Thursday, 11 April 2013

A £155,000 redevelopment scheme has been agreed by Hampshire County Council to improve its household waste recycling centre (HWRC) located on Grange Road in Netley.

A new customer exit will be built so that customers can access the recycling area in their cars without needing to travel through the servicing area. Visitors to the site currently have to drive through the container servicing area to get to the upper recycling area and dispose of their waste. Providing a separate exit will significantly reduce the risk of a customer colliding with a service vehicle and other machinery as well as reducing congestion and enabling the site to operate more efficiently.

In addition, a new pedestrian crossing zone will be created and on-site parking will be increased by six car parking spaces to provide a total of 20 spaces. Space will also be made for another three waste recycling containers and additional upper level storage areas for increased recycling capacity.

Subject to planning consent, construction is anticipated to start in early 2014, for 10 weeks and will be programmed to take place during the time of year when use of the facility is at its quietest. In order to complete the work as quickly as possible, and to avoid compromising the safety of staff and customers, the site will be closed while the redevelopment is taking place.

Nearby HWRCs are located in Hedge End, Segensworth and Southampton.

• Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs)

Tuesday, 26 March 2013

Pupils at a Winchester school are to have new permanent classrooms as part of plans unveiled by Hampshire County Council to cater for the school's ongoing growth in pupil numbers.

At his Decision Day (25 March), Executive Lead Member for Children's Services, Councillor Roy Perry instructed officers to progress a scheme at All Saints Church of England Primary School in St Catherine's Road, Winchester to replace the temporary classroom and provide the school with permanent accommodation for a one form entry school.

The plans form part of the County Council's £10million long term investment to provide hundreds of additional primary school places in the city from September 2014 to meet the pressures from rising birth rates, new housing developments and parental preference, as more and more young families move to Winchester.

Adding to the Children's Services existing overall £256million capital programme over the next three years, the enhanced facilities will see the temporary classroom removed, and two new permanent classrooms provided. There will also be a new internal link that connects the upper and lower parts of the school so that staff and pupils no longer have to go outside, as they do now. A new level main entrance will also be provided for the school, as well as improved staff facilities and in particular, a larger staffroom.

Commenting, Councillor Perry said: "The Capital Programme report on this agenda makes reference to the recent Government grant announcement. The report identifies £256million for investment in schools and other Children's Services establishments over the next three years. Such a considerable investment will offer many new and enhanced facilities for Hampshire children.

"In the Winchester city area, there has been a significant and rapid demand for primary places which mirrors the national trend, and one which we expect to continue. Much work is already underway to help address this in the years ahead, and I am pleased that we are in a position to move forward with plans to provide two permanent classrooms at All Saints Church of England Primary School, which will deliver an extra 70 places, and bring total pupil numbers up to 210. This represents a significant investment by the County Council so that children attending the school in future can enjoy enhanced facilities that support their learning and provide them with the best possible start in life."

• Children's Services Capital Programme 2013/14

Friday, 22 March 2013

Hampshire County Council is helping to keep alive an ancient institution which attracts thousands of visitors each year.

England's oldest charitable foundation - the historic Hospital of St Cross, in Winchester, will receive help from Hampshire County Council for important building repairs.

The charity, has received a grant of £10,000 to contribute towards the repairs of the church tower, including flintwork, leadwork and windows.

The funding was awarded by County Council Leader, Councillor Ken Thornber at his Decision Day on 14 March.

Henry of Blois, a grandson of William the Conqueror was appointed Bishop of Winchester in 1129 at the age of 28, and founded the Hospital of St Cross between 1132 and 1136. It was founded to support 13 poor men, so frail that they were unable to work, and to feed one hundred men at the gates each day. The 13 men became known as the Brothers of St Cross. Then, as now, they were not monks. St Cross is not a monastery but a secular foundation.

In the fifteenth century, Cardinal Beaufort created the Order of Noble Poverty, adding the Almshouse to the existing Hospital buildings and giving St Cross the look that it has today. His image appears on the Beaufort Tower.

Councillor Thornber said: "The Hospital of St Cross benefits a large number of people and is a popular tourist attraction in Winchester. The building is of huge historic value as well as being located along the Pilgrims Way path. This ancient route is supposed to have been taken by pilgrims travelling from Winchester to the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury in Kent. I am pleased that the County Council is able to support the fabric of this piece of Winchester's rich history."

• Further information about the Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty

Friday, 22 March 2013

A massive £256million investment over the next three years for Hampshire's children and young people, including one of the biggest ever programmes for creating new school places has been approved by Hampshire County Council within its budget for 2013/14.

