Extra Link articles
Articles we didn't have space for in June 2026 Link
North Hampshire Prostate Cancer Support Group - Mission Aviation Fellowship talk
Mission Aviation Fellowship provide help, hope and healing to isolated communities.
Who would have believed in 1945 at the close of the second world war that a charity founded then would today fly regularly to more destinations than any commercial airline in the world? However Murray Kendon, a New Zealander and former pilot in Coastal Command, and Stuart King, a 25-year-old with many years’ war-time service as a senior aircraft engineer in the RAF, opted to give up their assured futures to found Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). Experienced MAF speaker John Ledger highlighted to the meeting at the North Hampshire Prostate Cancer Support Group how this Christian charity continues to be dedicated to providing aviation services to isolated communities delivering help, hope, and healing through aviation. From those early beginnings it now operates 140 aircraft in 23 countries with a plane taking off or landing somewhere in the world every five minutes.
John started by giving some of MAF’s early history, explaining that the first aircraft, a twin engined four-seater Miles Gemini, was purchased and used to undertake a very challenging survey flight across Africa in 1948 by Stuart King and Jack Hemmings. In no small part due to the plane’s short fuel range, getting out to Nairobi (the survey starting point) required many refuelling stops, greatly adding to delays in starting. However, they learnt a lot about the plane and the challenges of operating in higher altitudes with reduced air density impacting on payload; it was these limitations which ultimately ended in them crashing in Burundi, caused by a strong downdraught which the plane’s lack of power could not overcome. The plane itself was a write-off, but thankfully they were both able to crawl out, and finally make their way back to Nairobi and then London.
The subsequent survey report was well received and two years later a used De Havilland Rapide was purchased. This design of plane was larger, more powerful, well proven and crucially had wider tyres for operating out of grass strips and other poor surfaces, making its first service flight with MAF in Sudan in 1950. These days the charity uses planes like the Cessna turboprop Caravan and Pilates aircraft. The charity has a number of pilot training centres round the world, with emphasis on the discipline and experience of the challenging conditions they will later experience. Training of each pilot typically costs about £80,000. John explained that if only MAF had the funds to fill all of its current vacancies it would enable the charity to undertake 60% more flights resulting in many more lives in isolated communities being saved. Normally a pilot will serve for four years, with the possibility of a second four-year term, often accompanied by their family.
John then explained some of the challenges for the pilots, operating often in flooded areas and sometimes in rebel-controlled regions. Runways too can be challenging, and to illustrate this he showed a slide of a steep-sloped humped mud road which had been used as a runway. To illustrate their life-saving healthcare flights (Medevacs), he highlighted the story of Ruth a 12-year-old girl badly injured by eight bullets through her bowels, who undoubtedly would have died had she had to endure the challenging overland journey from the remote highlands of Papua New Guinea to the nearest hospital, but was saved by the short four-hour medivac flight that MAF were able to provide.
Concluding, John summarized the key activities MAF is involved in:
health and education; flying in medical staff to remote places and medevacs;
disaster relief (involvement after the 2004 tsunami and again even hiring helicopters to help bring in supplies after the Nepalese earthquake in 2015, no landing strips being available);
development, aiming to improve agriculture and irrigation, as well as helping local people start their own businesses and thus gain independence;
finally acting in a mission capacity flying in Bibles and transport to help with their distribution.
John was roundly applauded and thanked by everyone for his well-illustrated, interesting, and informative talk.
For more information:-
Keith Bunker
Stepping Stones DS Receives Donation From Local Freemasons
Stepping Stones DS, a charity supporting children and young adults with Down syndrome, has received a £1,000 donation from local Freemasons. The cheque was presented by Charity Steward Richard Pfleger and long‑standing Freemason John Johnstone of Elvetham Masonic Lodge.
Based in Fleet, Stepping Stones DS provides services across a wide area, stretching from West Surrey to the western edge of Basingstoke, and from the Reading and south Berkshire region down into north Hampshire. Founded in 2006, the charity offers tailored support to children and young adults with Down syndrome, as well as to their families and the professionals involved in their care. Today, around 160 children benefit from its educational, social, physical and wellbeing programmes.
