BOROUGH NEWS Spring 2020
eastleigh.gov.uk
@eastleighbc
160,000 more trees by 2030 Council announces largest ever tree planting scheme in the Borough to improve environment Later this year Eastleigh Borough Council is embarking on its largest ever tree and hedgerow planting scheme with the aim of planting 160,000 more trees by 2030 - one for every Borough resident - as part of our response to the climate and environmental emergency, It will also ensure that, over the next 10 years, we are planting trees for future generations to enjoy. Once launched, the scheme will provide the opportunity to plant a variety of native tree species to help improve the biodiversity and ecology of the Borough. It will be designed to create new wildlife corridors with a particular focus on species including those that flower and provide berries throughout the year and at the same time the trees will be locking in carbon dioxide. Alongside this we aim to introduce enhanced rules for developers designed to ensure any development leads to a net gain in trees.
We will liaise with residents, local groups and businesses to identify areas that can be planted including on our open spaces and the urban environment. For example on an open space or countryside site;
of many Council initiatives that are in response to the climate and environmental emergency It’s a great opportunity for the Council and our communities to plant trees for the benefit of wildlife, our Borough and future generations. All our schemes will be designed to prioritise planting to support and enhance wildlife corridors and biodiversity.”
- businesses can plant a tree for each of their employees.
To keep up to date on this project sign up to our free weekly Borough News update by visiting: eastleigh.gov.uk/weeklynews
Council Leader, Cllr Keith House, said: “This largest tree planting scheme ever in the Borough is one
Picture above: The trees will benefit future generations, like Florence and Freddie of Horton Heath.
- residents can sponsor or plant a tree for themselves or their children.
People in Eastleigh Borough are pledging to make a difference to tackle the climate and environmental emergency. Leading climate scientists are clear – lifestyle changes can make a big difference and ‘everyone is going to have to be involved’ if we are to secure a safe environment for future generations. Residents are pledging to change the way they travel, the food they eat, the products they buy, the energy they use and how they care for wildlife.
To find out more and to make your pledge visit: eastleigh.gov.uk/climatechange
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Our focus As a Council, we are focused on improving the quality of life of everyone living and working in the Borough, both now and in the future. The stories in this issue are themed around the key areas where we are making a positive difference to people’s lives.
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Green Borough Maintaining an attractive and sustainable environment that residents value, and which can allow residents and businesses to thrive.
Health and Wellbeing 4
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Improving the health and wellbeing of people who live and work in the Borough and supporting and creating sustainable communities. We want all our residents and people working in the Borough to live long, healthy and happy lives.
What’s on Economy
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Securing sustainable economic growth, high yet stable employment and a shared prosperity for residents, now and for generations to come. It is about ensuring every one of us has a good standard of living in strong, safe, sustainable communities.
Housing and Development 12
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GREEN BOROUGH
eastleigh.gov.uk
Creating homes and communities to meet residents’ current needs now and in the future. To help support a buoyant house market, it is essential that there is a sufficient supply of suitable, high-quality homes that can meet the diverse needs of residents both now and in the future. Building new homes and communities provides opportunities for people looking for affordable rent, or a new home to meet their changing needs.
Your Council
Starting young Twelve-year-old Drew Mellor from Bishopstoke has taken climate change into his own hands by tackling environmental issues in his local area and is encouraging others to do the same. After seeing how much litter had been dropped, Drew became focused on cleaning up his local streets, river and woods. He became a member of the Conservation Club at Wyvern School and last year he took part in a climate march in Southampton. Drew wants to become a Marine Biologist when he finishes his education, but is worried that there won’t be any healthy oceans left for him to work in.
Drew is pleased to see more people are picking up litter in his area, it makes him feel like he’s not the only person concerned about the environment.
It’s sad to still see litter being dropped. I don’t think people realise how dangerous it is to drop litter. I don’t know why they do it. If everyone picked up one piece of litter everyday we’d see a big difference. Drew Mellor
Find out more and read the full story: eastleigh.gov.uk/ climatechangechampions
Could you be a litter hero? Local communities are being encouraged to become litter heroes and help give their local area a spring clean as part of a national tidy-up campaign. The Great British Spring Clean, organised by Keep Britain Tidy will be held across the country from 20 March to 13 April. Last year, residents organised local litter picks, clearing many bags of rubbish off the streets throughout the campaign. Litter spoils our environment and can cause harm to wildlife, both on land and in the ocean. It also costs tax payers money to clear away and is completely avoidable if people use public bins or take their rubbish home with them. As part of our commitment to making Eastleigh a greener, cleaner Borough, we can loan litter pickers and supply free rubbish bags to groups taking part. We can also arrange for the litter to be collected and disposed of.
If you’d like to host your own litter picking event or find one to join, visit: keepbritaintidy.org/litterheroes
Hiltingbury Lakes transformation update Work is continuing on the Hiltingbury Lakes project with the ongoing removal of invasive trees and plants to restore the woodland and wetland habitats. Over the next couple of months we will be sweeping pathways to allow visitors to enjoy the views of the lakes. A brilliant team of volunteers have been working to open up the pathways and improve the area for the local community.
Phase two of the work has begun to try to improve the water system that forms part of the Monks Brook main river. A plan will be developed to enhance the main lake, ponds and river banks, and identifying all locations where bank repairs are needed.
