BOROUGH NEWS Winter 2021
@eastleighbc
eastleigh.gov.uk
Give your high street a Christmas boost Festive events across the Borough Your local high street is a great place to do your Christmas shopping - and enjoy the run-up to the big day with some fantastic events and entertainment. This Christmas, there are festive treats galore across Eastleigh Town Centre as part of ‘Together We Make Eastleigh Festive’. The festivities start on Saturday 20 November with Eastleigh’s light switch-on. There is no parade this year, but visitors can enjoy a Victorian themed fete while watching the light switch-on – and of course, no Christmas event would be complete without a visit from Father Christmas!
Welcome Back Fund Team is working with the Eastleigh BID to offer ‘A March of the Penguins’ trail around Eastleigh Town Centre – fun for all the family.
There’s more entertainment in store as Happy’s Circus is coming to Leigh Road Recreation Ground running every weekend throughout December and into January and our
The pandemic has been hard for our high streets and local businesses, but the Borough is gifted with some wonderful shops and hospitality businesses who all look forward
Head to The Point who will also be hosting a selection of Christmas shows and experiences, including Candy Cane Club Christmas Cabaret, the Winter Gin Parlour and The Nutcracker.
BE FOOD THRIFTY
to welcoming you in the run up to Christmas. Follow their stories as we refocus our #BoroughGems features – why not make one, or all of them part of your shopping experience – look out for our ‘All they want for Christmas’ features across the Borough’s high streets – all part of our Welcome Back Fund initiatives. Keep a look out too for our popular Village Markets in Hedge End and Hamble through November and December with special Christmas markets and festive light switchons at both locations. Hedge End will turn on their Christmas lights on Wednesday 24 November with the Christmas market taking place that day and Hamble will hold their festive market on Friday 17 December.
PLAN MEALS. USE LEFTOVERS. SWAP FRESH FOR FROZEN. #slimyourbin eastleigh.gov.uk/avoiding-waste
ALL THEY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS
YOU
Shop local and support small businesses
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COUNTRYSIDE
eastleigh.gov.uk
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.
Green Borough 3
Maintaining and creating an attractive and sustainable environment that residents value, and which can allow residents, businesses and nature to thrive.
Economy
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Securing sustainable economic growth, high and stable employment and a shared prosperity for residents. It is about ensuring every one of us has a good standard of living in strong, safe, sustainable communities.
Health and Wellbeing
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Improving health and wellbeing, and enabling, supporting and creating sustainable communities. We want all our residents and people working in the Borough to live long, healthy and happy lives.
Watercourse works start at Hiltingbury Lakes Improving waterways and pathways at the natural beauty spot The next phase of work to improve the waterways and pathways around Hiltingbury Lakes is underway.
with engineers Scott White and Hookins and contractors, B&M McHugh Ltd, to carry out improvement works at the site.
We will be replacing both of the bridges, repairing riverbanks, paths and weirs that have been eroded by the river, and replacing footpath surfacing and fencing to create an improved walking route around the lower ponds. We are working
Work will also be carried out on the drainage system to help rainwater find its way into the stream without flooding parts of the footpath leading to erosion and muddy patches.
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All works have been signed off by the Environment Agency - these improvements are necessary to help the wildlife and make the area a more enjoyable place to visit. For more information about the work being carried out, you can email works@mchughltd.co.uk
Find out more: eastleigh.gov.uk/hiltingburylakes Picture above: W ier repairs at Hiltingbury Lakes
Lakeside Country Park in Eastleigh has, for the first time, been voted one of the best in the UK, joining Itchen Valley Country Park as a winner of the coveted Green Flag Award.
Housing and Development Creating homes and communities to meet residents’ needs. To help support a buoyant housing market, it is essential that there is a sufficient supply of suitable, high-quality homes that can meet the diverse needs of residents. Building new homes and communities provides opportunities for people looking for affordable rent, or a new home to meet their changing needs.
Whilst this vital improvement work is being carried out, parts of the footpath network may be temporarily closed for the safety of visitors. We aim to keep the site open as much as possible during the daytime, any areas that are closed off will only remain so for a short period.
The popular open space, to the south of Eastleigh town centre, will be flying the Keep Britain Tidy charity’s Green Flag - a sign to visitors that the park is well maintained and run to the highest possible standards, with excellent facilities.
