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Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Chris Taylor (12th Nov 2007 - 06:58:07) I know that this was covered in a previous thread and we are all aware that money was set aside to improve safety in this area. I think we also concluded that EHDC and NOT the National Trust was the sticking point in getting any further action to curb traffic speeds on the approach to the crossroads. EHDC have always refered me to the Highways agency when I have written to them about this and other related issues but if they are the ones with the money for this particular improvement then surely they should be the first point of contact. If the money that was set aside is not spent then we loose it and it goes back to the building firm that donated it as part of the deal to build in the area. Does anyone have any ideas as to how we proceed to get this concluded?

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - nikki young (12th Nov 2007 - 08:54:19) This situation is being dealt with and the money is being allocated, I attended a site meeting 2 weeks ago and improvments will be completed by the end of the financial year, as reported on the front page of last weeks liphook herald

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Dawn Hoskins (13th Nov 2007 - 11:53:22) I haven't got the paper this week. Can you enlighten us as to what we can expect. Thank you Nikki PC

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Dawn Hoskins (15th Nov 2007 - 15:28:41) To Editor I am aware that Niki has posted replies and info about this and her posts are not being put up. This is very annoying. Is this some sort of cencorship? I am quite happy to post all the information she has given me about this issue (in a round robin stylie!) but feel something is very wrong is one of our councillors is unable to post on a site that should be accessable to all? Could you alleiviate my 'big brother' fears please? Purple Curly [editor - no posts by Nikki have been censored or not put up - are you sure she REALLY has made the posts ? If she thinks she did please get the date and time and we can check all the log files to see where it went.]

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - nikki young (15th Nov 2007 - 15:59:33) Dear Ed, Yes I did post or try to on Monday. I can't remember the exact time as requested . I was responding to Chris who was interested to know more on the subject and stated that id be more than happy for him (or anyone else) to obtain my contact details from the Parish Office , as I appreciate not everyone reads the local paper. thanks

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - nikki young (15th Nov 2007 - 16:59:41) A brief outline to the outcome of the meeting. Basically we have 2 seperate things ongoing to improve the safety issues in Passfield. The Village 30 Programme and the developers contribution money. Village 30- proposals have been put forward for a reduction in the speed limit from 50 mph to 30 mph. This reduction won't be applied to the entire stretch of road, from what I understand the 30 mph will run from the Conford turn off (or there abouts) to just past the Passfield Mill Business Park. I also understand we will be having new gateway signs and possibly some sort of led sign which indicates the speed limit and also stores data of road usage. Developers Contribution- Passfield will not qualify for a traffic island as it won't meet the criteria (50 people an hour crossing the road). We discussed pedestrian access to the bus stop (ie there isn't any as Dawn quite rightly states) and a proposal has been put forward for a concrete path to be laid from the end of Hollywater Road to outside the Offices (the old pub). We should also be seeing an improvement in the visibility of existing signs and hopefullly a new Give Way sign will be put up before the bend as you approach the junction from Hollywater Road. Lighting was also discussed and we are waiting for feedback. We were told that improvments would be completed by the end of the financial year. So I believe with the Village 30 and the improvements made with the funding from the Developers Contribution, that in time it will be a major improvement. We have an alloted time in our Highways & Byways Meetings for members of the public to ask questions ,so do come along. Hope this has proved useful

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Janet Avarne (15th Nov 2007 - 19:37:36) Thanks for the information, Niki. When is the next meeting scheduled?

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - nikki young (15th Nov 2007 - 20:53:48) The next meeting is on 17th December. You can save a copy of the committee meeting plan here url.co.uk/1q9h4

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Dawn Hoskins (2nd Jan 2008 - 20:51:28) Is the financial year finishing in April? I'm just thinking that these things usually take some time to finish - so should we be seeing workmen soon? any news on this would be great Dawn