For information on how to become a volunteer or the project timetable, please visit: eastleigh.gov.uk/hiltingburylakes
GREEN BOROUGH
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News round up Hedge End, West End & Botley
Woodstock Close residents tidy up A taskforce of volunteers met recently to tidy up the Eco Park at Woodstock Close in Hedge End. Activities involved litter picking, cutting back the vegetation and coppicing small trees to create a path. Further tidy up days are planned. To get involved email siobhan.strand@eastleigh.gov.uk Eastleigh
Woodland Walk
Council fleet going green New electric and low emission vehicles hit the streets The Council has invested in two new electric vans, 12 low emission bin lorries and two electric bicycles, as part of its ongoing commitment to tackling the climate and environmental emergency. The new eco-friendly vans have zero emissions and will be used by our local response team around the Borough, while the new electric bikes will help staff to travel between sites and for shorter journeys. The low emission state-of-the-art bin lorries have been designed to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. They use Adblue that helps break down Nitrous Oxide emissions (that contribute to air pollution and are harmful to health) from diesel engines. The bin lifts are fully electric, designed to reduce noise and fuel consumption. The vehicles have also been fitted with the latest technology to improve safety both in the cab and around the vehicle.
I’ve been given lots of opportunities to undertake training which has helped to develop my career aspirations.
Martin
Country Park Manager
eastleigh.gov.uk/jobs
For instance, there are 360 degree CCTV cameras on each vehicle to record for safety and there is also a ‘Cyclear system’ that senses cyclists or pedestrians in a zone around the vehicle. A radar system also improves safety around the vehicle particularly when reversing. Cabinet Lead for Transport, Cllr David Airey, said: “The Council is committed to tackling climate change issues. It’s great to invest in our fleet of waste and recycling vehicles to provide greener, more efficient and safer waste and recycling vehicles. We will continue to work with our vehicle suppliers to ensure that we stay up to date with new technology and achieve the best environmental standards possible.”
Picture above: Cllr David Airey (right) with Council staff Colin and Gemma
Eastleigh Local Area Committee are working with Forestry England and the landowners to provide formal public walking access within Home Wood, which adjoins the new North Stoneham Park development. This scheme will provide an attractive walk for residents which can be linked up with walks through Lakeside Country Park and Fleming Park. Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath
Planney improvements The first phase of improvements to the ‘Planney’ wooded area in Bishopstoke has begun with the removal of some dead wood and low lying shrubbery. This will enable a thorough tree survey to be undertaken to identify any potentially dangerous or at-risk trees. Future phases include improved fencing, signage, footways and support for a ‘Friends of the Planney’ volunteer group.
A bumper year for food waste recycling Eastleigh residents recycled over 4,200 tonnes of food waste in 2019, 300 more tonnes than they did in 2018. The food waste recycling scheme - which is the only one of its kind in Hampshire - collects food waste every week in brown bins from houses in the Borough. The collected waste is taken to a special processing plant where it is turned into a biogas, then used to generate electricity for the national grid, where it powers our homes. The Council ran a promotional campaign last summer, and since then monthly food waste recycling rates are 45% higher. Cabinet Lead for the Environment, Cllr Rupert Kyrle, said: “We want our residents to use and enjoy as much of their food as possible, but
recognise that some waste, such as peelings, teabags and banana skins, is inevitable. “By recycling food waste and turning it into clean energy, we can reduce unnecessary waste and our reliance on fossil fuels. Nearly 7,000 new kitchen caddies and food waste bins have been ordered and we’re really pleased that our residents have embraced the scheme so enthusiastically.” Find out more: eastleigh.gov.uk/foodwaste
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HEALTH AND WELLBEING
eastleigh.gov.uk
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My house had no heating upstairs. No back up hot water. Hitting the Cold Spots have sorted it so that this winter we will be better and should save money on the energy bills.
Keeping John warm Help with heating for man living with dementia John is in his 50s and lives with his wife in a home they own in Eastleigh. John was a boxer in his heyday but it left him with ‘boxer’s dementia’ and he’s prone to frequent falls. John receives disability benefits as a result. His wife, Cynthia, works and is John’s main carer. Their 25 year old boiler recently failed so they were left without or heating upstairs and no hot water. The Energy Saving Advice Service pointed them to the Hitting the Cold Spots project and Cynthia gave them a call.
Heating Help John and Cynthia still had some very limited, inefficient heating downstairs but the old boiler wouldn’t provide heat upstairs and their electric immersion also broke, making it difficult for John to bathe. During the initial phone call, the Hitting the Cold Spots advisor arranged to visit the couple and sent them a link to Southern Water’s Priority Services Register. He also suggested they call local Buy With Confidence installers to quote for a boiler replacement. At the visit, the advisor completed grant paperwork but also recommended a number of health and wellbeing services. The couple applied for funding through the Hitting the Cold Spots project as well as a grant from Eastleigh Borough Council. Their application was successful and the new boiler was installed shortly after funding was confirmed.
Further Support Talking to the couple, their advisor discussed other assistance offered through partner organisations: • Adult Services sent an Occupational Therapist to the home to look at a Disabled Facilities Grant for a wet room at a cost of approximately £15,000,
which would allow John to bathe downstairs and avoid future slips, trips and falls.
New care solution supports independence Extra Care housing is the latest development in care for older individuals offered by Hampshire County Council in partnership with Eastleigh Borough Council and VIVID Homes. Extra Care accommodation allows older people to live their lives actively and independently in selfcontained accommodation with a tenancy. Care staff are on site 24/7 providing each resident with a planned care and support package which has been agreed with Adults Health and Care. The scheme is different from residential care as it offers residents their own flat with their own kitchen, bedroom, living room, bathroom and front door; qualified staff onsite to respond quickly to a variety of care needs (planned and in emergency situations); a safe and supportive environment in buildings close to local facilities;
shared facilities such as laundry, restaurant, hairdressing, lounges and gardens; social activities organised by residents’ groups and supported by care staff; couples can move to Extra Care and remain together; some properties have two bedrooms. It is an option for applicants aged over 55 who have a housing need, are registered on Hampshire Home Choice and who have a care and support need as assessed by Adults Health and Care. The Borough has three schemes in Chandler’s Ford: Surrey Court, Fernhill and Rowan Court (specific dementia unit) and Laburnum House in Hedge End.
Find out more: hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/ adultsocialcare/extra-care-housing or phone 023 8068 8000.
