Hart News

The newspaper of Council www.hart.gov.uk Autum/Winter 2011 Shop best in county Saving money Check the score Revitalised village store Hart has outsourced its New food hygiene is named number one in refuse collections and rating system set – p14 made big savings – p16 to start – p15

Hart’s future on Tell us what you think show near you about the ʻCore Strategyʼ THE draft plan for the future development of Hart District until 2028 goes on show in Fleet, anTdheHHoaorkt Cthoirse mStroantetghy. ‘Preferred Approach’ is now being consulted upon and everyone in the district is being urged to A new give us their views. Why we need to have it More new homes are needed across the country and Hart is no exception. The population is growing, the birth rate is dawn for higher than the death rate and more people are living alone for longer. The Council is currently bound by the housing target in the South East Plan, which for Hart is 220 homes a year. The Gov - Fleet Pond ernment intends to abolish this Plan but it will still require ade - quate numbers of new homes to be built. The Council therefore believes it is best to carry on planning for 220 each year, which is actually a lot less than have been built here in past decades. Our special centre pages article in this issue, ‘Planning for Hart’s future development’, tells you about the key proposals in the Plan, including where, when and how change will take place. When it is finished, the Core Strategy will be the key doc - ument within Hart’s Local Development Framework (LDF), which will guide future development and change in Hart. Three public exhibitions will be held this month where Council planners will be available to answer questions from res - idents on the Core Strategy ‘Preferred Approach’ and support - ing documents. The exhibitions are: •Friday September 9 – Monteagle Hall, Yateley 12 noon to 8pm •Saturday September 10 - Hart Shopping Centre, Fleet 10am– 5pm •Friday September 16 - Elizabeth Hall, Hook 12noon to 8pm All of the consultation documents are available to view from the link on the home page of the Hart website www.hart.gov.uk. Details of how to respond are set out both in our centrefold article and on the Hart website. Hard copies of all these documents are also available to view at the Civic Offices, the libraries in Fleet, and Yateley, Sunrise over Fleet Pond, the largest freshwater lake in Hampshire, which and the mobile library service. If you would like to buy a copy is to benefit from a £342,000 grant to improve water quality. The grant is a of any of the documents, full details can be found on the Hart major boost to the group of organisations working to improve the pond website. and surrounding nature reserve. Turn to page 2 for a full report. Picture by Vicky Jull. Full details on pages 9-12

CONTACT THE COUNCIL – TEL: 01252 622122 E-MAIL: [email protected] 2 Hart News www.hart.gov.uk Autumn/Winter 2011 Countryside Funds flow in to Fleet Pond

