ABOUT winchester.gov.uk SPRING 2020

DIGGING DEEP FOR THE CLIMATE NEWS IN BRIEF MEDIEVAL TOILET FLUSHED OUT Archaeologists unearthed a 13th Paul Waddon and daughter Siobhan planting trees century medieval cesspit and what at Newlands Walk, Waterlooville. could be the remains of early toilet wipes recycled from textile fragments when they excavated the In June 2019, Winchester City Meanwhile – we said we’d be Chesil Lodge site. Council declared a climate working with partners and residents emergency and committed to set to make this work and volunteers, LOCAL ELECTIONS - 7 MAY out within six months our action residents, businesses and local To make sure you're registered plan to make our organisation organisations all came together to to vote go to: carbon neutral by 2024, and the plant 334 new trees over two days www.gov.uk/register-to-vote wider district carbon neutral by at Newlands Walk Open Space, 2030. Waterlooville. DOG BREEDERS BANNED Unlicensed dog breeders who reared Well, we agreed the action plan just Thanks to all the volunteers, 193 litters have been fined more than before Christmas, and we’re all set Winchester Action on Climate £600,000 due to action by to go. From this point forward, every Change (WinACC), the University Winchester City Council. Turn to thing we do will be planned looking of Winchester, IBM, HSBC and the page 14 for more. through the lens of the climate teams from other local businesses emergency. Inside you’ll find out who couldn’t wait to roll up their DID YOU KNOW? more about what’s already started to sleeves to get started! Turn to pages In 1944 Southwick House was the happen and your own place in the 4 & 5 if you’d like to see what else nerve centre for the final planning of picture. We can’t do this without you. we’ve been up to... D-Day - see back page to get involved in VE Day 75th anniversary celebrations. IN THIS EDITION... CLIMATE CHANGE WINCHESTER SPORT & WIN A DAY OUT ON UPDATE LEISURE PARK: LATEST THE ! Pages 4 & 5 Page 7 Page 19

1 LAURA year. received 3,393applications last The council'splanningteam answers 2,800callseveryweek. Our customerservicecentre we provide everyday,forexample: but there are ahostofservicesthat the workthatyourcouncildoes In thiseditionweshare someof newsletter. that wewillbetakinginthis more abouttheseandmore actions a renewable source. You canread our councilbuildingscomesfrom to ensure thattheenergyusedin programme andare takingsteps already startedonourtree planting energy andhousing.We have on three keythemes–transport, our actionplanwhichconcentrates Just before Christmaswepublished last June. declaration ofaclimateemergency carbon emissionsinlinewithour put togetherourplantoreduce our Since ourlastnewsletterwehave About Winchester! Welcome tothespringeditionof LUCILLE CHIEF EXECUTIVE LEADER HIGHLIGHTS A WORDFROM... 4 5 6 7 elements Holding backthe beginning was justthe emergency a climate Declaring to do - butthere's stillmore Air qualityisimproving Sport &Leisure Park A greener Winchester TAYLOR THOMPSON encouraged bytheattendanceof on ourwebsite.We have been very meetings whichare alsoavailable now audiolivestreaming ourmajor at meetingsofFullCouncilandare have introduced publicquestions meetings more accessible.We engage withyouandmakingour have beenchangingthewaywe Over thelastsixmonthswe do justthat. blueprint thatgivesustheabilityto lives ofallourresidents andthisisa real difference tothequalityof agenda too.We wanttomakea we offer toresidents ishighonour do, butimproving theservicesthat at theforefront ofeverythingwe Action ontheenvironment willbe priorities forthenextfiveyears. Council Plansettingoutour We havealsoadoptedanew 14 11 10 from ussoif youwouldliketo help shapetheservicesyoureceive We wanttomakesure youcan online 24/7. you toaccesstheserviceswant months wewillmakeiteasierfor all wedoandoverthenextfew climate changeattheheartof Our newCouncilPlanputstackling We lookafternearly30,000 trees. deals with1,300foodbusinesses. Our environmental healthteam 9 celebrated instyle Sporting success Team Leader our HousingIncome A dayinthelife... of carbon less ofthe the homes, More of greener just got collection Your bin 16 19 15 18 17 collaboration andpartnership. to moveforward inthespiritof your help,wewillworktogether we wanttoimprove and,with financial year. Butweknowwhere have setthebudgetfornext by thetimeyouread thiswewill We stillfacemanychallengesand are certainlywillingtolisten. a willingnesstotalkusandwe meetings whichshowsthatthere is individuals andlocalgroups atour forward. reduce ourcarbonfootprint going this newsletterviaemailtohelpus consultations –youcanalsoget we’ll signyouupfornewsand [email protected] and forward, thenemail: be partoftheconversationgoing 2020/21 Council Budget Alresford Spend aday in Winchester Mayor of the district What's onaround than ever say iseasier Having your COUNCIL PLAN 2020-2025 The new Council Plan was adopted in January 2020 and sets out the key ways we’ll be improving our district’s environment, well- being, housing and economy while putting climate change at the heart of all we do.

LIVING WELL HOMES FOR ALL We want all our residents to live Our district needs homes that are healthy and fulfilled lives and affordable and built in the right ensure the district offers the right areas for changing communities. mix of facilities for all ages and abilities. Page 8-9 for more Page 10-11 for more

VIBRANT LOCAL ECONOMY YOUR SERVICES. YOUR VOICE Our district is home to a host of High quality, accessible, good value successful businesses with high services are needed to address the levels of employment in both urban changing needs of our customers. and rural areas. Our high streets, And we want you to have the towns and business centres also opportunity to make your voice need to attract new investment heard and are able to see and providing low carbon offices, understand how the council makes workspace and transport links. its decisions – and feed into them. Page 12-13 for more Page 16-17 for more

Our Council Plan is on the homepage of our website: winchester.gov.uk DECLARING A CLIMATE EMERGENCY WAS JUST THE BEGINNING

