guildhall, ahead of the Cabinet decision on 9 September.

You can read the papers ahead of the public scrutiny meeting on the evening of 7th September here:

https://democracy.winchester.gov.uk/documents/g4919/Public%20reports%20pack%2007th-Sep-2026%2018.30%20The%20Scrutiny%20Committee.pdf?T=10

Please comment below with your views and, particularly, any questions you think councillors should be asking before the decision is made.

Badger Farm Parish Council
Hursley Parish Council
Oliver's Battery Parish Council
Compton & Shawford Parish Council

24/08/2026

Wi******er District Small Grants Scheme:
£15,000 has been allocated to the District Small Grants scheme for this year. We are keen to raise awareness of the scheme among community organisations.
Grants up to £700 are available
Funding supports projects that contribute to healthy & thriving communities, with a particular focus on supporting vulnerable residents
Applications are open to not-for-profit, community organisations
Deadline for applications is 31st January 2027 (or sooner if funds are fully allocated)
Wi******er City Council are holding an online Q&A session on Thursday 17th September for potential applicants. Groups can register online at:
https://www.winchester.gov.uk/grants.../small-grant-scheme
We encourage prospective applicants to contact us to discuss their project ideas and receive guidance before applying. Information about funding opportunities and support available from our team is also shared through our Community Connect newsletter, with the next edition due to be published on 9th September.
Hursley Parish Council
Compton & Shawford Parish Council
Oliver's Battery Parish Council
Badger Farm Parish Council
Otterbourne Village

18/08/2026

Update on Wi******er City Council decisions this month

What’s happening at Wi******er City Council this August?

Several important decisions are coming before Wi******er City Council committees this month, covering housing, the city centre, parks, leisure and the future of local government.

🏠 St Peter’s Car Park and affordable homes

The Council is considering closing the 165-space St Peter’s Car Park and replacing it with around 44 affordable homes – 40 flats and four houses. There is a clear need for affordable housing, but the proposal also has financial implications. The car park currently generates significant income, whilst developing the site will require considerable Council investment.

🏗️ Central Wi******er Regeneration

This long-awaited regeneration scheme is moving towards a planning application, with 232 homes, shops, commercial space, public squares, play areas, trees and the reopening of the Abbey Mill Stream proposed.

This decision is around the business case for the scheme and the Council’s land is now showing "no residual financial value", compared to the 2021 business case expectation of around £3.4 million. Existing properties in the area also generate income of around £650,000 a year, which will be lost as redevelopment takes place. The scheme currently contains no guaranteed affordable housing because of pressures on viability.

🌳 River Park

Councillors will consider a proposed £153,000 perimeter path at River Park. Although a petition signed by 667 residents has called for the project to be reconsidered, with concerns including wildlife, the character of the park and value for money.

🏊 Wi******er Sport and Leisure Park investment

£740,000 of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding is proposed for facility improvements at the Bar End Wi******er Sport & Leisure Park.

Other business on the council's agenda includes preparing Wi******er for hotter summers, recognising nature as important infrastructure, and planning for the new unitary councils being created across Hampshire in 2028.

These decisions are important because they involve significant public assets, spending and long-term commitments.

You can find further details of the August decision committees (Cabinet, Scrutiny and Full Council) by following the link below and also listen to the the discussion, debate and decisions online: https://democracy.winchester.gov.uk/uuCoverPage.aspx?bcr=1

17/08/2026

Update on the M3 slip road closures this weekend

Otterbourne Village

17/08/2026

We've had an interesting discussion in the village this week about the number of bats we see in the evenings but what you should do if you find a dead one. Bats are wonderful creatures but they can carry rabies in the UK so here's the expert advice:

🐾 Found a dead bat? Don’t touch it! 🦇

The most important thing is not to handle it with your bare hands.
Bats are protected wildlife, and although the risk is very small, they can carry diseases that can be transmitted through bites or scratches.

👉 Keep children and pets away.
👉 Don’t pick it up or move it.
👉 If you’ve been bitten or scratched, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical advice promptly.
If the bat is indoors and still alive, don’t try to catch it yourself — contact a local bat rescue or wildlife organisation for advice.

Bat Conservation International

My photograph is of greater horseshoe bats in Devon.

https://www.bats.org.uk/advice/found-a-dead-bat

09/08/2026

Major fire at IBM Hursley's club house overnight.

06/08/2026

TODAY'S UPDATE: Hursley High Voltage Cable Repairs & Road

ROAD NOW OPEN WITH TWO-WAY LIGHTS. THESE ARE LIKELY TO BE IN PLACE FOR SIX WEEKS SO EXPECT DELAYS.

Here's a summary update on the ongoing repair works and what residents can expect over the coming weeks -thanks to SSE and local resident Chas Lister.

Firstly, thanks for swift response from the SSE teams. The accidental damage to the 33,000-volt oil-filled cable was a very serious incident, and thankfully no one was injured.

ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATE

The damaged cable has now been safely sealed and is being slowly recharged with insulating oil, while air is carefully removed from the system. This process takes time, which is why there may not always be engineers visibly working on site.

There has understandably been concern about the environmental impact of the oil spill. Around 200 litres of oil were recovered from the cable chamber shortly after the incident. Because the chamber is lined with clay, it appears this helped prevent the oil from immediately soaking into the underlying chalk.

Once the cable has been fully refilled, SSE will know exactly how much oil was required to recharge it, allowing them to calculate the amount that was actually lost. Current estimates suggest this could be between 20 and 50 litres, although the final figure will only be confirmed once the work is complete.

The Environment Agency has been involved throughout and is overseeing environmental assessments, including investigations of the surrounding ground, local aquifers and nearby watercourses. With groundwater levels currently at their seasonal low following the recent dry weather, this also helps reduce environmental risk.

REPAIR TIMETABLE

Although activity on site may appear quiet at times, work is continuing behind the scenes. The complete repair of the cable is expected to take around SIX weeks.

Only once the electricity network has been fully restored can the original drainage works for the church resume.

TRAFFIC UPDATE

SSE is aware of the disruption caused by the road closure and has brought in additional traffic management specialists to improve diversion signage.

The good news is that, subject to no unforeseen issues, the aim is to reopen one lane under temporary traffic lights from Saturday morning (8th August). This should remove the need for the current diversion while repair work continues.

Thank you to everyone for your patience while this complex repair is carried out safely. I'll continue to share updates as more information becomes available.

Hursley Parish Council
Hampshire Chronicle

04/08/2026

Update on Hursley Main Road closure.....

Hursley: Main Road Works -Update

⚠️ Update: Hursley High Voltage Cable Repairs & Road Closure
Following the accidental damage to a 33,000-volt underground electricity cable during third-party works, SSEN has now confirmed the scale of the emergency repairs required.

The damaged cable serving IBM, which contains insulating oil, caused a power outage when it was severed and resulted in the release of several hundred litres of oil. Emergency works are now underway to restore the electricity network and deal with the environmental impact.

To repair the fault, engineers first need to excavate the site to locate the damaged section before carrying out cable repairs, restoring power, backfilling the excavation and permanently reinstating the road.

🚧 Road Closure
A 24/7 road closure has been requested while these works take place. However, SSEN has advised that this may not be necessary for the entire duration. At this stage they cannot safely reduce the traffic management until the excavation is complete and the full extent of the damage is known.

I spoke to the SSEN team yesterday and understand that every effort is made to reopen the road as soon as it is safe and practical and work with one lane closed and two-way traffic lights in place.

I'll continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available