BOROUGH NEWS Spring 2022
@eastleighbc
eastleigh.gov.uk
Borough and Parish Council elections 2022 Borough residents will go to the polls on Thursday 5 May to have their say on who represents them in the Borough and Parish Council elections. Plans are being put in place to help everyone stay COVID-safe while casting their vote. There are a number of ways to vote:
Cutting our vehicle emissions by up to 90% Council-owned diesel engines now running on low carbon fuel We’ve switched all our diesel lorries, vans and cars over to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel as we transition to net zero carbon emissions. The Council’s entire fleet of bin lorries, the vans operated by our StreetScene team, and even some mowers and other small vehicles, are now running on the fuel. The move is estimated to lower our vehicle carbon emissions by 90%, while also cutting air pollution. HVO is seen as a transitional fuel while we switch our vehicles to electric and other zero carbon equivalents by 2030. We’ve already invested in several electric vans and have three new electric bin lorries on order.
HVO is a biofuel that works in diesel engines. It’s considered to be a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and is created by processing waste vegetable oils and fats. As well as being low carbon, the fuel produces up to 25% less NOx emissions and up to 42% less particulate matter meaning a reduction in harmful air pollution. Cabinet Lead for the Environment, Cllr Rupert Kyrle, said: “Switching our vehicles over to HVO fuel will mean we are lowering air pollution
and producing less carbon, while we upgrade the vehicles themselves to more sustainable equivalents over the next eight years. It shows we are committed to cutting our own emissions to net zero by 2025 and moving towards a net zero Borough by 2030.” New HVO fuel tanks have been installed at our depot in Hedge End and will be topped up by vehicles which also run on HVO.
By post If you would like to vote by post, please apply now to ensure the postal vote can be issued as quickly as possible. It’s easy to apply and you must be registered to vote. At a polling station Safety methods will be in line with the government guidance. Measures such as hand sanitiser and face coverings (unless exempt), may be in place. For more information visit eastleigh.gov.uk/ informationforvoters
Your Weekly Borough News Sign up to receive updates about what is happening across the Borough
Picture: Photo of Cllr Kyrle filling up a bin lorry with HVO fuel
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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.
Green Borough 2
Maintaining and creating an attractive and sustainable environment that residents value, and which can allow residents, businesses and nature to thrive.
GREENER BOROUGH
Investing in Flexford Nature Reserve The Council is investing £75,000 on footpath improvements to the popular Flexford Nature Reserve in Chandler’s Ford.
trees with exposed roots, protect and improve river banks and will ultimately lead to a more sustainable green area.
Working in partnership with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, the works will reinstate and improve footpath surfaces to ensure the site is safe and accessible for local people to enjoy. We will also be providing new information panels and improved signage with information about the site, including the animals and plants that can be found there. It will increase biodiversity of the area and save hundreds of
Chair of Chandler’s Ford & Hiltingbury Local Area Committee, Cllr James Duguid, said: “Flexford is not just a nature reserve, it’s a place local people go to enjoy the natural environment, walk their dogs and improve their wellbeing. The improvements will provide increased access to a valued local green space and provide a more attractive environment.”
Housing and Development
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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.
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.
Council approves robust policy on tree protection We have approved a new Trees and Development Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which will protect existing trees and promote the planting of new ones on new developments. This policy ensures that trees are fully considered by developers as part of the planning process and that there is a net gain of trees on development sites. We view existing trees as important assets to a new development and careful consideration must be given to incorporating them in the design of any development and protecting them during construction.
Council Leader, Cllr Keith House, said: “This policy reinforces our commitment to improving biodiversity by protecting existing trees and planting new trees on future developments in the Borough. The SPD provides a clear system for developers to follow that we can introduce quickly and enforce.” He added: “New trees play an important role in the landscape design of new developments from open spaces, on roadsides and streets, within car parking areas and in gardens. The draft policy sits well alongside the Council’s own commitment to plant 160,000 additional trees by 2030.”
GREENER BOROUGH
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Residents plant new trees First ‘Plant Eastleigh’ days are a hit Hundreds of residents got together to plant 170 new trees in Itchen Valley Country Park. They had sponsored a tree through Plant Eastleigh - the Council’s new tree sponsorship initiative. Residents planted small single stem trees over the course of two planting days at the end of January and the beginning of February. The trees will grow to add to the beautiful woodland at Itchen Valley Country Park, which is enjoyed by local families and native wildlife alike. The trees were grown at the Council’s own tree nursery in Horton Heath.