First Green Flag for Lakeside Country Park
Its sister location, Itchen Valley Country Park, is now into its second decade as a Green Flag award winner. Cabinet Lead for Health and Social Policy, Cllr Tonia Craig, said:
“The past 18 months have demonstrated how important having well-managed green spaces on our doorstep is to the wellbeing of residents. We‘re very proud that the Borough’s two Council-operated parks have been voted among the best in the country. It is a tribute to the hard work of our talented teams and volunteers who maintain the parks to such a high standard.” Find out more: eastleigh.gov.uk/ country-parks-and-open-spaces Picture left: Cllr Tonia Craig, Cabinet Lead for Health and Social Policy (right) and Kim Peters, Country Parks Visitor Services Manager celebrate the excellent result
GREENER BOROUGH
@eastleighbc
Make the most of your green recycling bin this Christmas
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Your Christmas waste collections Normal Collection Day
Revised Collection Day
Monday 27 December
Tuesday 28 December
Tuesday 28 December
Wednesday 29 December
Wednesday 29 December
Thursday 30 December
Thursday 30 December
Friday 31 December
Friday 31 December
Monday 3 January
You’ll be amazed how much refuse you can get inside your green wheelie bin. With many more people ordering goods online we are asking residents to ensure they make the most of the space in their green bin over the festive period.
Monday 3 January
Tuesday 4 January
Tuesday 4 January
Wednesday 5 January
To ensure you can put as much as you can in your green bin and help the Council’s bin crews stay safe follows these simple tips;
Wednesday 5 January
Thursday 6 January
Thursday 6 January
Friday 7 January
Friday 7 January
Saturday 8 January
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cut up or tear large cardboard boxes to a size where they can lay flat inside the bin remove tape from cardboard crush aluminium cans Squash plastic bottles and replace the lid
Please note that the garden waste service will be suspended after 24 December 2021 and resumes on 10 January 2022
flatten other cardboard packaging, like cereal boxes
Christmas tree recycling Free recycling collection points for real Christmas trees have been set up around the Borough. Trees can be dropped off between 10 - 24 January 2022. We will collect Christmas trees for recycling from the following locations:
• • • •
Mortimers Road Car Park, Botley Hilliers Garden Centre, Woodhouse Lane, Botley Lakeside Country Park, Eastleigh
Recycle your Christmas tree here
Brambridge Park Garden Centre, Kiln Lane, Brambridge
• In-Excess Garden Centre, Winchester Road, Fair Oak
• Hound Parish Hall, Woolston Road, Netley • Haskins Garden Centre, West End If you subscribe to our garden waste scheme, we will collect your tree on your scheduled collection day – just place it next to your garden waste bin. We can only collect trees that are 4ft in length - so please cut your tree to this size.
SWAP OUT SINGLE USE CHOOSE REUSABLE AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS Waste FREE minimisation #slimyourbin eastleigh.gov.uk/avoiding-waste
advert
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GREENER BOROUGH
eastleigh.gov.uk
News round up Eastleigh
Eastleigh Community Garden activity day The community garden project behind the Salvation Army building in central Eastleigh - on the site of the former multi-use games area is really starting to take shape. Activity days have got local residents involved in shaping this new green space. The most recent was run by Eastleigh Men’s Shed who were on hand to help make bird boxes and insect hotels. Visit their Facebook page for more information: facebook.com/ eastleighcommunitygarden Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound
Lights upgrade for Abbey Hall The Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice and Hound Local Area Committee have recently agreed £3,000 to upgrade the lighting in the building’s car park. The area will now be lit by environmentallyfriendly LED lights.
More grants available for greener homes Residents on income-related benefits or a gross household income of less than £30,000 a year, could be eligible for free home improvements worth up to £10,000. Improvements include solar panels, insulation and other energy-saving measures. The Green Homes Grant (GHG) Local Authority Delivery (LAD) Phase Two is being delivered by City Energy and aims to raise the energy efficiency of low income and low energy performance (rated D, E, F
or G) homes through green energy solutions.
Seven ways to keep your home warm this winter
It follows the successful roll out of the GHG LAD 1b (delivered by Agility Eco) earlier in the year.
With energy bills on the rise, here are seven simple tips to keep your home warm this winter.
The phase two scheme operates on a first-come, first-served basis until 22 March, so be sure to get your application in early if you think you might be eligible.
Find out more: solent-lad-applications.com
Kitchen upgrade for Hound Support from the Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice and Hound Local Area Committee (LAC) has improved catering facilities at Hound Parish Council Hall. The building’s kitchen has been revamped with funding agreed between the LAC and Parish Council. Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath
Helping the area bloom New planters, bulbs and trees are being planted across Fair Oak parish as part of a range of environmental improvements being delivered by the Parish Council and the Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath Local Area Committee. Phase 1 of the improvements to the cemetery have just been completed, with plans for a comprehensive tree planting scheme and bee corridor project recently agreed. The work is supported by developer contributions.
