Residents join the debate to improve Waterlooville
DISABLED access, the regeneration of shops and engaging people in town planning are some of the issues residents feel need to be tackled in Waterlooville.
Yesterday saw the first meeting of the Waterlooville Community Forum. It has replaced the two Community Boards, Waterlooville North and South.
More than 40 people turned up to the first of two meetings billed as an opportunity to discuss the big issues facing the town.
It is hoped the forum will include people from across business, community and voluntary groups, politicians and residents.
It was set up in response to the government’s Localism Act which puts more power into the hands of the people.
Sean Greenall, manager of the Community Centre, said: ‘The problem Waterlooville has is that it is not enticing to big brands.
‘We need the big shops here to bring in the shoppers.
‘At the moment if you walk through it’s one charity shop after another.
‘Waterlooville is dying and we’ve got 3,500 homes being built just over the road so we need to do something quickly because that is going to have a major impact on the town.’
Lynda Waters is the chairman of disability group Rocky Rollers and she says better access is needed urgently.
She said: ‘At the moment it is as if Waterlooville is split into two halves.
‘It’s actually impossible for someone on a mobility scooter, in a wheelchair or pushing a pram to get down St George’s Walk steps from the main shops to the retail park.
‘We urgently need access there.’
Councillor Mike Cheshire, whose responsibilities include mobility, agreed that something needed to be done but it was down to the Rocky Rollers to take the initiative and he would back them.
He said money constraints may mean shops in the retail park have to fund improvements.
Councillor Paul Buckley, who chaired the meeting, hailed it a success and said: ‘What we want is a forum in which people actively participate.’
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Friday 25 May 2012
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Comments
There are 4 comments to this article
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Melgee
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 03:24 PMVisiting Waterlooville last week I noticed that two new shops were opening. Another estate agent and another charity shop! Just what is not needed.
siskinbob
Sunday, February 5, 2012 at 07:56 PMCouncillor Buckley, hailed the meeting a success. On what basis ? 40 people turned up, 40 people out of a population in excess of 10000 residents. Not such a success from my view point. Where the hell was the meeting of the Waterlooville Community Board advertised ? Surely a leaflet drop was in order to all residential homes. I have lived in Waterlooville for 26 years and am thoroughly disgusted at the steady decline of the town centre. A decline that has been accelerated by the poor planning decisions that have been made over the years. I would have loved to have the opportunity to join in discussions about Waterloovilles future but was denied the opportunity due to lack of publicity.
Yocal
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 01:53 PMThat should have been ------ "If the forum is supposed to include local groups, why have some of the key groups not been informed?"
Yocal
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 01:44 PMIf the group is supposed to include local groups, why have some of the key groups not been informed?
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