Cabinet Lead for the Environment, Cllr Rupert Kyrle, said: “It’s wonderful to see so many local families who are passionate about making the Borough a leafier place to live. We have the goal of 160,000 more trees in the Borough by 2030 and planting days like these show that people really want to be part of this green legacy.” For details of future planting days in the Borough, keep an eye on the Plant Eastleigh website. For more information planteastleigh.co.uk Picture: Local family enjoying a tree planting day
Latest improvements completed at Hiltingbury Lakes to footpaths around the lower ponds, particularly the western side, where the paths are muddy. Chair of Chandler’s Ford and Hiltingbury Local Area Committee, Cllr James Duguid, said: “We’re really pleased with the latest work that’s taken place at the site. The improvements to the new bridge and fences around the lakes have made a big difference in the overall look of the area and we hope it will attract more visitors. We are delighted with the improved access for all in our community.” The latest improvement works at Hiltingbury Lakes in Chandler’s Ford have now been completed and are ready for visitors to enjoy. The contractors, Scott White & Hookins Ltd and B&M McHugh Ltd have been working together to transform the popular beauty spot back to its former glory with some essential maintenance work to footpaths, bridges and waterways.
All the work has been approved by the Environment Agency and the contractors have been working hard to install fencing and bridges as quickly as possible to avoid disruption to people visiting the area. Fences have been replaced around the lower ponds and the large bridge by the lake has been reconstructed. This summer, further drainage and surfacing work will be carried out
We are now calling on the support of the community to assist with the next phase of the transformation work which requires a dedicated team of countryside volunteers to take part in habitat restoration tasks on site. Find out more eastleigh.gov.uk/ hiltingburylakes
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HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT
Lawn Road play area reopens We are pleased to announce that the major refurbishment of the Lawn Road play park is now complete, and the play area is open for families to enjoy once again. Some of the temporary security fencing may remain for a while, but enough has been removed to allow complete access to the whole park. There are a few minor tasks that will need completing in the coming months which are dependent on the time of year and weather, such as seeding the bare earth areas.
The grass will take a while to grow but this work can be finished without further closures to the playground. Chair of Eastleigh Local Area Committee, Cllr Alex Bourne, said: “We are so happy to be able to re-open Lawn Road play area to local families again. This project has had its challenges but we hope that the park will now be a safe and fun place for children living nearby to enjoy.” Picture: Cllr Alex Bourne with local residents by one of the new features
New developments on brownfield sites A new development of 105 new homes will be built on a derelict brownfield site in central Eastleigh. The two-acre former Jewson’s site, located off Toynbee Road, will include associated parking, public open space and landscaping once the existing buildings, alongside the Romsey to Eastleigh Railway line, have been demolished.
The proposals provide 58 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 47 two-, three- and four-bedroom houses. There will be 35% affordable housing on the scheme, providing 37 homes in the form of social rented housing and shared ownership. There will also be a new Hendy car showroom constructed as part of the second phase of the re-development of the old civic offices site on Leigh Road. It includes 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, two deck car parking, landscaping and access. Chair of Eastleigh Local Area Committee, Cllr Alex Bourne, said:
“These are two exciting developments to bring these brownfield sites back into use that brings new homes and business investment into our Borough. The Toynbee Road site is ideally located in an accessible and sustainable location, close to local shops and facilities in Eastleigh town centre and it will provide housing that local people want, including affordable homes.” He added: “The new Hendy car showroom supports an existing business and will provide economic benefits to the local area, together with additional jobs and opportunities for local people. The Council will retain ownership of the site and the business premises will add to their property portfolio that provides a significant rental income.” Hendy Director, John Hendy, said: “We are excited to once again be working with the Council to deliver this scheme which will further reinforce our connection with the Borough and create an interesting building and a significant number of jobs.”
HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT
@eastleighbc
First time buyers helped at One Horton Heath First time buyers on the One Horton Heath development will be helped onto the housing ladder as part of the government’s First Homes scheme. The government announced that the Council’s One Horton Heath development is the first in the south of England and the single largest First Homes scheme in the country to date, as it will deliver 201 new homes. The scheme offers at least 30% off the market price to local firsttime buyers and keyworkers. This percentage discount will remain on the properties and preference for these homes can be given to firsttime buyers, key workers and those who meet local connection and armed forces criteria. This helps
young people and families to buy homes and stay in the communities where they want to live and work. Council Leader, Cllr Keith House, said: “It is fantastic news that the government has again supported our ground-breaking One Horton Heath development. It’s really important that we are at the forefront of any housing initiatives and projects that benefit our residents. The discounted homes will be available to first-time buyers for almost a third off the market price so this will really help them to get onto the housing ladder and stay in their local area.”
