Summer Borough News 2023 - Eastleigh Borough Council

Itchen Valley Country Park to be transformed

Work gets under way this month to transform one of the area’s best loved green spaces

Itchen Valley Country Park, West End will see an exciting range of new features designed to make it an even better visitor attraction for all the family – and a tranquil destination that plays an important role in the wellbeing of local people. The project will bring exciting new features that will make it more versatile for a range of events and activities. These include:

• greatly improved play equipment

• a covered outdoor seating area for customers to the popular Woodland Café

• a central events/market and welcoming space at Highwood Barn

• a new community building at High Hill Field

• refurbishment of Highwood Barn and Kingfisher Barn

• better barbecue and picnic areas

The improvements will also provide greater accessibility, with a Changing Places room for disabled users, as well as additional toilets. Car parking will also be upgraded.

Members of the project team and contractors, Blakedown joined Councillors Keith House and Cynthia Garton and the Council’s Chief Executive, James Strachan to signal the start of work (pictured above). RHP Architects, who designed the Eastleigh Lakeside Centre are lead architect and masterplanners.

We will ensure that any disruption is kept to an absolute minimum - and we’re sure that park users will think it worthwhile when the final results are unveiled. Please check the Itchen Valley Country Park and Council social media channels and newsletters for regular updates.

Find out more: eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcptransformation

Find out more on page 3

Picture: Councillors, scheme partners and project team members gathered at Netley Station to mark the unveiling of a series of self-guided trails.

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.

Creating homes & communities

To help support a buoyant housing market we are delivering high-quality homes of all tenures to provide opportunities for people looking for affordable rent, or a new home to meet the diverse needs of residents. We are also co-creating communities, alongside housing development, by delivering infrastructure, employment, leisure and open spaces.

Enabling a healthier Eastleigh

We want all residents and visitors to the Borough to live long, healthy and happy lives and so we are focussed on improving health and wellbeing and reducing socio-economic and health inequality.

Protecting our environment

Maintaining and creating an attractive and sustainable environment that is valued, and which can allow residents, visitors and nature to flourish.

Shaping places

Creating and enhancing places where residents and businesses can thrive.

It is about ensuring that our neighbourhoods, buildings and spaces work well for everyone and that our places are attractive, vibrant, distinctive, and safe.

Bampton House receives grant funding

Homes England have approved grant funding of £779,000 towards Bampton House in Chandler’s Ford, which will provide designated specialist housing accommodation including access to support.

Bampton House was a vacant office block (most recently occupied by British Gas) bought by the Council in June 2022 to provide short term affordable

accommodation to help residents with specialist housing needs.

The scheme, which is funded and developed by the Council, will deliver much needed

accommodation to both tackle housing problems and address the cost of living crisis. It will also help reduce expenditure by the Council on emergency accommodation, such as bed and breakfast.

Cabinet Lead for Regeneration, Cllr Paul Bicknell, said: “This is a very exciting Council project transforming the building into high quality self-contained flats. We have a statutory duty to avoid the use of bed and breakfast for families wherever possible, and a requirement to move families into self-contained accommodation within six weeks. It also enables local people to remain in the Borough and allows easier access to the services in Eastleigh needed to get support in securing a permanent home.”

Following completion of the conversion works, the first homes should be available by the end of 2023.

Residents choose their preferred play area

Following a consultation, local residents have chosen their preferred design for a play area to be used by children up to 11 years of age at Kingfisher Park, Bursledon.

The play area, that is being provided by Wicksteed, will be located on the open space area on Le Marechal Avenue opposite Hollowbread Gardens on Kestrel Park, Bursledon. It will be constructed in steel with a range of equipment including two multi-play units, a 2.4m climber, a see-saw, swings and ladders.

The play area will be installed and finished in good time for the summer holidays.

Picture left: Artist impression of the proposed play area

Picture above: Cllr Bicknell (Right) with members of the Bampton House project team

New trails for families to explore

Hamble Peninsula Trails and public art launched in Bursledon, Hamble and Hound

A new series of walking trails, wayfinding markers and railway station artworks have been unveiled as part of a public art project across Bursledon, Hamble and Hound. The Hamble Peninsula Trails have been designed by local creative collaboration People Place Nature Ltd and were commissioned by the Borough Council with a grant from South Western Railway, funds from developer

contributions and with support from the parish councils of Bursledon, Hamble and Hound.

The project aims to help residents and visitors explore the existing footpaths and cycleways and learn more about local history and biodiversity.

Lead Artist, Paul Best, said: “The Hamble Peninsula offers a dazzling mix that encompasses historic shipbuilding, pioneering aviation, sailing, railways, early industries and agriculture, ancient monuments and warfare; together with a natural environment of shoreline, ancient woodland, riverside and heathland.” Installed this Spring, the project features new parish posts at each of the three railway stations, adorned with a distinctive design by artist Madeleine Allison; an accompanying map board, illustrated by Daniel Powell; and 30 custom made directional marker posts, half of which have an integrated plaque which can be used for brass rubbing.

