A Community Caretaker?

I write this on Day One of 2020 as a 'Letter' to the Town Council.

I thought I ought to share this. 

Whilst not a good end to 2019 it has opportunities for 2020/21

As you probably know Nitrous Oxide in small canisters is used to get ‘high’s and has been dubbed ‘Hippie Crack’. Abuse can have serious results that may lead to disablement and, although rare, death. It certainly results in anti-social behaviours.

I first came across it in some backstreet parts of Bristol a couple of years ago but now it seems to be widespread in our own lovely town of Whitchurch.

On social media this week and directly today there were reports of discarded canisters being found at:

• Kingsley Park where a young girl tripped over one; 
• At the bench near Longs Court (I’m guessing Great Lane); 
• Around Firsway;
• Evingar Road at the entrance to Ardglen;
• At the bench by the Surgery;
• At the bench by the dog dip (Fulling Mill path);
• At the end of Bere Hill near the field entrance;
• Witan Court on path between play park and Allotments;
• At the Gill Nethercott Centre;

Plus it was said...

“A lot of drug related paraphernalia left on and around the bench at Kingsley Park most mornings”,

And...

“The bushes on the right hand side [of Kingsley Park] are also used as a toilet (evidence of human faeces).”

Given that these were all reported by a limited audience there are sure to be many other places too.

One resident said about the Kingsley Park:

“ We collected over 30 [cannisters] the other day! My Dad usually goes on an early morning walk and collects up the mess before any children get to the park. Disgusting! it makes me angry and sad!”

What do we do?

Police presence is near non-existent, the Tadley-based PCSO is rarely seen (is one in post?) and the new Basingstoke based Community Safety Patrol Officer, although welcome, has a massive area to cover.

Maybe now is the time to start seriously looking at providing services ourselves in the form of some kind of community support – a 'community caretaker' maybe with the remit of some pro-active social liaison/education responsibilities (talking/advising), along with some reactive response activity to incidents when reported (bluntly – clearing up). 

I believe our residents deserve support in this and this could be a worthwhile outlay. It may also be possible to share with other local concerned parties.

As a positive end of year message I believe this is worthy of consideration. 

How could it be progressed?

John

Cllr John Buckley

Whitchurch Town Council

Should all Building halt?

SHOULD ALL BUILDING HALT?

There are regular complaints about 'traffic levels' by residents of Whitchurch, especially when housing developments or the School Run are being discussed. It is a very understandable concern especially from the residents local to the schools who already have to bear the brunt of regular pavement parking/driving, speeding vehicles and dangers to pedestrians and cyclists.

A Nursery pushed traffic up the agenda
One such example arose with a recent planning application for a Nursery to be placed on the Knowlings Field, an area of agricultural land used unofficially as open space, but with difficult access.
A regular theme amongst the objectors was that the surrounding access roads, notably Micheldever Road which already provides access to the Primary and Secondary schools could not cope with any more 'traffic'.
The Nursery was to have 8 car park spaces all of which would be served via Micheldever Road.
The application was refused.

So... A major question has arisen.

Is any more 'traffic' in Micheldever Road and on the roads that lead off it acceptable?

The question I seriously pose is should ALL increases traffic now be objected to? Where do we now stand when assessing smaller developments; ones where the increase would be requiring only one or two new vehicle spaces; those for single new houses or extensions in size of existing ones.
Each application will generate more traffic as planning regulations often require the provision of additional parking spaces if bed spaces increase

It could take just four or five such applications to reach the level that was proposed for the Nursery and so strongly opposed.

Should we now be rejecting ALL applications that could generate extra traffic?

Being A Councillor – Mad?

"Why does anyone become a Councillor – they must be mad" – a statement made to me several times, and I must admit it has quite a lot of validity.
I've often thought I AM mad and I'm sure others do too.

This year all 12 seats of Whitchurch Town Council came up for election and it was with much serious consideration that I succumbed to some arm twisting to restand. Those responsible may come to rue their actions! Yes – I must be mad.

Town Councillors are local unpaid volunteers who have simply given their free time to try and make Whitchurch a better place – and they have their head permanently on the block.

Having been Chairman and Mayor for two terms was a massive honour that few are given and to be nominated a third time was just unbelievable. However I felt I must return to the 'back-benches' so declined the nomination and of course wish whoever takes on the role the "Best of Luck".

It was enjoyable and rewarding, but not without its difficulties as expectations in the community rise.
But the 'ordinary seats' offer opportunities – arguably a greater freedom to push for improvements, to fight for better amenities and services, to combat injustices, and to argue against those who want to change our town for the worse. Free from the rigours of leading the Council, this can now be easier – or in other words perhaps I will be a bit more of a nuisance!

So what drives me? And is it being a nuisance?

That's a dead easy question – it is to try and ensure that everyone can have a 'say' in their local community, even if I disagree with the opinions and ideas being expressed. Its a philosophy I live by and I do admit can put me into some difficulties at times but nothing beats being open, transparent, and accessible

If that's being a 'nuisance' so be it. 

Local residents, whoever they are, whatever their gender, age, race, religion or anything else, have a right to be heard and not to be ignored, fobbed off or belittled. 

But only if it were that easy.....

95% of the time it is rewarding and enjoyable and that's what makes it all worthwhile. As for the other 5%... smile and move on, there is too much nit-picking and negativity in the world today and it is best ignored. Let us ALL make Whitchurch a better place – Resident, Councillor, Nuisance, or whatever – nothing can beat working together to achieve that.

And as a footnote, as not all 12 seats are currently filled, there is a chance for co-option.
Anyone who would like to join the Town Council should contact the Town Hall as soon as possible.

