Congratulations to Cllr Phil Lashbrook and Cllr Linda Lashbrook who were elected the new Mayor and Mayoress of Test Valley at our Annual Council meeting. A busy year lies ahead for them, attending various events and good causes as well as chairing our council meetings. I’d also like to use this column to thank Cllr Alan Dowden and Cllr Celia Dowden for serving the borough as mayor and mayoress for the last 12 months. Although we represent different political parties, they’ve both done a superb job, attending hundreds of community events. Thanks too to my fellow councillors for formally re-electing me as leader of Test Valley. It’s a huge honour to lead the council and I will continue to work relentlessly for local residents.  

My first job following Annual Council was to visit our Environmental Services depot to record a video about our recent switch from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil in our bin lorries. Reducing the council’s carbon emissions generated from our fleet vehicles by 95 per cent. Using this biofuel does not require expensive vehicle changes and is completely fossil-free, fulfilling one of the pledges we made in our Climate Emergency action plan. Sticking with the environmental theme, the council has also been taking part in No Mow May – a national campaign to support pollinators by leaving stretches of land to grow wild. Creating essential habitats for bees and butterflies. Not only great for the environment but making our parks, verges and the edges of our recreation spaces look even more attractive. This year this includes 30 hectares of urban meadowland, which have been blooming with wildflowers. 

Finally, I’m pleased to report that thanks to our prudent investments, the council brought in another £2.23m in additional income during the 2022/23 financial year. Enabling us to maintain frontline services and fund our generous community grants programme, whilst also ensuring our portion of the council tax remains £40 lower than the average for the rest of England. Full details are included in a report being discussed at cabinet this coming week.  

Cllr Phil North

Leader of Test Valley Borough Council

Bourne Valley Ward councillor

County councillor for Andover South