Wednesday, 19 June 2013

Hampshire's Minerals and Waste Plan has now reached the final stage before adoption, with the independent Planning Inspector confirming the Plan has been found to be 'sound' (meaning it has been positively prepared, justified, effective and is consistent with national policy).

The final Inspector's Report states that the draft Plan is 'sound', subject to the implementation of the modifications considered during the public hearing:

"I conclude that with the recommended main modifications set out in the Appendix the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan would satisfy the requirements of Section 20(5) of the 2004 Act and meet the criteria for soundness in the National Planning Policy Framework," he said.

The Inspector, Mr Andrew S. Freeman, who was appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has put together his final Report following scrutiny of the draft Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan at the public examination hearings held in June 2012 and March 2013. The modifications recommended by the Inspector for inclusion in the Plan have been made after full consideration of the representations on these issues.

Councillor Seán Woodward Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment at Hampshire County Council, said: "The Planning Inspector has confirmed that he considers the plan to be a sound document and suitable for all the Hampshire authorities to adopt as planning policy. Once adopted it will replace existing policy - the 'Hampshire Minerals and Waste Core Strategy' - and all future planning applications for minerals and waste development will be assessed and determined on the basis of the policies in the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan. The Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan will play a crucial role in protecting our environment and communities over the next 20 years. This includes ensuring the local economy is supported by enabling an adequate supply of minerals and sustainably managing Hampshire's waste.

Hampshire's draft Plan has been prepared in partnership with Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council and the New Forest and South Downs National Park Authorities, as part of their statutory responsibility for minerals and waste planning. The effects on surrounding areas have also been considered, including regular liaison with the relevant councils and communities.

• More information about the draft Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan, the public examination and the Inspectors Report

Wednesday, 19 June 2013

Hampshire residents are being invited to show their support for the Armed Forces by joining in the celebrations to mark the start of Armed Forces week.

Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council will be marking Armed Forces Week with a flag raising ceremony in Winchester on Monday 24 June 2013. This is an annual event that helps raise public awareness of the military and gives the local community the opportunity to show their support for the Armed Forces. The ceremony will include a military band leading a Tri-Service march past through Winchester city centre.

The lunchtime celebrations begin on Monday at 11.45am with a Winchester Garrison Band, comprising musicians from The Band & Bugles of the Rifles and The Adjutant General's Corps, playing a selection of military music at the Buttercross in the centre of Winchester's High Street.

The band will then march down the High Street where it joins a contingent of 45 service personnel drawn from the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force. At 12.35pm the band will then lead them up the full length of the High Street to The Great Hall, Castle Avenue, where the Armed Forces Flag will be raised at 1pm.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Dame Mary Fagan, Leader of Hampshire County Council Councillor Roy Perry, and Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Ernest Jeffs have organised the flag raising ceremony.

The Lord-Lieutenant, who will inspect the Parade, said: "The annual Flag Raising Ceremony demonstrates Hampshire's strong commitment to our Armed Forces and the appreciation we have for all that they do. I am delighted that representatives from all three services will join us for this year's ceremony and I hope that members of the public will show their appreciation by turning out to support the contingent as they march through Winchester, and attending the short ceremony outside The Great Hall."

Councillor Roy Perry said: "Hampshire is home to the largest contingent of Armed Forces personnel in the country and we are immensely proud of our strong connection with the armed forces. Operational units of all three services are based here along with the headquarters of both the British Army and the Royal Navy. As a local authority, we want to show our debt of gratitude for the contributions and sacrifices of the armed forces community and all that they do to protect our country and serve the cause of freedom. I hope that people from around the county will join us in Winchester for these celebrations."

The Mayor of Winchester, the Right Worshipful, Councillor Ernest Jeffs, said: "Last month I signed a Community Covenant in recognition of Winchester's close connections with and support for the Armed Forces. I am looking forward to the flag-raising ceremony as a great opportunity to show that support and as a marvellous spectacle for the city."

Armed Forces week will see celebrations across the country leading up to Armed Forces Day on Saturday 29 June 2013 which is an annual opportunity for the nation to show its support.