Burning wood more safely Did you know that burning wood and solid fuel produces harmful particulate air pollution? This pollution negatively affects the health (including the heart and lungs) of you, your family, and your neighbours. If you have an open fire or wood burner at home, here are some steps you can take to reduce the impact on your family and community: 1. Burn less - reduce burning of solid fuel where possible. Only use stoves and fires for particularly cold weather, and choose other heating options if suitable or available. 2. Burn cleaner - use cleaner fuels on your stove and open fires such as smokeless, authorised fuels or dry, wellseasoned ‘ready to burn’ wood with low moisture content. 3. Burn better - use efficient appliances, such as DEFRA compliant appliances or future EU Ecodesign 2022 appliances, and service and clean them regularly. 4. Burn different - if possible, switch heating source to no or low emission fuels, such as renewable, electric or gas alternatives, which will reduce particulate pollution and can reduce carbon emissions. Find out more: environmentcentre.com/wood-burning
1. Insulate your pipes This not only stops heat being lost from your system but will help prevent pipes from bursting. 2. Close the curtains Let the sunshine through in the daytime but close curtains (especially thick ones) as soon as dusk falls. 3. Watch out for mini draughts Use keyhole covers, draught excluders and brushes in your letterbox, to keep the cold air out. 4. Shut unused rooms This prevents cold air moving into the rest of the house. 5. Top up your loft insultation The recommended depth is 270mm. 6. Seal your loft hatch Make sure heat isn’t escaping through your loft hatch by using the same draught proofing strips you can buy for windows and doors 7. Keep radiators clear Try to avoid putting large furniture in front of your radiators, even if it’s just for the winter.
For more advice visit: eastleigh.gov.uk/housing/keeping-yourhome-warm-and-free-of-damp
ECONOMY
@eastleighbc
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Youth Employment Hub launched
Working alongside Test Valley Borough Council, New Forest District Council and Winchester City Council, we’re launching a face-to-face and online support service to help young people across four council areas to find employment and enhance career prospects. The Central and West Hampshire Youth Employment Hub will connect, listen to and provide solutions for young people to find employment and help secure their futures. Employment for young people has been significantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. This project, which is joint funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), provides Job Centre Work Coaches to work closely with employers, training providers, schools and colleges. At the hub, young people will be able to gain help, support and advice on a range of training and employment opportunities and will be informed about local activities, such as youth groups, sports clubs, drama, art groups and activity sessions. If you’re aged between 16 and 24 and would like to access the hub, please email youthemploymenthub@eastleigh.gov.uk
Support your local high street Give a Borough gift card this Christmas This Christmas why not give your loved ones an Eastleigh Borough gift card and help support local businesses at the same time? The card can be spent on a meal, a coffee and a slice of cake, beauty treatments and much more in your local area.
The scheme is a great way to get people back supporting local shops, cafés, pubs and other services that have been affected by the pandemic.
You can load the gift card with any amount of money (minimum £10) which will then be redeemable in any of the Borough’s retail, leisure and hospitality venues that are signed up to the scheme.
If you run a local business, there is still time to sign up to the scheme.
Many businesses have signed up allowing you to spend the gift card in places on and around your local high street including; The Flower Shop, Colin Charles Photography, Hursley Café, Curves and River Rat Hamble.
Join us for the next Business briefing
Blooming brilliant transformation
Our Business Breakfast Briefing will take place on 8 February 2022 at 9.30am and will be held at Hamble Aerostructures. The briefing will give attendees more information about what we are doing to help businesses to recover from the pandemic, opportunities following the UK exit from the European Union and what we plan to do regarding the climate emergency.
The Council’s Welcome Back Fund team has arranged for the planters, at the edge of the pedestrianised section of Leigh Road in Eastleigh town centre, to be planted by gardener Natisha Cadd from Nova’s Nursery. Natisha is a stallholder at the Council’s weekly Hedge End Village Market.
Please register your attendance by emailing economicdevelopment@eastleigh.gov.uk
Picture left: Natisha Cadd with the planters
If you would like to have a stand at this event, please let us know when you register.
WHAT CAN YOU MAKE
REUSEFUL?
GIVE DISPOSABLE ITEMS A NEW LEASE OF LIFE #slimyourbin eastleigh.gov.uk/avoiding-waste
Find out more: eastleigh.gov.uk/BoroughGiftCard
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eastleigh.gov.uk
Celebrating 100 years of the Royal British Legion This is a very special year for the Royal British Legion (RBL) as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. From the beginning, providing financial, social and emotional care and support for the Armed Forces community has been at the heart of what the RBL do, and they are rightfully proud to have provided our community with a century of support for serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. New members are always welcome at the local branches of the Royal British Legion. For more details contact: Eastleigh, Chandler’s Ford & District Branch - 07502 383452 Netley & Hamble Branch - 07711 959870
Poppies on the Bandstand Following the success of last year, the giant red poppies will again be placed on the bandstand in advance of Remembrance. We, together with the Royal British Legion will be decorating this iconic local landmark with poppies in the week leading up to Remembrance Sunday. We would like to encourage local residents, groups and organisations to help turn the Bandstand red with poppies.