Now that Government has announced details of local authority grants for education capital spending for the next two years, the Council can plan with more certainty and Councillor Roy Perry, Executive Lead Member for Children's Services, is being asked to approve the detail of this substantial investment plan on 25 March.

It includes a commitment to spend £165million creating around 8,000 new, high quality school places that will meet the heavy demand from rising birth rates, new housing developments and more families moving into the county. It's also expected to give a big boost to Hampshire's economy by creating new jobs in the building industry and safeguarding others.

Other significant plans include the investment of £3m in Gosport Skills Centre, a centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Advanced Skills Training on the Daedulus Enterprise Zone site. The technical training centre will focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics technologies and wider engineering disciplines and will be led by Fareham College supported by St Vincent College and private sector employers. It is anticipated it will create sustainable employment opportunities by attracting investment and employers to the area while providing vital vocational skills to the district's young people.

The investment programme will also include improvements to the highly valued outdoor study centre at Stubbington, enhancements to education centres around the county to support vulnerable children and young people as well as the strategic review of children's residential homes which will see the relocation and replacement of homes to ensure they better meet the needs of the most vulnerable children that they support.

Commenting Councillor Perry said: "This planned programme represents a very significant investment into children's services, especially education, across Hampshire. Thousands of additional school places will be created, enhancements will be made to schools and education centre facilities as well as accommodation for children in care who are among the county's most vulnerable.

"A particularly innovative development is the Gosport Skills Centre, which will ensure young people have the right skills to meet the needs of the Hampshire employment market. This will not only improve opportunities for young people but will also help to ensure sustainable development of the local economy."

The 8,000 new school places will help meet forecast demand that is based on calculations not just about rising birth rates but housing growth and parental preferences that add further pressures. Population movement is hard to predict and some parts of Hampshire are becoming increasingly attractive for young families to move to after their children are born. There is a developing trend with parents attracted by the general quality of life in the county but also by the high quality schools, with more than 75% of children attending a primary school ranked good or outstanding by Ofsted.

Earlier this month Hampshire County Council was able to offer a record high 99.5% of parents a place for their child at a secondary school of their choice this September - with 96.2% getting their first preferred school, around 10% higher than the national averages released by the Department for Education last year.

The admissions team is now handling primary school applications with offers due to go out on 16 April. In total the department will have dealt with 33,000 applications this year for children who are either starting primary or secondary school or transferring from infant to junior school.

Councillor Perry added, "The pressure on school places is a national challenge and the popularity of Hampshire schools adds to that challenge. We have dealt with these pressures to date as the figures bear out. This significant investment plan means that we will continue to be able to offer parents high quality schooling in high quality accommodation."

• Children's Services in Hampshire

Thursday, 21 March 2013

Up to 30 young people studying for a university degree will receive support with their costs of living thanks to a new Undergraduate Support Scheme provided by Hampshire County Council.

Under the plans agreed by County Council Leader, Councillor Ken Thornber at his Decision Day (14 March), ten young people each year for the following three years, will be provided with a scholarship towards living costs, extended paid work placements, and subject to performance, employment after they graduate. A total of £720,000 has been set aside for the scheme which will begin in 2014.

It forms part of the Council's Hampshire Youth Investment Programme - an initiative by Councillor Thornber to help more of Hampshire's young people step onto the employment ladder.

The scheme will see the Council expand the number of young apprentices within its workforce by up to 1,000 over the next five years. As part of this wider programme, up to 170 apprentices will be recruited each year and another 30 posts in total will be available for young people in care or leaving care as the Leader's Internship Plus scheme pilot is extended.

Apprentices have already worked for the County Council in roles such as mechanics, rangers or teaching assistants, in the countryside, in museums, and in laboratories.

The new Undergraduate Support Scheme will add to existing national and local bursary and loan schemes and would provide young people with a scholarship of up to £8,000 depending on their eligibility, and students' performance will be measured. Hampshire's scholarship will be based on a termly payment, including a paid extended work placement during the Summer holidays.

Councillor Thornber, said: "In addition to university tuition costs, the cost of living can be a significant burden for students, and this project aims to help those young people who are truly dedicated in their pursuit of higher education and a fulfilling career beyond graduation. Those who are hard working, enthusiastic, keen to learn, may have overcome considerable challenges to reach university, and drawn from families with limited financial means, will be in line to benefit.

"In addition to support with their living costs, advice will also be available to them from Council staff who will offer these young people additional professional guidance on areas such as budgeting or grant applications, for example.

