Councillor David Harrison "Very happy"

Every year, in the summer months, scores of young children can be seen grouping around the busy road at Redbridge. Some children, as young as 10 years old, risk life and limb by jumping into the river below. Many local people have expressed fears about the dangers but local authorities have been unwilling to help tackle the problem.

Last year, Councillor David Harrison brought forward a motion to New Forest District Council, calling on the authority to take a lead in helping sort out the problem. However, the Tory controlled Council declined to do so. Leading Tory Councillors argued that nothing could be done or that responsibility rests with other authorities.

Councillor Harrison, refusing to be "put off" by the set-back, decided that he would test the new multi-agency community safety initiatives as a means of tackling the problem. He approached the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority (HFRA), explaining the dangers of the annual bridge jumping spectacle. He put forward some ideas and asked that the HFRA work in partnership with other agencies to try and sort out the problem.

In a major break through, a package of measures has now been announced, all of which should contribute towards making Redbridge a safer place in the summer months. An education package, including a DVD will be prepared by HMS Coastguard and HFRA. This will be presented to local schools in assemblies. The package will be called "Think B4 you Jump" Key schools in the New Forest and Southampton will be targeted in June and July 2006.

Accredited Community Safety Officers and police will be tasked with keeping an eye on activities at Redbridge during the summer months. Youngsters seen jumping will be challenged and where appropriate, names taken & parents notified. The emphasis will be on educating those involved about the dangers.

Discussions are taking place with Officers and Highway Engineers at Hampshire County Council about the possibility of designing out the problem, including the possibility of separating traffic and people, with barriers, on the road bridge.

Commenting on the latest developments, Councillor Harrison says "I'm really very happy that all these measures are being taken forward. I don't think the Conservatives on the New Forest District Council were exercising their public duty towards fostering safe communities when choosing to vote down my proposals. This recent success shows that a bit of drive and determination can overcome such barriers and I owe a big vote of thanks to the HFRA for taking this on and getting results".