• John could benefit from balance classes offered through the NHS and Cynthia will enquire about this when John next sees his specialist. • The couple had a Safe & Well visit from the Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service, who fitted two smoke alarms, a carbon monoxide monitor and created an escape plan for them in case of an emergency. • Carers Together and the Princess Royal Trust for Carers can offer Cynthia extra support if she decides she needs it.
Savings and outcomes
Inspiring Minds
The couple received full funding for the boiler replacement: Hitting the Cold Spots secured £2,780 and Eastleigh Borough Council contributed £500.
In March, The Point, Eastleigh is hosting two 12 week courses to help support mental health through the arts.
The new, more efficient boiler should reduce John and Cynthia’s energy bills too.
One stitch at a time is an inspiring and relaxed course in creative stitching that will introduce participants to various approaches to embellishing through the therapeutic art of sewing.
The couple says: “Things have improved a lot.”
If you know someone who needs help with their heating, please call the Hitting the Cold Spots team on Freephone 0800 804 8601 or email staywarm@ environmentcentre.com.
Each week will build confidence in helping people to complete a personal and imaginative project. The course begins on Tuesday 10 March from 10.30am-12pm.
Street dance is designed to energise and motivate. By the end of the course those enrolled will have the confidence and ability to dance a whole routine. This course begins on Friday 13 March from 6.30pm-8pm. Both courses cost £5 per session, are suitable for ages 18 and over and participants must be registered with an Eastleigh surgery.
To book phone 023 8065 2333 Buddies welcome.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
@eastleighbc
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News round up Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath
Information trail The installation of information boards telling the story of the local area will be funded by the Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath Local Area Committee.
Over 500 games saved by new pitches Thousands of local residents enjoy new football facility The new Stoneham Lane Football Complex is now fully open and thousands of local residents are benefitting from the new facility and the all-weather pitches. After a very wet season, the positive impact of the new facility has been significant, with hundreds of matches being played on the three all-weather 3G pitches which would have otherwise been cancelled due to waterlogged grass pitches. Bob Galpin, Fixtures Secretary for the Eastleigh and District Mini Soccer League said: “With the persistent wet weather we have experienced this season, we have already seen over 500 of our league games saved as a result of the opening of
this fantastic new facility. With the new clubhouse now open, players and spectators are also benefitting from the onsite café, clubroom and changing facilities, making for a wonderful playing experience for so many of our teams.” Since September, Stoneham Lane Football Complex has seen over 1,200 matches played, with 21,000 individuals now registered to use the facility, and over 10,000 visitors through the three turnstiles each week.
The flexible working arrangements really help to establish a positive work life balance.
Steph
Lee Kelly, Manager of Eastleigh Tornadoes U12 Boys “I remember growing up in Eastleigh playing on poor facilities and gravel surface pitches so to have access to these tremendous facilities is fantastic for our players and their development. I remind them regularly how lucky they are to be playing here and we are grateful to the funding partners for providing this world class facility.” Caitlin Morris, Coach of AFC Stoneham U9 Girls “Being able to use the new facility has had a huge positive impact on the girls and the team as a whole. The quality of the pitches and surrounding facilities are amazing and has not only given the team a great environment to grow and thrive in but also a space they feel completely comfortable and excited to be in.” Simon Watts, Coach of Hamble Club U8 Boys “We have been training here for the past few months and my U8s are so excited about training here each week. The staff provide a welcoming environment and interact with the players which means a lot to the boys. The facility is clean and safe and we are grateful to be able to train and play at such a great place.”
Sports Awards celebrated in May The Eastleigh Sport & Physical Activity Alliance (SPAA) have announced the shortlist for the tenth Eastleigh Sports Awards. This year the ceremony has been moved to Monday 11 May and will again take place at the Hilton at Ageas Bowl. All those shortlisted and their nominees have been invited to attend. The 37 shortlistees represent 20 clubs, projects and organisations across the Borough and beyond, from ground roots to professional athletes, across twelve awards!
Health Development Officer
eastleigh.gov.uk/jobs
To see who has been shortlisted, visit eastleigh.gov.uk/sportsawards.
There are many points of interest and a wealth of local history that often goes unnoticed, and a number of local walks take in some of these hidden treasures. The boards will be placed in key areas, working in partnership with the Parish Councils.
Getting people talking Improvements are planned to the Horton Heath community building. They include a landscaped seating area with flowers and borders, aimed at older people in the area who are experiencing loneliness and have a lack of facilities in the parish. It will feature ‘talking benches’ designed to give people a chance to meet and have conversations (which meets the Council’s aim of battling social isolation). The work is being carried out to the east of the building on a patch of unused land. Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound
Pharmacy re-opens in Netley A new pharmacy will open on Victoria Road in May following an application to the NHS, supported by the Council. The new service will replace the previous outlet that closed recently. Netley lost its GP surgery some years ago and the Council was keen that the village wasn’t left without any healthcare provision. Increasingly, pharmacies play an important role in advising patients about ailments and injuries; they also support the growing numbers of local residents living with longterm conditions with advice about their medicines and how to take more control of their own health. This helps keep people out of hospital for as long as possible.
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INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITIES
eastleigh.gov.uk
Pembers Hill Farm, Fair Oak the Council, via its housing company has entered into a joint venture with developers Vistry Partnerships to bring forward 242 new homes. As a partner, the Council has strong influence in the design and layout of the development in order to provide key infrastructure, to purchase more homes for private rent and to ensure the right mix of homes.
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North Stoneham Park, Eastleigh - the development is under construction following intervention by the Council who ensured vital infrastructure was provided. The Council has, through its housing company purchased 146 properties for private rent. Community benefits from the developments includes Stoneham Football Hub (see page 5).
Investing in new homes
The Willows, West End is a unique development nearing completion at Hatch Farm. The site offers 98 homes (a mix of bungalows and houses) and was developed by Radian Homes following a direct grant from the Council. The grant ensured the viability of a high quality development and new community facilities.
