Caring for Mansbridge

2.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 22nd Aug 2007

Cllr Ann Milton

Since the transit site issue I have been accused of not caring about the people of Mansbridge. Let me tell you a little about me and my work as a councillor and then you can judge.

I have a huge passion for the Mansbridge estate, the place I have lived for years. Back when my children were little I felt that the area had not been getting a fair deal, that it was the "forgotten neighbourhood," out there on the edge of Southampton. So I decided I had to do something.

First I helped form the Mansbridge Residents Association, and was the secretary and chair for years; all the time trying to get the extra services the area needed.

The estate had no playground yet lots of children. I remember standing up at a Council meeting, shaking from head to toe, asking the watching councillors for land for a playground. Amazingly they gave it us. Then we needed money to buy the equipment. By getting grants from where-ever and anywhere we managed to get equipment too. Even today I guard and protect the playground, checking it is well maintained and searching for new money.

That battle fought I moved to the next; getting something for the young people to do, getting a Pelican crossing over the busy main road and so on. Not all were won. We could not save the post office, or the supermarket, try as we might.

But it is the individuals too I fight for and help. Whatever I can, I do. In fact I have a drawer full of thank you cards and letters from grateful residents.

In spite of rumours to the contrary I worked hard to put forward the views of my residents about the Gypsy site. I was a strong influence in producing the site's excellent Management plan. This includes amongst other things, provide a hot-line for residents to the site manager and enforcement officers if needed. The site will be in my backyard too remembered.

I am proud to be a Swaythling councillor and proud of the work I have done, and am doing to improve my corner of Southampton. Not caring is something I cannot be accused of.