Over the coming months you’ll year – that's the equivalent someone else on our behalf – a see more and more from your of charging 630,000 mobile good example is the improved council to promote action on phones! Biffa bin lorries. climate change - we're focussing • Ecologically considerate • Changes to how we manage on reducing our carbon naturalised planting – tree parking will see further emissions and encouraging planting across the district, improvements to air quality. others to reduce theirs, and are and we have plans to both • Plans to increase the number taking action to promote climate safeguard the Garrison Ground of electric vehicle charging resilience. as playing fields and create points across the district to fuel In March, we are bringing together wildlife habitats too. the (commendable!) growing children from schools across our • Increased recycling – we’ve appetite for low carbon district for the first ever Climate introduced glass recycling vehicles. Emergency Parliament, providing collections to 50,000 a platform for the voices of young households across the district people to be heard. In June we will and are looking at improving hold a conference to set out how garden waste collections too. we can work together across the • Changes to the way our district to deliver this vital agenda. developments are shaped – turn We will measure and report all we to page 7 to find out what do so you can hold us to account measures have been taken to for our promises. lessen the environmental impact of Winchester Sport and Leisure Here’s what we've been Park. working on in the last six Interested? • Steps to see the council change months: Have a look at the plan - it’s on its contracting policies so low the homepage of our website so • In December 2019, we installed carbon is at the heart of all you can see what we’re planning 22 solar panels on the council’s services, whether we carry them to do and how you can get depot in Winnall, which will out or they are delivered by involved in future proofing the generate up to 7,000 kilowatt of eco-friendly energy each planet for future generations. 4 CLIMATE EMERGENCY

HELP US MEET THE “Our Carbon Neutrality Action Plan is live. We are going to reduce, DISTRICT CHALLENGE eliminate or offset our own carbon Help us get the whole district to become carbon emissions and support you and neutral by 2030 by ticking off some of these handy others to do the same – and the ways to lower your personal carbon footprint… work has already begun.” Buy local and seasonal – our district is known as 1 ‘’s larder” so we’re spoilt for choice! CLLR LUCILLE THOMPSON LEADER Defrost your freezer regularly – dealing with all that frost 2 build up means your freezer expends more energy...

Wash your lightly soiled clothes in cold water – you won’t be able to 3 tell the difference! Or use the economy wash cycle . 4 Take showers instead of baths and install water-efficient shower heads. 5 Replace your old boiler with an energy efficient alternative. Re-sell your old clothes or donate them to charity shops and buy second hand too – our city and 6 market towns have some fabulous outlets…

Let the take the strain and enjoy ‘no-fly’ holidays. 7

Cycle or walk for short journeys and leave your car at home – your fitness watch report will 8 reward you!

Turn off the lights and unplug devices when you leave a room – you’ll be surprised the 9 difference it makes over a year. 10 Turn the heating down to save energy and trim money off your energy bills.

HOLDING BACK THE ELEMENTS

Remember the floods of Work will take about six months 2013/14? So do we… and is being done in partnership with Efforts to stop the city flooding and the Environment Agency. continue with clearance work to enable construction of the final In the meantime, across section of a major scheme at Winchester district we continue Durngate. From Easter we’ll be to pay particular attention to July installing three new sluice gates 15 – when folklore says our local on the River Itchen, completing Bishop, St Swithun may react to our network of defences across a downpour with a further 40 the north of the city to help to days of rain! control flooding, especially by City Mill and The Broadway.

5 32 NEW ELECTRIC CAR CHARGE POINTS FOR THE DISTRICT

We’re looking to make life easier • Winchester – Chesil Multi- for the increased number of electric Storey car park vehicle owners, by installing 32 new • Winchester – Colebrook Street charge points in car parks across car park our district. • Winchester – Tower Street car park Most of the points are ‘fast’ 22kWh • Winchester – Middle Brook chargers which means they take Street car park between three to six hours to fully • Winchester – The Brooks charge an electric car, depending shopping centre car park on the vehicle’s battery size and • Winchester – Worthy Lane car charge state. There will be two park rapid 50kWh chargers in the city to • Bishop’s Waltham – Basingwell enable a move to electric taxis. • Bishop’s Waltham – Lower Lane And this is where you will be • Wickham – Wickham Square able to charge up: • Wickham – Wickham Station • Alresford – Alresford Station • Winchester Coach Park • Alresford – Perins School • Winchester – Guildhall area • Harestock – Priors Dean Road • Winchester – St Peter’s car park • – Kidmore Lane

RINGING CLEANER AIR IN IN THE CHANGES WINCHESTER A new strategy for parking, designed to cut congestion and pollution, and Part of our commitment for nitrogen dioxide (NO2), an to encourage low carbon ways to to local people is that we environmental pollutant. Some access our town centres, has been will measure and report on locations in our ‘Air Quality developed following consultation performance when we’ve Management Area’ - Andover with local people. set out to do something. You Road, Chesil Street, St Cross In Winchester, the strategy adopts may be aware that we’re Road and Alresford Road, are a ‘three-ring’ approach that is determined to deliver air now within legal limits for NO2 . intended to encourage people to quality improvements – with And our squad of NOx tubes park outside our central Air Quality some hotspots across the city’s will shortly be joined by a Management Area. The central, Air Quality Management Area new recruit on St George’s inner, and outer rings will be subject being targets for change. Street. From the spring a clever to different levels of parking charges Our measuring kits include new monitoring device will – with the outer rings, including some 37 air sampling devices be measuring levels of PM10 Park & Ride, being the cheapest. - known as ‘NOx tubes’ which and PM2.5 – fine particulate Income from parking charges will measure levels of nitrogen matter that can be present in be reinvested into improved parking dioxide. And the results are the atmosphere, supporting our and public transport options. encouraging - more areas of work to further clean up the Special plans are being developed central Winchester are now city’s air. tailored to the needs of Wickham, meeting national standards Denmead, Alresford, and Bishop's Waltham. 6 TRANSPORTTRANSPORT && DEVELOPMENTDEVELOPMENT ININ THETHE CLIMATECLIMATE EMERGENCYEMERGENCY

