Flood defences must become a priority in Gosport
Congratulations to all the candidates, from all parties, who stood in the local elections last week. Successful or not, to submit your name to a public vote takes courage.
The Gosport Borough Council elections bucked the national trend, with Cllr Supriya Namdeo gaining a seat on the council for the Conservatives and no losses.
Another result that deserves a mention is the successful re-election of our excellent Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones. Donna’s record speaks for itself: a reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour; reopening police stations and the introduction of a ‘Named Bobby’ scheme, recognising that people are safer when law enforcement feels closer to the communities they serve.
That is why I am delighted with Donna’s commitment to reopening Gosport Police Station next year. The station will become the base for foot patrols, response cars and public enquiries in the area, increasing protection for the public.
Protection for local people is something that has been on my mind a lot in the wake of the heartbreaking floods in Alverstoke last month. It was devastating to see the damage caused to houses, businesses and personal property, and we must now come together to ask questions as to how this could occur and ensure it does not happen again.
It is especially important as global warming and rising sea levels make flooding events more likely. The increased cost of construction is making building flood defences more difficult, too. Councils across the country are struggling with the challenges posed by flooding. This includes Gosport Borough Council, who in September 2022 cancelled improvements to the Alverstoke flood defences, reporting unmanageable costs and the discovery of high-voltage underground electricity cables requiring specialist intervention which set the project back.
Subsequently, sadly, the Alverstoke scheme has not been prioritised by Gosport Borough Council, although it is good news that £759,000 has been secured for defences on Stokes Bay Road.
While I will be meeting with the Environment Agency and the minister to do my bit to put the focus on this area, ultimately it is for Gosport Borough Council to set out their spending priorities, now their elections are out of the way.
Last year they spent £50,000 on developing a business case for the Criterion theatre – hopefully now their attention will turn to more fundamental investment: in flood prevention for our town’s future.
CAROLINE DINENAGE, GOSPORT MP