Spring Borough News 2023 - Eastleigh Borough Council

Coffee pod recycling coming soon

If you use a pod coffee machine, you’ll soon be able to sign up with Podback to receive free kerbside recycling bags as part of our new recycling service. See page 5 for more details.

2023 – an exciting year in the Borough

A round-up of fantastic events taking place this year

2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year in Eastleigh Borough – with a feast of events and entertainment, environmental initiatives, health and wellbeing projects and progress on high quality and much-needed housing.

This year’s events calendar has an array of attractions and entertainment, including the springtime Take Flight festival of theatre, dance, magic, music, craft and more; the Eastleigh Unwrapped festival of street entertainment; the Mela, which celebrates all the Borough’s cultures, and a fantastic Easter programme in our theatres and country parks. Many of these events are free.

The Borough’s green credentials will be given a boost with the launch of a recycling service for coffee pods – and the Plant Eastleigh scheme will take us closer to our target of planting 160,000 trees by 2030 to help combat climate change. We’re moving our frontline StreetScene

services over to electric vehicles and equipment and changing our mowing routine to boost biodiversity. And there will be even more reasons to visit Itchen Valley Country Park, one of the area’s most popular green spaces, as its exciting new facilities start to take shape.

Work will soon start on the Hamble Peninsula Trails, offering a fascinating self-guided tour of the unique history, character and ecology of the parishes of Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice and Hound.

High quality housing schemes are coming closer to fruition, with great progress on the sustainable One Horton Heath development: reflecting the Council’s commitment to putting infrastructure first, work has started on the 1.2 mile link road, and the first 381 homes were given the green light by planners in December; the scheme’s renewable energy projects – featuring a solar farm and ground source heat pump network – will reduce the Borough’s carbon

emissions and generate income. Meanwhile, the revival of Eastleigh town centre will be boosted with a new apartment complex on the site of the old Post Office, offering ten affordable units for social rent.

Popular health and wellbeing initiatives like HealthWorks swim, holiday activity and sport programmes (now including Easter) and a range of free walking groups across the Borough continue as part of a series of schemes and events designed to encourage residents to take better care of their physical and mental health.

The Council is committed to providing excellent play facilities for children in local neighbourhoods - and consultation on new play areas for Chancellor Park in Boorley Park and Kestrel Park in Bursledon is under way. They should both be in place in time for summer.

Pictures above: Parksport Skate Jam, Take Flight festival and tree planting

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.

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.

Green Borough

New woodland to enjoy in Fair Oak

Gore Copse opened to public

Gore Copse, an area of woodland next to the Pembers Hill Park development, Fair Oak is open to local people following the completion of a gravel footpath that runs the length of the woodland and meadow area.

The previously private woodland now provides a walking route from the development through to Mortimers Lane and where the footpath crosses the watercourse a board walk ensures an accessible route is maintained throughout the year.

The area of land is almost four hectares in size and includes the copse, a stream and adjoining grassland for public open space.

The area will remain in the ownership and management of the developer, Countryside Partnerships before being transferred to the Council to manage.

4

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

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.

Bampton House tackles homelessness

Local households at risk of homelessness will soon be able to benefit from temporary accommodation as Bampton House (the former British Gas offices in Chandler’s Ford) is being converted into flats.

The Council scheme aims to deliver much needed accommodation in a bid to tackle both homelessness and address the ongoing cost-ofliving crisis. It will also help reduce expenditure by the Council on short term accommodation such as bed and breakfast.

The Council purchased Bampton House on Hursley Road and have entered a contract with a local housebuilder to convert the former two-storey building into thirteen oneand two-bed self-contained flats for those at risk of homelessness.

Cabinet Lead for Regeneration, Cllr Paul Bicknell, said: “This is a very exciting Council project transforming the building into high

quality self-contained flats. It will provide vulnerable homeless/ threatened homelessness households with temporary accommodation as a steppingstone to a permanent home. Bampton House also enables local people to remain in the Borough and allows easier access to services in Eastleigh needed to support them in securing a permanent home.”

He added: “Most importantly, boosting the supply of temporary accommodation will reduce the Council’s reliance on emergency accommodation, which is often outside of the Borough and never an “ideal” situation for anyone to be in, as well as reducing the Council’s costs for using them which in turn enables those funds to be better used to help homeless people.”

It is planned that following completion of the conversion works; the first homes should be available to be occupied by the end of 2023.

Old Post Office site regeneration

Post Office scheme awarded £1million in Homes England funding

The regeneration of the former Post Office and Sorting Office site on High Street, Eastleigh has received over £1million boost from Homes England to allow ten of the apartments in the scheme to be provided as social rent homes.

The £1,050,000 of funding to allow ‘social rent’ in the front block of the development that will include oneand two-bed apartments and will be ready for occupation in Autumn 2024.

Work is well under way on the regeneration of the site that comprises two buildings and public open space.

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 will also improve links between High Street and Market Street.

Residential development will be provided on the upper floors of both buildings with 28 one- and two-bedroom apartments available for rent.

