From Our MP, Steve Brine First of all this month, I want to touch on the subject of illegal traveller racing on the A33. I deliberately put it in those terms because that’s what it is. And, yes, Steve Brine with British Transport Police April 2021 I appreciate it’s difficult for the police – and we should try to respect other cultures – but from Hampshire Hospitals Foundation not when they break the law of the land. Trust – and local commissioners – As I promised at the time, I have been about future services at the Royal speaking (pretty frankly) to the police Hampshire County Hospital in and the robust new Police Commissioner, Winchester and plans for a new build Donna Jones, since the events of May’s hospital near (possibly) Junction 7 of early Bank Holiday weekend, and the M3. You can see find all the details supporting their efforts to escalate the at www.stevebrine.com/prioritynhs response for any future races. This is On a different subject altogether, I extremely pressing given adverts for a race recently joined officers from the British at “Mitchell Diva” have been circulating Transport Police at Winchester station on social media and I am pleased to say, as they carried out an important “county as a result of what happened last month lines” operation. I was taken through and the numbers involved, the weekend in the work of the team in combating the June has been escalated to a Public Order practice which brings drugs into our Public Safety event. A silver commander area from big cities including London. officer has been identified who will After ten years in public life, I am not write up a tactical and strategic plan. easily shocked by things but it never And I will be leading the calls from ceases to amaze me what I hear. Drug constituents – coordinating your elected running into places like Winchester representatives at all levels – to meet is a menace which prays on the most these plans with a show of strength vulnerable and the BTP team are doing that makes it very clear the A33 is not a superb work to try and disrupt it. It is so race track and we do not want this here. important that the police are tough and Clearly it’s a fast-moving situation but I out showing a strong, but supportive, face. will endeavour to post updates via the Finally, many congratulations to Cllr Parish Council and on my Facebook page. Stephen Godfrey for his re‑election to Secondly, it was a welcome return at Winchester City Council representing the end of May for my ASKtheNHS the Wonston & Micheldever Ward series of public meetings. This one heard and to Cllr Porter for her re‑election 16
The Dever–June 2021
