Published: 10 November 2025
Once again roads have featured a great deal over the past month. First the B3047; as many know towards the end of October letters and roadside signs warned of three days of daytime closure between Chillandham Lane and Shelley Close. Confusion and inconvenience was cause when nothing happened on this section while unannounced the road between the east end of Itchen Abbas and the Vineyard entrance was closed. Thanks to a great deal of effort by our County Councillor, Jackie Porter, an explanation and apology was provided by Hampshire County Council Highways. They had clearly made an error and posted their warning for the wrong section of road. It is a pity that as ever the Parish Council was not consulted in advance. If they had been this error could have been corrected before the information was published. Local knowledge can be a great asset.
Second but still with HCC Highways, we have actually received a reply to one of our emails and letters regarding concerns over safety and congestion on the roads south of Easton while the M3 Junction 9 improvement work takes place. Sadly the very short email claims that HCC Highways have no responsibility to do anything about this and it is National Highways problem, which gets us back to where we were in May. That was when we first raised the issue with National Highways and their contractors. We were told by them that, as it was outside the designated area under their control this issue is the responsibility of HCC Highways.
On a more positive note Jackie Porter, David Wolfe and I, together with some others, attended a site meeting and tour of the M3 Junction 9 Improvement Scheme construction site, which once you are there is much larger than appears when driving past. At the meeting we were given detailed information on how the project is progressing and how it is managed. It included the fact that all of the site and the associated roads are covered by TV cameras. We were shown a video recording of a motorist who having gone the wrong way, then in the dark, first removed several cones and then proceeded to reverse up the slip road to the motorway against the direction of traffic flow. On reaching the top there was a “reception committee” waiting and the matter is now in the hands of the police. You have been warned; keep safe, follow the directions and do not take risks. The tour round the site was impressive, not just the size and scope of the project but also the care being taken. Large piling operations for the underpasses are taking place; some of the piles going down to a depth of 26 metres. Supports for the new bridges at the roundabout can be seen. (Only passengers should look, drivers please keep your eyes on the road!) Inevitably trees have to be removed but there are environmental inspectors checking before each tree is cut down and the roots dug up. That does answer the question often asked, why are only four people working and two standing watching. At one point recently there had to be a pause while some door mice were found a new home. We saw that a large quantity of trees have already been planted and planting of many more is planned. Great care has been taken over health and safety and we were told that at present the project is on schedule. If you want to know more, including the latest on road closures and diversions, please use the link on our website.
At the annual general meeting of the Hampshire Association of Local Councils (HALC) it was interesting to hear Professor John Denham’s talk on Local Government Reform and his comments regarding the effects at neighbourhood level. The important principal should be that it meets the needs of the area that it serves. He questioned whether a single fits all model would be workable and warned of two dangers. One that central government will take powers to control how neighbour government will work. Two, that at the base level, local government could lose out by default. Interesting times.
From all the Parish Council, have a good Christmas and all the best for 2026.
Patrick Appleby. IVPC Chairman.