We are producing a new Local Plan for Hart district which will set out how much growth there should be, and where it should take place, up to 2032. Recent changes to the planning system mean that we must consider future local needs and find new areas for growth and development. The Local Plan will give the Council more control over new development, but this means making choices about where this development should go. Taking account of the houses already planned for, on current information, we need to find sites for around 4,000 new homes by 2032. These could be in and around Blackwater, Fleet, Hartley Wintney, Hook, Odiham or Yateley, in our villages, or even in other locations such as a new village. The plan may affect you in a variety of ways; there may be new housing or employment developments near to where you live, or new shops, schools or open spaces. New roads or cycle ways could be built. The Local Plan 2032 may affect many aspects of our lives and we want to get the balance right. If you want to have your say then this is the time to get involved. As a first step we have published an Options Paper for you to comment on. We propose five options for how growth might be distributed up to 2032 – we want to know which ones you prefer. If you think there is another option which we should consider please let us know. More information can be found in the full Housing Development Options Paper available on our website, www.hart.gov.uk/local-plan For a brief overview of the options, please turn to page 2. The newspaper of Hart District Council www.hart.gov.uk HartNews Autumn/Winter 2014 Tel: 01252 622122 l Email: [email protected] Facebook: /HartDistrictCouncil Twitter: @HartCouncil Planning future growth for Hart district to 2032 Hart has been voted one of the best places to live in England and there are lots of reasons why this is so. A few months ago the Council confirmed its commitment to retaining this accolade by setting future priorities under the three themes of environment, economy and community wellbeing. One project under the wellbeing banner that is now coming to fruition is the development of a replacement for the ageing Hart Leisure Centre in Fleet. A brand new, environmentally friendly and architecturally sympathetic leisure centre is being designed to fit in to the evolving landscape of the Edenbrook housing development and country park. This new Edenbrook Leisure Centre will contain a sports hall large enough to hold eight badminton courts or two full-size netball courts – or even one full- size basketball court with seating. The three activity studios will be multi-use and suitable for yoga, tai chi, aerobics, ballet and aero biking, while an Ofsted-compliant crèche will be flexible enough to be converted into a martial arts studio after the children have gone home each day. On the ground floor by the main entrance and next to a climbing wall, the coffee shop will double as a meeting area. Directly above and on the first floor, the 130-station fitness gym will have a view over the swimming pool. Outside a floodlit full-size artificial grass pitch to FIFA standard, plus four purpose-built fully-enclosed and floodlit five-a-side courts will be constructed. We know that swimming is really important to local people, so we are going to build a bigger learner pool, a main pool with eight lanes rather than the present six and a third pool with a movable floor suitable for aquarobics, lane swimming, sub aqua and swimming lessons. There are a few more bridges to cross during the coming months, but if everything goes to plan we should start digging the foundations in summer 2015. With fair weather for building, the doors could open for business in autumn 2016. Further details will be available at www.hart.gov.uk as the project progresses. Pitch perfect £320,000 new all- weather pitch unveiled at Frogmore Leisure Centre – p3 Service lift News about and information for military personnel in Hart – p10-11 Snail watch. . . Meet the winner of our ‘Wildlife selfie’ competition, plus countryside news – p4-5 New state-of-the-art leisure centre planned for Hart
Transcript
We are producing a new Local Planfor Hart district which will set outhow much growth there should be,and where it should take place, up to2032.
Recent changes to the planning systemmean that we must consider future localneeds and find new areas for growth anddevelopment.
The Local Plan will give the Council morecontrol over new development, but thismeans making choices about where thisdevelopment should go.
Taking account of the houses alreadyplanned for, on current information, we needto find sites for around 4,000 new homes by2032. These could be in and aroundBlackwater, Fleet, Hartley Wintney, Hook,
Odiham or Yateley, in our villages, or even inother locations such as a new village.
The plan may affect you in a variety ofways; there may be new housing or
employment developments near to whereyou live, or new shops, schools or openspaces. New roads or cycle ways could bebuilt.
The Local Plan 2032 may affect manyaspects of our lives and we want to get thebalance right. If you want to have your saythen this is the time to get involved.
As a first step we have published anOptions Paper for you to comment on.
We propose five options for how growthmight be distributed up to 2032 – we wantto know which ones you prefer. If you thinkthere is another option which we shouldconsider please let us know.
More information can be found in thefull Housing Development OptionsPaper available on our website, www.hart.gov.uk/local-plan For a brief overview of the options,please turn to page 2.
The newspaper of Hart District Council www.hart.gov.uk
Hart has been voted one of thebest places to live in England andthere are lots of reasons why thisis so. A few months ago theCouncil confirmed its commitmentto retaining this accolade bysetting future priorities under thethree themes of environment,economy and communitywellbeing.
One project under thewellbeing banner that is nowcoming to fruition is thedevelopment of a replacement forthe ageing Hart Leisure Centre inFleet.
A brand new, environmentallyfriendly and architecturallysympathetic leisure centre is beingdesigned to fit in to the evolvinglandscape of the Edenbrook
housing development and countrypark.
This new Edenbrook LeisureCentre will contain a sports halllarge enough to hold eightbadminton courts or two full-sizenetball courts – or even one full-size basketball court with seating.The three activity studios will bemulti-use and suitable for yoga, taichi, aerobics, ballet and aero biking,while an Ofsted-compliant crèchewill be flexible enough to beconverted into a martial artsstudio after the children have gonehome each day.
On the ground floor by themain entrance and next to aclimbing wall, the coffee shop willdouble as a meeting area. Directlyabove and on the first floor, the
130-station fitness gym will have aview over the swimming pool.Outside a floodlit full-size artificialgrass pitch to FIFA standard, plusfour purpose-built fully-enclosedand floodlit five-a-side courts willbe constructed.
We know that swimming isreally important to local people, sowe are going to build a biggerlearner pool, a main pool witheight lanes rather than the presentsix and a third pool with amovable floor suitable foraquarobics, lane swimming, subaqua and swimming lessons.
There are a few more bridgesto cross during the comingmonths, but if everything goes toplan we should start digging thefoundations in summer 2015.
With fair weather for building,the doors could open for businessin autumn 2016.
Further details will beavailable at www.hart.gov.ukas the project progresses.
Pitch perfect£320,000 new all-weather pitchunveiled at FrogmoreLeisure Centre – p3
Service liftNews about andinformation formilitary personnelin Hart – p10-11
Snail watch. . .Meet the winner of our‘Wildlife selfie’competition, pluscountryside news – p4-5
New state-of-the-art leisure centre planned for Hart
2 News www.hart.gov.uk
Option 1 Growth takes place in the existingtowns and villages. This could deliverup to 875 homes, meaning it willneed to be combined with anotheroption.
Option 2 This would spread the growtharound the main towns and villageswithin Hart. This could deliver asmany as 4,000 homes.
Option 3 This would focus the growth on theedges of one or two of the existingtowns in Hart. This could deliveraround 3,500 homes, meaning it willneed to be combined with anotheroption.
Option 4 This option would create a newtown or village in Hart. However, asthis could take up to 10 years beforeany homes are built, it would needto be combined with another option.This could deliver 4,000 homes ormore homes.
Planning the future forHart district – the optionsThe diagrams below show five options, that in very broad terms, illustratehow the new housing development could take shape across the district.
Option 5 This pushes the growth away fromthe environmentally sensitiveSpecial Protection Area (SPA) whichcovers a large part of the north andeast of the district. This could deliver1,500 homes so would need to becombined with another option.
Which option, or combination of options, do you prefer? Is there another option thecouncil should consider?
More information about these options and their implications can be found on thecouncil’s website at www.hart.gov.uk/local-plan. If you would like to comment orexpress a view about any of these options, you can either write to us or complete theform on the website.
If you have any questions about the options for the new Local Plan 2032 and wouldlike to speak to council officers in person, please come to our drop-in session, noappointment needed, which will be held at: Hart District Council Civic Offices,Harlington Way, Fleet, on 30 September between 10.30am and 8pm.
The next steps...l End of Housing Development Options consultation; October 2014l Preferred Strategy for Growth, January-February 2015l Draft Plan Consultation, Summer/Autumn 2015l Submit the Plan to the Secretary of State, winter 2015/2016l Public Examination (including hearing sessions), spring 2016l Adoption of the Plan, summer 2016.
A call for sitesWe want as much choice as possible over where development could go. If you know
of land that you think could be developed, then we want to hear from you. Now is the best time to submit site details via a ‘New Site Form’ available at
www.hart.gov.uk/local-plan
Have your say
3Newswww.hart.gov.uk
Free electric blankettestingResidents will be able to havetheir electric blankets tested forfree at Fleet Fire Station onTuesday 21 October. Following the success of last
year’s testing, the tradingstandards team from HampshireCounty Council will be on handto test all blankets.Old or worn out electric
blankets could be dangerous andcause a fire. A blanket over 10years old should be replacedwith a new one.To book your free appointmentcall 01962 833358.
A £320,000refurbishment atFrogmore Leisure Centrehas recently beencompleted and the oldastro turf pitch has nowbeen replaced with afantastic new artificialgrass pitch.
Hart District Councilconfirmed in May that theywould invest in a brand newartificial grass pitch.
The 3G 40mm surface issuitable for both field hockeyand football and will result in
less games being cancelleddue to adverse weatherconditions.
