TINA HELME: '˜Investment is essential for Gosport'

SOCIAL media has highlighted that Gosport residents are stressed about numerous local issues.
Tina Helme is worried about the future of GosportTina Helme is worried about the future of Gosport
Tina Helme is worried about the future of Gosport

Gosport Past and Present group on Facebook has recently become the sounding board for locals to let off steam.

The absence of an A&E hospital is the uppermost concern.

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Cutbacks on vital services are widely known nationally, as well as on a local level.

People face a long journey through ever-increasing traffic to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham, Portsmouth.

Haslar Hospital grounds are being redeveloped with a new hotel promised on the land. However, there is low morale across the region.

Gosport Borough Council has taken away free parking in the town centre.

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With many pensioners and families on low incomes, every penny is vital to make ends meet.

Gosport markets have reduced in the number of stall holders offering their wares. Hence shoppers are not attracted to Gosport high street for bargains so much.

Normal markets are held on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Extra Christmas markets will be a highlight. These will be on December 15, 16, 21 and 23.

Entertainment facilities have become depleted. Residents are eager to have a new attraction to bring visitors back to Gosport and its beautiful coastline.

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People yearn for a new cinema or entertainment complex. A lot of nostalgic comments are posted over happy times spent at the former Ritz cinema.

The Premier Inn at Holbrook is having 26 additional rooms built.

Planet Ice is having a £100,000 refurbishment with upgraded exterior and entrance.

Gosport Bowling Club in Anglesey Gardens is to receive a £75,000 grant for an all-weather bowling green.

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Recently only 15 people attended a planning meeting for the proposed new Gosport bus station, which is a shame.

Bus services around the area have been widely criticised with vital routes axed.

Buses to both Stokes Bay and Lee-on-the-Solent are in urgent need of improvements to link all wards of Gosport.

Investment in Gosport is essential to put it back not just on the national map, but to attract tourists from all over the globe.

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I love Gosport, my home town, and will always fly the flag for its natural beauty.

It has astonishing panoramic views of Portsmouth Harbour. I would urge people to take the time to visit.

Tina Helme is a children’s author from Gosport