Councillor Jonathan Brown-Grange & Alver Valley

29/07/2024

26/07/2024

Gosport Interchange Update

1) New link across High Street, connecting North and South Cross Street, is now open to permitted traffic.

2) Work on the new bus station is ongoing. Working towards Autumn for the bus station to be fully operational.

3) A temporary crossing, short-term lane, taxi rank, and parking bay closures should be expected.

Scheme webpage has been updated with the latest information:

Transforming Cities Fund - bus, taxi, pedestrian and public realm improvements in Gosport.

24/07/2024

Text of introduction to Council 17th July 2024:

"Thank you Mr Mayor, fellow councillors, ladies and gentlemen in the gallery. Thank you too to the residents of Grange and Alver Valley for their support. It is a privilege to serve my neighbours and I will not let you down.

"I will be brief; I do not like the sound of my own voice. Why, therefore, did I stand in local politics?

"It is because I care deeply about the community in which I live, and now have the great honour of representing. For too long Grange and Alver Valley has been taken for granted and neglected. I had the privilege of working alongside Councillor Maggie Morgan for many years and respected her hopes for a brighter future for our young people. However, after over a decade we are still dealing with the same old issues.

"Grange and Alver Valley is an increasingly diverse and very young ward, the youngest in the borough. With an average age of 31, over a third of our residents are under 20. Over 40% of our homes care for dependent children.

"We are also the most economically active ward by some margin - with over 70% of our residents in work.

"And yet, even with our 2,100 children under 16, with their busy working parents, we have next to no provision. We have had next to no investment. As a point of comparison, we have two council maintained play areas in Grange and Alver Valley. That’s over 1,000 children to each play area. Neighbouring Lee-on-Solent combined, even after accounting for the recently condemned skate park, has 11 maintained play areas to serve 1,884 children. This is the equivalent of 171 children for each. To say nothing of the differences in size and quality.

"So it is little wonder that we continue to suffer from periods of anti-social behaviour. It is little wonder residents feel neglected and marginalised by the authorities entrusted with serving them.

"I am not here to demand a debt be repaid, or a deficit be made good. I am not here to take away from other wards. What I am here for is to make sure that the good people of Grange and Alver Valley now get their fair share. A fair share of funding, yes, but a fair share of attention, and a fair share of the respect that is due to every citizen of Gosport.

"Therefore, my initial priorities will be:
• Improving this vital provision for the young people in our ward
• Supporting the voice of young people and other residents to this council
• Making the case for a proper public consultation and process with regards to the best site for a replacement skate park
• And improving the safety of residents, particularly with regards to roads

"I look forward to working with you all, as well as to your support in these fundamental causes."

24/07/2024

https://www.rownercommunitytrust.org/rowner-residents-day/

23/07/2024

🌳 Grange and Alver Valley 🌹 Councillor 👨‍💼 report 📃 on
GOSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL meeting Wednesday, 17 July 2024 6.00 pm

Contents:
* 🌹 Grange & Alver Valley’s new Labour councillor
* 🔥 Prevent fires caused by lithium batteries
* 💸 Grange and Alver Valley get nothing from council
* 🌳 You now have a Councillor on the Community & Environment Board

** 🌹 Grange & Alver Valley’s new Labour councillor

This was my first time participating in a full council meeting, but I would like to keep residents informed about what is happening in their name.

After a few formalities, I had the opportunity to introduce myself to the assembled council. My full introduction is included in a separate post, but I made the case that I was here to serve Grange and Alver Valley after a long period of us being neglected and taken for granted. I also highlighted just one way in which we have been unfairly treated. Namely, that we have two play areas compared to Lee-on-Solent’s 11, despite us having far more children in our ward and the highest proportion of working parents.

It is time for Grange and Alver Valley to get the respect we all deserve.