Along with a new surface,the fence was also renewedand made higher.
Paul Weavers, BuildingSupport Manager, who led onthe project, said: “We’re reallypleased with the finishedproject and hope ourcustomers enjoy this brandnew surface.
“We’re devoted toproviding better facilities forthe local community and
ensuring that the surface ismulti-use for a different varietyof sports and meets theneeds of the local school aswell.”If you would like moreinformation regardingthe new artificial grasspitch go to our website atwww.threesixfive.org.ukIf you would like toenquire about theavailability of our artificialgrass pitch email us [email protected]
Your pictures wantedCalling all amateurphotographers.
Hart News and our newwebsite can provide a fantasticplatform to showcase yourtalents. We are always seekingphotographs that show Hart atits best and that we can publishonline and in Hart News.Please send your pictures in
jpeg form [email protected] Our next issue is scheduled forMarch 2015 but we would needto see pictures by early Januaryso that we can make ourselection. Happy snapping!
The way we registerto vote is changing
Up to now, the head of ahousehold has been responsiblefor registering everyone wholives there to vote.Starting from the 10 June,
people in Hart and across thewhole of England and Wales willregister as individuals instead,using a new system.
What this means for youMost people who are alreadyregistered to vote are being moved onto the new system automatically. Soyou may not need to do anything.
We started writing to everyone onthe old register during August, tellingthem if they have been moved over tothe new system. Make sure that youtake any action that we ask you to inour letter.
Not already registered tovote?If you have just moved into Hart andhave not had a letter from us, you cannow register to vote by going online. Visitwww.gov.uk/register-to-vote More about voter registrationon www.gov.uk/yourvotematters
Frogmore Leisure Centre’s newall-weather pitch is now open
4 Countryside www.hart.gov.uk
Guided walksand eventsJoin the Hart Rangers this autumn to getout and about in an area near you. Bookearly to avoid disappointment.
Fungi Walks at Elvetham Heath andOdiham Common Sunday 12 October and Sunday 19October Join Senior Ranger Steve for a walkaround the majestic Odiham Common orElvetham Heath. This is a beginner’s walkwhere you will be introduced to the lifecycle of fungi and learn how it benefitsthe environment. You will identify fungispecies using identification charts, withSteve on hand to help. £2.50 per person
Halloween Walk at Fleet Pond Thursday 30 OctoberCome and carve a pumpkin. Then dare towalk around the eerie Fleet Pond,exploring the dark with your lanterns.Wear your scariest costume! Suitable forchildren aged 7 or older and they mustbe accompanied by an adult. £10 perperson
Lantern Walk at Elvetham HeathWednesday 10 DecemberJoin the Hart rangers for a leisurelylantern walk through Elvetham HeathNature Reserve. We will meet just as it’sgetting dark to form a chain of lights atthe village pond. After a 30-40 minutestroll, the Church on the Heath will lead ashort carol singing session. Soothe yourthroats and warm up your fingersafterwards with a hot drink and a cake,available to purchase from the Church onthe Heath’s coffee shop. Please bring yourown lantern or torch. Parking is free atthe Elvetham Heath Community Centre.£2 per person
All children must be accompaniedby an adult. All activities must bebooked at least two weeks inadvance unless otherwise stated.
To book a place or to get furtherdetails visitwww.hart.gov.uk/guided-walks oremail [email protected] orphone 01252 623443. Times andmeeting places will be confirmedon booking.
Hart District Council has won twoprestigious Green Flag Awards forthe fourth year in a row.
Elvetham Heath Local Nature Reserveand Open Spaces and Hartley WintneyCentral Commons have each received aprestigious Green Flag Award.
This national award, handed out byenvironment charity Keep Britain Tidy,recognises and rewards the best parks andgreen spaces across the country.
A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign tovisitors that the space boasts the highestpossible standards and is excellentlymanaged.
Hartley Wintney Central Commons is anamazing place; it has lots of areas fordifferent activities – from watching cricketon Cricketers Green to the communityorchard at Hunt’s Common, sitting underthe majestic oaks on Central Common, to aquiet woodland walk through PhoenixGreen.
It is also a haven for wildlife. Many speciesof insects, birds and mammals can be seen,from bats flitting in the evening lightbetween the trees on Central Common, tobirds such as treecreepers and greaterspotted woodpeckers feasting on the insectlife in Phoenix Green Common.
Elvetham Heath Local Nature Reserveand Open Spaces also continues to impressthe Green Flag judges with its excellent useof green space, well-maintained paths andplay parks and its beautiful heathland naturereserve.
Carl Westby, Hart’s Head of Leisure andEnvironmental Promotion, said: “We areabsolutely delighted to receive these GreenFlag Awards.
“Hart Countryside Services, with theirpartners Hartley Wintney Parish Council,Elvetham Heath Parish Council and theshared Basingstoke and Deane GroundsMaintenance and Street Care team, workhard to manage these beautiful areas notonly for wildlife but to ensure our greenspaces are maintained to a high standardfor the enjoyment of the wholecommunity.”
The high number of Green Flag awardswon across the country means morepeople than ever before will have access to
well-managed, quality green space, which isvital to people’s health and wellbeing.
Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Awardscheme manager, Paul Todd, said: “We aredelighted to announce yet another record-breaking year for Green Flag Award parksand green spaces.
“A Green Flag Award provides national
recognition for all the parks managers, staffand volunteers who, through theirdedication and hard work, have helped tocreate these fantastic places for everyoneto enjoy. Quality green spaces are a vitalresource for communities and that is why itis so significant that we have given outmore awards than ever before.”
Green Flags awardedfor fourth year running
The Mildmay Oaks at Hartley Wintney Central Common
Meet our #WildlifeSelfie competition winnerHart Countryside launched aWildlife Selfie competition onits Twitter and Facebook sitesat the beginning of June. A selfie is a photograph
taken of oneself, typically witha Smartphone or webcam anduploaded on to a social mediawebsite. Thank you for all ofyour entries. Here is ourwinner, ‘Snail Watch!’ Even though the
competition is now closed –please feel free to send us your #WildlifeSelfie on Facebook atwww.facebook.co.uk/HartCountrysideServices or Twitter atwww.twitter.com/HartCountryside
5Countrysidewww.hart.gov.uk
Guest writer William Legge ofHampshire Ornithological Society(HOS) explains an exciting increase inbird species and numbers at our Fleetpond reserve: “With more than 220 bird species recorded
at the reserve, Fleet Pond ranked highly inconservation terms in central southern England. However, decades of deteriorating water
quality and overgrown reedbeds were startingto take their toll and bird numbers weresteadily decreasing. But the ongoingrestoration programme at Fleet Pond is startingto pay dividends for birds and other wildlife.It’s great to see that the new islands are
proving increasingly popular to birdlife. In 2012a handful of common tern pairs and black-headed gulls were attracted by the new islands,but unfortunately they failed to breed. Undeterred, up to five pairs of common
terns and 17 pairs of black-headed gullsreturned in the 2013 breeding season, this timesuccessfully raising more than 20 young. Thisyear eight or nine pairs of common terns havereturned to the pond to breed and black-headed gulls have rapidly increased in numbersto more than 125 pairs. This means Fleet Pond now has the largest
colonies, found away from the coast, of boththese species in Hampshire. In addition, lapwing,a type of plover, bred successfully at thereserve this year for the first time. The restoration of the reedbeds is also
starting to have a positive impact. Encouragingly,the numbers of singing reed warblers, another
Fleet Pond specialty which travel here to breedin summer from their wintering grounds inAfrica, are also up this year – to 30-35 pairs.Snipe and jack snipe, small wading birds thatfrequent the reedbeds in winter, were at recordnumbers this last winter. I hope the islands will soon attract many
more new species of bird to breed. Theongoing management of the reedbeds and theimproving water quality will enable bird andother wildlife to flourish once more. In
particular, the programme hopes to attract theincredibly rare bittern and the return of winterwildfowl such as teal, shoveler and pochard.”Our thanks William, it is brilliant to hear such
good news so soon. We hope to report moresuccess in the near future. Please let us know ifyou see anything interesting at Fleet Pondthrough our blog atwww.hart.gov.uk/rangers-blog or ourFacebook page www.facebook.com/HartCountrysideServices
Mildmay Oaks– trees of lifeAround 200 years ago the oakson Hartley Wintney Commonswere planted by Lady Mildmayafter an appeal from AdmiralCollingwood after the Battle ofTrafalgar. The feeling was that in order
to be a successful nation, wehad to have a ready supply ofour own timber to build ships.As a result, hundreds of oakswere planted in the organisedstyle that you see today on theCommon. However the Industrial
Revolution of the mid-19thcentury changed the course ofthis site’s future. The use of wood for boat
construction was replaced byiron and steel. Initially, byreplacing the framework, butsoon after replacing all but thecosmetic finishing. As a result, the trees became
outdated for shipping purposesso were left to grow with verylittle or, probably, no forestryintervention. We know this happened in
Hartley Wintney because youwould expect the weaker ormisshaped trees to have beenthinned out. This would allowmore space for the stronger,healthier trees to producemuch better timber. While there are clearly
spaces where some trees havebeen removed or fallen, thereare still many trees standingwith little timber value. While these smaller trees
are not great for timber, fewcould argue the beauty of allthe trees on the Common andhow they have made HartleyWintney a special place to liveand visit. However, the Common and
its trees are also designated asa Site of Importance forNature Conservation (SINC).They provide a home andresources for hundreds ofdifferent species, from lichensto owls. On a summer’s day you may
see purple hairstreakbutterflies in the top of thetrees, a treecreeper spirallingup the stem, or blue titsnesting in a small hole – andsome trees on the Commoneven contain roosting bats intheir cavities and under loosebark. You may even see bats
hunting at night or Britain’slargest insect, the stag beetle,buzzing through the hedgerowsand trees, looking for femaleson warm June evenings. So from battles to beetles
and butterflies, these treesprovide an important andhistoric place in ourcommunity.