Remembering our local war heroes
Here are memories of some of our war heroes whose names appear on the Eastleigh War Memorial. Lance Corporal Walter Willam Knott – known as Bill, lived in Market Street, Eastleigh and joined the Royal Engineers in August 1914 at the age of 17. He was transferred to the 25th Northumberland Fusiliers - a regiment known as a railway battalion. Bill was sadly killed in action in October 1917 at the age of 20. Sergeant Ray Hillier was born in 1917 to Hubert and Maude Hillier in Bellevue Road, Eastleigh. He joined the RAF and was part of 619 Squadron in 1943. His plane was shot down on a bombing raid over Aachen in Germany in 1944 where Ray was sadly killed. Frederick Edward Hatch was part of the 1st Battalion, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry. He died on 1 September 1918 aged 19 at Ypres and is buried in the Vaulx Cemetery. He was the son of Edward and Elizabeth Hatch from Archers Road, Eastleigh and many members of his family still live in Eastleigh.
Commemorative benches To mark the 100th anniversary, we are pleased and proud to present the Eastleigh, Chandler’s Ford & District Branch of the RBL with two commemorative benches that will be placed either side of the War Memorial in Leigh Road Recreation Ground. Each bench depicts a scene from each of the two world wars.
Private Leslie Brown was part of the 1st Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales’s own). He was killed in action by the Japanese at Imphal, India in June 1944 at the age of 27. He was the son of James and Bessie Brown and was the older brother to Norman Brown MBE who was President of the Eastleigh, Chandler’s Ford and District Branch of The Royal British Legion for many years.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
@eastleighbc
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Nominations open for Eastleigh Sports Awards Nominate for activities over 2020 and 2021 The Eastleigh Sport & Physical Activity Alliance (SPAA) has opened nominations for the eleventh Eastleigh Sports Awards, after a year gap due to the pandemic. The ceremony will take place at the Hilton at The Ageas Bowl on Monday 9 May 2022, and you are invited to nominate your local sporting heroes for their talent, devotion and passion. It’s not just the top-level athletes who can celebrate a successful 2020 and 2021; schools, coaches, volunteers and projects are all in the spotlight over ten categories. Two brand new categories for this year are the Innovation and Health & Wellbeing awards: drawing on the amazing flexible work done during the pandemic.
Cabinet Lead for Health and Social Policy, Cllr Tonia Craig, said: “The Eastleigh Sports Awards are a great opportunity to highlight inspirational individuals, groups and teams. They all contribute to, provide and promote a variety of sports and physical activities in the Borough. This is your opportunity to shout about local talent and celebrate unsung heroes.” You have until 31 January to submit your nomination. Find out more: eastleigh.gov.uk/sportsawards Picture: Eastleigh SPAA Official Ambassador and ex-Saint, Francis Benali with former Hampshire cricketer and BBC Radio Solent presenter, Kevan James at the 2019 event.
New Year Boost is coming New Year Boost is our yearly programme to help residents boost their health at the start of each year. Activities are aimed at adults (16 years plus) who are currently doing little to no exercise. Sometimes, it can be difficult to know where to look or what is on offer, so this campaign offers a one stop shop of different activities. It will showcase the variety and quality of activity providers and venues in the local area. January is a great time to kickstart healthy habits, so make sure you keep an eye out for these brilliant activities.
Find out more: eastleigh.gov.uk/nyboost
Country Park News
y Park Countrw Ne s
Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news and events! Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/ CountryParkNews
RECYCLE YOUR EMPTY IN YOUR GREEN BIN #slimyourbin eastleigh.gov.uk/avoiding-waste
AEROSOLS
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HEALTH AND WELLBEING
eastleigh.gov.uk
Help homelessn Do you know what homelessness looks like?
Anyone can become homeless and through no fault of their own. It can be a family, a young person, a single adult – help is available for all. You don’t have to be sleeping rough to be homeless: sofa surfing is a form of hidden homelessness whereby friends and family offer a sofa or spare bed/space in their house as a temporary measure. As such, the reasons and personal needs of each person in need of our help are complex and no one approach suits all.
The best WAY you can help is by letting us know Even if you don’t directly see someone you are concerned about, but there’s evidence that someone may have been sleeping rough, or there’s someone you are worried about that needs our Housing team’s assistance – please let us know. The more we are aware the more we can use our resources in the best way to help. By providing food and spare change you are helping vulnerable people stay on the streets longer. We cannot force assistance on someone who is homeless, but we can ensure we keep in touch regularly to offer a variety support.
we can help.
eastleigh.gov.uk/homelessness
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
@eastleighbc
ess in Eastleigh It’s a team effort When you complete the form or call the Council to let us know about someone who may need our help, the Housing team is put into action, together with a wider network of support. Housing Team alerted: by street pastors, Eastleigh BID, Councillors, Housing Associations, the police and many other organisations, together with your help. Recorded: A case officer will be allocated. Contact made/attempted: The allocated officer will either contact the person(s) in need or request Two Saints (the Outreach Team) to make contact. The person who made the alert may also be contacted. Homelessness assessment completed: An offer of emergency accommodation will be made if criteria under the Homelessness Legislation is met. The 56-day Prevention Duty or Relief Duty begins: This is a multi-agency effort with the Housing team and Two Saints working closely with other local partners.