Fleet Pond is to get £342,000 of grants to by Adam Green improve water quality. The money will Grounds and Countryside Manager allow partners working to restore the FLEET Pond, the largest freshwater area to move ahead with vital projects lake in Hampshire and easily visible from the main train line between Picture by Colin Gray Hart and , is to benefit from £342,000 in extra money from the Water Framework directive to eastern side of the lake. This is aimed improve water quality. at reducing the input of silty water at In a co-ordinated bid the Environ - Sandy Bay, providing features such as ment Agency gained £200,000 worth ponds, scrapes and backwaters to trap of funding and Natural sediment and to create new wetland £142,000 with the possibility of fur - habitat within the woodland ther funds in the coming years. Re-use of dredged sediment to cre - As many of you are aware, much ate islands that will: has been going on at Fleet Pond over control water entering Fleet Pond the years to try to rectify the issues limit sediment input to the lake with the siltation of the lake and the shore near Sandy Bay effect it has had on the wildlife of the create new lake shore water habi - Nature Reserve. tat A working partnership formed a create new areas of reedbed and Project Steering Group of core stake - fringing habitat holders including representatives create new submerged plant habi - from Hart District Council, Fleet tat for fish and invertebrates Pond Society, Johns Associates, Natu - Works proposed for this year and ral England, the Environment needed to even start us on our way. ship (HLS) and Water Framework next will be the first step towards Agency, and the Ministry of Defence. We have now seen a massive step for - Directive (WFD) Funding will give a delivering a full lake restoration mas - However, one thing has always ward in gaining funds to help realise massive boost to the delivery of a terplan, in accordance with detailed been missing and that has been the our aims and ambitions for this much phased series of lake restoration activ - proposals that will be agreed by the funding as vast sums totalling many loved Nature Reserve. Recent suc - ities. Project Steering group. The evolving hundreds of thousands pounds are cesses through Higher Level Steward - But why is this important? Cressida masterplan will also incorporate the Wheelwright from Natural England output of a stakeholder consultation explains: “Fleet Pond makes up part exercise to ensure wider long-term of the 48 hectare Fleet Pond Site of objectives can be met. Special Scientific Interest. The SSSI Jim Story from the Fleet Pond Soci - has been in poor condition for some ety reminds us that there is still much time, partly because of a build up of to do: silt. A scheme is in place to improve “The Fleet Pond Society’s Clearwa - the condition of the SSSI, and ter Campaign aims to raise awareness although this is an excellent step for - and funds towards a variety of meas - ward there is more work to be done. ures to reverse the Pond’s decline and “As well as the pond itself, the sur - to improve the Reserve for the benefit rounding land embraces many rare of the local community. habitats including heathland, wet “Although we are pleased to gain woodland, reedbeds and marsh. these extra funds much more is still Because of this variety visitors can needed to cover the costs of designing look out for 180 different species of projects through to major sums for birds, 26 types of butterfly, 21 species dredging and environmental tasks. of dragonfly and 400 wild flowers, The Clearwater Campaign aims to many rare and some of which are provide funds for those much needed nationally or internationally impor - areas not included in any other fund - tant! ing stream and, importantly, would “The complex problems for the include projects of direct benefit to pond have meant that no one organ - local people and visitors. isation was able to instigate the much “This will include improved seating needed improvements. The Higher areas, a variety of new information Level Environmental Stewardship boards, better footpaths and other (HLS) funding agreement, gathers the public facilities. The Fleet Pond Soci - support and involvement of key part - ety wants to preserve the Pond for our ners to work together to improve the children, grandchildren and way condition of the SSSI.” beyond.“ Matthew Johns from Johns Associ - If you want to donate or are just ates project manages the restoration interested in what the Society is for the Partnership. doing, please visit the Fleet Pond He says: “The funding from both Society website for full information areas has seen a great move forward on the Clearwater Campaign at in enabling the key activities planned www.fleetpond.fccs.org.uk Please for the Pond.” watch the informative video featur - Some of the key issues limiting the ing the Society's patron and TV Natu - condition of the SSSI will soon start ralist, Chris Packham, who fully backs being addressed. These include: the Campaign. There is also an Small-scale dredging of the lake to extremely informative set of FAQs restore its depth in targeted areas regarding the ongoing problems fac - Creation of a new stream channel ing the Pond. to take some of the higher flow from the Gelvert Stream, through areas of New bridges for Fleet Pond – wet woodland, around part of the see page 4 Autumn/Winter 2011 www.hart.gov.uk Hart News 3 Countryside Grazing trial to improve heaths Nature Diary by Ranger Steve Lyons HEATHLAND is a rare and protected habitat, of which the UK has lost 90% Significant in the last century. Britain in fact holds about 20% of the whole world’s low - work ahead in land heathland. Heath is one of the largest areas in the region being classified as a Site of Special Scientific wildlife areas Interest and a registered common. It is also within the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area. ELL we had summer in In order to restore and protect spring and April heathland species, Hart District Coun - showers in June and cil is undertaking a heathland restora - July. Flowers held off flowering tion programme. As part of this, with until later on, grasses seeded funding from Natural England and the W Grazing animals help control the growth of scrub early and some trees, SITA Trust Enriching Nature project, a grazing trial is running over a five year ing the richness and diversity of the This generalised feeding behaviour is a particularly oaks put on a period. Amongst the management flora and fauna. valuable way of maintaining species second flush of leaves in July ‘tools’ for the heathland, grazing is Temporary electric fencing was diversity over the heathland. once we had had a bit of rain. one of the oldest and most effective. erected in April around the two trial The cattle went onto site later than Butterflies were short on Grazing animals, cattle in this case, plots, one in the north (in anticipated this year because the par - numbers and variety early help to control the growth of scrub parish) and one in the south (in Hart - ticularly dry spring meant the heath summer but were prolific in that would otherwise swamp the open ley Wintney parish). Within the was slow to green up, but the wetter July once plants decided to heathland. The specialist heathland Council owned land there is a ten weather since has encouraged vigor - flower and there was enough flora present will have the chance to hectare site that is currently being ous growth of all the plants. water around for them to drink. flourish without being shaded out by grazed by four Friesian steers. Whilst Since the cattle have been put on to There have been some great birch and pine scrub. they are not traditionally used for the heath the trial has been running wildlife finds over the summer. This in turn protects the wild crea - heathland grazing, they appear to be smoothly. There was one incident of Dormice have been found to tures that rely on the heathland plants doing a good job on controlling the fencing being cut before the cattle be living on West Green for their survival. Grazing on grasses, Molina grass and nibbling the growing were introduced, but there has been Common after a number of heather and gorse helps to make tops of the young birch. no deliberate vandalism as there was years of coppice management attractive conditions for ground nest - Cattle are less selective grazers than last year. The majority of the public there (see story p5) and a rare ing birds, butterflies and plant life as horses or sheep and the tongue is used seem to be more accepting of the trial fungi that lives on other fungi well as making the desired mosaic of to pull vegetation into their mouths, now, with people often commenting has been found on Odiham micro-habitats essential for maintain - leaving a tussocky appearance behind. that it is good to see the cattle back. Common, the first recording of it anywhere in the UK and only the third in Europe. Various wildlife surveys will continue into the winter so Elvetham Heath scores fingers crossed for some more exciting things. There will be lots of significant work happening to important wildlife areas in the district over the winter. a Green Flag double Dredging and pond restoration works will commence at Fleet Pond, woodland enhancement FOR the second year in a row Elvetham gained this award again. Good green works take place at Odiham Heath Local Nature Reserve in Fleet has space provision is a valuable part of all Common and the wildlife trust been awarded the prestigious Green Flag our lives, especially for our children, in partnership with the MOD award for being one of the best sites to who we hope will be able to play safely will be restoring heathland at visit in the UK. and grow to respect the areas and Pyestock. Elvetham Heath provides the perfect wildlife around them. The ranger team Autumn is a great time to see location for families. This valuable has done a fabulous job.” wildlife and to forage for nuts wildlife reserve and recreational space Duke Banfield, the countryside and berries. The Countryside has been recognised as one of the coun - ranger for Elvetham Heath’s local nature Service service is running a try’s best green spaces with a prestigious reserve, reports a very successful year for Green Flag Award. most wildlife, from huge numbers of few bat walks and fungi walks The nature reserve and open spaces froglets in fear of being trodden on, to (details at www.hart.gov.uk) get plenty of visitors and the site is very one of the biggest success stories, the and the Hampshire & Isle of popular with local residents and visitors Southern Marsh Orchid, which has Wight Wildlife Trust has a alike. The award was given for being already increased from just four speci - number of events on to well managed and offering many expe - mens last year. It is showing signs of celebrate 50 years as a Wildlife riences in one place, including a play spreading too with a single individual Trust (details on its web site). area managed by Elvetham Heath discovered flowering in a mown area Oak trees should look great parish council. 200 yards away from the original site. and interesting this autumn Green Flag Awards recognise and Dragonflies have also been plentiful, with their second flush of reward the best parks and open spaces taking advantage of the temporary leaves giving a two tone effect in the country and Elvetham Heath pools created around the reserve for just as autumn sets in. Letʼs hope stood out after impressing the judges this purpose. The Beautiful Demoiselle for a winter with not so much with its excellent use of green space, is one of our largest and as its name sug - snow and disruption. well-maintained facilities and high stan - gests, most beautiful damselflies on the Enjoy getting out into the dard of safety and security. Purple Loosestrife at Elvetham Heath pond reserve, taking advantage of the slow great outdoors that surrounds Only green spaces that are free to GreenSpace. moving stream that runs through the you. enter and open to the public are Sara Kinnell, Portfolio Holder for alder woodland. This has been opened See you soon eligible to win an award through the Leisure and Environmental Promotion, to the sunlight, creating a serene area scheme, which is run by environmental declared:” I am delighted to see that already favoured by deer and a singing Steve charities Keep Britain Tidy, BTCV and Elvetham Heath Nature Reserve has nightingale. 4 Hart News www.hart.gov.uk Autumn/Winter 2011 Countryside Ashwells Copse gets a facelift Ground and parks changes A NEW facelift has been given to greatly reduced. Ashwellʼs Copse, off Griffin Way South in The removal of the holly and hazel on the way Hook that has both helped wildlife and coppice provided much needed light for reduced unsocial behaviour. ground flora, such as Bluebells, Lesser GROUNDS maintenance Extensive works were undertaken last Celandine, Wood Anemone and Wood for roadside verges, water winter to open up this much neglected Sorrel, for which this copse was once features, shrubberies and woodland by coppicing the hazel stalls, known. New information signs have also open spaces in Hart is to and thinning out young trees. Removing been installed to help the visitor find out be administered in con - old remnants of fly tipping and garden about the site and its wildlife. junction with waste and repairing old bridges has Duke Banfield the site ranger says: “All and Deane Borough helped to make it more enjoyable to visit. in all itʼs been a very rewarding project, Council from October 1. There were some local concerns about Iʼm glad to report we had a wondrous Cllr Sara Kinnell, Hart’s the removal of large holly trees with the display especially with Bluebells and Cabinet Member for misconception that they provided added Wood Anemone and I canʼt wait until next Leisure and Environmen - security. In reality it provided cover for year when the floral display will be Neglected woodland has been opened up tal Promotion, says: “Bas - anti-social behaviour, which has since guaranteed to lift everyoneʼs spirits.” ingstoke is to deliver the grounds maintenance service for both local New bridge gives easy access to nature reserve authorities. The contact phone number will VISITORS to the Fleet Pond Nature Reserve of older structures. The Carnival and Society’s Clearwater Campaign, which was remain the same and were very happy to see three new bridges Brookly bridges are now wider, which will established last year to raise funds to there will not be any added to the network of footpaths at the allow a far easier circumnavigation of the restore the pond and create the best possi - reduction in standards.” pond last spring. Pond via the footpath for members of the ble amenity for wildlife and people. On the same day parish Particularly welcome was the construc - public with mobility scooters or double The Clearwater Campaign is a partner - councils across Hart will tion of the long awaited bridge across ‘The buggies. ship between the Fleet Pond Society, Hart take responsibility for Flash’, alongside Fleet Railway Station car Funding for this ambitious project was District Council, Natural England, and the maintaining parks and park. This new bridge provides a level achieved through several sources, includ - Environmental Agency. play areas in their respec - access route into the Nature Reserve for all ing a Fleet Pond Society bid to the Rush - Part of its aim is to fund a substantial tive areas. Cllr Kinnell visitors. Before it was put in, the only moor Environmental Fund and an accrual restoration programme of the Pond itself. advises anyone wishing access from the station was via steps. Now of Local Government Section 106 funds This also includes projects to benefit peo - to raise an issue about everyone can easily access the pond, gained from new developments in the ple by providing more seating, more and public parks or play areas including the mobility impaired. Fleet and area. better information boards and improving to approach the parish The other two bridges are replacements Funds also came from the Fleet Pond the footpaths. council. Autumn/Winter 2011 www.hart.gov.uk Hart News 5 Countryside Dormice are back at Guided walks HART District Council’s Countryside Service runs a variety of walks at various sites within the district. Whether you are West Green Common interested in wildlife, conservation and your local countryside or maybe you are just in need of a good walk, you will find something for both you and your friends A HAZEL dormouse was recently and family to enjoy. discovered at West Green Com - mon, where Hart’s Tuesday September 13 Countryside Service has been try - Batwalk Elvetham Heath Nature ing over the past ten years to get Reserve 7pm the woodland back into a hazel By the village pond, Elvetham Heath, just coppice cycle for the benefit of past Morrison's supermarket. (Grid ref. for wildlife. meeting point SU 801554). Join Ranger A local group for children called Duke Banfield, on an evening bat walk to Fleet Wildlife Watch, run by local find out more about bats and which ones volunteers Heather Hickman, are using your nature reserve after dark. Karen Charlesworth and Vicky Har - The walk should take about one to one rison discovered the adult hazel and a half-hours, if you have a bat dormouse in a nesting tube in detector please bring it with you. All newly cut hazel coppice! abilities welcome. This is the first record of hazel September Bird walk at Fleet Pond dormice using the site, and Hart’s Date & details to be confirmed . countryside rangers are overjoyed. The Wildlife Watch group put out September Bat walk Fleet Pond – 7pm the nesting tubes last autumn to Date & details to be confirmed . see if they could find any dormice Join the Fleet pond ranger to find out and they are hoping that more will more about bats and which of them are be discovered using the tubes. using your reserve after dark. Hazel dormice are said to be a very charismatic species. They are Saturday October 15 Fungi walk nocturnal and arboreal, spending Elvetham Heath LNR – 10am most of their active months in the By the village pond, Elvetham Heath, just treetops feeding on nectar, flowers, past Morrison's supermarket. (Grid ref. for berries, nuts and some insects. meeting point SU 801554). Join Duke They also hibernate, gorging Banfield, Elvetham Heath Ranger, on a themselves on hazel nuts in the Dormice have been found nesting at West Green Common walk at Elvetham Heath Local Nature autumn, fattening themselves up Reserve to find out more about our local to last the cold winter months. insects, or various small mammals, most obviously the planting in mushrooms and toadstools (fungi). Please Over the last century the hazel dor - that can use the brambles as pro - avenues of oaks. note this walk is aimed at beginners and mouse has declined in both num - tection from larger predators. The In some areas, under the venera - we will not be picking or removing any bers and distribution, making it a open area is then colonised by ble oaks, there is old hazel coppice. fungi from the site. protected species by law. other creatures such as birds and Coppicing is a traditional wood - Saturday October 22 Fungi Walk Recent surveys suggest they have butterflies. land management technique where become extinct in about half of Hart Countryside Service’s thanks trees that are cut to ground level Odiham Common SSSI – 10am. As a full fungi survey is carried out this their former haunts. Hazel dormice go to Mark Hazel, who does the then sprout vigorous new growth. year on the Common why not join Ranger are sensitive to weather and cli - coppicing at West Green Common After a number of years the new Steve to see what it has started to reveal. mate, both directly and indirectly, and Heather Hickman, who pro - growth can be harvested and used through their specialised feeding vided, placed and checked the dor - for fencing, hurdle making and a Meet by the recycle bins at Colt Hill requirements. mouse nesting tubes. variety of crafts. Wharf, Old London Road, Odiham. Walk They are particularly affected by West Green Common historically Typically, a coppiced woodland is will take approx. 2.5 hours. habitat deterioration and fragmen - was wood pasture, providing graz - harvested in sections or coups, on There will be a charge for all these walks tation and also by inappropriate ing for domestic livestock and a rotation. In this way, a crop is avail - of £2 per adult and £1 per child. Payable habitat management. For these rea - harvest of branches from the open- able each year somewhere in the on the day. sons, they are highly vulnerable to grown trees. Traditional wood pas - woodland. Coppicing has the effect Please note walks may be cancelled at local extinction. turing was probably still taking of providing a rich variety of habi - short notice due to bad weather. Under 16 It is not only the dormice that place on the Common at the time tats, as the woodland always has a year olds should be accompanied by a benefit; coppice management of the building of West Green range of different-aged coppice parent or guardian. favours a wide range of woodland House in the early 17th Century. growing in it, which is beneficial Please wear good outdoor footwear and This led to the land becoming part for biodiversity. wildlife. After cutting, the bring warm waterproof clothing. of a landscape managed to enhance The plan is to bring the rest of the increased light levels allow existing For more information about the walks the house, with the construction of Common under a coppice regime, woodland-floor vegetation to grow please contact the Countryside Rangers vigorously. Often brambles grow formal ponds in the south east cor - even doing a trial area of Horn - on 01252 623443, or via email on around the stools, encouraging ner and the introduction of trees, beam coppice. [email protected] Tackling birch scrub and widening paths on common

