For Information: SGN Gas Main Replacement Affecting Maybush Corner Area of Southampton

Gas Main Works at Maybush Corner
Photo: Southampton Independents

 

Andrew Pope of the Independent Network and Co-Founder of Southampton Independents, has received the below information from Southern Gas Networks (SGN), who are working on gas mains in the Maybush Corner area of Southampton. 

Andrew says: 

Andrew Pope

"I asked for this information direct from the private gas company SGN, and they've provided it, so I'm passing it on to residents and businesses.

I've visited the site several times and spoken with staff. They are replacing the gas main and the works are deemed to be essential, according to them.

I've listened to bus users who have complained about the bus stop being moved. This included an elderly man Derek who has mobility problems. So we sat down and talked about it. And I've raised it with the bus company.

I've also spoken to Council officers about the bushes and trees that were cut back, because there may have been nesting birds. They said there were none.

While I was there, I took some photos for Guess the Pothole and reported potholes, two of which are now fixed. There is still a long rut in the middle of the road though.

The Labour-run Council's contractors Balfour Beatty are there checking up that SGN are doing it right according to the regulations. Regulations put in place by Tories. Like SGN, Balfour Beatty are also private contractors, contracted and extended under successive Tory and Labour councils, as documented on our website.

It seems like everything has been split up from central control and sold off, so it's no wonder the public feel the country and the Council is badly run and in constant chaos.

It is worth noting that the Thatcher Tory Government privatised gas, starting forty years ago in 1986. Labour has promised to bring at least part of it under national Government, but like many other broken promises that they've made, Labour has not. Labour or Tory, same old story."

The gas main works are causing disruption on the roads, with the bins, with wildlife, trees and bushes, and more. Get in touch if you want. You can also contact SGN at the details below.

We provide the information straight from SGN, without further comment, for your information. Emphasis has been added. 

"[SGN] would like to provide an update on our programme of gas main replacement work taking place in your local area.  Due to unforeseen engineering challenges our programme, and its traffic management, have changed from what was originally communicated, our plans are now as follows: 
 
14th March to Week Commencing 23rd March: Rownhams Road and Romsey Road – Road Closure and Traffic Lights
Rownhams Road will remain closed. We will be working under two light heads on Romsey Road. However, please note we will be flipping the works area and the live running lane. The light head at Wimpson Lane will remain as per the current traffic management set up. 
 
Week Commencing 23rd March to 30th March: Romsey Road – Traffic Lights
Following completion of reinstatement at Romsey Road junction Rownhams Road, the team will continue along Romsey Road between the junctions of Winchester Road to Rownhams Road under lights. 
 
30th March to 10th April: Romsey Road – Directional Road Closure
After this, we will amend traffic management to a westbound directional road closure between Winchester Road and Redbridge Hill, to complete a connection. 
 
10th April to 4th May: Romsey Road – Traffic Lights
The team will continue works along Romsey Road, from the junction of Winchester Road to Ashmead Road, under lights. Please note, the four-way junction of Romsey Road and Rownhams Road will be unaffected during this phase.
 
4th May to 29th May: Wimpson Lane – Directional Road Closure
We will have a southbound directional lane closure in place on Wimpson Lane. Northbound traffic will remain unaffected.
 
We understand our work can be disruptive for road users and residents; our engineers are committed to completing these works as quickly and as safely as possible. These works are essential to ensure we can continue to provide a safe and efficient gas supply to residents and wider community and avoid further disruptive gas leaks in the future. 
 
If you need to speak to us about these works, please email our customer service team  customer@sgn.co.uk or call us on 0800 912 1700, they will direct your enquiry to a member of the team for response. 
 
We’re sorry for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience and understanding. 
 
SGN Southern Replacement" 

 

 

YOUR VIEWS: Lidl - Does the Labour Council Only Want the Money?

