Cllr Robert Saunders

Figures released by the Office of National Statistics confirmed that unemployment (as measured by Job Seekers Allowance claimants) in East Hampshire is still one of the lowest levels in the country. Of the 650 constituencies in Great Britain, East Hampshire was placed 623rd for unemployment. Current unemployed claimants in February 2013 totalled 872, which is 1.8% of the economically active working age population.
This is 54 lower than in February 2013 and 86 lower than in March 2012. These data are not seasonally adjusted.
Conservative MP for East Hampshire, Damian Hinds said:
“I am always pleased to see that unemployment rates in East Hampshire remain amongst the lowest in the UK. The near 10% drop in the number of unemployed individuals since this time last year shows that the economy in East Hampshire is moving in the right direction, but we must keep working at it to ensure that this positive trend continues. The Employment Allowance announced in the Budget last month should make taking on employees more attractive to businesses, and I hope to see the positive effects of this in the near future.”

A number of local residents have written to me to express concerns regarding alleged plans to build a new sports centre on the area of land called the Chawton triangle.  I wish to issue the following statement:

East Hampshire District Council have made no decisions regarding the future of Alton Sports Centre. We are currently preparing a tender brief for independent  consultants to advise on options including refurbishment of the existing centre or to build a new facility. If it is recommended to build a new facility the brief identifies a number of potential sites across the town but gives the freedom to also suggest alternatives including the existing site. We expect to receive the consultants report in April 2014.

Councillor Robert Saunders and fellow Town Councillors are taking action to resolve a  long running problem of litter in Alton’s alleyways and the River Wey.

Cllr Saunders received complaints from residents of public footpaths strewn with litter, plagued with graffiti  and some almost impassable due to overgrown vegetation.

Former town mayor, Cllr Robert Saunders, presented a cheque for £700 to Open Sight’s Alton branch at their June meeting.

Graham de Neiderhausern, Chairman of Open Sight Alton said: “On behalf of our members and volunteers, thank you to the Mayor for all his support and for presenting the club with this generous cheque. This will help us to continue with our work supporting visually impaired people.”

Throughout his year as Mayor, Robert has hosted a variety of fundraising events including the annual quiz night and civic reception.

Cllr Saunders said “It has been my great pleasure and privilege to be able to support  two worthwhile charities during my year as Mayor. Thank you to the many wonderful individuals and organisations in the community who helped raise this money. I’m so pleased that I have been able to help both Open Sight and the National Autistic Society during what has been an immensely enjoyable year as Mayor.”

Open Sight is the largest charitable organisation in Hampshire working with people who have, or who are experiencing the effects of sight loss. The Alton branch’s social club meets on the 1^st and 3^rdMonday of each month with a programme of activities including guest speakers, entertainers and outings. For more information contact Graham de Neiderhausern 01420 82378.

Cllr Robert Saunders presenting cheque to NAS Alton & Bordon branch treasurer, Gemma Thorn together with branch members.

Former Town Mayor of Alton, Cllr Robert Saunders, presented the Alton and Bordon branch of the National Autistic Society with a cheque for £700 at their monthly coffee morning at Bushy Leaze.

Throughout his year as Mayor, Robert has hosted a variety of fundraising events including the annual quiz night and civic reception.

Branch chair, Beverly Lawton said: “We are so grateful to Robert for raising this fantastic amount of cash for our local service. It will go a long way in helping us to continue providing support, information and advice to local people affected by autism. With the right support, at the right time, people with autism can lead happy and fulfilling lives.”

Cllr Saunders said: “The NAS as it is a charity close to my heart. I specifically wanted to raise money for our local group as they offer so much support to children with autism and their parents in the area. Thank you to the many wonderful individuals and organisations in the community who helped raise this money during what has been an immensely enjoyable year as Mayor.”

For more information on the NAS Alton & Bordon branch telephone  07824 372 034

Well my Mayoral year came to an end on Wednesday, and at the Annual Meeting Cllr Sue Hodder was elected as my successor. I would like to to congratulate her on being elected. Being the outgoing mayor involved making a retiring speech to council and below is the speech I made. I’ve had a great time but now its all over I hope to get some much needed rest, and do things I haven’t been able to do for a while!

Madam Mayor, firstly I would like to congratulate you on your election as Mayor.

I know that you’ll make a fantastic ambassador for the Town and serve with great distinction over the next year.

You are now at the start of an amazing voyage of discovery, you will find out things you never knew before and learn a great deal about Alton.

Serving as Mayor of Alton has been a great privilege, and every day I have served in this role has been a wonderful honour.

The time has gone  by in a flash, it seems like only yesterday I stood here making my acceptance speech,  it has been a remarkable year, and one that I’ve enjoyed immensely.

Being mayor, you are not here to serve any sectoral or special interest, or show favour to any group but to act as a representative of Alton putting politics to one side and acting first and foremost for the people of Alton.

Over the course of the year you also get to meet many amazing people  and  see so many genuine examples of achievement by individuals and groups.

As a town it is right we recognise service, many of them have never sought recognition for their work, they just get on with it.

I also give thanks to the extraordinary generosity of people in Alton, thank you to everyone  who has supported my charity events, both the National Autistic Society and Opensight will benefit greatly. The total raised was £1400, this is an incredible total especially in these economically difficult times that we face today.

Now the mayoralty is only a success due to a number of people, and I have many people to thanks.

Madam Mayor, over the past year you have provided great support. I have valued your advice and for standing in for me on occasions. A hard hat and cherry picker spring to mind. I also want to thank my previous deputy, Cllr Eccott.

To Samantha Brown, the Mayor’s  assistant,  thank you for all your work over the past year, for your efficiency, your advice and support  to enable me to undertake the role while holding down a full time job.

To Greg Burt for your help, enthusiasm and dedication to Alton throughout my mayoral year.

Thanks also to Steve Parkinson, Ian Powell, Pat Harris and Jason Passingham.

Finally, my thanks to all my fellow councillors, chairing council meeting is never the most memorable of experiences but I would like to thank all of you for your conduct throughout the year. I may have been tough at times but fair as I believe its important as mayor to show impartiality in chairing meetings. Can I also thank you for the many kind words from members of all sides, I am deeply touched.

I am proud to have served as Town Mayor of Alton, and to have served the people of Alton.

Conservative controlled East Hampshire District Council has increased its 2012-13 share of the Council Tax by 2.5% to protect front-line services.

This is only the second increase in the last 6 years and represents an extra £3.28 on a Band D property per year, or 6p per week.

The rise was considered the best way to maintain the Council’s services over the long term in the face of a stuttering economy and diminishing government grants.

East Hampshire Conservatives have forged links with Winchester City Council to jointy provide a waste service across the two council areas.

This service, introduced in October 2011, is expected to save East Hampshire residents more than £1m a year thanks to more efficient working practices.