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ECONOMY
eastleigh.gov.uk
Government funding has helped boost local businesses Welcome Back Fund proves a great success
Last year, we were awarded government funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) known as the Welcome Back Fund. The aim of this funding was to support the safe re-opening of our high streets following COVID restrictions. The Welcome Back Fund has helped businesses, high streets and retail centres across the Borough through various schemes and projects. We celebrated some of our local businesses by sharing their stories through the `Borough Gems’ campaign. It shone a spotlight on small and independent businesses across the Borough who have been working hard to serve their customers during lockdowns and further restrictions. Over the festive season, our Christmas campaign reminded residents and visitors to shop safely and support the high street by visiting local shops and hospitality businesses.
Village Markets in Hedge End and Hamble were a great way to help local businesses promote their products and services at high-profile locations in the centre of both villages. Eastleigh town centre welcomed colourful graphics designed by local artist, Amanda Moore. The concept was a journey across the Borough with overlays of architectural details from different villages and town centres such as the bandstand in Eastleigh. Residents from Boorley Green benefited from a free Botley winter bus service to take them direct to Botley High Street every Tuesday for eight weeks. People could hop on the bus and get dropped right in the heart of Botley without worrying about parking - and at no cost to them. For more information eastleigh.gov.uk/yourlocalhighstreet Picture: Botley bus
Breakfast Briefing For the first time since November 2019, Eastleigh businesses were able to attend one of the Council’s popular breakfast briefings in February. Hamble Aerostructures kindly hosted the event which covered export opportunities following the UK’s exit from the European Union and the support available to Eastleigh businesses in reducing their carbon footprint. The Council’s Climate Change Manager, Andy Brennan, shared the initial results of a recent carbon footprint survey which will form the starting point from which business emissions can be measured in coming years. Richard Armstrong, Export Finance Manager at Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire and Isle of Wight – UK Export Finance and Anna Herron, Project Officer, My Journey Workplaces were among the guest speakers offering advice and information to attendees.
Youth Employment Hub helps over 100 young people The Central and West Hampshire Youth Employment Hub is a joined-up service designed to unlock the potential of young people, aged 16-24. Through direct, individual, bespoke support and referrals to other services, it offers a holistic approach to help them achieve their employment goals. Since opening in November, there have been over a hundred young people attending the hub and accessing the expertise of work coaches, employment support officers and a range of other service providers.
We have more funding available for new priority groups including manufacturers that are experiencing a steep increase in their energy costs, especially favouring those that are introducing energy-efficiency measures. The closing date for applications is 15 March.
Through ongoing help and access to an online platform, that includes opportunities to link up with industry mentors, the hub can help young people build up skills and increase their chances of gaining employment.
For more information eastleigh.gov.uk/additional-restriction-grants
Many of the young people have gained volunteering and work experience roles, been assisted onto education and training courses, received health and wellbeing support, and have achieved employment.
Sign up for our Business News at eastleigh.gov.uk/businessnews
As this is a partnership between Eastleigh, Test Valley, New Forest and Winchester Councils and the Department for Work and Pensions, there are venues in Eastleigh, Romsey, Andover, Totton, Brockenhurst and Winchester. If you, or anyone you know, would be interested in attending the hub, please contact us on 07876 661525 or youthemploymenthub@eastleigh. gov.uk to book an appointment.
Central and West Hampshire
Unlock your potential, find employment and secure your future
ECONOMY
@eastleighbc
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Spend your gift card at Steam Town Brew Co Among the businesses already accepting the Borough Gift Card are pubs and restaurants in the Borough including the popular Steam Town Brew Co. Treat your friends to a meal and drinks at the friendly pub with its own taproom and tasty burger bar. The cards can be purchased for friends and family and loaded with any amount from £10 upwards. The growing list of retail and leisure venues where the card can be redeemed has
some brilliant places to eat, drink and be pampered. The gift card is a great way to help boost our local economy and many of our incredible Borough Gems also feature on the list of venues to accept the gift card. For more information eastleigh.gov.uk/boroughgiftcard Picture: Borough gift card being used at Steam Town Brew Co
Sorting Office Studios move to new home In January, Eastleigh Town Centre’s creative hub, the Sorting Office Studios, moved from its original location in Wells Road to 14 Station Hill, Eastleigh. The new studio building, which was previously owned and occupied by Itchen Stationers Ltd, is easily identifiable by its eye-catching blue paintwork and paper plane motif on the facade. Several of the resident artists had already showcased their new home in the summer
Freeports as national hubs for local trade The regional Solent Freeport will include a site alongside Southampton Airport. Freeports are a government programme that will play an important role in the Borough and the rest of the UK’s post-Covid economic recovery. They are areas designated by the government that will benefit from incentives to encourage economic activity. The idea is to establish Freeports as national hubs for local trade and investment across the country and promote regeneration and job creations. It is hoped that the Solent Freeport will unlock billions of pounds worth of investment, create tens of thousands of new jobs and level up some of our forgotten coastal communities.
