Test Valley Borough Council Autumn 2020 | Issue 79 Test Valley News

Masterplans for Andover and Romsey adopted 4-5 Council wins animal welfare award 3 In this issue... Communities come together during coronavirus pandemic 6-7 Plans for Christmas in Andover this year 10

Andover masterplan Romsey masterplan

A masterplan showing Romsey Future included representatives from a range of what the area south organisations such as Romsey Town of Romsey’s town Council, Romsey Extra Parish Council, centre could look like the Romsey and District Society as well as Test Valley Borough Council and in the future has been other voluntary organisations. officially approved by This two-year period has seen multiple councillors after a consultations with the general public, two-year process businesses and other community organisations. Last November, a through the Romsey Citizens’ Assembly was held where Future partnership. around 50 people who matched the demographic of Romsey were A Fishlake Square, new retail and randomly selected to listen to experts dining space and a new mobility hub and evidence before giving their are just some of the potential plans for recommendations on what to do the area around Crosfield Hall and the with the area. Broadwater Road car park over the next five to ten years. Local plan workstream lead, councillor Now the plans have been agreed John Parker, said: following a full council meeting, as work begins with the Romsey Future “This document shows how bright New era for Andover as partnership towards the next phase the future of our town could truly of the project, alongside the town’s be, and how we can really make the masterplan published stakeholders. most of our potential for this area.” Plans to transform quarter and a new home for The Lights theatre are all part of the plans, Andover have been which also include town centre living, given the green light, with accommodation on upper floors marking the start of creating ready-made footfall for shops and eateries. It will also bring life in the an exciting new era evenings and help to fund the wider for the town. redevelopment plans. The ambitious plans, which include a The new theatre will be part of a complete transformation of the town bustling square alongside restaurants centre with new routes and major in a new-look town centre that improvements to the High Street, were complements the work that has already approved at a full council meeting at the begun in Town Mills to create the new end of September following 12 months’ riverside park. work between Test Valley Borough Council, HemingwayDesign and The masterplan brings together NEW Masterplanning. thousands of responses from A better connected town centre, a residents, community groups riverside walk and new wellbeing and stakeholder feedback.

Read more on page 4 Read more on page 5

Test Valley Borough Council T 01264 368000 E [email protected] W www.testvalley.gov.uk Test Valley in action • Test Valley in action • Test Valley in action • Test Valley in action

Council granted injunction to tackle illegal encampments

Test Valley Borough Council The court also agreed to attach a power committed a huge amount of time to a deterrent, so we hope that it will has been granted an of arrest to the order, which means that gathering evidence to bolster our case. encourage people to think twice before those moving onto land or setting up camp they even consider targeting Test “I have said before that we simply injunction order by the High in breach of the order, can be arrested and Valley in the first place. Court to prohibit the setup of taken to court. cannot endure another summer like “I would like to say a massive thank you unauthorised encampments. 2019, with travellers breaking onto As well as prohibiting encampments, land, behaving anti-socially and leaving to everyone who has been involved in After months of research and evidence the injunction also covers any stationing behind a trail of fly-tipped waste and piecing together this application to the caravans or mobile homes set up without gathering by the authority’s legal service, rubbish. It has a massive impact on the High Court, including the police who the permission of the landowner, and the council was granted the order which local community and council resources, have been hugely supportive in helping those who deposit controlled waste in the should now make it easier to disperse and and it simply isn’t acceptable that to provide the relevant evidence. defined areas. potentially prosecute encampments that taxpayers are constantly having They now have increased powers to set up on particular areas of land. Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, to foot the bill. The injunction will help us in enforcing the injunction.” This work was undertaken following a councillor Phil North, said: now strengthen our ability to evict The injunction applies to named spate of incidents last summer, which saw “This is an absolutely fantastic unauthorised encampments quickly. individuals who have targeted parts of the travellers target various sites across the outcome and follows months of hard We also understand from other local borough previously as well as those who borough, with Andover particularly hard hit. work from council officers who have authorities that it seems to act as are new to the area.