John

A Tale of Two Signs

Pub signs rescued from
The Railway Hotel and The Harvest Home.

The importance of protecting what we have – in this case the Public House.

_____________________

Clearing out some pics I found this – taken when these Whitchurch pub signs were centre stage in a demo at Parliament a few years back.

Pubs lost to developers

These two Whitchurch pubs were lost without any opportunity for local residents to try and save them. Both the Railway and the Harvest Home were sold behind closed doors by their large remote PubCo owners taking advantage of a complicit planning system.
Local people held public meetings, lobbied councillors, planners, the MP, appeared on TV and radio and held on-site demos waving banners – all to no avail.
Housing is now on the two sites and the town has lost two social amenities.

Since then the law has changed and the introduction of the Asset of Community Value (ACV) is one tool added to the armoury of those who seek to keep local amenities, whether they be shops, a post office, halls or public houses.

A case in point...

Today IF an ACV is in place, local people can at least now have the opportunity to put in a bid to purchase, as is currently happening with the Red House in Whitchurch. Such community bids have to be considered by the seller within a legally enforced timeframe. Maybe the Red House team will succeed, maybe they won’t, but at least they now have the chance to have a go – and a gutsy one it is too, their commitment deserving much support.

But have lessons been learned? How many pubs have ACVs in place? What work could be done to improve the registration of such important assets? Could those who believe in the importance of our public houses, breweries and pub culture help? I believe that they could, by proactively working with the communities that value their local amenities. Be in touch if you want pointers.

It is interesting what passions and rants finding an old picture can raise. :-)

Wine and Cycle Lights

Rear Ever Ready Light.
A perfect wine glass (nearly)

What has Wine got to do with Cycle Lights?

It was a cycling trip in Normandy that reminded me of lights. On a cold dark winter's night they are an essential – in more ways than one.

It was a cold November evening and the youth hostel was found closed and locked up. We were hungry and tired but thankfully a small local store was still open for sustenance – red wine, a baguette, cheese and some beans.

With nowhere to stay we cycled into the countryside and found a convenient bus shelter for the night. As the temperature dropped the wine became an essential comfort, but how to drink and maintain some elements of decorum as befits the Englishman on a bike in France?

The old Ever Ready lights came to the rescue. By taking off the red lens and removing the bulb and reflector you had a perfect wine glass. Thus replenished with wine, the bread, cheese and cold beans from the tin we slept on the concrete floor – soundly would be a bit of an exaggeration but at least we slept.

THE MORAL
Both Wine and Lights are part of life's essentials

__________________________

Now a more  SERIOUS Bit...

Nights are starting to draw in and with the darker evenings don't get caught out without good cycle lights on your bike, you never know how useful they can be, not just for wine but also for being seen and for those ever increasing number of potholes – which seem deliberately placed to test cycle handling skills!

Unfortunately the official cycle lighting regulations are not just a minefield but also totally confusing.

At their simplest, a cycle needs to have both good working front and rear lights together with reflectors, during the hours of darkness. The Highway Code is clear on that.

Highway Code Rule 60
At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.

Note that these lights need to be fixed to the bike. Any lights on bags, the head, clothing, etc are additional. 'Hours of darkness' refer to sunset and sunrise which are different to lighting up times which motor vehicles have to comply with.
Beyond that the regulations start to get much more complicated.

Just keep to the above and all will be well, but if you are a masochist for rules and regulations read on.

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Let's see what lights are available.

Never before has there been such a range, which can be bewildering to anyone looking for a good lighting set. Technology has advanced massively over recent years. Memories of a couple of U2 batteries rattling in a heavy Ever Ready lamp held on by straps and packed with pieces of cardboard are thankfully distant as are those of the cold bus shelter floor.

FRONT
These fall into two main uses, those for use in street-lit areas and those for full darkness, so make sure you use one suitable for your needs.
What I would certainly not recommend is skimping on price as there has been an influx of cheap and very bright rechargeable lights from the Far East available via obscure dealers online. There have been some scary reports of exploding batteries causing fires – I have first hand experience as one exploded in my kitchen.
A good steady front light is best. Flashing lights can have a place in built up areas but on lanes they can very much distract.

REAR
Again buy good quality but avoid the gimmicks. There is a plethora of rechargeables, sometimes using removeable cells, sometimes charged via USB. There is even an LED light that senses your braking acting as a brake light and even one that incorporates a rear facing video camera.
There are also flashing gloves, helmets and even coats, all of which are usually gimmicks. What you must have a a good red light, steady or flashing; most do both.

BATTERY OR DYNAMO
These days both can be good. The old fashioned dynamo wheels that rub (and slip) noisily on tyres have largely been replaced by the development of very efficient hub dynamo systems. Some of these incorporate stand lights that remain on for a short time for when waiting at junctions or traffic lights. Others may even include charging options for mobile phones or battery packs while you ride.

EXTRA LIGHTS
Additional lights can be added to clothes, bags but they must still comply with white to the front and red to the rear - and as a quirk triangle reflectors are not allowed – they are reserved for use on trailers. Note that these lights are 'additional' – it is still a requirement to have those fixed to the cycle itself as detailed above.

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And now it gets complicated.

Starting to get lost?
As an example, what is 'lighting up time' and what are the 'hours of darkness'? Just to confuse us they differ.
For cycles it is straight forward-ish; lights must be used from sunset to sunrise.
However drivers should use sidelights at least in this time but legally do not need to use headlights until 30 minutes AFTER sunset – which is termed 'hours of darkness'. Starting to get confused?

It goes on...

