Hayling Island News

Cooking Skills Classes

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:17:10 +0100

An eight-week cookery skills course starting 10th May at Gorseway Care Community Home 354 Sea Front Hayling Island from 2 3.30pm is on offer to men 55 years or over who would like to gain simple ideas and tips on preparing healthy meals.

Organised by Havant Borough Council in partnership with Hampshire County Councils Older Peoples Well-Being Team and The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre. Gorseway Care Community (part of the Barchester Group) has kindly agreed to host the course free of charge.

The pilot programme of cookery classes covering basic cookery skills food storage reheating freezing etc are being offered across Hampshire and arranged locally by District Councils.

Nicki Conyard community team leader at Havant Borough Council said; We are particularly hoping to attract men who may be living alone have become recently bereaved or who suddenly find themselves needing to take over the cooking but who may have no experience or confidence.

The classes will be in a friendly relaxed atmosphere and include how to cook a range of simple healthy meals.

If these cooking skills classes are popular The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre aim to incorporate this element into a wider Reaching Communities bid focused on many activities for older residents.

If you meet the criteria and would like to find out more please contact Customer Services on 023 9244 6019 or email dominic.damarell@havant.gov.uk

Seafront Move for Hayling Florist

Fri, 11 May 2012 15:59:27 +0100

Deborah Nash & the Hayling Florist team will be taking in the sea air this summer having moved to larger premises on the Seafront. Deborah and her modern floral creations have been brightening up Mengham road for a number of years but growing wedding and contract flowers business demanded more space.
The new shop on Eastoke Corner not only allows Deborah to show off more of her creations and stylish homeware but has also created space for a comfortable consultation area.

Its great being able to sit down with customers and browse through our portfolio with them giving them time to choose their arrangements over a cup of coffee. Being in Mengham was great but it can be hard to plan wedding flowers in a small busy shop.

I know that some people will miss us being in Mengham but we are still happy to visit people in their home to discuss arrangements or to do it over the phone. For those buying gift flowers we have parking right opposite on the seafront
Hayling Florists new shop can be found at Eastoke Corner at 6-8 Seafront. The shop is officially open 10am to 5pm but Deborah is currently finding it hard to leave the shop on those rare evenings when the sun is still shining.
You can also contact Hayling Florist by telephone on 023 9246 7523 or through their website at www.haylingflorist.co.uk

China buy translation rights to Hayling author Pauline Rowson's DI Horton crime series

Tue, 01 May 2012 11:55:46 +0100

Translation rights have been sold to China for six crime novels in the popular marine mystery crime series featuring the flawed and rugged DI Andy Horton by Hayling Island author Pauline Rowson.

Nanhai Publishing Company of Haikou has bought translation rights to six novels in the DI Horton series which are published in the UK and USA by Severn House. The latest DI Horton A Killing Coast was published in the UK in January and will be published in the USA in May 2012 with another in the Horton series Death Lies Beneath to be published in July 2012. The DI Horton series is set in Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight against the backdrop of the Solent.

The deal was done through Chengdu Rightol of Chengdu China.

Pauline Rowson is the author of ten crime and thriller novels which have been hailed in the USA and UK as exemplary and the best of British crime fiction. The novels have already been translated into several languages.

For more information visit www.rowmark.co.uk

Hayling Businesses Asked to Support School Games

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:48:22 +0100

The organisers of the Havant Rotary School Games are requesting the help of Island businesses to raise funds.
With all Hayling schools taking part this major sporting bonanza will run throughout June with finals from 25-29th at the Mountbatten Centre and other major venues.
Sponsorship opportunities include supporting the School Run - a fundraising fun run on Sunday 24 June to placing an ad. in the commemorative programme.
Full details of the games are on the website www.hrsg.co.uk. Potential sponsors should contact Graham Smith on tel. 02392 462111 or email. graham@arachnid.it

Sporting Scarecrows are Invited to Enter The Hayling Scarecrow Festival

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:21:45 +0100

The 2012 Hayling Scarecrow Festival this year will have sport as the theme!

The Festival will take place between Saturday July 28th and Sunday 12th August.

For the first time since the Festival stated the winning and runner up Scarecrows in each category will this year win cash prizes as follows

First place 100 Second place 75
Third place 50

Award Categories are as follows (a full list of events in each category will be printed on the Entry Form to help you decide.)

Track & Field e.g. the 24 track events 5 road events and 16 field events which collectively form the events in an athletics competition

Water based e.g. Sailing rowing swimming water polo and diving

Team Events any sporting event not covered above involving teams of scarecrows

Individual Events any sporting event not covered above involving just one scarecrow

In addition a First Place and 100 will be awarded for the Peoples Choice best overall entry as voted for by visitors and residents.