Our pedestrian tractor is asadaptable as a swiss army knife
Hart Countryside took delivery of a pedestrian tractor earlier thisyear which has already proved its worth.
A pedestrian tractor is an adaptable walk-behind power unitwhich has a number of different attachments for a variety of tasks.This allows us to cut and maintain reed beds, brambles, grass, lightscrub and heather.
Many areas that the Countryside Services maintain are notaccessible to a mini sit-on tractor. This new machine can be easilyoperated on steep slopes and wet, soft ground, allowing us tocomplete maintenance to a higher standard.
The unit can be used all year round. A flail attachment helps keeppaths accessible in the summer by cutting back encroachingvegetation. In the autumn it can go to work in the reed beds and inthe winter it can be used to clear snow.
A large powered brush and small snow plough were bought withthe tractor to help keep pavements and paths clear. All the newattachments also fit our old machine, so while that can be keptgoing too, the speed and efficiency of jobs will be greatly improved.
Senior Ranger Steve Lyons said: “The new pedestrian tractor isvery user-friendly and, with a bit of training, can be used by regularvolunteers as well as staff. It really is like a swiss army knife with allthe different attachments that can go on it.”
Create your own wildflowerpatch with our free offerTo encourage you to create awildflower patch we will provide aFREE bag of perennial seed mix to thefirst ten people who contact us(contact details below).
Creating a “wildlflower patch” inyour garden can significantly increasethe amount of nectar available toinsects and provide additional homesfor mini beasts. The seeds themselvesand the insects can then provide vitaladditional food for birds and otheranimals.
You do not have to change yourentire garden into a lowland meadow.Even small patches in a corner of thegarden will make a positivecontribution – just imagine if everygarden did that?
If you have enjoyed seeing some ofthe flower rich road verges whichwere blooming this summer, then whynot plan your own patch for nextyear? Autumn is the perfect time tocreate a patch for spring and summer flowering in 2015.
Creating a wildflower patch is easy! For a small patch the best way tosow the seed is to simply mix it with some sand and spread evenly. Thesand helps you see where you have put the seed and ensure an evencoverage.
If you have sown an annual mix you won’t need to do any furthermaintenance until the end of the summer when you will need to clearthe patch. However, you can get perennial mixes, these generally lastmore than two years. Email [email protected] to be in with a chance ofwinning a free bag of perennial seed mix.
Birds ‘flock’ back to arevitalised Fleet Pond
Heath spotted orchid
Bird’s-foot trefoil attracts bees andbutterflies
Black-headed gull chick
Commontern nest
6 Housing and Benefits www.hart.gov.uk
HomeWell serviceoffers a wide range ofhelp and advice for freeHomeWell is a free and confidential advice service.Our caseworkers work with Hart District Council toprovide advice about local services, welfare benefits,courses, lunch clubs, energy efficiency, grants and loansfor repairs and adaptations.
If you want to apply for help with benefits, Lauraand Di will help you. If you can’t afford essentialrepairs, they can tell you about local funders. If youcan no longer get up the stairs or into your bathsafely, they can advise you about this, too.
Our caseworkers can visit you in your own home,so they can see what you are worried about andlisten to your concerns. They have already helpedhundreds of Hart residents.Case studies:
Mr Simmonds was referred to the council for adisabled adaptation grant and Laura arranged for asurveyor to prepare drawings and a schedule. Shealso arranged quotes and helped Mr Simmonds tocomplete the application forms. Laura also noticedthat Mr Simmons was not getting all his benefitentitlement, so she referred him to his local benefitsteam who helped him to get Savings Pensions Credit.
Mrs Spicer had a back door that wouldn’t lock anda local trader offered to replace it for £900, whichshe couldn’t afford. Di arranged for the localhandyperson to change the lock, and adjust the doorso it would lock properly. The charge was just £36.
During the first visit Mrs Spicer told Di that her sonhad given her his old computer, but she couldn’t getthe hang of it, so Di was able to track down a local ITcourse run by U3A. Mrs Spicer is now on Facebookand has managed to install her own virus protector!
All our home visiting staff are criminal recordschecked, qualified in their area and work with otherlocal service providers to get what customers need.For more information call 0800 0556277,email [email protected] or visitwww.safeandwellathome.co.uk
Busy time for new homesOur district is very busy deliveringaffordable homes, which is helping tohouse many local people in housing need.
As part of its regeneration programme, SentinelHousing Association has redeveloped its formeroffice at Lismoyne House in Fleet as 12 one andtwo-bed apartments to let for the over-55s.
Further developments include Wickham Court,Church Crookham and Albany Court, Fleet whichwill be providing a mixture of one and two-bedapartments for rent for people aged over 55.These are expected to be completed in spring2015.
There will also be general housing for rent andshared ownership properties being delivered atthe QEB site over the next few months, includingone, two and three-bed properties.
In other parts of the district, affordable housingfor rent and shared ownership is progressing well,with properties being built at St Mary’s Park inHartley Wintney. The first properties at this sitewere expected to be available from June.
In addition, four three-bed rental properties arebeing developed at The Lea and Larmer Close,Church Crookham by Sentinel Housing Associationas part of a regeneration programme in thoseareas. These properties are expected to becompleted at the end of 2014.All of these dates are subject to changeand if you have any queries about thesesites or the housing register contact theHousing Service on [email protected] telephone 01252 774420.
Update on affordable homes in Hart
Hart District Council will be changingthe way it allocates affordable housingfollowing the introduction of a new law.
There will be a number of changes,including the introduction of new ruleswhich will mean people qualify forhousing according to local connection,financial capability and housing need andare restricted from joining the housingregister in cases of unacceptablebehaviour.
There will be a change in the way thebedroom need for applicants iscalculated, in line with Housing Benefitcriteria. The new policy will also movefrom the existing five-band scheme
(Band A – Band E) to a four-bandscheme (Band A – Band D).
A letter was sent to all housingregister applicants in July outlining themain policy changes, and a further letterwill be sent at the end of Septemberasking applicants to re-register if theywish to continue applying for housing.
The last properties under Hart’sexisting allocations policy will beadvertised at the beginning of October,after which the system will close downto allow applicants to re-register and forre-assessment of all applications to becarried out in line with the new policy.
The new allocations policy will go live
on 27 October, with the first biddingcycle running between 30 October - 2November. There will not be any changesto the way vacancies are advertised andapplicants apply for housing.
The new policy is explained in detail inan information booklet. Copies can befound on our websitewww.hart.gov.uk or can be requestedby calling 01252 774420 or in writingto Housing Services Department, HartDistrict Council, Civic Offices, HarlingtonWay, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 4AE.
You are also welcome to drop intothe office for further informationMonday to Friday, 9am - 4.30pm.
We will be changing how we allocate affordable housing
New homes specifically for wheelchair usersAre you looking for a wheelchair-adapted home to enableyou to live independently?
Two brand new properties in the latest phase of the StMary’s Park development in Hartley Wintney will be two-bedroom bungalows built to wheelchair housing standard.They should be available in summer 2015.
To ensure that we can meet the needs of those requiringwheelchair-accessible housing we would like any people whofeel they may be suitable, to contact us and register theirinterest. The properties will be advertised through Hart’sHousing Register at www.harthomes.org.ukFor information or to apply to join the HousingRegister, email [email protected] orcall us on 01252 77420.
We are putting a number offorms online to make it easier forHart residents to apply forRevenues and Benefits services.
The forms are easy to use,leading customers logically throughthe questions on the form andonly asking questions that arerelevant to the customer, based onanswers previously given.
This will ensure we receive allthe information required and willmean that the forms will be dealtwith more quickly. The servicesavailable so far include:l Claiming Housing Benefit or
Council Tax Supportl Reporting a change in
circumstances for HousingBenefit or Council Tax Support
l Applying for a Council Tax SinglePersons Discount
l Reporting a change incircumstances in relation toSingle Persons Discount
l Applying for Student Discountl Reporting a change of addressl Applying to pay by Direct Debit
As each form is tested andready to use it will be loaded onto the Council’s website on theCouncil Tax or Benefits web pages.Customers are asked to look onthe Council’s website as the firstport of call when applying forthese services, as it will save time ifyou apply online.
7Leisurewww.hart.gov.uk
Get sportythis autumnand beat thewinter bluesWinter is coming and weknow how hard it is tomotivate yourself to doexercise when it’s lookingparticularly brisk outside.
Well, let Hart and FrogmoreLeisure Centres sportscourses keep you active.
You can now book on toone of the fantastic sportscourses at either leisurecentre. Both centres have arange of sports on offer forboth adults and juniors.
