Alan Mak

Report on my work locally and in Westminster

During the last few months I have been working hard to secure the future of the Emsworth Victoria Cottage Hospital (EVCH).

Progress has been made since I found out without warning that the site was being placed for sale on the open market.

After a number of phone calls, letters, and meetings I am pleased that my efforts have been successful: the EVCH has been taken off the market for sale.

That first success was followed-up by a key meeting I organised in September at the Emsworth Baptist Church, attended by all of the key stakeholders. It was decided that the doctors and the local NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) will work together to come up with a fresh proposal to use the Victoria Cottage Hospital site and continue to engage with NHS England on funding. Emsworth United, which represents the towns community groups, have pledge support to the process.

At the meeting the CCG also reiterated that they would not list the EVCH as surplus to requirements while negotiations over a potential move there are ongoing.

This year, I have also been working towards ensuring improvements take place on the A27, which I know that residents use to travel to Portsmouth, Southampton, Chichester, Brighton and beyond. That has included regular meetings with Highways England to highlight the concerns drivers had with potholes on the road.

I’m pleased that following my pressure, and support from residents, resurfacing has been taking place on the A27 between the Warblington junction and Chichester.

I was able to see the resurfacing in action when I met with Highways England recently to review progress on the project and I’m pleased to see that it’s nearing completion. This will hopefully deliver a longterm solution for this stretch of road.

Don’t forget you can also take action on potholes by reporting any that you see to Hampshire County Council. Visit gov.uk/report-pothole to find out more.

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