For more information eastleigh.gov.uk/postofficedev

Work progresses on former civic offices site

Work is well underway on a new Hendy Group car showroom on the former Civic Offices site on Leigh Road, Eastleigh that will see three new car franchises come to the Borough.

The development will be home to Nissan, Renault and Dacia and is part of the second phase of the re-development of the site. It includes the construction of two showroom buildings and a car display courtyard on the site frontage.

Deputy Council Leader, Cllr Ian Corben, said: “Hendy is a long-standing local business and this exciting development brings more business investment into our Borough. The new Hendy car showroom will provide additional jobs and opportunities for local people.”

He added: “The Council retains ownership of the site and the business premises will add to the Council’s property portfolio that provides a significant rental income to the Council.”

Hendy Group Chief Executive, Paul Hendy, said: “The partnership with Eastleigh Borough Council will create an environmentally friendly development employing around 45 people.

He added: “This development reinforces our commitment to the area and will provide us with the space needed to look after our customers now and in the future. This investment is part of our ongoing expansion plans, and we see Eastleigh as a key location for our long-term future.”

The new showrooms are planned to be completed by Autumn 2023.

New rules on disposing of sofas and other upholstered items

New national procedures have come into effect that will change how we collect some bulky waste items, and how you’ll dispose of them at Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs).

The Environment Agency and Defra have identified sofas, armchairs, futons and other upholstered items as containing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). POPs are sometimes known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they do not break down. If waste containing them is not managed responsibly, they have the potential to cause damage to the wider environment.

The new procedures mean we’ll collect items containing POPs separately from other bulky waste items. If you book a collection with us that contains one or more ‘POPs item’ (like a sofa) and a ‘nonPOPs item’ (like a fridge), we will collect them on different days. You can still dispose of upholstered items at HWRCs.

To help reduce the risk of POPs entering the wider environment, please follow these steps:

• keep upholstered items separate from other bulky waste items when putting them out for collection

• put items out for collection as close to your scheduled collection date as possible

• ensure items are kept whole, where feasible

• contain rips or tears by sealing them with tape or bagging an item

• declare any damaged item when booking a collection.

For more information eastleigh.gov.uk/pops

Tips to reduce food waste

Food waste is a big issue. The UK produces nearly 5.2 million tonnes of household food waste every year – that’s around 77kg per person! The production of food requires water, land, and other resources, so when food is wasted, these resources are wasted too.

Here are some ways we as individuals can reduce food waste in our daily lives:

Plan meals and make a shopping list: By planning meals and making a shopping list, you can help to ensure that you only purchase the ingredients you need, rather than impulse buying items that may end up going to waste.

JOIN OUR GARDEN WASTE SCHEME

Join

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 £45 for the year, that’s less than £1.80 per collection.

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

Use up leftovers: Rather than letting leftovers go to waste, get creative and find ways to use them up. For example, leftover cooked vegetables can be added to a soup or frittata, while leftover rice can be turned into fried rice.

Store food properly: Proper storage can help to extend the shelf life of food. For example, storing fruits and vegetables in the correct way (such as in the crisper drawer of the fridge) can help to prevent them from spoiling prematurely.

Donate excess food: If you find that you have excess food that you are unable to use, consider donating it to a local food bank or shelter. You could also use an app like Olio to offer it to a neighbour.

Recycle any unavoidable food waste: Some food waste is unavoidable, like banana skins, coffee grounds or eggshells. Make sure to recycle these through your weekly brown bin collection. Recycled food waste creates clean energy and a soil conditioner to grow more food!

Coffee pod recycling is coming to your kerbside

Residents will soon be able to recycle their used coffee pods through kerbside collections as part of a new service the Council is running in partnership with Podback.

If you use a pod coffee machine, you’ll soon be able to sign up with Podback to receive free recycling bags. Once you’ve filled a bag with pods, simply put it out alongside your food waste recycling bin on your normal collection day and we’ll collect it for you. Separate bags will be available for plastic and aluminium pods.

The pods are processed in the UK, where the plastic and aluminium are recycled into new products, and the coffee grounds are used to create a soil improver and renewable energy.

Podback is a nationwide, not-for-profit, coffee pod recycling service. Created in partnership with the biggest names in coffee pod systems, Nespresso, Nescafé Dolce Gusto and Tassimo, to give people who enjoy the quality and taste of coffee pods, simple ways to recycle them.

Cabinet Lead for Environment, Cllr Rupert Kyrle, said: “We are really pleased to be working with Podback to open up this new kerbside recycling opportunity for our residents. Coffee drinkers will now be able to enjoy their coffee machines knowing the pods won’t be going to waste.”

Information on how to sign up will be coming through your letterbox soon and collections will begin at the end of March.

Tree planting success

Residents supporting our tree sponsorship initiative planted more than 300 trees over three days at Itchen Valley Country Park.

Now in its second year, Plant Eastleigh sponsors helped to grow the park’s natural woodland by attending tree planting days that took place in January and February.

As the new trees grow, they will add to the park’s wildlife habitats and be enjoyed by visitors looking to connect with nature. The trees were grown at the Council’s own tree nursery in Horton Heath.