The organisation operates with a small team of seven staff, supported by a dedicated board of trustees committed to inclusion and empowerment. Together, they ensure that each child receives personalised support and access to the resources they need.
Community Fundraising and Projects Officer Sarah Sutton expressed her gratitude for the donation, noting that £1,000 can fund a full year of school outreach for one child. “Your kindness helps our outreach team promote learning, communication, independence and confidence, giving children with Down syndrome the opportunity to reach their full potential,” she said.
Elvetham Masonic Lodge, founded 106 years ago in Hartley Wintney and now based at the Masonic Centre in Basingstoke, continues its long tradition of charitable giving. John Johnstone, a Freemason for 56 years and a Fleet resident, nominated Stepping Stones DS after seeing the impact of their work firsthand.
Richard Pfleger explained that Freemasons donate their own money rather than fundraising publicly, with Elvetham Lodge also benefiting from investment income. Across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, 8,000 Freemasons donate nearly £1 million annually, contributing to the £50 million given nationwide each year.
This latest donation will support Stepping Stones DS in meeting its £220,000 annual running costs, all of which rely on public generosity.
Paul Flint
Article that was shortened in June 2026 Link
Hampshire County Councillor Report, Candovers, Oakley and Overton Division
So, here it is, my final County Councillor update of this term of office. Whether they continue next month is now up to my amazing residents to decide! It’s been a privilege and honour to serve our communities over the last five years. Thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time to share this information through our parish magazines and to the friendship, collaboration and occasional challenge of all of you on our parish councils. It’s been brilliant to work with you all.
I very much hope to continue doing so once the results of the election are known early on Friday morning.
Highways Information
There’s some good news on the M27 works. National Highways now expect the motorway to return to the national speed limit by late June 2026.
What to expect in the meantime:
There are still a few final stages to complete, including reinstalling permanent signage. For safety, this requires overnight closures (9 pm–6 am) on parts of the motorway:
30 April: J5 westbound entry slip & J7 eastbound entry slip
2–3 May: J7 westbound to J5
16–17 May: J4 eastbound to J5
30–31 May: J5 westbound to J4
Clearly signed diversion routes will be in place, but there will be some knock-on impact on local roads overnight.
Important to note:
Even once the main works are complete, a 50 mph limit and lane closure will remain around J8. This is due to separate bridge maintenance, currently planned for 2027.
Reporting Highway Problems
Links to report road issues are here:
Tree/hedge problems: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-a-problem/treehedge
Flooding/drainage issues: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-a-problem/flooding
Pavement problems: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-a-problem/paving
Broken or missing signs: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-a-problem/brokensigns
Faulty street lights: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-a-problem/streetlight
Faded or missing road markings: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-a-problem/road-markings
Problems with rights of way: https://www.hants.gov.uk/landplanningandenvironment/rightsofway/reportaproblem
When reporting an issue, you’ll be sent an email confirming a reference number for the report. If you would like me to follow this up for you then do please forward that message to me and I will chase for you.
Hampshire County Council - "bankrupt"?
Let’s be clear — Hampshire County Council is not bankrupt.
We’ve set a balanced budget, we’ve issued no Section 114 notice, and we continue to manage our finances responsibly.
But there is a serious challenge — and it’s one being felt right across the country. Demand for services is rising sharply and the cost we must pay is only limited by the number of people who are eligible and ask for our help. Imagine social care being like A&E, the NHS must treat everyone who arrives seeking help, just as we have to help everyone who qualifies for our help and asks for it:
Adult social care costs continue to grow.
SEND transport costs have nearly doubled in recent years.
At the same time, Hampshire receives far less government funding per head than virtually any other area.
That mismatch is the real issue.
But what sets Hampshire apart is how we’re responding. We project our finances two years ahead, so we know the scale of the challenge and we can prepare appropriately to face it. We share that information with all councillors and also with the public, no matter how uncomfortable that might sometimes be.
No hidden financial challenges, no in-year emergency savings, no surprises.
And in addressing the challenge, we have:
Built in £94 million of planned savings
Delivered £40 million of efficiencies in-year during 2025/26
Put in place further savings plans for the years ahead
That level of delivery is far in excess of anything being achieved by Reform-led councils, and reflects the scale of the work already underway here in Hampshire.
