Winter Borough News 2022 - Eastleigh Borough Council

Eastleigh lights up for Christmas

Festive events in the town centre

Eastleigh’s Christmas lights switch-on will mark the start of the festive season again in traditional style, with a whole host of activities and events to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

On Saturday 19 November, Eastleigh town centre will become a festive hive of activity, starting at 11am through to Santa himself switching on the lights at 6pmwith festivities carrying on until 7pm.

The Borough Council team are building on the successful formula from last year, with The Point, Eastleigh hosting Santa’s Grotto. So bring your Christmas lists and get ready to meet Santa - all the children on the ‘nice’ list will receive a small gift. This year Santa is staying with us for Sunday as well! There will be a few other surprises awaiting you at The Point, with a dress-up station and some family activities to enjoy.

Book tickets in advance to secure your meeting with Father Christmas!

There will also be a great variety of stalls selling the perfect Christmas gift, from our charity and local business stalls in the High Street and Market Street, through to our Christmas Market in Leigh Road precinct and on to our new Sorting Office Makers Market, inside The Point offering unique, bespoke items to give to loved ones.

Other fun activities include a mini petting zoo, festive stilt walkers wandering the streets, and our local buskers and bands to keep the family entertained before the main event.

We will again be joined by Stevens Funfair with a range of their family-favourite rides.

As the town gears up for the big switch-on, there will be special

guests at the Bandstand in the Leigh Road Recreation Ground ready to help with the countdown to Santa pressing the button. This year, we are returning to traditional fireworks but with some added flames and sparks - so watch out, as it is going to be loud!

The party continues afterwards, with music on the park, the fair and market open until 7pm and the town centre’s restaurants, pubs and leisure attractions are a great way to round off the day.

In line with the rise in energy costs, we will be reducing the amount of time that the Christmas lights are on for during the festive season.

Eastleigh Borough Council

named Council

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

Maintaining and creating an attractive and sustainable environment that residents value, and which can allow residents, businesses and nature to thrive.

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.

Health and Wellbeing

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.

Economy

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.

Request a tree on your street

Hampshire Country Council are asking residents to suggest locations for roadside tree planting.

This could be on your road, outside your house or any other suitable highway location. We will endeavour to accommodate all tree planting requests, if appropriate.

The County Council, who manage highways in the Borough, have said they will try to accommodate all suitable tree planting requests, subject to an approval process.

15% discount on reusable nappies

Find out more: hants.gov.uk/transport/roadmaintenance/ roadproblems/tree-planting

Eastleigh Borough parents, who are concerned about the environmental impact of disposable nappies, can now get a 15% discount on reusable nappies through Hampshire County Council.

It is estimated that a child will go through as many as 4,000 nappies by age two-and-a-half. That’s 920 kilograms per child – as heavy as two grand pianos!

Reusable nappies offer parents a sustainable and cost-effective alternative.

They have improved a lot in recent years and are now a popular choice for many parents. The initial cost can be a barrier - despite the longer-term saving, so the 15% discount can help.

Find out more: hants.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling/ smartliving/reusable-nappies

Check your waste carrier is licensed

The Council is warning residents to check when hiring a waste carrier that they are licensed by the Environment Agency.

If you hire an unlicensed waste carrier who then fly-tips your waste, you could receive a fine of up to £400. You could also be taken to court, where you face an unlimited fine if prosecuted.

Luckily, it is easy to avoid getting caught out by dodgy

waste disposal companies by looking them up and checking their waste carrier licence number on the Environment Agency website.

We’ve recently improved our fly-tipping reporting and investigation processes to help stamp out fly-tipping in the Borough. If you see flytipping, please report it to us.

Find out more: eastleigh.gov.uk/fly-tipping

Plant Eastleigh is back

Three more tree planting days planned at Itchen Valley early next year

Residents are being offered the chance to sponsor a new tree in the Borough as Plant Eastleigh returns for a second year.

People will be able to plant a tree for £10 on one of three tree planting days to be held at Itchen Valley Country Park. The planting days take place on 14 and 28 January and 11 February, between 10am and 2pm.

The tree will be whips (young, single stem trees) from the Council-run tree nursery in Horton Heath. They will be planted alongside others to expand an area of native woodland, providing habitats for local wildlife.

Cabinet Lead for the Environment, Cllr Rupert Kyrle, said: “Over 170 trees were planted during the last two Plant Eastleigh planting days at Itchen Valley Country Park, so I’m pleased to see this initiative return for a second year. We aim to have 160,000 more trees in the Borough by the year 2030 and tree planting days like these are just one way we want to achieve this.”

Find out more: planteastleigh.co.uk

Food waste recycling for flats

More residents than ever before can now recycle their food waste, thanks to the successful rollout of food waste to people living in flats.

Previously food waste recycling was only available to residents living in houses. Now, nearly all residents in the Borough can recycle their food waste (apart from a small number of properties with insufficient space in their communal bin stores).