"While the public sector may be facing considerable economic challenges today from reduced levels of Government funding, it is vital that we continue to encourage and harness the young talent of tomorrow. Their innovation and skills will help provide them with productive careers, enable Hampshire's economy to continue to prosper in the future, and help us to meet our future workforce requirements in the years to come."

Detailed work will now go ahead with local colleges and higher education providers to develop and implement the criteria and operation of the Undergraduate Support Scheme.

• Hampshire Youth Investment Programme: Support for Undergraduates

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

Camberley District Open Mind Association has been helped by a grant from Hampshire County Council.

The organisation has received £3,500 awarded by County Council Leader, Councillor Ken Thornber, at his Decision Day on 14 March.

The grant will go towards the Open Mind Club, which is a day centre for people with mental health problems and runs three days a week.

Activities provided include cards, games, table tennis and discussions. The Centre serves the Camberley district, and the surrounding Hampshire area.

County Council Leader, Councillor Ken Thornber said: "The club provides social contact for its for members which increases their self-confidence through taking part in activities. I am pleased that the County Council is able to financially support this group as it is very worthwhile, offering considerable benefits to residents of the Hampshire and the surrounding area."

• Camberley District Open Mind Association

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

Friends of the Hampshire County Youth Orchestra have received a boost to help them to replace a full set of concert dresses for their public performances.

At his Decision Day on 14 March, Hampshire County Council Leader, Councillor Ken Thornber awarded the organisation £5,265 towards the total cost of £10,000 to replace the 20 year old garments. The funding will contribute towards purchasing fabric and dressmaking.

Council Leader, Councillor Ken Thornber said: "This organisation provides an opportunity for young people to develop and present their talent across the County, providing musical pleasure to large audiences. I am happy to be able to assist them in updating their concert wardrobe."

The Friends of the Hampshire County Youth Orchestra aims to assist in the musical education of students at schools and colleges in Hampshire by providing financial support to the Hampshire County Youth Orchestra, Hampshire County Youth Chamber Orchestra, and Hampshire County Youth String Orchestra.

In particular, the Friends contribute to the cost of residential training courses and orchestra overseas tours to reduce parental contributions and ensure that opportunities are open to all. The Friends also help by giving grants to the orchestras for instruments, commissioning of new works, soloists and workshops.

• Friends of the Hampshire County Youth Orchestra

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

The Jubilee Sailing Trust has been helped by a grant from Hampshire County Council.

The sailing charity, which promotes the integration of people of all physical abilities through the challenge and adventure of sailing tall ships on the open sea, has received a grant of £10,000.

The funding has been awarded by County Council Leader, Councillor Ken Thornber at his Decision Day on 14 March, and will help the Trust in its work to maintain the safety of the ships and ensure they remain seaworthy.

The Jubilee Sailing Trust owns and operates Lord Nelson and Tenacious - the only two tall ships in the world designed and built to enable people of all physical abilities to sail side-by-side as equals.

Tall ship sailing holidays with the Jubilee Sailing Trust provide everyone with the thrill and adventure of life at sea and people can be involved in almost every activity on board, including taking the helm, setting the sails and keeping watch. Everyone, regardless of their physical ability and previous sailing knowledge, can take part.

The charity subsidises the costs on every voyage to make their tall ship adventures as inclusive as possible. It also offers extra bursary funding and fundraising advice for those individuals who might struggle to afford the full voyage cost.

Councillor Thornber said: "The Jubilee Sailing Trust does wonderful work which brings together a variety of communities, providing unique sailing opportunities to all people with physical disabilities. I am pleased that the County Council can help fund their good work."

• Jubilee Sailing Trust

Tuesday, 19 March 2013

More than £30million is being invested by Hampshire County Council in the Havant area to improve schools, and support older people to live independently for longer, according to reports presented to Members of Hampshire's Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel (BLAPP).

At their latest meeting (19 March), Councillors were informed of progress on a number of key projects. These included the official opening event last month of the enhanced learning environment and improved facilities for students, staff and the wider community at Havant Academy following £9million of refurbishments by the Council's in-house Property Services team.

Updates were also provided on a £20million project currently underway to transform, replace and refurbish buildings at Park Community School to provide a 21st century learning environment for the school's 900 pupils. Design plans were also unveiled at the meeting, for the provision of improved sports facilities at Warblington Community School where a synthetic turf pitch and floodlighting is due to be delivered to benefit pupils and the wider community, at a cost of around £1.03million.

Separate plans for the development of a health and wellbeing campus on the former Oak Park hospital site in Havant were also outlined to BLAPP Members. The scheme will see the creation of 50 extra care homes to provide older people with a secure place to live but with care and support on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Extra Care housing also has the benefit of allowing couples, who may have very different care needs, to stay together. The proposals also include plans to create a 30 bed nursing home.