THE main aspect of work this autumn and winter Sections of blackthorn that have collapsed under small ponds, one off Bagwell Lane, one at Whitehall under the Odiham Common management plan is to heavy snow in recent times will be cleared on the and one next to the B3016 towards Potbridge will be tackle the birch scrub in the north-east segment, edges of some of the southern meadows and parts of cleared of encroaching trees and vegetation and widening the rides and paths that pass through it and the meadows that have been encroached by scrub de-silted. If opportunities present themselves during creating a clearing for woodcock . will be cleared and should revert to meadow after a these works to halo more veteran trees then these The main ride going south from this area to Bag - summer or two’s growth. Some areas west of London will be done as part of the above works. well Lane will also be widened to enhance its biodi - Road were treated in this way last winter and are Several oak trees that were haloed last autumn / versity value and in the long run to link the open recovering well. winter have responded very well so far – putting on areas to the northwest with those south of Bagwell An area of coppice at the Potbridge end of the lots of new growth where previously they were Lane. Common will also be worked this winter and three shaded. 6 Hart News www.hart.gov.uk Autumn/Winter 2011 Leisure Join in our out of school activities

HART and Frogmore Leisure Centres All our courses offer the opportu - offer an exciting selection of after nity for children to progress with our school activities which can be latest Star Performers reward scheme enjoyed by children aged five to 16. giving those who take up a course a Activities not only include term chance to receive a free Star Perform - time sports courses but racket sports ers reward card. If they put in a star courts are available after school for performance during their course badminton, squash and table tennis. they’ll be rewarded with a star per - The swimming pool at Hart is also former’s sticker. This gets added to open until 4pm from Tuesday to Fri - their reward card which can be day. exchanged for certificates and prizes! Activities across both sites include Don’t forget as well as the centres’ gymnastics, trampolining, bad - fantastic term time courses both minton, archery, squash, fencing, a offer exciting fun filled holiday variety of martial arts disciplines, camps so book now for half term. ballet, jazz, basketball, football and For more details visit our new web - swimming. site www.threesixfive.org.uk

HTAeRTl’SlLeuisusre Searvbiceois cuo-otrdiynaot - ulorad acfoermleandbrertuarntititoo: ns ing a list of events which will be tak - Leisure Services, Hart District ing place during 2012 to celebrate Council, Civic Offices, Harlington events such as the Olympics or the Way, Fleet, Hampshire GU51 4AE. Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Alternatively email us at leisurede - Hart’s leisure web site has changed If your club or organisation is plan - [email protected] and we will ning to organise a celebratory event send you a form. next year we would like to know Once we have received the com - WEʼVE been working hard to design a new web site, www.threesixfive.org.uk about it. Our Leisure Development pleted form we will ensure that your which is brighter and much easier to use. Many of the old functions haven't team wants to make sure you get the event is featured in any advertising changed – you can still view the swimming pool and fitness class timetables as support you need in terms of any that we produce. This will include well as book activities online. branding requirements, advertising both Hart News and our web site. However the new site has much more content, extra news and event or simply advice on licensing or road Please return your application form information. We'd love to hear what you think, so why not let us know by closures. by January 6 2012. If you have any emailing [email protected] To tell us about your event please queries please don’t hesitate to call visit www.threesixfive.org.uk, down - the Leisure team on 01252 774138. WHETHER your children are just start - karate and badminton. If you’re look - Aing cschtooilvorihteiadeingsbacfkoaftrer thme iung mto retsurn tao snpordt we’ldl haave dsoms e - summer break we’ve got something at thing for you. our leisure centres to suit you. Paying for your activities at Hart and If you enjoy a day time workout we Frogmore Leisure Centres couldn’t be offer a wide variety of classes as well as easier. Our 365 membership starts two state of the art gyms and casual from just £40 for unlimited use of all swim sessions. We also offer an Ofsted the facilities plus online booking and registered crèche at both of our leisure 50% off sports courses. centres should you need child care. For a limited time why not try out As well as a wide range of evening the facilities without signing up to a fitness classes, both centres also offer a membership and get ten sessions for fantastic selection of courses in sports the price of eight. Try swimming, aer - such as squash, swimming, judo, obics classes and the gym from just £3 trampolining, aikido, fencing, archery, a session. Hampshire Games success THE Hampshire Games, a multi- trict. The Hampshire Parallel Youth sport event for ordinary young peo - Games plays a significant part in ple across the Hampshire and the the development and shaping of Isle of Wight Sports Partnership was disability sport in Hart. again a smash success this summer. In June Hart Leisure Centre The event is divided into three hosted the New Age Kurling for the sections: The Youth Games for sec - Parallel Games with more than 120 ondary school pupils, the Mini- competitors taking part. Hart teams Games for primary schools and the also competed in the Youth Games parallel games for young people in in swimming, hockey and bad - special schools. minton achieving fifth (swim - The games are not designed for ming), fourth (hockey) and second the sporting elite – competitors and fourth (badminton). have plenty of opportunities to Hart’s vice chairman, Cllr Chris compete in their chosen sport. Axam said it was great to see so Hart District Council has had a many people making use of the good showing at these events for facilities available at Hart Leisure the past two years and those young Centre. competitors who attend always Kevin Wallace, Leisure Develop - have a great day. ment Officer at Hart, said of the The development work around Games: ‘This is the second year Hart the games is undertaken to encour - has been involved and once again age participation and establish new we have had some fantastic playing opportunities for the dis - results.” Autumn/Winter 2011 www.hart.gov.uk Hart News 7 Housing Home work pays New affordable homes off for former HART’S Chairman, Cllr John Kennett Communities Agency (HCA) and are praised Sentinel Housing Association part of a programme expected to top teachers’ houses and Barratt Homes for their efforts in 500 new homes across the local area. providing affordable housing at the The new estate is designed with secu - recent opening of St Mary’s Park in rity in mind and homes are built using EIGHT empty properties in Yateley Dilly Lane, Hartley. traditional construction methods to and Fleet have been brought back The official completion of Sentinel’s help reduce carbon emissions. Resi - into use to provide much-needed first phase of 33 homes at St Mary’s dents will also benefit from “green” family accommodation for local Park was being celebrated. When com - technology helping to save money on people on the Hart housing register. plete, around 170 homes are to be pro - their energy bills. Solar panels are fitted The outdated former teachersʼ vided, of which nearly 70 will be afford - where the orientation of rooflines is homes in Monteagle Lane, Yateley, able and available to rent or part own. suitable and homes not suitable for and Velmead Road, Fleet, have Cllr Kennett said affordable housing solar are equipped with a system that been modernised by Sentinel was one of Hart’s major priorities. controls the temperature inside the Housing Association as part of a Despite the district as a whole being home, keeping it warm in winter and £1.3m project, and let to locals. prosperous, the District Council, cool in summer. Sentinel bought the properties although not in debt, was one of the Councillor Chris Butler, Hart’s Cabi - from Hampshire County Council, most asset and cash poor in the coun - net Member for Housing and Health with the help of additional funding of try. This lack of cash meant that getting added: “We are delighted with the qual - £180,000 from Hart District Council more affordable housing was heavily ity of the new properties being pro - and £270,000 from the Homes & dependent on the contribution made vided by Sentinel in this estate. This Communities Agency. by developers working together with development will provide top quality Around £30,000 per home was Sentinel and other housing associa - sustainable housing for Hart residents spent on new kitchens, bathrooms, tions. in a beautiful setting with easy access to flooring, doors and windows to bring Cllr John Kennett, Hart Chairman (right) them up to standard. The development is helping to tackle with Sentinel Chief Executive, Martin Nurse local facilities. Our partnership with a shortage of affordable housing in the Sentinel is invaluable in meeting the Ward councillor Chris Axam area, which has more than 2,000 peo - Hart meant it took many times the housing needs of the people of Hart, added: “I was pleased to have had ple listed on Hart District Council’s average salary to get a mortgage, mak - and we look forward to working with the opportunity to review the housing register. The chairman said the ing home ownership a distant dream them to deliver further projects in the refurbishment of a property in situation was improving with 78 new for many local people. future.” Velmead Road as part of our efforts homes completed last year and a fore - “Coupled with about 1,500 families St Mary’s Park is one of four new to increase the affordable housing cast of 211 for the current year. and individuals actively registered on social housing developments in Hart stock in Hart. Sentinel Chief Executive Martin the housing register these new homes this year by Sentinel, providing a “They have been refurbished to a Nurse said: “We’re delighted to be able will make a much needed difference to total of 177 affordable homes across the very high standard and will make to help ease the need for affordable those on lower incomes,” he added. district. good modern family homes.” housing in this area.” The new homes are supported by a Mr Nurse said high property prices in £3m investment from the Homes and