Kevin Wallace, LeisureDevelopment Officer for HartDistrict Council, said “Why nottry something new thisSeptember?
“We have a richprogramme of sports coursesto choose from, from fencingto yoga and even gymnastics.”
Other courses include;archery, trampolining,badminton and squash. For more details on ageranges and times go toour websitewww.threesixfive.org.ukor call us on 01252629974.
Stay strong forlonger with ourspecialist classesHart and Frogmore Leisure Centres’ Steady andStrong classes are growing with popularity everymonth. The falls prevention class helps peopleimprove their core strength and improves balance.
Sharon Hatherley, the qualified postural stabilityinstructor who runs the sessions, said “I just loveteaching the class and seeing everyone improve,becoming more confident and generally happier.
“I’ve taught many different group exercise classesover the years and this one is definitely the mostrewarding. I’ve worked with stroke victims, peoplewith balance issues and people who have had fallson the Steady and Strong programme and this classreally can make a huge difference to people’severyday lives”.
The class was originally launched at Hart LeisureCentre in September 2013 and swiftly introduced atFrogmore, where success has been even greater,with an additional class being added to the timetableof activities.
Cllr Dr Anne Crampton, Hart’s Cabinet Memberfor Community Wellbeing, said “It’s important thatwe offer a wide variety of lower impact classes forthe local community. Steady and Strong is a greatexample of that. Classes like these will hopefullyrelieve some pressure on the NHS services as well”.
Classes run at Hart Leisure Centre everyWednesday 12:45pm - 2:45pm and at FrogmoreLeisure Centre every Monday and Thursday 1:30pm- 2:30pm. For more information call Hart LeisureCentre on 01252 629974 or FrogmoreLeisure Centre on 01252 873454.
Over 60s’ clubgoing strongfive years onThis summer marked the fifthanniversary of the over 60s’social club at Hart LeisureCentre.
The club was originally setup by Kevin Wallace toprovide people aged over 60with the opportunity to join afriendly group where theycould socialise and play games.
Kevin, Leisure DevelopmentOfficer for Hart DistrictCouncil, said “It’s great to seehow far the social club hascome and how it is still goingstrong after all these years!
“It is so crucial to stay bothphysically and mentally activeas we get older and the socialclub definitely helps with thementally active side of health. The more active our brain is,the better our memory islikely to remain as we age.”
The club is open to anyoneaged 60 or over and thefriendly group play bingo, cardsand number of other games.Tea and coffee is also provided.
The social club is alwayslooking for new members, sowhy not visit them nextWednesday at 2pm, at HartLeisure Centre to find outmore about this great club.For further informationabout the club call HartLeisure Centre on 01252629974 or visitwww.threesixfive.org.uk
STAYIN’ ALIVE is Hart District Council’snew activity programme aimed at those whoused to strut their stuff to John Travolta, butaren’t quite so agile now. You don’t need flares or leg warmers – just
some sportswear or a swimming costume –because we’ve put together a mixture ofinteresting and enjoyable activities suitablefor beginners as well as experiencedindividuals. Work out to music, try a personal training
session with our friendly gym instructors,join in with the badminton and table tenniscrowd or simply enjoy a relaxing swim withlike-minded people.You can bring a friend or come on your
own. There’s no pressure to become amember, sign up to a set period or join aparticular group – although if you wantcompany, lots of people have already startedSTAYIN’ ALIVE at Hart Leisure Centre inFleet. We can’t guarantee 70s’ prices, but we’ve
thrown in a few special offers so you try avariety of activities without having to buyspecialist equipment or clothes.The serious bit! We all know that exercise
is good for the heart, the mind and the joints,but if you are concerned about your generalhealth, you haven’t exercised for a while, oryou just want some advice on what mightwork best for you, then do consult your GPbefore visiting us.For further details ring reception on 01252
You don’t need tobe a John Travoltato strut your stuff
Get back to cyclingHart District Council is proud to bepart of both the Hampshire SportsPartnership and the HampshireHealth and Wellbeing Partnership.
One of the common aims of all threeorganisations is to promote healthy activitiesto a cross-section of the community,including those who have bikes but don’t usethem very often. Fleet Cycling (pictured) isour local club and its members meet eachThursday, Friday and Sunday to enjoyorganised rides – and sample the local cafés.
Fleet Cycling has created an initiative,called pedal2gether, to encourage peopleback to cycling with starter rides of fivemiles, and including the all important coffeeand cake stop! These rides will begin on thefirst and third Saturday of each month from10am. We hope more people will choose to
cycle more often for at least some of theirjourneys. Emphasising the benefits of twowheels and people power, the aim is toinspire and promote a positive and healthycycling culture.
Fleet Cycling is now sponsored by HartLeisure’s ‘365’ brand. From September it isplanned to start all Fleet Cycling rides fromthe Hart Leisure Centre.
Cllr Dr Anne Crampton, the council’sCabinet Member for Community Wellbeing,said “I’m really pleased that a local club hascome forward for sponsorship. In return forpromoting the 365 brand, the club willorganise a series of health rides and open itsdoors to new members. We have alsooffered corporate 365 membership to all ofits riders – which means they can swim orwork out on the days they are not riding.”
8 Business www.hart.gov.uk
Hart District Council has joined Southern Entrepreneurs,which means that our businesses can now access networkingevents across Hampshire for free, attend subsidised trainingand access over 1,000 other small businesses through theonline forum. Networking Dates
15 Oct – Rushmoor – venue, TBC12 Nov – Datanet, Fleet11 Dec - Big Christmas social, secret venue
Training DatesHart District Council subsidises all Southern Entrepreneurstraining sessions for Hart based businesses, which means youcan attend for just £35.
18 Sep - Getting the best from Outlook – Southampton7 Oct - Taking on Staff, – Hart4 Nov - What’s your Elevator Pitch? Basingstoke
Visit the Southern Entrepreneurs website to joinup, book a session and find out more atwww.southernentrepreneurs.comSome venues and times are still TBC at time ofgoing to print. For exact locations [email protected]
Hart for BusinessEvent in OctoberFollowing the successful ‘Have YourSay’ Hart for Business event, thecouncil is holding its next freeevent on Wednesday 1 October2014 from 5.30pm-7.45pm atHighfield Park near Hook. The council holds two regular
free business events throughout theyear. This event will providebusinesses with the opportunity tohear how the council is working tosupport local companies and tospeak directly to the Leader andChief Executives about theirbusiness growth issues, through aquestion and answer session. These events help the council
engage with businesses and providea forum for businesses to discussissues that directly affect them. Theyalso provide attendees with an idealopportunity to network with otherbusinesses and make new contacts.This free event is open to all
Hart district-based businesses,including those wanting to re-locateto this area. For further details and toregister, [email protected]
Fleet Future is a group of local residents whosimply want Fleet to be even better than italready is.
By working with the Town, District andCounty Councils, their aim is to encourageresidents and visitors to support our localbusinesses and keep the town centre buzzingat the heart of the District.
Fleet Future has rolled up their sleeves andgot personally involved in trying to make thetown better for everyone and early this yearthey developed a Town Plan based on thefeedback of over 800 local people. The actionteams are now working on short term‘stepping stone projects’ to deliver theseimprovements and gathering the evidence for
longer term developments that are needed.Fleet Future has been working closely with
other groups and organisations to get the ballrolling on several actions from the Town Plan.In partnership with the Council, the grouphas been investigating a business ratesdiscount scheme that retailers can apply for ifthey can show that it will benefit Fleet. Ahuge amount of research has beencompleted with the Council regardingchanges to car parking, including investigatingputting in “pay-on-exit” machines in Fleet carparks.
Fleet Future is working with retailers tostage a Fashion Week showcasing Fleet’sfashion, hair and beauty businesses. This is a
big step towards the group driving theformation of a business led town centreteam. To boost activities in the town centre, anew team ‘Fleet and District FestivalCommittee’ has formed to run the 2013/14Fleet Christmas Festivals and the first everFleet Food Festival in May. Both eventsencouraged thousands of people to come tothe town and see what a great place Fleet is.More events are planned for 2015!To volunteer for Fleet Future or tocontact the group, [email protected] or visit theirfacebook page www.facebook.co.uk/groups/fleetfuture for information.
InOdiham groupupdate InOdiham is a small group ofresidents and local business-peoplewho have voluntarily joined forcesto create a not-for-profitorganisation that promotes thevillage and the businesses within it.Their aim is to revitalise the
village and develop the communityspirit. InOdiham has alreadyorganised a weekly grocery market,the Italian market and classic cardisplay, ‘Bands and Booze’, hangingbaskets and ground-level plantersand the very popular ChristmasExtravaganza. There is a newwebsite at www.inodiham.co.ukpromoting local businesses, eventsand services, where you can alsosign up to volunteer.
North HampshireBusiness ExpoSmall to medium-sized businessesfrom across North Hampshire areinvited to attend the first everNorth Hampshire Business Expowhich is taking place at The De VereVillage Hotel, Farnborough, onThursday 16 October 2014.This free business event gives
new start-ups and establishedbusinesses the chance to cometogether to meet and connect withmore than 50 exhibitors,representing the best of local andregional companies, suppliers andbusiness support organisations. Hart District Council is proud to
be supporting this event inpartnership with RushmoorBorough Council and Basingstokeand Deane District Council.For more information visitwww.hart.gov.uk/businesses
A £118 million Growth Deal,the first to be signed off inthe UK, has been awardedto The Enterprise M3 LocalEnterprise Partnership(LEP).