Many local people are enjoying living in their new homes thanks to investment by the Borough Council. The Council’s housing programme, designed to intervene and speed up the development of housing sites, will provide more homes to meet the needs of local people. Our partnerships with VIVID and Radian have delivered a record number of 496 affordable homes over the last 12 months.
Leah Gardens, Eastleigh - all 94 homes are now occupied, including 58 homes that are private rented homes offering lifetime tenancies and ‘Rent to Own’ options. This project was financially supported by the Council in partnership with VIVID.
By using our housing company and actively using our own assets and financial support we are unlocking housing opportunities and at the same time ensuring that the right infrastructure such as employment land, roads, schools, health provision and open spaces are provided alongside the delivery of new homes. These homes are being built as part of new communities that will encourage improved wellbeing and healthier lifestyles and to create sustainable places to live. The range of schemes supported by the Council across the Borough will see around 3,000 homes provided over the next few years. Of these around 330 homes are being built on behalf of the Council through its housing company or partners, and consist of a mix of affordable and private rent homes.
The private rent homes also benefit from the opportunity to have lifetime tenancies and an exciting ‘Rent to Own‘ scheme that provides a new route to home ownership.
Our developments Kestrel Park, Bursledon (the former car boot sale site) is also under construction following intervention by the Council. The Council has acquired 45 properties that will be provided for private rent. The Council’s investment in this site will provide a new parkland area called Windhover Meadows that will be opened later this year and will also protect the green gap between Bursledon and Southampton. A key part of the development is the road that runs from Bursledon Road, easing congestion on Hamble Lane.
Romsey Road, Eastleigh – Work is underway on a new development of 49 flats on Romsey Road in Eastleigh town centre. The site, owned by the Borough Council, is being cleared in preparation for a new mixed use development. This investment in the town centre will also provide separate office accommodation for both One Community and Age Concern on the ground floor. There will also be a function room that will host a range of activities including weekly meetings. All the flats in the residential development will be for market rent. On each of the first and second floors there will be 15 flats, some with balconies, the third floor accommodates 12 flats and on the fourth floor there will be seven flats on the Romsey Road frontage. The main construction of the building will commence in early 2020.
Our schemes
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Lifetime tenancies - this provides tenants with the chance to have longer tenancies than would usually be provided in the private rented sector. So tenants can live in the property for as long as they want as long as they don’t break the conditions of the tenancy.
Picture A: Romsey Road - artists impression Picture B: North Stoneham Park Picture C: North Stoneham Park Picture D: Jane and Ray, in their new home
INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITIES
@eastleighbc
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News round up Eastleigh
Leah Gardens Play area
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The new play area in Leah Gardens in Eastleigh is now in place and has been warmly welcomed by local residents. The new equipment includes a multi-activity unit, an accessible roundabout and a timber trim trail, amongst other items.
There’s no way we’d have the home we do now without Shared Ownership.
Hedge End, West End & Botley
Boorley Park play areas The Boorley Park Community Centre, sports pavilion and multi-use games area (MUGA) are nearing completion and an opening date will be announced soon.
D Shared ownership is another way to buy your home. You buy a percentage, and pay rent on the rest. The housing association owns part of it — but you’re living there, you decorate it, and you decide when to sell. Buying a percentage means a smaller deposit and smaller mortgage. It’s a sooner first step on the housing ladder for lots of people and usually, you can also carry on buying shares, to own it outright.
Shared ownership proves an ideal option for Jane and Ray
‘Rent to Own’ scheme – is available to tenants who are privately renting one of our properties. This scheme helps tenants to buy the home they are renting. Tenants are responsible for the maintenance of their property and as such there is a saving to the housing provider. This saving can then be claimed by the tenants for a deposit to purchase their property after five years.
After 16 years living abroad, Jane and Ray Light made the decision to return to the UK to be closer to their grandchildren. Without a huge budget, shared ownership provided by Radian Homes, offered the perfect option to help them back onto the ladder earlier this year. When picking where to relocate, Ray grew up in Bishopstoke and their daughter lived close by, so it made perfect sense to come back to the area. They soon fell in love with a home at Oakfield Grove in Bishopstoke.
You feel that you are making a difference.
Ivy Housing and Homelessness Specialist
eastleigh.gov.uk/jobs
Jane (69) and Ray (71) had enough money in the bank from the sale of their Spanish home to purchase 40% of their home, meaning their monthly payments consist of just the rent on the remaining share. Jane said, “Our rent is so much less than if we’d done so privately elsewhere. When you’ve worked hard all your life you don’t want to throw that money away, so shared ownership is a god-send for people like us, meaning we also have an equity stake in our home. There’s no way we’d have the home we do now without shared ownership.”
For more information visit: helptobuyagent3.org.uk
There has been great interest in the allotments which are also currently under construction. Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath
Hedgehog highways highlighted Highways for hedgehogs across the area are being highlighted with a new signage campaign. Funding by Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath Local Area committee has been agreed for signs on the garden fences of residents taking part in the Hedgehog Street Campaign. The campaign encourages residents to have small gaps in their fences to allow hedgehogs to access green areas.
Planning for St Paul’s The formal planning application for the community extension at St Paul’s in Whalesmead has been submitted to the Council. The proposal for the much needed community space was welcomed during the public consultation last summer. The application should be presented in June this year.
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WHAT’S ON
eastleigh.gov.uk Vamos Theatre - Dead Good Thursday 12 March • 7.30pm
Easter Bunny Craft 5+ years
The Point Bob and Bernard have only two things in common: they’re both dying…and they’re not going down without a fight.
Sam Avery - Toddlergeddon Friday 13 March • 8pm The Berry Theatre Parents of young children will enjoy a night out to stand up Sam Avery’s Toddlergeddon to hear about his adventures negotiating with preschoolers and raising toddlers with attitude.