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A Personal Housing Plan will be created and followed together
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Referrals to partner agencies, depending on specific needs
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Regular welfare contact and engagement opportunities
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A needs assessment will be completed
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Suitable accommodation options will be identified
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ssistance to secure a tenancy e.g. with Tenancy Start Up Loan A or Discretionary Housing Payment options
Outcome: If the person(s) is eligible, homeless and in priority need we would provide suitable accommodation, otherwise we will provide them with information and details of our appropriate partners who may be able to help.
Looking for help? Our priority is prevention
If you think you might become homeless in the future, tell us as soon as you can and we’ll give you some advice straight away. Please don’t wait until you lose the roof over your head before you come to us. We can offer help, such as debt counselling, negotiations with landlords and advice on alternative accommodation. Please contact us as soon as your landlord, bank or building society threatens repossession action. Freephone 0800 032 0540. There is also a drop in service by Two Saints found at 109a Leigh Road, Eastleigh SO50 9DR during office hours.
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WHAT’S ON
A
Walk & Talk Wednesday 3 November • 10.30am - 11.30am
Walk & Talk Thursday 2 December • 11am - 12 noon
Meet: The Acorns, Pilands Wood
Itchen Valley Country Park
Walk & Talk Wednesday 3 November • 1pm - 2pm
Festive Glass Lanterns Saturday 4 December • 11am, 11.30am and 12 noon Itchen Valley Country Park
Lakeside Country Park
Desert Island Flicks. Relive the most memorable movie moments of all time Thursday 11 November • 7.30pm The Point Eastleigh
12 Lights for 12 Nights Christmas Trail Saturday 4 December to Friday 31 December Any time between 10.30am and 3.30pm Itchen Valley Country Park
CBeebies star Nick Cope Saturday 13 November • 2pm The Point Eastleigh
B
Walk & Talk Wednesday 8 December • 10.30am - 11.30am Meet: Green Lane entrance to Hamble Common
Walk & Talk Wednesday 17 November • 1pm - 2pm Lakeside Country Park
Forest Therapy with Adore your Outdoors Thursday 18 November • 1.30pm
The Point Eastleigh
Walk & Talk Thursday 18 November • 11am - 12 noon
One Snowy Night, a tale from Percy’s Park Slot Machine Theatre and Norden Farm’s charming stage adaptation of Nick Butterworth’s bestselling book Friday 10 December to Thursday 30 December
Itchen Valley Country Park
The Berry Theatre, Hedge End
Christmas Light switch-on and Victorian themed fete Saturday 20 November
Merry Wreathing Saturday 11 December
Itchen Valley Country Park
C
The Twelve Days of Jessmas with Jess Robinson Thursday 9 December • 8pm
Eastleigh Town Centre
Christmas light switch-on and Christmas Market Wednesday 24 November • 10am - 7pm Former Budgens site, Hedge End
Itchen Valley Country Park - Book online Adults 16+ 11am to 1pm - £12.00 Children 6+ 2pm to 3pm - £7.00
The Muppet Christmas Carol (inclusive screening) Tuesday 14 December • 10.30am The Point Eastleigh
Walk & Talk Wednesday 24 November • 10.30am - 11.30am Meet: St Mary’s Church Lay-by, Hound Round
Wyvern College’s Christmas Concert Wednesday 15 December • 7pm The Point Eastleigh
Village Market HAMBLE
Village Market HEDGE
END
Monthly Friday Market
Weekly Wednesday Market
10am - 4pm The Square Car Park
10am - 3pm Former Budgens Site
Festive Willow workshops - Rush Reindeer workshop Friday 26 November • 2pm - 5pm
Walk & Talk Wednesday 15 December • 1pm - 2pm
Itchen Valley Country Park
Lakeside Country Park
Peter Gill’s Christmas Comedy Songbook Friday 26 November • 7.30pm
Walk & Talk Thursday 16 December • 11am - 12 noon Itchen Valley Country Park
The Berry Theatre, Hedge End
Walk & Talk Wednesday 1 December • 1pm - 2pm Lakeside Country Park
Hamble Festive Christmas Market Friday 17 December • 10am - 4pm The Square, Hamble (tbc)
WHAT’S ON
@eastleighbc
Let’s All Dance presents The Nutcracker Saturday 18 December • 1.30pm - 3.30pm
FREE EVENT
The Point Eastleigh
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
Walk & Talk Wednesday 5 January • 1pm - 2pm Lakeside Country Park
Walk & Talk Thursday 6 January • 11am - 12 noon
The Berry Theatre Wildern Lane, Hedge End, Southampton SO30 4EJ
Itchen Valley Country Park
Walk & Talk Wednesday 19 January • 1pm - 2pm Lakeside Country Park
Walks in the country park to explore the changing seasons and meet new people.