A GREENER WINCHESTER NEWS IN BRIEF SPORT & LEISURE PARK BIKES ARE BACK! Winchester Criterium is coming Down at Bar End, Winchester’s new working hard to develop a mix of to the city centre on 14 June. See state-of-the-art sport and leisure activities that will engage all age back page to get involved. facility is really starting to take groups and abilities. shape. The leisure centre, set to The aim is for the building to be GETTING TO YOUR NEW open in early 2021, now has floors one of the greenest of its kind in LEISURE CENTRE and a complete steel frame. the UK – and we are pleased that The new facility will be linked Leading sports facility operator it is on track to achieve a BREEAM to the city by cycle and walking Everyone Active will be running rating of excellent. routes offering safe and it when it opens and the team is eco-friendly ways to travel.

WHAT WILL THE NEW SUSTAINABILITY PARK & RIDE EXPANSION We’re looking to expand Park & CENTRE INCLUDE? FEATURES: Ride options in east Winchester with 130 new spaces at Bar End • A 50m pool • PV panels that will generate later this year. • Separate training pool with 156,350 kilowatts a year movable floor • Heat recovery units • Eight court sports hall • Energy efficient heating system • Four squash courts • Improved walking and • 200 gym stations cycling access • Two large studios and one • FSC certified timber “This ambitious community spin studio • Water efficiency facility is taking shape and I’m • A hydrotherapy suite measures confident it will herald a new era for • Eight treatment rooms • 200 trees the well-being of our communities. • Clip and climb facility. planted on I’m particularly proud of the changes site we’ve made to ensure we minimise the environmental impact of the building, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing DID YOU KNOW? the place in use – and using it myself!” 100,000 electric cars are expected to be on UK roads by 2021 with all petrol and CLLR MALCOLM PRINCE diesel cars phased out by CABINET MEMBER FOR 2035. SPORT, LEISURE & COMMUNITIES

7 LIVING WELL IN WINCHESTER DISTRICT We’ve made it our priority to make Whiteley alongside investment to sure people in our district can live improve the facility’s upper floor well. which will enable more fitness activities. Your new leisure centre at Bar End is being created with crèche It’s part of our day-to-day work to facilities, accessible changing rooms maintain the many open spaces and a hydrotherapy pool so it’s and parks across the district, and somewhere all can enjoy. we’re also looking to create more GARRISON GROUND safe cycle ways and pathways so In the south of the district, we’ve PLAY SET TO STAY it’s easier to hop on a bike or opt to confirmed a new 10 year contract get from A to B by foot. The Garrison Ground at Bar End for Meadowside Leisure Centre in has been used by generations as playing fields. And in a time when development is very much the order DIALLING UP THE FUN - SAFELY of the day, we’ve made a move to Winchester City Council looks after WHAT’S NEW? make sure this is how things remain. 25 play areas across the district Gordon Avenue play area The council has been working with and local children have seen some • Castle play unit Fields in Trust to create a binding legal of their favourite spaces get much • Boat play structure agreement which will secure the use more exciting. A climbing wall, • Trampoline of 6.65 acre area of land as playing a zip wire, a fireman’s pole and • Swings fields and for recreation long into the future. Local groups will benefit trampolines have been installed and • Balance trail from two football pitches after the they are already proving to be a hit new leisure centre is completed. And with the city’s youngest residents. Winnall Manor Road play area they won’t be the only site users – Check them out for yourselves… • Zip wire measures to encourage biodiversity • Trampoline will create new habitats for wildlife. A memory swing in action • Memory swing We hope they enjoy watching the • Castle and knight theme matches...

Teg Down Mead play area RUN FOR YOUR LIFE • Two slides • A fireman’s pole WINCHESTER HALF MARATHON • Climbing wall 20 September • Monkey bars Winchester city centre winchesterhalf.co.uk COMMUNITY SPORT And all the time we’re out there in parkrun WINCHESTER the community working face-to- Saturdays 9am to 10am face with you, our residents. Our North Walls Sports Development team focuses parkrun.org.uk/winchester on providing sport sessions in the community – whether that’s Tri-Golf parkrun WHITELEY Tournaments, Walking Netball or Saturdays 9am to 10am “Everyone deserves the Paralympic Personal Best Whiteley Meadowside to live well – I’m privileged event we run each summer parkrun.org.uk/whiteley to be responsible for Community & – the accent is on ensuring that everyone WALKING NETBALL Well-being services which make real can get involved. Monday 1pm to 2pm impacts on local people’s lives. It’s River Park Leisure Centre not all about physical health, the Follow Active winchester.gov.uk/sport/sport- impacts on your mental health are Winchester on sessions/walking-netball important to us too.” Twitter and Facebook. WALKING FOOTBALL 10am to 11am Facebook-square River Park Leisure Centre CLLR JACKIE PORTER activewinchester Twitter-square winchester.gov.uk/sport/sport- CABINET MEMBER FOR @activewinch sessions/walking-football BUILT ENVIRONMENT & WELL-BEING 8 LIVING WELL IN THE WINCHESTER DISTRICT 12 WEEKS TO LIVING WELL Changing your lifestyle or adapting it when you’re struggling with health problems can feel overwhelming. Our exercise referral scheme is a 12-week programme based at River Park Leisure Centre - your GP or health professional can refer you if they think you’ll benefit from physical activity to improve your health and well-being. It’s all tailored to your personal needs and can include things like assisted circuits, swimming classes and health walks. You get The winners joined by two-time Olympian GB Sprinter three free consultations during and Commonwealth Medallist Ashleigh Nelson. your programme and the costs of attending specific sessions are subsided while it lasts. SPORTING SUCCESS Keen? Please contact Jess Clark, Active Lifestyles Officer, on 01962 848 700 or email at [email protected] CELEBRATED IN STYLE to chat it through. Sporting heroes in the district were celebrated at our special awards ceremony in February. The Sport and Physical Activity Alliance hold the awards to celebrate the achievements of local amateur sportspeople and celebrate the work of volunteers. WINNERS • Junior Sportsman • Volunteer of the Year David Cutler Ann Stanhope (Winchester Boxing Club) (Winchester parkrun) • Junior Sportswoman • Service to Sport Kayla Van der Merwe Chris Westbrook ( (Winchester City Penguins Park Cricket Club) and Roger Swimming Club) Cooper (Upham Football Club) VOLUNTEER • Senior Sportsperson • Club of the Year Matilda Nicholls Winchester Rugby FC (Sailing - Andrew Simpson OF THE YEAR • Team of the Year Watersports Centre) Ann Stanhope Hursley Park Women’s Come rain or shine, Ann Stanhope • Disability Sportsperson Cricket Club Caitlin Hatfield gives up her Saturday mornings • Changing Lives through (Winchester City Penguins to support Winchester parkrun. Physical Activity Swimming Club) Ann plays a key role in helping to Verity Wright (RunVerity) organise the weekly running event • Coach of the Year • Making a Difference which helps hundreds of people Zoe Baker Kim Achurch get active. Ann’s tireless dedication (Winchester City Penguins (Whiteley parkrun) to parkrun includes passing on Swimming Club) her volunteering skills to Duke of • School of the Year – participants. Ann, it's C of E Primary appreciated! School

