New Milton Advertiser 11th Dec 2020

Friday 11th December 2020 · 15 News

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‘Locals only’ rule plan for sale of rural council homes

New condition would help keep New Forest youngsters in the area

or employment, or “exceptional benefit to others” by living in the area. Owners unable to sell or let their home at a price which takes into account the restric- tion could also be given excep- tion, but would have to show evidence they had marketed the property for at least 12 months. In the 1980s NFDC owned more than 9,250 council homes, of which 1,400 were in rural are- as, the cabinet report went on. However, those numbers today stand at 5,134 and 558. NFDC’s current powers give it only the right of first refus- al when someone elects to sell the property within 10 years of the original Right to Buy being used. While that allows the council to buy back a home at full mar- ket value, no such properties have been bought that way to date. NFDC will first consult cur- rent tenants within protected areas and parish councils be- fore a wider public consulta- tion. The result will be reported back to the cabinet in February 2021 before a final decision. across the country to benefit from the pot administered by Historic England and the Na- tional Lottery Heritage Fund. Chief executive of the Na- tional Lottery Heritage Fund, Ros Kerslake, added: “It is ab- solutely right that investing in heritage should be a priority during this crisis, and this sup- port by government is crucial. “Heritage creates jobs and economic prosperity, is a major driver for tourism and makes our towns, cities and rural areas better places to live. All of this is so important for our wellbe- ing and will be particularly vital when we start to emerge from this incredibly difficult time.” Culture secretary Oliver Dowden added: “As a nation it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past. “This massive support pack- age will protect our shared her- itage for future generations, save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounce-back post-Covid.”

Village ready for anything given defibrillator boost Bev Hawker and Mike Upton with one of the new defibrillators

BY JON WALLER

EX-COUNCIL homes in rural areas of the New Forest could be slapped with a condition ensuring they are sold only to people who can prove a “local connection”. The ruling cabinet on the dis- trict council backed the draft policy – which must go to a pub- lic consultation – to help young- sters who have grown up locally amid a lengthy housing waiting list, high costs of living and ris- ing house prices. If approved, the Local Con- nection Restrictions Policy would see NFDC enact a part of the Housing Act 1985. Within rural areas that would restrict the future sales of 558 coun- cil homes, and any newly built ones for sale or rent. Housing chief Cllr Jill Cleary told her Conservative cabi- net colleagues: “I’m extremely pleased to continue to put the interests of those in housing need in our communities first.” CHRISTCHURCH Priory is set to undergo its next phase of restoration after receiving a government grant of £230,000. The focus will be on the east end of the Priory Church to fix the stonework, window glass and rainwater drainage of the Lady Chapel. Repairs will also be made to the south nave aisle, south transept and the porch. The money is a portion of the government’s £1.57bn culture recovery fund designed to re- start construction projects fac- ing extra delays or costs from the pandemic, and boost spe- cialist companies. The Rev. Canon Charles Stewart said: “The conserva- tion of Christchurch Priory, a major Grade I listed church that dates back to the late 11th century, is an ongoing challenge and responsibility. “The funding we have re- ceived from the culture recov- ery fund is a wonderful support and encouragement for the next phase of our programme of conservation.” FOR those who think they know the New Forest inside out, a new guide book could give them a challenge. New Forest 222, written by Jodi Longyear and featuring specially commissioned illus- trations, has divided up the na- tional park into 222 individual mile squares and the author has visited every single one. He brings a fresh eye to this beautiful corner of the country, and in every square finds items of interest – sometimes unusu- al, sometimes quirky but always entertaining and ranging from natural features to good pubs. Jodi, from Totton, said: “My favourite places in the New For- est tend to involve the water, although I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve water- ELECTRIC scooters are to be trialled in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in the latest bid to reduce congestion. Although the use of private- ly-owned e-scooters is banned in the UK – except on private land – pilot schemes are run- ning in several parts of England, writes Josh Wright of the Local Democracy Reporting Service . The leader of BCP Council, Cllr Drew Mellor, has said the area will become the latest to host a trial, despite acknowl- edging e-scooters were “contro- versial”. In October the transport committee of MPs said their use on roads should be legal- ised but that their “dangerous and anti-social” nature meant a ban on riding them on pave- ments should continue. Trials of rented e-scooters are under way in several parts of the country, including pilots run by bike share operator Ber- yl in Norwich and on the Isle of Wight. Driving licences are required to hire e-scooters – unlike for bikes – and they are allowed only on public highways. In May the government an- nounced it would be increasing the number of pilot schemes in