Council teams up to launch Youth Parliament benefits faster new booking system from grant scheme

The Hampshire Youth Parliament has benefitted from hundreds of pounds after receiving a grant from Test Valley Borough Council. Across the country, the UK Youth Parliament represents around 130,000 Councillor North, said: young people. In 2000, the Hampshire “Throughout the UK, the work Youth Parliament was set up to run that the Youth Parliament does alongside the national body. in representing young people really is vital. They can often be In August, the council awarded £500 those who aren’t heard enough to Member of Youth Parliament for when key decisions are being North West Hampshire, Dmitrijs made, but it is their future. In Test Meiksans, in Andover, to enable Valley, we are keen to make sure we engage with people of all ages Test Valley Borough Community and leisure portfolio the Hampshire Youth Parliament in our communities. Council has teamed up with holder, councillor Ian Jeffrey, said: to continue to represent thousands of young people across the county “It’s fantastic that we can help the Pitchbooking to launch a new, “Following the end of our previous during the coronavirus pandemic. Hampshire branch in continuing automated booking system for agreement, we really wanted to the council’s sports pitches. the work that they, and Dmitrijs see what options were available Test Valley Borough Council leader do in ensuring our younger Previously, residents and sports to make booking our pitches as Phil North presented the funds population have a voice that is clubs across the borough who easy and accessible as possible for though the Councillor Community heard.” wanted to use the pitches, would everybody. Grants scheme. have to ring through and manually Dmitrijs Meiksans MYP said: “We have some fantastic book. Now, the system, which Test Valley Borough Council’s “We are pleased to have received locations that are well used by our launched in September, will allow Councillor Community Grant scheme this generous support and grant communities, so I’m very pleased users to book using an online service helps to fund up to two-thirds of from the borough as part of the which will run 24 hours a day. that we now have a round-the- the overall cost of community-led Councillor Community Grant clock service available online that scheme, enabling me and my Those hiring the pitches can select initiatives. Local councillors allocate the location, and pay. They also can be used on multiple devices. colleagues to make the most of up to £1,000 to projects that they have the option to make it a recurring My thanks to everyone involved our terms and make room for booking. The new system is also and Pitchbooking themselves for identify as meeting a need in the young people to be involved in easy to use on mobiles and tablets, getting this exciting new service up community based on feedback and conversations that revolve as well as PCs. and running.” ideas from residents. around them.”

2 test valley news • 01264 368000 • [email protected] Test Valley in action • Test Valley in action • Test Valley in action • Test Valley in action

Green space given official opening in Sherfield English

A new green space purchased peace of mind in a safe environment. by the council has been officially After purchasing the land, the council opened for residents to enjoy. built a car park and installed dual-use bins for litter and dog waste, which Councillors Nick Adams-King and Gordon Bailey marked the opening at are located at intervals alongside the the site on Mill Lane alongside parish informal grass paths around the site. council chair, Graham Leigh. The authority will also be managing The site provides a huge open space this area for its ecological value for walking and recreation, with two and although in the early stages of main fields with grassland and wetland management, it is planned to increase habitats which are bordered by veteran the area for wildlife conservation. Works oak trees. to extend the walk around the site will The area is fully enclosed with fencing, be carried out over the next few months allowing visitors to walk their dogs with to enhance the area.

Animal welfare officer at Test Valley Council top Borough Council, Rod Mason, said: “This has been a very difficult dog for seven KIDS year, but work to ensure the UNDER 5 years running animals in Test Valley have the GO FREE highest quality care and welfare has not stopped. We all have a The RSPCA has duty to ensure we give our animals awarded the council the best quality of life and I’m very pleased that the RSPCA has again its highest award for its recognised our efforts. World famous 180 acre garden continued dedication to “New challenges have presented animal welfare. themselves during the pandemic as many people look for a new