The winners will be announced at a special Playing On The Plaza event at Eastoke Corner on Sunday August 5th

Chair of the Scarecrow Festival organising committee Marie Telford said This will be the sixth year that we have held the Festival and we hope to attract a record entry tempted by the promise of cash prizes and a topical sporting theme.

There wont be a Scarecrow Festival in 2013 to allow scarecrow makers and the organising committee to have a break from their labours.

Entry Forms will be available at the end of May from the usual pick up points and from the website www.haylingscarecrows.co.uk .

School Games Big Opportunity for Hayling Pupils

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:44:47 +0100

Hayling College together with Mengham and Mill Rythe Juniors will be competing in the Havant Rotary School Games in June. They will join 46 other schools in the biggest inter-school sports event ever held in the Borough.
This pre Olympics celebration will build up to the finals of 20 different sports held at the Mountbatten Centre Waterlooville Leasure Centre and other major sports facilities from 25 to 29 June.
Sunday 24 June will be an opportunity for family and supporters to join in the School Run at Staunton Country Park.

Pupils can also try out a wide range of sports including non Olympic ones such as golf at Taster sessions offered by leading sports clubs and organisations such as Hayling Golf Club Hayling United and Seacourt.

For information log on to www.hrsg.co.uk

HAYLING�S HIDDEN MARINE INDUSTRY

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:31:42 +0100

PUBLIC MEETING�THURSDAY 19TH APRIL

Some years ago it was stated that 17 boats at the London Boat Show originated from Hayling Island and that Hayling produced over 200 boats a year of these and other designs. While these figures are quite different now with very little boat building taking place maintenance marina servicing and repair all contribute to Haylings largest industry after tourism.

Most employment is in the remoter parts on the eastern side of Hayling so this activity is thus often hidden from casual view. However many will have observed the large vehicles trundling their way down the Island carrying some large vessels to their destinations. Manufacturing on the Island is now concentrated on vessels designed for the burgeoning offshore windfarm industry. During WW2 Hayling was a centre of small boat activity mainly landing craft and many of todays sites exist on the same locations.

To make residents more aware of this important industry HIRAs April meeting on the 19th will be about it with presentations being made by people who are directly involved. The meeting starts in the URC Hall at 7.30. Put this date in your diary now!

Please come and learn about this important business and join in the discussion. As always all are welcome.

Round Hayling Island Windsurf Race heats up England

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 07:13:56 +0100

The HISC Round Hayling Island Windsurf Race 2012 will be sailed on the 6th April and 5 from each entry will be donated to Windsurfing 4 Cancer Research.

This is also the stage for the first event of the British Slalom Association tour. First-time competitors are encouraged to register so Tushingham and Starboard will have a full fleet of iSonics and Futuras plus a handful of race rigs to demo and race on.

If the wind isnt good enough to set sail there will be a good selection of Starboard SUP boards on hand to demo and perhaps run some knock-out sprint racing. There may even be a wave on the sand bar to play on.

If thats not enough the Starboard Gemini Tandem always provides great fun for both the riders and spectators especially during transitions which can be hilarious if the riders arent synchronised.

Windsurfing 4 Cancer Research is a charity formed by windsurfers to raise cancer awareness and so promote early diagnosis and healthy lifestyles to reduce the incidence of the disease.

Hayling Island SNT want your feedback!

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:41:14 +0100

The Hayling Island Safer Neighbourhood Team want your feedback on Police priorities.

Hayling.co.uk are pleased to help and would appreciate all residents and local business owners opinions.

This is an experimental service by the SNT to reach a larger amount of Hayling Island residents. Please take a couple of minutes out to give them your feedback on what you would like their priorities to be.

You can access the survey here

Maureen Tipton Police Station Enquiry Officer

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:09:36 +0100

The Hayling Island Police Station enquiry officer Maureen Tipton sadly passed away on Saturday 17th March 2012. Maureen was an island resident and valued member of the police team having served the island for 11 years with previous service in the Metropolitan Police.

The funeral service will be at 10.30 am on Wednesday 4th April 2012 at St Patricks Church Manor Road Hayling Island.
The funeral cortege will proceed to Portchester Crematorium to arrive for 12.45 pm.
The wake will be held immediately after at The Royal British Legion Legion Road Hayling Island.

Maureens family welcome attendance at any or all parts of the funeral.

Kitesurfing beach on Hayling Island approved.

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:55:30 +0100

Not content with just being in the top 10 best places to kitesurf in the UK Hayling Island will soon also have an official kitesurfing beach. The scheme to have an official designated zone for kitesurfing has been approved after a successful eight month pilot scheme.