SINSaULAvTEeHammpshiore isnthenyew araea nd keep warm based insulation scheme to be deliv - ered by Hart District Council and Hampshire County Council. The scheme is open to everyone and will help protect people against the cold, cut household fuel bills and reduce carbon dioxide emissions as well as create new jobs in our local more about solar photovoltaic (elec - economy. tricity generating) panels for homes, With loft insulation at £99 and cav - which would include information on ity wall insulation at £75 for the first the Government Feed in Tariff which 5,000 suitable homes to sign up to the now pays householders for generating scheme and £99 thereafter, the their own electricity with the poten - scheme is expected to improve 20,000 tial to earn an income and save a Hampshire households. third on electricity bills. Some people in certain circum - Householders will also be offered stances will also benefit from com - the opportunity to access a range of pletely free home insulation, mean - local community services and refer - ing that local residents could cut their rals to other initiatives as part of the household bills by £300 a year, saving scheme. 1.5 tonnes of CO2. To register your interest contact The scheme will also offer house - the Insulate Hampshire team on holders the opportunity to find out 0800 952 0037. Safety checks on electric blankets

EVERY year about 1,000 fires are protection against overheating. caused by faulty electric blankets, Electric blankets should be checked killing around 20 people and injuring every year after the guarantee period 250. Elderly people are particularly and replaced it if they are more than vulnerable. ten years old. In the last decade more than 10,000 This year blankets will be checked at blankets have been checked in Fleet Fire Station on Wednesday Hampshire, with an average of 43 per October 12. If you would like your cent failing the safety checks. electric blanket checked, contact Blankets checked last year were Hampshire County Council Trading either too old, worn out, had poor Standards on 01962 833358 to book wiring, broken controls or offered no your appointment. 8 Hart News www.hart.gov.uk Autumn/Winter 2011 Housing and Benefits Housing and Council Tax Cracking down on benefits

IN the current economic climate residents should know that if they are benefit fraudsters struggling to pay their Council Tax and/or Housing Rent costs there is help NOTHING annoys members of the pub - The verification checks include cross- the last 12 months the Council has suc - available in the form of the lic more than benefit fraud when people referencing income/savings against cessfully prosecuted five claimants for means tested Housing and take public money intended for the gen - bank statements, data from the Depart - benefit fraud with an 18 month sus - Council Tax benefit. uinely needy. ment of Work and Pensions, HM Rev - pended prison sentence and 250 hours This benefit is available Hart District Council’s fraud team is enue and Customs and various other of community service being an example for residents on low income engaged in a continuous battle against sources. of the penalties that the court has with savings or capital of the fraudsters. The fraud team works closely with the imposed. less than £16,000, (except Benefit fraud includes those who make Jobcentre Plus team investigating infor - Tell Us pensioners on Pension false claims and give incorrect informa - mation received from whatever source Anyone with information can provide Guarantee Credit who may tion in order to obtain benefit to which and takes appropriate action where nec - it either anonymously or personally by have more savings), and the they are not entitled. It also covers peo - essary. either: amount of benefit awarded ple who fail to report changes in their Recoverable payments identified last Ringing the council during office will depend on individual circumstances, which would affect the year totalled almost £50,000 – compris - hours on 01252 774262/67 personal circumstances. amount of the benefit they receive. ing £23,342 in housing benefit, £22,655 Ringing the Jobcentre Plus/Local Benefit is normally granted Hart Council takes benefit fraud very in income support and £3,604 in Coun - Authority Benefit Fraud hotline on 0800 from the Monday following seriously. Upon receipt of an application cil Tax Benefit. 328 6340 receipt of an application form, all the information provided by Sanctions against fraudsters include Emailing [email protected] form and in order to apply, the customer is thoroughly checked, penalties issued by the Council, official All referrals are considered and reports an application form needs to verified and processed. cautions and prosecutions in court. In are kept in confidence be completed and evidence of income, rent liability, savings etc provided. It is important that the forms are Tour gives submitted as quickly as possible even if all the pieces of evidence are not insight into available, as these can then be provided at a later date. rural housing The average time taken to process a new application PARISH and ward councillors form is 19 days and the from across the district joined claimant must notify the members from Basingstoke Council should their and Test Valley on a tour of circumstances change. rural exception housing sites Anyone wishing to see if in Hampshire, giving them they may qualify for the chance to look at the set - Housing/Council Tax benefit ting and design of new homes before submitting an on recently completed application form can do so schemes. by using the online Benefits Local residents and parish calculator which is available councillors shared their expe - at: riences of being involved in http://www.hart.gov.uk/index/ the developments. community_living/benefits.htm Chris Buchan-Hepburn If you would like further from the housing association, information or to make an Roger Chung from the build - application for Housing ing contractor and the Rural and/or Council Tax Benefit Housing Enabler were avail - please contact the benefits able to answer questions. section as shown: Sandra Hawke, who chairs E-mail: Hampshire Alliance for Rural [email protected] Affordable Housing (HARAH) Tel: 01252 774444 said: “These events are very Website: www.hart.gov.uk valuable in ‘showcasing’ what Hart District Council, we do . . . a look and see tour Roger Chung, from building contractors, Drew Smith, Hart's Deputy Leader, Cllr Stephen Parker and is a picture worth a thousand Benefits Section, Civic Chris Buchan-Hepburn, Development Manager from Hyde Housing, talk about what they have seen Offices, Harlington Way, words!” Fleet, Hants GU51 4AE. Send us your photos Specially adapted homes for independent living CALLING all amateur photographers. Hart News is ARE you looking for specialised hous - accessible for wheelchair users, and When these properties are close to always seeking photographs ing to enable you to live independ - some contain shower rooms and other being completed they will be adver - that show Hart at its best and ently? specialist adaptations. tised through our Choice Based Let - that we can publish. Hart District Council has a number To ensure that we can best meet spe - tings scheme (www.harthomes.org.uk). Please send your pictures of sites being developed over the next cialised housing needs now and in the If you have any questions regarding to us in jpeg form. Our next few years that include specialised future we are asking any people who these properties or would like to apply issue is scheduled for March adapted properties to enable people to feel that they may be suitable for this to join the Housing Register, please 2012 but we would need to live independently. type of accommodation to contact us email [email protected] or see pictures by early January These properties are built to be fully and register their interest. call us on 01252 774420. so that we can make our selection. Happy snapping! Autumn/Winter 2011 www.hart.gov.uk Hart News 9 Planning for Ha rt’s future The Core Strategy ‘Preferred Approach’

What it is The Core Strategy ‘Preferred Approach’ is a draft of the key document for future development in Hart District. When it is finished it will be the main planning document for guiding and managing new development and change in Hart up to 2028. This article summarises the most important issues and proposals in the document. If you would like to find out more about the Core Strategy ‘Preferred Approach’ and other Local Development Framework (LDF) documents that are being consulted upon, full details are available on the Hart website by following the link on the home page: www.hart.gov.uk What’s its purpose? The purpose of the Core Strategy ‘Preferred Approach’ is to assert where new housing and employment will go, as well as protecting what is most valued in the district. When it is finalised it will also identify what services, facilities and infrastructure such as schools, highways, public transport, health centres and leisure facilities are needed and when and how they should be delivered. How has it been prepared? Preparing something like this takes several years as it has to be informed by a large number of studies, which are available to view on the Hart website. The ‘preferred approach’ has been drafted after the Council has considered all the evidence provided by the studies. What are the key issues? The Council has identified in the Core Strategy a How do I respond to the number of key issues that it thinks need to be addressed including: consultation? Protecting biodiversity, habitats and species RESPONSE forms for the Core Strategy Addressing climate change and the other LDF consultation The need for new homes, including affordable documents are available to print on the housing and housing for specific needs Hart website. Hard copies will be Sufficient employment land for offices and indus - available at the Civic Offices and Hart’s try libraries. We will accept other written The renewal of Hart’s larger town and village responses as well. centres All responses must be received by The impact of new development on infrastructure 5pm Friday October 7. The viability of rural communities and the local If you have any general questions on rural economy the Core Strategy ‘Preferred Approach’ Reducing congestion and the Local Development Framework, Good design and the impact of development on council officers will also be happy to the character of Hart’s settlements and countryside respond through the email address Managing flood risk and sustainable water sup - below. plies. Responses to the consultation can be made either through emailing the Hart Why have some places been Planning Policy team Why is Hart consulting? [email protected] or writing proposed for development? to us at: The Core Strategy needs to reflect the views of local The Council has looked at a number of options for people, organisations and groups, as well as those of LDF Consultation the future development of Hart, before deciding on the Council. We are very keen to hear from as many Planning Policy Team the strategy set out in the ‘Key Diagram’ overleaf. people as possible before preparing a final draft Hart District Council The ‘preferred approach’ generally seeks to use version next year and then submitting it to the Civic Offices opportunities for making better use of land within Government. A Planning Inspector will then hold a Harlington Way existing settlements, but this will not be sufficient to public examination before recommending if the Fleet meet the needs of the district up to 2028. Therefore, plan should be approved. In 2013 it would then GU51 4AE ‘greenfield’ releases around some of Hart’s larger partly replace the current local plan against which settlements such as Fleet and Hook will be necessary. all planning applications are assessed. 10 Hart News www.hart.gov.uk Autumn/Winter 2011 www.hart.gov.uk Hart News 11 Core Strategy Core Strategy Where, when and how much development?