Those Standards
Your front light needs to be white central or offside and up to 1500mm above the ground. Steady lights must be BS6102/3 or equivalent EC standard.
Rear lights need to be fixed central or offside between 350mm and 1500mm from the ground. and again steady lights should be marked BS3648 or BS6102/3 or equivalent EC standard.
To make things even more difficult most lights available are not marked but despite this they exceed the British Standards by a long long way! So which do the more savvy cyclists use? Its not difficult to guess.
Since 2005 lights can be flashing but the BS standards don't apply, only the output standards - at least 4 candela and flashing between 60 and 240 times a minute.

The minefield gets worse! Why are pedals being mentioned?
Let's consider pedals. These should have amber reflectors, to the front and rear of each pedal, and marked BS6102/2, but try fitting these to clipless pedals if you use them. However if your bike was manufactured before October 1985 pedal reflectors are not required. And what about bikes that have been custom built with components from various years?
How is the date determined?
Answers on a postcard.

Oh dear. I fear a headache is coming on – perhaps a glass of wine may help.
Pass the rear light please – it makes a good glass.

Improving safety and congestion in Micheldever Road

One of the major congestion points in Whitchurch is the junction of Micheldever Road and Winchester Road at school times. Each morning and evening the problems caused by the school run are exacerbated by the arrival and departure of the School Buses for Testbourne – but a solution is close at hand.

As part of the new development of Mill Springs off Winchester Road, David Wilson Homes aare building a new Bus Bay/Drop-off point which, when operational, will provide a safe and purpose built alternative for the Testbourne buses.

No longer will the School Buses have to mount pavements, squeeze past other drivers and cause danger in Micheldever Road to school children walking, other pedestrians and drivers.

The day cannot come soon enough when the new bus bay which will link to a new safe path into school is opened.

And not only that...
... with the current bus bay at the front of Testbourne being made almost redundant, wouldn't that make a convenient and spacious drop off point for Walking Buses for the Primary School. Park and Stride anyone?

Those who arranged this excellent facility and the wider opportunities it gives are to be very much commended.
Now we just need it implemented.

WINS ALL AROUND

One child casualty is not enough for action say County

School is back in Whitchurch this week and the County Council cuts back on road safety.

Pressure on local roads
The school run has always been a contentious issue but it has become more so in recent years as school numbers grow and traffic increases. With the Primary School and Testbourne both back this week, the pressure on the local roads increases as children make their way to and from their places of education.

Child injured in collision
Both schools are in a residential area which also includes the town's largest play area as well as access to the Skatepark and BMX track. It is a place where children are expected yet during the summer a young child was in collision with a vehicle and hospitalised, with the report being it was an "unfortunate incident".

Concerns, worries and anger – and no action

A meeting was held in Alliston Way arranged by Basingstoke Councillor Chloe Ashfield who, along with many others, is concerned about the dangers. Local residents rightly expressed their worries and anger at traffic speeds, vehicles mounting pavements, parking on bends and lives being put at risk. Such views have regularly been passed to Hampshire County Council, but...

Despite these local fears, this week Hampshire County Council said – “sites that have treatable patterns of casualty incidents are being prioritised above other locations.” and, regarding Alliston Way, “... on this basis, further study is unlikely at this stage.”
They cite cuts for this approach.
It is unacceptable.

One child casualty is not enough
A young lad was injured. How many casualties are needed? Is not one too many?
Such a response ignores the harm of near misses, the close shaves and the worry and fear over personal safety that is generated. How do HCC decide how many casualties are required to make their "pattern" and what is that number?
Will they tell us their figure for Alliston Way?

Please don't drive on the
pavements.

Taking responsibility – we can all help
Meanwhile if driving in Alliston Way please look out for children. A child can be unpredictable and can make mistakes; that's what they do when they are learning and growing up. They are the responsibility of us all and children should not be punished by injury or worse because they may make a mistake. This is a residential area where people live, play and go about their normal lives and they expect to do so in safety. Please don't let there be another casualty.
And please don't drive on pavements, park on bends or ignore the 20mph speed limit. The rules are there for a purpose.

But will they listen?
While we all take our own responsibility we must also keep up the pressure on Hampshire County Council and Basingstoke & Deane to take some tangible action to make the area safer for all. Its what we pay for and expect.
They also need to take responsibility or more children will suffer, but will they listen?


Related article:
A HORRIFIC 20-MINUTES OF SCHOOL RUN

Success for a local group?

A Success Story that others can copy

What a brilliant day; the sun was out; the BBQ was sizzling; and over 30 children from age 5 to early teens were being taught the basic skills of cricket under the watchful eye of many parents, friends and the Whitchurch Cricket Club. The Sunday morning was a perfect example of how volunteers and the dedication of a local group can help further the well-being of the town and its residents.

A critical situation
Last year the local Cricket Club, which had been playing in Whitchurch since 1776, was close to folding. Players were leaving, a team could not be formed, equipment had been vandalised and the Parsonage Meadow ground was falling into disrepair. The Club was at serious risk of being wound-up and there seemed to be very little hope for the future.

There was an excellent turnout
of families, helpers and friends 

The Cricket Ground
Parsonage Meadow is one of the Whitchurch's most idyllic locations – a large open space opposite All Hallows with views across the River Test and the water meadows to the east, and bounded on the western side by the tree covered embankment of the old railway line.

The Cricket Club had been long time custodians but times were changing and the lease was up for renewal by the landlords, the same who had been selling off local land to developers. The situation was looking bad – real bad. If the ground were to become unused, pressure for redevelopment could become reality, and does Whitchurch need more?

The old flag still adorns the Pavillion

Support from the Town Council
A suggestion that the Town Council be approached for support was made and some preliminary talks took place – having a chat always a good idea as it can generate suggestions and provide other potential leads. Ideas began to formulate.
Each year the Town Council allocates a modest sum that can be applied for by local organisations "in support of a cause that benefits the community". – and that became the starting block for reigniting local enthusiasm (for details of the Grant Scheme just contact the Town Hall).