It was agreed by the Rt HonGreg Clark, MP, Minister of Statefor Cabinet Office (Cities andConstitution) and newlyappointed Minister of State forUniversities and Science, followingannouncements that LocalGrowth Funding will be awardedto the 39 LEPs.
The Enterprise M3 GrowthDeal was signed at theFarnborough InternationalAirshow in July by the Rt HonGreg Clark and Enterprise M3Chair Geoff French in front of asmall group of Enterprise M3board members and strategicpartners, including the HartDistrict Council Leader, Cllr KenCrookes.
The Enterprise M3 GrowthDeal will see significantinvestment in skills andtechnology centres,improvements to roads,sustainable transport measuresand unlocking of housingdevelopments to ensure theEnterprise M3 area remains at
the forefront of technologicaldevelopment and innovation. The21 projects that form theGrowth Deal will help the areato retain its position as aneconomic powerhouse bothnationally and internationally.
Geoff French, Chair ofEnterprise M3 Local EnterprisePartnership, commented: “We aredelighted that the Minister joinedus at the FarnboroughInternational Airshow and that he
chose our Growth Deal to bethe first one in the country to besigned. The Growth Deal will notonly build on Enterprise M3’sstrengths in aerospace anddefence but also support a newgeneration of UK technologiesnotably £5 million of GrowthDeal investment in 5Gtechnologies. This investment will,we hope, cement Britain’sleadership in mobile technologiesand put the UK on the map as
the place to invest in mobiletechnology R&D. This 5Gleadership role is of significanceto all parts of the UK and willprovide new businessopportunities for a diverse rangeof UK sectors, includingaerospace and defence.”
For more information aboutthe M3 Growth Deal andthe 21 chosen projects visitwww.enterprisem3.org.uk
If you own or run a business withinthe Hart Council district you canreceive free bite-sized health andsafety training for your employees.
To date around 60 employeesworking within the businesscommunity of Hart District Councilhave benefited from this campaign.This includes the staff from:l Ecolight Energy Management
Solutions Ltd; l L-3 Communications ASA Ltd; l Golden Triangle Restaurant, Fleet.
So far in 2014 staff atHeatherside Infant School receivedan overview of food safety to helpthem promote good hygiene topupils as part of their cookerylessons.
In addition, concise training wasprovided in food safety cross-contamination controls to the
Gulshan and Dansiri Restaurants,the Shoulder of Mutton and theQueens Head public house. How do I find out more?Free health and safety training isavailable to any business within theHart district.
It can be on any topic of yourchoice and sessions will be tailoredto the needs of individualbusinesses. Training sessions aredesigned to be short and conciseand will be approximately twohours in duration. If you own or know of abusiness that could benefitfrom additional trainingplease contact theEnvironmental Health teamon [email protected] or call01252 774421.
Free bite-sized health and safetytraining on offer to Hart businesses
Fleet Future volunteers work to make the town a better place for all
Minister signs £118m local growth fund deal
Left to right: Cllr Ken Crookes, Greg Clark, MP and Geoff French
Advice, networking and training withSouthern Entrepreneurs support group
9Environment and Parkingwww.hart.gov.uk
Are you always running out ofchange or fed up for carrying toomuch just to pay for parking? Wellthere’s no need! Hart DistrictCouncil offers various ways to payfor parking at all council-owned carparks.
You can pay for parking using yourmobile phone. Simply find a space in oneof the locations where cashless parking isavailable, register your stay and pay bytext, online on the mipermit website(www.mipermit.com) or telephone.Please see car park signs for locationinformation.
A receipt is sent to your mobileconfirming your stay. There’s no need todisplay a ticket.
To help you remember when yourparking time is up, you can opt to usethe reminder service and/or extend yourstay without the need to return to yourvehicle. For more information, details onhow to use the system and discoverwhich car parks can be used withthis service please go towww.mipermit.com.
Save with our Smart ParkingCardThe Smart Parking Card is a rechargeablecard that can be used in any council carpark and where on-street charges applyin Hart. It can be loaded with any amountfrom £5 to £500.
To get you started we are offering newapplicants £15 of parking for only £10.(Only one card per person). We will alsowaive the £3 membership fee, saving you£8 in total. Your kids can benefit too. Asan extra bonus, for a limited time only, ifyou spend £15 or more we will send you
a voucher for a family swim (2 adults and2 children) at Hart Leisure Centre(valued at £10.05).
For more information on parkingin Hart please visitwww.hart.gov.uk/parking
Do you have an issue or problem inyour area that you need to report, butyou’re not sure who to report it to? Hart District Council has introduced a
new online reporting tool that peoplecan access on their mobile phone ordesktop computer. It’s simple to use. All you need to do is
select the area on an interactive mapwhere you would like to report theissue, and then select one of thefollowing options: – Abandoned vehicles;Car Parking; Dog Warden; Flyposting;Flytipping; Graffiti; Parks/Landscapes;
Potholes; Roads/Highways; Road trafficsigns; Rubbish; Street Cleaning; StreetLighting; Street Nameplates, or TrafficLights.You can then upload an image of your
issue and submit it. The authorityresponsible for the matter concerned(either Hampshire County Council orHart District Council) will receive thereport. Once your issue has beenresolved, an update will appear on thewebsite where you submitted thematter. Visit www.hart.fixmystreet.com
Changes to car taxFrom 1 October, the paper tax disc will nolonger need to be displayed on a vehiclewindscreen. Below you can find someinformation if you are buying, selling or wanting arefund on your car tax. For more informationplease visit www.gov.uk and search for ‘vehicletax changes’.Buying a vehicle
From 1 October, when you buy a vehicle, the‘car tax’ will no longer be transferred with thevehicle. You will need to buy new vehicle taxbefore you can use it.
You can tax the vehicle using the New KeeperSupplement (V5C/2) part of the vehicleregistration certificate (V5C) online or by phone- 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Alternatively,you can still visit a Post Office branch.Selling a vehicle
If you sell a vehicle after 1 October and youhave notified DVLA, you will automatically get arefund for any full calendar months left on thevehicle tax.Vehicle tax refunds
You will no longer need to make a separateapplication for a refund of vehicle tax. DVLA willautomatically issue a refund when a notification isreceived from the person named on its registerthat the vehicle has been sold or transferred; hasbeen scrapped; has been exported; has beenremoved from the road and the registeredkeeper has made a Statutory Off RoadNotification (SORN); or that the person on thevehicle register has changed the tax class on thevehicle to an exempt duty tax classChecking the tax status of a vehicle
You can check the tax status of any vehiclewww.gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax. This can alsobe used for rental vehicles.
Many ways to pay for parking
You can report problems online
10 The Military in Hart www.har
Chinook helicopters from18 (B) Squadron practising desert operations during Exercise Vortex Warrior.18 (B) Sqn are based at Royal Air Force Odiham, Hampshire
This summer saw theunveiling of the first of theRAF’s 14 new Chinookhelicopters to be used fromRAF Odiham.
A new £115 million agreementhas been made with BoeingDefence UK to maintain the enginesof the RAF’s increased fleet of 60Chinooks that will save taxpayersmoney.
By replacing five existing supportcontracts with one arrangement,the MoD has reduced the cost ofoverhauling engines by more than£20 million.
The Chinook Mark 6 helicopters,which were ordered in 2011 aspart of a £1 billion programme,have now achieved their entry intoservice on time and three of thenew aircraft have been delivered tothe RAF who have commencedtraining in the UK.
They all benefit from a new digitalautomatic flight control system thatprovides improved handling qualitiesand aircraft stability. Offeringincreased safety, the Mark 6 is themost advanced heavy-lift helicopterever operated by the RAF.
All 14 new aircraft will bedelivered to the MoD before theend of 2015 and are on track to befully operational by early 2017.
Hart District Council is working alongsidethe local British Legion to identify twolocations where special commemorativepaving stones can be placed.
The Victoria Cross commemorative pavingstones programme aims to commemorate allVictoria Cross recipients of the First WorldWar, who were born in the UK, with acommemorative paving stone in the town oftheir birth.
Within Hart there were two Victoria
Cross recipients. From Odiham, WilliamAddison and from North Warnborough,Manley James (often referred to incorrectlyas James Manley). An update on this projectwill feature in the next Hart News. For more general information visitwww.gov.uk/government/policies/bringing-people-together-in-strong-united-communities/supporting-pages/victoria-cross-commemorative-paving-stones
Working in partnership the Royal BritishLegion, Hart District Council supported thenational campaign LIGHTS OUT.
Candle-lit vigils were held at both theGurkha Square and Galley Hill Road WarMemorials between 10pm and 11pm on 4August.
The national campaign LIGHTS OUTencouraged everyone in the UK to take partby turning off their lights from 10pm to11pm, leaving on a single light or candle for ashared moment of reflection.
People took part in whatever way theychose, marking the centenary of theoutbreak of the First World War eitherindividually or by attending one of the manyevents being organised around the countryfor a collective experience.