• Armed Forces Day - Show your support

Wednesday, 19 June 2013

Hampshire County Council has been awarded £4 Million to help reduce congestion at the Queen's Roundabout in Aldershot.

The funding comes from a Government fund designed to target key bottlenecks around the country and make life easier for the thousands of motorists and businesses who use the local road network every day. The recent announcement relates to the second tranche of funding from the £190 million Local Pinch Point Fund, first announced in December 2012.

The Queens Roundabout currently experiences significant congestion, particularly in peak times, impacting on the effective operation and performance of local businesses in the area.

With a number of proposed new commercial and residential developments nearby traffic is set to increase. The Queens Roundabout would provide one of the main junctions on the road network facilitating traffic movements to these new development sites.

The scheme aims to reduce the impacts of the increased traffic volume and involves the introduction of traffic signal control on all four approach roads to the roundabout, widening of the approach roads and provision of safe pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities.

The total scheme costs are estimated to be £5.764 million funding awarded is £4.034 million.

Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment, Cllr Seán Woodward, said:

"I am pleased that our bid for Local Pinch Point Funding for Queen's Roundabout has been successful. One of the key challenges for economic growth is to ensure high quality transport links for businesses to enable existing firms to expand and to attract new organisations to the area. The improvements at Queens Roundabout will help unlock economic growth by supporting the new developments, reducing congestion and improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists."

• The County Council's bid was supported by Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Hampshire County Council has signed a contract with the Argenti Telehealthcare Partnership, led by PA Consulting, to deliver telecare services to vulnerable adults across the county for up to five years.

Telecare uses wireless sensors to help people remain independent in their own homes by minimising risks, promoting a sense of security and giving peace of mind for their families and friends. Telecare systems, which are much less intrusive than traditional home care, range from devices mainly focused on preventing problems - such as a fall or forgetting to take medication - to intervention monitors which check sleep and activity. If the service user requires help, the 24-hour monitoring centre is alerted to respond appropriately.

Telecare provides a bespoke solution for individuals but is only one of many tools available to choose from when designing a care package. Telecare can be used to complement traditional care or be used to replace it. For example someone who requires help with tasks such as gardening will be visited by a carer but they may also have Telecare to remind them to take their medication and detect any falls. Through the contract Telecare will be free for all critical and substantial users making it a more viable choice for people who are looking into different care options.

The wider roll out of Telecare will also offer good value for money for the County Council at a time when funding from government is being dramatically decreased and demand for care is increasing due to an ageing and increasingly frail population with more complex needs. Mainstreaming Telecare is part of the Council's work to transform Adult Services to meet these challenges and sits alongside other new ways of delivering social care - such as Extra-Care schemes to ensure that Hampshire residents continue to receive quality services at the lowest cost.

Councillor Anna McNair Scott, Executive Member for Adult Social Care at Hampshire County Council said:

"People want to stay in a home of their own for as long as possible and Telecare can provide the confidence to enable them to do this. Telecare can significantly improve people's sense of dignity and quality of life, and complements traditional care. For example, someone who remains in a home of their own, but has help with washing or dressing, may also use Telecare to remind them to take their medication or detect any falls. Telecare can also offer people with a learning disability much greater independence as it enables them to travel safely on their own.

"As the average age in the UK rises, due to better health care and nutrition, it will become increasingly important to find more effective ways to care for older people and help them enjoy their lives in the way they choose. Telecare, as part of an overall package of care, is sure to play a more prominent role in future care plans."

Steve Carefull of PA Consulting and the Argenti Programme Director, comments:

"It is tremendously exciting to be partnering with Hampshire County Council on this journey to deploy Telecare at scale. We have brought together a world-beating consortium consisting of PA Consulting Group; Tunstall; O2; CareCalls; Medvivo and Magna Careline. Between us, we have unmatched industry experience and expertise, operating to Telecare Service Association Platinum Standards. As importantly, we all share a passion for assistive technology, believing it to have been long under-exploited as a way to deliver significant benefits to vulnerable people and their carers."

• Telecare wireless alarms and sensors for people in Hampshire

Friday, 14 June 2013

Hampshire County Council has received two 2013 Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Awards for building design quality at Runways End Outdoor Activity Centre in Aldershot.