of 2021 when they used it as their base for the Hampshire Open Studios event. With this colourful makeover of a familiar building in a prominent location, Eastleigh is underlining its determination to remain at the centre of Hampshire’s designer-maker collective. Find out more facebook.com/ sortingofficestudios
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WHAT’S ON
eastleigh.gov.uk
Spinners Dance Studio, Pause…PLAY!! Saturday 26 March • 1.30pm and 6pm
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The Point Eastleigh
Aucott School of Dance, Once Upon A Time… Saturday 26 - Sunday 27 March 1.30pm and 6pm The Berry Theatre, Hedge End
Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Sunday 27 March • 1.30pm The Point Eastleigh
Filskit Theatre and Sophie Ross present Wonder Gigs Tuesday 29 March • 10.30am The Point Eastleigh
James Cousins Company, The Next Generation Wednesday 30 March • 7.30pm The Point Eastleigh
Aurie Styla, GREEN Tour Thursday 31 March • 8pm The Berry Theatre, Hedge End
Omid Djalili: The Good Times Tour Friday 1 April • 8pm The Point Eastleigh
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Inclusive Cinema: Carousel Tuesday 15 March • 10.30am The Point Eastleigh Anything Funny Tuesday 15 March • 8pm The Point Eastleigh
Willow Obelisks Friday 18 March • 10am - 1pm Itchen Valley Country Park
Comedy Network Friday 18 March • 8pm The Point Eastleigh
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StoryTribe Saturday 19 March • 11.30am The Point Eastleigh
Nick Cope Live Show Saturday 19 March • 2pm The Point Eastleigh
Caffeine Club Tuesday 22 March • 10.30am The Point Eastleigh Pictures A: Craig Revel Horwood The All Balls and Glitter Tour B: James Cousins Company, The Next Generation (image credit: Joe Hornsby) C: Lou Sanders (image credit: Matt Crockett) D: Willow Obelisks workshop at Itchen Valley E: Piggery Jokery performance at Itchen Valley
Craig Revel Horwood The All Balls and Glitter Tour Tuesday 22 - Wednesday 23 March • 7.30pm The Point Eastleigh
New Old Friends presents Crimes, Camera, Action Saturday 2 April • 7.30pm The Berry Theatre, Hedge End
Morgan & West presents Unbelievable Science Saturday 2 April • 2pm The Point Eastleigh
Caffeine Club Tuesday 5 April • 10.30am The Point Eastleigh
Board Game Café Tuesday 5 April • 6pm The Point Eastleigh
Matt Forde: Clowns to the Left of Me, Jokers to the Right Friday 8 April • 8pm The Berry Theatre, Hedge End
Easter Trail Saturday 9 April to Sunday 24 April 10.30am - 4pm Itchen Valley Country Park
Southampton Musical Society, The Addams Family Musical Wednesday 6 - Saturday 9 April 7.30pm, 2.30pm Saturday matinee The Point Eastleigh
WHAT’S ON
@eastleighbc
Arty Party Tuesday 12 April • 10.30am
The Ronnie Scott’s Story Saturday 30 April • 7.30pm
The Point Eastleigh
The Point Eastleigh
The Highland Joker presents The Bubble Show Wednesday 13 April • 2pm
Spring Herbal Walk & Talk Saturday 30 April • 10am to 12.30pm
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Itchen Valley Country Park
The Berry Theatre, Hedge End
Story Walk - Tour with a Difference Wednesday 13 April • 10.30am - 11.30am
Dawn Chorus Walk Sunday 1 May • 4.30am Itchen Valley Country Park
Itchen Valley Country Park
Sue Merrett School of Dance, A Million Dreams Thursday 14 - Saturday 16 April • 6pm 1pm Thurs and Sat matinee The Point Eastleigh
Caffeine Club Tuesday 19 April • 10.30am The Point Eastleigh
Anything Funny Tuesday 19 April • 8pm The Point Eastleigh
Inclusive Cinema Beauty and the Beast (2017) Tuesday 19 April • 10.30am The Point Eastleigh
NT Live: Henry V Thursday 21 April • 7pm
Piggery Jokery Monday 2 May • 11.30am and 2pm Itchen Valley Country Park
Bat Detectives Friday 6 May • 8pm at Lakeside Country Park
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Mental Health Awareness Week Monday 9 - Sunday 15 May • Various times Itchen Valley Country Park
Bat Detectives Saturday 14 May • 8pm Itchen Valley Country Park
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Community Showcase Saturday 4 June • 10am - 4pm Leigh Road Recreation Ground (see page 11)
The Point Eastleigh
Earth Day - Clay Leaf Plaques Friday 22 April • 10.30am and 11.30am
FREE EVENT
Itchen Valley Country Park
Comedy Network Friday 22 April • 8pm 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
StoryTribe Saturday 23 April • 11.30am The Point Eastleigh
The Berry Theatre Wildern Lane, Hedge End, Southampton SO30 4EJ
Nick Cope Live Show Saturday 23 April • 2pm The Berry Theatre, Hedge End
Point Youth Dance & Theatre Companies present The Show That Never Starts Sunday 24 April • 11am and 2pm The Point Eastleigh
Filskit Theatre and Sophie Ross present Wonder Gigs Tuesday 26 April • 10.30am The Point Eastleigh
Lou Sanders Friday 29 April • 8pm The Berry Theatre, Hedge End
Walks in the country park to explore the changing seasons and meet new people. Join us for a stroll and a chat. For dates, times and locations check online.