Southampton Labour has already robbed millions
that could have spent on roads
and spent it on the Arts Complex

Proposed Lidl Foodstore on Shirley Road and Villiers Road

Southampton Independents put residents, not MPs in London, first. We listen to residents. We act with residents. We are a local political party, formed by residents in 2017. Join us!

What do you think of the “new” plans by Lidl for the Shirley Road and Villiers Road site (new planning application 18/00746/FUL)?

Lidl already have a massive warehouse
that is adding pollution to our air

Southampton Independents Councillor Andrew Pope already objected to the previous planning application, so we were pleased that it was rejected by the Planning Committee.

Councillor Andrew Pope
in one of the roads nearby

Andrew says:

"Residents were disappointed that trees that I mentioned in his objection were not protected by the Labour-run Council. Why? And why did they demolish the site. Do they only want the money from selling the land? It seems so.

Have the plans changed enough? Have they dealt with your concerns? What do you think?

Southampton Independents will form our view based on what residents tell us. Contact us to tell us."

In the Daily Echo on 17th May, speaking on YET ANOTHER Lidl proposal in our City (on Brownhill Way in the North of our City), Andrew is quoted saying:

“I want to see what Lidl is going to do for local residents, because Lidl will be making lots of money, so they have to deliver benefits such as improved transport links, a new park and ride, and finally deliver on the promise of sustainability including solar panels...

The Labour Council has to make Lidl do this.

Residents and the local area must benefit from the new store, if it goes ahead.”

These comments apply to this site too. The Echo article is also available online here.

Tell us what YOU think of Lidl’s plans. Tell us what YOU think of our ideas. Contact us at the details on this website (on the left). We also have a Facebook page and a Twitter feed.

Leader of Southampton Independents Denise Wyatt says:

Leader of Southampton Independents
Denise Wyatt

"Standing as the Southampton Independents candidate, I almost took a Labour safe seat in Redbridge Ward, because I worked hard and listened to residents - not just at election time. The seat is now a marginal seat. So’ton Indies intend to win it next time.

Southampton Independents was formed to put YOU first, not MPs in London. 

Because Southampton Independents are local residents, just like you. Join us!"

VOTE
SOUTHAMPTON
INDEPENDENTS

YOUR VIEWS: Proposed Lidl on Brownhill Way

The Lidl Sign for the Huge Warehouse Nearby

Southampton Independents put residents, not MPs in London, first. We listen to residents. We act with residents. We act for residents. We are a local political party, formed by residents.

What do you think of the plans by Lidl for this site?

We have had supportive comments from residents. We have had objecting comments from residents. We have had concerns expressed by residents. And we have had neutral comments.

Southampton Independents will form our view based on what residents tell us.

And as quoted in the Daily Echo on 17th May, our Councillor Andrew Pope, who lives locally, says that we want residents to benefit from this development, if it goes ahead.

Southampton Independents
Councillor Andrew Pope

 Andrew is quoted:

“I want to see what Lidl is going to do for local residents, because Lidl will be making lots of money, so they have to deliver benefits such as improved transport links, a new park and ride, and finally deliver on the promise of sustainability including solar panels on top of the huge local warehouse.
The Labour Council has to make Lidl do this.
Residents and the local area must benefit from the new store, if it goes ahead.”

The Echo article is also available online here.

Tell us what YOU think of Lidl’s plans. Tell us what YOU think of our ideas. Contact us via sotonindies (at) gmail.com or via our Facebook page "Southampton Independents".

We put YOU first. Because Southampton Independents are local residents, just like you.

Denise Wyatt, Leader, Southampton Independents

Councillor Andrew Pope
Councillor for Redbridge Ward
Southampton City Council

At the next City Council elections in 2019
Vote Southampton Independents

VOTE TODAY FOR DENISE Polling Stations Open 7am - 10pm!

Look out for this dropping on your mat!

Lots of residents are backing Denise!