A RIBA Regional Award 2013 and RIBA South East Sustainability Award were awarded to the Council's Property Services Department this week for their work to design the Centre.

The RIBA Awards are given for buildings that have a high architectural quality and make a substantial contribution to the local environment. The awards are annual, and have been running continuously since 1966.

Runway';s End opened in October 2011 and is an ultra-modern children and young people's activity centre which gives youngsters from across Hampshire the chance to take part in world-class, challenging and exciting indoor and outdoor activities from archery, canoeing and abseiling, to rope courses, caving and camping.

The County Council, Rushmoor Borough Council and the Blackwater Valley District Scouts were successful in securing a significant capital grant from the then Department of Education, Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) Co-location Fund to help fund the project.

Set in eight acres of woodland next to the Basingstoke Canal, the Centre has residential accommodation and a campsite, and includes a climbing and abseiling tower, a bouldering wall, and ropes and obstacle course designed for young children to tackle in teams. The underground caving experience also caters for people with physical disabilities, and there is a multi-activity hall for archery, shooting and team games. In addition, groups can use the beautiful Basingstoke Canal for canoeing.

Sustainability is the key ethos at Runways End. The centre produces its own hot water and heating through a biomass boiler plus a rainwater harvesting system recycles rainwater to flush toilets. These unique eco-friendly additions not only reduce the site's impact on the environment but reduce its utility bills.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Roy Perry, said: "I am delighted that our in-house Property Services team have received national recognition for their efforts to provide these award-winning facilities for children and young people at Runways End, providing a top-class venue offering indoor and outdoor activities for children of all abilities in the north of the county.

"These awards are highly prestigious and represent a significant achievement in professional building design. The quality of public buildings across the county is very important to help create attractive and inspirational surroundings in which the people of Hampshire can feel proud, so I congratulate all those involved for their outstanding work."

• Runways End Outdoor Centre

Thursday, 13 June 2013

Recycle for Hampshire, a campaign that raises awareness and encourages people to recycle more, is urging Hampshire residents during Recycle Week to recycle their small, portable electrical items such as kettles, mobile phones, irons and toasters. With the chance of winning an iPad Mini or Kindle Fire there's no reason not to recycle your unwanted or burnt out electricals this Recycle Week (17-21 June).

Collection events are being held in Eastleigh, the New Forest, Havant and Portsmouth where you can drop off your small electrical goods and enter a prize draw to win an iPad or a Kindle. Details of all events and accepted items are available from the participating local councils themselves or from the Recycle for Hampshire twitter feed @RecycleHants.

Chair of the Project Integra waste partnership's Strategic Board, Councillor Leslie Keeble, said:

"Most people actively recycle a lot of things like paper and metals, but don't realise how easy it is to recycle electrical items too. You can take old and broken electricals to any of our 26 Household Waste Recycling Centres in Hampshire all year round as they all have special collection containers for them. Plenty of local charities will also accept them if they're reusable.

"It's vital that we recycle as many of our broken electrical goods as possible. Each year in the UK we go through 1.2 million tonnes of electrical waste the equivalent of 150,000 double-decker buses which would fill Wembley Stadium to the brim six times and a typical domestic iron contains enough steel to make as many as 13 food cans.

"I am proud of our recycling record in Hampshire and with the efforts of local residents we have reduced landfill by almost 90% in the period from 2001/02 to 2011/12. During last year's Recycle Week we collected 4,200 items, or seven and a half tonnes, across the county and it would be fantastic if we could dig out all our old small electricals and beat that record this year."

• Recycle for Hampshire

Wednesday, 12 June 2013

Hampshire County Council is highlighting safer sex and screening advice to help reduce further the rate of sexually transmitted infections.

Data released by Public Health England indicates a small decrease in the number of new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) diagnosed in local sexual health clinics across the Wessex area which includes Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

However rates of STIs remain high and Public Health England says this suggests that too many people are continuing to put themselves at risk through unsafe sex especially young adults and men who have sex with men.

Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed in Hampshire followed by genital warts and herpes. Those aged under 25 experience the highest STI rates contributing to almost 74 per cent of Chlamydia diagnoses in the area.

