JANUARY 2014
Happy New Year!
As County Spokesperson for children, it’s a delight to join in activities with young people. You will have seen a lot about future provision of free school lunches recently. I chatted to children at Kings Worthy Primary School at lunchtime. It is a good chance to socialise around a table with friends as well as eat a healthy lunch! Food is cooked on site in most schools and the cooks are very dedicated.
In December I joined an early morning session with troops from all three services at Worthy Down. Hoping to be officers, these young people have shown leadership skills in the theatre of war. At the camp, they go through three months of preparation, and the morning’s discussion about an aspect of the ethics of military engagement was very heartening and enlightening. I was pleased to join a table of equal numbers of men and women: if only politics were like that!
The Local Plan part 2 discussions are taking place around the area. If development is planned, you may have visited an exhibition already to look at housing and employment proposals. I have registered a request for the creation of the ‘Watercress Way’ on behalf of the Friend of the Line Group. Interest from ramblers, runners and Parish Councils around the district means that this could become an informal route from Sutton Scotney through the Worthys to Alresford. It is a very long term project, but could be a real asset to local walkers and families of cyclists (and the principle is supported by the South Downs National Park.)
Budgets are still being squeezed. Electricity prices can be lower if we all buy together. ‘Switch Hampshire’ is now available for residents and small businesses too- go to www.hants.gov.uk for more details.
Do you receive your income, pension or benefits on a four weekly basis, but pay bills monthly? There is now a ‘jam jar account’ with United Savings to help you manage you budget. Go to www. usal.org.uk, telephone 02392 827980 or contact me for more details.
Cllr Jackie Porter . email: Jackie@jackieporter.co.uk or phone 01962 791054
Twitter: @Jackielibdem text 07973 696 085 www.jackieporter.co.uk