We also maintain exceptionally low and well-managed borrowing (£154 million, down by £9 million in the last year), using it responsibly to invest in infrastructure and services that reduce long-term day-to-day costs — not to fund short-term spending.
Alongside this, our continued focus on:
- Improving services
- Working more closely with the NHS
- Using technology and new ways of working
is expected to deliver further savings over the next two years.
We plan ahead over multiple years.
We monitor our finances closely throughout the year.
And we’ve been honest with residents and all councillors about the scale of the challenge — even when that’s uncomfortable.
That’s not failure — that’s responsible leadership.
The easy line is to shout “bankrupt”.
The honest answer is more complex — but it’s also far more accurate.
Support to help rural businesses tackle crime
Rural businesses across Hampshire are being encouraged to sign up to a new free app designed to help tackle rural crime.
The EyesOn app, funded by Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner, and supported by Hampshire Police, provides a direct and secure way for rural businesses, landowners and workers to share information with each other and with local policing teams. It replaces the previous DISC system and has been developed using feedback from those already working in our rural communities.
The app allows users to:
• Report incidents quickly in a police-ready format
• Share information securely with local groups and officers
• Use precise location tools such as what3words for rural areas
• Help police identify patterns and target organised criminal activity
This is a practical step forward in strengthening communication between rural communities and the police, helping ensure that officers can respond more effectively to the challenges faced in more isolated areas.
If you are involved in a rural business or work in the countryside, I would encourage you to download the app and consider joining the local network.
As always, please remember that emergencies or crimes in progress should still be reported via 999.
Hampshire’s first Best Start Family Hub
As chairman of the Children and Young People Select Committee, I am delighted to see the launch of Hampshire’s first Best Start Family Hub in Leigh Park – an important step forward in how we support families across the county.
This is about making life simpler for parents and carers. Instead of having to navigate lots of different services, these hubs bring support together in one place – from pregnancy and early years through to starting school. That includes things like parenting advice, health visiting, early learning support and help for families with additional needs.
What’s particularly important is the focus on early help. By identifying needs sooner and supporting families earlier, we can improve outcomes for children and reduce the need for more intensive interventions later on.
This is just the start. Around 30 hubs are planned across Hampshire by 2029, with more opening over the next year – including in places like Gosport, Alton and Andover.
It’s a practical, joined-up approach that reflects something simple but important: giving children the best start in life doesn’t happen in silos – it happens when services work together, locally, around families.
The Government’s Special Educational needs and Disability (SEND) reforms
Hampshire already started two years ago.
Hampshire County Council, is responsible for around 500 schools and our 40 libraries. Over 90% of our schools are rated outstanding or good. One of the key areas of focus is Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Getting the right school place for a child with SEND can be incredibly difficult because of national legislation and the lack of sufficient funding from central government.
I hear from parents who’ve waited months and sometimes felt let down by the system.
✔️ That’s why Hampshire has approved plans for 1,000 additional specialist SEND places between 2025 and 2030.
Since 2018, we’ve already created more than 750 new places, with another 350 in progress. Hampshire is ahead of much of the rest of the country.
For over two years, we’ve been rolling out our Transforming SEND programme across Hampshire - building better, more consistent SEND provision into everyday mainstream schooling, as well as creating specialist new schools. Our aim is to ensure that more children and their families get the right support, without having to fight “the system” for it. That work is already making a difference for families across the county.
Where appropriate, the strongest outcomes are often achieved in mainstream schools with specialist provision and Resourced Provision, combining targeted support with inclusive settings so children can stay local, learn alongside their peers, and avoid long daily journeys.
The government’s new schools white paper, Every child achieving and thriving, published last month, is a significant shift in SEND policy. It acknowledges what Hampshire families have been telling us for years: too many children have been let down by a government system that forces parents to battle rather than be supported.
The reforms promise earlier intervention, even more specialist resource in mainstream schools, and £3.7 billion in new investment nationally.
