CONSERVATIVES – Over two decades of outstanding civic service

LOCKSIn HEATHT – Winterouch 2020 All-change at Station with plans to double rail services PLATFORMS at Fareham rail ampton, London Waterloo and Cardiff; station could be adapted to take Platform 3 is the down-platform for ser- longer trains. vices to , Brighton and Lon- It is suggested in a 114-page document don Victoria. produced by Network Rail and Solent Platform 2, which ends with a set of buf- Transport as part of a plan to double the fers (pictured), is rarely used unless late- number of train journeys in the area. running services are terminated there, Network Rail aims to boost passenger but it was formerly the main up-platform numbers by running 4 trains an hour and Network Rail’s plans would re-open between Portsmouth and it as a through line. and 2 an hour between Portsmouth and Photo: Tim King Network Rail’s document states: “The . wider Solent corridor beyond the cities It would involve making changes to is a key growth area for employment, and Fareham Station by restoring what is known in railway language as housing and development in these out-of-city areas will be key to a bi-directional through platform for the current bay Platform 2. influencing future demand and journey patterns.” This would enable fast trains to overtake stopping trains, making Welborne has land reserved for a rail station to ensure no plan- timetables more flexible. ning decisions could prevent it. A 2017 Network Rail report con- Currently, Platform 1 is the up-platform for services to South- firmed a station was feasible when funding became available. 215 more homes to be fitted into Locks Heath in new Borough Plan SEVEN sites have been identified in Locks Heath Ward •Off Hunts Pond Road – 16 houses for development in the new Borough Draft Plan. •Off Hunts Pond Road – 38 houses It will mean another 215 homes being built, says Councillor •East of Church Road – 20 houses Keith Evans. •Lodge Road – 9 houses The proposed plan received full Council agreement and was •Locks Heath District Centre – 35 houses published for public consultation. •Locks Heath Filling Station – 30 houses. It covers from 2021 to 2037 and identifies development lo- The plan and consultation comments will be submitted to cations that will deliver a total of 8,389 houses and about the independent Planning Inspectorate, which will carry out 153,000 sq.m of employment space, and includes 4,858 hous- a thorough review. es at Welborne. If it is found to be sound, it will be formally adopted by the Locks Heath sites included are: Council; if not, the planners will have to take on board what •Off Heath Road – 70 houses should be done to make it pass muster. 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 Half a million people use Holly Hill Leisure Centre every year. CONSERVATIVES promised it. We delivered. I nT ouch 3 NEWS It’s a ‘bushover’ thanks Blocking off the travellers A shameful disgrace to Susan’s rapid action ROUND CONCRETE blocks have said they had camped at least LITTER louts cost council taxpayers millions been erected in a bid to three times recently. to clear up disgraceful scenes like this. stop travellers invading “Council officers assessed Locks Heath Councillor Susan Bayford and hus- WARD Councillor Susan Bayford didn’t beat areas in Locks Heath. several potential traveller band Brian – a former councillor – discovered the about the bush Residents raised concerns sites in Locks Heath, includ- filthy corner in St John’s Park and cleaned it up. when a wheel- when groups arrived in the ing at the centre, where they Susan blamed groups of thoughtless youngsters chair user asked autumn, looking for green decided to install temporary who congregate there. for help. spaces to set up camp around concrete blocks to act as a She said the Council had tried CCTV cameras Gary Wilmore Lockswood Centre. deterrent.,” she said. to catch culprits, but they were either stolen or complained his vi- Overgrown path cleared Councillor Susan Bayford, Go to www.fareham.gov.uk/ vandalised. sion was blocked Crescent Road resident Eileen Street- by a large shrub ley was delighted when a badly over- pictured with resident Sue clean_and_tidy/enforcement/ “I can’t understand why a few youngsters are Wilson by one of the blocks, travellers.aspx for information. not more environmentally aware,” she said. when exiting grown path the Lockswood was cleared Centre. after she com- He showed plained. Susan his problem Councillor Leisure centre upgrade despite second lockdown when they met at Susan Bayford, HOLLY HILL will get a slice of a year contract to run both venues. and dog walkers. the car park behind the car wash. pictured with multi-million pound revamp for Fare- Executive members were impressed Various methods of booking sessions She contacted centre manager Sarah Cot- Eileen, re- ham’s two leisure centres. by the company’s plans to invest in new at Holly Hill will have to wait until after ton who arranged for the bush to be cut back sponded and That’s the good news...The bad news facilities to help deliver more revenue. the centre re-opens. (pictured). Council work- is that both had to close for a month Councillor Susan Bayford said: “The Everyone Active has been working She said: “I’d like to thank Sarah for her as- ers did the job. during the second lockdown. second closure led to much frustration hard to ensure the centre is operating sistance and for