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - nikki (8th Jan 2008 - 16:13:19) I have been assured today that the wheels are firmly in motion with regards to this matter. The limit set on the contribution runs out in October BUT it is highly unlikely that once this money has been allocated to the project specifically ,that a developer would request the money to be returned IF the project hasn't been completed by October. At the site meeting ,we were told improvements would be completed by the end of the financial year, and that is what im pushing for. Although we're not seeing any physical progress at the site, it doesn't mean it has been forgotten. As most of you are aware, it takes time to get from the proposal stage to the improvements actually being made. Apparently,in usual circumstances, it takes 2 years from start to completion, but because we have a time limit, HCC are pushing ahead.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Chris Taylor (9th Jan 2008 - 11:30:41) Nikki, I guess that the 30mph speed restrictions promised are still on course as well. We were advised that this would be in place around April. This is linked to the Hampshire VILLAGE 30 PROGRAMME.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - nikki (9th Jan 2008 - 12:04:03) Chris, No, the village 30 programme is not linked to the allocation of developers contribution. The village 30 is a seperate matter entirely.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - nikki (9th Jan 2008 - 12:09:46) further to my post, (a little unclear..sorry)...we were advised that by the end of this financial year..improvements made to Passfield using the developers contribution would be completed. The speed limit of 30 mph (instigated by the village 30 programme)...is still ongiong and I am unaware of any time limit set on this. Hope this helps

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - nikki (10th Jan 2008 - 16:06:16) Update I have been in touch today and am assured the engineers are currently drawing up the plans for the improvements. More news as I get it.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Dawn Hoskins (11th Jan 2008 - 12:31:15) Thank you Nikki. I wish all our other local councillor were as proactive as you. Perhaps they are, its just that because you address us here on this site (wheras the others don't) I feel that you are actively listening to us. Dawn

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - nikki (12th Jan 2008 - 13:20:32) The next Highways & Byways meeting is this coming Monday at 8pm. Other info: The next meeting of the Community Forum for Whitehill/Bordon, Liphook, Headley Grayshott & Lindford will take place at 6.30 pm on Tuesday 22nd January at the Forest Community Centre in Bordon. On the agenda for this meeting will be a presentation on Benefits & ( by Mrs Tracey Hughes ehdc Benefits Manager) new legislation to be introduced in April this year. Also on the agenda - Presentation on equalities, Presentation on Grayshott Concerts, Consultation around 2008-2009 Draft Budget, Developer Contributions (wheels to work project), Community Project Fund Applications, Use of Developer Contributions at Lindford and Developer Contributions-the Biannual Update (to note the amount of developer contributions for use at 30th September 2007). Finding your voice- a new course for people who want to build their confidence. It free and sessions are held at the Phoenix Arts Centre in Bordon, lasts 10 weeks and starts this month. To enrol contact info@phoenixarts.co.uk [editor - Nikki - what is venue for Highways & Byways meeting? ]

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Gill Barratt (13th Jan 2008 - 21:01:17) Whilst I recognise that the speed limit through Passfield should be reduced and I fully support the reduction, for me it just highlights the ridiculous speed limit for Hollywater Road (National Speed Limit = 60MPH). This road is not suitable for such speeds - visibilty is restricted; in places it's quite narrow; and the bends are deceptive. It also passes through Hollywater where people, (and my cats) would like to cross the road safely. I would like to see a reduction on Hollywater Road to 40 MPH with the approach to all junctions being 30 MPH.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Chris Taylor (14th Jan 2008 - 18:43:25) Gill, You should write to the Highways department, EHDS, The PC and anyone else who may listen. The 60mph seems to apply to many country roads where a speed limit of 20 or 30mph would be more appropriate, for example the road to headley Down, opposite what used to be the Passfield Tavern and many others. This may have been OK in the 1950s and 1960s when there was less traffic and most cars struggled to get to that speed anyway but it's totally unbelievable that anyone can legally travel at 60mph along narrow and relatively short country roads. Daft!