Whitchurch Cricket Club made an application for 1) a new gang mower, without which the ground would not be useable, 2) a secure vandal-proof container for storage of equipment and 3) funds to enable coaching and training of new young players to aid a sustainable future.

The monies were approved and a dedicated group from the Club put many hours into clearing the old pavilion, preparing the ground and recruiting a team.

Four groups of youngsters were taught basic skills of cricket under expert eyes.

The future looks good
Beyond all expectations it all began to click into place. With the support they were able to commit to the rent for the ground, join the Hampshire Cricket League and hold the youth coaching sessions which received astounding support. As well as nearly 100 youngsters taking advantage of the coaching, the Club now has a Mens team playing and the possibility of a Ladies eleven too. From a position of near despair the future was now beginning to look rosy.

Each young 'player' received
a special drinks bottle.

Protecting the Meadow
Meanwhile the Town Council also applied for, and was successful in, registering Parsonage Meadow as an Asset of Community Value, so if the owners ever did wish to sell then a community group would have the right to place a bid – ie a sale to developers could not be done behind closed doors and there would be an opportunity for s community group to put in a bid. Although it may not become necessary it is a welcome tool to hold should the Meadow ever be at risk again.

How others may benefit
So...
If you have an idea, a project, or a cause that you believe in, and you can show that it will benefit the town, its residents and its well-being, please do not hesitate to talk to the Town Council. Nothing can be promised but at the least advice can always be offered, and there is always the chance you could be successful and put on the way to achieving your aims.
Nothing can be lost by having that informal friendly chat as has been demonstrated with the Cricket Club.
Contact: WHITCHURCH TOWN COUNCIL

Long may the Whitchurch Cricket Club provide cricket for the town of Whitchurch and long may the Town Council listen to the needs of its residents.

The Local Butcher – Yes we have one

Many who pass Graham's Estate Agents in the town will always think of the local butcher.

Before the property company moved in, the premises were used by Philip Langley and before him John Dennett in providing a traditional butcher service to Whitchurch. Regrettably many small shops have struggled as high rents and rates make it impossible to compete with the supermarkets with their pre-packaging and lower prices and the butcher's shop closed.

But Whitchurch does still have a local butcher – and a high quality one too. Bere Mill Butchery on the edge of town specialises in top quality meat, mainly from sheep and cattle reared in the local fields.
Bere Mill specialises in Black Welsh Mountain Sheep and Belted Galloway Cattle which produce high quality lean tasty lamb and beef. Pork, chicken and venison is also available but check before travelling.

As well as the usual joints and cuts they also produce their own sausages, burgers, mince and even faggots (this writer's love), and much more depending on season and availability. The Merguez sausages also won a recent award in the 2018 Great Hampshire Sausage Competition – they should not be missed.

The best way to reach Bere Mill is undoubtedly to walk* out from Whitchurch using the country paths. There are two main routes, either from the end of the Green along the north bank of the River Test, or from Town Mill and follow the south side by way of the Hangings and of course a circuit of both could be made. The round trip takes around an hour.
The footpaths go through wonderful countryside and fields and sometimes will cross areas where the cattle and sheep may be grazing. If taking a dog please keep it on a lead where there are animals.

Bere Mill Butchery is a truly family run local business so no need at all to travel elsewhere for high quality meat – it is on our doorstep here in Whitchurch.

* actually cycling is arguable more fun (I would say that!) – just ride up to The Gables then take Bere Mill Lane. Don't forget to have an ice cream after buying your produce – and fill your water bottles from the complimentary tap. Then perhaps take the new Permissive Cycle Route from Bere Mill towards Freefolk for a bit more fun...
Aren't we lucky to live here.

Bere Mill Butchery is open on Fridays and Saturdays.

Check on their Facebook page:
BERE MILL BUTCHERY
Their website is here:
BERE MILL FARM and BUTCHERY

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES – Coming soon – The Fishmonger.

The Whitchurch Public House

Over one hundred years ago the Star newspaper described Whitchurch with:

“Whitchurch is in Hampshire. People who live in it call it a town.
People who live out of it call it a village.
It is about as big as a good-sized pocket handkerchief.
It has three shops and 19 public houses.”

Much has happened since that was written but Whitchurch is still a town, a status proudly guarded by its 4500 residents. The Royal Charter was awarded in 1285 and each year a Mayor and burgesses were elected to govern the town with the existing Town Hall, built around 1790, dominating the centre and where the Town Council now conducts its business.

Special places
The Public House holds a special place in the town's history, but over the years many have been lost and along with them part of the town's special character. There are now just five left, plus one 'Club'. That character must not be eroded any more.

Presently the pubs are:
The White Hart, The Kings Arms, The Prince Regent, The Bell Inn, The Red House, and the Whitchurch Sports & Social Club.

Reasons for demise

There are many reasons claimed for the closure of pubs – changes in social habits, increasing costs through taxation and duty, competition from supermarkets, the smoking ban, the extortionate restrictive practices of Pub Companies, pressures on land, high taxation and business rates ... the list goes on, and we can all add more to it.

Massive benefits to the Town
But what is often missed are the massive benefits the public house brings to a community as part of its social, economic and historical fabric. They are places were people meet, talk, exchange ideas, debate and put the world to rights.

They provide venues for local clubs and societies, from reading groups to craft circles and from darts teams to quiz teams. They raise thousands each year through charity events ranging from simple raffles and coffee mornings through to sponsored chest waxing with proceeds being fed back to enhance the lives of Whitchurch people.