The map and all the marker posts also contain a QR code, which when scanned with a smart phone redirects to information about local history and nature.

Local residents have already started testing the trails during free organised walks and activities led by the Country Parks team.

Plan your walk and download a map: eastleigh.gov.uk/hamble-peninsula

News round up

Hedge End, West End & Botley Mini-forest for Berrywood Meadows

A mini-forest has been planted at Berrywood Meadows in Hedge End.

The 1,200 new native saplings and shrubs reflect the types of trees and plants found in the woods around the meadow.

It follows the mini-forest method developed Dr Akira Miyawaki, a Japanese botanist in the1970s. Tree saplings and shrubs are densely planted and the area fenced to stop deer and rabbits nibbling them. Saplings planted this way grow ten times faster, compared to traditional methods of creating woodlands.

Within 20-30 years the Berrywood mini-forest will resemble a mature woodland which would normally take around 150 years to achieve. Once the saplings and shrubs are tall enough the fencing will be removed.

Mini-forests can absorb carbon rapidly and support over 500 different plants and animals.

Boorley Park play area

Following on from a public consultation for the play area at Chancellor Park, Boorley Park, the winning design is the Russell Play Scheme.

This exciting new play area will feature rope-based play equipment with climbing frame, hammock swing, access whirl and wasps nest. The play area will be open in time for the summer holidays.

Cheltenham Gardens

Environmental improvements to the local habitat have been made at the Cheltenham Gardens balancing pond and immediate surroundings (a balancing pond eases pressure on other water courses in times of high rainfall).

The work includes control of invasive species and installation of a bench to allow residents to enjoy this peaceful area. These works have been funded by Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee.

Popular paddling pool to reopen

The popular outdoor paddling pool at Fleming Park, Eastleigh is planned to open at the end of May.

It is provided by the Council in partnership with Places for People (who manage Places Leisure Eastleigh) and is popular with thousands of local families that flock to the pool and play area complex in sunny weather. The paddling pool, which is free to use, includes a number of water features for children to enjoy and is also next to a large play area and sandpit, providing an ideal facility for all the family. To meet the demand for the facility,

the fencing has been extended to increase the size of the safe space for families around the pool. This includes space under existing mature trees to provide shade and the planting of new trees to provide shade in years to come.

Chair of Eastleigh Local Area Committee, Cllr Alex Bourne, said:

“The paddling pool is a fantastic local facility, is hugely popular with families with young children and of course it’s absolutely free for everyone to use. I’m delighted that we are now able to reopen the paddling pool for local families to enjoy this summer.”

Work on new Freespace skatepark under way

Following a fantastic response to our consultation, the creation of a new Freespace skatepark has now begun.

Over 200 responses were received and the contractor, Fearless Ramps, have incorporated the feedback into the design and layout of the new skatepark. As well as the ramps, the concrete bowl will re-open and there will also be improvements made to the skate park at Fleming Park.

Chair of Eastleigh Local Area Committee, Cllr Alex Bourne, said: “A big thank you to everyone who contributed to the consultation and I hope they will love the finished result. Our plan is to ensure that the new skatepark is ready to open before the summer holidays.”

Green route sculptures in Hedge End

Sculptures have been installed along the Hedge End green routes after the scheme was delayed by the Covid pandemic.

The wayfinder sculptures were designed and handcrafted by a talented artistblacksmith, Bex Simon, working with local people. They have been installed in three locations in the Grange Park/Dowd’s Farm area.

The sculptures, funded through public art contributions from local development, will help walkers navigate through the local path network and encourage people to take green routes rather than more urban routes, supporting their health and wellbeing, and enhancing their enjoyment of the local environment. Discussions are now taking place with local walking clubs to develop a circular route that follows the path of the sculptures.

New splashpad opens in Fair Oak

Local families can now enjoy a new splashpad facility at New Century Park, Fair Oak.

The splashpad uses a freshwater flow system and will be sensor operated to ensure water will not be constantly running. As no chemicals will be used to treat the water, the water can be collected in the underground tank and will be used to water the living wall that will be created on the adjacent café, as well as trees and plants already planted on the site. The splashpad will be open from 10am to 6pm every day from May to September.

Chair of Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath Local Area Committee, Cllr Lou Parker-Jones, said: “I am delighted that, in partnership with the Parish Council, we were able to fund this new, exciting facility which will enable families to have lots of free fun in the summer months.”

The splashpad was jointly funded by Fair Oak & Horton Heath Parish Council and the Borough Council’s Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath Local Area Committee.

JOIN OUR GARDEN WASTE SCHEME

Don’t waste time and fuel booking a trip to the tip

Join over 23,000 other borough residents and sign up today.

Over 23,000 households benefit from the convenience of having their garden waste collected every fortnight from their kerbside.