Recycled food waste is turned into renewable energy and a useful soil conditioner through a process called ‘anaerobic digestion’. Recycling just one tea bag a day for a month can produce the energy to make another five cups, while a lorry load of food waste will generate enough energy to power your fridge for up to four years.

Find out more: eastleigh.gov.uk/foodwaste

recycles

Recycle your Christmas tree

After the Christmas sparkle has gone, residents can recycle their Christmas trees at the four Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC’s) across the borough.

You can recycle your trees at the following HWRC locations run by Hampshire County Council:

• Eastleigh – Stoney Croft Rise, Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh SO53 3YU

• Fair Oak – Knowle Lane, SO50 7DZ

• Hedge End – Shamblehurst Lane SO30 2AD

• Netley – Grange Road, SO31 5FF

For more information visit hants.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling/ recyclingcentres

If you are a member of our garden waste scheme, you can recycle your tree on the first scheduled collection day after Christmas – just place it next to your garden waste bin. We can only collect trees up to 4ft in length - so please cut your tree to this size.

Eastleigh voted Council of the Year

Eastleigh Borough Council has been named Council of the Year in a UK-wide awards scheme recognising excellence in service delivery.

The authority scooped the top accolade in the 2022 APSE Service Awards. APSE - the Association for Public Service Excellence - is the organisation dedicated to promoting quality in the delivery of frontline services to communities

UK local authorities. Their awards receive hundreds of submissions every year and only outstanding councils, that have met the stringent criteria of the expert judges, are shortlisted for Council of the Year.

The Council’s Direct Services team won the category award for Transport and Fleet Maintenance and, overall, Eastleigh Borough

Council teams and initiatives were shortlisted in six of the individual awards in total –including Best Service Team: Parks, Grounds and Horticultural Service; Best Climate Action or Decarbonisation Initiative; Best Health and Wellbeing Initiative (including Social Care) and Best Public/Private Partnership Working Initiative.

Eastleigh Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Policy, Councillor Tonia Craig, who accepted the award on behalf of the Council, said: “Being recognised as Council of the Year is a superb accolade and reflects the commitment of our staff to deliver truly excellent frontline services. I would like to pay tribute to all our teams who work so hard to support communities and improving lives in our Borough.”

Make the most of your green recycling bin this Christmas

You’ll be amazed how much recycling 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.

To ensure you can put as much as you can in your green bin and help the Council’s bin crews stay safe follow these simple tips;

• 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

• flatten other cardboard packaging, like cereal boxes.

If you have more cardboard than you can fit in your green bin, it can be placed in a cardboard box (no more than 70cm square) next to your green bin on the day of collection.

Most Christmas wrapping paper contains plastic film, glitter and sellotape which makes it difficult to recycle. Please place this in your black refuse bin.

Council secures largest ever fine for breach of Tree Preservation Order

The Council has secured its largest ever fine and costs of over £68,000 for the breach of a Tree Preservation Order.

The Council successfully prosecuted a local landowner following unauthorised tree works carried out on trees covered by a Woodland Tree Preservation Order at Scorey’s Copse, Horton Heath in April 2021.

Mr James Barney from Fair Oak, who owned the land, pleaded guilty at Southampton Magistrates’ Court in February this year to breaching Tree Preservation Order 839.

The prosecution was brought by the Council under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990, as Mr Barney had unlawfully cut down a number of trees including oak, ash, birch, hawthorn and poplar within Scorey’s Copse.

The judge fined Mr Barney £50,000; he was also ordered to pay the Council’s costs of £17,841 and a victim surcharge of £190 – a total in excess of £68,000.

Cabinet Lead for the Environment, Cllr Rupert Kyrle, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we have secured a successful prosecution. Our planning enforcement and legal teams worked together to bring about this prosecution that sends a strong message that you shouldn’t mess with our trees or we will be after you.”

First residents move into Bandstand Court

Eastleigh Borough Council’s flagship development of apartments for rent in Eastleigh town centre welcomed its first residents in September.

Bandstand Court offers 49 one- and two-bedroom flats that have now been fully let by Leaf Homes, the Council’s new specialist residential lettings service. Leaf’s marketing efforts ensured that all the units in Bandstand Court were already let during the final stages of construction. The apartments are let at a market rent and the Council retains ownership.

The apartments - on Romsey Road, overlooking the Leigh Road Recreation Ground, which has the town’s bandstand at its centre - offer a town centre living experience, with Eastleigh’s shops, restaurants, leisure facilities and other amenities within easy reach.

The landmark building housing the apartments has a number of sustainable features, including a heat recovery system for each flat, solar panels, a bicycle store and a good energy performance score.

Prominent local charities, One Community and Age Concern will occupy premises on the ground floor.