Walk & Talk Thursday 20 January • 11am - 12 noon Itchen Valley Country Park
Join us for a stroll and a chat. For dates, times and locations see left.
For further information and to book tickets visit theberrytheatre.co.uk or phone the box office on 023 8065 2333
Itchen Valley Country Park Allington Lane, West End, Southampton SO30 3HQ
Book online to reserve a place Pictures A: The Muppet Christmas Carol B: Walk and Talk C: Desert Island Flicks
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www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ countryparkeventbookings and click on ‘wellbeing activities’
JOIN OUR TEAM • Competitive salaries • Good Local Government Pension Scheme • Excellent work life balance • Up to 27 days annual leave For current vacancies, visit www.eastleigh.gov.uk/jobs or pick up an application form from Hedge End Depot (SO30 2RA)
To book visit eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp or call 023 8068 3790
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ONE HORTON HEATH LATEST UPDATE
Wildlife ‘infrastructure’ helps endangered species Part of our infrastructure first approach has included the establishment of six new wildlife ponds as part of the transformation of 13 acres of farmland into biodiverse, species rich habitats and informal natural greenspace alongside Allington Lane. These have been designed to effectively extend and compliment Quobleigh Woods and restore historic field boundaries.
New Chalcroft Way link road opens Work was completed in September on an important new link road for the One Horton Heath development to help relieve traffic pressure at Fair Oak and Horton Heath. Chalcroft Way connects Bubb Lane with Burnetts Lane, just north of the Hedge End to Eastleigh railway line, and includes a roundabout at either end of the link road. Council Leader, Cllr Keith House, said: “It’s great to see this vitally significant scheme for Horton Heath completed. This project is further evidence of the Council’s ‘infrastructure first’ approach. This is the first phase of infrastructure for the new community at Horton Heath and we are ensuring this vital new road infrastructure is in place first to help take traffic away from rural Burnetts Lane and remove some through traffic in both Fair Oak and Horton Heath.” Work has now begun on proposals for the final 1.2-mile phase which will link Chalcroft Way to Allington Lane. Picture above: New Chalcroft Way link road and Bubb Lane Roundabout.
Find out more and keep up-to-date on the development visit: onehortonheath.co.uk or email: onehortonheath@eastleigh.gov.uk Follow us on: onehortonheath One Horton Heath
Ongoing monitoring of the local population of rare great crested newts has found that many of the ponds in the area were unsuitable for breeding newts in 2021 and that only one breeding pond remained viable. With this area now in the ownership of the Council, six new ponds have been created along with 13 acres of habitat for the newts. Principal Ecologist at John’s Associates, Ben Mitchell, said: “This project to compensate for the new road and roundabout is delivering far more than was initially required. Our surveys showed that a rare population of great crested newts were limited by a reducing number of old breeding ponds. Through the delivery of these advanced phases of One Horton Heath we have been able to create six new wildlife ponds for the newts and
other wildlife as part of our project to transform 13 acres of farmland. Under the stewardship of the Council, these ponds will secure the future of this population and allow the population to thrive in the long term. He added: “The ponds are maturing really well and will form an important wildlife area. Despite only being planted this growing season we hope they will provide first class breeding ponds for the great crested newt population in Spring 2022.” We will update you on how this important project is going in spring 2022. Picture above: Ecologist Ben Mitchell visiting the new ponds in September.
Can we support your community project? One Horton Heath is welcoming interest from community representatives or groups who are involved in running community or educational-led activities who require outdoor space. Visit onehortonheath.co.uk to get in touch
HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT
@eastleighbc
Council to consider application for former civic offices site A full planning application for a new Hendy car showroom on part of the old civic offices site has been received by Eastleigh Borough Council.
The £21.2 million school forms part of the Wildern Academy Trust and includes a three-storey main building, an adjacent sports hall and has capacity for 1,050 students. Additional sports facilities for both the school and local community to use are also being developed, thanks to a joint investment of a further £2.4 million by the Borough Council and Hampshire County Council. This will include grassed sports pitches, a 400-metre running track, a synthetic all weather pitch, and a multi-use games area with three netball courts and floodlighting.
News round up Eastleigh
Public art for North Stoneham
The application for the site alongside Leigh Road, Eastleigh includes provision for the construction of a car dealership comprising two showroom buildings and a car display courtyard on the site frontage. It also includes proposals for a workshop, rear service yard, car parking, landscaping and access.
Last month, members of the North Stoneham community joined artist Michael Pinsky on a ramble to find suitable locations for his new public artworks commissioned especially for the parkland. They had the opportunity to see prototypes of the sculptures and to work with him and his team.
The application will be considered at a date to be confirmed later this year or early in 2022.
Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound
To view the application, visit www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ planningportal.
