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For many people in all walks of life, the COVID-19 virus has left an indelible stain in a way, for the post war generation, perhaps as significant as World War II. The aftermath of WW2 was a focus on the social as well as the human cost which led to the foundation of the National Health Service which has as we all know played a key role in addressing the disease today.
This focus on this social agenda, albeit on a smaller scale than the establishment of the NHS, has caused a shift evidenced by the way in which various organisations – of which we are part – are re-shaping their response to community needs. Here are some examples:
These changes will undoubtedly have an impact on the mosaic of our lives.
Moving the spotlight on, the need to provide both affordable housing and meet the needs of a rapidly aging population was identified in our Neighbourhood Plan. Two initiatives on the table at the moment aim to do this:
Less palatable, however, is the proposed ‘Garden Village’ of 5,000/10,000 homes in an area designated ‘Shapley Heath’ being espoused by Hart District Council which we continue to challenge.
In his usual style, Jeremy Clarkson alleged that Parish Councils are clubs for people who want everything to remain as it was in 1858. I’m confident that what I’ve outlined here – ably aided and abetted by the Parish Office led by our clerk, Karyn Reid, and our ‘internet savvy’ and engaged Parish Councillors – seriously challenges that notion.
Chris Farrance
Chairman
chris.farrance@hartleywintney-pc.gov.uk