** 🔥 Prevent fires caused by lithium batteries

A motion was raised, and unanimously carried, to promote the safe use, storage and disposal of lithium batteries after a fire in Gosport, and a marked increase across the country. Misused, faulty or cheap batteries - often used in e-scooters, vapes, power packs, mobiles and laptops - can, without warning, cause an explosion and then burn so hot, and for so long, that it is impossible to extinguish. Informational materials will be forthcoming, but in the meantime please be mindful how and where you charge devices: do not overcharge them, and make sure you do not block escape routes should they catch alight.

** 💸 Grange and Alver Valley get nothing from council

The minutes of the council meeting held on 15th May 2024 reported that CCTV and play park improvements in Grange and Alver Valley had been refused. Money is being spent on play parks in other areas of the borough. Despite further improvements to convert Grange Long Barn being withdrawn, we hope to source alternative funding to bring it into educational use.

While land ownership issues in Grange and Alver Valley makes finding sites for play areas complicated, it is not impossible to find partnerships that would work. I will continue to make the case for this long overdue provision.

** 🌳 You now have a Councillor on the Community & Environment Board

Finally, the council was presented with a review of the allocation of seats on boards and committees in light of the Labour group gaining a councillor. It determined that the Labour group was entitled to an additional member, and I’m pleased to say I have been assigned to the Community and Environment board. The Conservatives objected and submitted an amendment increasing the size of all boards by almost 50%. We voted against this amendment on the basis that the council solicitor’s advice was that it was not compliant with the law.

The next meeting of the Community & Environment Board will be 6.00pm on Wednesday 18th September 2024. I look forward to taking your concerns forward at that time and will of course feedback to you afterwards.

23/07/2024

Can you help after a 37 year-old man was assaulted, leaving him with cuts and bruises, on Carless Close near to Grange Road between 6:30pm and 7pm on Friday (19 July) night?

He was approached by a man and punched multiple times to the face and kicked in the back. Another man with short ginger hair and a beard then threatened him with a knife.

A 40 year-old man from Gosport has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and has been bailed until 19 October pending further enquiries.

Anyone who has any information that may assist our enquiries, including CCTV or doorbell footage, is asked to call 101 quoting 44240307176 or submit information via our website: https://orlo.uk/7KJ6e

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

23/07/2024

Just 1 WEEK to go until the start of Summer Passport 2024 🥳

There is still time to register if you haven't already, just click on the following link - www.gosport.gov.uk/article/1933/Summer-Passport-2024

As a reminder the scheme is open access for young people born between 01/09/2007 and 31/08/2012.

If you are a parent or carer of a young person receiving benefit-related free school meals, you will need to obtain a unique HAF code which you will need to include on your Summer Passport registration form (for evaluation purposes).

For full guidance on how to obtain your unique HAF code, please click the following link: https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/childrenandfamilies/connectforcommunities/holidayactivities/register

If this is your first year of Summer Passport or you need a reminder, have a quick read of the Taking Part guidance which explains what happens when you arrive on the day - you can find this on our webpage: www.safergosport.co.uk/summer-passport

22/07/2024

Summer Passport 2024 dates, locations and summary of activities and workshops on offer:

LOCATIONS AND ACTIVITIES ANNOUNCED 🎉

Please click on the following link to register for this year’s scheme – www.gosport.gov.uk/article/1933/Summer-Passport-2024

As a reminder the scheme is open access for young people born between 01/09/2007 and 31/08/2012.

If you are a parent or carer of a young person receiving benefit-related free school meals, you will need to obtain a unique HAF code which you will need to include on your Summer Passport registration form (for evaluation purposes).

For full guidance on how to obtain your unique HAF code, please click the following link: https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/childrenandfamilies/connectforcommunities/holidayactivities/register

22/07/2024

Summer Passport 2024

Registration for 2024 is now open! As a reminder the scheme is open access for young people born between 01/09/2007 and 31/08/2012 whether you are in receipt of free school meals or not.