Denise Wyatt is the Southampton Independents Council Candidate for Redbridge Ward. Denise lives and works locally.

Denise Wyatt

Denise says: 

"Please vote for me today!

I am at the bottom of the ballot paper, because the names are in alphabetical order. With your help, when the votes are counted, I will be at the top!

I have been receiving amazing support from people on their doorsteps and on the streets. Lots and lots of people told me that they have already voted for me by post, and asked their friends and family too.

So many people have put posters up in their windows and put Southampton Independents boards in the gardens. Have you seen them? Thank you. Will you do the same? It's brilliant if you do it today. Show your support.

And it's not over yet! I'm not elected yet! Only one seat needs to change for a positive future! Labour has just a two majority and one seat changing means no more majority and we will stop their stupid decisions.

Please get out there and get all your friends and family to vote for me too.

We can't carry on with this useless Council!

You know that I stand up for you."

Sylvia and Richard support Denise

Sylvia Priestley (left), who lives in Redbridge says:

"I have joined Southampton Independents because they listen to you and they act upon your problems."

Richard Smith (right), who lives in Maybush says:

"Southampton Independents are the only party that actually DO what they say they will. They listen and act on what residents say."

Jenny supports Denise

Jenny Murray (left) lives in Millbrook, next to Mansel Park. Jenny says:

"Vote for the best. Vote for Denise Wyatt Southampton Independents."

Shelley supports Denise

Shelley Jones (left) lives in Redbridge. Shelley says:

"Vote for Southampton Independents for the things you want done.

They listen and act for you."

Southampton Independents Councillor Andrew Pope, who Denise hopes to join on the Council, lives in Maybush and says:

Southampton Independents
Councillor Andrew Pope
supports Denise

"Please put your cross next to Denise Wyatt Southampton Independents Putting You First and the Southampton Independents logo.

Denise has worked hard for 3 years for this. I know because I have worked with her and with lots of other local residents who want a better area.

Residents know this. Residents trust Denise. Residents know Denise stands up for them. 

Denise is a respected and trusted woman in our area. 

This is why residents are backing Denise. You can get Denise elected today, or you can carry on with more of the same stuff.

Denise did very well the first time she stood, two years ago, but did not win overall. 

Denise has achieved so much for our area.  As an elected councillor, she can achieve so much more by carrying on her hard work. I am proud to stand up for residents with her and I will be proud of serving you with Denise.

You can make it happen today, polling stations are open 7am to 10pm.

Thank you for supporting Southampton Independents.

We listen to YOU. We put YOU first."

UPDATED: Labour-run Council Mishandles Bush Hill FC's Proposal

Southampton Independents
Councillor Andrew Pope

Our Redbridge Council Candidate Denise Wyatt
and
Millbrook Council Candidate Ed Edworthy

UPDATED (20th April 2018):

Our Councillor Andrew Pope has complained again to Council officers that the website does not properly show the objections and comments relating to this application. This is a week after he raised initial complaints. Andrew says:

"Just what is this Labour-run Council doing? They are failing on planning applications and on protecting our parks. 

Having had six years in power, Southampton Labour have failed to keep weekly bins, failed to fix our roads, failed to fix our pavements, closed care centres at Woodside Lodge, Brownhill House and Kentish Road, and threatened countless times to take away our public park. Vote them out on 3rd May.".

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On this website, Facebook and Twitter, we have shown that we care about Southampton and its communities, sports clubs, businesses and parks.

And we care about local residents.

You may have read on this website about the proposal by Bush Hill FC to put up a large 7 foot solid metal fence around an area larger than their football pitch on Mansel Park. It would include gating off public park owned by the Council.

Residents have told us that the impact of Bush Hill FC on the area is already unacceptable, especially on match days. And this proposal would make things worse.

Residents have objected to the proposal. More residents then objected to the proposal. The objectors have included local residents and Council Candidates Denise Wyatt and Ed Edworthy, and Southampton Independents Councillor Andrew Pope.