The inspiration for LIGHTS OUT comesfrom a famous remark made on the eve of
the outbreak of war by the then ForeignSecretary, Sir Edward Grey: “The lamps aregoing out all over Europe; we shall not seethem lit again in our life-time”. Britaindeclared war on Germany at 11pm on 4August 1914, ushering in one of the darkestperiods in our history. For more information on otherevents visit www.1418now.org.uk
LIGHTS OUT in Hart
RAF flying high in new Chinooks
Hart will host two Victoria Crosscommemorative paving stones
We will remember them
11The Military in Hartt.gov.uk
Information for service personnel living in HartIn Hart we have different members ofservice personnel living across thedistrict. This section of Hart Newslooks at the different information andsupport groups available for servicepersonal and their families.
SSAFASSAFA provides lifelong support to thosewho are serving or who have ever served inthe British Army, the Royal Navy and theRoyal Air Force, and their families.
Within Hart they have two localdivisions – Aldershot and Farnborough,which can be contacted on 01252 322039,and the Basingstoke Division, which can becontacted on 01256 816346.For more general information
Money ForceMoney Force is the home of moneyguidance for UK service personnel and theirfamilies. For a full list of services please visitwww.moneyforce.org.uk
Army Families Federation (AFF)The Army Families Federation (AFF) is theindependent voice of Army families andworks hard to improve the quality of life forArmy families around the world - on anyaspect that is affected by the Army lifestyle.AFF is independent of the Army and offers
confidential advice. AFF is often pivotal inachieving improvements for Army familiessuch as changes to Government and militarypolicy and changes to the delivery of howthings are provided for families. For more information please visitwww.aff.org.uk
RAF Community Support website The RAF Community Support website,below, is aimed at keeping you informed ofyour entitlements and policy matters whichaffect you, while providing you with theopportunity to keep in touch with eachother through the provision of our forumsand chat facilities. Visit www.raf.mod.uk/community
for more information.
Combat StressCombat Stress is a veterans’ mental healthcharity that helps UK Veterans withpsychological injuries rebuild their lives.Combat Stress delivers a unique range ofspecialist treatment and welfare support.Everything they do is free to the Veteran. For a full list of services please visitwww.combatstress.org.uk
Forces Help to Buy schemeRegular armed forces personnel can benefitfrom a £200 million scheme to help themget on the property ladder.
The Forces Help to Buy scheme enables
servicemen and servicewomen to borrowup to half their salary, interest free, to buytheir first home or move to anotherproperty on assignment or as their families’needs change. For more information please visitwww.gov.uk/forces-help-to-buy
SORTED!SORTED! can provide you with easy accessto seamless and integrated employmentsupport services.
SORTED! comprises seven well-establishedcharities, who are already providing a widerange of employment-related services andhelp for individuals to find and retain work. For more information please visitwww.sorted.org.uk
Armed Forces Community DirectoryArmed Forces Community Directoryprovides a single point of contact for theArmed Forces Community.
The directory ensures those who needhelp, find the right help, in the right place, atthe right time. You can access the online directory atwww.afcomd.com
Lifeworks FamiliesLifeWorks Families is a free support serviceto help military spouses and partners get thejob they want.
It is available to all spouses and partners of
any serving (or recently discharged) memberof the Armed Forces, including Reserves. To see how they could help you,
please visitwww.rblilifeworksfamilies.co.uk
Relate – the relationship peopleIt can be tough keeping relationshipstogether in these difficult times and Royal AirForce Benevolent Fund and the ArmyWelfare Service both recognise that familiesand couples face additional pressures, due tolong periods of separation, the stress ofactive service, and having to live a long wayfrom family and friends. If you would like further informationon the services provided, please seewww.relatebedsandluton.org.uk/services/armed-forces
Army HIVEsHIVE information centres support the chainof command and service communitiesthrough the provision of up-to-date andrelevant information.
The network is available to all members ofthe Service community. It serves bothmarried and single personnel, together withtheir families, dependants and civiliansemployed by the Services. Please visitwww.army.mod.uk/welfare-support/23492. For more local information you canalso view The Minley HIVE blog viawww.minleyhive.blogspot.co.uk
Our CCTV cameras are out andabout – so pick up your dog poo
12 Environmental Health www.hart.gov.uk
Did you know that Hart DistrictCouncil provides low-costaccredited food hygiene trainingto food handlers operating withinthe district?
In particular, we deliver theChartered Institute ofEnvironmental Health Level 2Award in Food Safety in Cateringcourse. This is a one-dayintroductory course that isdelivered by members of ourfood team who have specialistknowledge in this area.
Who is this course for?Everyone who works with foodhas a special responsibility toensure the food theyproduce/handle is safe for the
consumer. A sound understandingand knowledge of food safetyissues is essential in achieving thisaim.
This course is aimed at foodhandlers and especially those whohandle high risk foods in cateringestablishments. This includes thoseworking in pubs, restaurants andcafes.
How much does it cost?The price is £60 per person.However, if your organisation has10 or more food handlers whorequire training, then please callthe number below to discussavailable discounts.
If you are a registered charityfurther discounts may be available.
Please contact Hart VoluntaryAction on 01252 815652 to findout more.
Further advice andinformationIt is always helpful to discuss yourtraining needs. So please do nothesitate to contact our food safetyteam on 01252 774421 who canoffer further advice.
How to make a bookingIf you require further informationon this course, find out the nextcourse date or if you would liketo make a booking please contactEnvironmental Health on 01252774421 or by email [email protected]
Hart District CouncilsEnvironmental HealthDepartment monitors thequality and safety of privatewater supplies across Hart. Private water supplies are
often found in outlying ruralareas or small hamlets wherethe mains water network doesnot reach. These supplies can range in
size from individual propertiesto whole estates and landholdings. Often water may be sourced
from local boreholes, streamsand springs. The definition of ‘private
water supplies’ also includesprivate water distributionnetworks. These are generally
considered to be pipenetworks where water issupplied to homes orbusinesses by another personother than the water company. The Department is keen to
identify all households andbusinesses in Hart that rely ona ‘private water supply’ or a‘private water distributionnetwork’ for their waterneeds.
If you would like to knowmore about theregulations, or would liketo advise us of a privatewater supply that youknow of, then pleasecontact EnvironmentalHealth on 01252 774421or [email protected]
How safe isyour privatewatersupply?
Accredited food hygiene coursesare on our menu of services
You can’t see it, you can’t smell it,but the National Health Servicereports it kills approximately 50people per year in the UnitedKingdom. Are you aware of the riskposed by Carbon MonoxidePoisoning?
Incorrectly installed gasappliances such as gas boilers orheaters, or blocked chimneys orflues that prevent carbonmonoxide escaping are commonlyassociated with carbon monoxidepoisoning incidents.
What can you do to reducethe risk?l Be aware of signs of carbon
monoxide poisoning andpotential causes. Visitwww.nhs.uk for furtherinformation.
Cooking/heating appliancesl Boilers, cookers, heating systems
and appliances should beinstalled and regularly servicedby a reputable, registeredengineer. Do not attempt toinstall or service appliancesyourself.
Anyone carrying out work oninstallations and appliances in yourhome must be registered.
Ventilation (Chimneys/flues)l Make sure that all chimneys and
flues are swept regularly by aqualified sweep.
Other sources of carbonmonoxidel Petrol lawnmowers – do not
leave running in an enclosedenvironment such as a garage.
l Never use ovens or gas rangesto heat your home.
l Never use oversized pots onyour gas stove or place foilaround the burners.
l Make sure rooms are well-ventilated and do not block airvents. If your home is double-glazed or draught-proofed, makesure there is still enough aircirculating for any heaters thatare in the room.
l Always use a safety mask whenusing chemicals that containmethylene chloride.
l Do not burn charcoal in anenclosed space, such as on anindoor barbecue.
l Do not sleep in a room that hasan unflued gas fire or a paraffinheater.
Carbon monoxide warningalarm l Install a Carbon Monoxide alarm
which can detect a carbonmonoxide leak in your home.They are available from DIY andhardware stores.
Don’t riskcarbonmonoxidepoisoning
Hart has been using a portable CCTV camerato try to reduce the amount of dog fouling inthe district.The camera has been positioned in specific
areas, such as where young children play, withclear signs to warn people that it is in thearea. It was introduced to assist the dog wardens
in cleaning up problem areas of dog fouling asit is impossible for them to be everywhere atonce – so another pair of eyes is an effectiveand important tool.We are very pleased to say that it has
resulted in a 80 per cent clean up rate andthe camera has rarely needed to go in thearea again. However can easily be installed ifrequired.We now have two cameras and are
installing them when we receive complaints ofdog fouling. We also give educational talks andran a campaign which covered dog fouling forour future generation of dog owners . We are also constantly educating and
advising people to collect their biodegradablepoo bags, supplied free by Hart DistrictCouncil.
Good dog: Freddy the labrador is our poster star for the clean-up campaign
13Environmental Healthwww.hart.gov.uk
Hart’s Environmental HealthDepartment operates a dedicatedservice for dealing with emergencynoise nuisance over weekends andBank Holiday periods.
The service is available to protectthose Hart residents who may otherwisefind their weekend peace and tranquillitybeing shattered by a late night party, orfaulty burglar alarm.