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
www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ countryparkeventbookings and click on ‘wellbeing activities’
To book visit eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp or call 023 8068 3790
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News round up Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath
Splash Pad at New Century Park Developer contributions of £182,650 are funding a splash pad water play feature at New Century Park, Fair Oak, in partnership with the Parish Council. This exciting and fun family facility should be in place by the end of the year.
The Planney – Bishopstoke The next phase of tree work got under way in February at the Planney woodland in Bishopstoke, with tree surgeons undertaking essential tree maintenance. The newly appointed Community Development Officer for the Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath area is liaising with the community payback scheme to clear foliage, as well as installing new fences, gates and seating.
Fair Oak Village Centre Improvements to Fair Oak village centre have been made possible with £17,404 from developer contributions. The upgrade will include the installation of two solar benches, where users can charge their mobile devices, new digital and static wayfinding maps, the creation of wildlife corridors with forest garden planting schemes, as well as new planters and bus stops being given a green makeover.
New Century Park play area The replacement play tunnel at the New Century Park play area has been installed, after the previous one was damaged by vandals who set it ablaze.
Knowle Park pathways The paths that were damaged by the flash storms in July are being restored. The worst affected paths, on the approach to The Beaches, which were completely washed away have now been repaired. These works were also funded by developer contributions.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Calling all new mums! This Girl Can Eastleigh spring wave coming soon New mums and mums-to-be can join the This Girl Can Eastleigh tribe this spring. The Active Mums Start With You movement brings together This Girl Can, This Mum Moves and the Active Pregnancy Foundation in a national effort to improve education for new mums (and mumsto-be) and health professionals around what is and isn’t safe to do during and especially after pregnancy, and the benefits of being active. We’re inviting new mums (with children under the age of two) and mums-to-be to break down barriers and improve their wellbeing by attending a range of activities and explore what works for them: Free New Mums Wellbeing Festival YMCA Eastleigh (North Stoneham), 25 March, 10am - 12noon Pre-book taster sessions from baby first aid and massage to twilight sleep nanny and mum and baby pilates, and speak to local partners at market stalls. Free live Mind over Matter online workshop 5 April, 10am - 11.30am Introducing women to mindset techniques to help overcome barriers to become more active.
Post-natal fitness Pilates YMCA Eastleigh, Fridays 11.30am - 12.30pm Mum and Baby Legs, Bums and Tums Old School House, Hedge End, Thursdays, 10am - 11am Mum and Baby Aerial Hoop (£5 per session) will also be hosted by one of our This Girl Can Eastleigh tribe members at Dynamic Strength Studio in Eastleigh, Fridays 11.15am -12.15pm.
We trained new staff with post-natal skills to host the following three pay as you go activities (£3.30 per session) over six weeks, starting w/c 25 April:
Cabinet Lead for Health, Councillor Tonia Craig, said: “As a Council, we are committed to supporting health and wellbeing at all life stages. We encourage all new and soon-to-be mums to take this opportunity to explore new ways to keep themselves and baby happy and healthy.”
Buggy Workout Abbey Hall, Netley, Mondays 12.30pm - 1.30pm
To find out more eastleigh.gov.uk/thisgirlcan #ThisGirlCanEastleigh @SportHealthEBC
Financial support for struggling households With rising energy bills, price inflation and increased National Insurance contributions, many more residents will be feeling the squeeze on their household budgets. You can find out about Council Tax support, Housing Benefit and Universal Credit on our website. There, you can also find out about other forms of support, including help for specific groups, such as the elderly or people with a disability, and discounts for council services. If you are struggling between buying food and paying bills, please talk to an organisation already supporting you, such as a charity, school, children’s centre or through Citizen’s Advice. They can authorise a referral for you to access your local food bank. There are three food banks in the Borough: Eastleigh, Hedge End and Netley.