Council Leader, Cllr Keith House, said: “It is great news that Bandstand Court is now fully let and has welcomed its first tenants. As both developer and lettings agent for the properties the Council is in a unique position to focus on the long-term experience for our tenants, rather than short-term profits. This allows us to help people find high quality accommodation that enables healthy, prosperous and sustainable lifestyles at the heart of the community.”

Post office regeneration

Work has begun on the regeneration of the former Post Office and Sorting Office site on High Street, Eastleigh. This will include the start of demolition works later this year that are expected to last up to eight weeks. Demolition works will take place from 7.30am to 6pm on Mondays to Fridays and 7.30am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Access to the site for vehicles will be via Wells Place so measures will be put in place for the safety of pedestrians crossing the access road.

The regeneration of this town centre site comprises of two buildings and a public open space between them. The scheme provides commercial space on

the ground floor of both buildings, including the frontage onto High Street once occupied by the Post Office. The scheme also seeks to enhance links between High Street and Market Street.

Residential development will be provided on the upper floors in both buildings with 28 oneand two- bedroom flats. All of the flats will be available for rent with ten of them provided for affordable rent.

If you have any queries about the demolition works please email postofficedev@eastleigh.gov.uk

Youth Centre reopens its doors to young people

Weekly sessions start for young people at Energy Youth Centre

Young people in Eastleigh will be able to attend Energy Youth Centre, opposite The Point Eastleigh, twice a week as the venue reopens its doors to drop-ins. The centre will provide young people

with access to fun group activities, and advice and support.

Youth Options will be running drop in sessions from the centre, as local young people settle into their new school year. Their team of support workers have been running community outreach and youth-led consultations to shape a quality service across the town centre area.

It’s part of an enhanced youth service for the Eastleigh town centre area put in place by the Eastleigh Local Area Committee.

Local Area Committees for Chandler’s Ford & Hiltingbury, and Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath, are also working with Youth Options to provide new weekly drop-in sessions at YZone youth centres in Fair Oak, Fryern and Hiltingbury soon.

Community outreach in local parks and shopping areas, will continue across all four youth centre areas, alongside the new centre-based drop-in sessions, as they become available.

YZone and Energy Youth Centre users can now keep updated on the Youth Options website and their social accounts.

Better Health for 2023

Try a new sport or activity, get the right support if you have a long-term condition and discover opportunities in your community to boost your wellbeing for 2023.

Find out more: eastleigh.gov.uk/nyboost

Connect, learn and make a difference

Want to help local wildlife, support those in need or even help people get active?

Explore current opportunities and sign up to our mailing list to hear about new ones!

Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/volunteering

Spotlighted opportunities: Health Walks leader training

Learn to lead local Health Walks – helping residents to get out and explore walking routes and make new connections.

The next training will take place at North Stoneham: Monday 14 November, 10am to 12 noon

Register for this or future training dates by emailing healthworks@eastleigh.gov.uk

Activity Buddy Scheme –at Places Leisure Eastleigh

We are looking for volunteers to help support people to be more active; providing a friendly, safe, and fun atmosphere to build confidence. For every session you volunteer, you will be offered a gym or swim voucher to use at Places Leisure Eastleigh. eastleigh.gov.uk/activity-buddy or email healthworks@eastleigh.gov.uk

Support with the rising cost of living

Food banks, pantry, and community fridge

Food banks in the Borough welcome donations of long-life food basics, toiletries and hygiene products at collection points in supermarkets or direct to local food banks.

Eastleigh Basics Food Bank

Unit G6, Wells Place, Eastleigh SO50 5PP.

Open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am to 3pm.

Phone: 07563 609994 www.eastleighbasicsbank.co.uk

The Food Centre, Hedge End

King’s Community Church, Sovereign Place, Upper Northam Road, Hedge End SO30 4BZ.

Open Mondays and Thursdays, 10am to 1.00pm. www.kingscommunitychurch.co.uk/foodcentre

Hound Basics Food Bank

30 Queen’s View, Netley Abbey SO31 5AE.

Open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10.30am to 2pm. Phone: 07485 007800 www.houndbasics.org.uk

Eastleigh Pantry

Cable Works, 83 Tinning Way, Eastleigh SO50 9QE.

Open Monday, Tuesday and Friday 9.30am to 12 noon, Wednesday 4pm to 6pm

£5 per visit for £15+ worth of food per week, there are no restrictions on becoming a member. www.rcsservices.org.uk/our-services/ connect4community-pantry

Phone: 01794 522106

Coming soon… Thrive Blackbird Community Fridge, Eastleigh

Pavilion on the Park, Kingfisher Road, Eastleigh SO50 9LH.

Open every day 10am to 3pm

For local residents to share food and take what they need to reduce food waste. Search for Thrive Blackbird Community Fridge on Facebook for more info.

Phone: 023 8061 2710

Warm Welcome

This winter, we are working with local charities and organisations to provide a Warm Welcome, which are locations and venues which will be offering activities and a warm space for vulnerable residents who are struggling to pay their energy bills.