The scheme was not initially welcomed by all local residents. However after the pilot scheme it was agreed by the majority that the increase in tourism the official kitesurfing beach would bring could only be beneficial to the local businesses.

Concerns were also raised over how it would affect swimmers and sunbathers. Councillor Victor Pierce-Jones was quick to reassure: People were unhappy because they felt it might have got in the way of swimmers and people sunbathing. But as the months have gone by people have accepted it. The reason is that the kite surfers cant go out in all weathers only when its a sharp wind. And thats exactly when swimmers dont want to go out"

The kiters zone will be east of the funfair at the bottom of Chichester Avenue and from here they will be able to safely launch and land. Kiters also have to follow a strict code of conduct whilst in the area including holding 3rd party insurance.

For many years Hayling Island has been recognised as one of the best UK beaches for kitesurfers due to shallow waters good wind speed and direction and flat regatta fields.

Thanks to AndyW for the photo

ALLOCATIONS PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION 4 MAY 15 JUNE

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:43:35 +0100

Where should new jobs and new homes go?
--------------------------------------------

The Borough needs to find enough land for approximately 5000 new homes and 65000 square metres of employment space (equivalent of approximately 9 -10 football pitches). Planning Policy would like your help so together we choose the most suitable sites for development.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hayling Island
Thurs 24th May
11am-2pm
URC Church 6pm-8pm

We need to know your thoughts on the sites that you would prefer to see developed. There will be a number of local exhibitions around the Borough and the times and dates are listed below. There will be a daytime and an evening meeting for each venue on the same day. If you are unable to attend a local exhibition there will be a follow up exhibition for all areas at the Public Service Plaza Civic Centre Road Havant on 30th May 2012.

Con men about again.

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:56:01 +0100

A recent confidence trick has been played upon some of our elderly residents.

It is an old and well used trick where a white Mercedes van arrives and knocks they tell the house owner that they have spotted a broken/loose/missing tile at the roof level and offer to fix it before the rain arrives.
When they "finish" they take the poor unfortunate to the bank cash machine and clear their account.

Two persons are currently helping the police with their enquiries!

However they are not detained and are on the loose again the police has issued a draconian restriction on their movements saying they cannot been seen on the Island for 24 hours!!

So should you see the Mercedes van with a reg number like X31 PCL. Save some old person grief and call the police to report it. (101)

This information was given to me by a local businessman who is at the centre of Haylings activities.

So dont shoot the messenger if I have relayed any incorrect data.

BB

'On Your Marks' - a gold medal-deserving musical extravaganza coming to The Station Theatre!

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 21:23:34 +0100

Hello
I am writing on behalf of a musical theatre devising company called Alchemy from the University of Chichester who are touring an Olympic-inspired show called "On Your Marks" around venues in West Sussex and Hampshire including The Station Theatre. We are looking to rouse interest in the show as we believe it is a night not to be missed!

We would love to get as many people in as possible to take advantage of the opportunity to see a pioneering piece of devised theatre based around a completely relevant theme - the 2012 Olympics. On Your Marks is a comedic musical theatre piece based around the Olympic values following a young British athlete called Jane on her quest for that gold medal.

We do have a press release available in a separate document should you wish to see it as well as an accompanying picture. I have copied and pasted the text should you wish to read it now:

ON YOUR MARKS�
GET SET FOR A GOLD MEDAL-DESERVING NEW MUSICAL THEATRE SHOW CREATED IN WEST SUSSEX!

University of Chichesters final year Musical Theatre students preview a brand new pioneering production in a series of spaces in West Sussex including public performances at Compton Parish Rooms Compton and The Station Theatre Hayling Island.
As the London 2012 Olympics draw closer each day have you ever wondered how they became the spectacle they are today? Well look no further! Alchemy a talented group of third-year Musical Theatre students from the University of Chichester have come together to make the story of the Olympics into a gold medal-deserving musical extravaganza. Under the supervision of industry professionals Alchemy have devised written directed and choreographed On Your Marks which contains original musical numbers accompanied by an eclectic range of dance styles such as the inspirational and exhilarating London Rap.

We join Jane a young and under-prepared athlete on her journey going for gold starting at the qualifying round for the womens 100 metres. Suddenly she collapses and later awakens to find herself immersed in the world of Ancient Greece and the early Olympics.
On her journey Jane meets deities such as comedy duo Zeus and Hera at the Delphic Oracle TV station where through the medium of a chat show we travel back in time to meet influential figures in Olympic history who can give us an insight into how the event has evolved over the years.
But will Jane ever get home? And if she does will she make it back in time for the most important race of her life?