And who cannot mention the annual Pub Race where over 200 Fancy Dress participants fill the town with music, colour and hilarity whilst filling the charity buckets with donations.

Pubs also provide entertainment in many forms ranging from singers to discos and from folk to cabaret. Whitchurch has a long history in the music world with several nationally prominent musicians in traditional, classical and modern music fields – all having started in the local pubs.

The local economy

But its not just socialising and entertainment that pubs provide. Pubs add enormously to the local economy in both attracting visitors into the area as well as being a source of employment for many.

They provide work for local tradespeople such as window cleaners, gardeners, electricians, plumbers, and taxi companies. The income earned by these tradespeople will often be returned into the local economy in supporting local shops and businesses, providing an ongoing livelihood for a great many people.

Our town's publicans – Let us raise a glass

The worth each pub brings to Whitchurch is almost beyond value. This is only possible by the hard work of the town's publicans who too often are forgotten. Hours are long, the work is tough and the financial rewards often poor.

Without the publicans our town's well-being would be massively depleted; its heritage and culture diminished.

Let us all make a resolution to call into one of our fine pubs and raise a glass to the unstinting commitment of our landlords, landladies and their staff.
They deserve our gratitude.

Cheers!

Pubs top to bottom:
The White Hart, The Kings Arms, The Prince Regent, The Bell Inn, The Red House (currently closed), and the Whitchurch Sports & Social Club.
(technically the Sports and Social Club is not a pub but in the context of this item it acts the same – a valuable amenity to Whitchurch)

There are two local Pub related sites that may be worth looking at (Facebook):

WHITCHURCH PUB HUB and

NORTH HAMPSHIRE and UPPER TEST PUB GROUP

National campaigning site:

CAMRA

Refunds on Basingstoke Council services

Is it time that residents were able to claim refunds for services not provided?

Take the refuse service provided by Basingstoke and Deane in Whitchurch. For several months social media has been awash with complaints of missed collections for general, recycling and garden waste.

Basingstoke & Deane receive payment through the Council Tax and extra charges for Green Waste to provide this service yet when it is missed or delayed residents are expected to take a hit the wallet.

Even the much derided South Western Railway now offers a partial refund when their trains are late even for just 15 minutes, and they give a full refund when they are cancelled.

Should Basingstoke & Deane offer a similar scheme?
I believe so.

Does the Mayor get paid?

Does the Mayor get paid?

I was standing in front of a year group at the Primary school, reporting back on their visit to the Council Chamber where on a couple of wonderful afternoons they had exercised the right be be involved in decision making.

Today was the 'follow up' and as one does I offered to answer questions.

After the "Do you like being Mayor" and "We would like a new Play Area" came the one on finance. A nine-year old chirped up with "Does the Mayor get paid?"

The answer is of course that the Mayor receives Zilch, Nothing, Nada, Zero, Nowt. However you put it the Mayor of Whitchurch is paid not a penny. There are some small allowances for upkeep of gowns and chains, and maybe the odd bottle of wine or flowers for event raffles, but to be paid?
A very Big NO.

And all Town Councillors are the same.
All are completely unpaid volunteers giving their own time for the Town of Whitchurch which really begs the question "Why do they do it?"

Its because they care about Whitchurch and its people and they want to achieve the best for everyone.

So please when complaining about anything in the town and parish, please remember that the twelve Whitchurch Town Councillors receive not a penny for their time, commitment and effort in their quests to make Whitchurch a better place for us all.

_______________________

Speed Limits – and a worrying trend

Some local discussions on road safety and dangers on our streets have raised what could be a very worrying trend.

This has been brought home to me recently in no uncertain terms on three separate occasions, and it referred to that big bugbear in my own town – speeding drivers.

I have been robustly informed that speed limits are "only advisory" - "because they are unenforced and even unenforceable". One respected colleague even claimed the source of this was the police themselves.

With police resources being decimated, there are many laws which are no longer enforced adequately, or even at all, but that does not mean that as a society we should not individually or collectively respect them. They are still the Law and the Police are still duty bound to uphold them.

This lack of police resources has many downsides not least the risk of falling confidence that can and sometimes does result in people taking the law into their own hands.

Another disturbing fallout is that more people are believing that if a law is not enforced, then it is no longer a law, despite them being backed up by legislation. 

What other illegal practices will be excused because a lack of police enforcement makes the law "only advisory"? Will it be burglaries, shop lifting, vandalism? How far will this shift in thinking go - drugs, muggings, stabbings? 

Thin ends of wedges come to mind.

Laws are determined by Acts of Parliament and there is public democratic input before they can be introduced. That a growing number of people believe that these laws are no longer Laws because of limited or no enforcement is more than disturbing.

If the police and our law system is to keep any respect it needs the police to take firm immediate action and quell this perception, or we all risk falling into a state of fear and anarchy.

Maybe our Police and Crime Commissioner could take a lead on this?

Meanwhile, as was confirmed to me at a Police Drop-in Session, ALL the speed limits in the town whether 40, 30 or 20 are LEGALLY enforceable. They are backed up by Traffic Orders and need respecting.

But why don't the police enforce them?

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For those who may have forgotten their Highway Code - circular signs are mandatory, triangular are warnings, and rectagular signs are informative.

How school safety zones are not a priority! Really?

How school safety zones are not a priority!

 

With  WHITCHURCH PRIMARY SCHOOL planned to expand it is  worth looking at speed limits around towns and why 20mph is best for the whole town, not just outside the school gates.

This article was published by the 20s PlentyForUs Campaign.

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20mph School Safety Zones can have minimum impact on child road safety and will encourage inactive travel to school.