And now even more residents across the area are objecting to the proposal.

New information has now come to light, because the Labour-run Southampton City Council has failed to handle this planning application properly.

Southampton Independents Councillor Andrew Pope says:

"I have raised concerns with officers of Labour-run Southampton City Council about how they have handled this case. I have contacted senior officers including the Chief Executive.

Now, new information has come to light about quite how badly they have handled it.

To protect local residents, I am not divulging that information now.

I have raised the issue with the authorities.

I am also raising other issues such as the continuing criminal incidents on retail businesses in our area, and the continuing rogue motorbike problems.

I have asked for an urgent meeting with the Tory Police and Crime Commissioner Michael Lane. 

This is not the first time I have had to meet with a Police Commissioner. The previous one, Independent Simon Hayes, listened and acted when I met with him. I hope Conservative Michael Lane will do the same.

Mr Lane needs to get a grip on policing in Southampton. 

And the Labour Council need to get a grip too. They are supposed to be a local authority, so they need to start acting like one."

Southern Water - Worst with Southampton's Water

Southern Water Signs of Failure

Our community activists look out for problems in Southampton's communities.

They don't just keep Southampton City Council on their toes. Southampton Independents keep utility companies working for you.

Members of our Redbridge team twice spotted the same water leak over the last week. The sign in the photo above claimed that Southern Water were aware, and that the leak would be fixed by 13th December.

In Winter this will ice up

The photos were taken today (18th December). Obviously it still isn't fixed. A worker nearby told us that he had reported the problem to Southern Water again on Friday 15th December. Still it wasn't fixed.

A dangerous path

So Southampton Independents Redbridge campaigner Denise Wyatt and our Councillor Andrew Pope took these photos, and have followed up with Southern Water to ask them why it hasn't been fixed, and when it is going to be fixed.

Another dangerous path

The problem is especially dangerous as it has now created pools of water, pools of water and mud and wet paths. These paths are used by many members of the public every day, including by elderly people and by children.

School children and elderly people walk here

 And in water these long lengths of path will turn into ICE.

Elderly people walk here - ICE danger

Southampton Independents Councillor Andrew Pope said:                                                                                                                           

Councillor Andrew Pope

"This is a serious and urgent safety issue for Millbrook residents. 

The Water Regulator CCWater said in September this year that Southern Water were the worst performing water company for the FIFTH year running. So it is perhaps not surprising that they haven't fixed this problem on time. 

The leak is near a block for elderly residents. And next to a very well-used path on a main road in Millbrook. Southern Water have tried to blame Vodafone, so why did they put up the sign telling residents it would be fixed - and it hasn't.

They have apologised to me and said it will be fixed.

I will continue to pressure Southern Water and other utility companies to protect Millbrook residents, just like I did four years ago when Southern Electric lost the power to hundreds of homes in the area. I forced them into an apology and won compensation."

Denise Wyatt

Redbridge campaigner and Leader of Southampton Independents Denise Wyatt said:

"Southampton Independents was formed by local residents so that they can work together on the problems they face. 

Activists like Andrew and I help to solve problems like water leaks and power cuts. We help residents to have better and easier lives, despite the failures of Labour-run Southampton City Council and the Tory Government.

What issues are important to you where you live in Southampton?"

Disruption to Christmas/New Year Rail

We try to let Southampton residents know of any important information that comes to us.

We would like to let you know of disruption to the railways in and around Southampton over the Christmas and New Year period.

Please pass this information on to your friends, work colleagues, family and neighbours.

This is caused by works being done by Network Rail and South Western Railway. So please don't blame us! We are merely passing the information on.

More information is below and at the following link:

https://www.southwesternrailway.com/plan-my-journey/planned-improvements/christmas--new-year-holiday-period

Denise Wyatt

Denise Wyatt
Leader, Southampton Independents

Railway upgrade work over the festive period – Southampton area

We are writing to you about vital upgrade work in the Southampton area over Christmas and the New Year that will affect passenger services.