9 “Our district needs homes that meet the Dean Copse Cottages, Knowle changing requirements of all our residents throughout their lives. Our Homes for All strategy provides options that will work, looking to make sure that no one is left behind.”

CLLR KELSIE LEARNEY CABINET MEMBER FOR HOUSING & ASSET MANAGEMENT

MORE OF THE HOMES LESS OF THE CARBON We have an ambitious target to build 1,000 new council homes by 2030. We'll ensure we build a range of size of house and provide different ways for you to rent it from us so everyone has a home to live in, and that it is done in a way that fits in making the district greener. Recently 13 homes were built in Knowle including Knowle Halt Lodge. This is a block of six one-bedroom flats all of which benefit from various sustainable features. Knowle Halt Lodge Project Manager in the New Homes Delivery team, Deborah Sunley said,

“One of the best features of Knowle Halt Take a look: Our Lodge is that it uses air source heat pumps Homes for All strategy is on instead of gas boilers and it also benefits our website – from higher levels of insulation and high just click on the performance glazing. All of this combined ‘Housing’ button in the services helps to reduce emissions and energy use and means area on the tenants will have cheaper energy bills.” home page. 10 HOMES FOR ALL SUPPORT WHERE step to overcoming the issues they TURN UP THE are facing. IT COUNTS Regional director of HEAT WITH LEAP! Many things can lead to Two Saints, James homelessness. And once someone McDermott said, Could you be eligible for a heating has become homeless, it’s upgrade in your home? A new often really hard for people to “This new scheme called LEAP provides free re-establish themselves in our accommodation will make a real energy surveys to people on a low community. difference and provide the right income or those suffering from fuel support to people experiencing poverty. We’re working with Agility To help give support where it homelessness and it’s the first step Eco to provide funding for heating counts, 12 self-contained flats in on their journey to finding more upgrades to eligible homes; Sussex Street have been renovated permanent accommodation.” making buildings warmer, cheaper and specialised support service Two Supported by both Winchester City to heat and reducing their carbon Saints is helping make sure the footprint. residents get the help they need to Council and Hampshire County start living independently. This is Council, the new centre marks the So if you are struggling to afford part of a ‘Housing First’ approach city council’s commitment to end rough sleeping by 2023. to heat your home, are receiving which sees people offered Tax Credits, Housing Benefit, accommodation as a first or have a long term illness or disability give LEAP a call to see if A DAY IN THE LIFE OF… they can help. OUR HOUSING INCOME TEAM LEADER Call: 0800 060 7567* (Freephone) to book your free home visit, or apply home, and no one wants that to online: applyforleap.org.uk happen. *8:45am – 7:00pm Monday to Friday, and 9am-12pm on Saturdays. How did you become a housing officer? I went to University to do – what lies behind someone an MA in Archaeology as a mature not paying their rent is often a student. I was really keen to return combination of factors. People can into employment after being a be struggling with their mental student and so started temping in health, fighting personal battles to the housing department in 2001; it change their lifestyle and dealing was such a change - from studying with difficult family circumstances. ancient Greek houses to modern We always treat people as social housing! individuals and try to direct them Zadia Green works in the Housing I found the work so interesting to the right support to help resolve department at Winchester City and loved the team. I went on their problems. Council as a team leader for our to become a Tenant Participation Income Team - we asked her to tell Officer, working on tenant Most rewarding part of the job? us about her work… newsletters and supporting tenant Easy - the most rewarding part is groups. Then my next job at the making a difference to someone’s Tell us about your job council was as a Housing Officer life. When you have worked hard Our team is responsible for where I eventually honed in on with a tenant who has been collecting the rent from Winchester specialising in rent arrears cases. struggling and they make the final City Council tenants and issuing payment clearing their rent arrears. helpful reminders so they remember What may surprise people? This marks a real milestone from to pay their rent on time. Most It’s the fact that you do not just being in debt to being in financial of our tenants need very little wear one hat. When people hear control. Our customers are the prompting but if they experience about what our team does, they reason we are here and it’s really financial difficulties we step forward often think we just chase debt like rewarding when at the end of to offer help and support. It’s about credit card companies - but we the process they are in a better avoiding having to go down a legal do so much more. It’s all about position. They often call to thank route – at worst this can lead to listening and giving support. And us for all our help which really lifts taking possession of someone’s it’s not all about money either your day!