Cabinet Lead for Environment, Cllr Rupert Kyrle, said: “It’s great to

see so many local families attend these tree planting days and make a positive difference. Nearly twice as many trees were planted at this year’s planting days compared to last year, so I’m really excited to see how this scheme develops.”

The Council aims to have 160,000 more trees in the Borough by the year 2030.

For details of future planting days in the Borough, keep an eye on the Plant Eastleigh website during the next planting season. planteastleigh.co.uk

Picture above: Local family enjoying tree planting

Coffee pod recycling coming

soon! From the end of March, you will be able to recycle your coffee pods along with your weekly food waste collections. Look out for more information coming through your door!

News round up

Bursledon, Hamle-le-Rice & Hound Walk and Talk continues

The Walk and Talk programme for Bursledon, Hamble and Hound is continuing this year after the Local Area Committee agreed further funding.

The scheme offers free guided walks of up to 3km, led by staff from Itchen Valley Country Park. They encourage local residents to explore their area, socialise with other people and learn about the local flora and fauna. The sessions are becoming more popular across all three parishes. Slots can be booked on itchenvalley.co.uk/whats-on

Hound Corner countryside site

A site inspection at Hound Corner countryside site found that two gateway striking posts were in urgent need of replacement. The Bursledon, Hamble and Hound Local Area Committee (BHH LAC) funded the replacements to prevent the structure collapsing.

Hamble Rail Trail

Following a report from Hamble Parish Council that a section of fencing on the Hamble Rail Trail had collapsed, the Borough Council’s Construction and Maintenance team went onsite to make it safe. The BHH LAC agreed to fund the repairs which were in place within ten days of the issue being reported.

Hedge End, West End & Botley Community woodland planting day

A new community woodland has been planted in memory of HM Queen Elizabeth II at Dowd’s Farm, Hedge End. Children from nearby Wellstead Primary School and Little Wisp Preschool came along with other volunteers to help plant 450 native saplings. They chose the species to put in the ground and were given a certificate by Hedge End Town Council. Chair of the Council, Councillor Cliff Morris dug in the first oak tree.

The trees were gifted by the Woodland Trust as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy for the Platinum Jubilee. Local resident Adrian Millman also donated some trees and Parish Councillors John Jupe and Jane Welsh joined in the digging.

Community-led scheme tackles homelessness in the Borough

The Council’s Housing team are supporting homeless people in the Borough by entering a year partnership with Beam, the award-winning social enterprise platform.

The Beam platform is providing tailored support and community crowdfunding to help eligible local individuals to find stable employment and help them out of homelessness.

Eligible residents are referred to the scheme by the Council’s Housing team. They are allocated a dedicated Beam caseworker, who prepares their

fundraising page to purchase necessities for housing and employment, and supports them with CV writing, job applications and house-hunting.

Donations come from members of the public, who receive updates on the people they support and send messages of encouragement along the way –boosting the recipient’s confidence and wellbeing. You can visit beam.org to donate to a host of deserving recipients to get them back on their feet.

Cabinet Lead for Social Policy, Cllr Paul Bicknell, said: “A home is a cornerstone

Have your say on Freespace skatepark

The Council is launching a public consultation on proposals to replace the Freespace skate park at Stoneycroft Rise, Chandler’s Ford after it previously suffered severe vandalism that resulted in the majority of the ramps being removed.

We now have some exciting new designs and would welcome comments from the local community on these proposals. We will also be replacing the existing riding surface with a new ‘close grained’ tarmac surface for maximum user enjoyment of the new ramps.

Please provide your thoughts and views on how best to implement new wheeled sports improvements by completing our questionnaire. Your comments will help us to ensure we install the ramps that are preferred by the local community.

The public consultation period will run until Wednesday 29 March. After this date we will finalise the designs with the contractor for the replacement skateboard park from feedback received on the two layouts. We anticipate the reopening of Freespace to be Summer 2023.

How you can comment

Meet the skatepark builders, Fearless Ramps, on Wednesday 8 March between 3pm and 8pm at Eastleigh House, Upper Market Street. Fearless Ramps will give detailed explanations of how the designs can be adjusted to reflect the community’s views and you can share your thoughts on the proposals. You can also complete the online survey at eastleighboroughcouncil. citizenspace.com/projects/ freespace

of wellbeing, and the Housing team and local agencies work hard all year round to help those who are losing or have lost their home. Due to the cost-of-living crisis, the Council has seen more demand for these services. We hope these innovative community-driven packages will reinforce our commitment to supporting vulnerable people by helping to provide them with a home, something that everyone should be able to afford”.

Find out more

eastleigh.gov.uk/homelessness

Passport to Leisure

Concessionary Scheme at Places Leisure Eastleigh eastleigh.gov.uk/passporttoleisure

for people who are unemployed, on a low income, over 60, full time students, Armed Forces or people with physical, learning or sensory impairments.

Skate park layout option one

Skate park layout option two

HealthWorks swim

Every Monday • 3pm - 3.45pm (Term time only)

Places Leisure Eastleigh, Cost £2.95

(carers go free)

Our HealthWorks swim session offers calm, quiet pool time with accessible equipment and facilities, and assistance from trained staff so you can relax and enjoy your swim in a safe and supportive environment.