The government has announced that all domestic energy customers will be given £200 off their energy bills from October in the form of a loan and households with Council Tax bands A-D will receive a £150 Council Tax rebate from April, that will not need to be repaid. If you are worried about rising heating bills, you can get advice on paying your utility bills and keeping your home warm by calling 0800 804 8601 or emailing staywarm@environmentcentre.com Citizen’s Advice are also available to assist with navigating hardships and what support is relevant to your circumstances. Visit the link below for details or call 0808 278 7862 To find out more eastleigh.gov.uk/money-worries
Are you in receipt of Housing Benefit or the Housing Element of Universal Credit? Do you also have a shortfall between your rent and the assistance you receive? You can apply for additional help from the Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) fund. Apply through www.eastleigh.gov.uk/dhp or call 023 8068 8000. Any DHP award made is at the discretion of the Council and is made in accordance with the Council’s DHP policy.
YOUR COUNCIL
@eastleighbc
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Celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee The Borough is getting ready to celebrate the 70-year reign of Her Majesty the Queen The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Community Showcase, on Saturday 4 June, will bring together local organisations and residents to mark the historic occasion. A day of music and colour We are working in partnership with One Community to bring a day of colour and music to Eastleigh town centre. The Community Showcase, on Leigh Road Recreation Ground, will feature community group and charity information stands where you can find out what services and support is available to you or how you can get involved. There will be bunting-making to decorate the bandstand and a day-long concert by Community Choirs on the bandstand, culminating in a Last Night of the Proms.
Help make bunting for the bandstand You can register your interest in making or decorating a section of celebratory bunting - either individually, or as part of a group and be part of the chain of bunting-makers coming together for this bright and joyful community project. After registering you’ll receive some basic instructions and some inspiration to get you started. Donations needed If you have large sheets or duvet covers (plain, not patterned) that you no longer need, we would be delighted to receive them. They can be upcycled into some lovely decorations for the jubilee event.
To get involved
Thinking of holding your own street party?
Stands at the Community Showcase contact vss@1community.org.uk
We have put together some useful information at eastleigh.gov.uk/jubilee
Bunting-making or donations contact Gina.Thorley@eastleigh.gov.uk
EASTLEIGH PLATINUM JUBILEE
COMMUNITY
SHOWCASE
FREE BUNTING MAKING WORKSHOP Tuesday 31 May • 11am-1pm Itchen Valley Country Park
Three new Citizens of Honour The Council has recognised the excellent community work of three local people by awarding them Citizen of Honour status. The Mayor of Eastleigh, Councillor Cynthia Garton hosted the recent ceremony and awarded the recipients with a badge and certificate in recognition of their exceptional service to their local community. Melanie Phillips: for encouraging recycling and raising money for Kicks Count
Pat Statham: for services to the community Stan Newell: for services to the community and the Netley and Hamble Branch of the Royal British Legion. To find out more about the recipients visit eastleigh.gov.uk/citizenonhonour Picture right: Mayor of Eastleigh Cllr Cynthia Garton with (left to right) Melanie Phillips, Stan Newell and Pat Statham.
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ONE HORTON HEATH LATEST UPDATE
‘Green living’ at One Horton Heath The most sustainable major housing development in the country Council Leader, Cllr Keith House, introduces One Horton Heath One Horton Heath is a major mixed-use development in the heart of our Borough, to the west of the present Horton Heath village, and is the largest Council-led project in the south of England. The masterplan for the 310-acre site, which will be developed over a ten-year period, includes 2,500 new homes of which 35% will be affordable, a new local centre, three-form primary school, seven acres of employment and seven acres of mixed-use retail. Around 40% of the area, or 125 acres, will not be built on and will include formal open space, play provision, ponds and woodland. The development will also help to secure gaps between existing villages. One Horton Heath is different from other developments – it will be the most sustainable major housing development in the UK and it’s being designed and built in our Borough by your Council. From our commitment to reducing our impact on the environment, the early delivery of infrastructure, creating new standards on renewable energy and improving biodiversity this is a unique opportunity for ‘green living’ by creating something special in the heart of our Borough.