Whether you have a small amount of garden waste, or lots of grass cuttings, shrub prunings and weeds, the collection will save you time and make it easier for you to help the environment. The cost of a bin is only £45 for the year.

Be a considerate neighbour this summer

If you are planning a bonfire make sure you’re a considerate neighbour when burning rubbish in your garden.

Every summer the Council’s Pollution Control team receive complaints about bonfires that cause home furnishings and laundry hung outdoors to smell of smoke. Bonfire smoke is also known to have a harmful effect on people with respiratory conditions. Instead of burning rubbish residents are urged to use their local recycling centre or sign up for the Council’s garden waste collection scheme. (see below)

The Council can take action against householders who regularly light bonfires and cause a smoke nuisance under the terms of Environmental Protection Act (1990). It also aims to enforce where there are significant pollution incidents - such as the burning of tyres or commercial waste.

Report a smoke nuisance: eastleigh.gov.uk/bonfires

If residents can provide video or photographic evidence this can be useful for our investigation team.

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

Tree and bee corridor project

Biodiversity in the Bishopstoke area is being enhanced, thanks to an exciting tree and bee corridor project.

Sixteen sites within residential areas throughout Bishopstoke are being planted to reflect a natural woodland structure with a mix of larger fruiting trees, such as walnut and chestnut; smaller trees, such as plum, damson, apple, cherry and juneberry in the mid-canopy, and blackcurrant, redcurrant, loganberry occupying the shrub layer.

Most of the trees will provide food for wildlife to enhance local biodiversity and, where possible, plants are sourced from the Council’s own tree nursery. A mix of wildflowers and herbs, such as borage, sage and thyme will also be planted.

Chair of Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath Local Area Committee, Cllr Lou Parker-Jones said, “This is a fantastic way to help improve the biodiversity of our area by creating green corridors through planting more trees and providing habitat and food for insects, birds and animals. It also helps to visually improve the area with a variety of species that not only provide food that can be harvested, but also enjoyed by local residents.”

If you are interested in learning more about the tree gardens or would like to get involved with nurturing and using them contact treebee@eastleigh.gov.uk

Picture right: Artist impression of the proposed planting scheme

Rare orchids set to return

A field of rare wildflowers, including varieties of orchid, are set to return to an area of Itchen Valley Country Park thanks to the efforts of the Council’s Countryside team over many years.

Around five hectares of meadow at High Hill Field have been carefully managed and successfully restored to flower-rich grassland which has now been nationally classified as ‘priority habitat’ by the Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre.

Rachel Hardy, Countryside Manager, explains: “Over the last 15 years, our Countryside Land Management Team has organised late summer hay cuts to remove coarse grasses at High Hill Field,

News round up

Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound

Mercury prepares

The Mercury Library and Community Hub has been busy getting its patio and garden area shipshape in time for the warmer weather. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee surrounded by some colourful plants. There are daily newspapers and magazines to browse and a wide range of books on the library shelves. The children’s area has books, puzzles and drawing materials. Their regular activities continue to be popular: quilling, knit and natter, cribbage, book club, IT support and a Citizens Advice drop-in on the first Wednesday of each month.

Keep an eye on their Facebook page or the noticeboard outside the Mercury for details of our future fundraising events and weekly programme - facebook. com/MercuryHamble

Hedge End, West End & Botley

Wheeled sports area at Hatch Farm

as part of our annual programme to manage over 100 hectares of biodiversity rich grasslands at the park. The summer hay cut, after flowers have set seed, takes away nutrients and encourages a diversity of rarer plants to colonise and flower.”

Under this careful management the variety of flowering plants which thrive in low-nutrient conditions has increased dramatically and they will hopefully put on a spectacular show this spring and summer. These in turn provide structure and a food source for a variety of insects, including an array of grasshoppers and butterflies.”

The finishing touches are being added to the Hatch Farm wheeled sports area, with tree planting completed in March. Opened last autumn, the designers of the wheeled sports area, Fearless Ramps Ltd, were appointed following consultation with residents and local skate and scoot enthusiasts. The equipment has been enjoyed by many young, (and not so young), residents. To complete the project, seating, bins and path improvements are planned for the coming year.

The wheeled sports area has been supported by West End Parish Council and Hatch Farm Working Group, which includes Parish and Borough Councillors, together with representatives from the Barnsland Residents’ Association.

Mela celebrates culture

The celebration of all Eastleigh Borough’s cultures comes to the Leigh Road Recreation Ground on Sunday 23 July

Eastleigh Mela is a fantastic, free family day out and firm fixture in Eastleigh’s town centre event calendar. It’s a feast of music, dance, food stalls, children’s activities, interviews and demonstrations.

Chilli Fiesta spices things up

Summer gets even hotter in July with the arrival of the Eastleigh Chilli Fiesta – on Saturday 29 July, in the Leigh Road Recreation Ground.