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The Day I Fell Into a Book Saturday 21 March • 11am The Point Discover a world of classic tales as a scientist brings lost stories to life using magical projections, lighting and immersive sound to capture imaginations.
Thursday 9 April • 10.30am, 11am or 11.30am Itchen Valley Country Park Take one wooden egg, add a variety of crafty bits and you get… an Easter Bunny! £3 per child, pre-book
Woolly sheep fridge magnet 3+ years
Wednesday 15 April • 10.30am - 12noon Itchen Valley Country Park A messy craft with lots of glue and wool used to make a woolly lamb to take home! £2.50 per child, drop-in
Morgan & West - Unbelievable Science Wednesday 15 April • 2pm The Point Fun for all the family science extravaganza!
Bat detectives 6+ years
Friday 3 April • 7.30pm Lakeside Country Park A guided walk with detectors to discover which species of bat live in the park. Led by the Hampshire Bat Group. Walk approximately one hour. £6 per person, pre-book
ies v o m a g e M tre
y Thea r r e B e h T t a 16 April
day Cats - Thurs alker Rise of Skyw r Wars: The
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Easter babies trail
l e Next Leve Jumanji: Th ay 18 April
All ages
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Saturday 4 to Sunday 19 April 10am - 4pm Itchen Valley Country Park Learn all about nature’s babies that start appearing at this time of year. £3 per child, drop in (includes pack, pencil and prize)
Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday Saturday 18 • 2pm and 4pm Sunday 19 April • 11am
Sunflower pots & planting 3+ years
The Point Featuring the wonderful characters from the BAFTA award-winning CBeebies show.
Itchen Valley Country Park Decorate a plant pot, let it dry, add soil and a sunflower seed, and watch it grow! If it grows really big, why not tag using your instagram post! £3.50 per child, pre-book
Mark Thomas - 50 Things About Us (Stand-up) Thursday 23 April • 8pm
Tuesday 7 April • 10.30am, 11am or 11.30am
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April - Friday 17
Dinosaur land 3-6 years
Wednesday 8 April • 10.30am - 11.45am Itchen Valley Country Park Be prepared to get muddy! Create a dinosaur land in the woods with a volcano, make a clay dinosaur and a cast of a footprint. £5 per child, pre-book
Pictures - A: V amos Theatre: Dead Good
The Point Mark picks through the myths, facts and figures of our national identities to ask who do we think we are?
Gin Parlour Friday 24 to Saturday 25 April • 7pm The Point Join us for an evening of delicious mixology of live music and specially selected gins.
B: Craig Revel Horwood
C: Easter Bunny Craft
D: Twirlywoos
WHAT’S ON
Easter at Itchen Valley
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Bats and burgers
Easter trail
Easter crafts for children Café open every day – watch out for our specials! itchenvalleycountrypark www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp
Owned and managed by
Bats & burgers
Twirlywoos Live! Friday 22 • 4.30pm & Saturday 23 May • 11am and 2pm
6+ years
Saturday 25 April • 8pm - 9.30pm Itchen Valley Country Park A homemade burger followed by a walk with detectors to identify the different species flying around. Led by the Hampshire Bat Group. £10.50 per person, pre-book
The Berry Theatre It’s Twirlywoo time as the TV favourites arrive with their enchanting show.
Botis Seva presents BLKDOG Thursday 30 April • 7.30pm
The Berry Theatre Join britain’s leading political comedian as he once again promises his last show as an EU citizen (maybe).
Matt Forde - Brexit, Pursued by a Bear Thursday 28 May • 8pm
The Point Genre-defying blend of hip hop dance and free form antics.
Robert White: The Tank Top Tour 2 Friday 5 June • 8pm
In Loyal Company Tuesday 5 May • 7.30pm The Berry Theatre The tour-de-force war epic one-man show and incredible true story of missing World War II soldier and prisoner of War, Arthur Robinson, written and performed by his great-nephew, David William Bryan.
The Point This unique and hilarious musical comedian brings you more, but this time with a little of his personal journey, life ups and downs and some quirky tales into the bargain.
Kerry Godliman - Bosh Friday 12 June • 8pm
Simon Brodkin - 100% Simon Brodkin Thursday 7 May • 8pm
The Berry Theatre Kerry’s back on tour after what she thought would be a little ‘she’ time. No chance.
The Berry Theatre The debut stand-up show from the comedian behind Lee Nelson and world-famous stunts on Theresa May, Sepp Blatter and Donald Trump.
Craig Revel Horwood The All Balls and Glitter Tour (Preview) Wednesday 20 & Thursday 21 May • 7.30pm The Point Strictly Come Dancing judge, Craig Revel Horwood with his debut solo show.
R E G U L A R E V E N T S T U E S DAY S Board Game Café (monthly) at The Point
W E D N E S DAY S
National Theatre Live: The Welkin Thursday 21 May • 7pm
Comedy Lab (weekly) at The Point
The Berry Theatre A young woman is sentenced to hang for a heinous murder. When she claims to be pregnant, a jury of 12 matrons decide whether she’s telling the truth, or simply trying to escape the noose.
Anything Funny Open Mic Night (third Wednesday of the month) at The Point
A round of a-paws for new dog wash A recently installed dog wash facility has proved a huge hit with local pooches. Since opening in October last year, over 1,150 dog washes have been enjoyed at Itchen Valley Country Park, West End, making it the most popular dog wash in the area. The new facility, provided by Polygon Pets, gives dog owners the opportunity to give their dog a wash, shampoo and blow dry before leaving the park which then keeps their car free from muddy paws. Chair of Hedge End, West End & Botley Local Area
EASTLEIGH
Committee, Cllr Cynthia Garton, said: “Itchen Valley Country Park is a very dog friendly park and a great place to enjoy a walk with your dog. The dog wash has proved really popular - especially during this wet weather. It’s a great addition to the dog walking experience at the park and I encourage owners to come along, enjoy a walk and try this fantastic new facility.” Post on Instagram using #ParkPoochesIVCP to show what a great location Itchen Valley Country Park is for dog walking.