For the seventh year running, companion. We’ll continue to work Registered charity 274737 Test Valley has scooped a Gold hard in managing this and would PawPrints award, which celebrates of course encourage people to do the authority’s work in ensuring the their research and contact us if Paradise highest quality of animal welfare they’re in any doubt!” One of the biggest Winter Gardens and around the borough. Housing and environmental health longest double borders in Europe This includes the authority’s portfolio holder, councillor Phil Bundy, Children’s play areas inc Fantastic work with kennels, licensing and said: “It’s really important for us Tree House • Pond • Pigs • Exhibitions breeders in Test Valley. The to keep up our efforts in ensuring Restaurant & Tea Rooms • Free parking awards are now in their twelfth quality welfare for the animals of year, and this is the seventh Test Valley. It’s wonderful to know Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Jermyns Lane that the RSPCA has taken note of Ampfield Near Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0QA consecutive year that TVBC has how much work goes into looking tel: 01794 369318 received the award. after the welfare of our animals Open daily from 10am except Christmas Day and Boxing Day Last year, the council was also and I know that Rod is doing a /HillierGardens @HillierGardens given a special Platinum Stray fantastic job. Dogs Footprint. The council was “I’m sure next year, we’ll be doing among other local authorities and all we can to make sure we’re www.hants.gov.uk/hilliergardens organisation who won the prize. celebrating another year.”

test valley news • 01264 368000 • [email protected] 3 All about Andover • All about Andover • All about Andover • All about Andover

New era for Andover as masterplan given the go-ahead

Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Lora White from NEW masterplanning, councillor Phil North, said: “This truly added: “Andover has so much promise is incredible for the town and I am so and we really wanted to do the town excited to finally be able to share our and its residents justice. It has all of plans for the future of Andover. the key elements: a fascinating history and striking Georgian architecture; “This is the culmination of a huge a growing independent business amount of hard work and I would community and a beautiful river, like to say a massive thank you to which helps to set it apart from many everyone who has been involved other town centres. We have sought with this project, including all those to really amplify those elements and who took the time to respond to the open up the High Street to make it feel A new-look town could square where people could relax and surveys and in particular the amazing more connected to the wider town see a total transformation dine, bringing a more social feel to the teams at HemingwayDesign and centre.” picturesque Georgian market town. of the theatre, the Chantry NEW masterplanning for sharing my Wayne Hemingway, HemingwayDesign, Centre and the River Anton A stunning riverside walk will showcase passion and vision for the town and said: “We knew from the very Andover’s largely hidden watercourse, believing in its potential. beginning that we wanted to be a over the next ten years. the River Anton, offering the perfect “Town centres are changing. They are part of the project for one reason Residents can now take a glimpse into setting for families and friends to picnic becoming more of a place for leisure in particular: potential. Andover is Andover’s future as a masterplan for the lucky enough to have it in spades. and wander along the water’s edge. and living as well as retail – and town has been agreed by Test Valley And thanks to that invaluable asset, everyone’s efforts have helped create Borough Council. The plans also recommend the and a local community that has said development of a spectacular Wellbeing a plan to ensure Andover town centre The long-awaited town centre masterplan throughout the process that it is Quarter, which will encompass the area is fit for the future. now marks the start of an exciting new really up for change, we have been around Andover Leisure Centre and era for the town having been approved at “Of course, the hard work doesn’t end able to create exciting, future-facing, a full council meeting on September 28. include a new college campus, creating here, rather this marks the beginning deliverable ideas. a modern space for people to exercise, of a huge project to create a new era New routes and improvements to With the scale of the redevelopment, the relax and enjoy. This would also help to the lanes will mean the High Street for Andover - and our next step will council expects the work to be carried out create a green corridor linking the River will be much better connected to the be to identify a developer partner, or in phases and will help to relocate any surrounding area and more welcoming Anton to Vigo Park and open up views to an alternative delivery mechanism, to businesses displaced during the work to for independent retailers. St Mary’s Church at the heart of it. bring these plans to life. alternative town centre premises. Town centre living will also play a key The proposals, which have been role, with new accommodation at upper 12 months in the making, are the work floors creating ready-made footfall for of nationally renowned designers, shops and eateries, bringing life in the HemingwayDesign and evenings and helping to fund the wider NEW masterplanning. They have redevelopment plans. consulted with more than 4,000 One of the most radical changes would residents, businesses and other see the existing Chantry Centre site stakeholders to form an innovative replaced with mixed use development, new vision for the town. delivering space for more independent retailers, health, community and leisure The masterplan and flythroughs, which uses, pop-up retailers, as well as new enable viewers to step into the future and offices and apartments at upper levels. take a look around the new town centre, A new The Lights theatre would be the are available at: star attraction overlooking a bustling new www.thinkandovertowncentre.co.uk

