A CAMPAIGNER for progress at Picket Twenty has resigned from his role in a forum with the development’s stakeholders as he ‘no longer believes the majority of members want to make it a better place to live’.

Adam Buckenham threw in the towel as deputy chair of Picket Twenty Forum, which brings together members of the estate developer Persimmon Homes, Hampshire County Council and other voices to discuss issues of the area and improve the site.

In Mr Buckenham’s resignation letter on June 7, he highlighted problems such as flooding and a lack of a school crossing as changes that could have been made.

He said: “We had an opportunity to show everyone that the system can work. Developers, councils, local companies and residents can make a better place for all. I was pleased to find that there are some elected officials who do care and do try to make Picket Twenty a better place. Cllr Iris Andersen and Cllr Andy Fitchet have tried to work hard for the residents but I am sorry to say they are only two voices.

“If we all put some effort in we could have set a bench mark for the rest of Hampshire to follow. Did we need to make big changes? No, but the changes we did need to make were important.

“I will always support and provide a voice for the residents of Picket Twenty, it is just sad that so many public leaders do not want to do their jobs and be there for THEIR residents.”

Speaking to the Advertiser, Mr Buckenham explained the quest for a school crossing by the community centre and Pilgrims’ Cross Primary School, where he described cars “fly by” at more than 30mph, putting school children in danger.

While Persimmon Homes is currently responsible for maintaining the roads, this will be transferred to Hampshire County Council once the developer meets required standards.

A spokesman for Persimmon Homes South Coast, said: “We are continuing to work with the member of the Picket Twenty Forum in relation to resolution of the concerns that have been raised and, in parallel, are working with Hampshire County Council Highways and Test Valley Borough Council in relation to final completion of roads and footpaths in various areas of the development.

“With regards to the crossing points, temporary measures have been put in place where necessary ahead of final completion of the raised uncontrolled crossing points, which will be installed as part of the final surfacing works.”

Pilgrims’ Cross Primary School declined to comment on the issue.

The forum was established last year and meets quarterly, which chair Iris Andersen believes is a breakthrough to share direct communication with a director of the estate’s developer.

Cllr Andersen said: “As chair I know how frustrating it is for the residents up there they have had quite a few issues. Going forward for achieving things between Persimmon it is good but things do take time.

“I want to try and carry on with this forum and get positive answers.

“It was a shock that Adam resigned, he’s put a lot of hard work into it I’m hoping he will reconsider to come back.”