Student and cast member Harry Turpin says Alchemy has been a fantastic module which has enabled each and every student to push themselves and explore unknown boundaries.
Throughout the process of On your Marks the creative juices have been flowing since the word go under the fantastic supervision and guidance of Derek Barnes Shirlie Roden and Andrew Wright. It has been an honour to work with such a great group of students and to produce such a fantastic piece of work. I speak on behalf of Alchemy in saying this module has allowed everyone to feel unique and worthwhile. Dreaming is believing.

You can be part of Janes fight for the gold by joining us on:
Weds 28th March 4pm at Compton Parish Rooms Compton (Doors open 3.30pm with refreshments)

Fri 30th March 8pm at The Station Theatre Hayling Island (Doors open 7.30pm)

Tickets are available both on the doors and in advance for both venues:
Compton Parish Rooms advance tickets are available by emailing Jane Buckler at janebuckler@me.com

Station Theatre Hayling Island tickets are available from their Box Office on 023 9246 6363 or by visiting the Box Office in person.

Tickets: 5 (3 concessions)

Pictured: The On Your Marks Cast rehearsing - (OYM.jpg);

END

Thanks very much for your time and I hope this is an event which interests you! If you would like to get in contact to discuss this further I am contactable on 07780 721221 or by email at j.dowding@hotmail.co.uk

Many thanks
Jemma Dowding
Alchemy press and media contact

SpringFest - Beer and cider list

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:38:57 +0100

A good variety of interesting local ales and ciders is planned.

Provisional list subject to supply availability:

BEERS

Altons Pride 3.8% - Triple fff Brewery Alton
After years of fine tuning our vision for Altons Pride is complete. A traditional amber bitter brewed using water from the Hampshire chalk hills. Full and clean
tasting initially malty then citrus fruit and resinous hop build to a quenching bitter
finish.

Bunnys Delight 4.5% - Oakleaf Brewery Gosport
Warm but light orange marmalade is complemented by a bitter sweetness that lingers on. Pale amber in colour.

Havant The Foggiest 4.5% - Havant Brewery Havant
Banana and spice and all things nice as a wheat beer should be.

Golden Gate 4.5% - Dark Star Brewery Co. Partridge Green
This beer started the Dark Star love affair with North American hops using varieties grown along the west coast of the States. With less hops its not as extreme as the
classic American pale ales but still full of the zesty spice of New World hops. Strongly recommended for lovers of hops.

Illustrious 4.7% - Irving & Co. Brewery Portsmouth
A Light golden pale ale with mandarin and lemon hop notes on the nose. This lusty ale has a resinous challenger hop flavour complimented with a light sweet malt
character the finish is a lasting bitterness with floral hop notes.

Inspiration 5.0% - Goddards Brewery Isle of Wight
Pale refreshing citrus-y ale. Despite its strength this is amazingly zingy and fresh packed full of hop smells and flavours. Loads of awards.

Moondance 4.2% - Triple fff Brewery Alton
One of their original recipes amber coloured best bitter with copious amounts of Cascade hops. Wonderfully aromatic floral nose balanced by a gentle bitterness with a hint of sweetness.

Pigs Ear 5.8% - The Gribble Brewery Chichester
A fuller bodied OLD ALE with a rich ruby brown colour brewed from a well
researched old traditional recipe which has been handed down from father to son.

Rock Lobster 5.0% - Triple fff Brewery Alton
Spring tides are upon us and the Lobster is back! An Amber ale. The inviting floral and spice aroma pulls you into the glass; dive into passion fruit apricot and orange
flavours with sweet toffee malt. Waves of fruit flavours crash over your tongue leaving you refreshed and wide eyed. Surfs up!

Skew Sunshine Ale 4.6% - Suthwyk Ales Southwick
Brewed using a combination of lightly malted SUTHWYK barley and Challenger hops to create a fresh straw coloured ale with a citrus flavour and a light bitterness.

Warbler 4.8% - Bowmans Ales Droxford
A conker coloured premium bitter with an initial sweetness giving way to a dry chestnutty finish. Smooth full bodied & fragrant. No birds were harmed whilst making this beer!!

Upham Ale 4.0% - Upham Brewery Winchester
Rich ochre in colour Upham Ale is a delicate but structured beer with hints of syrup and toasted grain. With an earthy richness on the palate it comes to a hoppy dry
finish

CIDERS

Strawberry Cider 4.2% Mr Whiteheads Cider Company Selborne
A strawberry flavoured cider.

Midnight Special 5.0% - Mr Whiteheads Cider Company Selborne
A perry with a unique blend of fresh dessert and perry pears and contains no added sugar preservatives or flavouring.

Heart of Hampshire 6.0% - Mr Whiteheads Cider Company Selborne
A traditional medium-dry cider with a light aftertaste and a golden colour.