For more information healthworks@eastleigh.gov.uk

HealthWorks

COMING THIS EASTER

New holiday programme to get kids active

4 - 6 April and 11- 13 April

Activities for five to 16 year-olds. Think Park Sport – but in the spring.

To find out more, visit:

eastleigh.gov.uk/easter

Menopause Warriors’ show of strength

Women who signed up for help in navigating and managing perimenopause or menopause symptoms have increased their activity levels by 74 per cent.

Fifty-six women attended the Mind over Matter online workshop led by Stacey Miller Consultancy, to help address barriers to exercise. Ninety women then participated in activities, including discounted Broadway Boogie sessions at The Point Eastleigh, Low Impact Circuits at Deer Park School (Hedge End) and a Walk and Talk at Lakeside Country Park.

The Council’s This Girl Can Eastleigh campaign held the successful project over autumn to round off the yearlong campaign. As a result of the campaign, 80 per cent also said they felt more confident about participating in physical activity. This Girl Can Eastleigh has contributed towards funding for equipment to allow the circuit sessions to continue as a legacy of the campaign.

Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/menopausewarriors to book onto the ongoing activities or look up support and advice.

Picture: participants at the Lakeside Country Park Walk and Talk

News round up

Hedge End, West End & Botley Boorley Park community buildings open

The Boorley Park Community Centre and Sports Pavilion were opened to the public at the beginning of January by Botley Parish Council.

Following the transfer of the facilities to Eastleigh Borough Council, both authorities worked closely together to ensure the buildings were ready for public use. Residents can enjoy a range of activities as groups are now running regular sessions. The centres have also allowed several local businesses to offer services to the community with everything from toddler activities to fitness classes for all ages. These two community buildings, located on the new Boorley Park estate, offer several different sized spaces for hire from parties to business meetings and a full kitchen is available. To hire the facility please email enquiries@ botley-pc.gov.uk or call the Parish Council Office on 01489 787181.

New boundary signs for West End

Following consultation with West End residents, attractive new boundary signs have replaced the dilapidated boards that were in place in Botley Road and High Street, at either end of the village centre.

The boards form part of the West End Heritage Trail and have been funded using developers’ money. The aim was to create something more visually appealing that welcomes visitors, reflects the area’s history and incorporates the views of local people about what characterises their village and parish.

Hatch Farm Skate Park

eastleigh.gov.uk/sport-athlete-grants

A project to bring a skate park project to Hatch Farm is now complete, and the superb facility is being enjoyed by local young people. A skate park was included in the original plans for the Hatch Farm development. Residents and young people were consulted on the skate park’s designs.

T A K E F L I G H T T A K E F L I G H T T A K E F L I G H T

A K E F L I G H T T A K E F L I G H T T A K E F L I G H T

March to April 2023 at The Point, Eastleigh

Imaginations prepare, it’s time to Take Flight!

What’s on

(CIRCLE DREAMS AROUND)

THE TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE PAST

A FESTIVAL OF EVENTS CELEBRATING

Sunday 19 March • 3pm & 7pm

YOUNG AND IN CHARGE!

STORYTRIBE SEASONAL SPECTACULAR

Wednesday 5 April 11am & 1pm

Catering for the very youngest to the almost grown up, Take Flight will take you on a journey from playful to urgent via theatre, dance, magic, music, craft and more.

Friday 31 March • 7pm

FLY ME TO THE MOON

THE CREATIVE BRILLIANCE OF THE NEXT GENERATION

Friday 31 March to Sunday 16 April (closed 9 & 10 April)

FANTASTIC MR FOX

Friday 7 April • 6pm

Saturday 8 April • 12pm & 6pm

NICK COPE’S FAMILY SHOW

Saturday 1 April • 11am & 2pm at The Berry Theatre

POINT YOUTH DANCE COMPANY TASTER WORKSHOP

Tuesday 4 April • 10am, 11am & 12pm

Catering for the very youngest to the almost grown up, Take Flight will take you on a journey from playful to urgent via theatre, dance, magic, music, craft and more. Enjoy inspiring performances, events and activities with family and friends, including performance created by local children and young people.

GIVE AND TAKE: KIDS’ CLOTHES AND TOYS

Tuesday 4 April • 11am to 3pm

KIDS WRITE SONGS

Tuesday 4 to Friday 7 April • 1pm (6 April • 10am)

Sharing: Wednesdays 12 April 10am & 2pm

POINT YOUTH THEATRE TASTER WORKSHOP

Tuesday 11 April • 10am, 11am & 12pm

CINDERELLA

Tuesday 11 April • 1pm & 3.30pm

DU IZ TAK?

Thursday 13 April • 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm & 2.30pm

.

LOVE: YOUTH DANCE SHOWCASE

Friday 14 April • 7pm

TOP SECRET –THE MAGIC OF SCIENCE

Saturday 15 April • 2pm

To book call the Box Office on 023 8065 2333 or visit www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk/takeflight

The Point, Eastleigh

Free Events for all the family during Easter Bring your kids along to the Point this Easter holidays and make the most of some of the free activities available.