11 DID YOU KNOW? REVITALISING THE Just under half of Winchester residents have an NVQ Level 4 HEART OF THE CITY qualification, higher than the An open forum in September national average brought people up to date on plans to transform the area around the of residents are bus station. Main “must have” 80% in high skilled themes were discussed, echoing employment; professional, the vision set out in the central technical and skilled trades Winchester regeneration Strategic Planning Document (SPD). Local Ten primary schools, people let us know that they two secondary schools, wanted the area to have: one college and infant • a mix of uses with links to school in the Winchester creative industries; district have been rated outstanding by Ofsted • high quality public realm; • trees; In 2019, Peter • places to sit and green spaces; Symonds had The feedback is already shaping 1,533 students • pedestrian and cycle friendly the development of options for the progress to routes and to be car free site within the framework of the university, with 543 students supplementary planning document. There were also lively discussions More public engagement is already accepting places at top 'Russell around parking, independent retail Group' universities. taking place and detailed options and plans to build social networks. will be published later this year. 2 universities, 15,000 students WINCHESTER’S FIRST DESIGN FESTIVAL SET • University of Winchester TO SHOWCASE THE CITY’S CREATIVITY • University of ’s Winchester School of Art The city’s first ever design festival Winchester City Council has agreed will showcase the area’s thriving a one-off grant of £20,000 to help creative industries in the Autumn kick-start the event, which will run Sparsholt College – half term. This new event in the from 23 October until 30 October Ofsted rated ‘good’ with city’s calendar aims to attract talent 2020 across multiple sites in the outstanding features and investment into the region, and city centre. Intrigued? Check out inspire young people to pursue a the Winchester Design Festival career in the sector. Facebook page for the latest developments.

Facebook-squarewinchesterdesignfestival “Our district is known for its successful economy and high levels of employment – but we can’t rest on our laurels. It’s time to seek out new investment in our high streets and business centres – and low carbon related projects are at the heart of our future plans.”

CLLR ANNE WEIR CABINET MEMBER FOR ECONOMY festivalsinwinchester.co.uk 12 VIBRANT LOCAL ECONOMY

BISHOP’S WALTHAM IN BUSINESS Encouraging a wide range of employment opportunities across the district is a key priority and HISTORIC SPACE GETS TLC we’re providing three new units in Bishop’s Waltham for ‘light Cutting through from the High Undercover cycle stands will remain industrial use’. The work at Bishop’s Street to Market Lane you will start while those in the open are being Waltham depot fits in with our to see change as the first phase re-provided elsewhere. plans to develop workspaces in of work to improve St Maurice’s We listened to what local areas with sustainable transport Covert takes place. businesses and residents said the links. Renewable heat technologies New paving, benches and street space needed and architects Scott and rainwater collection at the furniture are going in now. New Whitby Studio drew up the ideas in depot will be installed to reduce the lighting, redecoration and a display response. carbon. Construction is expected to of the removed gravestones will be be completed in late 2021. coming next. Interested? Email: [email protected] or call BUSINESS 01962 848222. FRIENDLY Your council’s innovative work to grow the economy across the district has been recognised by the Federation of Small Business. We took home a business friendly award for two events where local businesses set the agenda to identify practical ways to improve RETAIL THERAPY the city’s profile. There is an abundance of Take a break during a day of Two ideas from these events are independent shops and eateries in shopping and enjoy a local cup of already having an impact: our district, offering everything from coffee with a freshly baked cake in • From March, free public wi-fi exceptional clothing to handmade one of our cafés, or enjoy a seasonal will be available in Winchester food goods; gifts to home wares. menu in a cosy restaurant or bar – city centre providing residents Winchester and our market towns you’ll be supporting local jobs and and visitors with fast, efficient are a haven for quaint bookshops businesses to boot. internet connectivity. and fine art stores, there is always something unique to discover. We • A brand new festival work with Winchester BID and celebrating our creative sector others to promote this is planned – see article left. vibrant sector. 13 YOUR BIN COLLECTION JUST GOT GREENER! You’ll soon be seeing greener bin is an issue, the software alerts the DID YOU KNOW? lorries and a new household service team at the depot HQ to issues and to collect small electrical equipment they can quickly respond. This will Performance of for recycling in the district thanks to help the council's Customer Service the current service is our waste contractor Biffa. team communicate any issues to improving month-on- residents who are contacting us with A new vehicle fleet will replace older month. The latest figures a query. lorries with Euro6 compliant vehicles showed the number of which emit lower levels of harmful missed bins reported exhaust pollutants. was fewer than 0.1% of collections – half of what it Biffa has already stepped up the was a year ago. use of narrower vehicles to improve access to places that are hard to Since the new glass reach in the bigger lorries. collection service was The adoption of new technology on launched we’ve collected board the lorries is also planned to 756 tonnes of glass (to provide real-time information about December 2019) across how collections are going. If there the district! DOG BREEDERS BANNED On 31 January this year two Dave's team have recently been had been warned of the need for unlicensed dog breeders left awarded two Gold RSPCA Awards: a licence and said they were giving Southampton Crown Court having for both animal licensing and their up breeding but kept going for been disqualified from breeding work with stray dogs. a number of years. They kept no puppies for six years and fined records of the lucrative business, And it’s that licensing work that’s over £615k under the Proceeds of and they used other people’s names hit the headlines following a tip Crime Act 2002. Dave Griffiths, without permission to sell the off to the council from someone Winchester City Council’s Senior puppies.” who saw suspicious looking Animal Welfare Officer spoke about activity around puppy sales. Dave Dave reflects the case, Walking tours of Winchester for explains, “When we monitored on the case, locals and visitors alike. “This is a high profile win in terms social media posts selling litters of “These cases of making sure premises in the puppies it became clear that the take a huge Upper and lower city tours: a Winchester district are licensed, people posting were breeders. We amount of great introduction to Winchester but our day-to-day job can be contacted them directly to warn time and and its history: daily April-Oct. one of the most rewarding you them of the need for a licence but resources Special Interest tours: can imagine. Returning stray dogs they continued to operate without and when Winchester’s heritage in depth. to their owners and inspecting one so we continued gathering you do get Dave Griffiths and client licensed premises has a hugely evidence. Although posts appeared a result like Even as a Winchester local I positive impact on the quality of life to be from different people, the this it makes it worthwhile. We learned loads! (Review June 19) for animals. contact details kept pointing hope this will send a message to to the same individuals. In all, others that we will not accept illegal “Ours is a rewarding field to BOOKING INFORMATION: we discovered 193 litters were dog breeding in the district.” operate in, we see selfless Tickets & starting point: advertised for sale over a five year dedication of the teams working Visitor Information Centre period – so the operation was on a To report cases of animal cruelty to in animal welfare charities, dog the RSPCA call 0300 1234 999. While The Guildhall serious scale.” rescue societies, vets, kennels and the council’s Animal Welfare team The Broadway of course the big hearted owners Summing up at Southampton does not directly investigate animal Winchester SO23 9GH cruelty complaints, we are happy to who are prepared to give a rescue Crown Court on 31 January, Judge discuss issues and point you in the right Tel. 01962 840500 dog that life transforming second Henry addressed the court, “The direction. Contact them on E: [email protected] chance.” illegal operation had been carried 01962 848097 or email us at out for some time. The defendants [email protected] All guides are fully qualified. 14 www.winchestertouristguides.com SERVING OUR COMMUNITY MAYOR OF WINCHESTER Cllr Eleanor Bell became the 820th Mayor of Winchester in May 2019. To date, the Mayor has attended over 200 engagements including 15 Christmas services! Each year, the Mayor chooses a number of charities to promote. Cllr Bell is supporting The Firefighters’ Charity, Winchester First Responders, The Winchester Hospice and the Children’s Society.

