The May bank holiday was the hottest on record, and it has certainly caused challenges for many, not least the local Police. I know what a difficult job they do, but a sudden spike in Anti-Social Behaviour, some of due to the hot weather, provides them with additional incidents they really should not have to Police.
Over the course of this scorching week across the country we have seen the tragic deaths of a number of teenagers, due to unsafe behaviour in and around water. We get our fair share of that in Romsey, particularly along the Causeway. My plea to parents is please deter your children from jumping into the Test at that point, it really is not safe with some pretty hazardous rocks and even concrete submerged by the water. It would be horrific if we were to see such a tragedy here in Romsey. Additionally, the Test is a SSSI, one of the finest chalk streams in the world, and numerous agencies work really hard to try to manage and protect its valuable (and indeed unique) ecosystem. That can very easily be disturbed even by just letting your dog into the water.
There have been other incidents of ASB in the Town, and it is too flippant to say tempers get frayed in the hot weather. Some of the issues are long running and local housing associations, social services, the Borough Council and the Police are well aware. But I have been shocked at the level of incidents we have seen in recent days. I know what an impact that can have on residents, who just want to be able to peacefully enjoy their gardens on a warm summer night.
I was in Kimpton this week for the annual parish assembly there, and to listen to residents concerns about the proposals for an air show at Thruxton in September. It may seem an obvious place for an air show, but there remain issues to be resolved around road closures, safety measures, protection of livestock and insurances. I can understand why local residents are worried about the inconvenience it might cause and have agreed to attend a further meeting to help thrash out concerns with the Parish Council and organisers. Most of us want to see the circuit their thrive, but not at the cost of livestock, and the ability of village residents to enjoy one of the few "quiet" weekends.