Cirrus Minor 5.0% - Mr Whiteheads Cider Company Selborne
A light summer cider made from a varying blend of apples with a lower sugar content including Royal Gala Braeburn Spartan and Lord Lambourne.

HAYLING ISLAND: WEST LANE

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 09:14:38 +0100

NOTICE is hereby given that not less than seven days from the date of this notice the Council of the Borough of Havant pursuant to an arrangement entered into under Section 19 of the Local Government Act 2000 with the Council of the County of Hampshire intend to make an Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which will be to impose a 10mph speed limit along:

West Lane Hayling Island

From its junction with A3023 Havant Road to its junction with Brights Lane.

The Order is necessary to allow for carriageway resurfacing works.

The Order will come into effect on Sunday 1 April 2012 and last for 6 months or until the works are completed whichever is the sooner.

Dated this eighth day of March 2012.

Jo Barden-Hernandez
Solicitor to the Council
Public Service Plaza
Civic Centre Road
Havant
PO9 2AX

Supplied by Cllr. Andy Lenaghan.

New Hotel Development Consultation Forum

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:26:27 +0100

A consultation forum will be held on Tuesday 21 February to discuss the proposal at land east of Langstone Technology Park.

The consultation being held at the Public Service Plaza at Havant Borough Council will discuss the proposal for a two storey 81 bed budget hotel and one/two storey 298-seat family restaurant.

Developers will be given the opportunity to present their proposals to Councillors and local amenity groups. Officers from Havant Borough Council will also be attending.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the forum being held in the Council Chamber at 6pm to listen to the debate with the option of completing feedback forms with their individual comments at the end of the meeting.

Free wildlife training information event

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:09:45 +0100

Are you interested in wildlife? Would you like to learn more about the wildlife in your local area? Come along to the Hayling Island Community Centre on Monday 27th February at 7pm. The evening will feature a talk by a local expert on the islands wildlife and information about the Hayling Island Beach Warden Training Course run by BTCV.

The Beach Wardens Training Course will consist of a series of 5 one-day sessions to include topics such as Marine Birds Shoreline wildlife Seashore plants Organising Projects and Working with the wider community. No previous knowledge is required for the training course which is aimed at beginners but those with prior knowledge are equally welcome! The sessions are all free and will take place on Hayling Island at weekends between March and July 2012. Each session will involve a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities and will be taught by experienced BTCV project officers and local wildlife experts.

This course aims to help participants appreciate and enjoy the range of coastal habitats and wildlife of Hayling Island. It will help you develop skills in identification and learn how to organise coastal events and activities for the local community.

The Beach Warden Training Course is running alongside monthly practical habitat management tasks. These might involve scrub and gorse control beach cleans or tree planting. All are welcome at these events no previous experience is required.

This project has been made possible thanks to a 44700 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and support from Havant Borough Council.

For more information please contact Katy Roberts BTCV project officer on: 02380 402 593 07740 899709 email hibw@btcv.org.uk

Rogue Traders Warning

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:34:21 +0100

Rogue traders are reportedly cold calling in Leigh Park and the surrounding area of Hampshire claiming residents need to replace their TV aerial in order to receive the digital TV signal. However most people with a good aerial now will not need a new aerial for switchover and remember there is no such thing as a digital aerial.

Whether you need a new aerial for switchover will depend on the condition of your current aerial and where you live. If you currently have poor reception on your analogue TV then you may need to replace your aerial at switchover. A small number of households may also need a wideband aerial to receive all the channels available. To find out if this affects you visit www.digitaluk.co.uk/youraerial or call 08456 50 50 50.

Trading Standards would advise residents not to agree to any work that is instigated as a result of a cold call or via a leaflet drop. If you do need to replace your rooftop aerial look for a Registered Digital Installer (RDI) who has been trained and security checked. To find an RDI near you visit www.rdi-lb.co.uk or call the Digital UK advice line on 08456 50 50 50.

Please note if you are over 75 disabled or on certain benefits you may be eligible for help from the Switchover Help Scheme. This means you could get one TV set at your home switched to digital for just 40. Those who are entitled to help should have already received a letter and information pack though the post but to check if you are eligible please visit www.helpscheme.co.uk or call 0800 40 85 900.

If anyone has any information about traders who are cold calling claiming TV aerials need to be replaced or any other doorstep crime issue they should contact Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Service Quick Response Team on 01962 833666 (Monday Friday 0900hrs to 1700hrs) where specially trained officers are on hand to provide advice.

Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Service
Montgomery House Monarch Way
Winchester Hampshire SO22 5PW
Tel: 01962 833620
Fax: 01962 833698
E-mail: doorstep.crime@hants.gov.uk

Missing Cycle Link!