HE Key Diagram on the right suggests where and how much proposed development will be located in Hart. It is proposed that the majority Tof development, more than half of that needed, will be placed in Hook and Fleet and Church Crookham. This will be delivered through a combination of ‘strategic locations’ (marked by a star on the diagram) and making better use of land in both town and village centres and some existing employment sites. It is proposed that the four ‘strategic locations’ in West Fleet, Fleet town centre, North East Hook and Guillemont Park in Hawley, will be delivered between 2013 and 2023. The fifth strategic location on the ‘key diagram’ is at the former Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Church Crookham, which is a new residential district IN RURAL AREAS the vision is for a ‘living and working’ countryside, with new recently granted planning permission for 872 new homes with associated housing and economic development on a scale that respects the rural landscape community facilities and a significant new area of sports/public open space . and character of villages. It is proposed that rural settlements in Hart will accommodate 350 new dwellings in the plan period. Commercial development appropriate to its context, scale and purpose may be allowed in the rural areas where it is essential to support rural enterprise and business.

FLEET and CHURCH CROOKHAM will continue to be a suburban town with a renewed town centre and an expanded range of shops and facilities. Some 1040 new homes will be delivered, mostly at West Fleet and Fleet town centre.

West Fleet will provide: 250 new homes, including affordable housing, on land adjacent to the Edenbrook site currently being built on Hitches Lane, which will deliver a replacement leisure centre with improved sporting facilities, car parking and adventure play areas for young YATELEY, , FROGMORE and BLACKWATE R are people. This will allow the future expansion particularly constrained from development and so will remain essentially of Calthorpe Park School. unchanged. However, as highlighted on the ‘key diagram’, the centres of 450 new homes, including affordable Blackwater and Yateley are proposed to be regenerated and enhanced. In housing, at Grove Farm, which will deliver total, 100 new homes are proposed in Yateley, Frogmore and Darby the future expansion of Calthorpe Park Green up to 2028. School onto the current Hart Leisure Centre site, new playing fields on Grove Farm and land for a future primary school HOOK will see a new residential district to An extension to the Hitches Lane country the north-east of the village. This will park provide: New cycle routes, footpaths and highway improvements 500 new homes including affordable housing and homes for the elderly Public transport links and funding for additional parking at Fleet railway Station New green open space, sports pitches and allotments In Fleet town centre the area north of Fleet An indoor sports and recreation facility Road, from Reading Road to Church Road A community hub for shops and services will be the focus of development. Key Funding towards the expansion of Robert May’s school in Odiham if needed and proposals include: land for a new primary school if needed Gurkha Square redeveloped into a new, inclusive public open space A new or improved sewage pumping station The Civic Offices relocated and the Harlington Centre and library redeveloped Local highways and cycle path improvements New shops, including a supermarket and There will also be improvements to the additional town centre car parking village centre, including the Additionally, the areas of offices between redevelopment of some employment land Fleet Road, Kings Road and Albert Street will south of the railway. be redeveloped for residential and/or mixed- uses. The redevelopment of Fleet town centre will provide at least 100 new homes.

THE Guillemont Park employment site in HAWLEY is a strategic location. The aim is to create a mixed-use neighbourhood in Hart, HARTLEY WINTNEY and ODIHAM will retain their which will effectively become part of the settlement of Farnborough in attractive historic centres. They will have modest neighbouring Rushmoor. This will be achieved through: levels of housing development at 100 and 150 new About 150 new homes of mixed tenure and size dwellings respectively. Associated with development New small-scale business units there will be enhancements to Hazeley Heath, The New open space accessible to both site residents and neighbouring Commons and Mildmay Oaks at Hartley Wintney, and communities also at Odiham Common. There will be investment in Improved bus/cycling links to Farnborough town centre and also to the local sporting infrastructure at Hartley Wintney, the business/employment locations around Farnborough Airport, and Odiham will have new allotments and enhanced Hawley Lane, and Pyestock play areas. 12 Hart News www.hart.gov.uk Autumn/Winter 2011 Core Strategy How will the key proposals be delivered?

Housing one of the South East’s most important natural assets. SOME 4,840 new homes are planned to be The SPA supports important populations of delivered in Hart between 2006 and 2028. vulnerable ground-nesting birds including Up to April 2010, 660 new homes had the Dartford Warbler, Nightjar and already been built and a further 1,740 Woodlark. Hart’s Core Strategy must address already have either planning permission or the protection of the Thames Basin Heath are already allocated for housing in the SPA, and therefore includes policies for current Plan. protecting the SPA and general biodiversity. This leaves a balance of 2,440 new Hart also has a significant number of dwellings to be planned for in the Core important watercourses including the Strategy. Approximately 60% of this housing , Fleet Pond and the should be delivered through four ‘strategic Blackwater, Hart and Whitewater rivers. locations’. The rivers all have significant floodplains The ‘preferred approach’ also includes a and other parts of Hart experience surface number of policies for meeting local housing water flooding due to poor land drainage needs, including affordable housing, and soil conditions. Future development in managing housing development and Hart will have to address these issues where providing sites for Gypsies, Travellers and necessary. Travelling Showpeople. Town Centres and Infrastructure Employment THE phasing of development will be closely related to the provision of adequate HART is close to a number of larger town infrastructure. The Council will be preparing centres such as Basingstoke, Reading and an Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP), which Camberley which provide both good access will set out the key infrastructure needed, to shops and services for Hart residents and how much it will cost and when and where significant competition for Hart’s town it will be delivered. centres. The proposed ‘strategic locations’ will The ‘preferred approach’ is to focus new provide key items of infrastructure such as retail development in Fleet town centre, improved transport networks, a replacement which has the most potential to expand and leisure centre, increased capacity at schools diversify. Larger employment sites will also and ‘green’ infrastructure. be protected for commercial use, except those proposed to be redeveloped as a ‘strategic location’. Environment The Council also has a long-term aim for a ‘Living and Working’ countryside where HART contains numerous protected habitats, people have the opportunity to both live the largest of which is part of the Thames and work in rural areas through encouraging Basin Heath Special Protection Area (SPA), rural businesses and affordable housing. What other planning documents are being consulted on? THERE are several other planning docu - ments being consulted on, including: Core Strategy ‘Sustainability Appraisal’ – which ensures that the principles of sus - tainable development are incorporated in the document Statement of Community Involvement – which outlines how Hart proposes to consult with public on the Local Devel - opment Framework in the future Fleet Vision’ – a background document which provides additional information on the proposals to regenerate Fleet Town Centre Full details of these supporting LDF docu - ments are available to view on the Hart website and Hart welcomes comments from the public on them. Autumn/Winter 2011 www.hart.gov.uk Hart News 13 Community Safety Charity for young Tackling the causes of homeless moves into new building

A charity helping homeless young people has a new anti-social behaviour home itself. The new building in Crimea Road, Aldershot is owned by Sentinel Housing Association AS one of Hart’s anti-social behaviour but is to be run by Step by officers the focus of Sammy Hexter- Step, a local charity that has Andrews’ role is educating our young helped homeless 16 to 25- people not only about anti-social behav - year-olds for the last two iour but also about the harm caused by decades. substance misuse, which is so often a Its grand opening is on contributory factor. October 11. Sammy works closely with Hart’s sec - Previously known as the ondary schools to provide off-curricu - Emmaus Projects, Step by lum days. For these days, an entire year Step has operated from a group is taken off timetabled lessons to number of premises in attend interactive workshops provided Aldershot town centre. by a variety of agencies. The new building, which This innovative programme provides will accommodate 30 young young people with the opportunity to: clients, training facilities plus get first-hand accounts of life in prison all staff, has been supported and the impact of a criminal record; financially by Hart, Rushmoor meet young people who have found and Hampshire councils, themselves homeless as a result of poor Sentinel Housing and funds choices; get career advice and dating raised by the charity itself. advice for healthy relationships and self The building provides esteem. additional capacity for clients, As a former staff nurse Sammy has in single rather than shared depth understanding of alcohol related bedrooms, smart and illness and injuries which she is able to pleasant surroundings and share with students. the staff have the right tools “I also work with youngsters referred to do the job. The new to me because of their alcohol or Sammy Hexter-Andrews helps to educate young people about substance misuse building is all about Step by cannabis use. I get them to look at the Step becoming better at reasons they are using and how this enabling people to make informed work. Two years ago only Fleet schools helping clients help behaviour affects not only them but also choices.” were visited and there were no reported themselves. their families,” she adds. Summer Campaign incidents in the town – but where the When young people arrive Sammy is now linking with local col - The Community Safety team, together team had not been there were reports. at Step by Step they are leges of further education to continue with the police, promote the anti-social Last year all five schools were visited – mostly unemployed, with low the programme with older students. behaviour summer campaign. They and there were no reported incidents at self esteem, sometimes with Sammy also works with parents to spoke to more than 6000 students in the all. drug and alcohol issues and encourage them to learn more about the district about what was acceptable For more information on the work they are in need of a effects that drinking at an early age can behaviour and the consequences of their done by Sammy and the Community structured and supportive have on their children. actions. They also advertised summer Safety team visit www.saferhart.co.uk. environment to help them She told Hart News : “If alcohol was holiday activities. adjust and face their invented tomorrow it would be classi - The summer campaign of 2010 yielded problems. The Safer Hart Partnership is fied as a Class A drug because of its effect a 16 per cent reduction in anti-social With the help of staff who available to talk to community groups on individuals and our communities. It’s behaviour – it is hoped this will be even are on duty 24 hours a day, and other organisations. Anyone who not my role to tell people what to do but better this year. their key worker and the feels a group could benefit from it is my job to provide information, Hallowe’en and Guy Fawkes Night support of other clients, 75- learning about community safety, anti- advice and support. Soon Hallowe’en and Guy Fawkes 80% stabilise and progress. social behaviour, drugs and alcohol or “Alcohol has become so entrenched in Night will once again be on us and To find out more look at the the projects run by the team should our culture that its use is accepted and before they arrive school pupils will website email community-safety- even seen as a rite of passage. We need to again be warned about anti-social www.stepbystep.org.uk. [email protected] or ring 01252 challenge this and the most effective behaviour. You can contact the 774229. To find out more about the way to do that is through education, Statistics show that the campaigns do fundraising department on team’s work visit www.saferhart.co.uk 01252 346107. A fun day with serious messages

