Alan Mak MP Off The Fence column: Speaking up for residents on issues you care about

A central part of my role as your local MP is speaking up on issues that matter to you and campaigning on your behalf.

I'm opposing plans by Bloor Homes to build 1,800 houses at Southleigh between Emsworth and Denvilles that have now been submitted to Havant Borough Council.

Housing on this scale and in this location is not viable without a wide range of supporting infrastructure, including but not limited to a link road to the A27.

Many residents have contacted me to say they are concerned about the impact on local services and the extra traffic. To sign my petition, go to www.AlanMak.org.uk/Southleigh

I'm also continuing my campaign to secure full restoration of NHS diagnostic services at Oak Park Clinic in Havant.

I led a debate on the issue in the House of Commons and launched a petition. Since then ultrasound scans have recommenced, while new liver FibroScans have also been introduced. Scans in general have actually increased.

But basic X-rays and echocardiograms are still not available and I recently met NHS managers at Oak Park to discuss this.

If you agree with me that full diagnostic services should be restored, please sign my petition at www.AlanMak.org.uk/OakPark

Meanwhile I've restated my opposition after Southern Water submitted plans for water recycling at the new Havant Thicket reservoir.

This would involve treated wastewater being used to top up the new reservoir.

I support the building of the reservoir, but I oppose water recycling top up because the technology is unproven in the UK and there is a lack of confidence in Southern Water to operate the scheme.

I'll continue my work in Parliament and locally to oppose this scheme and represent the views of local residents. To sign my petition, go to www.AlanMak.org.uk/WaterRecycling

Would you like to go on a tour of Parliament and meet me for a Q&A session? Please register your interest at www.alanmak.org.uk/Tours 

The best ways to stay up to date with the work I'm doing as your local MP all year round are to follow my social media accounts, especially Facebook (www.fb.com/AlanMakHavant), and sign up for my weekly residents' email newsletter at www.alanmak.org.uk/newsletter.

I'm providing free St. George and Union flags to constituents and encourage you to fly them to celebrate all that's great about our country. To get yours, apply online at www.alanmak.org.uk/Flag.

You can also share your views on local and national issues with me by completing my online survey at www.alanmak.org.uk/Survey

Alan Mak MP, Member of Parliament for the Havant Constituency