The Point Eastleigh Leigh Road, Eastleigh SO50 9DE
or further information and to book tickets F visit thepointeastleigh.co.uk or phone the box office on 023 8065 2333
The Berry Theatre Wildern Lane, Hedge End, Southampton SO30 4EJ
For further information and to book tickets visit theberrytheatre.co.uk or phone the box office on 023 8065 2333
S AT U R D A Y S Storytime at The Berry Theatre
Southampton Veterans’ Drop-In Centre offers advice and support for all Armed Forces Veterans
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2pm-9pm Woodley Road, Southampton www.southampton-veterans.co.uk 023 8044 6032
Itchen Valley Country Park Allington Lane, West End, Southampton SO30 3HQ
To book visit eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp or call 023 8068 3790
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ECONOMY
@eastleighbc
Increased business rate relief for retailers If you run a shop, restaurant, cafe or drinking establishment in the Borough, you will probably know that there was good news in the Queen’s Speech. Just in case you missed it, the pledge was: the retail discount will be increased from one-third to 50 per cent, cinemas and music venues will be included in the list of eligible establishments, the local newspaper discount has been extended, and finally, there will be an additional discount for pubs.
Brexit grants
We expect further guidance from government in the Spring Budget on 11 March. We do not yet know when any adjustments to your rate relief will become effective but we will publish information on our website as soon as we have it.
For more information visit: eastleigh.gov.uk/businessrelief
If you run a business in the Borough that imports or exports with EU countries, government money is available to hire experts to deal with the customs declarations, and other regulations and checks, that may be a requirement after the Brexit transition period ends on 31 December 2020.
A total of around £7.5 million is available to allow firms to hire or train experts to deal with customs declarations.
More information is available at gov.uk/government/news/ hmrc-extends-customs-grantfunding-deadline
Joanna Customer Services Officer
eastleigh.gov.uk/jobs
Eastleigh
Eastleigh eateries A warm welcome to Pat’s Sandwiches which opened in Market Street, Eastleigh. If you haven’t already visited our newest arrival, please drop by and show them your support. Firm favourite Artisan is expanding with a Turkish bakehouse on the site of the former sewing shop in High Street, Eastleigh. Refurbishment is under way and a giant pizza oven was delivered just before Christmas. The new bakery will be called Evie’s.
Town Centre toilets
Get involved in PONToon
Find out more: Eastleigh Borough Council’s Economic Development team can point to a range of help and advice for local businesses – contact: economicdevelopment@ eastleigh.gov.uk
The opportunities throughout the council are vast and varied.
News round up
The Council will soon be refurbishing the public toilets at Eastleigh bus station to create modern and accessible facilities, making shopping in the town centre more convenient. The toilets will have four individual unisex cubicles with one designated as accessible as well as baby changing facilities. The fixtures and fittings will be easier to maintain and keep clean and use less energy. Temporary facilities will be made available nearby at Eastleigh House, during the building work.
Grants available to Borough businesses who trade with EU
Full import controls may be imposed on goods moving between the EU and Great Britain from 1 January 2021 – and imports and exports may be subject to the same checks and controls as goods coming from the rest of the world.
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The PONToon project, set up to improve the digital skills and employment situations of disadvantaged women, is beginning the final round of testing for its employment skills toolkit and we need your help.
Sorting Office Studios Thanks to everyone who came to the Christmas Open Studios at the Sorting Office in November. This was the biggest one ever with over a thousand visitors shopping for unique Christmas gifts from the resident artists and visiting designer makers. Many visitors often comment how inspiring a visit to the studios really is and how fantastic it is to find in Eastleigh. Our Summer Open Studios will be on 20 and 21 June in conjunction with Eastleigh Unwrapped, so why not come along.
We are looking for organisations to get involved with the project, as well as individual participants who are willing to help test the digital tools. The digital toolkit includes a virtual reality train station designed to build confidence among those unfamiliar with travelling by train, and a Tinder-style app that matches users with types of jobs based on their preferences. For more information contact: economicdevelopment@ eastleigh.gov.uk or phone 023 8062 7826. Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/pontoon
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HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT Work is under way on a new nursery and community centre for the new North Stoneham Park development in Eastleigh. Local residents will be able to benefit from the nursery that will offer 95 childcare places. The community facilities will include a café, community hall, youth room, health space and meeting rooms. The centre, which is owned by the Council, will be run by YMCA, and should be completed later this year with opening early in 2021.
New nursery and community centre Construction under way at North Stoneham Park
Don’t waste time on a trip to the tip Join over 20,000 other borough households and sign up to our Garden Waste Scheme. Have your garden waste collected every fortnight from your kerbside and avoid the queues at the tip for just £39 a year.
Judy Hillier, Chair of YMCA, said: “This marks an exciting moment for the new community of North Stoneham Park. The YMCA wants to support this emerging community and this great new facility will offer a place to meet others, with programmes and classes to engage and support the whole community. The nursery will provide a nurturing environment for our youngest children, developing early skills whilst also enabling parents to go to work. We will also be creating around 25 new jobs for people in the centre.” Cllr Paul Bicknell, Cabinet Lead for Regeneration said: “North Stoneham Park is becoming a new thriving local community and many new residents have already moved in. The Council is committed to supporting initiatives which
will allow this new community to flourish and we look forward to working with the YMCA as this exciting facility will form an important part of the new local centre.” He added, “This development shows the Council’s commitment to not only provide much needed housing but to also build sustainable communities with infrastructure coming towards the beginning of developments, rather than at the end, allowing residents to enjoy the benefits and start to create a strong community much earlier.” The new facility forms part of a local centre for the new community at North Stoneham Park that will also include shops, offices and age-restricted flats centred around a landscaped public square.