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Janet A (14th Jan 2008 - 23:01:14) I think the speed limit is irrelevent in some cases though isn't it? You can still be guilty of an offence if you're driving in a manner not consistent with the road conditions, even if you're within the official speed limit. Driving at 25mph in a 30mph area for instance is not illegal per se but would be deemed dangerous driving (and therefore illegal) in thick fog or other adverse conditions. I'm sure that the conditions of the lanes (narrow, bendy etc) would mean that speeds over about 35mph could be considered dangerous driving. Surely no-one could actually drive at 60mph along those lanes without incident. The road conditions dictate the safe speed - or at least that's the theory. Hollywater Road, on the other hand, isn't a windy little lane and I agree it should definitely have a speed limit imposed.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Jo Herridge (15th Jan 2008 - 13:33:06) I totally agree that being a responsible driver is one that drives according to the weather conditions I regularly drive between Liphook and Alton and in the wind and rain drive a bit slower than normal and therefore i am driving lower than the limit which in my opinion is the safest thing to do. I do however, on every single journey get over taken because i am not driving fast enough for the person behind me. Even more unbelievable is that this is often on a solid white line and even sometimes on a double solid line. The point I am making is that no matter what speed the road is that you are driving on you will always get people that want to go faster whatever the weather. All done to gain an extra few yards ahead of you or to decrease their journey time by a few seconds.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Sue W (15th Jan 2008 - 18:41:58) I totally agree - its not necessarily the speed that is at fault, but the actions of the road users. Granted that the slower you travel, the less damage you will do, but an accident is still and accident. We can campaign for every road in the country to be reduced - as someone somewhere will have a reason for slower traffic and possibly no traffic at all!! I was at the square in Liphook last week, and stopped at the crossing on the Portsmouth road, as the lights were red. A car coming round from the Haslemere road seemed not to slow down, and fortunately the mother of two young children had the same thoughts as me and stopped them crossing (as was their right). The driver just ran the red - totally unaware of what he had done, and I am sure this was not intentional, just not LOOKING. Thankfully on this occasion no one was hurt.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Dawn Hoskins (24th Jan 2008 - 20:39:22) Woo Hoo The yellow sign announcing road works is up on the side of the road! Great, forward movement at last. Thanks to everyone that has pushed for this over the last year or so.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - nikki (24th Jan 2008 - 21:45:19) Yes, work begins on the 28th January. We will,however, have to allow a few minutes to our journey as traffic lights will be in place whilst the works are in progress,to ensure everyones safety.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Dawn Hoskins (29th Jan 2008 - 09:17:05) Hi there all, I’m so happy to see the big yellow trucks!!! Progress at last… I just have one point I would like to ask our councillors about. The workmen’s’ trucks are (in the same manner as all other lorries that stop for their fags and lunch) utilising the unofficial mud lay-by which has been worn into the National Trust green for many years now. Do you think they will make reparations to it after they have finished? It has been so potholed and dangerous for ordinary vehicles that it almost takes your exhaust off if you accidentally pull into it!! OK if you are local – you know to avoid it – but for visitors who realised they’ve just passed the only shop in the village – it is where they try to stop. This is understandable as it looks like a lay-by. I’m thinking that these Lorries are very big and very heavy and as the weather has been wet – they are sure to make the holes deeper. Dawn (PurpleCurly)

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Sue W (29th Jan 2008 - 10:46:17) Dawn Just on the point of the 'lay-by'. It is very dangerous, as people pulling out do not make themselves aware of those who have joined from the hollywater road, and just pull out when they see a 'gap'. Perhaps there is a need for it as so many use it now? It does also bring up the issue of parking space at the post office - or should that now be Passfield Stores'. When Sue & John complete their re-fit and become more of a supply store will there be enough spaces?? I know in the past I have found it difficult and in fact had to abort my stop altogether. People also use the carpark for 'walkers', Who actually owns it?

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Dawn Hoskins (29th Jan 2008 - 16:51:01) Hi Sue It is all NT land as far as I'm aware (as is the whole of Passfield it would seem). I must say - I am a bit confused as it seems that they have spent today removing the only bit of pavement that was there! I don't think that there was any wrong with that bit of tarmac at all - it seems such a waste of money to remove it. I just don't understand? Dawn (PurpleCurly)

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - nikki (29th Jan 2008 - 17:12:18) Dawn, The footpath along Hollywater road which they dug up today, is being resurfaced with better kerbing (I am led to believe),then the new footpath will lead on from that.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Dawn Hoskins (29th Jan 2008 - 18:04:52) Blimey Nikki, don't you think it would have been a cheaper option to just replace the curb then - rather than dig up the entire thing? Confused....(as usual)

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - nikki (29th Jan 2008 - 18:37:34) To Dawn, We can only advise Hampshire Council and the final decision upon how the money is spent, rests with them. On a personal note, I think having the footpath resurfaced and kerbed is sensible, it will improve the visibility of the footpath and will be more defined as such.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Dawn Hoskins (29th Jan 2008 - 21:29:44) Of course, I'm not against having a shiny new pavement - I just thought the old one was fine. If there is enough in the kitty to make the complete new pavement to the old Passfield Oak (plus this) then fair do's. I notice that the other bus stop past Waterside has blown over in the wind! Maybe we could pick up - run down the road with it and put it in front of the Passfield Oak for all the poor students huddled there in the mornings!