Work will start early on the morning of Sunday 24 December 2017 and finish late on Monday 1 January 2018 (services will operate as usual on 2 January). There will also be two earlier dates (Sunday 10 December and Sunday 17 December) where engineering work will be taking place. Further work in January and February will also be carried out.

More than 100 engineers and track staff will be working shifts 24 hours a day to replace around 6,000 metres of cabling and around 200 metres of track. The benefits of this £8 million project include improved reliability for passengers and reduced track noise for our lineside neighbours.

This work will mean there will be no services between Southampton Airport Parkway and Southampton Central and the line between Southampton Airport Parkway and Fareham will also be closed. Detailed background information is provided below.

There will be no trains from St Denys, Swaythling or Bitterne stations. Rail replacement bus services will be in operation and there will be road diversions as two level crossings (Mount Pleasant Road and Adelaide Road) will be temporarily closed.

Passengers wishing to travel from London to Southampton Central or beyond during this period will need to change for rail replacement bus services at Southampton Airport Parkway. Work is being carried out at this time as up to 50% fewer people travel over Christmas.

Advice to passengers regarding wider Christmas engineering work on the railway network has already been published. Specific information on work at Southampton will start to be sent to passengers this week, including through on-train announcements, social media, local media and station advertising.

Network Rail has also written to its lineside neighbours regarding the work and we will be holding passenger information sessions at stations.
We are advising people to ‘check before you travel’ through National Rail Enquiries and the South Western Railway website. 

Councillor Andrew Pope

Southampton Independents Councillor Andrew Pope has also made further enquiries about Redbridge and Millbrook services. The following is the response:

"South Western Railway services will be affected at Redbridge and Millbrook stations as a result of these works.

The services from Millbrook and Redbridge stations have been re-timed and services will not run further east than Southampton. Additionally, on24 and 31 December, westbound services will only run to Poole and not to Salisbury.

Our timetables have been updated to reflect the changes in services during this time, and we are advising passengers to check before they travel."

PHOTOS: Southampton Labour Fails Again on Tower Blocks

The Top Floor Stairwell of Millbrook Towers

Southampton Independents has been campaigning for better fire safety since the fire at Redbridge Towers in April 2017.

As shown on this website, our campaigning with residents forced the Labour-run Council to commit to install sprinklers in all Council tower blocks.

Before our campaign, the Labour-run Council's boss of Housing, Warwick Payne, said that residents did not want sprinklers.

We forced Labour to think again.

Southampton Independents prefer action, not empty words.

We were formed by residents, for residents.

Since the Grenfell Tower disaster in London, we have been pressuring the Labour-run Council even more.

As shown on this website, we have exposed Councillor Payne's failure to fix long-running problems with fire safety in Canberra Towers. This block is in Weston in the Council ward that Councillor Payne represents, Woolston ward.

Some of those problems have remained for a long time, despite Councillor Payne's Housing staff having reports from fire safety experts that showed problems remained unfixed.

On the BBC's Inside Out programme, Councillor Payne did not explain why these long-known problems were not fixed. On the BBC, Councillor Payne's back was to the wall, residents tell us.

Southampton Independents Councillor Andrew Pope says:

Councillor Andrew Pope

"I have challenged Councillor Payne directly to explain why he hasn't fixed the problems. 

Councillor Payne did not give an adequate explanation.  

Councillor Payne has been in this post for over five years and claims to be an experienced Councillor. I've been telling him for five years that he needs to get a grip. Yet Labour keeps him as "Housing Boss". Why?

It is time that the people of Woolston and Weston voted him and the two other Labour councillors in Woolston Hammond and Blatchford out. This is supposed to be the area that they represent, but they too have failed. 