Enquiries for nursery space or use of the community facilities are now being taken. Please email eastleigh@ymca-fg. org to find out more, or visit ymca-fg.org/ eastleigh Picture above: Cllr Paul Bicknell, Chair of Eastleigh Local Area Committee, Guy Hayward, Managing Director, Highwood Group and Judy Hillier, Chair of YMCA
d n a e m i t e v Sa n a e l c r a c r keep you
v.uk/gardenwaste To sign up visit eastleigh.go
HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT
@eastleighbc
Underpass receives makeover
News round up Hedge End, West End & Botley
Budgens demolition nearing completion Demolition of the former Budgens supermarket in Hedge End is nearing completion.
An underpass in Eastleigh has received a much-needed makeover with the installation of a beautiful tiled mural designed by Hampshire-based illustrator Denise Hughes. During the design process, Denise involved local children at free workshops at the Velmore Community Centre. They created flowers, bees and butterflies to feature in the mural.
Help shape our Enforcement Strategy We are keen to get the views of local people, organisations and businesses on our draft Enforcement Strategy. This covers areas including fly-tipping, food hygiene inspections, building regulations, together with safety in the workplace and in private rented accommodation. In particular, we would welcome comments on the main principles of the strategy together with the areas of enforcement that you feel are most important to you.
enforcement action should be carried out to help protect the health and wellbeing of our residents, visitors and workers; to protect the environment and to ensure the Borough is a modern, attractive area where people are proud to live and work.
To read the draft Strategy and complete the consultation visiteastleigh.gov.uk/ enforcementconsultation Closing date for comments is Monday 6 April 2020.
Our policy sets out the principles by which
Find out what it’s like to work for Eastleigh Borough Council and see our current vacancies at eastleigh.gov.uk/jobs
Public parking will continue to be available in part of the old car park during the works, which are due to be completed by April 2020. The bus stop on Wildern Lane will also remain in place. The site - which was bought by the Borough Council to head off a bid from a developer to build up to 93 flats - has been earmarked for more retail premises and car parking.
New space for wellness and young people A new venue focusing on health and wellbeing activities, as well as youth-centred performances, has been created with the transformation of the studio theatre space at The Point Eastleigh. The removal of a pillar from the centre of the room has unlocked the potential of the space for performances and events ‘in-the-round’ – and allow more classes in wellbeing activities like yoga, pilates, and dance sessions to promote strength and stability in older people or offset the effects of Parkinson’s. With innovative design by Studio Three Sixty, the space is completely flexible with bespoke lighting and seating for both performances and workshops. The final phase of the building project is now under way with the refurbishment of the theatre’s toilets, with work due for completion by early April 2020. The work has been made possible by support from Eastleigh Borough Council and Arts Council England, via the Your Point project – and audience members can also contribute.
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Local plan The Local Plan Examination took place throughout December and January - at the close of the hearing sessions on Wednesday 29 January, the Inspector confirmed that she would be writing to the Council over the course of the next few weeks. When the Inspector’s letter is available a note will be posted in the Latest News and Updates: eastleigh.gov.uk/lpexamination
Council strengthens enforcement The Council have recently updated its Planning Enforcement Policy to reflect the more robust approach to planning enforcement that has been adopted. In addition to proactive enforcement, the team are dealing with daily issues that are important to local residents such as hours of construction, noise and mud on the road. With
almost 500 enforcement cases registered a year, the Council has increased the amount of formal enforcement action undertaken and expanded the number of officers working on planning enforcement. Overall service delivery has improved with planning breaches being investigated and remedied more efficiently and swiftly.
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YOUR COUNCIL
Free heart screening Hampshire Cricket Foundation & CRY helping to save lives
Many householders across the Borough already know that we offer an unbeatable service installing dropped kerbs. But did you know that we can also create a smart new driveway for your premises?
Hampshire Cricket Foundation, and Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) have delivered free heart screening sessions for the local community at the Ageas Bowl.
A dropped kerb is a great way of ensuring 24-hour access to your property and a guaranteed parking space for your vehicles. Whilst preventing other road users from blocking your entrance a dropped kerb will also help to improve traffic flow in your area by removing parked cars from the road. Eastleigh Borough Council can install dropped kerbs and also tarmac driveways for both residents and businesses across the Borough.
A team of CRY’s cardiac experts screened 200 patients, as part of an initiative which looks to prevent sudden cardiac death in young people, and eight young people from the screening were referred for immediate follow up. Funded by the Hampshire Cricket Foundation, the screenings are part of the charity’s ‘Changing Lives. Saving Lives’ initiative which aims to deliver a healthier future for people across the county. Stuart Robertson, Hampshire Cricket Foundation CEO said: “We are delighted to support CRY’s cardiac screening programme and I would like to thank the many generous donors to the Hampshire Cricket Foundation that have enabled us to do this.” Dr Steven Cox, Chief Executive of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) said: “It is a great honour
We now install driveways as well as dropped kerbs Our team has many years of experience of installing dropped kerbs across the Borough we are fully qualified and insured and we provide a fast, high quality service with no hidden extra costs. In Eastleigh Borough, we issue a Penalty Charge Notice to vehicles found parking across a dropped kerb. If you wish to apply to have a dropped kerb installed we can undertake the work for you.
For further information or to arrange a quotation email constructionandmaintenance@ eastleigh.gov.uk or phone on 023 8068 3350
to be associated with the new ‘Changing Lives. Saving Lives’ initiative spearheaded by Hampshire Cricket Foundation. Every week in the UK, around 12 young people under the age of 35 die suddenly from a previously undiagnosed heart condition.”
Bishopstoke polling stations Following changes to the ward boundaries for the Parish of Bishopstoke, the three existing parish wards have been divided into five parish wards. This means that voters in Bishopstoke, may now vote at a different polling station for
elections on 7 May 2020. The address of the polling station will be printed on poll cards that will be delivered in early April so please ensure you check the details before election day.