Featuring the best in chilli-based food and drink, live music and the notorious chilli eating contest, a range of stalls will offer sizzling sauces, chilli jams, curries – and even chilli beer.

FREE EVENT

Fun for all the family this summer

This summer The Point, Eastleigh and The Berry Theatre in Hedge End are bringing audiences a range of vibrant creative experiences and activities, spilling out from their buildings and into the Borough.

Free 3km guided walks to spend time in nature in a safe and friendly environment. Book online:itchenvalley. co.uk/whats-on

Lakeside

Tuesday 6 & 20 June; 4 & 18 July • 1pm

Itchen Valley Country Park

Thursday 8 & 22 June; 6 & 20 July • 10am

Bursledon

Wednesday 14 June & 5 July • 10.30am

10 & 11 June

10.30am - 4.45pm

The much-loved Unwrapped Festival is back and more joyful and colourful than ever, offering a weekend of free live pop-up surprises on Saturday 10 June at Leigh Road Recreation Ground, Eastleigh and Sunday 11 June at Greta Park, Hedge End. This family-friendly event offers an exciting line-up of outdoor theatre, music and dance, as well as a feast of market stalls and festival fun.

Find out more: thepointeastleigh.co.uk /eastleighunwrapped

The Berry Theatre provides all the laughs this summer with the chance to see some of the most talked-about new comedians on the circuit like, Sara Barron and Pierre Novellie before they head up north in their Edinburgh Comedy Warm-ups (17 and 24 June) and the return of the monthly Comedy Network (from 7 July). The Point also offers a host of inspiring indoor performances, with Rambert School Showcase (Friday 16 June) and An Evening of Hampshire Youth Dance Company (Friday 21 July), both showcasing the incredible dance talent of the next generation.

A host of creative and live experiences can be enjoyed outdoors as The Point’s Live at the Park programme returns, with new locations in Eastleigh and for the very first time this year, performances in Hedge End.

Bad Dad – Sunday 4 June (Itchen Valley Country Park) and Thursday 24 August (Norman Rodaway Sports Ground, Hedge End). A warm-hearted tale following a father-son relationship, based on the popular book by David Walliams.

Wednesday 21 June & 12 July • 10.30am

Hamble

Hound Wednesday 28 June & 19 July • 10.30am

The Point’s Summer Social promises its usual mix of live music, performance and family activities to be enjoyed on the venue’s Garden Stage, a sunny spot overlooking the park. Highlights include a funny and interactive retelling of Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking (17 June), an evening of drag, music and a touch of LGBTQ+ magic with the Family Drag Show (24 June) and Sounds of Summer, where you’re invited to enjoy a line-up of live music and summery playlists whilst enjoying a sunset drink (Friday and Saturday evenings from 30 June to 29 July).

Peter Pan – Friday 11 August (Itchen Valley Country Park). Let your imaginations soar at this slapstick, threehanded retelling of JM Barrie’s classic.

Sense and Sensibility – Thursday 17 August (Norman Rodaway Sports Ground, Hedge End). If you’re eager to partake in the ups and downs of Regency romance, don your finery for this open-air adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel.

The Jabberwocky and Other Nonsense – Sunday 28 August (Leigh Road Recreation Ground, Eastleigh). A hilarious new adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s famous poem.

Places Leisure Eastleigh community programme

Did you know Places Leisure Eastleigh are not just a GYM, CLASSES & SWIM... They offer bespoke community programmes ensuring their facilities are accessible to all, and promoting fitness and wellbeing to all ages in the local community. From the popular parent and baby classes, family sessions and Forever Active - they have it all.

Parent and Baby Postnatal Fitness sessions: Sessions cost just £3.40 each

Monday - Parent and Baby Group Cycling • 11am

Tuesday - Buggy Workout • 11.15am Postnatal Fitness Pilates •1.30pm

Wednesday - Parent and Baby Group Cycling • 11am Parent and Baby Legs, Bums and Tums • 1.30pm

Thursday - Buggy Workout • 10am

Friday - Parent and Baby Group Cycling • 11am

Parent and Baby at Places Leisure Eastleigh

Family Fitness sessions

Suitable for the whole family at just £3.40 (per family)

Monday - Family Zumba • 4.30pm Family Fitness Yoga • 5pm

Wednesday - Family Circuits • 4.30pm

Forever Active

Just £5.15 per session

Why not try a new activity, have fun and keep physically active with Forever Active

Monday (9am - 12noon)

Including a 9am - 10am Group fitness session, badminton, short tennis, squash, racquet ball and table tennis

Friday (8.30am - 12noon)

Including a 8.30am - 9.30am Group fitness session, badminton, short tennis, squash, racquet ball and table tennis.