On the face of it, having a 20mph speed limits around a school entrance seems an sensible idea. However, a closer inspection may lead us to a very different conclusion
First some background and key facts :-

• Only a small minority of child road casualties occur on the way to or from school (Just 20%).[1]
• Very few casualties occur outside the school itself.
• The mean radius of school safety zones is just 300m, yet the mean distance travelled to school is 1.8km. Hence the school safety zones apply to only 17% of the journey.[2]
• At exit gateways to school safety zones drivers are reminded of an increase in speed limit to 30mph.

So why are we so pre-occupied with school safety zones if children are most likely to be casualties on the rest of the road network where there are higher speed limits, and when they are not on the way to or from school?

Well the answer is for most of us when looking at the issue we see most children around schools and presume that this is where the danger is. And of course for parents driving their children to school it is the part of the journey when they feel most out of control when their children get out of the car. For them a school safety zone improves safety for 100% of their child’s pedestrian journey from the car to the school. Hence it is seen as desirable by school-run parents.

But what of the child who walks or cycles all the way from their home to school. The school safety zone now only works for 17% of their journey. For drivers isolated 20mph school safety zones reinforce and legitimise driving at faster speeds outside of the immediate school location, hence increasing the risk to pedestrian and cycling children.

Whilst school safety zones do minimally increase safety around schools it has a negative effect on safety for children walking or cycling to school outside of those zones. Their biggest disadvantage is that they can lead parents and highway authorities to believe that they have “fixed the problem” of child road safety.

Instead of focussing on school safety zones we should be ensuring that children are given better conditions for walking and cycling for the whole route from their home to school. That can best be achieved by deploying a low-cost Total 20 policy which makes 20mph the default for residential and urban roads including those around schools. For the same cost as a school safety zone you can cover 50 times the number of surrounding streets with a wide area 20mph limit.

It’s time to recognise that we need community-wide safety for children and not just in the last 100m of their school journey.

THANKFULLY WHITCHURCH ALREADY HAS

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[1] The AA Motoring Trust: The facts about road accidents and children

[2] Transport for London: Safety of Schoolchildren on London Roads

A LOCAL bus service for Whitchurch area?

As is now fairly well known, Stagecoach are to change their bus routes again in Whitchurch following local consultations, lobbying from various groups and assessment of their own data. 

From July 17th the No.76 will no longer serve Evingar Road, the Station, or Lynch Hill Park. It will travel straight through the Square from Basingstoke towards Andover, and also the reverse. Meanwhile a limited hourly No.86 services will return to serving the Station 'loop'. Areas such as Caesar's Way, Bere Hill, and the Knowlings are also presently without a service, as are many rural areas.

These latest changes won't please everyone! Stagecoach is wholly a commercial company and make their own decisions. Meanwhile the Town Council has no direct role in routes or timetabling but encourages and facilitates dialogue between users and the company. It can be frustrating that they have no decision role, but that is a result of past government changes to legislation. 

Will you be affected? 

...is there an opportunity here?
Whitchurch is a growing town and there may be opportunities to introduce a community-based service to cater for trips to the shops, the surgery, the post office, or for visiting friends – and to cover routes residents are saying are essential. It could also serve outlying villages and link the surrounding rural areas to local amenities.

Ideas are in a very early stage, and demand has to be assessed both on need and viability. With the town's Community Bus service presently being examined by Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council, the big question is whether it could be enhanced or extended.

Potential

Town Councillor John Buckley (me) and Borough Councillor Chloe Ashfield have met with Borough Officers and have been looking at the potential for developing a community service further. They would like to know what demand there may be for a local service.

Would you use a local service?

A focussed workshop for people who would like to contribute their support is to be held on Friday 15th July and John and Chloe would like to hear from anyone who would like to be involved. They are particularly keen to hear from those who might use such a service if it could developed, both for in the town and for outlying villages.

It needs to be stressed this is very tentative at this stage but rarely has there been such an opportunity for Whitchurch.

Contacts are:

John Buckley : 01256 892650 or via the Whitchurch Town Hall Office

Cllr John Buckley (Whitchurch Town Council)
Chloe Ashfield: 07717 175 368 or via Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council
Cllr Chloe Ashfield (Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council)

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Feeling Proud

I must admit, becoming a Town Councillor was a bit of a shock – it was not expected and to be honest a little outside my comfort zone, not always being one for processes, policies and formality. I felt rather gobsmacked when I won, and the feeling of honour was fairly over-powering.
That will remain with me forever.

But over the last couple of years I have learned a lot, mostly that those who sit around the Council table are just like you and me – ordinary people who just happen to love their town and want to do the best they can for it, in their own time and often expense.
Yes, there is some red-tape, and yes there are things like Standing Orders and Regulations, but foremost it is the commitment by the volunteer Councillors to making Whitchurch a better place that comes across as paramount.

But rarely have I felt so proud and humbled as to the latest surprise development.

To be selected as the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Chairman of 'my' town is something I still cannot get my head around – something that confounds yet excites, and makes me shake my head at the sheer privilege of being chosen.

Right: The Deputy Mayor's insignia.

Words still fail me.
"Feeling Proud" will have to do – while I now make the promise to undertake the role to the best of my very limited ability.

Newbury Street – a history of crashes

Descending down Newbury Street in Whitchurch has always been 'dodgy' but until recently I hadn't realised just how many serious incidents had occurred.

I had read recent Police Reports that referred to incidents of a fairly minor nature, and as a pedestrian I was already accustomed to contending with vehicles – cars, lorries, buses and tractors – regularly mounting the narrow pavements and even hearing of wing mirrors hitting people.
 
An increase in traffic levels, vehicle size and more on-road parking, along with the blind bends, have only made matters worse. Buses presently no longer use the hill but other large vehicles still put lives at risk.

