Hugh Sandeman
Conservative Councillor for Bell Hill ward, Petersfield

Just a brief update about the hard work by Hampshire County Council to fix the road up Stoner Hill. Although the traffic levels are now back to their pre-closure levels on Bell Hill, the road once again forms an excellent route to the A32, Alton, Ropley, Alresford the A31 & Froxfield etc.

Also whilst singing the praises of HCC, some of you may have noticed the three new saplings planted on the grass verge at the bottom of Bell Hill - (Near the residents parking zone & telephone box). These were planted in the last couple of weeks by contractors working for the County Council. They replaced the dead cherry tree that has been in decline for a number of years.

As part of this planting I negotiated for a sapling to be planted in the Town Council's Bell Hill Recreation ground, close to the hedge at the bottom of Bell Hill. This tree is now enjoying the recent wet weather as it settles in its new location. The County Council provided this sapling as I had asked them to assess the dead oak tree at the bottom of Bell Hill, they hope to fell it in the next couple of weeks - it is pleasing to replace one dead tree with a new sapling, hopefully with hundreds of years of life to look forward to.

*UPDATE 29/12/06*
I have been informed by local residents that a dangerous section of pavement and kerbing have been repaired by HCC Contractors in Beckham Lane, pleasing to hear that the problem has finally been sorted. Moral of the story is for Residents and Councillors to make lots of phone calls to the relevant authority - it seemed to hasten the work, thanks to those at the Highways Dept.