County Council Leader, Councillor Ken Thornber, said: "In spite of very difficult ongoing financial challenges across the public sector, this overall package of improvements and redevelopment in the Havant area represents a significant investment by the County Council in the long term future of the area. These new school developments will not only give pupils the best possible start in life with the provision of outstanding learning facilities, but the local community is also set to benefit.

"Meanwhile, the development of a Wellbeing Campus in Havant represents our long term vision and commitment to new ways of delivering social care to meet the future demands on our services from an increasingly elderly and frail population. Through this pioneering scheme, we aim to provide greater choices and independence so that older people continue to be well-supported in their local communities."

Recommendations from the BLAPP meeting will go before the County Council's Executive Member for Policy and Resources for approval on 18 April 2013.

• Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel

Monday, 18 March 2013

Children with disabilities and their families in Basingstoke look set to benefit from more than £100,000 funding support from Hampshire County Council for specialist play activities in the coming year.

Subject to the agreement of the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services Cllr Roy Perry on 25 March, funding for 'short breaks' specialist play schemes in the borough will not only be maintained but there will be more choice offered to local families, with an extended range of providers in line for support.

The short breaks scheme ensures that children can take part in a range of safe, fun and interesting play schemes during school holidays and weekends, giving their carers much-needed breaks.

More than 3,500 children across Hampshire can take part in recreational and leisure activities each year thanks to the programme.

A panel that includes local parent representatives from Basingstoke has recommended that Cllr Perry awards three grants this year to provide a good mix of specialist play schemes that would be sustainable and offer more choice to local people.

They are:

• Basingstoke Play Council, £30,689 recommended for holiday and some Saturday play sessions for children with learning disabilities and autism aged between 4 and 11 years.
• Kids - Pebbles Holiday Play Scheme, £10,000 recommended towards a holiday play scheme for early years and primary-aged children, based at Kids Pebbles' site, Popley.
• Disability Challengers, £65,000 recommended for holiday and Saturday play sessions for children aged 4-12 with complex needs and disabilities.

Councillor Perry said: "I know how important these short breaks services are to the families of children and young people with disabilities and additional needs and it's my aim to ensure that all children in Hampshire whatever their ability have the opportunity to participate as fully as possible in a range of educational and leisure opportunities.

"Funds awarded in this way enable voluntary sector organisations to continue to develop their services to meet families' needs, while achieving value for money and that's why I'm pleased to see that the proposals before me for Basingstoke give a good mix of provision for different ages, abilities and needs as well as maintaining activities that are successful and valued by local families."

• More information about short breaks services

Friday, 15 March 2013

Hampshire County Council has awarded more than £1million to voluntary groups and organisations across the county to help improve the wellbeing of Hampshire communities.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber at the Policy and Resources Decision Day (14 March) has awarded grants totalling £1,004,509 to benefit six organisations across the county.

The grants are allocated to help groups provide services and facilities that benefit their local community by making them safer and more secure places to live, maximising the wellbeing of residents and enhancing the quality of the local area. The funding is allocated annually to help groups to continue to run their services and support those people who need their help the most.

Councillor Thornber said: "The County Council places great value on the essential work in our communities that these organisations provide, which is reflected in these grants. Voluntary and community organisations make a significant contribution to Hampshire's economy, society and environment and play a huge role in supporting the County Council to deliver its objectives.

"This funding comes at a crucial time when organisations are seeing an increase in the number of people seeking their help and support with some of the social and economic problems that may be associated with the current recession."

The organisations to benefit are:

Community Action Hampshire
A Council for Voluntary Service operating on a county-wide basis and is also the Rural Community Council for Hampshire - £262,748

Councils for Voluntary Service
CVS represents and supports voluntary and community organisations. This grant funding will help to provide information and training around volunteering - £515,683

Hampshire Association for Local Councils
HALC represents the interests of parish and town councils throughout the county - £70,000

Winchester and District Relate
The grant to Relationship charity Relate contributes to the rental of suitable premises which ensures a safe, confidential and secure environment for clients and counsellors - £25,099

Victim Support
The service provides free and confidential help to victims of crime, witnesses and their families. This grant will go towards the recruitment, training, retaining and supporting of volunteers who deliver the service - £14,255

Citizens Advice Hampshire
Citizens Advice provides free and impartial advice to ensure vulnerable people are aware of their rights and responsibilities. This grant will pay for specialist support and training - £116,724

• Hampshire County Council grants