So, we are moving to Gosport in a couple of weeks... We went and had a sneaky look at the place and it doesn't seem that bad - they're painting everything and we've got new carpets - but I'm more worried about the area in general.

Any of you lovely ladies able to shed any light on it? We are moving to what seems like a predominantly forces estate just north of Rowner (I read that Rowner is rough)

We tried to get somewhere closer to camp but housing said that this house is the closest they have until September and they have no other accommodation (not even a flat) available until after then. And even if we do apply to move closer we are at the bottom of the pile to move as we would be low priority... Is it really always this awkward?

i was unfortunate to live in Rowner thank god it was only there for over a year. where is it your quarter is in gosport

Hubby and I live out but we have friends down there and know the area well.

The traffic is truely horrendous at the peak times. It puts the M25 to shame. There's only one road in and out so the whole place crawls. The new fast bus system hasn't changed anything, it's still a nightmare.

There's not much there as regards to shops. Gosport town centre died a few years ago and Fareham's little better. At least you can take the ferry across to Portsmouth to escape - but you'll need a mortgage if you take a bike with you! Big Asda opposite the gate at Collingwood is OK and now has competition from a big Tesco just opened in Fareham.

The area generally has more than its fare share of *uckwits, as does Portsmouth, so be careful after dark.

Otherwise the housing is ering done up slowly but surely, but don't expect a quick fix if your boiler breaks down. That might be in general, but friends living on patch round there seem to have particularly long waits (even with small children!).

The coast is quite lovely round there though and lots of good dog-walking routes.

i was advised never to leave my key in back door when you go out that way no one has easy way out with your stuff,