Emergency noise events covered by
the service include:l Mis-sounding car alarms, l House alarms – where owners are
absent , l Loud parties and raves l Enforcement of existing Noise
Abatement Notices.Should you find yourself significantly
affected by any of the above, theEmergency Out of Hours Noise Servicecan be contacted on 0845 677 0678
The service is available from 6pmFridays to 8am Mondays and all bankholidays. You can now report issuesonline, using our Environmental Healthreporting form available on our websitewww.hart.gov.uk/environmental-health-reporting-formFor all other noise services andadvice, Environmental Health canbe contacted on 01252 774421 orby email at [email protected]
Who holds thekey for yourintruder alarm? Alarms offer great protection for homes andbusinesses. However, they can pose a risk of seriousdisturbance to neighbours when they develop faultsor are falsely activated.
Hart District Council’s Environmental HealthDepartment frequently receives calls from residentswho are disturbed by a neighbour’s mis-soundingalarm, only to find the alarm owners have gone onholiday without leaving any keyholder details!
Problem alarms can be silenced once a courtwarrant has been obtained and entry into thepremises has been forced. The cost for this isrecharged and can be an unwelcome surprise foranyone returning home from their holidays.
In a bid to avoid these problems, Hart DistrictCouncil is actively encouraging residents tosubscribe to Hampshire Constabulary’s newly re-launched keyholder database scheme.
For a small annual subscription HampshireConstabulary will register up to three keyholderdetails, notify them in the event of a sounding alarmand provide an additional key fob recovery service.To register your keyholder visit theHampshire Police website atwww.hampshire.police.uk, [email protected] or call 023 8042 6046.
Protecting residents from late night noise
14 Waste & Recycling www.hart.gov.uk
Hook Infants School have wonthe recycling competition runby Hart District Council.
The prize of £300 will gotowards their new outdoorweather station and bat boxes,enabling pupils to learn about
weather systems andencourage wildlife to nest inthe school grounds.
All pupils took home arecycling activity booklet,containing games, a tally chartand a ‘design a mascot’
competition. The school whichreturned the highest percent ofcompleted tally charts won.Each school had their owncompetition for a schoolmascot and Oliver Hicks is theproud winner of a book
voucher for his mascot designof ‘Recyclops’.
If your school did not takepart this year but would like totake part next year pleasecontact the recycling team tofind out more 01252 774430.
Our free recyclingbag meets allyour homestorage needsDo you need somewhere to store yourrecycling items in your home? The waste and recycling team have
produced some storage bags so you caneasily store small amounts of recyclingindoors. Simply fill up the re-useable bag,then take it outside and empty the bag intoyour blue recycling bin. The bags can be reused over and over
again and if you keep your recycling itemsclean, dry and loose, this keeps the bag ingreat condition.Recycling bags will be available from the
end of September from the Hart DistrictCouncil Civic Offices and some ParishCouncils, where stocked. For stockists visit www.hart.gov.uk
Check online forChristmas waste andrecycling collections With Christmas only three months away,make a note in your diary to check ourwebsite www.hart.gov.uk/waste-recycling at the beginning of December tosee changes to our waste and recyclingcollection service during the festive seasonbank holidays.
The winning drawing of ‘Recyclops’, therecycling mascot, by Oliver Hicks
Wildlife are winners too as Hook InfantsSchool become our recycling champions
School plans to use £300 prize money to provide bat boxes and an outdoor weather station
Pictured from left to right: Eric (yr1), Jessica (yr2), Oliver (yr1), Izaac (yr1) and Sasha (yr1)
15Community Safety www.hart.gov.uk
A scheme that gives communitysafety advice to young people hasbeen extended to another school inthe District and been given a£20,000-a-year support package overthe next three years from the Policeand Crime Commissioner.
The Safer North Hampshire Team hasalready been running courses in theBasingstoke area. The course advises youngpeople on keeping themselves safe andavoiding anti-social behaviour, with topicsincluding drugs and alcohol awareness,internet safety and dealing with stress.
Now sessions will also be run at TheHurst Community College as part of aprogramme that covers the Hart andRushmoor areas.
And even more young people are set tobenefit after the sessions won the backingof the Police and Crime Commissioner forHampshire and the Isle of Wight, SimonHayes, as one of the successful projectsbidding for £2.3 million of funding for avariety of community schemes aimed atenhancing policing outcomes, reducingcrime and supporting victims in the region.
The funding will allow extra term timeteaching support for Anita Taylor from theSafer North Hampshire Team so that moresessions can be run.For more information about thework of Safer North Hampshire, thecombined community safety teamfor Basingstoke and Deane, Hart andRushmoor councils, seewww.safernh.co.uk
Public asked to lookout for ‘off-roaders’Members of the public are being urgedto be vigilant for off-road motorcyclesand quad bikes on common land in andaround Hartley Wintney.
The warning comes from Hart DistrictCouncil’s Countryside Services, the SaferNorth Hampshire community safetyteam and Hampshire Constabulary.
It follows an increase in reports ofthese vehicles being used on commonland in the village and surrounding areas,with damage to footpaths now totallingtens of thousands of pounds. There havealso been several reports of near misseswith members of the public and dogs.
Hart District Council’s SeniorCountryside Ranger Steve Lyons said:“The irresponsible actions of a fewindividuals riding illegally is dangerous tothe public enjoying open spacesresponsibly, and causes damage to paths,plants and wildlife habitat. ”
David Lipscombe, Community SafetyProjects Team Leader for Safer NorthHampshire, added: “There are a numberof organised off-road motorbike andquad biking clubs in Hampshire and wewould encourage riders to seek theseout rather than damaging common land,as well as endangering the public.”
If repeatedly caught riding on commonland and causing damage, riders run therisk of having their vehicles confiscatedand crushed.
Anyone who sees a motorbike orquad bike being ridden on the commonis asked to call 101 and give adescription of the bike, including thecolour and number plates (if they havethem) as well as a description of theperson riding it. They should not attemptto confront the rider.
New powers toget tough on anti-social behaviourThe police, local authorities and housingassociations are getting tough new powers todeal with anti-social behaviour.
A new Act means agencies will have arange of streamlined and improved powers todeal with nuisance and anti-social behaviourthat affects the wider community.
Community Protection Notices can beused to deal with ongoing problems ornuisance by directly targeting thoseresponsible.
The notice will require the individual,business or organisation to take reasonablesteps to ensure the nuisance does not happenagain. Community Protection Notices can beused for a wide range of problems and cangive more of a broad brush approach toenforcement than was previously possible.
Hart District Council’s EnvironmentalHealth Department will be working closelywith the police, Community Safety Team, andhousing associations to ensure a co-ordinatedand effective use of the new powers. For further information, or to report aconcern, contact the council’sl Environmental Health Departmenton 01252 774421 or [email protected]
Cash boost means community safetysessions set to reach more schools
One in six men willexperience domestic abuseduring their lifetime, butmany men are unaware ofthe support available andworry about asking for help.
The North EastHampshire Domestic Abuseforum is reassuring menthat agencies andorganisations can help ifthey are experiencing orare affected by abuse.
The top ten topics menhave raised, with Mankind,which runs a helpline formale victims, are:l “I don't think I will be
believed” – this oftenrelates to size differencesbetween a male victimand an abuser.
l “It is not manly – realmen are not abused”.
l “I should just shut up andput up with it”.
l Concern that an abuserwill stop them seeingtheir children (theperception that ‘thewoman always gets
custody of the child’).l “I worry if I leave with
the children, I will beaccused of abduction”.
l Concern followingthreats from an abuser tomake false accusations.
l Threats of violence fromthe abuser (and theabuser’s family).
l Worry that they willbring dishonour to thefamily in some culturalbackgrounds.
l Believing that reportingabuse is going to makethings worse.
l “I love the abuser and
want to make thingswork”.Mark Brooks, chair of
Mankind, said: “It isimportant that anyone whois suffering domestic abuserealises he is not sufferingalone – there is help outthere. I can confidently saythat Hampshire police willsupport men when theycome forward and also thatthere are many other localorganisations that do thesame.
“If you are a male victim,you are not alone, you arenot to blame and you arenot weak – please get help.”The Mankind helplinecan be reached on01823 334244, Mon -Friday 10am - 4pm and7pm - 9pm. A list of local supportorganisations is alsoavailable atwww.nehantsdvf.co.ukor www.safernh.co.uk.In an emergency,always call 999.
Help for men experiencing domestic abuse
Residents can bid forSpeedwatch fundingHampshire Police and CrimeCommissioner, Simon Hayes, haspledged £135,000 over two years toencourage the expansion of theCommunity SpeedWatch programme.
Besides being dangerous, speeding canhave a negative impact on the quality oflife in rural areas like Hart.
Community SpeedWatch allows thepublic to become police supportvolunteers to monitor the speed oftraffic passing through their area. Thescheme is confined to approved 20mphand 30mph zones and focuses onprevention and education.
Simon Hayes said: “Speeding is oftenraised as a concern. Because of this Iwant to encourage local residents totake positive action and set up aCommunity SpeedWatch in their area.”