Underpinning this project is our pursuit of putting public good over profit, to build ‘green’ homes to meet community needs and not profit margins and to ensure we work with local residents to help shape the community. Be assured we will:
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prioritise community benefits, such as cycleways and walking routes, and community and open spaces
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seek innovative ways to build quality homes quickly
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work to the highest sustainability standards
We are working with residents to put community benefits first and protect natural habitats. Sustainability and innovation are at the heart of our ambitions for One Horton Heath. We are committed to delivering a truly environmentally sustainable development with less reliance on fossil fuels. We want to provide a mixed-use scheme that will create a community which supports green and energy-efficient lifestyles for all.
How are we making One Horton Heath a ‘green’ place to live? No fossil fuels All the homes and businesses on the new development will not use energy from any fossil fuels. Homes will be ultra-energy efficient and fitted with low carbon heating such as electric boilers or heat pumps.
Renewable energy The One Horton Heath (OHH) masterplan aims to ensure opportunities to maximise use of renewable sources of energy. One of these sources will be the use of space heating and hot water that will be supplied using individual or grouped ground source heat pumps. Heat pumps use electricity to generate heat from the ground which is extremely efficient in keeping energy costs low.
Solar Panels and charging points All homes and commercial buildings will generate renewable electricity using photovoltaic panels and there will also be a full network of vehicle electric charging points at homes and even visitor parking spaces across the site. This not only continues to reduce carbon but will also form part of a private network of renewable electricity generating assets owned by the Council and will contribute to meeting its de-carbonisation and climate change commitments.
Solar Park The Council purchased the nearby solar park at Horton Heath that not only safeguarded the future of the solar park as a key part of the One Horton Heath scheme, but also reinforces our commitment to seek opportunities to expand the Councils renewable energy generating systems. This will provide energy for the local businesses on the OHH development. The solar park produces around six million kilowatt hours of power per year. It will be run by the Council and the electricity generated will be sold to the national grid and to commercial units on the OHH development.
High capacity broadband – encouraging home working The provision of high capacity electrical and broadband services installed in all the homes will also help those residents who will be working from home in the future helping to provide a reliable alternative to commuting to their place of work.
ONE HORTON HEATH LATEST UPDATE
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Sustainability Increase in biodiversity Much of the land on the site is ecologically poor farmland which provides the Council the perfect opportunity to improve the biodiversity of the land to the benefit of a range of plants and animals. Over 125 acres of land, equating to 40% of the site, will be left undeveloped. An important part of this is to preserve and enhance existing wildlife corridors on the site and create new habitats where currently none exist.
More habitats and hedgerows We are committed to achieving a biodiversity gain on One Horton Heath. We have been at the cutting edge of this aspect and for the first detailed phase of housing, already sees an increase of 14% in habitat areas and includes a net addition of 14.2km of native species rich hedgerow and enhancement of a further 2.2km of retained hedgerows from species poor to species rich.
Even though we are demonstrating a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain in line with expected requirements, planning permissions for OHH only require us to provide Biodiversity Net Gain neutrality. We are ensuring a Biodiversity Net Gain not because we have to but because it’s the right thing to do.
New pond habitats created already A good example of this is the work that has already started with the creation of new wildlife infrastructure (pictured above) to help save an endangered species, the Great Crested Newt. Last year, six new wildlife ponds were constructed as part of the transformation of 13 acres of farmland, now in Council ownership, into biodiverse, species rich habitats and informal natural greenspace alongside Allington Lane. These have been designed to extend Quobleigh Woods and restore historic field boundaries and to help secure the future of this population of rare newts allowing them to thrive in the long term.
Going further with infrastructure delivery One Horton Heath is set to be the best-connected development for shared walking and cycling facilities in the Borough. The next phase of the development’s infrastructure programme will include all secondary access routes into and between the new residential areas, commercial hubs and community facilities which include a new primary school. Exciting features within this phase will see a distinctive cycle greenway, new and enhanced connected wildlife corridors and the early delivery of local routes into a new local centre. One Horton Heath is committed to delivering all infrastructure early and £6 million has already been invested. This year will see the start of construction on the 1.2mile section of new link road connecting the newly opened Chalcroft Way to Allington Lane. Find out more about our infrastructure programme at www.onehortonheath.co.uk
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
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YOUR COMMUNITY
Volunteer for Community Speed Watch in Hedge End Join a Community Speed Watch (CSW) team and work alongside the police to monitor the speed of traffic passing through your area. Volunteers are trained to use the monitoring equipment and vehicle checks are undertaken by the police. Letters are then sent to the registered keepers advising them of their speed. CSW is not enforcement, it is education. It helps to reduce the speed of vehicles to the speed limit and increases public awareness of inappropriate speed. It also helps to reduce death and injury on our roads and empowers local people to take action on local issues.
Remembering Lord Chidgey The Council was very sad to learn of the recent death of Lord Chidgey.
series of shadow ministerial posts, notably for trade and industry.
