CONSERVATIVES – Over two decades of outstanding civic service PORTCHESTERInT – Winterouch 2020 Saved by the wild geese BRENT geese helped to save an support area for Brent geese and important habitat from destruc- wading birds – one of only 4 ar- tion by development. eas in the Borough. Land south of Romsey Avenue, Portches- It resulted in 12 grounds for re- ter was recognised as an important wildlife fusal, with councillors adding the area. important highways reason that It led to residents celebrating victory after it would lead to extra parking re- REJECTED a tenacious two-year battle to get plans for strictions in Beaulieu Avenue and 225 homes thrown out by Fareham plan- Romsey Avenue, posing a threat ning committee. to users and road safety. There was more good news a week later However, the equally contro- when it was announced Romsey Avenue versial proposal for 350 homes was excluded from the new Fareham Draft on 20.4 hectares (50.4 acres) Local Plan and so was land earmarked for at Winnham Farm, Downend, 600 homes west of Downend Road. remains in the Draft Local Plan, Portchester Councillor Nick Walker said: despite Miller Home’ latest application be- a total of 8,389 houses and about 153,000 “I am sure residents, like me and my fel- ing rejected by the planning committee in sq.m of employment space, and includes low ward Councillor November on high- 4,858 houses at Welborne. Sue Bell, are relieved way grounds. The plan and consultation comments will that their efforts to The proposed new be submitted to the independent Planning prevent the loss of Borough Plan for Inspectorate, which will carry out a thor- this site will be very Fareham received full ough review. welcome.” Council agreement If it is found to be sound, it will be formally The committee had and was published for adopted by the Council; if not, the planners received 494 objec- public consultation. will have to take on board what should be tions from 308 resi- It covers from 2021 done to make it pass muster. dents and accepted to 2037 and identifies PHOTO: Councillor Nick Walker (cen- that the open space is development loca- tre) with campaigners Mike Townson and an important primary tions that will deliver Paul Farrell. Pandemic emergency budget rules out council tax rise AN EMERGENCY mid-year budget collection. Plans were in place to overcome the to manage a predicted £1.1m shortfall Council Leader Seán Woodward said: shortfall, but indications are that the caused by the Covid-19 pandemic was “We have been prudent with our re- pandemic will widen the gap considerably, agreed by the Borough Council serves for a number of years, so have a putting Council services at significant risk. Fortunately, years of careful attention to strong financial standing, but this will still A 16% council tax rise of £23 would finances by theConservative -run Coun- have a very significant impact on what we cover the £1.1m funding gap, but has cil means the shortfall can be met from can and cannot do for the rest of the year been dismissed as an option. reserves without hiking up council tax. and for many years to come.” “Most residents are surprised the But the hole in the budget will have to Before the pandemic, the Council’s Council delivers all services for just £3 be plugged by charges for services such medium-term financial strategy predicted per week for the average home, almost as coastal car parks and green waste a funding gap of £1.5m over four years. the lowest in the country,” he added. Stay safe and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2 InTouch CONSERVATIVES renew promise – NO parking charges for Portchester shopping centre I nT ouch 3 Suella sees pub safety Play area upgrades delayed Get your clubcards ready measures for herself NEWS ROUND IMPROVEMENTS to four Fareham play a contract for TESCO EXPRESS is due to open shortly areas have been disrupted by the Covid both years 3 in Portchester Precinct pandemic. and 4 play area Work has started to convert the former They include Dore Avenue, Portchester, improvement Co-op premises. where tendering should have taken place in works.” It will include a cash machine and will be the spring with completion by last month. This will save particularly welcomed by other traders and Councillor Nick Walker (pictured) said: on costs and could provide an opportunity the elderly. “Officers were unable to go out to tender to negotiate an improved discount with con- A Dominos Pizza is also expected to open Connect Youth Group as planned to appoint a play installation com- tractors. in one of the units. It was good to see Connect back at the pany to carry out the works. As part of the The tendering process will begin in January Councillor Nick