Whitchurch Nostalgia
But it was the recent creation of the excellent Whitchurch Nostalgia page on Facebook which raised my awareness to another level.

I already knew of the car driver who recently lost control descending Newbury Street, left the road and completely snapped one of the cast iron bollards at the Zebra crossing. It was more by luck than judgement this wasn't a family wanting to cross the road. It was not an isolated case though, as other bollards that protect pedestrians have also been knocked down.

I also knew of the cyclist of some years back whose brakes failed on the hill, then went hurtling across the roundabout and through the shop window of what is now Velvet Rose. Roads were closed for what was a serious and reportedly bloody injury with the rider lucky to survive with their life.

But this new Facebook page has shown that the hill has earlier histories of dangers too.

Right: Lorry hits shop front with fatality.

What I didn't know was about the lorry driver who lost control  in 1952, or was it '53, and almost demolished what is now Payne's Printers as they embedded their vehicle into the shop's frontage.
This reportedly resulted not just in injury and damage, but also in the tragic fatality of the passenger. Was this the first road related death caused by the Newbury Street hill?

Left: Driver loses control. 

Then there was the driver of a saloon car who, in 1982, crashed into the front of what was Culley's shop, now occupied by solicitors Barker, Son and Isherwood – a horrific experience for the staff working there at the time. The vehicle ended up on its side, the road closed and staff had to be evacuated.

But it was reading of a bus that caused most concern.

Right: Bus wedged across Newbury Street.

 The driver lost control on a slippery winter's road, and the Hants and Dorset single decker slewed right across the carriageway only narrowly missing turning over.
It finally became wedged between the buildings on both sides of the road just below Laundry Yard. For any passengers it must have been a stomach-churning experience and it was probably more by luck than judgement that multiple fatalities did not occur.

But these are not the only incidents to have occurred – there have been many others. A few years back Hampshire County Council recognised the dangers of this hill and apparently put down an anti-skid surface. They also placed a large sign to warn drivers of the risk of slipping. Due to the parking, it is not uncommon to meet vehicles on the wrong side of the road and a resultant head on collision could be horrendous.
That sign, remains to this day.

Left: Warnings in place today.

With several topical discussions taking place on 1) a proposed new Business Park on land at the top of the hill; 2) the revised bus route through the town, and 3) the increase in HGVs in Whitchurch, is the Real Question  – should ANY large vehicles use Newbury Street?
Maybe not close it, but perhaps a weight/size restriction?

Food for Thought?


Note:
Some of the pictures here have come from the Whitchurch Nostalgia Facebook site. It is hoped that is acceptable – apologies if not. Acknowledgements can be provided if photographers wish.
Meanwhile visit that excellent resource here:
WHITCHURCHHANTSNOSTALGIA

and also now...

WHITCHURCH HISTORY SOCIETY

Friday on the Bus

THE WHITCHURCH COMMUNITY BUS – a bus for everyone

To Betty, Molly, Alice, Graham and everyone else on the bus – thank you for your wonderful company on the little yellow bus. There can be no doubt, this service must be kept for the people of Whitchurch and the surrounding area.

A day on the Whitchurch Community Bus (which can be yellow, green or red, and is now white) was an eye-opener as I joined Basingstoke & Deane's Transport Officer on travelling the route and meeting the regular passengers. Basingtoke presently fund this much needed service so want to know how it is used – What could be improved? Did it meet users needs? What did passengers like, or dislike?

Left: Picking up in the Square

Serving the town and surrounds
The small bus was being driven by its friendly and ever-helpful driver John. It started its journey in Laverstoke, picked up in Whitchurch centre, wound its way around Micheldever Road and the Knowlings, then back into town. It served Evingar Road, the Railway Station before heading north out into the wonderful countryside to Litchfield and back. It even called into the Surgery on the way so one passenger could drop off a prescription and pick up their medicines.

Passengers got on and off, all knowing John by name, who helped with bags and shopping trolleys, often carrying them to the passenger's front doors. To many this bus is a lifeline. For some it is their only way of getting their shopping and essential services. But for everyone it is a wonderful social experience.

After its trip into the lanes, the bus came back into Whitchurch where it picked up those it had left earlier to shop, then again wound its way around the town's streets dropping off at homes. Once again it was the Town centre, Wells Lane, the Knowlings, Lynch Hill Park and Laverstoke that were served.

Right: The service at Litchfield

Twice a week
It presently only runs on Tuesdays and Fridays with a flat fare of £1.00 per journey, £2.00 return, with bus passes also being valid. The passengers are all well known to John and each other, although sometimes children will travel with their grandparents for the ride -– it's a lot of fun.
The bus runs on a very flexible  hail and ride basis, and passengers will also ring up to let John know if they are travelling. It seems little is too much trouble, and the personal touch is something a commercial operator may not easily replicate.

Could it do more?
Undoubtedly yes, and not just running more times a week. Perhaps it could serve some of those who have been disadvantaged by the 76 and 86 service bus changes and maybe provide such as access to lunch clubs or day centres? But the bus is for everyone. Maybe it could provide links to walking routes for those wanting to enjoy the countryside, or run trips out to rural pubs and support local businesses? Many ideas that came out of today's journey.

Not just transport – Social benefits too
The social benefits of this service are enormous. As one regular passenger said as she alighted at Litchfield on Friday afternoon "I'll not now see anyone 'til Monday". Who would that be? "My hairdresser who comes out to me," came the answer with a glint – followed by "then on Tuesday it's the bus again for a shopping trip."
She and all the others had a genuine fondness for the service, for without it many of them would be stranded and be confined to a lonely life. On what bus would every passenger be waving goodbye with wide smiles as they set off?