Hampshire is already moving in that direction. But the new framework won’t fully take effect until 2029 at the earliest. The places - and two new specialist schools - that Hampshire is already building, and the mainstream provision we’re transforming right now, are what families actually need today.
Cllr Juliet Henderson
Article we didn't have space for in May 2026 Link
Black Broadcasting – Britain’s Secret Weapon in WWII (short version)
Members of the Probus Club of Basingstoke were treated to a fascinating exploration of one of the most covert and imaginative fronts of the Second World War when Guy Caplin presented his talk on “black broadcasting.” His presentation uncovered how Britain used radio not simply as a tool for communication, but as a sophisticated weapon of deception designed to mislead, unsettle, and ultimately weaken the enemy.
Many people recognise the sinister phrase “Germany calling,” made famous by William Joyce—better known as Lord Haw‑Haw—whose English‑language broadcasts became a hallmark of Nazi propaganda. Joseph Goebbels understood radio’s extraordinary influence, and his ministry used it relentlessly. In response, Winston Churchill authorised the creation of Britain’s own clandestine broadcasting operation.
Because the BBC refused to participate in subversive work, a secret unit was formed under the leadership of Dennis Sefton Delmer. Born in Berlin and fluent in German, Delmer had worked as a Daily Express foreign correspondent with rare access to senior Nazi figures. His background made him both an asset and a potential risk, but his connection to Commander Ian Fleming in naval intelligence —later the creator of James Bond—helped secure his appointment.
Delmer’s team established covert stations at Wavendon Towers near Bletchley Park. Their broadcasts blended genuine news with carefully crafted misinformation, delivered in a style that convincingly mimicked authentic German stations. One outlet targeted U‑boat crews, playing popular German songs and American dance music to build credibility before inserting subtle propaganda.
Speed was one of Britain’s greatest advantages. While German broadcasts were slowed by layers of censorship, British stations could air news almost instantly. Agents even supplied local football results, and a presenter known as “Vicki” took music requests to enhance authenticity.
The powerful Aspidistra transmitter in Sussex enabled Britain to hijack German frequencies, while other efforts included dropping homing pigeons with questionnaires and distributing newspapers summarising the broadcasts.
After the war, Delmer tried to rebuild the German newspaper industry but receiving no support returned to the Daily Express and in 1945 was awarded the OBE for his remarkable contribution.
See www.probusbasingstoke.club for more information
Complete article that was shortened in April 2026 Link:
Candovers Oakley and Overton Division- Cllr Juliet Henderson
Tackling fly‑tipping: stronger national powers to back up Hampshire’s tough approach
As many of you will know, I am infuriated by fly-tipping and have championed a ‘no excuses’ approach to investigation of the crime. Therefore, I very much welcome this week’s announcement from Government setting out new guidance to help councils crack down even harder on fly‑tipping. With 1.26 million incidents recorded across England last year, this is a crime that damages our countryside, costs taxpayers money and frustrates communities who take pride in where they live.
Hampshire already has an excellent track record for prosecuting offenders, naming and shaming those responsible and seizing vehicles used in waste crime. These new national measures will strengthen our hand even further.
The guidance gives councils clear instructions on how to identify, seize and, where appropriate, crush vehicles used to dump waste. It also encourages the use of CCTV, drones and ANPR to catch offenders in the act and sets out how councils can take stronger cases to court and secure convictions against vehicle owners.
National figures show councils seized 139 vehicles last year and carried out 572,000 enforcement actions — an 8% increase — including 69,000 fixed penalty notices. The direction of travel is clear: tougher enforcement, more prosecutions and greater transparency about those who blight our communities.
For Hampshire residents, this means even more robust action against those who think they can dump waste and get away with it. Every prosecution, every seized vehicle and every offender publicly held to account helps protect our countryside and keeps our communities cleaner and safer. I’ll continue to champion strong enforcement and ensure Hampshire remains at the forefront of tackling waste crime.
Residents should report fly tipping using this link: Reporting fly-tipping issues
Government’s New Schools White Paper: What it Means for Hampshire’s Children with SEND
The Government has now published its Schools white paper: every child achieving and thriving, setting out major reforms to the SEND system and wider education landscape. Hampshire County Council, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight and the Hampshire Parent and Carer Network work together as a Local Area Partnership to improve SEND support locally. We have issued a joint response today, and I want to share the key messages with you directly.