The Mayor has been reflecting on her busy time in office... At the opening of Bella Crafts

It is an immense privilege to represent our district. This enables me to meet so many people who are doing amazing work which often goes unrecognised. I’m honoured to be able to help highlight these activities as well as raise money for excellent causes. Handing out awards at Lending support to the Paralympic Personal Bests White Ribbon campaign 2019 event WINCHESTER GUIDED TOURS 2020 New for 2020... Walking tours of Winchester for locals and visitors alike. New permanent galleries: Early Women Writers Upper and lower city tours: a great introduction to Winchester Explore new galleries and its history: daily April-Oct. dedicated to key figures Special Interest tours: from Chawton House’s Winchester’s heritage in depth. unique collection of women writers. Even as a Winchester local I learned loads! (Review June 19) Exhibition: Man Up! Discover stories of M an BOOKING INFORMATION: eighteenth-century Tickets & starting point: w o m e n w h o s t e p p e d Up! Visitor Information Centre into a man’s world The Guildhall The Broadway Winchester SO23 9GH Open from March to December Tel. 01962 840500 Included with general admission E: [email protected] Chawton House, Chawton, Hampshire, GU34 1SJ www.chawtonhouse.org All guides are fully qualified. @ChawtonHouse www.winchestertouristguides.com 15 COUNCIL BUDGET 2020/21 COMMUNITY We have been doing things a bit the city’s Air Quality Management ACTION? GRANTED! differently lately. This year for the Area whilst maintaining free CROWDFUND WINCHESTER first time, we asked you to try to provision in all other car parks and balance our budget. About 100 of introducing Sunday Park & Ride We are working with online you tried our budget simulator. services. platform Crowdfunded to help local people and organisations We then took the 100 responses We will improve the garden waste raise investment for great ideas. you gave us and asked you collection service introducing Using an innovative match-funding some specific questions about wheeled bins with more garden approach, projects must pitch the difficult choices we have to waste taken at each collection. online to attract extra funding of make given the backdrop of cuts Only people that use this service up to £2,000. Bidders must be able in central governments grants to will pay for it, as we'll introduce to secure backing for 25 per cent all local authorities. Our online an annual charge like many other of the required target.The council consultation saw double the councils. has a £120,000 fund to support number of responses compared to Despite our best efforts, due this exciting new initiative. previous years. We received over to the continuing reduction in 3,000 comments. Who can apply? government grant, we propose Social enterprises, local businesses or Cllr Neil Cutler explains, a Council Tax increase of 3% but not-for-profit organisations are amongst this budget demonstrates our the groups that can apply. Projects need “Our Council Plan gave a clear clear commitment to managing to support the council’s priority areas. For commitment to improve service the council on a sound financial more information, including the eligibility quality whilst balancing the criteria visit our Crowdfund Winchester basis.” budget and addressing the - crowdfunder.co.uk/programmes/projects- Climate Emergency. I’m really that-matter-winchester pleased to be bringing forward proposals that support all of these aims, for example £750,000 for climate change and a further £247,000 to survey our 30,000 trees in the district. Trees are a vital part of our ecosystem, but need systematic care and maintenance.” Our proposal to introduce charges on a Sunday in the most central COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE car parks was supported during FUND - BIDS WELCOME the consultation so we will Organisations from across the introduce this in Winchester district are seeing real