Councillor Liz Fairhurst, Hampshire County Council's Executive Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing said: "Left untreated, sexually transmitted infections can lead to a range of complications including ectopic pregnancy, infertility, disability, cancer and premature death. As part of our new public health responsibilities, Hampshire County Council already commissions a range of programmes and services delivered in a variety of community settings that support people to develop and maintain good sexual health.

"Getting screened for HIV and STIs can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, as often these infections have no symptoms. In addition, reducing the number of sexual partners and avoiding overlapping sexual relationships can reduce the risk of being infected with an STI."

Individuals can also significantly reduce their risk of catching or passing on an STI by:

• Always using a condom when having sex with casual and new partners.
• Getting tested regularly if in one of the highest risk groups:
• Sexually active under 25 year olds should be screened for chlamydia every year, and on change of sexual partner
• Men who have sex with men having unprotected sex with casual or new partners should have an HIV/STI screen at least annually, and every three months if changing partners regularly.

• Further information on local sexual health services in Hampshire

Wednesday, 05 June 2013

Hampshire County Council is backing a new campaign that aims to raise awareness of the dangers of Secondhand Smoke to children and to encourage smokers to stop smoking in their home and car.

Secondhand Smoke is emitted every time someone smokes and is a mix of 4,000 chemical compounds, irritants and toxins, and contains 50 known carcinogens. Children are particularly vulnerable to Secondhand Smoke. Nationally each year, smoking causes an extra 300,000 GP visits and 9,500 hospital admissions for children - and an additional cost to the NHS of £26 million.

The 'Smokefree Homes and Cars' campaign has been launched this week by Public Health England and highlights the fact that Secondhand Smoke, at home or in the car, puts children at increased risk of lung disease, meningitis and cot death. It aims to help people learn more about the dangers of Secondhand Smoke and protect others from the effects.

In Hampshire estimated smoking rates vary from 13.6 per cent in Test Valley to 24.3 per cent in Rushmoor. To help motivate smokers to quit, the campaign offers a free Smokefree Kit, which includes information, guidance and tools to help people stop smoking.

Councillor Liz Fairhurst's name, Executive Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing at Hampshire County Council said:

"Over eighty percent of Secondhand Smoke is invisible and has no smell, so even if the air looks clean and clear your children could still be exposed to harmful cancer-causing toxins and poisons.

"Children are at an increased risk from second hand smoke because not only do they breath faster and so take in more toxins than adults, but also their immune systems are not as developed and so protect them less.

"No level of Secondhand Smoke is safe for children and this is a great time and an excellent reason, for the two thirds of smokers who want to quit, to take the first steps to a smoke-free life. Not only will this have a positive impact on your children's health but it will mean that they will be less likely to smoke themselves - children of smokers are ninety per cent more likely to smoke themselves."

For more information on stopping smoking ask your GP or go to Quit4Life, or order your free Smokefree Kit.

• Advice to help you stop smoking - NHS SmokeFree

Tuesday, 04 June 2013

Hampshire County Council and Southern Health NHS are working together to help older people put their 'Best Foot Forward' during Age UK's National Falls Awareness Week.

During Falls Awareness week (17-21 June), which is themed 'Best Foot Forward' there will be information events happening around Hampshire including workshops on keeping steady, looking after your feet, and tips on exercise, diet and much more.

Maintaining healthy feet is vital for older people to maintain their mobility and independence and help prevent falls, the consequences of which can be serious such as osteoporosis and fractures.

Cllr Anna McNair-Scott, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, said:

"Hampshire County Council is dedicated to helping older people maintain their independence. Having a fall can be a major set back for an older person; limiting their mobility and affecting their self-confidence.

"The events during Falls Awareness Week aim to provide people with the information they need to help themselves or a loved one avoid having a trip or fall. Small things like undertaking regular exercise, routine eye tests, and removing any potential trip hazards at home, such as small rugs and trailing wires, can all help."

To find out more contact Sophie Jevons 01962 846605 or email sophie.jevons@hants.gov.uk.

Partner organisations are also being encouraged to run their own information stands or events in their areas.

