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First luxury carehome is opened Page 8
0 1 2 5 6 8 1 8 4 5 0 Thursday, October 31 - Wednesday, November 6, 2013
FP REE! ick me up
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Raj
Indian Cuisine
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www.rajofblackdam.com 1 Rucstall Centre, Rembrandt Close (Holbein Close), Black Dam, Basingstoke
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www.basingstokeobserver.co.uk
STAY ALERT!
Rogue traders might try and capitalise on storm damage Cadets raise funds for Soldiers’ Charity
LOCAL authorities are warning older and more vulnerable residents to be wary of rogue traders, who are seeking to capitalise on the recent storm damage in Basingstoke. The worst storm to hit Britain in reportedly over a decade battered the south of England at the weekend, with wind speeds around Basingstoke and north Hampshire reaching 70 miles per hour. Trading Standards have issued a reminder to the public that some individuals will seek to charge extremely high prices for work. Alternatively, they might try to convince people work needs doing where it is not necessary. Hampshire County Council’s trading standards team recommend people should obtain three written quotes from reputable businesses or traders before giving the go-ahead for any repair work. Meanwhile, workers are busy cleaning up the severe damage caused by the gale-force winds and heavy rainfall of the ‘St. Jude’ storm. Winds brought down many trees across Basingstoke and Deane and the surrounding areas, and caused some train companies to cancel all services as a pre-meditative measure. Across the county, highways teams have been dealing with trees which have been uprooted, or branches that have fallen onto the road network as a result of high winds and heavy rain over night. Over 100 roads were partially
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By James Booker news@basingstokeobserver.co.uk
or fully closed in Hampshire during the bad weather. Councillor Seán Woodward, executive member for Economy, Transport and Environment at Hampshire County Council, said: “I have only the highest praise for all our staff and staff from Amey, our contractors, who have been out in terrible conditions to keep Hampshire moving during, and after, one of the worst storms we have seen in a decade. “It is a timely reminder to the public how crucial local government services are. “It could take up to three working days to completely clear all the debris and we are asking people to be patient. “Sudden, very heavy downpours can lead to roads flooding quickly. Do not attempt to use fords and be extra careful driving through any road surface water as it may be difficult to judge its depth. “Please be patient and considerate to other road users. Spare a thought too for cyclists and any pedestrians walking along the road side, so that they are not showered by puddle water thrown up from the road by moving vehicles. “Be aware too, for the additional hazard of fallen leaves making roads and pavements extra slippery, and also causing drains to become blocked. “It is also advisable for people to check over their property today to assess any damage, and to check on any vulnerable neighbours and their property, to ensure that everything is in good order.”
Now taking bookings for Christmas
1 Rucstall Centre, Rembrandt Close (Holbein Close), Black Dam, Basingstoke