“This marks the beginning of a huge project to create a new era for Andover” - Councillor Phil North

4 test valley news • 01264 368000 • [email protected] All about Romsey • All about Romsey • All about Romsey • All about Romsey

Future of Romsey unveiled in final masterplan

“The plans are considerate, green and really take into account the character of Romsey” - Councillor John Parker

The masterplan that Dukes Mill, as well as transforming Broadwater Road with new pedestrian shows what the area south surfaces and access points. Other of Romsey’s town centre proposals for this stage include the could look like in the improvement of pedestrian and cycle routes along the bypass and creating next few years has been better access into the area over revealed following a Tadburn Lake. two-year process. For the medium-term, a new mobility hub A Fishlake Square, new retail and dining would be created within a new relocated space and a new mobility hub are just bus station. The mobility hub would some of the potential plans for the area include bicycle storage and ‘Amazon- offices, a gym, restaurants and dining Chair of Romsey Future, councillor Nick around Crosfield Hall and the Broadwater style’ collection and storage lockers. It Road car park over the next five to would also maintain the same number of space. Retail outlets created facing The Adams-King, said: “This process has ten years. bus stops in a more efficient use of space Hundred could then also be used for been incredibly rewarding and I’m for both cyclists and pedestrians. smaller independent businesses. The extremely grateful to the residents The masterplanning process began current Aldi car park would be redesigned of Romsey, our community groups A new mixed-use development would through the Romsey Future partnership to accommodate almost 200 spaces. and businesses who have played a then be put in place on the existing in 2018 after consultants Nexus and part in contributing to shaping this bus station site, and this would include The Fishlake Square and mobility hub Perkins & Will Architects were appointed. final document. Romsey Future is a Romsey Future includes representatives commercial space on the ground level, suggested in the medium-term proposals cross-political amalgamation of our from a range of organisations such which could incorporate restaurants would also coexist with the new Aldi town, and I’m thrilled that, through as Romsey Town Council, Romsey and dining outlets. It would also house relocation plans in this scenario. our hard work and the efforts of our Extra Parish Council, the Romsey and residential properties on the upper levels, Local plan workstream lead, councillor consultants, we have been able to District Society as well as Test Valley while new community space would also John Parker, said: “This document achieve this end product. Our work to Borough Council and other voluntary be created on the ground levels of the shows how bright the future of our implement these plans starts now.” organisations. buildings. The current Crosfield Hall site town could truly be, and how we would instead be utilised for parking, Town centre workstream lead, Mark This two-year period has seen multiple can really make the most of our while maintaining easy access for Edgerley, said: “Having plans that consultations with the general public, potential for this area. The plans are pedestrians to the mobility hub are flexible to the future of our town businesses and other community considerate, green and really take and beyond. is absolutely vital, and I’m pleased to organisations. A Citizens’ Assembly into account the character of Romsey, see that this is reflected in the final has also been held, where around 50 Before the current Crosfield Hall site which is something we all want to masterplan. people who matched the demographic of is transformed, alternative community ensure is maintained in any new Romsey were randomly selected to listen space would be provided elsewhere in plans. My thanks to everyone who “Access will be improved and there to experts and evidence before giving the town. The council is working on a took time to find out about this is more of an impetus on cycling their recommendations on what to do study to identify what type of facility is project and who contributed to it over and walking with a new mobility hub, needed in the future. This will help guide with the area last November. the past two years. We are on the path which benefits our environment, our where it will be located and will form part Following their input, and a further round to something potentially very special residents, and our community. of the next Local Plan. Public toilets and of public consultation earlier this year, the for our town.” This is the future of Romsey.” other facilities would also be built into masterplan has been finalised and was the area and the creation of a new public adopted by council members in plaza called Fishlake Square would early September. take full advantage of the newly-opened The masterplan covers short, medium Fishlake Stream. and long-term scenarios for the area, The longer-term proposals cover the meaning the flexibility of the plans can next five to ten years and include the be tailored to markets and any relocation of the Aldi store to the current developer partners. Crosfield Hall site. Parking would also The short-term plans include terraced be put in place for the store’s new seating and improving the views to the location, while the current Aldi site could Fishlake Stream as it runs along the be considered for a number of different current bus station and down towards uses. These include community space,

test valley news • 01264 368000 • [email protected] 5 Coping with Covid-19 • Coping with Covid-19 • Coping with Covid-19 • Coping with Covid-19