What the Government Is Proposing
SEND System Changes
A new tiered system of targeted and specialist support, with EHCPs reserved for the most complex needs by 2035.
Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all children with SEND, extending legal rights and ensuring every school provides personalised support.
Reassessment of EHCPs at key transition points from 2029.
Digitised EHCPs and ISPs, plus national standards and a national library of interventions.
Investment and Support
A new Inclusive Mainstream Fund (£1.6bn) to strengthen SEND support in every school.
An Experts at Hand service (£1.8bn) to ensure every area has access to educational psychologists, speech and language therapists and other specialists.
£200m for SEND outreach in every Best Start Family Hub.
£200m to help local authorities deliver the reforms effectively.
£3.7bn nationally for new special school places and inclusion bases.
School System Reform
All schools expected to join or form high‑quality school trusts, including new local authority established trusts.
Hampshire’s Joint Response
Our Local Area Partnership has welcomed several aspects of the white paper — particularly the focus on early support, inclusion and collaboration across education, health and care.
We said:
“It is reassuring to see that the Government’s announcements align with the direction of travel that we have already been taking for some time in Hampshire. Our long‑held belief is that meeting children’s needs earlier and enabling them to access the right support close to home – in the communities they know and alongside the children they grew up with – is best for children and best for their families.”
This reflects the work we have already been doing:
- expanding specialist provision across Hampshire
- strengthening inclusion in mainstream schools
- training and upskilling school staff
- improving access to health services for children with additional needs
We also welcomed the Government’s commitment to a national training programme for teachers and the fact that these reforms come with clear financial backing — something we have long argued is essential.
At the same time, we recognise that families will have questions about what this means for their own children. We are working through the detail carefully and will continue to communicate clearly and openly as the reforms progress.
Hampshire County Council’s Position
Alongside the joint statement, I want to highlight a few key points from Hampshire County Council’s perspective:
We will strongly defend the rights of children who need EHCPs. Any changes must not reduce support for those who rely on legally enforceable provision today.
We support ISPs in principle, but they must be robust, properly funded and backed by real specialist capacity.
We welcome investment but will be making the case that Hampshire’s size and rurality must be reflected in how funding is allocated.
We will continue expanding specialist provision, building on the hundreds of new places already created.
We will work closely with parents and carers, ensuring their voices shape how these reforms are implemented locally.
What Happens Next
The Government is consulting on these proposals until 18 May 2026. Hampshire County Council will submit a detailed response, informed by our schools, professionals and parent networks.
Nothing changes immediately for families. The reforms will be phased in gradually from 2026 through to 2035. We will keep residents updated every step of the way.
Our Roads
There at last seems to be an end in sight to the incessant rain. This, plus the warmer weather increasing the road surface temperature means proper road repairs can resume, of which there are very many to be undertaken.
Here’s the latest update.
Highways Information
The brutal truth about Hampshire’s potholes – and why we can’t just “spend more”
Hampshire’s roads have taken an absolute battering this winter. Weeks of relentless rain and violent freeze–thaw cycles have ripped open the surface across the county. Potholes are appearing faster than crews can fill them.
Here’s the blunt truth:
We simply don’t have the money to maintain the roads to the standard we all want.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦
Cost to bring roads up to the standard I’d want: £600 million
Highways budget this year: £60 million
£540 million shortfall
No amount of “efficiency” fills a gap like that.
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞
Social care and education costs are exploding — and Hampshire is hit harder than most:
- By 2030, nearly 5% of residents will be over 80
- More children with Special Educational Needs than average
- Rising demand for disability support
- These services are legally required. If someone qualifies, we must provide care.
𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲
Band D Council Tax paid to Hampshire: £1,609
Surrey: £1,846
West Sussex: £1,800
Oxfordshire: £1,911
We’ve had lower council tax for years — but that means less money for roads.
You can’t run a high‑maintenance network on a low‑tax budget.
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰
Here’s how the system actually works:
Every report triggers an inspection — councillors and residents use the same system.