YOUNG people from schools all across Each young person was given an infor - Hart district took part in this year’s mation pack reinforcing the messages 'Think Safe' event, organised by the 'Safer learnt and the highest scoring group of Hart' Partnership. children, from Westfields Junior School, More than 600 pupils experienced a were rewarded with a special trip to range of fun and educational activities Rushmoor Fire Station. ‘Safer Hart’ Part - held at St John Ambulance centre in nership Officer Richard Denham, the Farnborough. Organisations taking part event organiser. said: “The event was a this year were Hart District Council, great success and we have had a lot of Hampshire County Council, Hampshire positive feedback from teachers and stu - Constabulary, Hampshire Fire & Rescue dents alike. Service, GasSafe and the Red Cross. “Although the day was fun for the chil - Things the children learnt included dren, there are a lot of serious and vital how anti-social behaviour impacts their messages they took away with them". communities, what to do if approached Think Safe is due to return in 2012 by a stranger and the dangers of the with even more schools hoping to take road. part. Members of the Safer Hart Partnership which organised the Think Safe event 14 Hart News www.hart.gov.uk Autumn/Winter 2011 News Hart Chairman Private sewers supports village shop to be transfered

RAF charit y FROM October 1 property owners will no longer be responsible for private sewers THIS yearʼs Hart Council named best in county and lateral drains. New legisla - Chairman, Cllr John Kennett, tion will transfer responsibil - has chosen the RAF ity for these pipes to Thames Benevolent Fund as his Water. main charity to support EVERSLEY has the best village At present property owners during his year of office. shop in Hampshire – and are responsible for private RAF Odiham, the main base that’s official. The newly revi - sewers and drains, which are for Chinook helicopters, falls talised Stores sections of sewer pipe or drain within his electoral ward of took the award from Hamp - shared with another person’s Long Sutton and is close to shire , the county magazine at property, or running through his home in South a ceremony at Beaulieu. another person’s land. Warnborough. The stores had been open These owners are often Cllr Kennett says that for about 40 years and under unaware of their responsibility discussions with the Station the same management for 28 for the pipes until they face a Commander highlighted the of them. repair bill, causing confusion fact that the RAFBF, which is Last year Eversley parish and leading to disputes the main charity supporting councillor John Hartle between neighbours. airmen, women and their became the new lease - After the private sewer trans - dependents, still had great holder and successfully Staff at the Eversley Centre fer there will only be public needs but had seen fund applied for a £20,000 Stores and (left) an artist’s sewers (owned and main - raising level off as Hampshire County sketch of the village shop tained by the sewerage com - contributions flowed to Council/SEEDA grant panies) and private drains (the higher profile service under the Village Com - person to succeed in this busi - responsibility of property charities. munity Grant Scheme. ness – you need a love of peo - owners). Another charity, Minding The shop was then gut - ple, an interest in all aspects Property owners will still be the Garden, has been ted and transformed with of the village and a real com - responsible for the length of nominated by his Vice new flooring, lighting, home cooked ham. It also mitment. John and Gill ticked drain that takes waste water Chairman, Cllr Chris Axam racking and shelving. It is now has an alcohol licence all the boxes.” away from their property up of Fleet. Run by Hart now run by John and his part - and features an array of real John has lived opposite the to its boundary or to where it Voluntary Action and using ner Gillian Lewis. ales from local breweries. shop for 20 years but never becomes a public sewer. volunteers it provides a vital It now sells a wide variety of Mrs Morag Lamb, the previ - imagined that one day he The Government estimates gardening service for Hartʼs items including freshly baked ous owner and still the post - would be running it. the transfer could increase elderly and disabled bread, local cakes, milk, fresh mistress, says: “John and Gill “One day I went to buy a customers’ bills by between £3 residents, who may be fruit and vegetables supplied have done a fantastic job pint of milk and came back and £14 a year. This small finding it hard to maintain daily from Covent Garden, bringing new life into an old with a shop,” he told Hart increase in your bill will pro - their gardens for meat from a local butcher and store. It takes a very special News. tect you against much larger themselves. It also offers costs of clearing blockages and gardening services to any making repairs yourself. Hart resident at competitive Private pumping stations rates. will transfer by October 2016. Just say it once Privately-owned septic tanks and cesspits and their con - When you need health and necting pipework, large multi- social care support, different occupier commercial sites (i.e. professionals often ask you hospital, caravan park or for the same information. industrial estate), or other sys - This wastes time – yours tems which do not connect to and theirs. Why not:  the public sewer will not be create a personal record transferred to the water com - of your own information for pany. you to keep.  For further information go include as much or as to www.thameswater.co.uk little information as you wish  and click on private sewers. share your information Youngsters enjoyed learning new skills at special coaching sessions easily with the professionals working with you. Visit Record breaking season for Soccer at Six TV switchover www.sayitonce.info for useful information and guidance THE switchover to digital TV Telephone parking SOCCER at Six returned to coaches taught young people Six in Hart proved more for North Hampshire will Hart this summer, bigger and from as young as five to as old popular than ever before, with take place on February 8 and better than ever before. as sixteen football skills. a record breaking 67 young TELEPHONE parking, which 22 next year. Soccer at Six is a project run Each weekday evening people taking part in the first has been a great success A help scheme is available between Aldershot Town FC's groups of young people were Friday evening in since it was introduced in that will provide practical Community Trust and the able to take part in venues Basingbourne Park, Fleet. Hartʼs rural car parks last support for older people and 'Safer Hart' partnership. For 17 across Fleet, Yateley, Odiham Soccer at Six will return next year, is now live in Fleet those with disabilities. weeks over the summer, FA and Hartley Wintney. year. Visit www.saferhart.co.uk town centre car parks. The scheme provides a qualified Aldershot Town The third year of Soccer at for more information. Customers can pre-register package to convert one tele - and get details of the vision set to digital. Visit scheme from the website: Make sure you pay your Council Tax on time www.helpscheme.co.uk for www.wanttopark.com more information. The Revenues team at Hart administers the Every possible effort is made to help Coun - A help scheme bus will be Hartʼs parking manager, collection of both Council Tax and national cil Tax payers who have difficulties in paying Geoff Hislop, said: “We now visiting the district on Octo - non-domestic rates. but, if the payments are not received by the ber 17. The bus will be in the have lots of options to assist There are several ways to pay, the easiest of due date, recovery action commences which the public when paying for Church Road car park in which is by Direct Debit, but payment may may lead to legal action to secure payment Fleet from 10am to 4pm. parking including season also be made on-line at www.hart.gov.uk, by and baliffs being instructed to seize goods. tickets, smart cards, chip Advice about the digital telephone, and in person at the Civic For further information and advice contact switchover will be available and pin (in Church Road) Offices/Post office. the revenue department on 01252 774444. and coins.” to anyone with concerns. Autumn/Winter 2011 www.hart.gov.uk Hart News 15 Environmental Health Be a part of New food hygiene rating a Healthy Workplace