Lending a hand hard work and continued efforts during Coming together the coronavirus pandemic, while they through On top of their usual roles and extra managed to maintain collections and an responsibilities during the pandemic, the Covid-19 pandemic increase in garden waste. a number of council officers were also lending a hand in different ways in Boosting businesses Community groups and Since March, parish councils, supporting communities. Throughout Throughout lockdown, council officers voluntary organisations community groups and Test Valley lockdown, parking was free for Test Valley have been working tirelessly to ensure have been at the heart of the Borough Council’s community partner, Borough Council car parks, meaning millions of pounds of vital funding was response to the Covid-19 Unity, have been helping those most officers who would usually be spending passed on to businesses as quickly pandemic, whether delivering their time monitoring parking were instead as possible. in need. hand delivering food parcels to the food parcels to the vulnerable, After the government announced a number vulnerable. helping those isolating to The council has been supporting of packages to help businesses through get vital medicine, or holding these groups with financial aid and Other staff were putting the packages the pandemic, the council’s revenues and remote quiz nights to keep staff resources to ensure this help can together, which included a number of welfare team were hard at work going essentials such as milk, bread and other spirits high. reach all corners of their communities. through the national guidance that had foods, which were purchased by other been received, processing applications for council officers. those who needed it across Test Valley. have been aiding groups to reach as many Community comes together The charity, Unity, also launched the Having been given £27 million from people as possible. Some of that aid came Throughout Test Valley, community Test Valley Community Helpline, ensuring central government, the council wrote to through using the council’s resources support groups came together in villages, those in the borough who needed any all businesses the authority believed may to organise ways to get medicine and assistance, could receive it. This help have been eligible for funding and tried to parishes and towns to help the borough in prescriptions to those who were self- came in the form of medicine, prescriptions reach as many organisations as possible. response to the Covid-19 pandemic. isolating. A scheme was set up with West and any other errands. For weeks, a Small and rural businesses received The Andover Self Isolation Help group Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group number of council officers were helping to £16.43m, while members of the retail, worked closely with community charity to enable medicines to be delivered via answer the phones. hospitality and leisure industry were Unity to ensure medicines and food the groups, including the Andover Self For the environmental service, the granted £10.705m throughout the reached those who needed it. In Houghton Isolation Help group. pandemic saw waste collection officers pandemic. collect more than 500 extra tonnes of glass Other schemes were set up by the council, and Bossington, a support group also Community engagement officers were managed to raise £1,250 for the NHS between March and April compared to the such as rounds of £500 payments that any also in regular contact with their respective same period in 2019. Almost 400 tonnes individual or organisation could apply for if alongside deliveries to its community and communities, to ensure the latest was collected in June alone. Collection they were helping the community respond holding virtual pub quizzes. information was passed to the authority, so officers were extremely grateful to receive to the pandemic. Discretionary grants were Council officers from different services that help could be provided if needed. so many notes of thanks for their also organised, paying out around £1.4m.

