WE’VE been hearing for some time now that the hard times of the past few years may finally be drawing to some sort of close.

The phrase “green shoots of recovery” has been uttered with increasing regularity by politicians and economists looking to capitalise on any inkling of financial positivity.

But those shoots appear to be really sprouting here in the south and all that talking could at last be turning into pound notes.

Yesterday Transport Minister Stephen Hammond returned to his home town to open a new vehicle handling complex at Southampton Port.

And while the former King Edward VI pupil was doing the honours at the city’s £7m fifth handling terminal, port bosses had sights elsewhere.

Car exports are so successful that another handling terminal is proposed – on the other side of Southampton Water – at Marchwood Military Port if the MoD decides to sell the land next year.

While the success of the port is a huge fillip to Hampshire’s economy, expansion on the Waterside has already started ripples of discontent among locals.

Plans are at a very early stage and will no doubt include masses of consultation.

What is certain, though, is the port is vital to our economic recovery here in Hampshire and its success must be embraced by all.