Swimming available Monday 9am - 12noon and Friday 9.30am - 11.30am

For more information on all programmes please visit placesleisure.org/ centres/places-leisure-eastleigh/ or call 023 8068 4800

Summer at Itchen Valley

Circus Skills workshop

Sunday 18 June

Drop in between 11am - 3pm

Celebrate Father's Day by learning a new skill to impress your family!

Marvellous Moths

Sunday 23 July

10am • Book online

Join the experts to see what is caught in the moth trap overnight

Wild Wednesdays

10am • Book online

26 July - Meadow Minibeasts

2 August - Woods Minibeasts

9 August - Meadow Minibeasts

16 August - Woods Minibeasts

Summer Crafts

10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm • Book online

Thursday 27 July

Cotton bag printing

Thursday 3 August

Recycled paper making

Thursday 10 August

Felting a set of juggling balls

Thursday 17 August Clay leaf plaques

Borough Business Gems

We’re always keen to highlight local business success stories and have been revisited some of the local Business Gems that we showcased as the Borough emerged from the pandemic.

Eastleigh’s Got Talent

Eastleigh-based original importer Tukshop, one of our Borough Gems, provided electric tuk tuks for the Britain’s Got Talent judges to drive to the 2023 auditions.

Mr Steve and his collection of tuk tuks for sale and hire can be found at the rear of 3 High Street in Eastleigh Town Centre. Mahindra Electric Treo EVs in both Passenger and Cargo variants are in stock.

“It’s great that the judges recognise the emission free benefits of electric and of course they are huge fun to ride in,” said owner, Mr Steve. Tukshop.com

Fitness charity status for Chickenhall Lane business

CrossFit Southampton has just been awarded charitable status for its new initiative, Momentum in Fitness.

They say: “Momentum is a charity for local people, run by local people. Our fitness charity brought to you by CrossFit Southampton is focused on providing fitness to the local community! Whether you’re 16 and looking to learn weightlifting or 66 and looking to be more active and social, we’ll be running free sessions for you soon from our Chickenhall Lane location!”

crossfitsouthampton.com

goPhysio sponsors Eastleigh 10k

For the fifth year, goPhysio were the Official Health Partners for the Eastleigh 10K last month. The goPhysio team and local student volunteers were on hand early and throughout the race offering free injury support and advice, free computerised foot scans and pre-and post-race massage.

Fiona Moir, goPhysio’s Non-Clinical Director, said: “It’s always a highlight of the year for the goPhysio team, not only the event day itself but also being able to support so many runners with their running journey in the lead up to the race and beyond. goPhysio is all about helping people live a healthy, active and positive life, free from pain and injury. So, an event like the Eastleigh 10k is perfect to be involved in.”

Read more here: gophysiotherapy.co.uk/eastleigh10k-2023-gophysio

Hamble-based company delivers jobs boost

A photonics manufacturing company based in Hamble is looking to expand its business by recruiting more people from the area.

Qioptic Photonics Ltd in Hamble, an Excelitas Technologies Company, has been expanding for the last few years and now has over 200 employees - and needs to recruit more in the next few months. The company has seen three years of exceptional business growth in the semi-conductor, laser, and optical technology industries, as well as biomedical.

Council Leader, Cllr Keith House (right) visited the company to find out more about their plans and what support the Council can provide. (Picture above)

Hamble Hog Roast Sausage Roll – a national headliner

Hamble Catering entered three of its homemade products into the Great Taste Awards 2022 – and all three won stars for their product quality.

Their homemade hog roast sausage rolls won two stars and jointly claimed the top spot in the country.

The company’s online app, developed during the pandemic, was also a technology finalist in the South Coast Business Awards 2022

The app, which allows customers to order a customised breakfast or lunch choice within a 15-minute interval, has been a success from day one, racking up 35,000 orders since its introduction.

New refillery in Chandler’s Ford

One of our Borough Gems, Bay Leaves Larder, has now added a refill station to its popular mix of deli, coffee shop and event space.

Since it was opened, customers have been able to eat in –anything from a full English breakfast to a gluten-free cake with afternoon tea – or take away Hampshire-sourced treats including New Forest Teas, flowers, candles, eggs, and a range of local gins. You can even attend Thermomix masterclasses among a whole host of other events – and now customers can reduce plastic waste by refilling their own containers with fresh milk, orange juice and cleaning products at the larder’s refill station.

April 2023 marks the 15th anniversary of the familyfriendly business and Sarah and her team are inviting local residents to join the celebrations.

COMING SOON:

Botley: 1086 Wine Bar

Botley’s mill was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 so it’s a fitting name for the latest addition to Botley Mills’ growing cluster of artisan food and drink outlets. The wine bar will be serving a cheese and charcuterie selection sourced from local suppliers to complement wines from the local Wickham Estate. Customers will also be able to buy wine and food to take home.

Eastleigh: a bubble tearoom called POPZ Tea at 56 Market Street

Named after their daughter Poppy and the popping balls in the drink, POPZ Tea’s owners spent 2022 travelling around the world sampling enough bubble tea to create their own ideal recipe.