Safety defects come first — A‑roads and B‑roads before residential streets and country lanes.
Temporary repairs are often unavoidable — asphalt won’t bond in cold, wet weather.
Permanent repairs take 7× longer — so crews make more locations safe first.
Non‑safety defects are queued — tackled when weather and resources allow.
And yes — some temporary repairs fail in this weather. If they do, please re‑report them.
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥
We've had 156% of our average January rainfall
February’s average rainfall was exceeded in the first week alone
Repeated freeze–thaw cycles
Some potholes appear overnight. Others worsen within hours.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
Hampshire faces a £500m highways funding gap
Government funding this year: £30m
We matched it — still nowhere near enough
Only a tiny fraction of road tax and fuel duty goes to road maintenance
Hampshire’s roads are better than many neighbours, but roads across the South East — and even motorways — are in dire condition.
This is a national crisis, not a local failing.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰
We’ve secured extra resources:
- More Jet/Dragon Patchers
- Extra patching gangs (started 12 Jan, more added end of Jan)
- More drainage jetting machines
- A dedicated flooding response team
- Extra white‑lining crews
Temporary infills will be used where needed to keep roads safe. Permanent repairs will follow when conditions improve.
We’re funding this by using underspends in other areas.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭
We’re reshaping the 2026/27 budget to move every possible penny into road maintenance — likely £10m extra for summer repairs.
And we've launched plans for a lane‑rental disruption charge:
Companies pay a daily fee for roadworks on key routes
Encourages shorter, better‑planned works
Could raise up to £5m a year for road maintenance
How you can help
Please report potholes — especially worsening ones — via the official system:
https://www.hants.gov.uk/.../roadma.../roadproblems/potholes
Accurate locations and photos help enormously.
And thanks to you for your patience, it's a very difficult situation and we are doing our absolute best.
Reporting Highway Problems
Links to report road issues are here:
Potholes: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-a-problem/potholes
Tree/hedge problems: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-aproblem/treehedge
Flooding/drainage issues: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-aproblem/flooding
Pavement problems: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-a-problem/paving
Broken or missing signs: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-aproblem/brokensigns
Faulty street lights: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-aproblem/streetlight
Faded or missing road markings: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-aproblem/road-markings
Problems with rights of way: https://www.hants.gov.uk/landplanningandenvironment/rightsofway/reportaproblem
When reporting an issue, you’ll be sent an email confirming a reference number for the report. If you would like me to follow this up for you then do please forward that message to me and I will chase for you.
Cllr Juliet Henderson
Complete article that was shortened in March 2026 Link:
Candovers Oakley and Overton Division- Cllr Juliet Henderson
🌧️ Winter Weather and Our Roads
Since Christmas, the combination of freezing temperatures and relentless rain has taken a real toll on Hampshire’s roads. The constant freeze–thaw cycle is exactly the kind of weather that accelerates potholes and surface deterioration, and we’ve seen a sharp rise in reports as a result.
Despite this, Hampshire's Highways Team has already repaired more than 62,000 defects since the start of the financial year — an enormous effort given the conditions.
To keep pace with the extra demand, Highways have secured additional crews and machinery, even as councils across the country compete for the same resources. You’ll now see more Jet/Dragon Patchers out on the network, extra patching gangs already working since early January, and further teams joining in the coming weeks.
Alongside pothole repairs, winter weather is also putting pressure on drainage systems. Extra jetting machines are now available to help manage localised flooding, and a dedicated team is responding to drainage issues as they arise. We’ve also added an extra white‑lining crew to tackle worn markings at smaller sites.
Given the sheer volume of defects, some potholes will need temporary infill repairs to keep roads safe while permanent repairs are scheduled. It’s not ideal, but it’s the quickest way to manage safety risks during peak demand.