From 31 March kids of all ages can come into The Point and create a piece of flight themed artwork to be displayed around the foyer and atrium. The Fly Me to the Moon project is a free event and invites families in to The Point to get creative with their designs.

Other events

Avant Garde Dance: Illegal Dance

Thursday 23 March • 7.30pm

Filskit Theatre & Sophie Ross: Wonder Gigs

Tuesday 21 March & 4 April 10.30am (second show at 11.30am on 21 March)

The Highland Joker: The Bubble Show

Saturday 25 March • 2pm

Cocktails at the Theatre

Saturday 25 March • 7pm

Inclusive Cinema: Easter Parade

Tuesday 25 April • 10.30am

Spring at Itchen Valley

Park Explorers: super sticks

Tuesday 14 March 2023 • 10.30-11.30am

An outdoor session for accompanied 3-5 year olds. Join us in the woods for themed games, crafts and a story. Cost £5. Book online.

Craft in the café

Saturday 18 March • 10.30am in the Woodland café

Decorate a plant pot and plant a sunflower seed. Take it home and watch it grow. An ideal Mother’s Day gift! For 7+ years. Cost £4. Book online.

Easter Bunny trail

Friday 31 March - Monday 17 April

Can you crack the code? Find the bunnies around the park, match the code written on the eggs and work out the secret phrase. Cost £3 per trail pack (includes pencil and prize). No need to book.

The Berry Theatre, Hedge End

Nicholas Collett & Gavin Robertson: Done to Death, By Jove

Saturday 25 March • 7.30pm

Conn Artists Theatre Company: A Perfect Likeness

Saturday 8 April • 7.30pm

The Comedy Network

Friday 14 April • 8pm

Inclusive Cinema: Easter Parade

Thursday 27 April • 10.30am

Chris McCausland: Speaky Blinder

Thursday 27 April • 8pm

To book visit itchenvalley.co.uk

Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton SO30 3HQ

For further information and to book tickets visit thepointeastleigh.co.uk or phone the box office on 023 8065 2333

For further information and to book tickets visit theberrytheatre.co.uk or phone the box office on 023 8065 2333

Avant Garde Dance: Illegal Dance

Chris McCausland: Speaky Blinder

Nicholas Collett & Gavin Robertson: Done to Death, By Jove

The Highland Joker: The Bubble Show

First homes at One Horton Heath approved

Borough’s most sustainable development to get underway

Planning permission has been granted for the first phase of new homes at One Horton Heath. Approval has been given for 381 homes at Lower Acre that will include a mix of homes with 35 per cent of the properties provided as affordable homes.

Lower Acre, is an area of land adjacent to the Chalcroft Way roundabout and will also include a new cycle greenway and an acre of open space. The new homes are designed to be more than 10 per cent larger than the government’s optional size standards, but ahead of any new homes being occupied the final phase

Wood carvings take centre stage at new seating area

Local residents can now enjoy a range of wildlife wood carvings.

The wood carvings showcase the rich wildlife in the area and feature a bat, slow worm, swifts and a newt, and were produced by artist Chris Bain. Each animal carving is also designed to feature nooks and crannies to house small creatures. The carvings have also been designed with a seat to allow visitors a place to rest and enjoy the location.

of the all-important link road will be completed through the development.

A four month pre-construction period will start in Spring 2023 with the main works planned to begin in Autumn.

One Horton Heath is different from other developments as it will provide a unique opportunity for ‘green living’ with the focus on people and not profit – and a range of initiatives and investments will make it the most sustainable development in our Borough.

An exciting and ambitious programme of green energy projects will help

create a sustainable, fossil fuel free development by installing a new large-scale ground mounted solar farm; creating a localised electricity grid, and providing a ground source heat pump network providing heating, hot water and cooling from a central source serving the homes, community buildings and businesses.

The use of renewable energy and no fossil fuels is at the heart of the plan for the site and will provide the opportunity for solar panels, electric charging points and high capacity broadband for all.

Inspiring the next generation

One Horton Heath aims to encourage young people to learn more about the many job roles in a development and inspire them to choose a career path through direct involvement in local education initiatives.

2022 was a bumper year for the projects team members who participated and supported a host of activities and welcomed a number of young students to spend time with the team and learn about the supply chain for the development.

The team have been busy out and about at Eastleigh Colleges skills circuit event and Solent Universities ‘Spring forward to the future’ careers event.

Businesses in the Borough benefit from energy grants Energy efficiency grants

The Borough Council received over £33 million in grant funding to distribute among the Borough’s businesses during the covid pandemic. £5 million of this was discretionary in nature and we chose to spend just over £400,000 of it on helping substantial energy users to improve their energy efficiency.

Of the 25 companies that applied for the funding, 18 were successful. Despite the delays in installation caused by heightened demand for solar panelling, five of these businesses have already begun to reap the benefits of the funding and are helping to reduce the Borough’s carbon emissions.