The Mayor of Eastleigh’s Youth Awards for Volunteering 2020
The Council is keen to acknowledge the voluntary work carried out by young people in the Borough. Nominations are now being sought for the 2020 Youth Awards.
For more information and nomination forms, visit: www.1community.org.uk/ youth-awards-2020 or call 023 8090 2458
2o2o
The award will be presented at the Volunteers Evening on 1 June 2020, Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh SO50 9NW. The Lions Club
Closing date for nominations is 24 April 2020 of Eastleigh
On Thursday 7 May there will be an election for the Hampshire Police & Crime Commissioner along with Borough Council elections for all areas, except West End North and South. If contested, there will also be Parish Council elections for Bishopstoke, Botley and Hamble. Poll cards will be issued to every registered, eligible person around 8–11 April 2020 (TBC). Please check the details on your poll card, which will tell you what area you will be voting for and where your polling station is. Voters in Bishopstoke may vote at a different polling station due to parish ward changes. To ensure you can vote in these elections, you must be registered on the
electoral register by Tuesday 21 April 2020. If you are already registered at your address, you do not need to re-register. To check if you are registered, call 023 8068 8000 or email elections@eastleigh. gov.uk To find out more information about the election, please visiteastleigh.gov.uk/ informationforvoters
YOUR COMMUNITY
@eastleighbc
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News round up
Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath
Local charities and not-for-profit organisations are benefitting from local area and Borough-wide community grants. A recent recipient of a Chandler’s Ford & Hiltingbury Local Area Committee grant was the Young People’s Wellbeing Service (formerly the Teenage Drop-in Centre), part of Eastleigh Youth Counselling Service, who received a £500 contribution to their room rental at the Fryern Pavilion. The aim of the group is to promote the good health of young people through a confidential and accessible service.
When to apply All year round • Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound • Chandler’s Ford & Hiltingbury Autumn • Borough-wide • Eastleigh • Hedge End, West End and Botley For information on how to apply and deadlines, visit: eastleigh.gov.uk/ communitygrants
Latest grant application totals Borough-wide
Eastleigh
Hedge End, West End & Botley
47 grant applications received
12 grant applications received
21 grant applications received
Have your say Local Area Committees hold public question sessions at the start of each meeting. Local Area Committees (LAC) are made up from elected Ward Councillors. They take decisions and make representations relating to their area on a wide range of council business including determining planning applications, traffic management and environmental improvements. LAC meetings are open to the public and hold public question sessions at the start of each meeting. If you would like to speak, you must register before the meeting begins. Please email democraticservices@eastleigh.gov.uk or you can register at the meeting.
Contact us:
Each LAC has a Local Area Manager who works with the Councillors to set the strategic direction of the Committee’s work. Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath (7pm) 11 March • 24 June Methodist Church, Sedgwick Rd, Bishopstoke visit eastleigh.gov.uk/bifohh or contact your Local Area Manager, Andy Thompson, on 023 8068 8357 / andrew.thompson@eastleigh.gov.uk
Eastleigh Borough Council, Eastleigh House, Upper Market Street, Eastleigh SO50 9YN 023 8068 8000 @EastleighBC
Support for care leavers
Dragons’ teeth prevent problem parking
From April, young people in the Borough who are leaving care will be exempt from paying Council Tax. Care leavers are a particularly vulnerable group for Council Tax debt - moving into independent accommodation and managing their own budget can be a challenging time. Council Tax liability will be reduced by up to 100% for those care leavers aged between 18-21 and by up to 50% for those aged 21-25.
New sets of dragons’ teeth should prevent anti-social parking in two areas of Bishopstoke. Local residents have been frustrated by motorists who thoughtlessly destroy verges and obstruct pavements outside the Co-op on Bishopstoke Road and near ‘Bishy Beach’ on Riverside. The Council acted quickly to introduce the dragons’ teeth to prevent further damage and inconvenience.
Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath
Church Road/ Stoke Common improvements Funding has been agreed for improvements which will include a new fence and gate, an additional bench and a formal Parish Council noticeboard.
Eastleigh
New Youth Coordinator Ali Burkert, the new Eastleigh Local Area Youth Coordinator is now in post. Her work will include developing the area youth partnership, agreeing a youth strategy, establishing the Crestwood and Eastleigh Youth Council to engage with young people about what really matters to them, and to create a youth grant fund. Contact Ali on alison. burkert@eastleigh.gov.uk
Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound (6pm) 16 March • 11 June • Hamble Primary School visit eastleigh.gov.uk/bhh or contact your Local Area Manager, Julia Birt, on 023 8068 8437 / julia.birt@eastleigh.gov.uk Eastleigh (7pm) 17 March • 9 June • Eastleigh House visit eastleigh.gov.uk/elac or contact your Local Area Manager, Guy Riddoch, on 023 8068 3369 / guy.riddoch@eastleigh.gov.uk Chandler’s Ford & Hiltingbury (7pm) 18 March • 17 June • Dovetail Centre visit eastleigh.gov.uk/cfh or contact your Local Area Manager, Min Partner, on 023 8068 8439 / min.partner@eastleigh.gov.uk Hedge End, West End & Botley (7pm) 2 March • 30 March • 2000 Centre, Hedge End, 15 June • Norman Rodaway Pavilion visit eastleigh.gov.uk/heweb or contact your Local Area Manager, Julia Birt, on 023 8068 8437 / julia.birt@eastleigh.gov.uk
For information, or for details of committees and agendas. Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/meetings
Distribution period We try to ensure that the dates featured or listed in the Borough News fall after the last copy is delivered. However, some events may occur during the delivery period. We try to avoid this, but we are keen that events get as much publicity as possible.
eastleigh.gov.uk • my.eastleigh.gov.uk Sign up to receive updates from us at: eastleigh.gov.uk/weeklynews
Eastleigh Borough Council makes no representations, endorsements, warranties or guarantees, and is not liable for any loss or damage, in relation to any advertisements placed in the Borough News.
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