On the site previously occupied by Pat’s Sandwich Bar, POPZ Tea will soon be looking for staff to help them serve their hot and cold teas, topped with fruit flavoured popping/boba balls.

Apprenticeship news

Chandler’s Ford company Gair Gas has been working closely with Eastleigh College and other local colleges to provide gas apprenticeships to school leavers from the Borough. Tyler [pictured] joined Gair Gas straight from Thornden school after completing his GCSEs.

Gair Gas is a small company but aims to take on two apprentices a year. “We feel it’s a way of giving back to the community by directly employing local young people.“ says Andrew Gair, director of Gair Gas.

For more details about apprenticeship opportunities with Gair Gas please contact hello@gairgas.co.uk or call 02380 363838 gairgas.co.uk

Prysmian grant reduces energy use

Prysmian is one of Eastleigh’s largest employers - and their commitment to sustainability and reaching zero emissions by 2030 has been reinforced with a Council-facilitated Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) for Energy Efficiency.

The company used its ARG to replace an inefficient DC motor with a highly efficient AC motor. The new motor has reduced energy consumption by 84,622 kWh per year – an estimated saving of 23.95 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

A picturesque alternative to your usual meeting room

Prysmian Group is now the world’s leading cable manufacturer by turnover. Their UK headquarters near Eastleigh town centre employs 400 staff, has four production lines: special power cable, fibre optic cable for BT and other telecoms companies, high voltage accessories and connectivity.

To further promote sustainability they are currently running a corporation-wide competition for process improvement ideas, such as turning waste into components.

Hire The Point Eastleigh for your business events

The Point offers a range of spaces for businesses and organisations to rent for events, conferences, training exercises and meetings.

The creative environment and flexible spaces at the venue allow for a unique setting for any business event. Refreshments are available from The Point’s café bar upon request.

The main auditorium offers flexible seating which allows you to either fill the space with tables and chairs for up to 110, or tiered theatre seating for up to 312 delegates, making it the perfect space for a large conference or dinner.

The Studio Theatre can accommodate up to 60 people theatre style or 44 seated conference style on sleek, modern benches. This space is perfect for meetings, presentations, receptions, smaller conferences, and small, informal performances.

The comfortable Irving Room is one of The Point’s two meeting rooms which can accommodate up to 12 people in a boardroom configuration, whilst the Clock Room can host smaller meetings of up to 10.

The Point’s bright and spacious Conference Room can accommodate up to 20 people in its U-shaped layout which is ideal for training days or presentations.

The Point’s West Wing can also offer a permanent base for small businesses with two office spaces available to rent on a long-term arrangement.

Information on our spaces and prices: thepointeastleigh.co.uk/hire

Bespoke or long-term enquiries: theatrehires@eastleigh.gov.uk

Close to Eastleigh town centre and with excellent transport links and stunning views of the lakes and wildlife, our Lakeside conference facilities offer a scenic and tranquil setting for any organisation. With seating for up to 60, and break out rooms also available, Lakeside’s light and airy conference suite is the perfect location for your business to host team away days, conferences, meetings or training days. Lunch buffet bags are available on request and parking for delegates is free of charge.

The Lakeside Centre is open for business 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday. For availability and any questions please contact lakeside@eastleigh.gov.uk

Photo courtesy of: Richard Chivers

Work to complete One Horton Heath link road starts

Work begins on the £11.7m major new link road through the One Horton Heath development

Luddon Construction will construct the remaining one-mile route section between Burnetts Lane roundabout to the south and Allington Lane roundabout to the north that will provide an important travel connection between Hedge End and Fair Oak.

Construction of the link road is planned to commence in early summer and is due for completion in Summer 2024.

The scheme will also provide:

• the closure of Fir Tree Lane at the Allington Lane junction to through traffic

• shared footway and cycle routes

• three road bridges and two footbridges

• new bus facilitiesconstructed ahead of a new future local bus service

• safe crossing points along the 30mph road

• extensive landscaping to include native rich species

Go ahead for first homes

Pre-construction work on the first ‘parcel’ of residential homes at One Horton Heath is underway for 381 homes at Lower Acre. These will include a mix of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes of which 35 percent of the properties will be affordable homes. The new homes have been designed to be more than 10 percent larger than the government’s size standards.

Council Leader, Cllr Keith House, said: “It is great to see this vitally significant scheme for Horton Heath get under way. This project is further evidence of the Council’s ‘Infrastructure First’ approach. We are ensuring this new road infrastructure is in place first to help take traffic away from rural Burnetts Lane and remove some through traffic in both Fair Oak and Horton Heath.”

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

The scheme is the first of nine residential areas planned for the development which will eventually provide a total of 2,500 homes, a local community centre, primary school and sports field, three new commercial hubs and a host of connected spaces and habitat-rich areas.