It's the same in Redbridge and Millbrook, the two Labour councillors McEwing and Whitbread have failed to get Southampton Labour to fix the problems in Redbridge Towers and Millbrook Towers.

And don't forget that Millbrook Labour councillor Mike Denness is under investigation by the Council. 

It is Southampton Independents that is exposing Labour's failures and potential corruption.

Labour is supposed to be in charge, but all they do is charge more Council Tax for a worse Council."

Now, Southampton Independents is publishing below more photos of failures by the Labour-run Council to protect residents of tower blocks. These photos were taken during the last two weeks.

Like before, this is not an exhaustive list of their failures. It is the job of Southampton City Council and Southampton Labour that is supposed to be running it properly.

Leader of Southampton Independents Denise Wyatt says:

Leader of Southampton Independents Denise Wyatt

"Southampton Labour should have fixed the problems. 

Southampton Labour should have known about the problems. 

Southampton Labour should care. But it doesn't. It just pretends. 

We publish these photos to show how Southampton Labour has failed again on tower blocks. 

What is the difference between Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council where Grenfell Tower is, and Southampton City Council? 

One is Tory. The other is Labour. 

Like residents tell us all of the time, whether it is Labour or Tory, it's the same old story - residents let down by the Westminster parties."

The only sure way is to vote Labour and Tory councillors out in the City Council election in May 2018.

The only sure way is to vote for Southampton Independents candidates to replace Labour and Tory councillors in May 2018.

Contact us to get involved to help us to help you, your family and your area.

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Damaged handles on fire doors

Many fire doors don't close properly

Another fire door that doesn't close properly

Yet another fire door that doesn't close properly

Rusty hinges on fire doors - will this protect residents in a fire?

The Coroner of Shirley Towers said firefighters were caught in loose cables

Cable through frame of fire door

Bent handle on fire door

Wooden replacements for ventilation grilles - are they fire safe?

Plastic housing for lighting - is this fire safe?

UPDATED: Southampton Labour Councillors Under Investigation

Southampton Labour's Wilting Rose

UPDATE (7th October 2017):

Southampton Independents Councillor Andrew Pope has submitted a formal complaint on Labour Councillor for Millbrook Mike Denness. 

A similar and related complaint was raised by Conservative Councillor Jeremy Moulton. The Independent Person investigating as an external investigator has been appointed.

We have substantial evidence going back to 2014 which supports Councillor Pope's complaint and the allegations made. Residents support our complaint, because they are very unhappy with Councillor Denness' conduct.

Councillor Pope also attended the Council's Planning and Rights of Way Panel on Tuesday, representing Redbridge residents against the Test Lane development. Neither of the two Labour councillors for Redbridge, McEwing and Whitbread, attended to stand up for Redbridge residents.

Despite attempts by Councillor Denness and the Legal Officer present to prevent him from speaking up, Andrew spoke up to say that because of the investigation into Councillor Denness, that Councillor Denness should not be chairing the Planning meeting. Andrew suggested that Labour and Tory councillors should propose a vote of no confidence in Councillor Denness. Sadly, they failed to do so.

Councillor Denness presided as Chair over the entire meeting, including the McDonald's at Woolston and the Test Lane development, which was not refused AGAIN for a FIFTH time.

Incredibly, two Cabinet members spoke on the McDonald's development without declaring an interest, since they had been involved in the Cabinet on the sale of the land at McDonald's. The Cabinet APPROVED THE SALE OF THE LAND.

Southampton Independents think that Labour councillors Warwick Payne and Councillor Christopher Hammond should be more open and transparent about their previous dealings with McDonald's. Do you agree with us?

Leader of Southampton Independents Denise Wyatt also spoke at the meeting against the Test Lane development. Denise urged the Labour and Tory councillors sitting on the PROW Panel that Councillor Denness be removed as Chair. As noted above, they refused to do so.