This network of spaces will be a place where people can come together to stay warm, enjoy some company or a cup of tea, or get involved in an activity.

Mental health

Get local support if you are struggling with stress, anxiety, or low mood:

Solent Mind Eastleigh Wellbeing Centre

111 Leigh Road, Eastleigh SO50 9DS. Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, Friday 9am to 4.30pm

Phone: 023 8061 1458

Samaritans’ helpline

Whatever you’re going through, call for free any time, from any phone 116 123

Existing heating support for vulnerable households

Aside from the cost-of-living payments from central Government for all households at £400, and additional £650-£800 for those on specific benefits, don’t forget the annual payments already available:

Warm Home Discount

£150 administered by most energy suppliers taken directly off your bill by March 2023 for eligible low-income households and those in receipt of the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. Each eligible group will be contacted automatically by letter.

Cold Weather Payment

£25 a week if the average temperature in the area is recorded as or forecast to be zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days. Eligible residents in receipt of certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) will get automated payments.

Winter Fuel Payment

Between £250 to £600 for those who were born on or before 25 September 1956 to help pay heating bills. You will get this automatically November-January if you are eligible, get a State Pension or are in receipt of benefits.

Some specific groups are required to claim direct and will not be contacted automatically. Search gov.uk for updates or alternatively call 0800 731 0160 for the Winter Fuel Payment only.

Top tips for saving energy at home

Here are some simple things you can do around the home to save energy and reduce your bills:

Throughout the house

• Replace regular bulbs with energy efficient ones (eg, LEDs).

• Switch off lights in rooms you’re not in.

• Switch off appliances at the wall – smart plugs can be useful for this.

• Pull out chargers while not in use.

Kitchen

• Only boil the water you need.

• Use the right sized hob for your pan when cooking.

• Fully load washing machines and dishwashers before turning them on.

Heating

• Put on extra layers when it’s cold indoors.

• Close your curtains and blinds to keep the heat in.

• Seal or block any windows, external doors, letter boxes, loft hatches and chimneys.

• Turn down the thermostat one degree (but keep yourself comfortable - Health professionals recommend 18°C as the minimum temperature for people over 65 and those with a medical condition.)

• Check your insulation is topped up in your roof.

• Set the heating schedule to turn off when you are not in.

• Turn off radiators in rooms you don’t use and turn down thermostatic valves if the room is too hot.

• Insulate your heating/hot water pipes and water tank.

Bathroom

• Spend one less minute in the shower every day.

• Install a water-efficient showerhead.

For more ideas on how to reduce your energy costs, visit the Energy Saving Trust.

Find out more: energysavingtrust.org.uk/campaign/ how-to-save-money-on-your-energy-bills/

Festive fun for all ages at The Point and The Berry Theatre

The Berry Theatre, Hedge End

Kipper’s Snowy Day (10-30 December) is the perfect treat for children over three and their families. Slot Machine Theatre present the first stage adaptation of Mick Inkpen’s well-loved books about the lovable dog, filled with original songs and music, puppetry and gentle humour. Snuggle, relaxed and BSL interpreted performances available.

The Point, Eastleigh

Children under four and their families are invited to enter magical winter storyworld SNUG (7-21 December). It’s completely free to drop-in to this experience where you’ll help the hero hedgehog and friends stay warm. Explore the woodland of wonders with storytelling, sensory delights and cosy corners.

The Good Spirits Club (Friday 18 November) is a quirky comedy-cabaret lounge with Eastleigh’s only pop-up Cocktail Café with expert mixologists Boozy Bar Hampshire on hand to craft your perfect cocktail.

There are lots of treats for adults too including The Sorting Office Christmas Makers Market (Saturday 19 November) featuring over 30 designer-makers.

Daring and dazzling Hundred Watt Club Festive Burlesque (9-10 December) has glittering showgirls, comedy and awe-inspiring circus. Enjoy an evening of vintage-inspired, Christmasthemed entertainment followed by a post-show disco. Perfect for a staff night out with a difference or a festive party with friends!

at Itchen

years of The Point, Eastleigh

Point held its opening Gala on Saturday 1 November 1997

It

Local groups that appeared during

season included

Theatre, Eastleigh Operatic Society

The King

and their carol concert, Performers Dance Studio, Eastleigh Youth Theatre, Solent People’s Theatre and Eastleigh Young Singers with Winchester Music School Junior Band.

Did you join us for any of the performances? If you have any photos from the opening we would love to see them, please send them to communications@eastleigh.gov.uk

I

Picture left: 1997 - Mary Dawson, Theatre Manager, Cheryl Butler, Head of Arts and Council Leader, Cllr Keith House.

The Central and West Hampshire Youth Employment Hub will be closing at the end of October after helping over 500 young people, aged 16 to 24, find employment and help with their career prospects.