benefits from £600k that’s been allocated for good causes from our Community Infrastructure Levy Cllr Neil Cutler and fund. Projects receiving a boost “Our focus is Richard Botham, include: and Hyde about prioritising what Chief Finance Officer Scout Group for a new Scout & counts. We’re inviting local Community Hall and Littleton & people to have their say about Harestock Parish Council to help what matters to them, and we’re fund a local Parkour sports facility. focussed on making sure that our Can my organisation apply? Bids can now be made for between district can meet the challenges it £10,000 and £200,000 to support physical faces in the next few years and the improvements to local areas such as playgrounds, green spaces, and sports long term future.” facilities. Organisations such as parish councils and community groups can apply for the entire cost of a scheme, or for part- CLLR NEIL CUTLER funding. The deadline for applications is CABINET MEMBER FOR FINANCE & RISK 31 March 2020. Visit: winchester.gov.uk/ apply-cil 16 YOUR SERVICES. YOUR VOICE HAVING YOUR SAY IS EASIER THAN EVER We are making it easier than ever for you to have your say about what we do. Here are some of the ways you can let us know what you think: Decision Days when we have fallen short of These new public meetings see the your expectations. We now have Cabinet Member with responsibility a single email address that you for a particular area of council can use from today: complaints@ business discuss the issues in public. winchester.gov.uk Two recent Decision Days saw the green light for new parking controls Online in Highcliffe and the Garrison One of the best ways to keep in WHAT DOES THE Ground in Winchester to become a touch about what’s going on is to ‘Field in Trust’ (see page 8). check out the website – winchester.gov.uk or follow us on FUTURE HOLD? Open Forums Facebook and Twitter by searching Currently used to create two- for @WinchesterCity LOCAL PLAN way dialogue around major Making sure that we meet the regeneration projects, these open You’ll also find information about whole district’s needs for housing, meetings are used to update who your local councillor is so you jobs and local services whilst people on progress, explain the can contact them direct. protecting our environment background around elements E-news and consultations is one of the council’s biggest of development and clarify the You’ve let us know that you like responsibilities. Our Local Plan timeframes that we are working to. to receive these paper newsletters is the document that sets out Complaints but we would like to get as many the policies we will use to make Of course we want to do a people as possible to sign up planning decisions in the future. good job for our customers, but for our E-news - it’s part of our Our current plan is being reviewed sometimes things can go wrong. commitment to reducing our to make sure it is still right for the We’ve taken a good look at our carbon footprint. To receive regular district and meets our long term complaints procedure and are updates you can register needs up to 2036. currently streamlining the process by emailing: Every community will have a say so it’s easier for you to tell us [email protected] on the draft policies. Keep an eye on our website and social media pages or sign up for council updates here: “Our goal is that LISTEN UP! councillors and council winchester.gov.uk/local-plan- newsletter Not everyone has the time to officers look outwards – attend council committee listening, learning and VISION FOR WINCHESTER meetings so we’ve started continuously finding ways to do Winchester, like all similar cities, to live stream audio a better job for local people. We faces a number of challenges so broadcast full council want to build on the progress we’ve and committee it has to adapt to change. The made to find even more ways for city council’s Town Forum is meetings on our commissioning a new ‘Vision for website. We also people to have a stronger voice in Winchester’ that looks ahead to offer a catch council decision-making, making it 2030. A consultation will start in up service with even easier to get involved the spring and we will invite you recordings stored and be heard.” to let us know what aspects of online after each local life you value and what you meeting. CLLR MARTIN TOD think could improve. winchester.gov.uk/ CABINET MEMBER FOR SERVICE councillors-committees QUALITY & TRANSFORMATION

17 WHAT’S ON... 4 APRIL - 3 SEPTEMBER 17 MAY 14 JUNE SUPERSIZED WATERCRESS FESTIVAL WINCHESTER BRICK Over 80 stalls showcase the CRITERIUM & visitwinchester.co.uk ADVENTURE CYCLEFEST 5 MARCH very best local food and drink. An astonishing An celebration MADAM watercressfestival.org larger than life of cycling for BUTTERFLY 5 - 19 JUNE OperaUpClose brick adventure all the family, return following will feature up to 40 models of THE GRANGE FESTIVAL includes the their sold out curious real-life creatures. Experience world-class opera in adrenaline- performances of marwell.org.uk a spectacular English country fuelled race through the city La Bohème, with a 20 - 24 APRIL house setting. streets. new English version WINCHESTER FASHION WEEK thegrangefestival.co.uk winchestercriterium.org of Puccini’s Madam Butterfly. A week-long celebration 6 JUNE 28 JUNE theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk of fashion and style in the ALRESFORD MUSIC FESTIVAL STRICTLY COME DANCING’S NEIL 7 MARCH stunning ! Experience world-class opera in JONES WINCHESTER COMEDY GALA winchesterfashionweek.co.uk a spectacular English country Family-friendly festival of a An evening of comedy 20 - 24 APRIL house setting. Street Perfomance and Outdoor featuring Hal Cruttenden, Mike HAMPSHIRE PRIDE thegrangefestival.co.uk Arts. Cox, James Dowdeswell and A time for all of Hampshire to 6 JUNE theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk James Gill. join together and celebrate the WINCHESTER PROSECCO 3 - 5 JULY winchestercomedyfestival.co.uk LGBT+ community. FESTIVAL HAT FAIR 7 - 22 MARCH hampshirepride.org The UK’s Biggest Festival For Family-friendly DIY SCIENCE 30 APRIL - 3 MAY Prosecco Lovers. festival of Discover awesome hands-on WINCHESTER CHAMBER MUSIC proseccofestival.co.uk a Street science that you can do at FESTIVAL Perfomance home. Keep an eye on 8 - 14 JUNE and Outdoor winchestersciencecentre.org winchesterchambermusic.com WINCHESTER Arts. 21 MARCH winchesterchambermusic.com COCKTAIL hatfair.co.uk WINCON 16 MAY WEEK WinCon is Winchester’s WINCHESTER MAYFEST A celebration very own comic, Mayfest is a celebration of of the art of mixology. music, dance, and song, in nerd and pop-culture winchestercocktailweek.co.uk For more information visit: venues across the city. convention. visitwinchester.co.uk hants.gov.uk/wdc winchester-mayfest.org.uk

ALL ABOARD! FOR A SPECIAL CELEBRATION WITH THOMAS & FRIENDS™

World Exclusive 4 April - 2 Sept

10TH APRIL – 19TH APRIL 8TH AUGUST – 16TH AUGUST MID HANTS RAILWAY ‘WATERCRESS LINE’ ROPLEY, HAMPSHIRE, SO24 0BL Book online at Marwell Zoo is owned & operated by FOR TICKETS marwell.org.uk Marwell Wildlife, reg. charity no. 275433. Visit: dayoutwiththomas.co.uk

Copyright © Brick Live Group Limited. All rights reserved. Brick Live Group Limited is an independent producer of ™ © 2020 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. Thomas & Friends™ Based on BRICKLIVE and is not associated with The LEGO Group. by The Reverend W. Awdry. © 2020 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. , Thomas & Friends LEGO® is a trademark of LEGO Juris A/S. and Day Out With Thomas are trademar ks of Gullane (Thomas) Limited. ©2020 Mattel. All rights reserved. ® and ™ designate U.S. trademarks of Mattel, except as noted.