This service deserves our support - and further development

Details are available from Whitchurch Town Hall or Basingstoke Community Transport on:
01256 320501

Let down by Cycling Strategy

Apologies if it sounds rather cross, but I am.

I do not deny I have a particular interest in cycling, so no apologies about this item.
Basingstoke Borough Council and the cycling body Sustrans have let us down.

The 'Consultations' by the Borough and Sustrans to produce a 'Draft Brorough Cycling Strategy' were carried out mainly behind closed doors, cost many thousands of pounds (£23,000 has been quoted) and has ended up with a document that almost wholly ignores anywhere outside the town of Basingstoke.
Of the 43 Projects suggested, all are Basingstoke town based and other than a few lip-service comments, the rural areas, villages and towns and inter-village/community connections have all been treated as if they don't exist.

Here is my response:
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BASINGSTOKE & DEANE BOROUGH CYCLING STRATEGY

The Basingstoke and Deane Borough Cycling Strategy is anything but.
It focuses almost solely on the town of Basingstoke, despite Sustrans being paid to produce a report for the 'Borough'. Perhaps a refund is in order as we have been short-changed.
Meaningful consultation has been minimal. When I attended a Drop in session in the Carnival Hall I expected to have views and comments listened to and was promised they would be included. I did not hear of any other sessions in other parts of the Borough.

In addition everything on display was about the town. There was not even a Borough map available. Despite raising Borough wide issues and matters relating to my own area of Whitchurch these have not been incorporated.
After the initial draft was seen, this was raised and there were some minor cosmetic references to areas outside the town added overnight, including a reference to use of Neighbourhood Plans – are these volunteer-run avenues really suitable for a Cycling Strategy?

Many of the principles within the Strategy place cycling as being subservient to other road users. This is a wholly wrong approach both on safety and on promotion grounds. I suggest that the Council look at facilitating and creating environments such as in the Netherlands and Denmark where the provision of safe separated cycle routes have seen cycle rates increase, safety for the most vulnerable improved and a better living environment for all.

Importantly for a Borough that prides itself on supporting 'business' the economic benefit of investing in cycling shows enormous returns in increased trade as well as for the health and well-being of its residents, yet this Draft Strategy promotes more of the same - shared-use paths and paint on roads above safe separated facilities.
This Strategy reads as if it has been produced by those following policies and the dated thinking of twenty years ago which have already failed.  We deserve much better.

To enable this, the Council will need to invest by allocating a budget to provide these improvements. It needs to set a specific % of all transport spending on cycling provision, say 10% and have a target of at least 20 – 25% of all journeys by cycle.
A response to a question on how much had been invested in Whitchurch over a ten year period gave an answer of "There are no individual records for cycling projects in Whitchurch since 2005."
It is time that figures were set to re-address that failure.

Finally, I am also concerned that the Strategy does not include proposals to consult on future cycling matters with communities outside of Basingstoke. Instead it calls for liaison with campaign groups of membership organisations such as British Cycling together with its ladies Basingstoke-based sub-group 'Breeze', and the CTC focussed Cycle Basingstoke. With respect to these excellent groups – and I am a CTC member of over 40 years standing – they can only represent their paid up members and follow policies of their own national campaigning bodies.

This is a major oversight – where are the principles of local democracy that engage with everyone?
Please involve all local people and local communities outside of these groups.
Basingstoke and Deane with this Cycling Strategy needs to be far more inclusive in its consultaion.


This is a Big Let Down.


John Buckley

http://www.whitchurchbug.org.uk/
http://www.hampshirecycletraining.org.uk/
http://www.whitchurchcycling.org.uk/

Note: as a Town Councillor I have also been involved in the response from Whitchurch Town Council which has been submitted separately and which I fully support.
However the views expressed here are my own.

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Pavements – a horrific 20 minutes

It was a horrific 20 minutes of putting lives at risk.

Why would any parent or carer, or indeed any human being deliberately through their own choice put children and families at risk of injury or worse? 
Yet that is what is happening daily in our own town.

A concerned parent had posted on social media a picture of a driver using the footpath in Alliston Way – the main route through to the Primary School. It was abysmal driving, not only showing complete disregard for the rules of the road but also for the safety of those walking to school.

It was reported to the police, to the school and to the Councils.

That was nearly a month ago and questions were being raised on what actions had been taken as nothing had changed.

On a visit to the local police 'Surgery' an assurance was given that "patrols in the area have been stepped up."
They don't seem to have had any effect.

The very next school day after that assurance was given I visited the area along with Hampshire County Council's Travel Plan Adviser. The pavement driving seen was horrendous – a regular stream of vehicles mounting the pavement even when children were walking along it.

There is complete disregard for safety – there was parking on corners, dangerous manoeuvres of turning in the road, and driving whilst on a mobile phone.
The pictures here are just a few example of what was seen in that 20 minutes.
Clearly the 'stepping up of patrols' has not had any effect and some prosecutions are urgently required.


The following has since been received from the HCC Travel Plan officer:
"I had a good meeting with the primary school and they are keen to get going with some initiatives to make parents more aware of the problems with poor driver behaviour and parking."

Hopefully those initiatives include the police taking action beyond just "patrols". Action is needed – now.

It is an offence to drive on pavements, yet here in Whitchurch it is endemic, and it is the most vulnerable who suffer the consequences. Whitchurch Primary School is to expand, more housing is planned for the town and traffic will increase, but unless serious action is taken our safety will be further compromised. It is clichéd but it really is "Think of the children".

The community needs to work together on this, but that can only go so far.  Above all those drivers who are flouting the law, putting lives at risk and showing disregard for others' safety should be taken to task for their actions, whether by fines or for persistent offenders, removal of their licences.

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