GREEN BOROUGH
@eastleighbc
3
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