We teamed up with Test Valley Borough Council, New Forest District Council and Winchester City Council to create a valuable hub for young people to make their road to employment successful.

With support and funding from the DWP, the team has worked hard over the past year to provide young people with advice and guidance about future career paths, opportunities and training. They also offered drop-in sessions as well as outreach events.

Here are some of the people they have successfully helped:

Jack came to the hub following a referral from a Totton job coach. Jack has autism, but was very chatty, engaging and willing to do anything to get into employment.

After advisers helped him to construct a CV and complete some job applications, he was offered a job at Asda Grocery store, an apprenticeship in a warehouse and an apprenticeship with Royal Mail.

Bebe was looking to find a part-time job before starting university and came to the hub weekly for help with her CV and applications. She was offered a job following an interview that our advisers helped her to prepare for.

Since starting in October last year, over 500 young people have benefitted from help and advice, over 70 people were able to get into paid employment and over 150 found work experience positions to help them on their career path.

Find out more: eastleigh.gov.uk/youthemploymenthub

Royal Yachting Association benefits from energy grant

One of our local businesses shares details of its energy efficiency scheme and the contribution that the Council’s energy grant has made

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) began its environmental sustainability journey 17 years ago, providing best practice advice to boat users and businesses through The Green Blue, a programme run jointly with British Marine.

In 2018, the association realised it could do more with its own operations and appointed Phil Horton as Environment and Sustainability Manager.

In 2020, the RYA created a sustainability strategy recognising its three potential areas of impact:

• those within the control of the RYA - buildings and staff

• those managed by the RYA - British Sailing Team, pension funds, Dinghy Show

• those that can be influenced by the RYA100,000 members, 1,400 affiliated clubs, 2,500 training centres in 57 countries

Sustainability for the RYA means environmental, social and economic value.

With the help of the Council’s energy grant, improvements made so far include:

• Plug-in hybrid vehicles for towing two- tonne RIBs

• LED lighting in Hamble HQ (this change has lowered emissions and reduced the cost of lighting by 75%)

• LED lighting at Portland House. This upgrade is partfunded by the EmPAHSIS3 project run through Portsmouth University

• solar roof installation – the grant contributed 25% of the cost to this - currently at the grid application stage though solar panels have been secured via installer.

Though the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Sports for Climate Action framework has a goal of carbon neutrality by 2040, the RYA has taken the plunge and is aiming to reach net zero by 2030.

Its first Carbon Report is in preparation and measures improvements from a baseline of 2019 when its emissions were 5,700 tonnes of CO2e. COVID helped these to decrease by 50% in 2020 and a respectable 20% decrease was reported in 2021.

Central and West Hampshire

Green space at the Sorting Office

Eastleigh’s Sorting Office Studios get a green space

The Sorting Office Studios are now fully relocated to 14 Station Hill in Eastleigh.

As part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to climate change, a bird, bee and butterfly-friendly area is under construction at the rear of the building, with plants and planters provided by Eastleigh Men’s Shed and a sedum-roofed bicycle shed provided by local craftsman, Tom Maguire.

There is a seating area in the garden where the studio licensees will be able to enjoy the buzzing and chirping amid the colour and clean air next summer.

News round up

Improvements to The Planney

Improvements to The Planney, the wooded area in Bishopstoke, are underway with the installation of new animal carvings and wooden seats. They were created following engagement with local primary schools and community members.

Why not explore the area and see if you can spot them all?

Crowdhill Green play area

Supporting Ukrainians

Across Eastleigh Borough we have a number of adults from Ukraine who have arrived in the UK in the last few months who are now actively seeking work.

We’re looking for companies or organisations that are currently recruiting and would be interested in receiving CVs or applications from potential employees.

If your business is hiring and would be interested please contact ukrainewelcome@eastleigh.gov.uk with a brief description of the vacancies that you have available.

Freeport site designated

Following a short delay owing to the death of Her Majesty the Queen and the suspension of parliamentary business until after the State Funeral, the Eastleigh tax site known as Navigator Quarter, located close to Southampton International Airport, was designated on 14 October as part of the Solent Freeport.

From this date, eligible businesses will be able to benefit from the tax reliefs available at Freeport tax sites.

The tax site maps have also now been published on the gov.uk website.

Residents have asked for work to be delayed on the Crowdhill Green play area project so that more designs can be submitted by contractors to give residents a greater choice.

Fair Oak & Horton Heath Parish Council has requested further designs from a larger spread of companies and these will be shared with local people before a choice is made.

Community Café, Shorts Road

The project to create a café in Shorts Road has taken a step further, with the Parish Council choosing a contractor to carry out the work. It is hoped that work will be able to start onsite soon, with the demolition of the dilapidated Scout Hut.

The work is part-funded by the Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath Local Area Committee from developer contributions.

