Totton Lib Dem County Councillor, David Harrison encouraged Mr Shepherd to take his case direct to a full meeting of the County Council at Winchester. Here, all members of the County Council and key officers heard Mr Shepherd outline the importance of maintaining a right of way on footpath 11, located in Hawkers Close, Totton - which has a recent history of being obstructed by illegally parked cars.

Both Cllr. Harrison and Mr Shepherd had been making representations to the County Council for many months to get Officers to take appropriate enforcement action. As a result of Mr Shepherd's direct plea, Tory Leader, Ken Thornber, was moved to promise swift and decisive action to remedy the situation. To howls of laughter, Mr Shepherd would not accept the Leaders verbal assurance and insisted and duly received written reassurance.

Cllr Keith House (Member for Eastleigh) told the chamber that members had just witnessed the best example of "real scrutiny" in action.

After the meeting, Mr Shepperd declared that he was really pleased with the outcome. Cllr. Harrison said "I represent the interests of about 15,000 people in Totton and Marchwood. It is very unusual for an individual resident to take advantage of the right to present a case direct to the County Council. However, protecting a right of way is an important matter that benefits the wider community. I was therefore very pleased to encourage Mr Shepherd to make his case in this way. It worked out well and we both hope swift action will now follow".