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA), Earth Wind and Fire, Baltic Life Jackets and Central Windows and Conservatories have all opted for solar panelling whilst Ancasta Yacht Services has used its grant for LED

lighting and insulation. The RYA and Baltic have also installed EV charging stations for their fleet and Earth Wind and Fire harvested enough rainwater during the hot months of 2022 that its crop of chillies and peppers survived against the odds.

Solent Freeport Skills Forum

The Solent Freeport, along with Solent LEP and the LEP Skills Advisory Panel, are calling on business leaders to engage with a new Solent Freeport Skills Forum, designed to deliver ambitions to kickstart regeneration and level up the Solent region. As a tax site in its own right the Navigator Quarter will have its own skills forum.

Brian Johnson, Chair of the Solent Freeport, said: “We want to ensure our communities fully benefit from the Solent Freeport, and that local people have the skills they need to take full advantage of new employment opportunities – providing the Solent Freeport with a skilled workforce for future success, and one which can support the pioneering new technology and innovation the Freeport will deliver to transform our region.”

Each Skills Forum will be made up of businesses, the landowner, skills providers, local authorities, and government agencies, providing advice on the development of the Solent Freeport Skills Charter and its implementation through advice on skills needs and investment required.

The Solent Freeport was officially launched in December with Eastleigh’s dedicated tax site, Navigator Quarter, offering 500,000 sq.ft of new business space adjacent to the runway at Southampton Airport. Other benefits available to occupiers include business rates relief and other incentives to support capital investment, skills and employment.

For more information please contact Chris Herbert in the Economy team on chris.herbert@eastleigh.gov.uk

News round up

Eastleigh

Fleming Park bridge repaired

One of the bridges across Monk’s Brook in Fleming Park, has been repaired.

The new decking has anti-slip strips to ensure that, even though the bridge is under trees in a damp area, the surface has a decent grip to help walkers. The installing company, Sarum Hardwoods, uses sustainable timber which comply with the Council’s policies.

The bridge has had an additional beam added to provide rigidity to the centre of the decking boards.

Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath

Church Lane play area (Bishopstoke)

Bishopstoke Parish Council have replaced the fence and gate to the play area on Church Road. The work was funded by developer contributions.

They have generously shared their experiences at: eastleigh.gov.uk/ businessenergygrants

Picture above: Earth Wind and Fire’s Sprout hut with solar panels

Sorting Office Studios

Lapstone Recreation Ground

Plans to add a second cricket wicket to Lapstone Recreation Ground, home of Fair Oak Cricket Club, will be considered at the 8 March Local Area Committee.

Tree and Bee Corridor

The planting of trees and shrubs on various verges and small areas of open space around Bishopstoke is under way to create tree corridors. They will provide a habitat for pollinating insects and add to the area’s biodiversity. This should have a beneficial effect on the wellbeing of people living in the area.

Local residents are encouraged to become involved in the planting and maintenance of the tree corridors and associated wildlife gardens. If you are interested, please email treebee@eastleigh.gov.uk

YZone reopens

It’s already a year since the studios moved to their new home on Station Hill, Southampton Road, where they have been featured as a Borough Gem and delight passers-by with the assortment of designs and products on display in the windows. We currently have a couple of spaces available for local artists and designers to fill.

If you know of anyone who might be interested or suitable for a space at the studios, please contact economicdevelopment@eastleigh.gov.uk

Youth Options are now delivering youth services in the Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath local area. They are working out of the YZone building on Thursday evenings, from 6pm to 8.30pm, for all age groups. A second night will be added in the coming weeks, once further consultation with the young people has taken place.

Funding for additional pond

The Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath Local Area Committee approved funding to upgrade the wildlife pond at Knowle Park and to add a second pond in the area. The ponds have been a huge success for school visits and for pond dipping by local children.

Picture above: Super Juicy Oranges by Jo Cheer, who is an artist based at the Sorting Office Studios

Busy times at Mercury Library and Community Hub

It has been a busy time for the volunteers organising group activities and welcoming people to the Mercury Library and Community Hub in Hamble. Back in December it hosted a delightful event presented by theatrical storytellers from The Point. That same month, regular storyteller, Shirley, welcomed children for a morning of tales and activities. Both events were well attended and enjoyed by everyone.

The Hub offers regular activities, including Citizens Advice, who hold a free drop-in session on the first Wednesday of each month from 10am to midday, and free IT advice from Roy on a Wednesday afternoon. No appointment needed, just pop in.

The Hub is one of the collection points in Hamble for donations to the Hound Food Bank and is one of the Borough’s Warm Welcome venues.

Details of The Hub’s weekly activities and future special events can be found on Facebook/MercuryHamble. Everyone is welcome.

Council takes environmentally friendly approach to grass cutting

The Council is taking a new approach to grass cutting across the Borough to help the local environment and encourage greater biodiversity.

At the heart of this change is a move from cylinder mowers to flail mowers, which can cut longer grass and also cut the sward (grass leaf) into smaller lengths that will break down quicker returning nutrients to the soil. It will also provide greater opportunity for wild flowers and support pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.