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Dawn Hoskins (30th Jan 2008 - 11:42:33) Hi Sue, sorry I didn't respond to the second bit of your post. re:the parking at the Passfield Stores. As the land is not owned by Sue and John, there is little they can do to increase the parking. That is why the lay-by is so often used (by people who don't know how big the potholes are). I agree that there is a need for the lay-by. It is not easy for large vehicles to negotiate the small entrance to the Shop, and quite fankly it would mess up the little tarmac there is in no time flat - so better to keep heavy lorries out. A lot of heavy vehicles come off the A3 at Greatham and up the Hollywater Road, the shop is usually the first place they stop when they realise they are lost!! They always use the lay-by to go and ask for directions. The problem is of course that it is not council land - it belongs to the NT who don't really want any hardstanding (although they may not have been asked as has been the case in the past as you know!). It would be safer for all concerned if it was properly marked out and maintained - but it all costs money!!! That was one reason I was questioning the money being spent to relay a pavement that was perfectly adequate - it could have been spent on the layby. Dawn (PurpleCurly)

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - nikki (30th Jan 2008 - 12:10:37) the money provided by the developer has been allocated to pedestrian improvement/safety, as set out in the section 106 agreement.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Art Woodhouse (30th Jan 2008 - 13:59:54) So just so I've got this right. The money supplied by Squires Bridge, who built The Lyndons, of £20k is being used to take up an existing pavement and put down a new one! So silly me. I reasoned that improving road safety meant creating a pavement along the main road from where the SWT bus drops us off at the old Passfield Oak to the existing pavement at the corner of Hollywater Road. The would enable me to avoid putting my life at risk every night by walking on a pavement instead of the road. Did anyone ever ask the National Trust if they minded having a path on their land. I suspect not as this would have required initiative and a little bit of effort. No doubt someone will justify that replacing one bit of pavement with another bit of pavement is not a complete waste of time and money and obviously it would be much harder to create a pavement where none exists at present. I am at a loss but then I'm not a councillor!!!

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - nikki (30th Jan 2008 - 15:51:00) to clear up some misunderstandings. the pavement along Hollywater road has been resurfaced, then our new footpath will be laid along the main road from the end of hollywater road to just opposite the bus stop. This new footpath will improve access to the bus stop and village shop.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - nikki (30th Jan 2008 - 15:59:19) The Highways agency and the national trust have been liasing about the new footpath (the 1 running alongside the main road) and the materials which are being used to create the new footpath are in compliance with the natural surroundings it will sit in,as not to impact on the surrounding environment. there has been a lot of effort and consulatation by all parties and as i have mentioned before, it is not a straight forward process. It has taken 9-10 months to get to where we are today, and that is only because we were running out of time before the moneys could have been handed back to the developer. In usual circumstances it takes 2 plus years.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Sue W (30th Jan 2008 - 20:31:17) Now, I can be quite understanding and realise that things take time - you only have to cast minds back to the crossing in Headly road, but I am inclined to support Dawn and Art on the assumption that the extra path required may not happen. Only because on passing it today, not a single blade of grass has been removed, but the replaced piece is nearly complete. I would have thought it simpler to have made the necessary additions prior to relaying part of the path. Having witnessed a number of footpaths being created around Bordon recently, the whole section was done and then tarmacked. I hope they manage to join the two neatly. Have I misunderstood what is going to happen? From reading previous postings here, thought the funding was for ROAD improvements, which will enable better markings etc of the new speed restrictions and not just 'people' carriage ways - or are there 2 different amounts going on at the same time - one from the developers and another from the council for the road? Dawn, Yes I do understand that several lorries take the wrong road, but as there are 2 Business parks in Passfield - there are also a lot of large lorries who do and will (if you need their business), want to stop there. The junction - as you well know is dangerous, but with haulted traffic being unable to park, and those comming out will only add to an already difficult situation. As the NT own the land i very much doubt that they would advocate changing very much there at all. Then you would be back to square one! (unless you could make a oneway system by creating a better road way past the houses, and rejoin the road further down) Sue

