Archives for: August 2006
CF Diary tracks the CF Elections
A brilliant spin-off from ConservativeHome has been launched recently - CF Diary is looking at the runners and riders for the 2006 Conservative Future (CF) Elections. Links to both sites are in this post and on the Link list on the right hand side of the page.
Conservatives poll 40%
Good news that the Conservatives have hit 40% in the polls today. Full break down available here courtesy of bbci.
Credit where it's due
I have just renewed my car tax online, at last Government is working WITH us rather than AGAINST us. The National Insurance Database and MOT Database have been used to make this once annoying trip to the Post Office carrying piles of paperwork a thing of the past.
More info at http://www.direct.gov.uk/
Stoner Hill needs to be repaired ASAP
I continue to be amazed at the efforts by some environmental groups to hamper the reopening of Stoner Hill. In this week's Herald, the good news of the repair work being due to start imminently was reported.
The road is a key route to Petersfield's satellite villages as well as a great route to Alton, Ropley, Four Marks, as well as the A31/A32. To label the route as a rat run is ridiculous, it is a country road just like many others crossing the countryside around this area of Hampshire.
Since the closure of the road due to the landslip many more journeys are being forced through Selbourne, a village which already suffers from excessive amounts of traffic travelling from the A3 to Alton. As well as through Froxfield via the A272, I doubt either of these increases are particularly environmentally friendly at each of those locations.
The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was I believe designated in this area on the 26th September 1962, well after the road up Stoner Hill existed. The road allows many people access through the heart of this beautiful countryside and offers a lifeline to local business, and easy access to Petersfield from those who live in and around Froxfield.
I cannot wait to be able to use this route again as it offers the shortest and quickest way to Alton, and any reduction in miles travelled is clearly only going to benefit the environment. Lets get it repaired soon!
Tories pledge to protect streets like Buckmore Avenue in future
This week the Conservatives have pledged to do more to protect the special character of residential areas like Buckmore Avenue from inappropriate development in future, the 1st point of 5 being;
(to) Protect back gardens, by changing planning rules to help conserve green spaces and maintain the character of local neighbourhoods
More can be read about these exciting and highly relevant planning suggestions here: BBCi & Conservatives. Michael Mates.
The inspector has reported back about the Appeals lodged over refusal of planning permission for new dwellings at 2 & 4 Buckmore Avenue. The pdf's of the decisions can be found on the EHDC's website here: #1 & #2
Well done Jenson
It's not politics but it's my blog so I can write about what I want to! Well done to Jenson Button following his victory today. He and the Honda team did amazingly well to come from 14th on the grid to claim victory. I'm having a few issues uploading images but I will sort this and get a suitable photo up soon. BBCi Coverage, Team Honda Site.