Well Havant's Tory MP found himself being challenged to return to Victorian values when the latest tourist attraction on Hayling was unveiled at Eastoke Corner, on June 21.

David Willetts was the guest of honour chosen to officially unveil a working replica of the Island's medieval contraption, which date back to the 15th Century.

And a modern day incarnation of Hayling's Lord of the Manor William Padwick, played by HIADS' Laurie Noble, called on the honourable member of Parliament to consider their restitution for dealing with today's ASBO generation.

There was an hilarious moment as the public address system produced an ear-splitting raspberry just as the MP was called up to lift the sheet draped over the stocks.

No sooner had they been declared open for tourists to pose in for pictures then a "Hayling hoodlum" - in character costume from Victorian times - tottered up, flagon of cider in hand, and started barracking the MP.

It was in fact a fellow Conservative Party member! But Hayling West councillor Andy Lenaghan was all part of the performance, and the cry of "Constable! Arrest that man went up from Mr Padwick, who had arrived in a carriage provided by Hayling benefactor Michael Camp, with ponies provided by Becky Byron and Bill Lee.

The miscreant was quickly manacled amid great cheers from the 200-strong watching crowd.

And while his political opponents might have been wishing for rotten tomatoes and eggs, children from the Island Dance Fusion group, who had performed Consider Yourself from Oliver as part of the show, threw soaking wet sponge balls at him.

The original public stocks – used to lock up petty thieves and drunks – were sited in Elm Grove until late Victorian times, before ending up in Havant Museum.

They were spotted there by Discover Hayling's Robin Walton, who came up with the idea of finding a spot where a replica could be sited.

He got Southwick blacksmith Dave Cox and James Light, from Hayling's Media Joinery, to make them. Havant Borough Council workmen installed them a few days beforehand with a plaque explaining the stocks' history.

Robin Walton said: "Discover Hayling has had fantastic financial support from Michael Camp and the Bosmere Hundred Society, plus donations from William Padwick's descendant Roger Colebrook and his wife Trisha, and the county council via Ted Gale, as well as many donations from Islanders.

"Their generosity has helped make this project happen and hopefully everybody has played their part in helping to promote Hayling's heritage both locally and further afield."