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - nikki (30th Jan 2008 - 23:58:08) I can't make this any clearer than I already have and this will be my last posting as i am trying to give you all the facts as they are. There will be a new footpath. I have seen the plans which the engineers have drawn up. The contractors started work only yesterday. in that time, they have re-surfaced the footpath along hollywater road as it was originally below set standards. Work will soon begin on putting in a new footpath along the main road leading to the bus stop. The developers contribution was to provide improved pedestrian safety. Without this developers contribution (which was nearly lost), the works wouldnt be going ahead at this point in time and we would be walking alongside the main road on a dangerous verge for the foreseeable future. Speed limits are a seperate matter entirely. If anyone would like to raise any issues or needs further clarity, please do come along to the parish office or attend our Highways and Byways meeting where you have an alloted time to ask questions, of which i'd be more than happy to answer. I hope this helps, Kind Regards, Nikki

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Sue W (31st Jan 2008 - 09:07:38) Nikki thank you for your clarity. It just looks like the funding from the developer is to re-build part of a foot path and extend it to the old Passfield oak finito!. The road improvement has been what we now see, but new speed restriction signs will appear somewhen? If there is no alteration to the road layout and that of the Hollywater/Headly road junction - accidents will still happen. As for the new speed restrictions - we will have to 'watch that space'. I remember hearing a few months ago on Delta a number of locations in the area which are to have speed alterations, one being to extend the 30mph limit past Walldown Road on the Liphook Road - that happened almost overnight!!. Nikki, I understand that you in particular have worked very hard for Passfield and without your efforts there would be no changes at all. I am sure many appreciate and thank you for that. Sue

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - liz (31st Jan 2008 - 12:41:16) 9-10 months to negotiate constructing/resurfacing a bit of footpath?!! Or is that just part of the works to be carried out.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Dawn Hoskins (31st Jan 2008 - 14:36:39) I would at this point like to step into this discussion which seems to have turned a bit ugly! I know that the works at this junction have been a long long time coming, and that what we actually get might not be what we would have hoped for. But at the same time I do not think it is right to shoot the messenger! Nikki (as far as I am aware) is the only local councillor who communicates with us (the public) through this forum and I do not want to see this fantastic medium of instant communication withdrawn because people want to quarrel rather than discuss. I am the first to apologise if my comments have been viewed as antagonistic in any way towards Nikki, who has now withdrawn from this thread completely. Passfield is going through a huge upheaval and I think emotions are running a bit high – but even taking that into account, Nikki has only been representing us for a very short time and cannot be blamed for years worth of sitting on thumbs!! It was other people (sitting on their thumbs) which has left Passfield in this state for so long and as far as I am aware (although do correct me if I’m wrong) no one has ever been so vociferous and pro-active with regard to local (Passfield) issues has she has. I, more than anyone, want a safe road, a safe pavement, a safe crossing to the shop, the odd street light ect…but let’s give the lady some time! The wheels go at only one speed – and although that may seem to be close to reverse to us - we don’t get to see what has been going on behind closed doors. I wish that the doors weren’t closed at all – but they are! In the mean time, I will continue to keep Passfield matters on the agenda as much as possible although with only having 24 hours in the day, a full time job in the city, 3 kids, menagerie of mad animals and a million and one things to do all the time – that usually only runs to comment on this site, letters to MP’s and the odd attendance at council meetings. Let’s continue to work together to improve the Hamlet and continue to help those who are helping us already.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - liz (31st Jan 2008 - 16:48:18) My comment (if that is what you were referring to, Dawn), was in no way intended as a personal attack on 'the messenger' and I don't know why you should think that. - Just a comment on how slow these public works processes appear to be. Nikki says in normal circumstances they can take up to two years!! It just seems ridiculous -particularly for road safety issues.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Dawn Hoskins (31st Jan 2008 - 21:22:54) I am not pointing any fingers whatsoever. I just know that Nikki has felt upset. It may be that it was me - I don't know and there is no point over analysing it. I have said sorry just in case it was me. The problem is we are all shocked that things go so slowly and at what we get for our money so to speak. That makes it very difficult to not get angry. Getting angry at the system is OK and I don't think anyone should get upset about that. I shall carry on putting in my 2p and just hope I don't upset anyone for my views.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Dawn Hoskins (4th Feb 2008 - 18:22:40) OK Does anyone know what has happened? Where have the workmen gone? This is a bit ridiculous. . . . . . 1. Turn up 2. dig up existing path 3. cause traffic chaos 4. re-lay a little bit of previously existing path - making it more dangerous and un-even than not having a path at all. 5. Scarper (generally disapear)

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Sue W (5th Feb 2008 - 08:50:53) Dawn I understood from previous postings that we must be understanding and patient - in otherwords we should wait and not nag. "Things may not go at the pace we wish". (Who said that?)

