COMMUNITY involvement and good communications are key to the future of Whitehill and Bordon, came the clear message from last week's Whitehill-Bordon town partnership meeting. At the AGM of town partnership on Monday members of the committee agreed that working 'hand in glove' with the Whitehill-Bordon Opportunity Group, East Hampshire District Council and residents, was essential to the town's future as the MOD prepare to leave. Leader of East Hampshire District Council, Ferris Cowper said as he addressed the meeting: "If anything demands partnership – this does. The Whitehill-Bordon Opportunity is the biggest event in the town's history – there's not much doubt about that. "But, it is also the biggest event in the history of East Hampshire District Council, and we therefore have a mutuality of interest to make it work well. "So well in fact, that people across Britain will visit and ask 'how did they do it? "East Hampshire District Council are with you all the way. And we are a generous and reliable partner." The AGM saw some changes to the committee, Bill Wain resigned from his post as chairman due to the constitution of the group, and Ian Dowdle was voted as new chairman. Mr Dowdle said: "It's an honour to be voted in as chairman. Bill has done a superb job, and I have only stepped into the breach on the understanding that he stays as secretary and vice chairman. "It is my priority now to broaden out the membership base, and get as many people as possible involved, and give this town a voice. We want to get as many people involved as possible, and make sure we make the most of this opportunity for the residents of Whitehill-Bordon." Despite the overall positive nature of the meeting, there are still challenges ahead of the town partnership. Mr Dowdle said: "It is looking very positive, but the hardest thing for us now is to remain interested and focused. "It has been a hard slog to get to this point, but we have to rememberer the goal is in front of us, and the last thing we want to do is run out of steam before we reach it. We have to keep the momentum going – and we can do that with increased community involvement." The issue of transport and the possibility of reinstating the railway line was an obvious concern to members of the audience, and when asked about it, Mr Cowper said: "Don't let anybody tell you it's impossible. It will be difficult, but I will not stop until I'm at 10 Downing Street." Concerns were also expressed that EHDC may provide the town with what the council believe is right for residents, rather than what residents themselves want – a question to which Mr Cowper gave a confident answer: "I have made several promises tonight, and if I can't deliver, I'll resign." If you would like to become involved in the future of the town, or would like to find out more, please contact Ian Dowdle on 01420 476612.