Mercury Hub goes from strength to strength
New secondary school opens in Hedge End Hamble Lane crossing The Mayor of Eastleigh, Cllr Cynthia Garton officially opened Deer Park School, the new state of the art secondary school in Hedge End, in October.
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Hamble’s Mercury Library and Community Hub is going from strength to strength, with membership and volunteer numbers steadily increasing.
A new Puffin crossing has been installed in Hamble Lane, Bursledon between the Jurd Way and Tesco access roundabouts, providing a much safer way for residents living on the development to the west of Hamble Lane, to cross this busy road.
It now opens Monday to Thursday and Saturday, from 10am to 1pm - plus every Monday and Wednesday from 3.30pm to 5.30pm.
Chair of Bursledon, Hamble & Hound Local Area Committee, Cllr Tonia Craig, said: “It’s great that the new crossing has now been completed and benefits new and existing residents getting from their homes to other local facilities. It’s also more convenient and safer, encouraging more people to be more sustainable by walking or cycling.”
Citizens Advice run free dropin sessions (first and third Wednesday of the month) from 10am to 12 noon. There are also free IT advice drop-ins, children’s sessions, crafts and a book club.
The crossing was installed as part of the community improvements from the developer of Kestrel Park.
GP surgery mergers
New play area for Eastleigh Local children are enjoying a new play area that was installed at Ovington Gardens/York Road, Eastleigh in September. The play area provides a safe, fun and challenging experience for children up to 12 years of age and includes a timber team trail, wall and net combo, crab and elephant see-
saws, clamber stack, tiger spring and a wheelchair accessible roundabout. The play area also includes bonded rubber safety surfacing around and under each bit of equipment. It has been funded from financial contributions from the developers of nearby new housing schemes.
The NHS Clinical Commissioning Group for Hampshire has approved a merger of the Hedge End St Lukes and Botley surgeries with Southampton’s Living Well Partnership. The Council sought assurance that residents in Hedge End and Botley would not have to travel to Weston for appointments. Separately, the Council opposed the removal of daytime GP appointments at Lowford Surgery, with Bursledon patients now being required to go to Hamble’s Blackthorn Surgery.
Picture left: The timber team trail
FAST FASHION IS DIRTIER THAN WHERE IT ENDS UP #slimyourbin eastleigh.gov.uk/avoiding-waste
BUY LESS, CHOOSE QUALITY, MAKE IT LAST
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News round up Hedge End, West End & Botley
New barrier at Hedge End Station The car park at Hedge End Station has been made more secure, thanks to funding from Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee. Restricted height barriers (2.1m) have been installed and the layout of the space reconfigured to allow for more user-friendly parking. Eastleigh
River repairs The Eastleigh Local Area Committee (ELAC) has been working with the Environment Agency (EA) and Hampshire County Council (HCC) to repair the bank of the River Itchen which was flooding at Bishopstoke Recreation Ground. ELAC contributed £15,000 in funds and this was matched by HCC and the EA. Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath
Play area progress Bishopstoke Parish Council has recently appointed a consultant to oversee the delivery of improvements to play areas at Templecoombe Road, Church Road and Blackberry Drive.
New Community Development Officer A new Community Development Officer, who will work with the local community as the Pembers Farm development takes shape, has just been appointed. Funded through developer contributions from a joint project between the Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath Local Area Committee and Fair Oak Parish Council, the post will last for a minimum of four years and will enable greater community engagement in the Bishopstoke and Fair Oak areas. The new postholder should start in January 2022.
YOUR COMMUNITY
Councillors needed for two new parish councils Could you represent your neighbourhood as a member of one of the two new parish councils being created for the centre of Eastleigh?
If you would like to know more about becoming a parish councillor, please email tracy.predeth@eastleigh.gov.uk.
More information will be available nearer the Elections of the first councillors for time, visit eastleigh.gov.uk/elections Eastleigh Town Council and Boyatt Wood Parish Council will take place in May next year. A public consultation exercise early this year – part of the community governance review (CGR) - indicated that householders were strongly in favour of more locally focused decision-making. This will give residents a greater say in how the budget for local services - such as the maintenance of open spaces, sports facilities and play areas, and the management of allotments, libraries community buildings and cemeteries - is spent. If you would like to put yourself forward and make a difference in your local area, look out for details of the election process. Applicants should ideally live or work in the neighbourhood they want to represent.
New Borough Policing team Hampshire Constabulary’s Eastleigh District has recently established a high-harm team to provide a more dynamic response to emerging issues within local communities across Eastleigh and Hedge End. Their work will include disrupting and prosecuting those involved in County Line drug networks, identifying those responsible for serial domestic abuse and bringing them to justice, while safeguarding their victims. The team will also assist other policing teams with issues surrounding child criminal exploitation and child sexual exploitation. The team consists of a Sergeant, two Constables and a PCSO who will be working in close partnership with local stakeholders such as Eastleigh Borough Council, social housing providers and schools to identify when disruption tactics and enforcement and safeguarding opportunities can be used to protect our communities.