The start of the scheme also includes the first steps for the Council’s development of the ambitious ground source heat pump project to provide heating for the residential and commercial properties and a ‘private wire’ network to provide electricity for electric vehicle charging points across the site. The community will be served by a range of sustainable transport links, including pedestrian priority footways and cycleways, a new bus service route and car-club allowing drivers to hire an electric car without being tied to ownership.

Main building is planned to start in Autumn 2023 with the first completions expected in late Summer 2024. Ahead of any new homes being occupied the final phase of the all-important link road will be completed through the development.

Picture above: Cllrs Keith House and Tim Groves with Luddon Construction

DogWatch

A new scheme is encouraging dog walkers to be more vigilant to crime and anti-social behaviour in their area whilst out walking their dogs.

DogWatch is an initiative run by Hampshire Police to encourage dog walkers to be alert to suspicious activity and issues like graffiti and vandalism, fly-tipping, dog fouling and abandoned vehicles. They’re encouraged to report issues, rather than intervene personally.

To find out more and join the scheme, simply register on hampshirealert.co.uk and select DogWatch.

Community Grants help horses, scouts and healthy lungs

23rd Itchen North Scout Group Scouts from the 23rd Itchen North Scout Group finally enjoyed a summer camp, delayed for three years because of Covid. The scouts camped in patrols and cooked for themselves - and their Community Grant paid for new equipment, such as pots, pans and utensils which made the camp possible.

Citizens Advice

During Covid, Citizens Advice had to adapt their service to enable volunteers to work from home, where they had to use their own IT equipment. This presented a risk to the charity - and new Chromebooks, funded by an Eastleigh Local Area Committee Community Grant, allowed volunteers to work from anywhere. Chief Officer, Annabella Crawford, said: “The Chromebooks have been very well received by our hard-working volunteer team and ensured that the flexible working methods we have developed continue to add to the benefits of giving time to help our community.”

Hedge End Town Council Youth Service

The HEWEB Community Grant received by the Hedge End Town Council Youth Service was used to buy a games console and games, with microphones and extra

controllers. These are used weekly by the Friday Night Project and the Junior Youth Club. They chose fun games that young people can play together, including dancing and singing, to help club members make friends.

Hampshire Spirit Horse Rescue

The Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee (HEWEB) Community Grant received by the Hampshire Spirit Horse Rescue charity helped fund fencing around a new paddock, allowing them to rotate their fields to accommodate additional ponies and horses. Kaylie from the charity said: “Having the additional paddock has enabled us to help the community and other charities by taking their horses in and having a safe environment while we find them new homes.”

Hedge End Breathe Easy group

A group that helps people with respiratory conditions bought new exercise equipment with their HEWEB Community Grant.

‘Therabands’ have replaced weights at some of their exercise classes as they are easy to store and transport. The money also paid for sessions with a personal trainer. One group member said: “I look forward to our weekly exercise class, with good company, a chance to talk over problems and have a laugh.”

New Community Fridge opens in North Stoneham

The Council has supported the opening of a new Community Fridge at the YMCA Eastleigh Community Centre, working alongside North Stoneham Community Group to benefit residents and to help reduce food waste.

North Stoneham Community Fridge opened its doors in April with items donated from local supermarkets, food businesses, produce from local gardens and individuals. The aim of a Community Fridge is to provide a space that brings people together and helps teach people about food waste whilst also making the Borough more sustainable.

The fridge has been funded through a grant provided by the Waste Prevention Community Fund at Hampshire County Council and supported by Eastleigh Borough Council in setting up the project. People can collect items from the fridge as well as donating items that they no longer need to prevent them going to waste.

Cllr Paul Bicknell, said: “The Community Fridge is a great way for people to save food from going to waste whilst also saving themselves some money. There is a real stigma around food banks but these community spaces exist to simply reduce food waste and promote a spirit of sharing and mutual support within a community.”

The Community Fridge is part of the HUBBub community fridge network that provides people with the opportunity to access healthy food, try something new and save money.

This Community Fridge offers a source of fresh, good quality surplus food for everyone, including fresh fruit and vegetables and operates on a trust basis, people using it are not means tested. The fridge is open daily from 10am until 4pm (excluding Bank Holidays).

Find out more details of the North Stoneham community fridge and which items are accepted at hubbub.org.uk/the-community-fridge

Picture above: Cllr Paul Bicknell with members of the North Stoneham Community Fridge

Meet Eastleigh’s new Mayor

Cllr Nick Couldrey was invested as the new Mayor of Eastleigh, following his election by his fellow Councillors at the Mayor Making ceremony on 22 May.

Nick represents the Fair Oak & Horton Heath ward and has been a Councillor since 2016. He is also a Councillor on Fair Oak & Horton Heath Parish Council. His wife Ann is the Mayoress.