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test valley news • 01264 368000 • [email protected] 7 Quality care you can trust, delivered in the comfort of your own home

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8 test valley news • 01264 368000 • [email protected]

Council cracks on with climate plan

Test Valley Borough Council has electrically operated bin lifts, which are slashed its paper consumption, is each expected to save around 2,000kg Landlordswanted driving down its energy use and is of carbon dioxide per year. Let your property for continuing to increase its fleet of In addition, it is reviewing the potential electric vehicles in a bid to become for renewable and low carbon energy carbon-neutral. sources in the borough to help inform FREE with Test Valley The authority declared a climate future planning policies. And the council emergency in September 2019 and has also now switched to an electricity Borough Council since then it has been pushing forward tariff that uses renewable energy, plans to dramatically cut its carbon meaning that it will use electricity emissions. generated from non-fossil fuel sources. Members of various political parties The update also considered the impact Free full membership of the came together to help produce a of Covid restrictions on the council’s National Landlord Association Climate Emergency Action Plan, which progress against the action plan, Free tenant finder service was approved by the council in June observing that the pandemic has meant 2020. The authority’s overview and Free tailored, tenant support that quicker progress has been made scrutiny committee (OSCOM) will Free property viewings on certain aspects, including the use of receive an update on progress every Free full property inspections video conferencing and live streaming six months. and management council meetings to the public. Figures included in an OSCOM Free inventories The lockdown also highlighted the update in September 2020 showed Free pre-tenancy advice and importance of providing good quality that between October 2019 and July guidance 2020 the council hacked the number open spaces to support people’s Free tenant check-in service physical and mental wellbeing. of pages printed by around 100,000, Free end of tenancy deep clean halving the number of trees consumed Residents and businesses continue and hammering down costs by more to play their part, with 17 per cent than half a million pounds. of council tax bills and 32 per cent The authority has also ordered of business rates bills now issued three refuse collection vehicles with electronically. To find out more contact Test Valley Lettings on 01264 368128 or email [email protected] Environmental Portfolio Holder, accelerated a move towards more councillor Alison Johnston, said: energy efficient ways of working. www.testvalley.gov.uk/testvalleylettings “We were already driving forward “We remain keen to explore all our climate emergency plans when options to help reduce our carbon coronavirus hit. Covid-19 has, footprint, with a view to achieving understandably, taken the lion’s carbon neutrality as quickly as share of the news coverage over the possible and certainly before the Harrow Way past few months. But the climate government target of 2050. Community School Specialist School in Maths & Computing emergency is still very much at the “Some of the changes we implement forefront of our minds and green will have a relatively small impact but Harrow Way is widely acknowledged as a very successful recovery will continue to be at the this is about seeking to reduce our school dedicated to the achievement and well-being of all of core of our response to the pandemic. CO2 emissions wherever we are able its students. OFSTED recognised us as a ‘good school’ in April Indeed, the impact of lockdown has to do so.” 2017, a judgement of which we are understandably proud. We were pleased to announce that Award for our high standard of training the school was chosen to be in the for teachers. Parliamentary review last September. Our exciting and innovative curriculum Harrow Way featured alongside key Be Seen, Be Central and boost business offers a wide range of opportunities individuals in Education and a small for students to succeed. Harrow Way number of outstanding schools. Community School is a popular, thriving Test Valley Borough Council For the second year running (having establishment successfully serving the (TVBC) has joined forces with The been the first school in Hampshire in needs of the wider community as well as Lifestyle Card and Andover Business 2017), Harrow Way remains the only the school population. school in Hampshire to have been Improvement District (BID) to Come and discover what makes this awarded the much coveted Big Award launch the new Be Seen, Be Central for our exemplary work in bullying school so special and join in our campaign aimed at encouraging local intervention. The Teacher Development success. Visitors to the school are retailers to take up vacant units in the Trust Network (TDTN) has recognised always welcome. Chantry Centre. our commitment to the highest And thanks to TVBC’s easy in, easy out standards in teaching and learning and Andover has hundreds of successful occupancy agreements, businesses in 2018 we were awarded the Silver businesses, with many of them have the chance to try out a pop-up operating out of the nearby business shop to enable them to test the water. Learning for life, success for all parks or from their homes and out- As well as filling vacant units while of-town offices. But with a number plans for the major redevelopment of of empty units in the town centre, the town centre continue to progress, the council is encouraging business the council hopes that this will give to consider the benefits of also a platform for businesses and even showcasing their products and services those running local interest groups and in a central location. services, to raise their profiles.