the many improvements that She said: “At Most of the spend will go to the Fare- by users citing the benefits of the local safely and effectively during the Covid have taken place since she arrived at the centre this time of year, falling leaves can be ham centre for a major extension, but facility with mental health and wellbeing pandemic. nearly two years ago.” problematic and the Council follows Holly Hill will get the large pool store being a major factor. Susan Bayford added: “However, we a regular schedule to clear them but converted into a sauna and steam room “Charles Chipperfield, who provides believe that sport and health should be Still soldiering on will, if an area becomes unsafe due to and the foyer will be improved. coffee services in the car park (pic- available to everyone, even in a pandem- an accumulation of leaves, respond on Work was due to begin at Fareham tured), was concerned about the knock- ic, so please let your councillors know request. centre this month and will take 12-14 on effect of the closure on his business.” how you are feeling with your leisure Go to www.fareham.gov.uk for infor- months, with the Holly Hill improve- The first lockdown forced him to experience. mation about Council services. ments being done towards the end of close, so he was hoping that this time “As for Charles’s coffee business, if you that period. round he would be permitted to con- are out walking in the area please go and Farewell to Mandy It comes after Everyone Active pre- tinue to operate his takeaway service support him, his lattés are delicious and After many years working for Age Con- sented a winning submission for a 10- and at least serve people using the park you can be assured of a nice welcome.” cern , Mandy Rowlands retired to move closer to her family. Councillor Susan Bay- Crossing petition suspended Flashing speed limit sign is installed ford said: “Mandy will be A PETITION calling for an official “It is hoped to resume once cur- Church Road, Locks Heath have been suc- POPULAR Communicare café at Lockswood much missed at the Lock- crossing in Centre Way at Locks rent regulations are relaxed.” cessful – to the delight of residents. Community & Sports Association has re- swood Care & Wellbeing Heath Centre has been suspend- Susan said: “Many people raised Installation of the Speed Limit Reminder (SLR) mained closed since the spring lockdown. Centre in Locks Heath.” ed due to Covid-19. concerns about the difficulties they was completed on November 6. It provides funding for the activities carried Ward Councillors Susan Bayford experience when trying to cross Residents Gemma and Sam Hillman complained out by Communicare and we look forward to it Call for ‘silent’ fireworks and Keith Evans started collecting Centre Way near the bus stop area. that more drivers were speeding dangerously and reopening. Sales of bangers and exploding fireworks signatures to send to the County “Those who cross this busy road Gemma’s cat had been hit by a car. Lunch clubs and other activities cannot take to the public should be banned, say Fare- Council before lockdown. are going to or coming from the Susan, pictured watching with Gemma outside place because of social distancing and current ham councilllors in a signed letter to the Keith said: “Unfortunately, it is im- bus stop, Genesis Centre, surgery her home, said: “The speeds of some vehicles as restrictions. Government. possible to continue while the two- and Lockswood Care & Wellbeing they sweep up and down the dip in the road are However, volunteers continue to take patients They want ‘silent pyrotechnics’ to be metre distancing rule is in force. Centre.” PLEAS for a flashing speed warning sign for frightening.” to medical appointments, hugely appreciated by promoted to protect domestic and wild the many people who benefit from this wonder- animals and people with sound sensitivity. ful service. Councillor Susan Bayford said: “We may BOROUGH COUNCILLOR BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLOR COME AND JOIN US The Association has adapted over the past be over bonfire night as we go to press, Locks Heath Locks Heath If you support Conservative principles and months and continues to provide a range of ac- but increasingly people have fireworks for would like to vote to select your Council and tivities, all of which are carefully risk assessed. Susan Bayford Keith Evans all sorts of celebrations. Parliamentary candidates, to attend social and The library service has also adapted and is as “Consideration of the consequences, 6 Abshot Manor 94 Abshot Road political events or help by delivering InTouch in well used as ever. and maybe some alternatives, could be Little Abshot Road Fareham PO14 4NH your street, why not join Locks Heath Branch Ward Councillors Susan Bayford and Keith sought as we approach Christmas and Common PO14 4LN Tel: 01489 582450 of Fareham Conservative Association? Please Evans thank Chairman of Trustees Ray Randall, particularly the New Year. Tel: 01489 577772 email: [email protected] phone Susan Bayford on 01489 577772. fellow trustees and the excellent staff members “We are grateful to see Sainsbury’s email: [email protected] email: [email protected] for their dedication over the past months. become the first major British retailer to PHOTO: Communicare Chairman Ian Roberts, ban the products from all their stores this Whether you voted for us or not, your Conservative councillors promise the highest standards of service to every Susan and Katrina West, assistant office manager. year.” WE SERVE YOU ALL one in the community. Contact us any time and we’ll respond personally within 48 hours. 