• A supporting pack is available via the Age UK website

Tuesday, 04 June 2013

Aldershot is not the most obvious link between Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt, a zombie outbreak and an apocalyptic storyline - but thanks to Film Hampshire the town was chosen as one of the locations for the shooting of this month's blockbuster release 'World War Z'.

Marc Forster's new $200 million film, part of which was shot in barracks in Aldershot, stars Brad Pitt as a United Nations worker who attempts to stop a zombie outbreak. Film Hampshire worked with World War Z location managers from the outset, sourcing barracks in Aldershot which provided a huge area for filming that without inconveniencing the public. The film follows hot on the heels of recent smash hit Les Misérables, locations of which were scouted by Film Hampshire, including Winchester College and Portsmouth Naval Base.

Part of Hampshire County Council's Economic Development Office, Film Hampshire is one of the UK's leading film location agencies and helps attract film crews to the region by finding shoot locations for them. Hampshire offers a wide range of opportunities for film, broadcasting and advertising production companies, with over 350 film locations including 40 historic country houses 25 parks and forests, excellent domestic and international transport links, a wealth of historical connections, unparalleled local expertise and an extensive network of contacts. In addition, a large number of locally-based companies provide services to the creative industries.

County Councillor Keith Chapman said: "Last year we attracted around £3 million for Hampshire's economy from the film industry, figures that emphasise the important work that Film Hampshire is doing . Not only do production crews bring an immediate boost to trade for hotels and restaurants, but films, adverts and TV programmes showcase our beautiful countryside which in turn encourages more tourists to visit and stay. Among Hampshire's top attractions are its outstanding historic buildings and stunning landscapes, which are much in demand.

"Film Hampshire is a great example of how we work with a wide range of companies to bring outside money and funding to Hampshire. Other recent, major productions filmed in Hampshire include Skyfall, Tom Cruise's All you Need is Kill (due to be released next year) and independent film The Elder. TV credits include the BBC's Wartime Farm on Manor Farm and The Fixer, and ITV's Endeavour, Miss Marple and Dom Joly's Fool Britannia."

• Film Hampshire

Friday, 31 May 2013

Hampshire is well underway to meeting the Government's targets for the provision of 15 hours per week free nursery places for disadvantaged two year olds.

By 2014, it is anticipated that around 4,000 additional places will be needed across the county to meet the potential demand from eligible two year olds. Children qualifying for the places include those who are in the care of the Local Authority, as well as those whose parents are on low incomes and those who are unemployed or in receipt of benefits.

The County Council is supporting childcare providers to enable them to create additional places as well as providing training to help them meet the specific needs of children under three years old who will be eligible for the offer.

More than 1,000 two year olds eligible for the free provision have already taken up places and a total of 2,000 new places are expected to be ready for September. More than £1.6 million has been put aside to create the additional places through a targeted programme of capital funding, enabling new schemes to be developed in areas of highest need.

Currently, more than 70% of Hampshire's early years education providers offer places for funded two year olds. In addition, there are childminders in Hampshire who deliver early years education provision. The scheme to offer free childcare provision is part of a national, Government-led initiative to improve outcomes for children. The County Council is launching a leaflet campaign to raise awareness of the offer to families who may be eligible. In the meantime information is also available on the county councils website.

Alternatively parents can contact their local Children's Centre for details or telephone Services for Young Children Information Support Team on 01962 847070 or email childcare@hants.gov.uk.

Cllr Peter Edgar, Executive Member for Education, said: "Hampshire County Council is committed to ensuring that children have the best possible start to learning. Evidence shows that good early years education from a young age can help to boost child development and lead to better achievement in school. That is why we are offering families, who might not otherwise be able to access childcare, a chance to get a good start for their children. All two year old places will be offered in provision that is well equipped to meet the need to young children. Parents who take up the places for their children can also access a range of children's centre activities which can help them with parenting, including how to understand and support their child's healthy development, as well as gaining advice about training and employment. We are also supporting childcare providers so they can ensure they have additional places and skills to meet the needs of these young children."

Providers wanting more information about grants to help them develop their provision should visit Services for Young Children.  They will need to meet the criteria and be planning to provide additional places in the priority areas listed.

• Services for Young Children