Denise has also asked for her Formal Complaint into the Leader of the Council, Labour Councillor Simon Letts, to be re-opened in the light of the complaints into Councillor Denness, who was relied upon to defend Councillor Letts.

Southampton Independents also understands that residents are considering submitting formal complaints into Councillor Denness.

Southampton Independents listens to residents. We take action for residents.

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BBC Radio Solent political reporter Hannah Bewley's Twitter feed said on Wednesday 20th September 2017 that Southampton Labour* Councillor for Millbrook Mike Denness is under investigation by Southampton City Council.

Mike Denness

He asked residents at a meeting about plans for Shirley store to send responses to his company freepost address.

— Hannah Bewley (@HannahBewley) September 20, 2017

The company's website shows the following information about Mike Denness, mentioning his councillor role:

"Mike brings a wealth of experience to Local Dialogue, furthered by his role as a local Councillor and Chair of a Planning Committee on the south coast."

Attempts by Conservative opposition councillor Jeremy Moulton to ask questions of Councillor Denness at yesterday's Full Council meeting of all councillors were stopped by the Mayor of the Council who chaired the meeting. The Mayor gave the reason given by the Council's Monitoring Officer Richard Ivory that an investigation was being conducted.

Councillor Moulton raised the complaint about Mike Denness.

Southampton Independents Councillor for Redbridge Andrew Pope said today, Thursday 21st September:

Councillor Andrew Pope

"I am not surprised that Mike Denness is under investigation. 

I raised concerns about Councillor Denness and conflicts of interest in Full Council in 2015, having previously taken those concerns to the Labour Group Whip Councillor John Noon and Labour Group Leader Councillor Simon Letts in 2014.  

I also raised concerns with the same Monitoring Officer (the Council's officer Richard Ivory) in 2015 and at a Planning Meeting chaired by Mike Denness.

Action was taken in 2014, but it didn't go far enough. And no action was taken when I raised those concerns repeatedly in 2015. 

Many residents have remarked to me that they believe it is wrong for a Chair of a Planning Committee to preside over decisions that could involve developers and organisations that Councillor Denness may know from his business contacts. 

This was especially the case in the highly controversial Test Lane development, which Southampton Independents fiercely resisted with local residents. 

The Labour Council and Labour-controlled Planning Committee that Councillor Denness chaired sold the land and gave planning permission on it. They ignored the concerns of Redbridge residents.

I understand from the Lidl public meeting that Councillor Denness used his business contact details for his councillor role. 

And I understand from local media contacts that Councillor Letts has already admonished Councillor Denness. 

Yet Councillor Letts sought to defend Councillor Denness in yesterday's Full Council meeting when questions were attempted to be asked. It seemed that the entire Labour Group of councillors wished to defend Councillor Denness too. 

They must be under pressure. I've seen this pressure put on councillors before, under former Councillor Williams** when I was a Labour Councillor. I resigned from Labour in 2015 and became an Independent because of the way Labour operates in Southampton.

It is right that Councillor Denness is under investigation.

When the Leader of Southampton Independents Denise Wyatt asked for Councillor Letts to be investigated by the same Monitoring Officer, Councillor Denness was heavily depended upon for Councillor Letts' defence.

Denise Wyatt will be asking for Councillor Letts' investigation to be re-opened in the light of the current investigation into Councillor Denness."

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Notes:

*Prior to joining Labour, Councillor Denness was a former long-term member of the Conservative Party and former agent for Basingstoke Conservative MP Maria Miller.

** These investigations into Labour councillors come four years after former Labour Leader of Southampton City Council Richard Williams resigned as Leader and as a councillor in 2013 following a lengthy investigation, and comments in the Daily Echo newspaper from his Deputy Leader Councillor Jacqui Rayment that "he probably wants to rule the world".

Councillor Rayment was cited in the same investigation as former Councillor Williams, but she did not resign.

Councillor Letts became the Leader after Richard Williams resigned, following a temporary appointment of Councillor Rayment as Leader.