Splash pad, New Century Park

The installation of the new splash pad at New Century Park, Fair Oak is progressing well, and it is hoped that the new facility will be opened next year.

Developer contributions of £182,650 via the Local Area Committee, are funding the exciting play feature, in partnership with the Parish Council.

Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath

Slot Machine Theatre presents

Kipper’s Snowy Day

THIS CHRISTMAS AT THE BERRY THEATRE

10th - 30th December

This warm-hearted Christmas show is perfect for children aged 3+ and their families.

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk 023 8065 2333

Your local NHS this winter

Help to ease pressure on local health services

Local NHS services are encouraging people seeking medical help to select the right services this winter to ensure they get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

Hospitals and ambulances remain very busy treating patients who are very ill, but there is a wide range of support available across the area and lots of alternative services if your condition is not serious or life-threatening.

111

If you need urgent medical help and it is not a lifethreatening emergency, contact 111 first at 111.nhs. uk or dialling 111. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A trained advisor will direct you to the most appropriate service for your needs. This could be:

• Your GP practice

• A local pharmacy

• Urgent treatment centre at the Royal South Hants Hospital in Southampton

If you are advised to attend an Emergency Department (ED) for urgent care but it is not life-threatening emergency, your 111 advisor can book you a time slot to attend.

999

Call 999 immediately if you or someone else is having a heart attack or stroke. Every second counts with these conditions. Also call 999 if you think someone has had a major trauma, such as after a serious road traffic accident, a stabbing, a shooting, a fall from height, or a serious head injury.

Be prepared

You can also help ease the pressure on local health services by making sure you are ready to treat common illnesses and injuries at home. Keep stocked up on essentials such as paracetamol, bandages and upset tummy remedies and order repeat prescriptions in good time so that you don’t run out.

Get vaccinated

If you are eligible for the COVID-19 booster and flu vaccination, please make sure you get yours. This year, anyone aged 16 and over who receives carer’s allowance, or who is the main carer of an elderly or disabled person who is at increased risk from flu or COVID-19, is eligible for both vaccines, including people who provide unpaid care.

Dr Karl Graham, a local GP in Hedge End, said: “Your local General Practice remains very busy but is working hard to help patients as quickly as possible. Your GP now works alongside many other health professionals including physiotherapists, advanced nurses and pharmacists. In many cases your appointment will be arranged with one of these team members who, if needed, will discuss your case with a GP. This allows more time for GPs to help patients with the most complex issues. Practices increasingly work together to provide services so you may be offered an appointment at another local GP practice or Health Hub. This allows a wider range of services to be offered locally.”

Josh Jess Jasmine

Project supports work experience students

One of the key aspects of One Horton Heath is to provide local people with employment and skills support, securing resources and expertise from our supply chain to support local school and college education programmes, provide training opportunities for people at all stages of their career journeys, and much more.

In the past few months, The One Horton Heath Employment and Skills team has supported four work experience students from local schools and colleges, giving them the chance to learn from project staff and contractors about things like landscape architecture, civil engineering and land management.

Read on to find out more about these work placements – and to find out how you can get involved, visit onehortonheath.co.uk/employment-and-skills

Josh - Ridge

Josh is on a two-year T-Level work placement where he’s been learning all about the different aspects of this major development project. Having completed the first year of his time with the project, Josh landed a placement with Ridge, a Civil Engineering firm who are carrying out work for One Horton Heath’s initial phase of homes and infrastructure.

Talking about his time spent working with Ridge, Josh said:

“ I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Ridge and the involvement in different projects has helped develop my confidence, providing a great opportunity to act both independently and within a team environment. Throughout the two weeks my colleagues have made me feel like part of their team. This has provided valuable learning skills on AutoCAD and working independently on specific projects, gaining good knowledge and understanding of the role and what it is like to work in an office environment.”

Jess - Deacon Design

After finishing her GCSE exams, Jess joined Landscape Architects Deacon Design, who are working on the landscape design for several different elements of the development, including the upcoming link road and a number of different green spaces.

Speaking about Jess’ placement, Deacon Design’s Michelle Good said:

“ Jess was with us for two weeks in July to explore a career in landscape architecture. She joined us for site walkovers of the One Horton Heath site and prepared a fabulous proposal for a children’s nursery in Hampshire.”

Speaking about her time with Deacon Design, Jess said:

“ Walking in to this great opportunity, I was extremely excited but overwhelmingly anxious. However, as soon as I walked in the door I was greeted with smiling faces and a lovely atmosphere. Once I had settled in to drawing I was in my element. The positive reactions from the team made me feel more confident and proud of my work.

I found it very interesting to see how all the different professions worked together to find common ground and complete a project, even though I didn’t necessarily understand everything that was being discussed. The two weeks at Deacon Design have helped boost my confidence in my skills and has reconfirmed my ambition to work towards being a landscape architect.”