Parents reminded to park considerately We are reminding parents and guardians to make sure they park responsibly when dropping off and collecting their children from school. It is the responsibility of every parent to do what they can to park safely, responsibly and legally, to respect the schools neighbouring residents and most importantly - to make the area as safe as possible for all children. What can you do to help: • walk or cycle with your children • park slightly further away from the school to ease congestion When you park, please do not: • park or stop on the zig zags outside the schools • park within 10 metres of a road junction, as per the Highway Code • park on road markings / restrictions, block dropped kerbs or obstruct pavements. Cabinet Lead for Transport, Cllr David Airey, said: “I would like to remind parents and guardians of the issues that can be caused by inconsiderate or selfish parking such as stopping access to drives to stopping wheelchairs, buggies and pedestrians using the pavements to annoying neighbours. Complaints about poor parking are one of the most frequent issues raised by residents with me. I encourage everyone to park responsibly and considerately.”
Have you moved house in the last 6 months? Remember to update your registration by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. It only takes a couple of minutes and will remove you from a previous address as well as adding you to your new address. The revised electoral register is published on 1 December 2021, so don’t delay, and update today!
@eastleighbc
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News round up area. Tea and cake are provided. For more information see page 11.
Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound
Hamble Rail Trail resurfaced A 450-metre length of the popular Hamble Rail Trail, from Tudor Close spur to Baron Road/Spitfire Way, has been resurfaced. The new two-metre width of self-binding gravel provides a more stable surface for walkers. The works were funded by the Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound Local Area Committee.
Community grants available throughout the Borough The Borough-wide community grants scheme offers up to £1,000 to groups whose aims reflect our priorities of promoting health, prosperity, the environment, community development and community involvement. Priority is given to those with a focus on doing more for less. The grant can be used for buying equipment or materials, running costs, projects and development of the organisation.
Non-profit making community groups, voluntary organisations, trusts, friendly societies, social enterprises and community interest companies can apply. Eligible groups must have a wide community benefit and be open to anyone. You can apply between 10 January and 28 February 2022.
Find out more: eastleigh.gov.uk/ communitygrants
Have your say Local Area Committees hold public question sessions at the start of each meeting Local Area Committees (LAC) are made up of 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.
We have been working in partnership with the Police, Hamble-le-Rice Parish Council, the Harbour Master and Youth Options to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) at the Hamble foreshore during the summer months. This partnership approach, combined with an increased presence and ongoing engagement with young people, resulted in a significant reduction in ASB.
Walk & Talk A 12-month pilot project to get local residents more active and learn about wildlife has been launched. The 2km walks are at a comfortable pace around the Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice and Hound local
Public question sessions are held at the start of each meeting and 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. 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) 24 November • 26 January Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/bifohh or contact andrew.thompson@eastleigh.gov.uk / 023 8068 8357
Plans in for Fountain Café A planning application for the new Fountain Café has now been submitted. The development is supported by developer contributions secured by the Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath Local Area Committee (BIFOHH LAC). Both the BIFOHH LAC and Fair Oak Parish Council are keen to promote greener forms of transport for café customers and have allocated just two parking bays for the site - but in response to concerns raised by residents, the Parish Council is in discussion with the Village Hall Management Committee about also using their car park.
Christmas jumper swap A chance to exchange your Christmas jumper for something equally as festive takes place at Fair Oak Parish Council Offices on Thursday 26 November (from 3.30pm to 6.30pm). The aim of the Christmas jumper swap shop is to reduce textile waste going to landfill and provide an affordable means to buy a ‘new to me’ jumper to make sure the children of the parish are suitably decked out for Christmas Jumper Day on 14 December.
Chandler’s Ford & Hiltingbury (7pm) 10 November • 12 January Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/cfh or contact ross.mcclean@eastleigh.gov.uk / 023 8068 3367 Eastleigh (7pm) 16 November • 18 January Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/elac or contact guy.riddoch@eastleigh.gov.uk / 023 8068 3369 Hedge End, West End & Botley (7pm) 1 November • 24 January Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/heweb or contact kitty.budden@eastleigh.gov.uk
Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound (6pm) 2 December • 20 January Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/bhh or contact ross.mcclean@eastleigh.gov.uk / 023 8068 3367
RECYCLE YOUR GLASS EVERY OTHER WEEK #slimyourbin eastleigh.gov.uk/avoiding-waste
Anti-social behaviour at Hamble foreshore
Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath
AND BATTERIES Put your black box out with your green bin
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Contact us:
Eastleigh Borough Council, Eastleigh House, Upper Market Street, Eastleigh SO50 9YN 023 8068 8000 @EastleighBC eastleigh.gov.uk • my.eastleigh.gov.uk Sign up to receive updates from us at: eastleigh.gov.uk/weeklynews
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