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Dawn Hoskins (5th Feb 2008 - 11:42:14) Sue, I made that post with the specific intention of supporting our local Passfield Councillor who seemed to be taking the flack for the lack of work done by other councillors. I have no intention of ceasing to comment, when a complete lack of communication or forethought from contractors concerned leaves us in a worse state than we were in before. I don’t find your comment helpful.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Sue W (5th Feb 2008 - 23:24:00) Dawn Actually, we are on the same wave length. about the contractors not joining the dots!!. That was the purpose of my earlier posting about whether the new piece of path was actually going to be done, as it was obvious from my visual apprasial of the lack of people, machinery, spades or diggers that asked if it was going to be done - and not as it would seem to you a pop at the councillor. I would like to clarify that there was only one reference about being a councillor and that was not made by me! Nikki clearly stated that if any further questions needed answers then the correct place should be the parish office, my helpful suggestion to you is try them. I am fully supportive of anyone trying to improve their safety - even though I will never need to use the path I do travel along the road often, and have witnessed walkers in the road as the path has been dangerous - as a road user I would love to see this safer. I am totally shocked that who ever in EHDC received the funds from the developer, they did not activate or notify the correct department to proceede with the alterations. They never seem to do things the simple and most cost effective way. I wonder how many other situations have gone past and the developer has had the money returned?? As far as I am concerned I have been informed here that is is going to be done, so I must wait. Sue

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - dawn (8th Feb 2008 - 13:53:52) Frogs! Pah Humans are still more important

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Sue W (8th Feb 2008 - 20:02:57) Did you also notice that the Councils reason was that they needed confirmation from NT to 'dig' their protected piece of land - and they must 'give back' land elsewhere. It seems someone isnt talking to someone here!!

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Rhys G (22nd Feb 2008 - 12:04:00) Well, it seems like many Councils across the UK are not utilising the money given to them by developers as part of the Community Infrastructure Levy. Sadly, the Passfield fiasco is far from a one off incident. A brief bit of the article can be found here, but you have to be a subscriber to read the whole article.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Dawn Hoskins (23rd Feb 2008 - 22:27:12) I have written to James Arbuthnot about this. Maybe he can reply on the forum himself?? I have spoken to a number of people about this and it would seem that there never was a rare frog at all - it was just a big fat cover up! The fact is, in the four / five years they had to get this sorted they have sat with their fingers up ther a****s, didn't talk to the National Trust, didn't talk to English Nature, didn't talk to anybody in fact, didn't bother to seek planning permission from the relevant authorities....... Until the residents started to get concerned that time was running out and the Local Paper got interested. Well - by that time it was too late! Who do these people at EHDC think they are? WE pay their wages!!!! They have squandered this developers money because they were incompetant!! In any other sector these people would have been sacked for gross misconduct. It is shameful and shocking that yet again, no one will be accountable for this and once again we will not get to hear what really happened (or didn't as the case may be). I feel very sorry for the Parish Councillors who have been desperately trying to sort this out and who have been stonewalled and fed with bad information time and again. The whole system is rotten.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Sue W (24th Feb 2008 - 12:21:21) Dawn, I truly feel sorry for you, as now you have experienced what others have already received from dealings with EHDC!! I too am awaiting a reply from a letter sent back nearly a year ago, and had frequent conversations since - but with the same reply 'we are still conducting an investigation'. Sadly there has been no reply or 'help' from any other source. Life is hard enough, but these people should be there to help everyone and be as efficient and co-operative as possible. sadly that is not the case often enough! I pay domestic rates and two sets of rates on business properties to this council and have very little acknowledgement that we are even slightly alive! (except they post regular rates bills!!)

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - James Arbuthnot (25th Feb 2008 - 11:06:43) Yes, I have had Dawn's letter and have been in contact with Hampshire County Council and have replied to Dawn with the fairly long letter I have had from the Assistant Director, Highways and Transport. But my own view is that their reply to me was pretty quick (certainly better than most of the public authorities I deal with). It is all taking a long time, I know, but I’m pleased to say that this thread has resulted in HCC saying that they are revising local procedures to ensure all future schemes are cross referenced against SSSI’s and environmentally sensitive areas to ensure that delays and inconvenience like this don’t happen again.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Chris Taylor (29th Feb 2008 - 10:54:58) James, does that mean that work will resume and that the money HASN'T been squandered after all?