FOR the fifth year in a row scheme is on the way local employers can enter their business for the Hart Healthy Workplace Award HART District Council will soon be Scheme to demonstrate to changing from the successful Hamp - everyone that their shire-wide safe2eat ‘scores on the doors’ employee needs for scheme to the new national Food health, safety and Hygiene Rating Scheme. wellbeing are met. Hart has been successfully operating The awards recognise safe2eat for more than three years. It has efforts made by business been very popular with business and in promoting physical members of the public alike, but due to activity, healthy eating, the recent development of a national quitting smoking, health scheme Hart has decided to transfer and safety and stress. The from safe2eat in November. Bronze, Silver and Gold Having a single scheme operating in awards reflect the level of England, Wales and Northern Ireland commitment achieved by will help to ensure both consistency for the company. The award is businesses and clarity for consumers held for two years and the across local authority boundaries. company can then re-enter The national scheme was developed tion about the hygiene standards found There are six hygiene ratings on a sim - to attempt to retain the collaboratively between local authori - in food premises at inspections. This ple numerical scale ranging from ‘0’ award. ties, Local Government Regulation, the should encourage businesses to improve (urgent improvement necessary) at the If you are in a business Chartered Institute of Environmental their standards. bottom to ‘5’ (very good) at the top. and believe it looks after Health, consumers, the food industry, Restaurants, takeaways, cafés, sand - When the scheme is launched con - your employeesʼ health, or the Better Regulation Executive and the wich shops, pubs, hotels, supermarkets sumers will be able to access these rat - if you are an employee Local Better Regulation Office. and other retail food outlets, as well as ings at food.gov.uk/ratings and busi - that feels the business you Like the safe2eat scheme, it will help other businesses where consumers can nesses will be encouraged to display work for does well in consumers choose where to eat out or eat or buy food, will be given a hygiene stickers and certificates showing the rat - promoting and taking care shop for food by giving them informa - rating as part of the scheme. ing at their premises. of your health why not enter? Just visit the Inspectors make sure standards stay high www.harthealthywork.org to download an application pack, or for further HART’S food safety officers are respon - investigate around 200 notifications of trol and monitor food safety. information contact Jackie sible for monitoring the standards of food poisoning. In the very worst Hart District Council’s Environmen - Priestman on food hygiene in more than 700 food instances the food safety service will tal Health Manager, Nick Steevens said: 01252 774276. The premises throughout the district rang - take formal action against those prem - “The food safety service prides itself on closing date for ing from childminders and newsagents ises which put the health of the public offering free and impartial advice to applications is October 31. through to larger scale manufacturing at risk or continually flout the law. food businesses to ensure that food The date and venue of premises. Enforcement options available to food offered to the residents of Hart does not the awards ceremony is Officers also deal with investigations safety officers include formal closure cause illness. The standards of hygiene currently being finalised. of infectious disease, complaints and prosecution of food business oper - in food premises across Hart are gener - against food premises such as poor ators. ally very good, but where poor stan - Dealing with a hygiene, contamination of food and Recently the former owner of the dards are found this department will infestations. They also undertake food Organic Farm Shop at Holdshott Farm not hesitate to take further action.” noise nuisance hygiene training, make presentations in Reading Road, , Mr Roger If you wish to make a complaint to schools and other local organisa - David was ordered to pay a total of regarding the standards of hygiene in a tions and undertake advisory visits to £165 when he pleaded guilty at Alder - particular premises or are a food busi - HARTʼS Environmental food premises. shot Magistrates’ Court to two offences ness operator that would like advice of Health Department In a typical year inspectors will of failing to implement and maintain a food safety, please contact the Environ - operates a dedicated inspect more than 300 food premises, food safety management system under mental Health Department on noise service for dealing deal with over 80 food complaints and the Food Hygiene Regulations to con - 01252 774421 or at [email protected] with emergency noise events over weekends and Bank Holiday periods. Give a rescue dog a dinner for Christmas If you are affected by a faulty intruder alarm, a car DUE to the great success of last year’s “Give new owners and 26 were re-homed through alarm or an out of control a Rescue Dog a Dinner for Christmas” Hart a rescue centre. late night party, then is running the campaign again this year. As always, the dog warden service is seek - ʻEmergency Out of Hours The rescue centre that is used by Hart to ing potential owners for stray dogs, which Noiseʼ is there to help. re-home some of its dogs is self funding and are all microchipped and neutered before The service can be greatly appreciates any help towards the being given a new home. If you are inter - contacted by phoning upkeep of these dogs. Donations of food ested in giving a dog a loving home, please 0845 6770678 can be left at participating pet shops, parish call Lynn Byfield, dog warden on 01252 The service is available council offices, vets and the Civic Offices in 774421. from 6pm Friday to 8am Fleet. Lynn says: Wherever a suitable home is available, the “September and October is the time of Monday and all public dog warden will always try to re-home a year where fleas are most active so please Holidays. stray direct to avoid unnecessary distress to remember to give your dogs and cats their For all other noise the dogs and to avoid over-filling our re- flea treatment”. services and advice, homing centre. Don’t forget Environmental Health can In 2010/2011 the dog warden collected FREE bio degradable poo bags are avail - be contacted on 01252 113 stray dogs. of which 81 were returned able from either the Civic Offices or from 774421 or by E-mail Hart rehomed 32 stray dogs last year to their owners, six were re-homed direct to your local parish council. [email protected] 16 Hart News www.hart.gov.uk Autumn/Winter 2011 Environmental Management Outsourcing refuse collections means big savings for Hart council tax payers

At a time when all councils are By Cllr Stephen Parker, Deputy having to make savings just to make Leader and Cabinet Member for The Background ends meet it is like a five per cent the Environment increase in revenue without having “OK, so the Council is outsourcing Over the past five years, Hart District So Hart looked at reducing the cost to put a penny on council tax. We waste,” I hear you say. “What does Council has significantly reduced the of the service by outsourcing jointly will still have to ensure that Hart is as that mean to me?” efficient as possible, for its own sake. cost of providing key services by with just one other council leading to In the first place, not a lot. The Glass and Flytipping improve - either restructuring them, providing the new joint contract with contract requires the contractor to ments that service in partnership with neighbouring Basingstoke and replicate the existing service. Blue There are two service improve - another Council or outsourcing it. Deane. and black bins are to be collected ments which at time of writing we every alternate week as now, glass The Council has been assessing The fact that the contract is jointly have already been able to make. will be collected more often than different options to maintain the high held between the two councils has Firstly the contractor wishes for now and if you have signed up to the standard of the refuse service whilst allowed the contractor to be more reasons of efficiency to collect glass green waste service it will run reducing its cost. efficient in the way the refuse is fortnightly at the same time as dry unchanged. Hart was part of a group of seven collected and the savings from this recyclables in the blue bin. The collection day may change as other local authorities in Hampshire have been passed on to both The second is something we have the contractor optimises rounds, tak - who were hoping to let a joint councils. wanted to do for a long time, but ing advantage of the benefits of the contract to collect refuse across the The two councils also have a joint budgets have got in the way. The sav - joint contract with Basingstoke and seven council boundaries. team of officers who will manage the ings from waste outsourcing will Deane, but the service will otherwise Unfortunately, the group was just contract and implement measures to enable us to do more about the para - continue seamlessly. too big and the needs of the different improve recycling across the sites of society who fly tip. The contractor who won the rigor - councils too diverse to make it work. combined areas. We will have the funding to gather ously conducted tender is Veolia and is better known to Basingstoke as council tax payers, a lot of money evidence against these people, and Environmental Services Ltd., which its current waste collection contrac - through operational savings, capital secure convictions. So let this be a is well known to Hart as the partner tor. We can be confident in the qual - repayments no longer needed and warning to any fly tippers out there. in Project Integra, the pan-Hamp - ity of service that it will deliver. rental income from the council You may think you are getting away shire partnership which deals with “So why do it, then?” depot. In a full year we will save with it, but your time is coming, and all our recycling and energy recovery, Because it saves Hart, and thus its something like £350,000. soon. Autumn/Winter 2011 www.hart.gov.uk Hart News 17 Environmental Management Andy’s garden windfall

WHEN Church Crookham man Andy Jefford signed up for Hart District Council’s green bin service for the col - lection of garden waste he little realised that he was about to get the first year absolutely free. For 59-year-old Andy’s new bin was the thousandth one to be issued so Hart’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Stephen Parker, called at his home in Ryelaw Road to give him his money back. “It came right out of the blue,” said Andy. “I never win anything so I am delighted. It is like winning the lot - tery.” He added: “I was very happy with the previous green bag waste service but the wheeled bin is so much easier. We have lots of leaves in our The ‘eco team’ from Frogmore Infants School helped to collect textiles garden and we also Andy Jefford (left) receives his have the usual grass money back cheque from Cllr cuttings and hedge Parker Pupils dress down to raise money for charity clippings.” Cllr Parker commented: “This 1,000th green bin is a landmark in the development of this service. It makes HAMPSHIRE schools took part in a dress- Wight Air Ambulance. Five schools took part the composting of waste easier for those who cannot down day with a difference to raise money for and around two tonnes of textiles, was take advantage of the council’s subsidised garden com - charities as part of National Recycle Week collected. The material is being sold or posters and ensures that waste garden material is (June 20-26). recycled to generate much needed funding to reborn as the award-winning soil improver Pro-grow.” Instead of bringing in money to wear casual keep the air ambulance flying. dress, pupils and staff were asked for a Itʼs estimated that around 14,000 tonnes of donation of one or more items of clothing, textiles were thrown away in Hampshire last textiles or shoes. year. Itʼs very easy to recycle your unwanted Your views wanted The Hart school which collected the highest clothes and textiles. tonnage of textiles per head was Tavistock There is a good network of textile recycling To join the Hart to Hart Infants in Fleet with 457 kgs from 176 pupils. banks across Hampshire and by donating Citizens Panel visit They earned themselves a trophy and a bench unwanted clothes and shoes you will help www.hart.gov.uk and click made from recycled plastic bottles for the charities to raise vital funds for their work whilst on the “Hart to Hart” logo at school grounds. reducing the amount of waste being sent for the bottom of the page and Hart District Council decided this year to disposal. then click “online registration work with local schools to provide much To find your nearest textile recycling bank, form” or “Click here to join” needed support for the Hampshire and Isle of visit: www.recycleforhampshire.org.uk. on the Citizens Panel page. Impact of climate change on local wildlife

has consequences for migratory birds One of the most striking of the new by Paul Howe, Bio-diversity Officer such as warblers, as migration dis - bird arrivals in the district attributed THE effects of climate change in Hart tances may increase as breeding to climate change is the little egret. are not as dramatic as shrinking gla - grounds move north while wintering This unmistakable, small, white ciers, expanding deserts or the areas remain in the same place. heron was almost unknown in the destruction of coral reefs. In our dis - Being predominantly cold-blooded, UK before 1950. Then a gradual trict the effects may be more subtle invertebrate distribution is often lim - colonisation occurred and one bird but they are relevant none the less. ited by climate and when warming was recorded at Fleet Pond in 1982. Average temperatures in the UK occurs species distributions can Since that time egrets have become a have increased by around one degree change. The long-winged conehead, much more common sight at sites Celsius since the 1980s, while surface (a species of cricket), was very such as Fleet Pond and the Blackwa - sea temperatures have increased by restricted in terms of its UK distribu - ter Valley. 0.7 degrees Celsius over the same tion until the 1980s, being confined While some new species have period. These trends are predicted to to the south coast. Since then a already arrived – with more likely in continue but the level of future period of northwards population the future – others are likely to be changes is dependent on the amount Long-winged conehead expansion has occurred. It is now rel - lost as a result of the changing cli - of greenhouse gases in the atmos - atively common in Hart, being found mate. In some cases it is possible that phere. These changes are a reminder for breeding. Also, greater fluctua - at Fleet Pond, Elvetham and Hazeley there will be long term changes in to us all that we need to consider our tions in the weather and rainfall are Heaths and Odiham Common. plant communities, including our usage of fossil fuels in order to pre - likely to lead to changes in water lev - The small red-eyed damselfly is the woodlands. vent more damage and that we need els in some habitats. The wet heath first “new” species of dragonfly to Drier, warmer conditions may have to plan for climate change adapta - and mire communities which are colonize the UK since records began a detrimental effect on areas of wetter tion. some of Hart’s most valuable habitats around 300 years ago. Traditionally a heathland and wet, acid grassland. Biodiversity is affected by climate could potentially be at risk. species of southern Europe and The European declining marsh fritil - change in a number of ways, such as Changes in the distribution in northern Africa, as the climate lary was found in the acid grassland changes in abundance and distribu - some species are already being warmed it spread further north and along the M3 corridor in the district tion which leads to new ecological observed. Some of the best docu - in 1999 appeared in southern Eng - but has subsequently become locally communities developing. The timing mented involve birds and insects as land. By 2002 it was a breeding resi - extinct. There are a number of likely of seasonal events such as insect these species are often highly visible dent and was spreading north and factors for this, but climate change breeding and plant-flowering can and easily identified. Wholesale east. This species is found at Turner’s may have played a role. Under also change which will have conse - range changes have been observed in Pond on Elvetham Heath within Hart warmer and drier climate scenarios it quences for other species which butterflies and birds with species but is likely to become more wide - is unlikely this habitat would ever be depend on the timing of these events breeding much further north. This spread in the future. re-colonised by marsh fritillaries. 18 Hart News www.hart.gov.uk Autumn/Winter 2011 Your Council How the Council works Information on registering to vote