Nick was born in Nairobi, Kenya. He was sent to school in the UK at the age of 13 and attended school in North York Moors. After York University he became a solicitor in London where he met his wife Ann. Ann was a doctor and worked at Southampton General Hospital. They married in 1978. They have two children who live in London, and three grandchildren. Nick retired in 2014 and volunteers one day a week for Citizens Advice.

Nick said: “I am really looking forward to being Mayor. It will give me a chance to see more of the fantastic work done by so many people in our communities. These projects are often run by volunteers who deserve our support and I will be delighted to do so on behalf of us all.”

Nick has chosen Citizens Advice Eastleigh as his charity for the year. They are an independent charity and part of the Citizens Advice network across England and Wales. They have been helping Eastleigh residents for 80 years and provide free, confidential and impartial advice.

Cllr David Pragnell who represents Chandler’s Ford ward was invested as Deputy Mayor for the year.

Local elections 2023

On Thursday 4 May voters across Eastleigh Borough went to polling stations to choose Councillors to represent them on Borough and Parish Councils.

The full results have been posted to our website.

There are 14 wards in the Borough of Eastleigh represented by 39 Councillors.

The make-up of Eastleigh Borough Council is now:

• Liberal Democrat - 35 Councillors

• Independent Group - 3 Councillors

• Conservative - 1 Councillor

Thirteen Councillors were elected to Eastleigh Borough Council. Six of the 13 (right) are new Councillors starting their four-year term (although Rosemary Reynolds and Jane O’Sullivan have served as Borough Councillors in the past).

George Baker, Liberal Democrat - Chandler’s Ford Ward

Karen Caws, Independent Group - Bishopstoke Ward

Barry Du-Crow, Liberal Democrat - West End South Ward

Alison Holland, Liberal Democrat - Hamble & Netley Ward

Jane O’Sullivan, Liberal Democrat - Bursledon & Hound North Ward

Rosemary Reynolds, Liberal Democrat - Eastleigh North Ward

Borough residents recognised for their contribution to the local community

The Council recognised the contributions of three local residents by making them Citizens of Honour at the annual Mayor Making Ceremony on 22 May.

Val Down (pictured) is the current president of Eastleigh Rotary. She is a very hands-on volunteer, helping at events and raising funds for local causes. She continues to support local small businesses through the networks she has set up and works on behalf of Eastleigh Rotary to raise funds and increase membership. Val also volunteers as a dementia awareness trainer and supports Brendon Care with their community hub and allotment that provides fresh food for Eastleigh Basics Bank and flowers for the dementia home.

Steve Smith (pictured) has been volunteering for One Community for over eight years. He has provided over 10,000 hours of support and has regular volunteering roles supporting young carers

with transport to vital respite; driving vulnerable, older and isolated individuals to a social lunch club twice a week, and installing telecare services to over 500 homes across the Borough. He has improved the lives of over 5,000 Eastleigh residents and we hope he continues to do so for years to come.

Mohammed ‘Moss’ Mossadaq OBE Moss has promoted and encouraged inclusion, diversity and community spirit in Eastleigh Borough. He helped set up the Asian Welfare and Cultural Association in 2002 and has been a member, trustee, and advisor ever since. He also started the Eastleigh Mela as a mini festival in 2006. In 2014, Moss initiated the annual Diversity and Inclusion Award, which recognises the achievements and contributions of individuals, businesses and organisations. Moss, who was unable the ceremony, is also a Trustee for the Eastleigh Gurkha & Nepalese Association.

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 and environmental improvements.

Book an MOT with your Council

Do you need a reliable, comprehensive and completely independent, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) approved MOT service?

Our team of professional mechanics, based at our Hedge End Depot, carry out MOT testing service on cars, light vans, Class IV, V or large panel vans between 3,000kg and 3,500kg (class VII)

• We don’t offer a repairs service - if your vehicle fails we’ll only advise you on what work is needed to get it through a subsequent test.

• We offer a free re-test if a vehicle is brought back within ten days.

To book visit eastleigh.gov.uk/motbooking

Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath

(7pm) 28 June • 27 September

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

Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound

(6pm) 8 June • 21 September

Eastleigh

(7pm) 6 June •26 September

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

Hedge End, West End & Botley (7pm) 12 June •18 September

Public question sessions are held at the start of each meeting and if you would like to speak, you must register before the meeting begins. Please email democraticservices@eastleigh.gov.uk or you can register at the meeting.

Each LAC has a Local Area Manager who works with the Councillors to set the strategic direction of the committee’s work.

Contact us: Eastleigh Borough Council, Eastleigh House, Upper Market Street, Eastleigh SO50 9YN 023 8068 8000 @EastleighBC eastleigh.gov.uk • my.eastleigh.gov.uk

Sign up to receive updates from us at: eastleigh.gov.uk/weeklynews

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

Chandler’s Ford & Hiltingbury

(7pm) 14 June •20 September

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

Details are correct at time of print.

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

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