Neil Fleming
Listening to Local Residents
About Neil – Hamble & Netley
I’ve spent a lot of time speaking with residents across Hamble and Netley, and one thing comes up time and again — people feel that our area is under pressure, and that their voices are not being properly heard. That is why I’m standing.
What I’m Hearing from Residents
Wherever I go in the ward, the same concerns keep coming up.
Traffic congestion, particularly along Hamble Lane, has become a daily frustration. The road network simply was not designed to cope with the level of traffic we now see, and overdevelopment has only made the situation worse. Without meaningful improvements to junctions and infrastructure, it is clear that this problem will continue to grow — especially if proposals like the gravel pit move forward.
At the same time, the condition of our roads remains a major concern. Potholes are still widespread, and while repairs are carried out, they often feel temporary rather than properly resolved. Residents want to see lasting improvements, not short-term fixes.
Pressure on Local Services
It is not just our roads that are struggling — it is our services too.
People are waiting weeks for GP appointments. Schools are under pressure. Policing visibility has reduced. Yet development continues at pace, without the infrastructure needed to support it.
What I hear again and again is simple:
Growth is happening, but the investment isn’t coming with it.
Planning and Overdevelopment
Many residents feel that planning decisions are being made without proper regard for the communities they affect.
There is strong support for prioritising brownfield development, rather than continuing to build on green spaces without the necessary infrastructure in place. Just as importantly, people want a genuine say in what happens in their area — not decisions imposed from above.
Water, Sewerage and the Environment
This is an issue that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
We are seeing thousands of new homes approved, yet the supporting infrastructure — particularly water and sewerage systems — is already under strain. Concerns around discharges and water quality have only added to the frustration.
It is not sustainable to continue building at this pace without first addressing these fundamental issues.
My Approach
I believe local government should be focused on practical solutions, not political point-scoring.
For me, that means:
- Listening to residents and acting on their concerns
- Being open and transparent about decisions
- Putting the needs of the community ahead of party politics
A Clear Priority
If elected, my position is straightforward:
No more large-scale development without the infrastructure to support it.
That means roads, schools, healthcare, and utilities must be properly planned and delivered alongside any new housing — not as an afterthought.
Why I’m Standing
I’m standing because I care about this area and the people who live here.
Hamble and Netley are great places to live, but they are being put under increasing pressure. With the right leadership, I believe we can protect what makes our community special, while ensuring it remains a place that works for everyone.