The new system of grass cutting will also be based on a process of managing areas of land in different ways depending on their location and use. For example:

• Recreation grounds, sports pitches, cemeteriesgrass will be maintained at a shorter length of 20mm-50mm

• Highway verges, parts of public open spacesgrass will be maintained within 20mm-100mm

• Conservation areas - public open spaces such as the old golf course, and countryside sites will be cut as required.

Cabinet Lead for Environment, Cllr Rupert Kyrle, said: “This innovative, more environmentally friendly approach to grass cutting will enable us to develop a maintenance

schedule that is suitable for different areas. It will enable the Council to balance leisure use, appearance of the street environment and at the same time provide an increase in biodiversity.”

He added: “This new approach to grass cutting will also be a learning opportunity - so it will be kept under review and feedback will be invited from residents and communities to help us get it right.”

The new system of grass cutting will start in March 2023.

Cost-of-living help is out there

Citizens Advice Eastleigh are having a huge impact

Citizens Advice Eastleigh, have been working hard for local residents improving local income by over £1million so far this year, and getting nearly £500,000 worth of debt written off.

Annabella Crawford, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Eastleigh, said: “Over 60% of Citizens Advice Eastleigh’s clients have a disability or a long-term health issue. The cost-of-living is hitting the most vulnerable and we’re here to help - no matter what the challenges may be.”

The key areas in which they continue to help are:

• benefit checks and assessment for local grant schemes to maximise income

Act now to tackle cost-of-living pressures on you and your household

Together with our partners, we are helping residents through the cost-of-living crisis. It’s better to speak to us sooner rather than later.

Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/costofliving-support for a list of local and national help, support and information.

Housing and benefits advice

Are you eligible for any benefits? Many people are not claiming the benefits they are entitled to.

Visit gov.uk/benefits-calculators or get in touch with your local Citizens Advice team to review your options. Don’t wait until you are homeless or in debt to seek advice. Our Housing and Revenue & Benefits teams offer advice on bills and housing matters, including the prevention of homelessness.

• budgeting help to reduce outgoings

• debt assessments to help deal with money issues

• referrals to food banks, links to pantries and other helpful organisations

• information on local services and resources.

Visit citizensadviceeastleigh.org.uk for more information, or call 0808 278 7862

Alternatively, drop in at their Eastleigh office or outreach in Bursledon, Hamble or Hedge End.

Recent success stories

Benefit checking win

A pensioner was finding that all the increased expenses were getting more difficult to meet.

A Citizens Advice advisor concluded that she should be in receipt of the widely underclaimed Pension Credit, and her weekly budget was improved by £177.10. What’s more it was discovered that her previous application had stalled due to requiring more information. The advisers’ persevered and an award of £10,000 back payment was securedshe was understandably delighted!

Helping with essentials

Have you tried the 30-second energy saving tips?

Go around your home and take just 30 seconds each to save big – it’s a no brainer!

• Turning your combi boiler flow temperature down to 60c - save £100 a year (If you are over 65 or have health conditions, the advice is to lower to 65c)

• Turn radiators off in the rooms you aren’t using – saving up to £70 a year

• Turn appliances off at the socket (or use timers) – saving up to £70 a year

• Wash clothes at a lower temperature –saving up to £40 and get 3 for 2 cycles

• Use your tumble dryer less – saving up to £70 a year (ensure you have a full load each time, three quarters of the drum)

For more tips and to access local energy support, visit environmentcentre.com or call 0800 804 8601

Food banks, pantry, and new community fridge

NEW Thrive Blackbird

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

Open Monday - Friday 10am to 3pm, Sunday 9.30am to 12 noon

Eastleigh Pantry

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

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

I would like to say a huge thank you to Eastleigh Borough Council’s Customer Services, Benefits and Housing team for all their help. As a single mother with an autistic child our lives were turned around about a month ago with a text from my landlord telling us about a dramatic rent increase. I called the Council on the same day in pieces, and everyone went above and beyond with their kind words and help to see this through. All I can say is ‘Exceptional!’

A lady had sold her cooker as she could not afford to switch it on, and the money from the sale had now run out. She had also switched off her hot water and heating, which was exacerbating her health conditions. A Citizens Advice advisor ran a full exploration of her circumstances and identified several areas where she could maximise her income and limit her outgoings. She was referred for a fuel voucher so she could stay warm, together with a food voucher containing items that only required a kettle and/or toaster.

£5 per visit for £15+ worth of food per week, there are no restrictions on becoming a member.

Eastleigh Basics Food Bank

Unit G6, Wells Place, Eastleigh SO50 5PP

Open Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am to 3pm

The Food Centre, Hedge End

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

Open Mondays and Thursdays 10am to 1pm

Hound Basics Food Bank

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

Open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10.30am to 2pm.

Community grants making a difference

Local Area Committee community grants have been awarded to a number of fantastic charities and organisations across the Borough. Here are two examples of the local groups who benefit the health and wellbeing of residents.