Previously an eminent engineer, David Chidgey became Eastleigh’s MP in 1994 and was re-elected in the 1997 and 2001 general elections.
Lord Chidgey was made a Freeman of the Borough of Eastleigh in 2005 and was seen at many civic events.
He became a peer in the dissolution honours in 2005 with the title of The Lord Chidgey, of Hamble-le-Rice in the County of Hampshire. As an MP Lord Chidgey served on the Foreign Affairs Select Committee in Parliament and as a member of the Liberal Democrat front bench team. He held a
If you are interested in becoming a local CSW Volunteer in the Hedge End area, please contact – mica.woodcock@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
The Mayor of Eastleigh, Councillor Cynthia Garton, said: “Lord Chidgey was a popular and excellent MP for Eastleigh. He was respected across the political divide and was very well liked by those who met him. His passing is a huge loss for the Borough and for politics more widely. Our thoughts are with his wife April, Lady Chidgey, his children and all his friends and family.”
This year’s scheme starts on 1 April, so sign up now and let us dispose of your garden waste.
Save TIME and MONEY with our popular
GARDEN WASTE kerbside collection
Over 23,000 households benefit from the convenience of having their garden waste collected every fortnight from their kerbside. Whether you have a small amount of garden waste, or lots of grass cuttings, shrub prunings and weeds, the collection will save you time and make it easier for you to help the environment. The cost of a bin is only £41 for the year, that’s under £1.65 per collection.
To find out how you can join our garden waste service, visit eastleigh.gov.uk/gardenwaste or call 023 8068 8440
BENEFITS INCLUDE: • saves you time and is more convenient • no more mess or creepy crawlies in your vehicle • collected fortnightly from your kerbside • no more booking or queueing at your local tip • wheeled bin is easy to manoeuvre around your garden
YOUR COUNCIL
@eastleighbc
Have your say Help shape the Borough by lending your voice to things that matter We want to know what you think about the plans the Council has for the Borough.
Open Cultural strategy - We are developing a new Cultural Strategy and welcome the views from members of the public, agencies, businesses and community organisations on how important cultural activity is to you and what opportunities there are to increase this in Eastleigh. Your feedback will help shape the priorities for the strategy and support our vision to improve the health and wellbeing of people who live and work in the Borough.
Coming soon Biodiversity strategy and Nature Recovery Action Plan – This strategy and action plan will set ambitious targets for the restoration of biodiversity and conservation of nature in the Borough over the next ten years and will guide developers, councils, landowners and residents towards priority areas and species. To find out more eastleighboroughcouncil.citizenspace.com
Parliamentary Boundary Review 2023 - A public consultation on new parliamentary constituencies is now under way, with an aim to improve original proposals from last year. The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) is running the consultation and is keen to hear from as many residents as possible in areas where changes are proposed. This secondary consultation runs until 4 April. You can take part and find out about public hearings at www.bcereviews.org.uk
Local Area Committees hold public question sessions at the start of each meeting Local Area Committees (LACs) 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. 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.
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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News round up Hedge End, West End & Botley
Citizens Advice Eastleigh relaunch outreach Citizens Advice Eastleigh are relaunching their Hedge End outreach service at a new venue. Now based at the United Reform Church in the heart of the village, they will be on hand to help residents, no matter what the problem. Sessions are held on Thursdays from 10am -12pm, on a first come, first served basis. For more information on services offered by Citizens Advice Eastleigh, including their popular debt advice team, check out their website www.citizensadviceeastleigh.org.uk Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath
Stokewood surgery update The Stokewood Surgery practice population has been growing steadily over the last few years and currently has more than 19,000 registered patients, including those who attend the branch site in Bishopstoke. The surgery is now working on an exciting project with the NHS and Eastleigh Borough Council to find both short and long-term solutions to provide the space needed to provide more services for existing patients and to enable them to serve new residents moving into the area. The priority is to ensure that all patients continue to receive the safest and best possible care and to keep waiting times as low as they can be. Work on this important project is continuing and the surgery will be updating their patients.
Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath (7pm) 9 March Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/bifohh or contact andrew.thompson@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 8357
Eastleigh (7pm) 7 June Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/elac or contact guy.riddoch@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 3369
Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound (6pm) 9 June Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/bhh or contact ross.mcclean@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 3367
Hedge End, West End & Botley (7pm) 7 March • 13 June Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/heweb or contact kitty.budden@eastleigh.gov.uk
Chandler’s Ford & Hiltingbury (7pm) 15 March • 15 June Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/cfh or contact ross.mcclean@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 3367
Details are correct at time of print. 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 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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