– councillors and staff FORMS to register to vote in The edited register is the ver - changes to the pre-printed Hart for the 12 months starting sion that is sold to marketing information. MANY people get confused about the different roles of in December have just been companies and then used for There is also a phone service elected councillors and the staff the council employs. issued to all homes in the dis - any purpose. which allows you to reconfirm The main difference is that councillors, (as seen in trict. This means that you must be or change your opt out status, our gallery on the opposite page), are elected by the Whilst the forms look similar careful to check with all electors request a postal vote applica - public, whereas staff are employed by the council itself. to those used in previous years, whether they wish to “opt out” tion or confirm no changes to Broadly speaking councillors make the decisions, and a significant policy change and ensure that their choice for the pre printed information. set the policy direction for the council. It is then the job means that electors must take this year is re-registered via the If any other details need of the staff to carry those decisions out. care to ensure sure that their phone, web service or recorded changing or you need to regis - In practice, councillors and staff work closely “opt out” choices for the edited on the form. ter for the first time – simply together, particularly when developing new policies. register are renewed for the Use the web or phone to amend the form, cross out the Staff often have particular professional skills or coming year. change your “opt out” or to previous electors, make sure knowledge which they use to advise councillors on the The 2011 forms are still pre reconfirm. It’s quick, easy, safe your details and options are best decisions to take. printed with the current elec - and secure and saves your recorded, then sign the form Another significant difference between councillors tors’ names and nationalities. Council Tax. and post it back. and staff is that councillors usually are members of a However legal advice means The web service allows you to More details of the changes as political party, (although they don’t have to be), and are that we can no longer pre-print delete previous residents, recon - well as phone numbers and web elected to represent their communities. The staff, the previous year’s choice that firm or change your opt out sta - addresses are enclosed with particularly those at more senior levels, are not allowed an elector made about “opting tus, request a postal vote appli - your personalised form. Please to let their political views influence the advice they give; out” of appearing in the edited cation, update nationality respond to the form before they are required to be politically neutral. register. details or confirm there are no October 15.

*Budget Meetings. Hart Life online ** Council Tax set for 2012/13 DON’T forget if you wish to keep CTHoE tiumentabcleihlerme sheowes tings open to theSeppt ubOclt ic Nov Dec Jan Feb March April when council meetings MEETINGS DAY up to date with news from your take place. Important district council you can now log Cabinet Thurs 1631* 5* 2* 15 decisions are taken at cab - onto our website at inet and council meet - Council Thurs 29 27 24 15 26 23** 29 26 www.hart.gov.uk and find our monthly online newspaper – ings. Members of the Licensing Committee Mon 19 17 21 19 16 20 19 16 public are always wel - Hart Life. Planning Wed 14 12 9711 8 14 11 come to attend these Hart Life , which provides all of meetings to see how their Planning (resumed) Wed 21 19 16 14 18 15 21 18 the latest information, has already proved a big success council operates. Please Planning (Enforcement) Mon 555since its launch in June 2009 – see our website, Sub-Committee www.hart.gov.uk to view and the number of visitors is Overview Scrutiny growing rapidly. the agenda for specific Tues 20 18 15 13 17 21 20 17 meetings. Committee Hart News , the only free news - paper that is delivered through - All meetings are held at Audit Committee Tues 27 6 27 the Civic Offices, Harling - out the district, is published ton Way, Fleet GU51 4AE. Standards Committee Thurs 20 19 19 twice a year, in March and Sep - tember. Hart News Contact Centre and

Hart News is published General Enquiries by Hart District Council, 01252 622122 Civic Offices, Harlington Civic OCfficesa, Hanrlingtown WayeFleeth, Haempslhipre G?U51 4AE Way, Fleet GU51 4AE. Tel: 01252 622122 Office Hours: Mon-Thu: 0830-1700, Fri: 0830-1630 Editorial: John Walton: www.hart.gov.uk Tel: 01252 774461 E-mail: Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator ...... 01252 774256 Land Searches/Charges ...... 01252 774275 [email protected] Building Control (Building Regulations) . . . . 01252 774422/3 Leisure & Environmental Promotion ...... 01252 774468 Advertising: Local Council Media. Community Safety ...... 01252 774476 Frogmore Leisure Centre, Potley Hill Road, Yateley ...... 01252 873454 Tel: 01637 850757 Council Tax Enquiries ...... 01252 774444 Hart Leisure Centre, Hitches Lane, Fleet . . . . . 01252 629974 Designed by: Business Rate Enquiries ...... 01252 774444 Deep South Media Ltd. Licensing ...... 01252 774496 www.deepsouthmedia.co.uk Council Meetings (Committee Services) . . . . 01252 774203 Noise – out of hours message service ...... 0845 6770678 Printed by: Newsquest Countryside Service ...... 01252 623443 Media (Southern) plc, Parking Dog Warden ...... 01252 774421 Weymouth Car Parking Enquiries ...... 01252 625990 Out of hours Dog Warden Service ...... 0845 6770678 Penalty Charge Notice Payments ...... 01252 625991 Hart District Council Environmental Health ...... 01252 774421 accepts no responsibility Pest Control ...... 01252 774421 Fly Tipping ...... 01252 622122 for the claims made by Planning Application Enquiries ...... 01252 774419 advertisers. The views Grounds Maintenance ...... 01252 774106 presented by the Planning Policy Enquiries ...... 01252 774118 Home Energy Advice ...... 01252 774420 advertisers are not the Trees – Protected Tree Enquiries ...... 01252 774105 views of Hart District Housing Benefit Claims/Enquiries ...... 01252 774444 Council. Voter Registration and Elections ...... 01252 774077 Housing Services ...... 01252 774420 Hart News is printed on paper from sustainable Out of Hours Emergency Homelessness Enquiries forests...... 0845 6770678 For All Other Services Phone ...... 01252 622122 Autumn/Winter 2011 www.hart.gov.uk Hart News 19 Your Council Meet your local councillors

Hart District Council

THE Conservatives now hold 20 of the 35 seats on Hart and exercise control. Brian Blewett Adrian Collett Gill Butler James Radley Simon Ambler Jenny Radley There are 10 Liberal Blackwater & Hawley Blackwater & Hawley Church Crookham East Church Crookham East Church Crookham West Church Crookham West LD LD CCH CCH CCH CCH Democrat councillors and five from Community Campaign (Hart). Cabinet Portfolio holders are: Leader of the Council: Cllr Ken Crookes Environment and Deputy Leader: Cllr Stephen Parker Chris Simmons Nippy Singh Anne Crampton Gavin Evans Christopher Hunt Chris Axam Planning and Regulation: Crondall Eversley Fleet Central Fleet Central Fleet Courtmoor Cllr Richard Appleton Con Con Con Con Con CCH Housing and Health: Cllr Chris Butler Leisure and Recreation: Cllr Sara Kinnell. Community Safety: Cllr Nippy Singh Cabinet is the main executive decision making body and meets once each month. All councillors Christopher Butler Anthony Barrell Stephen Parker David Healey Sharyn Wheale Richard Appleton are free to attend and Fleet Courtmoor Fleet North Fleet North Fleet Pondtail Fleet Pondtail Fleet West engage in the debate and Con Con Con Con Con Con members of the public are welcome to attend.  Leaders of the political groups on Hart District Council are: Conservative Ken Crookes; Liberal Democrat David Neighbour; Tim Davies Robert Harward Kulwant Lit Sara Kinnell Tim Southern Jonathan Glen Community Campaign Fleet West Frogmore & Darby Green Frogmore & Darby Green Hartley Wintney Hartley Wintney Hook (Hart) James Radley Con LD LD Con Con Con The district is covered by two parliamentary constituencies: North East Hampshire held by James Arbuthnot MP and Aldershot held by Gerald Howarth MP, both Conservatives.

Sean Haffey Brian Burchfield John Kennett Ken Crookes Stephen Gorys Stuart Bailey Hart has 21 parish/town Hook Hook Long Sutton Odiham Odiham Yateley East councils: Con Con Con (Chairman) Con Con LD Blackwater & Hawley; ; Church Key Crookham; Crondall; LD Liberal Democrat ; Con Conservative ; Elvetham CCH Community Heath; Eversley; ; Campaign (Hart) Fleet Town; ; Hartley Wintney; Heckfield; Hook; Long Sutton; Mattingley; Odiham; Graham Cockarill Colin Ive Dave Neighbour Myra Billings David Murr ; South Yateley East Yateley North Yateley North Yateley West Yateley West Warnborough; LD LD LD LD LD and Yateley.

You can email councillors at [email protected]