4 InTouch with Westminster Billions more promised for ‘second wave’ support Recent weeks have been challenging Suella for all of us here in Fareham. At the beginning of November the Prime Minister took the difficult decision to im- BRAVERMAN MP for Fareham pose tougher restrictions throughout to I WAS honoured to support T-Level courses. protect NHS capacity this winter and save lives. welcome the Education It includes a simulated As a member of his Cabinet, I know that this Secretary to Fareham nursery environment decision was not an easy one and very much a last College to officially for the Education and resort given the scientific data and predictions of unveil both the new T- Childcare T-Level, and a a ‘second wave’ possibly proving worse than the Level teaching facilities state-of-the-art IT suite first one. at the Bishopsfield Road fitted with high-end The Government has been clear that we will do campus and the Col- gaming computers and whatever it takes to support you as the situation lege’s new Civil Engi- a 9-screen video wall evolves. neering Training Centre Suella is pictured with College to support the Digital That is why we extended the furlough scheme in Lee-on-the-Solent. Principal and CEO Andrew Production, Design and throughout November so that employees will T-Levels are a new Kaye and Education Secre- Development course. receive 80% of their current salary for hours not two-year qualification tary Gavin Williamson visiting The newly revamped worked. for 16 to 19-year-olds, Fareham College. Civil Engineering Train- Business premises in Fareham forced to close designed in collabora- ing Centre will also sup- have been able to receive grants worth up to tion with employers and businesses port the careers of the world’s future £3000 per month and £1.1bn has been provided to prepare students for work, further construction and engineering experts. to local councils to enable them to support busi- training or study. While bolstered by national funding, nesses locally. A 45-day industry placement is at the the project reflects the accumulative ef- heart of each course to help young forts of a pioneering collaboration be- CONTACT SUELLA people develop relevant experience in tween employers – such as Blanchard 14 East Street, Fareham PO16 0BN pursuit of their desired careers. Wells – and Fareham College, and will Tel: 01329 233573 Matched by funding from the Depart- equip civil engineers with the skills nec- Email: [email protected] ment for Education, Fareham College essary to fulfil an increasing demand for Facebook: fb.com/SuellaBraverman invested £1m into the new facilities to regional infrastructure and housing. Longer interval before curtain rises at £12m arts venue FAREWELL Ferneham Hall ... tain impact of the pandemic. HELLO Fareham Live. The Council decided to delay But the curtain won’t go up at opening to review the financial the new £12m entertainments implications. venue until 2023. Executive member for leisure Its new name was selected by and community Councillor Sue popular vote in which 49% of the Bell said the decision had to be 1,060 responses opted for the made due to uncertainty in the change. arts and entertainments industry. It was scheduled to open in “It would be reckless for us to 2022, but opening had to be put plough on without considering back 6 months due to the uncer- the impact of Covid-19,” she said. Green waste, coastal car parks charges to help plug hole in finances YOU WILL have to pay for garden 1 Enormous pressures on our finances On top of that, you’ll have to pay an an- waste to be collected from 2022. with loss of Government grants and loss nual subscription charge of £50 or £60 for And if you do like to be beside the of income from coronavirus changes. the Council to empty them. seaside you’ll have to feed parking meters 2 A recent Hampshire County Coun- It’s proposed that from next year, coastal to do so. cil decision to cease sharing material car parks at Hill Head, Castle The Council will impose charges to try recycling income with borough councils Passage Lane and Shore Road, and to plug the hole in its finances caused by from 2021, which could result in a loss of Swanwick Shore will charge you to park. Covid-19 and loss of Government grants. £400,000 income for Fareham. Drivers may have to pay £1 per hour up Until now, the Council has included green The changes will be introduced in Febru- to a maximum of 6 hours between 10am waste as part of its fortnightly bin empty- ary 2022. and 6pm. An annual season ticket for £80 is ing service. Then, if you want your grass and hedge proposed for regular users. It’s used by 40% of households at an an- clippings collected, you will have to buy ei- Interested parties have been notified and nual cost of £336,000, but two significant ther a 140 or 240 litre wheelie bin, costing there will be a 6-week public consultation impacts have forced a rethink: £16 or £17 in the first year. starting in January. Website: www.farehamconservatives.org.uk Email: [email protected] Published by Locks Heath Conservatives,14 East Street, Fareham PO16 0BN. Printed by Cedar Group, Unit 3 Triton Centre, Premier Way, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, SO51 9DJ