Anyone interested in renting a unit in the Chantry Centre can contact Colin Hares at Harrow Way, Andover, Hampshire SP10 3RH Test Valley Borough Council, on 01264 368000 or email [email protected] Telephone: 01264 364533 www.harrowway.hants.sch.uk

test valley news • 01264 368000 • [email protected] 9 News from Test Valley Borough Council • News from Test Valley Borough Council

Hard at work to keep removing waste from their property is authorised to do so, so don’t get caught Christmas celebrations in Andover Test Valley green out; it’s your duty of care! to look a little bit different this year Recycling in Test Valley Fly-tip focus This year, as many of us have spent Celebrations this winter may in the town centre. The market will Throughout lockdown, the council’s more time at home than we usually feature a wide range of stall holders, environmental service kept working, looking a little different to would, the levels of recycling have live music, hot food and pre-bookable collecting tens of thousands of bins previous years, but will still increased! Between March and August, children’s festive craft activities and of every week. But, on top of maintaining have the same festive feel as we collected more than 500 tonnes of course, Santa’s Grotto in the Chantry their usual duties during a difficult we welcome Christmas 2020. glass compared to the same period Centre. Three very good reasons to pop period during the pandemic, fly-tipping in 2019 from our local recycling centres The activities and events will begin at into town and enjoy all that the High did not stop, and neither did their work (LRC). the end of November, as the Andover Street has to offer on 29 November! to catch those responsible. The LRCs enable you to recycle many Christmas Tree Festival gets under way. Spreading the Christmas spirit Fly-tipping is the term used when waste different materials, from aluminium foil, Schools, businesses and community throughout the town and further is illegally deposited onto land and is to glass, to textiles, to cartons! With groups will be invited to design and afield will be the Andover Window an offence under the Environmental more than 100 across the borough, you decorate one of 100 Christmas tree Wonderland walking art trail to light Protection Act 1990. We investigate can recycle many forms of everyday panels, which will then be brought up the winter streets. The project every single report of fly-tipping, and waste. In your brown bin, remember to together in an outdoor exhibition on the invites residents, schools, shops and if we find sufficient evidence, we will only include paper, cardboard, tins and green between The Lights theatre and businesses to decorate their widows in seek to take those responsible to court. cans, and aerosols and plastic bottles. Andover Leisure Centre. Those found guilty could be hit with a Pop them in clean, dry and loose. the form of a light box. During a set time fine of up to £50,000, or given up to five Follow these rules rather than what you The trees will light up at night and the each evening, the windows are switched years in prison. The council has covert see on your packaging, as every area is experience will be enhanced with a on to create a nightly trail of unique and cameras placed across Test Valley to different! And don’t forget – face masks soundscape of songs and poems from shining artworks. Businesses, shops try to catch those in action. If you come and tissues are not recyclable. local choirs and school children, and and schools will be encouraged to the public will be encouraged to wander participate, but the main focus will be on across a suspected fly-tip, please don’t Going green touch it, but contact the council’s team amongst the trees and soak up the residents taking part and creating trails The council’s grounds maintenance on 01264 368000 or 01794 527700. festive atmosphere. in local community areas. team is going green! Having spent time And remember, if you’re using a waste trialling different types of equipment, To complement the Christmas Tree A number of additional markets will take carrier, make sure they are licensed, as the team will be switching to greener, Festival, and to coincide with Andover place throughout December, alongside your rubbish is still your responsibility. battery-operated tools as part of their Town Council’s plan to switch on family treasure hunts and trails, Since 2005, householders have been daily work, replacing all petrol-powered the Christmas lights, there will be a encouraging everyone to enjoy the town required by law to check that anyone equipment over the next few years. Christmas Market held on 29 November centre throughout the festive period.

