Paula Ferguson gets to work

Following her victory in May’s by-election, newly elected County Councillor Paula Ferguson has hit the ground running, pledging to work hard for a fairer, greener Hampshire.

Paula Ferguson, who now represents the Eastgate division on Hampshire County Council, expressed her gratitude to everyone who supported her campaign. “I am delighted to be the new County Councillor for Eastgate and want to thank everyone who supported my campaign,” she said. “I am committed to working hard for everyone and have already been out meeting residents to discuss local issues including education, road and pavement problems, and the threatened closure of services.”

One of her top priorities is stopping the proposed closure of Chesil Lodge Daycare Centre, a vital service for families caring for elderly and vulnerable relatives. “The impact on families living with dementia or elderly relatives with other conditions will be huge,” Cllr Ferguson said. “Without this essential respite care, carers may be overwhelmed and loved ones forced into residential care – which could ultimately cost the County Council and local taxpayers much more.”

Residents can support the campaign to save Chesil Lodge by signing the petition at www.winld.org.uk/chesil-lodge.

Paula also addressed recent road concerns. She has already been in contact with Hampshire Highways to raise issues about recent road closures and is advocating for improvements at Romsey Road crossings, including better provisions for cyclists and a safer crossing near the top of Sleepers Hill.

“It’s a huge improvement for pedestrians,” she said of the current temporary crossing at St James Terrace, “but there’s still more to do to make the area safer for everyone, including cyclists and bus users. This remains a top priority.”

Despite local elections being cancelled across much of Hampshire this year due to plans for a combined unitary authority, residents in Eastgate still headed to the polls. Paula Ferguson won with 2,027 votes, ahead of Conservative candidate Ian Tait, Reform UK and the Green Party. Labour received just 152 votes.

Although the Liberal Democrats successfully fought them off, while other parties stayed largely silent, Reform was notably the fastest-growing party in this by-election.

Paula also paid tribute to her predecessor, Dominic Hiscock. “I want to thank my good friend Dominic, who was an excellent county councillor for Eastgate for many years. I think people are showing they’re fed up with the Conservative-led County Council and are demanding better for Winchester.”

Local residents who need support or want to raise concerns are encouraged to reach out. “If you need my help, please get in touch,” Cllr Ferguson said.