1230 About Winchester 148x105 with bleed.indd 1 30/01/2020WCL_VISITWINCH_ADVERT_THOMAS_2020_148x105_FINAL.indd 11:47:34 1 03/02/2020 12:51 OUT & ABOUT IN THE DISTRICT

An historic Georgian town THENEW ALRESFORD POCKET GUIDE

SPEND A DAY IN ALRESFORD WARWICK70

PLACES TO VISIT • SHOPPING GUIDE EATING OUT • COUNTRY PUBS • BEAUTIFUL WALKS With its pastel painted Georgian Eating out Download a free houses, independent shops, and Alresford boasts a range of eateries pocket guide from a variety of pubs and award- to tempt any palate. If cosy country visitwinchester.co.uk winning tea rooms, it’s little pubs are what you’re after then wonder that Alresford is one look no further than the four of the top destinations in the character-filled establishments that Winchester district. grace the centre. History Shopping Henri de Blois, brother of King From children’s toys to a treasure Stephen and Bishop of Winchester, trove of collector’s items, exploring is credited with the idea of building Alresford’s independent shops is a the Great Weir or dam and unique experience. designed the T-shaped town that would soon become Entertainment and events in the 12th/13th century. By the Alresford is famous for the Mid 14th century it had developed into Hants Railway more commonly a prosperous market town but known as the Watercress Line that much of the medieval town was operates between the town and destroyed in a fire in 1689-90. The Alton. The railway operates regular town was mostly rebuilt in the 18th services with a variety of steam century with many of the Georgian running on the line. Don’t buildings remaining today. miss the annual Watercress Festival – this year’s event takes place on 17 May.

ALL ABOARD! WIN A DAY OUT WITH THOMAS FOR A SPECIAL CELEBRATION FOOTBALL ™ ON THE WATERCRESS LINE! WITH THOMAS & FRIENDS FUN IN THE

EASTER This year the Watercress Line is celebrating the 75th anniversary HOLIDAYS of Thomas the Tank Engine with a programme of magical events. You can win a fantastic family pass (two adults and two We’re helping kids get active this children) for a Day Out with Thomas between 10 - 19 April 2020. Easter with free football coaching Experience the thrill of a ride on a real steam engine, meet sessions at locations across the Thomas and his friends, shake hands with and district, and there’s even final a be entertained by Rusty & Dusty. tournament at the end of the project. To enter the competition, please answer the following questions and send your entry along with your contact details to: Sessions will be held in: Newsletter Competition, Corporate communications, Weeke; Stanmore; ; Winchester City Council, Colebrook Street, Winchester, SO23 9LJ Highcliffe & Winnall; Bishop’s Waltham; Denmead; Wickham; Whiteley; ; 1) How old is Thomas the Tank 2) Who is Thomas the Tank Engine this year? Engine’s friend? TH TH Compton; ; Alresford. 10 APRIL – 19 APRIL a) 65 a) The Slim Controller 8TH AUGUST – 16TH AUGUST Follow Active Winchester on MID HANTS RAILWAY ‘WATERCRESS LINE’ Twitter and Facebook for updates b) 70 b) The Short Controller ROPLEY, HAMPSHIRE, SO24 0BL and more information. c) 75 c) The Fat Controller FOR TICKETS Visit: dayoutwiththomas.co.uk CLOSING DATE: 31 March 2020 Facebook-squareactivewinchester Full terms and conditions are available at: Day Out With Thomas™ © 2020 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. Thomas & Friends™ Based on The Railway Series Twitter-square@activewinch by The Reverend W. Awdry. © 2020 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. Thomas the Tank Engine, Thomas & Friends and Day Out With Thomas are trademar ks of Gullane (Thomas) Limited. ©2020 Mattel. All rights reserved. ® winchester.gov.uk/competition and ™ designate U.S. trademarks of Mattel, except as noted. 19

WCL_VISITWINCH_ADVERT_THOMAS_2020_148x105_FINAL.indd 1 03/02/2020 12:51 WINCHESTER RESIDENTS’WEEK

18-26 APRIL Explore what’s on your doorstep with exclusive offers for residents.

On May Day bank holiday a three-day weekend of national commemoration will mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day. We’re encouraging our district communities to honour the extraordinary sacrifices made by people at this time, and celebrate in memory of the euphoria that came when peace was proclaimed.

To find out how to get involved visit: veday75.org visitwinchester.co.uk/residentsweek

Look out for more information on local LOVE 01962 840 500 WINCHESTER visitwinchester.co.uk commemorations in the coming months. King_Alf KingAlfWinchester KingAlfWinchester #lovewinchester BIKES INCORPORATING THE SOUTH REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

ARE BACK! 14 JUNE 2O2O Winchester Criterium & Cyclefest, one of the south’s biggest cycling events, is back and bigger and better than ever before with more races and fun opportunities for anyone to get into cycling. The fast paced Criterium race is the best of its kind in the region. Entries are now open for those wishing to race with categories ranging from juniors to elite. Sign up early by visiting the website today. And it’s not just for racers - The Broadway and Abbey Garden are hosting Cyclefest - a family centred hub activities for everyone. Hundreds of people are expected to take to the streets in a family cycle ride before the Criterium races begin. winchestercriterium.org

© Winchester City Council 2020 Colebrook Street, Winchester, SO23 9LJ

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