Each scheme is managed by the localSafer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT), butwill be run by local volunteers usingspeed monitoring equipment. All trainingwill be provided and anyone interestedin volunteering should first check thatthere isn’t a scheme already running intheir area. They should either contacttheir local SNT officers by phoning 101or email [email protected] additional information visit theHampshire Police website:www.hampshire.police.uk/internet/advice-and-information/crime-prevention/community-speedwatch
16 Community www.hart.gov.uk
Hart joins in celebrationsfor ‘Older People’s Day’Hart District Council will be supporting a UK-wide campaign, OlderPeople’s Day, on 1 October. Older people make a positive contribution to society and this day is to
celebrate the achievements and contributions that older people make toour society and tackle negative attitudes and outdated stereotypes.People are living longer and 23 per cent of the UK will be aged 65 or over
by 2035. The celebrations and activities planned are to promote healthylifestyles, give opportunities to combat loneliness, encourage volunteeringand sharing skills with different generations. After all, nearly everyone is an‘Older Person’ to someone!If you would like to take part, look for more information, or to check out
what events are on in the local area, visit www.olderpeoplesday.co.uk
A local church-goer embarked on a1,000-mile cycle ride tocommemorate the 800th anniversaryof the signing of the Magna Carta andto raise funds to support All SaintsChurch in Odiham.
Steve Brown (pictured), husband of localvicar Rev Alison Brown, raised money for thechurch’s ‘Project Warm Welcome’. He ishoping sponsorship will help the parish inOdiham adapt the historic church building sothat it can better be used by the community.
The parish is aiming to raise at least£250,000 to replace the heating system andinstall new flooring and seating.
To mark the forthcoming 800thanniversary of the signing of the MagnaCarta, Steve followed the Magna Carta trailto deliver manuscripts of a speciallycommissioned Magna Carta anthem tochurches and cathedrals across England.
Steve’s route took him to the five ‘chartertowns’ where the original copies of theMagna Carta were taken, as well as throughother towns and cities where early copies ofthe document were kept.
Setting off from Odiham on 21 July, hecycled all the way to Durham, passingthrough Salisbury, Oxford, Lincoln andCanterbury along the journey, before hereturned home on 9 August.
Steve said: “I really looked forward totaking on this cycling challenge, travellingacross the UK to celebrate the 800th
anniversary of the signing of the MagnaCarta. As a local resident in Odiham, it wasgood to be part of the celebrations markingour town’s link with the birth of Englishdemocracy.”
Odiham played an important role in thesigning of the original charter and thecreation of English democracy. On 10 June1215 King John left the town for Windsorand agreed the Articles of Barons (the firstdraft) at Runnymede the same day. Hereturned to Odiham on 26 July and atranslation of Magna Carta into French wasattested there the next day.
All Saints parish in Odiham commissioneda local man, Malcolm Archer, Director ofChapel Music at Winchester College, towrite the anthem to mark the 800thanniversary of the signing of the charter.More events celebrating the 800thanniversary of the signing of theMagna Carta will be covered in thenext edition of Hart News.
This autumn,residents ofFleet will becelebratingone millionways to change our world and build a safe,clean future.
This year’s Environment & Faith festivalruns from 21 September to 5 October andincludes a multitude of ideas, actions andinspiration to help us reduce the threat ofclimate change and protect the things welove.
The festival is hosted by churches andlocal organisations in Fleet and ChurchCrookham. The aim is to get peopletogether from across the community toenjoy our beautiful countryside whileconsidering our responsibilities towards it,both locally and globally.
All of us can make small changes in oureveryday lives and in our communities totackle climate change here in Hart. Visit www.eaffestival. moonfruit.co.ukfor more information.
Local artist hostsfirst art exhibitionLocal artist Linda Macdiarmid is hostingher first Country Collection art exhibitionin The Cross Barn, Odiham.
From 11am to 8pm on Sunday 18 and10am to 4.30pm on Sunday 19 OctoberLinda will be exhibiting an extensive rangeof watercolours, oils, pastels, animalportraits, hand-made knits and crochetgifts, Christmas cards and much more.
All are welcome to attend to browseor purchase and refreshments will beprovided.You can find out more about theCountry Collection by contactingLinda via email onrene.macdiarmid@ btinternet.com
Festival will focus ontackling climate change
Odiham resident cycled more than 1,000 miles to mark the 800th anniversaryof the Magna Carta and raise funds for the local church where it all began
Cycling into history
Artist LindaMacdiarmidwith Cllr KenCrookes,Leader ofHart DistrictCouncil
18 Your Council www.hart.gov.uk
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Hart District Council acceptsno responsibility for the claimsmade by advertisers. The viewspresented by the advertisersare not the views of HartDistrict Council.Hart News is printed onpaper from sustainable forests.
Cllr Myra Billings has taken overthe reins from the formerChairman, Cllr Stephen Gorys,and was elected at the AnnualCouncil meeting held on 12 June2014. Following her election Cllr Billings(pictured right) said: “I have lived inYateley for 49 years and am proud toservice the Hart District as the newChairman. “I look forward to working alongsideresidents and businesses, and to heartheir views on how we can work
together to keep Hart as a great placeto live. “This year I have chosen to support afantastic charity that is dear to manyhearts around the district, the Hampshireand Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.”Cllr Billings has been with Hart DistrictCouncil for more than 12 years,representing her home town of Yateley. She has been actively involved in manycommunity groups and serves as a boardmember of Hart Citizens Advice Bureaufor over 20 years, and is a boardmember on the children’s centres
Woodlarks and Water Lilys. In her spare time she enjoys gardeningand walking the dog, which keeps her incontact with the local community. All of her family live in Yateley and shelikes to support her granddaughter’s localschool.If you have any ideas for an eventto raise money for the Chairman'scharity, the Hampshire and Isle ofWight Air Ambulance, pleasecontact the Chairman's Secretaryon 01252 774143.
New chairman forHart District Council
19Your Councilwww.hart.gov.uk
The final part of the successful HartChairman’s Award Scheme took placein May as last year’s Hart DistrictChairman, Cllr Stephen Gorys, cameto the end of his elected term ofoffice.
The initiative, working in partnership withHart Voluntary Action, aimed to recogniseand reward, each month, members of thepublic or voluntary organisations in Hart fortheir help in, or work for, the community.
Speaking about the awards Cllr Gorys said:“I’ve had a fantastic year as Chairman and amdelighted to have met so many worthwhilelocal community groups through my awardsscheme. We have set in place a great methodfor future Chairmen to follow and continueto reward the great volunteers in ourcommunity.”
Januaryl Mike Collen for his work as a Community
Volunteer in Fleetl Angela for her work with the Victim
Support Service
l Hilary Smith for her work as aCommunity Volunteer in Odiham
l Nigel Young and his help as volunteercoach with Aspire Gymnastics
l Delly Howard on behalf of theorganisation InOdiham.
February
lThe Falkners Arms, Fleetl Mary Saunders for her various work
within the Long Sutton communitylThe Twofold Trust, Odihaml 6th Fleet Scouts, Fleet.
March
l Owen Durrett, Community VolunteerlTed Sherwell, Volunteer for Phyllis Tuckwell
Hospice l Susan Way, Guide Leader l Fleet Infants School Association, Team of
dedicated parent volunteers.
The Grand FinaleAs a further thank you for their hard work,
all previous winners of the Hart Chairman’sAward scheme were also invited to attend a
special Annual Civic dinner as the Chairman’sguests, along with a partner. This was a wayof thanking the award winners for all thevoluntary work they have undertaken withinthe district during the Chairman’s Civic Year.
Following the event, Cllr Gorys picked fourof the year’s winners at random andannounced that the following organisationswill all receive £525 extra funding for theircharities:lThe Twofold Trustl Mustardseed Autism Trustl Hart Foodbank l Open Sight Hart branch.
Simon Ambler Crookham West & EwshotCommunity Campaign Hart
Wendy Makepeace-BrowneFleet Central
Community Campaign Hart
Jenny Radley Crookham West & EwshotCommunity Campaign Hart
Tony ClarkeCrookham West & EwshotCommunity Campaign Hart
John Bennison Fleet Central
Community Campaign Hart
Alan Oliver Fleet Central
Community Campaign Hart
Ian LewisFleet East
Conservative
Brian Blewett Blackwater & Hawley
Liberal Democrat
Gill ButlerCrookham East
Community Campaign Hart
Bob HarwardBlackwater & Hawley
Liberal Democrat
Adrian Collett Blackwater & Hawley
Liberal Democrat
Chris AxamCrookham East
Community Campaign Hart
James RadleyCrookham East
Community Campaign Hart
Stephen ParkerFleet East
Conservative
Sharyn WhealeFleet East
Conservative
Perdi ForsterFleet WestConservative
Sara KinnellHartley WintneyConservative
Richard WoodsFleet WestConservative
Steve ForsterFleet WestConservative
Anne CramptonHartley WintneyConservative
Tim SouthernHartley WintneyConservative
Brian BurchfieldHook
Conservative
Rob LeesonHook
Independent
Mike MorrisHook
Conservative
John Kennett Long SuttonConservative
Graham CockarillYateley East
Liberal Democrat
Stephen GorysOdiham
Conservative
Ken CrookesOdiham
Conservative
Stuart BaileyYateley East
Liberal Democrat
David NeighbourYateley East
Liberal Democrat
Myra BillingsYateley West
Liberal Democrat
Gerry CrispYateley West
Liberal Democrat
Colin IveYateley West
Liberal Democrat
Chairman’s Award scheme draws to asuccessful close with boost for charities