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10 test valley news • 01264 368000 • [email protected] News from Test Valley Borough Council • News from Test Valley Borough Council

Your Christmas and New Year Providing support bin collection dates for those who need it this winter The council is continuing to work hard temperatures are set to fall below zero Normal collection day - Brown bin Revised collection day - Brown bin to ensure any resident who is seeking for those who are without shelter. shelter is given a place to stay. Should this happen for a minimum Monday 21 December 2020 Saturday 19 December 2020 During the course of the Covid-19 of three consecutive nights, these arrangements are put in place to help Tuesday 22 December 2020 Monday 21 December 2020 pandemic, housing officers worked tirelessly to provide emergency those living on the street. Subject to availability, anyone can access Wednesday 23 December 2020 Tuesday 22 December 2020 accommodation for anyone experiencing homelessness. The authority’s position Two Saint’s Direct Access Hostel in Andover, who will provide emergency bed Thursday 24 December 2020 Wednesday 23 December 2020 remains that residents who present themselves as homeless to the council and food provision wherever possible. and would otherwise be sleeping rough, Anyone concerned about somebody who Friday 25 December 2020 Thursday 24 December 2020 will always be offered emergency may be sleeping rough is encouraged to accommodation before leaving the contact the council’s housing team or Two Normal collection day - Black bin Revised collection day - Black bin offices, to prevent them having to Saints, and report it through Streetlink. sleep on the streets. Monday 28 December 2020 (Bank Hol) Monday 28 December 2020 The council’s housing team can be Over the winter months, the council contacted on 01264 368000, and operate as another available service to support Tuesday 29 December 2020 Tuesday 29 December 2020 will also continue to provide its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) people who may otherwise sleep rough to with special arrangements in place when come inside from the cold. Wednesday 30 December 2020 Wednesday 30 January 2020

Thursday 31 December 2020 Thursday 31 December 2020 Have your say to Friday 1 January 2021 Saturday 2 January 2021 help protect Romsey’s history

Garden Waste Test Valley Borough Council is At the end of the process, a Garden waste collections will not take place between calling on Romsey residents to have Conservation Area Appraisal and Monday 21 December 2020 and Friday 1 January 2021. their say on the town’s heritage as it Management Plan (CAAMP) will be updates its conservation area. put together, which will describe the importance of some of Romsey’s Romsey’s conservation area was first historic locations, and offer further designated in 1970, and defines an guidance on how to protect them. area of special architectural or historic The consultation, which will run until interest. The area currently includes the November 6, is seeking views on majority of the town centre, including proposed boundary changes to the Market Place, The Hundred and The conservation area and any other points Causeway, which helps to preserve and on the town’s history and heritage. enhance those areas in the future. The full draft of the new CAAMP and Now, a consultation has been launched consultation questionnaire can be found as the authority looks at ways to update on the council’s website via this link its guidance for the conservation area. www.testvalley.gov.uk/RCAConsultation.

Residents can also send comments directly to the council via [email protected]

Who to contact

You can contact the following at: Beech Hurst, Weyhill Road, Andover, SP10 3AJ Telephone: 01264 368000

Chief Executive ...... Andy Ferrier Corporate Director...... Carol Moore Head of Legal and Democratic...... Karen Dunn Head of Property & Asset Management...... Simon Ellis Head of Revenues and Welfare...... Carl Whatley Head of IT...... Jussi Vuorela Head of Housing and Environmental Health ...... Phil Turner Head of Planning Policy and Economic Development...... Graham Smith Head of Planning and Building ...... Paul Jackson Head of Environmental Services...... Paul Wykes Head of Community and Leisure ...... Dave Tasker

test valley news • 01264 368000 • [email protected] 11 Thank you for all your efforts, both during the lockdown and continuously, in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

For your information Different formats

The aim of Test Valley News is to keep the borough’s residents up to date with relevant information about the public services and facilities available to them, as well as other important local news. Different formats of Test Valley News Test Valley News is produced and distributed by Test Valley Borough Council. are available for anyone who has Editor: Kathryn Binfield.Design: Cammegh Davies Fleming. Printing: Mortons. Advertising: Test Valley Borough Council has certain statutory and regulatory duties. Appearance difficulty reading this publication. of any advertising in this publication should not be considered an endorsement from the council of Please call the Chief Executive’s any organisation to which these duties apply. As part of the council’s commitment to enhance and preserve the environment, Test Valley News is printed on recycled paper. office on 01264 368108. For more information see: www.testvalley.gov.uk or call the Editor on 01264 368108.

12 test valley news • 01264 368000 • [email protected]