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - James Arbuthnot (3rd Mar 2008 - 10:01:23) Well, the County Council say that they’re currently awaiting approval from Natural England and that the works will be completed by the end of March. The deadline for spending the money is 3rd October 2008.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Fiona Whitfield (24th Mar 2008 - 21:45:32) Hello As a resident of Passfield I've just been catching up on these emails with great interest and I just wanted to clarify something in relation to a post from Sue W on 30 January. The post was about access to the Passfield Stores, parking and access for lorries etc. I might have misinterpreted what you are suggesting, so apologies if this is the case but you state '...(unless you could make a oneway system by creating a better road way past the houses, and rejoin the road further down). If this refers to the bumpy track in front of the houses along from Passfield Stores, facing the green, where I live, I just wanted to clarify that this is National Trust land with access for residents of that road only (as is stated by a sign at the Passfield Stores end). It is not a public road and should not be used by non-residents. As a resident of this road/track, I can already tell you that the amount of traffic, including large lorries, vans with large trailers, tractors and family cars using this road daily is already ridiculous, particularly when many drive at fast speed with little regard for the condition or width of the road, the people and pets who live there and the cars parked there. The road is in poor condition primarily due to the non-residential traffic that uses it and the only people who attempt to upkeep this road are the residents who take time filling in potholes. The National Trust does not upkeep the track, nor does the council. Apologies if I have misinterpreted what you are suggesting, but as someone who is already frustrated by the amount of traffic using the track, your suggestion concerned me. FW

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Sue W (25th Mar 2008 - 10:27:07) Fiona It would concern me too!!. I have only ever been down that track once - about 10years ago, to visit someone and it is dreadful. I made the observation to highlight the need to make the junction (a cross road) much safer. It seemed that nothing was forthcomming from the NT or English Nature to do alterations to the main road, which does need attention, but by raising the 'possibility' of using the track could have encouraged them to pick a better option. I have no idea if this would work but something needs to be sacrificed of NT land for our safety. Sorry if it offended you, but by putting up any solutions - however unrealistic will help in the decision making - perhaps residents have better ones? What is your preferred way ahead - or are you happy with it as it is? Sue

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Art Woodhouse (26th Mar 2008 - 13:33:33) Is it a miracle or mirage! Has work really started to create a pathway from the Passfield Oak to Lynchborough Road. Well done Nicky.

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - nikki (26th Mar 2008 - 18:40:44) yes ,its all coming together nicely and progress is happening! The drainage ditches have been dug out so hopefully we won't get the level of flooding we used to on that corner. It will finally be good to see improved pedestrian access to the bus stop and village stores. The path is well used by commuters who live here ,residents and dog walkers. Its about time their safety came first and I am very pleased indeed!

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Sue W (26th Mar 2008 - 21:54:22) Nikki Congratulations - I had good faith in what you were saying and you have proved yourself. I hope other members of the council actively follow your lead - but most importantly tell people the real facts and not what you think they want to hear. If only I had not been fed stupid promises and unsubstantiated claims - perhaps things would have been VERY different. Take note councillors - your new member knocks spots off the rest!! Sue

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Art Woodhouse (16th Apr 2008 - 10:25:07) This is an enqury to Nikki, our ONLY effective councillor. The path looks lovely but is the brown Hoggin the final finish? It doesn't look durable enough to me and will surely cut up and degenerate quickly or do you think otherwise?

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - nikki (16th Apr 2008 - 12:04:45) Im not 100% sure if the workmen have finished the project. We were told by an Officer that the path would have scalpings. There are other areas of work included in this specific project which are yet to be completed from what I can see, (replacement signs), so one would hope that they will return shortly to finish off. I will find out what's happening .

Re: Passfield crossroads and safety measures - Steve Read (18th Apr 2008 - 19:39:07) From what I've been told thats the pathway finished. Accordingly the NT have instructed the contractors to leave that section in rolled plainings because it looks more natural. Brilliant eh! Having watched with interest the progress of this massive civil engineering project, the only consolation is that at least it was finished before the Hindhead Tunnel because at one stage there it was looking iffy as to who would finish first.

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