Changes to how you vote

Photo ID now needed when voting in person at a polling station

The government has changed the law regarding voting, which means at the Borough and Parish/Town Council elections on 4 May 2023, anyone voting in person at a polling station will need to show suitable photo ID before they can cast their vote. Accepted forms of photo ID include:

• Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA (European Economic Area) state or a Commonwealth country

• Photographic driver’s licence issued by the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (including provisional)

• European Economic Area (EEA)

photographic ID Card

• UK Biometric Residence Permit

• An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)

• A Blue Badge

• Oyster 60+ Card

• A concessionary travel pass funded by HM Government or local authority

Only original documents are accepted; scanned images or copies will not be accepted; however expired documents are accepted if the photo is still a current likeness.

No suitable photo ID?

If you do not have any of the accepted photo ID, and you want to vote at the polling station, you will need to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. This is a free photographic identification document specifically for the purposes of voting.

Poll cards

All registered voters who are eligible to vote in the local elections will receive a new-look poll card at the end of March/early April, which will be in the form of an enveloped letter addressed to the individual person.

Postal votes

If you would like to vote by post please apply now for a postal vote to ensure your application is processed early. It’s easy to apply and you must be registered to vote. You will not need to provide photo ID.

Accessibility at polling stations

If you are a disabled voter or require additional help, we offer a range of support to enable you to vote independently or with assistance.

For more information eastleigh.gov.uk/informationforvoters

The new 11th Eastleigh Scout Group (North Stoneham), operating out of YMCA Eastleigh, has been helping local families to connect. The Eastleigh Local Area Committee grant helped boost fundraising efforts towards the purchase of camping and outdoor education equipment. The group now boasts over 20 volunteers and more than 80 members. Group Scout Leader, Hannah Butterworth-Smith, said: “Our new outdoor education equipment has been used by our Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Without this support we could not have involved so many local youngsters in their first away-fromhome camping experience or the fantastic range of outdoor activities they took part in.”

The Hedge End Breathe Easy group, which takes place at the Underhill Centre on the second Friday of each month, received a grant from the Hedge End, West End & Botley Local Area Committee, to enhance their sessions. Members enjoyed an exercise class using ‘Therabands’, which are easier to store and transport than weights, together with some support from a personal trainer. A group participant, said: “I look forward to our weekly exercise class, with good company, a chance to talk over problems and have a laugh”.

Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/communitygrants to access funding across the year

Picture below: Scouts raft building

Important changes to on-street parking and traffic management

From 1 April there are changes to the way on-street parking and traffic management are provided throughout the Borough, following the termination of an agency agreement by Hampshire County Council (HCC) that will now take back responsibility for a selection of the services previously provided by the Borough Council.

From this date some services will be managed by HCC, including:

• management and enforcement of all residents’ parking schemes and on-street digital permits (MiPermit)

• HCC will now be responsible for enforcing parking controls on all the roads in the Borough, other than private streets

• requests for on-street disabled parking bays

• requests for on-street new parking controls, such as double yellow lines.

The on-road parking permit scheme will remain with MiPermit and

residents will continue to book permits and visitor passes with MiPermit as they do now. However, the management of this scheme, together with any subsequent changes, will now be undertaken by HCC. People living withing a Residential Parking Zone, who have an on-road parking permit will receive a letter from HCC early in March explaining the changes – current permits remain valid until expiry meaning no action is required by permit holders until renewal dates.

Some of the key services that will remain with Eastleigh Borough Council include:

• management of off-street car parks

• speed limit reminder signs

• road closures for public events

• Christmas lighting

• CCTV & abandoned vehicles

For more details hants.gov.uk/transport/parking

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

King Charles III’s Coronation

Are you planning a street party?

If you are holding a street party to celebrate the King Charles III’s Coronation, you will need to plan in plenty of time, as applications will close on 25 March for anyone wishing to hold a street party over the Bank Holiday weekend (Friday 5 May to Monday 8 May 2023).

A special Coronation street party application form will need to be completed and we have waived the road closure fee for residential streets only. Once your application has been submitted, you will be contacted within four weeks to confirm whether your street party has been approved.

If you are formally closing your road, there must be very clear signs placed on display at the road closure points. Contingency plans must be made to enable obstructions to be

Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath

(7pm) 8 March • 28 June

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

023 8068 8357

Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound

(6pm) 16 March • 8 June

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

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

Chandler’s Ford & Hiltingbury

(7pm) 1 March • 14 June

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

removed quickly should emergency vehicles need to gain access.

For more information or to download an application form eastleigh.gov.uk/ coronation

Free Coronation Community Lunch

To celebrate the Coronation Eastleigh Borough Council and the Asian Welfare and Cultural Association will be organising a free community lunch on Sunday 7 May in Leigh Road Precinct, Eastleigh. Come along between 12 noon-2pm to enjoy a meal with the Mayor.

Eastleigh (7pm) 14 March • 6 June

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

Hedge End, West End & Botley (7pm) 12 June

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

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.

On Thursday 4 May 2023, local elections are taking place across 230 councils in England.

At these elections, you will need to bring photo ID to be able to vote at a polling station. A wide range of photo ID will be accepted, including passports, driving licences and cards with a PASS Mark.

If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document known as a Voter Authority Certificate.

or call 0800 328 0280