Large camps don’t work

Local Conservative politicians were happy to support this Government’s disastrous policy of creating large camps to house asylum seekers.

Home Office minister Kit Malthouse and former Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes were strong advocates “until it came to building one in their own back yard in Barton Stacey. Now they scurry to support Council Leader Phil North’s petition which says that inhumane camps are fine “as long as they are put somewhere else”.

Large internment camps are not fine here in Hampshire or anywhere else. Cramming hundreds of people together with inadequate facilities, lack of privacy and poor access to health, legal and social support is something we rightly condemn in other parts of the world. The individuals concerned are not criminals and are often skilled professionals who simply cannot continue in their own countries and have crossed the world escaping from horrific regimes and wars. Creating large camps also impacts local communities putting a strain on services and often becoming a focal point for far-right extremists.

The policy doesn’t work. There is plenty of evidence that detaining people in camps causes lasting damage to physical and mental health. 76 per cent now have to wait in excess of six months for a decision on their asylum claim with little to help people make a positive contribution during this time. It’s a recipe for disaster.

By contrast, the evidence also shows that caring for smaller groups in community settings with access to amenities and services does work. It can allow those seeking our help to make more of a contribution to our society and preserves everyone’s dignity.

I would urge Cllr North to put his efforts behind finding more effective solutions to helping refugees - not just move the problem onto other communities. Hampshire is better than that.

David Hall, Chilbolton, Stockbridge.

Knee-jerk reaction to plans

We must protect the international rights of asylum seekers and treat them in a humane and compassionate way.

But, we must also protect the interest of our citizens and protect the environment with suitable safety measures

If the decision is made by the government to proceed with the location at Barton Stacey then we should convene the resilience forum to co-ordinate a reasoned and coherent plan.

The process must be all party and multi-agency and transparent.

We have a duty to protect our environment, residents’ interests and the asylum seekers.

We understand the local MP is trying to raise a petition to stop the plans. This is a populist knee-jerk reaction which we cannot support. Her opposition is not a responsible action for a former Minister with responsibilities in this area. She should be aware of our legal responsibilities and should be supportive of these desperate refugees who have crossed the world escaping from horrific regimes and wars. It may be that the decision is made not to proceed but that will be based upon evidence and solid facts not a populist knee-jerk reaction.

Test Valley Liberal Democrats

Kind strangers who helped me

I was unlucky enough to fall on some black ice in Finkley Farm Road, Augusta Park, on Tuesday (December 8) while walking my dog.

The sudden fall and the forward motion of my dog led to my shoulder pulling out of joint. It was this injury which made me feel faint and nauseous sat on the pavement opposite the turning to Endeavour School.

Kind residents and parents rushed to my aid and stayed with me until my husband was able to come and take me home.

They helped me stand up which then lead to a fainting spell and I woke to find myself flat on the pavement again and very disoriented. They kept me warm and comfortable for around 30 minutes. I would like to take this opportunity to thank three of the rescuers personally although there were others who kindly lent their assistance.

To Debbie, Katie and Luke I would send my heartfelt thanks for their time and kindness on a cold and frosty - and I’m sure, busy day. They may not read this letter in person but if you know them and have heard this tale from them please pass on my personal thanks.

The concluding treatment of my injury was a call to 999 as advised by my GP surgery. I was attended promptly, efficiently and kindly by Dave and Matt who helped pop the joint back in. I was checked out medically due to the loss of consciousness and found to be fine, if a little sore.

I cannot thank all my helpers enough for their care.

To be honest it has restored my faith in human kindness especially in these troubled times.

Alison Fleetwood, Fleece Close, Andover.

Flashback to grandad’s shop

I have just seen the Flashback Friday letter that the Advertiser published on November 27, sharing memories of Southern Counties Cycle Company. It was nice to know that someone still remembers my grandfather, for whatever reason.

The shop was situated in Potters Lane, Basingstoke. The shop was forced to close in the mid 60’s when it was compulsory purchased for the redevelopment of Basingstoke town centre, the site now lies beneath the new town centre library area. Some items still survive - I have one of the original pencils in my possession.

Coral Wearn, Morley Road, Basingstoke.

A big thank you to my daughter

I had breast cancer. I was diagnosed in July and operated on in September.

In November, my daughter Julie did a ‘brave shave’ shaving off her hair to raise money for Cancer UK. At the last count, she raised £635.

I want to say a big thank you to her and to all my friends and family who donated. I also want to say thank you to the NHS staff in Winchester and Basingstoke.

Patricia Sams, River Way, Andover.

The lost footpaths of county

In the edition of the Advertiser, published November 27, there was an article on lost footpaths. The information given was country and Hampshire wide. You readers may be interested to learn what is being done locally to help save legitimate rights of way that do not yet appear on the definitive map held by Hampshire County Council.

One of Andover Ramblers’ members, Paul Howland, has been doing extensive work since 2016 to research potential lost paths and, where the paths identified meet laid-down criteria, to collect data to support a case that can be submitted to HCC. Only about half of the paths initially identified warrant this further intensive investigation. This in-depth research involves looking at online sites as well as physically visiting such places as the Hampshire Record Office, the British Library, The National Archives at Kew and the HCC Museum Service.

There are many sources of evidence, including Ordnance Survey maps, Bartholomew maps, 18th century local maps, Tithe Maps, Inland Revenue Maps, etc. These maps can cover four centuries of evidence.

So far, Paul has submitted claims for 143 routes totalling 87 miles of rights of way. His first case was submitted to HCC in March 2017. However, HCC have a backlog of cases but they confidently hope to start processing Paul’s work in 2021.

If successful, Paul’s work will reintroduce lost public rights of way to the area than can be enjoyed by both local residents and visitors.

David Clark, footpath secretary, Andover Ramblers.

Appreciate the NHS

With 276,000 coronavirus deaths in the US and 14.2 million infections, many Americans are left untreated for the virus escalating the mortality rate.

As Americans lose their jobs due to the pandemic, they have also lost their private health care paid by their employers and Americans who are struggling to survive cannot afford the expensive private health insurance. For those who retain their health insurance including employers could see their premiums go up by 40 percent.

In the middle of the pandemic, hospitals forced to cancel cash-generating, non-urgent procedures are furloughing workers as they struggle to stay afloat. If paying for private health care were to collapse, privately funded hospitals would lose their main revenue source from health insurers and employers struggling to survive. The ability to pay for drugs, medical professionals and staff depends on private health plans.

Spiralling out of control Covid-19 cases that overwhelm hospital capacity would leave patients untreated. The Coronavirus vaccine can’t come soon enough for them.

It’s hard for people in the UK these days to understand what life was like before the NHS - look to America to see. It’s time we appreciate, respect and protect the NHS.

Jeannette Schael, Crookham Close, Tadley.