Please click on the following link to register for Summer Passport 2024 – http://www.safergosport.co.uk/summer-passport/

09/07/2024

Business News - from Gosport Borough Council

- Helping businesses with the digital skills they need to thrive
- Gosport Business Awards return
- Free business support from the Hampshire Growth Hub
- Cost-effective staff training
- Applications open for The Kings Awards for Enterprise
- Help to Grow courses available
- Informal networking at the Old Bake House
- Networking for brilliant women in business

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKGOSBC/bulletins/3a4a03c

09/07/2024

I would like to see this skate park saved, and moved to the Alver Valley, alongside our excellent BMX Track.

Please take the time to login and sign this petition to get the process started:
https://democracy.gosport.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=500000010&RPID=17027379&HPID=17027379

Read The News: "Plea to move condemned Lee-on-the-Solent skatepark to a safer location"
https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/politics/plea-to-move-condemned-lee-on-the-solent-skatepark-to-a-safer-location-4652140

A campaign has been launched to relocate the condemned Lee-on-the-Solent skatepark to a safer location so youngsters are not ‘robbed’ of the opportunity to skate.

07/07/2024

Reaction: Grange and Alver Valley by-election won by Jonathan Brown for Labour, formerly a blue
Candidate results:
Jonathan Brown (Lab) 749 Robbie George Beech (Con) 639 Clive Foster Reed (Lib Dem) 307 Dale Fletcher (Ind) 243

https://x.com/nonineeds/status/1809589914192711682?t=OL-BCeM8IgdTqRDoM5SXzw&s=19

07/07/2024

Grange and Alver Valley By-election Jonathan Brown for Labour wins the ward
Candidate results:
Jonathan Brown (Lab) 749
Robbie George Beech (Con) 639
Clive Foster Reed (Lib Dem) 307
Dale Fletcher (Ind) 243

https://x.com/nonineeds/status/1809588111690592694?t=ubIyHf8_-yy-_T6fR6MMSA&s=19

06/07/2024

Results are in. Jonathan Brown is your new councillor

04/07/2024

Still time to vote Labour! Polls are open till 10.

04/07/2024

Jonathan's been out all over Grange & Alver Valley today with his team. Remember, in this election EVERY VOTE COUNTS! Polling stations are open till 10pm, so don't miss your chance to get Jonathan elected as your local councillor!

04/07/2024

It's a beautiful day to get out to vote!

04/07/2024

Polling stations are open. Remember, you have 2 votes today. Use them to elect Jonathan Brown as Grange and Alver Valley ward councillor and Edward Batterbury, Labour Campaigner as your new MP

30/06/2024

Jonathan Brown's team has been out across Grange & Alver Valley today, getting leaflets out and speaking to residents. Fantastic to hear so many will be voting Labour on Thursday. But it could still be close, and YOUR VOTE for Labour could make all the difference in beating the Tories here and getting Jonathan elected to Gosport Borough Council

30/06/2024

Leaflets going out today from your council candidate Jonathan Brown. Everyone knows how hard Jon has worked for Grange over the last three years. With just 11 votes between him and the Tories in May, use both your votes for Labour to beat the tories in Grange & Alver Valley on Thursday!

30/06/2024

Elect Jonathan Brown as the new councillor for Grange & Alver Valley on July 4th. Only Jonathan can beat the tories in Grange!

23/06/2024

23/06/2024

Great response on the doorstep today. And an invite onto a bouncy castle- definitely a campaigning first!

22/06/2024

Refreshments needed after leafleting 🌹

21/06/2024

I live in Grange with my wife and our three-year-old child. In my working life, I design apps for a wide range of organisations. I usually work from home, so I spend a lot of time in our area. Over the past six years, I have learnt to understand and appreciate our community, what a...Read more »

19/06/2024

Got your postal vote? Be one of the first in Gosport, Stubbington, Hill Head, and Lee-on-the-Solent to vote for a Labour government.

19/06/2024

Spotted by one of our delivery team this morning!

29/05/2023

Lovely to be out in the spring sunshine this evening, delivering the latest issue of Grange and Alver Valley Link