📝 How you can help
The best and most effective way to report potholes or any highway issue is through the Hampshire County Council website or the Our Hants app. Clear locations and photos are helpful, but not essential. Reporting via email or social media can actually slow things down, as it bypasses the system our teams use to prioritise safety defects. Please see links below:
Potholes: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-a-problem/potholes
Tree/hedge problems: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-aproblem/treehedge
Flooding/drainage issues: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-aproblem/flooding
Pavement problems: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-a-problem/paving
Broken or missing signs: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-aproblem/brokensigns
Faulty street lights: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-aproblem/streetlight
Faded or missing road markings: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-aproblem/road-markings
Problems with rights of way: https://www.hants.gov.uk/landplanningandenvironment/rightsofway/reportaproblem
When reporting an issue, you’ll be sent an email confirming a reference number for the report. If you would like me to follow this up for you then do please forward that message to me and I will chase for you.
Tackling Problem Pavement Parking in Hampshire
Pavement parking is one of the issues I hear about regularly — and for good reason. When cars block pavements, it can be dangerous and deeply unfair to people who rely on clear, safe routes: wheelchair users, those with sight loss, older residents and parents with buggies and prams. It also damages our verges!
The Government has now confirmed that new legislation is on the way to give councils like Hampshire County Council far greater control over pavement parking. Under the new proposals:
Local transport authorities will be able to prohibit pavement parking across their areas, rather than dealing with it street by street.
A new regulatory framework will allow councils to tailor solutions to local needs, including accessibility and disabled parking.
From 2026, councils will also be able to enforce against unnecessary obstruction of pavements as an interim step, giving us more ability to act where parking is clearly causing problems.
Most drivers are considerate, but the small minority who park without thinking create real barriers for others. These new powers will help us protect vulnerable residents, keep pavements clear, and prevent the sort of verge damage that blights too many neighbourhoods.
More Specialist SEND Places Agreed for Hampshire Schools
Hampshire County Council has approved a major package of new investment to expand specialist support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across the county.
The number of children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) continues to rise sharply, and around 40% need a specialist place. These decisions move us another step closer to our ambition of creating 1,000 new specialist places by 2030.
Here’s what’s been agreed:
157 new specialist school places across Hampshire
A mix of new resourced provisions and refurbishments to support pupils with autism, SEMH needs and other complex requirements
This is a significant step in making sure children get the right support, in the right place, as close to home as possible — reducing travel times, strengthening inclusion in mainstream schools where appropriate, and ensuring families can access the help they need.
A £633m Boost for Hampshire’s Schools
At a time when councils up and down the country are teetering on the brink, Hampshire is investing hundreds of millions of pounds in the future of our children.
This week, Hampshire County Council approved a £633 million capital programme for new schools, better facilities, and vital improvements to children’s services. Ten new schools — including two special schools — and hundreds of additional specialist SEND places will be delivered across the county.
This is only possible because of the careful, responsible financial management we’ve maintained for years. While others have stumbled, Hampshire has kept its books balanced, protected taxpayers’ money, and ensured we can still invest where it truly matters.
This programme will deliver:
New mainstream and special schools in growing communities
Over 390 new specialist SEND places
Major upgrades to school buildings and early years settings
Investment in Best Start Family Hubs
Support for foster carers and adaptations for children with disabilities
This is long‑term, serious investment — the kind that shapes a county for generations. And it’s being delivered because this council has refused to take the easy way out, choosing instead to plan ahead, spend wisely, and protect Hampshire’s future.
Can you help a vulnerable Hampshire child this winter?
This winter, we’re asking Hampshire residents to consider something truly life‑changing: opening your home — and your heart — to a vulnerable child.
Hampshire County Council has launched a new fostering campaign that shines a light on the difference fostering makes, not just for children in care but for the families who welcome them. One of the most powerful parts of the campaign is a new video told through the eyes of a foster carer’s own child, showing the warmth, friendship and lasting bonds that fostering can bring.
Every child deserves a safe and loving home. And right now in Hampshire the number of children who need that stability is growing faster than the number of foster carers available. For every child we find a home for, others are still waiting.
We’re looking for carers from all walks of life. You don’t need to own your home or have previous childcare experience. What matters is compassion, stability, and the willingness to make a difference. In return, you’ll receive excellent training, competitive allowances, and ongoing support from a dedicated social worker and our Hampshire Hive network — a brilliant “extended family” of local foster carers supporting one another.
If you’ve ever wondered whether fostering could fit into your family life, now is the moment to explore it. You can find out more and take the first step here: https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/fostering
New friendships. New futures. Happier hearts all round.