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

Jasmine - One Horton Heath land management team

Geography Student Jasmine joined One Horton Heath Land Manager Rory for three days over the summer, gaining an insight into some of the different aspects involved in overseeing large areas of land.

During her three days with the team, one of the key things Jasmine learned about was managing public rights of way. To cap off her time with the project, Jasmine produced and delivered a presentation for our Project Management Team exploring the signage needs of public rights of way at Stoke Park Farm.

Speaking about her work experience with the project, Jasmine said:

“

I’m really interested in my local area and the work that goes into making it accessible for the public. I spoke with users about how they use the spaces and what difficulties they have navigating the area.

Presenting my research to Rory, Lea and Stuart helped me gain confidence and experience and I really enjoyed the whole experience. I hope to go onto university after finishing at college to continue studying Human Geography.”

Planning permission granted for new link road

Planning permission for a new link road at Horton Heath, which will join Allington Lane Roundabout in the North with Burnetts Lane roundabout in the South, was granted on the 29 September, subject to conditions.

The road, which is a key milestone for the One Horton Heath development, will be built ahead of the construction of any new homes, ensuring this vital new 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.

The road will also feature green travel provision in the form of shared footpath cycleways along its length, as well as extensive landscaping, including over 500 new trees and thousands of plants, sustainable drainage features and wildflower meadows.

Construction is expected to begin early next year, with site preparations beginning this autumn.

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.

reminded to considerately

make sure they collecting their what they can to the schools to make the to ease schools as per the dropped said: of the issues parking wheelchairs, to annoying are one with me. considerately.”

Keeping the electoral register up to date

Have you moved house in the last 6 months?

Remember to update your registration by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

During August and September, your household will have received a form from the Council showing the names of residents who are currently registered to vote at your property.

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!

Please check this information to ensure the details are correct. If the information needs to be updated, please visit householdresponse.com/eastleigh to make any changes.

The information is used to confirm who, at your address, is eligible to vote. This information can also be used when applying for credit such as a mortgage or personal loan. Not being registered can risk you being refused credit.

Please help us by responding as soon as you can to prevent the need for personal visits to your property between 17 October – 13 November 2022.

Proclamation of our new Monarch

The Borough of Eastleigh marked the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and accession of King Charles III with a proclamation ceremony.

Mayor of Eastleigh, Cllr Adam Manning, read out the Proclamation of the new Monarch on the bandstand in Leigh Road Recreation Ground, Eastleigh, watched by Deputy Lieutenant,

Hugo Cubitt, local dignitaries and members of the public.

The reading of the Proclamation was followed by the national anthem and three cheers for His Majesty, the King. The event allowed local people to come together and coincided with similar ceremonies in towns and cities across the country.

Services of Remembrance News round up

Climate Change projects

Fair Oak and Horton Heath Parish Council’s climate change action plan is making good progress.

Residents will see wildflower planting across various sites, funded by developer contributions from the Local Area Committee. The bee and tree landscaping schemes at Summerlands Road and the library have also been completed, as well as the installation of bee-friendly planters around the village.

Other initiatives, such as the installation of hot bins at community centres for composting, hippo bags to save water at all the buildings, and the creation of two large bug hotels will also take place soon.

The parish is also developing plans for the rewilding of Twynhams Field in the next few months.

Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound

Halls lit up

Services of Remembrance will be taking place across the Borough on Sunday 13 November.

Giant red poppies will again be placed on the bandstand in Leigh Road Recreation Ground. Local residents, groups and organisations are encouraged to decorate this iconic local landmark with poppies in the lead up to Remembrance Sunday, 13 November.

The Mayor, Cllr Adam Manning, will be attending the morning service at the

War Memorial, Leigh Road Recreation Ground, whilst Past Mayor, Cllr Cynthia Garton, will be attending the morning service at St Edward’s Church, Netley Abbey.

The Mayor will also be attending the service at the Military Cemetery, Royal Victoria Country Park at 3pm. Other services will be taking place in West End, Hedge End, Botley, Chandler’s Ford, Fair Oak and Horton Heath. Road closures will be in place.

Armistice Day

Deputy Mayor of Eastleigh, Cllr Nick Couldrey, together with representatives of local groups and organisations and residents will be attending the Royal British Legion’s Two Minute Silence at 11am on Friday 11 November in Leigh Road Recreation Ground.

There’s a brighter look to Abbey Hall and Hound Parish Hall thanks to replacement LED lights.

These were funded by the Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound Local Area Committee and were installed over the summer.

More storage for Longoak Preschool

Nominate your Citizen of Honour

Do you know someone who has made a substantial contribution to the community or has helped to make the Borough a better place? If so, they could be made one of the Borough’s Citizens of Honour.

The Citizen of Honour award is granted every two years to people who have given long and exceptional service to their local community.

The awards were introduced in 1986 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Borough and since then 58 awards have been made.