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:36:27 +0100

CYCLING between Havant and Hayling Island is about to get easier as new cycle routes are set to be installed.

Since 2003 cyclists have been able to ride along the pavement over Langstone Bridge sharing the space with pedestrians.

But at both the north and south end the cycle way has stopped abruptly because the pavement becomes more narrow.

It meant that cyclists had to either dismount or join the busy traffic.

Now Havant Borough Council plans to make 40 yards of pavement on the northern side of the crossing for shared use by both pedestrians and cyclists.

A new section of track is also set to be built for cyclists at Langstone away from the busy road.

And plans are afoot to tackle the southern end of the bridge where cyclists currently have to dismount.

Once completed it will mean there will be a continuous off-road cycle route between Havant and Hayling along the Hayling Billy Trail a popular cycling and walking route along the old Havant and South Hayling Railway Line.

Hayling Cllr Andy Lenaghan also a keen cyclist said: This will make it a lot safer and user-friendly to save people having to dismount when they reach the other side of the bridge.

At the moment you have to cycle off a dropped kerb into the flow of traffic.

Its dangerous at the moment.

But some cyclists criticised the scheme and said it does not go far enough to help them get safely on and off the island.

They say the pathway is still too narrow.

Paul Fisher committee member for Cycle Hayling is pushing for a separate leisure bridge for cyclists.

Mr Fisher said: Its just a cheap way of addressing a serious issue which they dont take seriously.

Steve Mountain the councils special projects engineer said a leisure bridge was not financially viable in the current climate and said this scheme would make it a safer journey.

He said although the 40 yards of pavement which is set to become a cycle route was narrow it was only a short section and was therefore safe.

He said: We have some money which we can achieve a solution with.

What we have not got however is the extra money to do what in many peoples view would be an ideal job.

Thats not strictly necessary at the moment but yes there are aspirations for the whole route.

HIRA News

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:39:16 +0100

Save Hayling Petition Campaign Review

At our January meeting a presentation and discussion took place on the outcome of the petition the Council meeting and what the future may hold.

Chairman Paul Fisher opened the meeting by reviewing the process so far. The purpose of the petition had been to bring to the attention of the various official bodies in the planning process the following:

� Hayling residents did not think that in that process the correct steps had always been followed and that many factors pertaining to the unique status of Hayling as an island had equally not been taken into account. These particularly related to the very limited and constrained infrastructure of the Island.
� Of special concern would be the many demands placed upon the road network that is already near saturation as any reference to recommended highway standards will confirm. Also it is felt that other services such as sewerage electrical power and medical cannot be stretched much further.
� Even with a reduced allocation in the current 15 year plan Hayling would still be taking a proportion of the Boroughs housing allocation (the powers that be say need) that significantly exceeds the Islands proportion of Borough residents.
� It is interesting to note that even though the population of Havant is only predicted to increase by some 3000 over the next 15 years more than 6000 houses are apparently needed to accommodate them. This is largely because of the increasing number of single households being factored into that prediction.

A petition had therefore been arranged to press for a review of the infrastructure problems. Supporting that view the signatures of over 4000 Island residents had been obtained and verified. Signatures from other interested persons raised the total to some 4500.

This was duly presented to the council in a well publicised event in October. On 14th December the full Council debated the resolution presented by the petition with the result reported in this publication last month.

This outcome was that the Council on the whole did not accept that there was any failure to consider fully the special case of Hayling. As a concession it was agreed to arrange a meeting with the appropriate authorities to at least allow discussion of the various matters the main one being the limitations set by the road network. As yet no date for such a meeting has been agreed though progress on this was being made.

After Pauls review the members present discussed various related matters. Much of this revolved around the type of development that would be preferred on the Island on the basis that some would inevitably occur.

In view of the road limitations many people were of the view that to provide housing for people that always required extensive commuting options should be discouraged. Older people intending to downsize and thus release family accommodation could be encouraged. This group often seemed to be ignored but need and often can afford to buy at current market rates whilst making little demand on the road network. It was also pointed out that increased traffic would make cycling much more dangerous especially given the absence of any serious cycle commuting routes on Hayling.

The discussion ended awaiting the setting-up of the meeting mentioned above.

Other matters

There is some concern being expressed about a proposed development at Yachthaven much of it being however about the inconsistencies in that proposal. The North Hayling RA is addressing the matter.

Dog fouling is always being raised for discussion. Effort should be made to encourage everyone to alleviate this. All dog owners should be aware that all council bins can be used to deposit their collections not only the red bins. The Safer Neighbourhood Team of Hayling Police have agreed to adopt this issue as one of their priorities for the foreseeable future

Tony Higham

Hayling Crime Author Pauline Rowson to give talk at Portsmouth Central Library for National ...