Cllr Juliet Henderson
Additional HCC contribution to March 2026 Link:
It is vital that residents report potholes and I am very aware of the issue and in close contact.
Additionally, there is a national petition which I am also encouraging residents to support.
Fix Our Roads: National Plan on Dangerous Potholes Now - Petitions
I have circulated an update from the leader of Hampshire County Council which I have included below explaining the extent of the issue.
Meanwhile please do continue to report them using the link here: One you have a TRACK IT number please send it to me and I will see where it is on the works programme.
Please report potholes — especially worsening ones — via the official system:
🔗 https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/roadmaintenance/roadproblems/potholes (hants.gov.uk in Bing)
🚧 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐑𝐔𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐄’𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐒 — 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐖𝐇𝐘 𝐖𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐍’𝐓 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 “𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄”
Hampshire’s roads have taken an absolute battering this winter. Weeks of relentless rain and violent freeze–thaw cycles have ripped open the surface across the county. Potholes are appearing faster than crews can fill them.
Here’s the blunt truth:
We simply don’t have the money to maintain the roads to the standard we all want.
💥 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦
Cost to bring roads up to the standard I’d want: £600 million
Highways budget this year: £60 million
£540 million shortfall
No amount of “efficiency” fills a gap like that.
💷 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞
Social care and education costs are exploding — and Hampshire is hit harder than most:
- By 2030, nearly 5% of residents will be over 80
- More children with Special Educational Needs than average
- Rising demand for disability support
- These services are legally required. If someone qualifies, we must provide care.
- And now Government 'Fair Funding' is removing almost £40million from our budgets and sending it to mostly Labour run councils in London and the midlands and north.
📉 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲
Band D Council Tax paid to Hampshire: £1,609
Surrey: £1,846
West Sussex: £1,800
Oxfordshire: £1,911
We’ve had lower Council Tax for years — but that means less money for roads.
You can’t run a high‑maintenance network on a low‑tax budget.
🛠️ 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰
Here’s how the system actually works:
1️⃣ Every report triggers an inspection — councillors and residents use the same system.
2️⃣ Safety defects come first — A‑roads and B‑roads before residential streets and country lanes.
3️⃣ Temporary repairs are often unavoidable — asphalt won’t bond in cold, wet weather.
4️⃣ Permanent repairs take 7× longer — so crews make more locations safe first.
5️⃣ Non‑safety defects are queued — tackled when weather and resources allow.
And yes — some temporary repairs fail in this weather. If they do, please re‑report them.
🌧️ 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥
We've had 156% of our average January rainfall
February’s average rainfall was exceeded in the first week alone
Repeated freeze–thaw cycles
Some potholes appear overnight. Others worsen within hours.
🏛️ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
Hampshire faces a £500m highways funding gap
Government funding this year: £30m
We matched it — still nowhere near enough
Only a tiny fraction of road tax and fuel duty goes to road maintenance
Hampshire’s roads are better than many neighbours, but roads across the South East — and even motorways — are in dire condition.
This is a national crisis, not a local failing.
🔧 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰
We’ve secured extra resources:
- More Jet/Dragon Patchers
- Extra patching gangs (started 12 Jan, more added end of Jan)
- More drainage jetting machines
- A dedicated flooding response team
- Extra white‑lining crews
Temporary infills will be used where needed to keep roads safe. Permanent repairs will follow when conditions improve.
We’re funding this by using underspends in other areas.
📈 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭
We’re reshaping the 2026/27 budget to move every possible penny into road maintenance — likely £10m extra for summer repairs.
And we've launched plans for a lane‑rental disruption charge:
Companies pay a daily fee for roadworks on key routes
Encourages shorter, better‑planned works
Could raise up to £5m a year for road maintenance
📲 How you can help
Please report potholes — especially worsening ones — via the official system:
🔗 https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/roadmaintenance/roadproblems/potholes (hants.gov.uk in Bing)
Accurate locations and photos help enormously.
And thanks to you for your patience, it's a very difficult situation and we are doing our absolute best.
Cllr Juliet Henderson
Candovers Oakley and Overton Division