Walker, pictured with Melojane Herbert, Portchester East Parish Hall in October. Council’s recovery plan, officers have revised with works being completed by the end of Conserative candidate for next May’s Borough elections, said: “This is positive Connect is a community youth group the procurement time, and will now procure 2021. news for our precinct and will bring a much needed offering for residents.” geared towards 9 to 13-year-olds. The Group meets at the Parish Hall on Fridays between 6 pm and 9 pm. For further details please call Emma in FAREHAM MP Suella Braverman met Steve the church office on 02392 321380. ‘Perfumeless’ propagations presented in pixels McInerney from Star Pubs and landlords Scott and Chloe Armstrong to learn about Green fingers became keyboard nimble it has won gold for 16 successive the Covid-19 measures they are taking at Christmas in the precinct fingers as they desk-topped their entries years in the small city category. Thank you to Portchester traders and the Wicor Mill on White Hart Lane. in the prestigious South & South East For the first time since it began everyone involved as a tree and Christ- She said it was great that they had benefitted England in Bloom competition. 25 years ago, Fareham in Bloom mas lights will be organised this year for from Government support and were clearly Then they followed up with more digital had to be judged on-line with the precinct to bring festive cheer to working hard to ensure a safe environment for displays in the Fareham in Bloom contest. judges’ and public votes. Portchester. customers. Judges never got a whiff of perfumes There were 100 entries in six There has been good news for our “It was a lovely family atmosphere and thanks from the blossoms, but they marvelled at categories ranging from gardens precinct recently so please remember for the welcome,” she said. the megabytes of exhibits submitted in a to window boxes, so there was to shop local, eat local and support our virtual gardeners’ world. some tough competition, with local businesses. Two of the 4 independent entries in winners receiving prizes donat- In with a share of multi-million the South and South East competition – ed by St Margaret’s Nurseries major transport shake-up Join us for tea Portchester Crematorium and Portches- and Fareham Shopping Centre. You can support your parish church by ter Memorial Garden – won gold awards Congratulations to the best PORTCHESTER will benefit from a share of taking tea there. and allotments at Wynton Way and Red garden winners, Dave and Pauline PHOTOS: The Mayor, Pamela Bryant, £19m allocated to improve local transport St Mary’s, Portchester invites people Barn were rated ‘oustanding’. Coates from Portchester, and residents presents the award to Burnham Wood links. to sample their new winter menu in the Ten new schemes to improve walking, cycling AVID Fareham gardeners didn’t wilt Due to the pandemic, the Borough of Burnham Wood for the best commu- residents; Dave and Pauline Coates’ win- tea room or sitting outside. Takeaways and bus travel in Fareham, Gosport and Havant under the Covid-19 pestilence. could not enter this competition in which nity floral display. ning garden. are also available. will be delivered by Hampshire County Council ‘Trip Advisor’ gives it a 5-star rating after a successful bid for national funding. and recommends it as a friendly venue Longer interval until new venue goes Live Cash help for voluntary groups It will complement the £56m awarded to offering excellent value. FAREWELL Ferneham Hall The Council decided to A SPECIAL GRANTS programme has been lauched to ease the finan- Hampshire Portsmouth and Isle of Wight Covid-19 restrictions are in place. ... HELLO Fareham Live. delay opening to review the cial strain on smaller organisations in Fareham hit by the pandemic. Councils from the Government’s Transforming Councillor Sue Bell said: “Support your But the curtain won’t go up financial implications. Charitable and voluntary organisations can apply online for a quick one-off Cities Fund. parish church to make sure it’s still at the new £12m entertain- Executive member for payment of £250 to help address some of the financial pressures. The local transport projects to be delivered by there for you and your children in the ments venue until 2023. leisure and community Applications from charitable, voluntary and community groups must show HCC by the end of 2023 include: future.” Its new name was selected Councillor Sue Bell said the they meet all the following criteria to qualify: •Pedestrian and bus enhancements on the A27 by popular vote in which 49% decision had to be made due •Provide a community service to residents in the Borough of Fareham.