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:40:53 +0100

Pauline Rowson author of the popular marine mystery crime series set in the Portsmouth and Solent area featuring DI Horton will be helping to celebrate National Libraries Day on Saturday 4 February with an event at Portsmouth Central Library between 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Her latest DI Horton novel A Killing Coast is published in hardcover on 26 January. It is the seventh in the series which has followers across the world including in America and China. A Killing Coast is set in Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.

National Libraries Day is a celebration of libraries across the UK. Events and activities will take place in a variety of libraries including in schools colleges universities and public libraries in the UK in the week leading up to and on National Libraries Day on Saturday 4 February.

Pauline Rowson will be at Portsmouth Central Library on 4 February talking about her novels and her crime writing and there will be the opportunity to win signed copies of her crime novels with a murder mystery quiz hunt for clues around the library and the chance to be named as a character in one of her forthcoming DI Horton crime novels.

Tickets cost 3.00 and can be purchased at any library in Portsmouth or by contacting libraries@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or telephone 023 9281 9311. The event is open to everyone.

For more information on National Libraries Day visit http://www.nationallibrariesday.org.uk/

For more details on Pauline Rowsons books visit http://www.rowmark.co.uk

Plans unveiled for new hotel and restaurant near busy Havant road

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:29:09 +0100

NEIGHBOURS spoke of their concerns about traffic parking and loss of green space as plans for a new hotel in Havant went on show.

Developers laid out their plans for an 80-bedroom two-storey Travelodge hotel and a separate 300-cover restaurant on land at Bosmere Field close to the Langstone roundabout.

Brewery Greene King is proposing to build a farmhouse-style Cloverleaf restaurant in the south-east corner of the site.

Fasset Ltd which manages Langstone Technology Park has drawn up plans and officials told people at Bedhampton Social Hall that a hotel was needed to cater for the business community.

The development would have space for around 150 cars.

But residents feared the congested Langstone Road would get even worse as people queued to turn right into the single access road also used by workers at Langstone Technology Park.

Members of Langstone Residents Association described the road as gridlocked between 4.30pm and 6.45pm every day.

Havant resident Keith Chessell said: Road access is a serious problem.

Personally I think you are going to find it very hard to find some means of combating the problem.

There was also concern about overspill of cars into surrounding residential roads.

Kate Turner chairwoman of Havant and Bedhampton Community First the residents panel that hosted the presentation said: It causes problems across the whole area.

There was also support from some people who felt a budget hotel was needed.

Jeremy Heppell planning consultant said: The Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (Push) has identified the need along the A27 for a budget hotel primarily because trade is being turned away by existing hotels in the area.

Its clearly not good for businesses if business people cant stay in the area.

The land is owned by Hampshire County Council and faces being sold off. A planning application is set to be submitted soon and if approved the development would be finished by Christmas this year.

From the Portsmouth Evening News

Beach Huts Damaged. Safety Warning

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:59:16 +0100

I have just had a phone call from HBCs Environment Ranger and he has requested that I re-iterate what Melody has said on the Forum. Please keep away from the Beach whether you are an owner or just wishing to have a look at the damage. They cannot guarantee anyones personal safety as more high winds are forecast and debris could be flying around and it would be foolish to go on site. 15 Huts have been damaged and securing all the debris is quite an operation.

Hampshire residents offered free insulation

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:56:49 +0100

I know it has been mentioned before but its worth going again. BB
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Residents in Hampshire are being given the chance to insulate their homes for free in a council-backed initiative.
Insulate Hampshire is offering cavity wall and loft insulation free for average sized properties with subsidies for larger homes.
County councillor Ken Thornber said in Hampshire 65000 homes with people over the age of 70 were not insulated.
He added that nationally cold-related illnesses costs the NHS 1 billion every year so the issue was a priority.

Something for nothing

Andy Deacon from the Energy Saving Trust said the scheme was a cost-effective way to insulate your home.
The charity was involved in the early planning of Insulate Hampshire.
He added: "Loft insulation can save 175 and cavity wall insulation 135 on your bills - these are not small-fry savings.

"Its hard to find something for nothing these days but in this case thats exactly the deal on offer for Hampshire residents."

Insulate Hampshire is a not-for-profit scheme set up by the Hampshire Senate a consortium of local councils and other agencies including the Hampshire primary care trust police and fire authorities.
The offer of free insulation does not apply to residents living in the Southampton and Portsmouth City Council areas.
The council hopes work done by the project will cut CO2 emissions by 18000 tonnes and save homes 3m every year on energy bills.

Anyone eligible must apply before for an assessment to gauge the homes suitability by the end of March 2012 and can visit the Insulate Hampshire website for more details.

BBC News.

