“Reflections on the Hayling Island Elections: Navigating Challenges, Embracing Change, and a Commitment to Community”

“Reflections on the Hayling Island Elections: Navigating Challenges, Embracing Change, and a Commitment to Community”

Looking Back / Looking Forward

As we sit down to reflect on the recent local elections in Havant Borough, we can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. While we are undoubtedly disappointed to have lost our seats as Conservative councillors, we are also grateful for the opportunity to have served our community and to have been a part of the democratic process

The campaign leading up to the elections was unlike any other we’ve experienced. The atmosphere was tense, and unfortunately, it often descended into bitterness and negativity. As candidates, we were bombarded by what seemed like an endless stream of vitriol from keyboard warriors hiding behind their screens. It’s disheartening to see how discourse in politics has shifted towards personal attacks rather than constructive dialogue.

Despite the challenges, we are proud of the campaign we ran. We worked tirelessly to engage with voters, listening to their concerns and advocating for policies that we believe would benefit our community. While the outcome may not have been what we hoped for, we take solace in knowing that we fought with integrity and conviction.

The results, with the Liberal Democrats gaining a majority in West Hayling and Labour and Green making gains in East Hayling, serve as a reminder of the ever-shifting landscape of politics. Change is inevitable, and while it may be difficult to accept at times, it is also a testament to the strength of our democracy. However, it’s important to note that the absence of Labour candidates in West Hayling and the lack of Liberal Democrats in East Hayling deprived voters of their democratic right to choose from all parties, highlighting the need for broader representation.

As we look to the future, we are filled with optimism. While our times as a councillor may have come to an end, our commitment to serving our community remains unwavering. We congratulate the newly elected councillors and hope that they will govern with wisdom and compassion.

In closing, we want to express our gratitude to all those who supported us throughout this journey. Your encouragement and belief in us meant the world, and We are truly humbled by your unwavering support. While this chapter may be over, we are excited to see what the future holds and are confident that together, we can continue to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.

Brenda Linger                                            Julie Richardson

The Hayling Ferry Connection – Bridging the Gap with a Bus!”

The lack of a direct bus connection to the Hayling Island Ferry leads to detours and frustrates commuters. Introducing a dedicated bus service would ease daily commutes, attract more tourists, reduce carbon emissions, and alleviate traffic congestion. Support the petition for a bus service to unlock these benefits and improve transportation infrastructure.

The Hayling Ferry Connection – Bridging the Gap with a Bus!”

Sign the petition for a direct bus! – Click on the Link to sign https://chng.it/T8B62bWLYT

Commute Convenience: The lack of a direct bus connection to the Hayling Island Ferry can mean detours and frustrating journeys. Introducing a dedicated bus service would significantly ease the daily commute for residents, providing a reliable and efficient transportation option to connect with the ferry .

Tourism Boost: Hayling Island is a gem, however, the absence of convenient public transportation options may deter tourists from exploring its treasures. By facilitating easy access to the ferry via a bus service, we can attract more visitors, stimulating the local economy and support businesses on the island.

Environmental Impact: Embracing sustainable transportation solutions is crucial in our fight against climate change. A bus service for the Hayling Island Ferry would encourage more people to opt for public transport instead of relying on their cars, reducing carbon emissions and promoting a cleaner environment.

Relief from Traffic Jams: Traffic congestion on and off the island is a persistent issue that affects residents and visitors alike. Introducing a dedicated bus service can help alleviate this problem by offering an alternative mode of transportation, thereby reducing the number of vehicles on the road and easing traffic congestion.

How You Can Help: Your support is instrumental in making this vision a reality. By signing the petition advocating for a bus service to the Hayling Island Ferry, you can amplify our collective voice and demonstrate the strong community demand for improved transport infrastructure. Together, we can try to persuade Stagecoach to prioritise this initiative and unlock a host of benefits for everyone involved.Join Us Today: Let’s come  – Sign the petition, and spread the word among your friends and neighbours. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that everyone can enjoy seamless travel experiences while preserving our precious environment