If you would like to recommend someone for the Citizen of Honour award, please send their name and the reasons why you think they should be nominated to the Mayor’s Office, Eastleigh House,

Upper Market Street, Eastleigh SO50 9YN or email mayorsoffice@eastleigh.gov.uk. All nominations will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for nominations is 31 December 2022 with the awards being made at a special event on 22 May 2023.

Longoak Preschool has received a grant of £1,000 to install a new external storage unit.

The preschool was keen to replace a smaller unit which had come to the end of its life. A larger model will help the preschool store more equipment.

Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath

New health services in Bursledon

A range of health and care services are now being provided at the Lowford Centre, Bursledon.

The range of services includes:

GP appointments - Thursday, 2pm to 6pm, Friday 8am to 4.30pm

Mental Health practitioner - Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Nurse practitioners - Monday and Wednesday, 2pm to 6pm

Could you offer a home to people from Ukraine?

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, this year over 70 Borough residents have generously opened their homes to refugees fleeing the conflict. However, as we reach the six month point of the sponsorship programme, we are looking for new sponsors to host families that are currently settled in communities across our Borough.

Here are the experiences of two of our sponsors in the Borough whose lives have been enriched by the experience:

Chrissy Russell from Fair Oak hosts ta Ukrainian mother and son. Chrissy says: “It’s been an amazing experience to help my two Ukrainian guests and we feel like a family. We go out to concerts and attractions together and I am so proud that her son has now started University!

It’s the best thing I have done in years, I have made so many friends from my involvement in the Ukrainian community.”

Cathy and Martin Hill are hosts to a Ukrainian mother who gave birth to her daughter Masha whilst in the UK.

Cathy said: “We watched the news of the war in Ukraine and heard about the Homes For Ukraine scheme and wanted to help. As our guest was expecting a baby, we focused on arranging healthcare as well as basic things such as a mobile phone, bank, Universal Credit, bus passes etc.

She added: “The experience has strengthened our faith in humanity and community! So many kind and generous people have appeared at our door with armfuls of baby clothes and equipment. We’ve also connected with lovely local hosts and enjoyed learning more about Ukrainian life and culture. It’s been amazing to have Masha as a joyful addition to our household and incredibly rewarding to help them to thrive and enjoy some moments of happiness.”

If you are interested in hosting a Ukrainian individual or family for a six-month period, please register your interest to be a sponsor here: gov.uk/register-interest-homes-ukraine

Above: Three of our Ukrainian hosts (L to R) Joan Bates, Chrissy Russell and Chris James

Physiotherapists - Mondays to Thursday, 8am to 6pm, Friday 8am to 3.30pm

Health & Wellbeing Coaches - Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Health Visitor - Wednesday, 8am to 12noon

Social Prescribers - Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Care Navigators & Proactive Nurse - Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 1pm

Blood tests - Saturday, 9am to 11am

There will also be an ‘Enhanced Access Service’ outside of normal working hours on weekday evenings 6.30pm to 9.30pm, Saturdays 9am to 9pm and Sundays 9am to 6pm.

Cabinet Lead for Health, Cllr Tonia Craig, said: “I am delighted that by working in partnership with the local surgeries and Council Leader Keith House, we have been able to ensure that this extensive range of much needed health and care services are now more readily available for people who live in the southern parishes to use.”

To access these services, residents are advised to contact their GP practice in the first instance.

Borough-wide Community Grants

Have your say

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.

Hedge End Town Council consultation

Local residents have given their views in a second round of consultation on plans to redraw the boundaries of Hedge End Town Council wards within their area - and change the number of councillors.

The Community Governance

aims to ensure that

and

are able to vote are

represented by

area.

The results of the consultation

resulting recommendations will be considered by Councillors at the November meeting of the Council.

News round up

For out more: eastleigh.gov.uk/HedgeEndCGR

Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath (7pm) 23 November • 1 February

March

Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/bifohh or contact andrew.thompson@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 8357

Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound (6pm) 1 December • 26 January

March

Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/bhh or contact ross.mcclean@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 3367

Chandler’s Ford & Hiltingbury (7pm) 16 November • 18 January

March

Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/cfh or contact ross.mcclean@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 3367

An exciting new wheeled sports area, including a skatepark, has opened at The Willows, West End. It’s already a very popular destination for skateboard, scooter and other wheeled sports users.

The design of the area was chosen by local residents including the West End Youth Club as part of a public consultation and was funded by Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee through contributions made by local housing developers to help improve the community. It is supported by West End Parish Council and the Hatch Farm Working Group.

A launch event will take place in the coming months, so watch this space!

Eastleigh (7pm) 15 November • 24 January 14 March

Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/elac or contact guy.riddoch@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 3369

Hedge End, West End & Botley (7pm) 21 November

January

Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/heweb or contact kitty.budden@eastleigh.gov.uk

Hedge End, West End & Botley West End wheeled area