Havant�s Public Service Plaza opens its conference facilities

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:56:25 +0100

he first full council meeting was held last week in the new main conference room at the plaza with several members of the public in attendance.

These facilities are high quality flexible and state-of-the-art with modern technology for conference/training requirements. They can now be booked by businesses and local community organisations and by the public themselves for a wide variety of uses including conferences exhibitions social events and performance.

Normal hiring times are between 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday although there is flexibility if these hours do not suit your needs. The hire charges vary depending on the room size and requirements. Please telephone the facilities team manager on (023) 9244 6646 or email him neill.payne@havant.gov.uk for a quote.

Councillor Mike Cheshire portfolio holder for marketing and development said; We are delighted with the new facilities and are proud to encourage businesses and members of the public to take advantage of them when not in use for council business.

This is an opportunity for the council to generate a form of income to help alleviate the pressures on the budgets in the current economic climate. It also enables the community to use this building to hold their meetings and events at a central location.

HBC News Release.

CHANGES TO COLLECTION DATES ACROSS THE BOROUGH

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:48:27 +0100

Residents in the borough will have a temporary change in the way their bins are collected during the festive period.

The collection day will change throughout the borough over a two week period.
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NORMAL COLLECTION DAY REVISED COLLECTION DAY
Monday 26 December Tuesday 27 December
Tuesday 27 December Wednesday 28 December
Wednesday 28 December Thursday 29 December
Thursday 29 December Friday 30 December
Friday 30 December Monday 2 January 2012

Monday 2 January Tuesday 3 January
Tuesday 3 January Wednesday 4 January
Wednesday 4 January Thursday 5 January
Thursday 5 January Friday 6 January
Friday 6 January Saturday 7 January
######################################################
Residents are reminded to place their bins out by 7am on their day of collection to ensure an efficient service.

Residents who have subscribed to the Garden Waste Collection Service are also reminded that this service will be suspended between 26th December and 6th Jan

Havant Borough Council

HAYLING TO HOLLAND CHARITY CYCLE RIDE 2012

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 16:34:10 +0100

The success of moving the Ride away from Paris several years back first of all via the Loire Valley and then Le Mans led us into the idea of being even more innovative - moving the ride to another country!
Canals & castles windmills & woodland beaches & bulb fields
Holland is made for cycling and is well equipped with cycle paths and the network reaches all parts of the country. The cycling surface quality is good and it is possible (if wanted) to cycle at speed for considerable distances. Many cycle teams will come flying past - can you keep up with them?! The cycle ways come with their own sets of rules and systems - including traffic signals/lights tunnels and lanes.
As with last year the rider will have the choice of longer and shorter routes on some of the days. We leave Hayling Island by coach during the afternoon of Sunday 8th of July with our bikes securely stored in a lorry arriving in Harwich where we pick up our bikes for storage on the overnight comfortable Stena ferry. We arrive in Holland on Monday morning 9th July with five days of fascinating fully supported cycling ahead of us.
The ride starts at Hook (Hoek van Holland) and then goes up the coast to Haarlem. The next days are to Amsterdam Amersfoort Dordrecht and back to Hook with the last day being the fancy dress day as usual although this time perhaps with a bit of a hangover from the party in Dordrecht!

Strike action - possible disruption to public services

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:29:53 +0100

Along with other local authorities across the country East Hampshire District Council and Havant Borough Council have been informed by the trade unions Unison and Unite that it is their intention to take industrial action over changes to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

The first national strike day is planned for Wednesday 30th November. While it is not possible to judge exactly what impact the strike may have on both councils services every action will be taken to keep any disruption to a minimum.

Both councils do not anticipate any major disruption to key services however there may be a possible disruption to refuse collection services in the Borough of Havant on the day of strike action.

Residents of the Borough of Havant are advised to put out their recycling bin as normal on their collection day. Should the bin not be collected residents are to continue to put out their recycling bin for collection each morning by 7.00 am until the end of this week.

If their bin has not been collected by the end of the day - Friday 2nd December 2011 residents should return their bin to within their properties and put it out for the next scheduled recycling collection. Domestic waste will be collected.

Refuse collection in East Hampshire will be unaffected

Staff across both authorities are expected to take part in the strike action but exact numbers are not known as staff do not have to declare their involvement. Plans to cover services affected have been put into place to ensure business continuity.

Gill Kneller Executive Director across both authorities said; We recognise that pickets are normally no more than 6 people however in practice there are more unions expected to join the strike so this may change.

We have made plans where possible using the information provided to us by the union representatives and will continue to work closely with them.

Staff have been helpful in letting us know their availability to work on the 30th November which has assisted us to plan service delivery to residents for the one day of strike action.

Staff who take strike action will not be paid for that day.