MP grilled on buses, crime and pollution

Darren Paffey answered questions on a variety of issues

Bus services and river pollution were among the issues raised by radio listeners with one of Southampton's MPs.

Southampton Itchen's Darren Paffey was quizzed by listeners during a Hotseat interview on BBC Radio Solent with presenter Chris Jarvis.

He was elected in 2024, winning the constituency from the Conservatives.

The issues of anti-social behaviour and crime levels in the city were also discussed in the programme.

It comes after traders in the Shirley area complained about groups of teenagers causing damage to shops and properties, while listeners on the programme raised concerns about a lack of police officers on the streets.

Mr Paffey said: "We had 15 years of austerity when police numbers went down and down and down.

"We need to reverse that, we've made a start. Those new officers are in training.

"The important bit is whether people feel safer, and whether they see justice being done after crimes take place.

"I've been constantly in touch with the police and out in the night-time economy seeing whether people feel safe at night.

"The ability to investigate does depend on there being more police numbers - that's the discussion I'm having with the police and crime commissioner to make sure Southampton gets its fair share of the new officers the Labour government is investing in."

Campaigners gathered near the River Itchen last year to protest against sewage in the water

The condition of the River Itchen was also discussed.

Last year protests were held, with residents complaining about what they claimed was high levels of sewage pollution and odours from the Portswood treatment works.

Among callers to the programme, Graham Cotton from Bitterne Park said he had seen the river "deteriorate quite badly" over the 50 years he has lived nearby.

"Is anything going to be done to stop pollution and the way the river is maintained - nothing seems to be done about bringing it up to standard," he said.

Mr Paffey said the Water Special Measures Bill would allow "much tighter monitoring" of water companies.

"I've been into the local schools where the smell from the treatment works is so bad, the kids can't go out to the playground. Something has got to be done," he said.

"I've been in touch with the chief executive of Southern Water and we've agreed they need to prioritise the investment needed in Portswood treatment works to make sure they they are clearing up the smell.

"Further upstream there is runoff from the roads and from agricultural areas which is equally adding to the pollution.

"I've started a campaign to achieve bathing water status for the river within Southampton."

Mr Paffey said bus services in Southampton should be further improved

Elsewhere, bus users raised concerns about a lack of services in outlying areas of the city.

Mr Paffey said: "There's lots been happening in recent years and lots that still needs doing.

"I was really pleased when the government invested £4m in new funding to help improve those bus services in Southampton.

"We've got to make those cross-areas connections much better and work with the bus companies on those routes.

"I would like to see the return of a tram system - in however long it would take, 10, 20 years. Other cities have managed it. It can happen if we have the vision to do it."