A NEW Forest village which prides itself on being ready for any emergency has fitted a pair of new defibrillators. East Boldre Parish Council funded the life-saving equip- ment, which can be vital in the event of someone suffering a heart attack, bringing the total in the village to three. Cllr Bev Hawker, deputy chair of the parish council, said: “The aim is to have a number of vol- unteers close to each machine who can collect and deliver the devices when required. “It’s all part of East Boldre’s plans to increase facilities and develop a greater sense of com- munity within the village.” As reported in the A&T, East Boldre has already put together a 19-page action plan for poten-

tial emergencies, ranging from a cholera outbreak to a disaster at Fawley oil refinery. The plan, which was inspired after a mini tornado struck the village in December 2017, has been put to good use during the coronavirus crisis. Both the committee mem- bers and plan representatives were quickly able to distribute leaflets offering specific help to shielding and vulnerable peo- ple who were unable to leave their homes during the lock- down. Village emergency coordina- tor Mike Upton said: “The team of volunteers were quickly able to fulfil requests for shopping deliveries and the collection of prescriptions.”

NFDC owns more than 5,134 homes, of which 558 are classed as being in rural areas

Deputy leader Cllr Edward Heron backed it as a “great way forward”, while Cllr Michael Harris said it was “great for lo- cal and young people and the economy”. The move would see cove- nants imposed when a council dwelling in a rural area is sold under the Right to Buy scheme to require the consent of the council to any future sale.

The legislation stipulates such consent shall not be with- held if the sale is to a person who has lived or worked in the rural ‘protected’ area for at least three years. It would also apply to the let- ting of a property within a pro- tected area, whereby the new tenant must also have lived or worked in there for three years, or the property is let on the

basis that it was the new occu- pants’ only or principal home. The local connection cove- nant would apply “in perpetui- ty” not just to the first sale or letting. A report to members suggest- ed the policy could be waived in exceptional circumstances, such as if prospective purchas- ers could show strong connec- tions through former residence

Priory set for £230k next stage of restoration

Your Home from Home

www.quakerhouse.org.uk | reception@quakerhouse.org.uk

F ollowing the Quaker ethos of kindness, respect & friendship in our care, we welcome anyone to take up our services. Our aim is to make a real difference to the lives of the people who choose to join us at Quaker House.

We pride ourselves on putting you first, tailoring care to your specific needs and wishes, whilst continually promoting your independence. We offer a range of care, from short-term respite and reablement to extra care for those people who need more than their own carers can manage. Our staff have the heart and desire to provide a confident and competent service whilst also being highly trained professionals.

We have a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (registered provider No. 1-101663819) and are a registered charity (number 1156022)

Christchurch Priory, and inset, the Rev. Canon Charles Stewart

The church will remain open during the work, within the constraints of pandemic legis-

lation and guidance. It is hoped the Lady Chapel will reopen for worship and visits at the begin-

ning of February next year. The historic priory is one of 445 heritage organisations

We welcome families and friends at all times. Why not come and get to know us? You are very welcome to visit us for a day or stay for a short term before committing yourself to this major change in your life. You are equally welcome to move straight in and enjoy everyday life with us.

New book squares up to the experienced Forest visitor

more widely available in the New Forest. It can also be or- dered online at www.newforest 222.co.uk

logged my shoes or boots be- cause ‘I’ll just take a glance’ or ‘I won’t be going far’. “I love some of the twisted oaks along the coast. There’s a stepping stone bridge across Dark Water which I was delight- ed to find as I think it is unique in the New Forest. “Following streams from their source is a firm favourite for me, especially when the seasons are changing. Linford Brook is very accessible. Because the water and the seasons are ever chang- ing you can visit a place time and time again. “However, my book is there to remind you there are another 221 places you could also visit.” The inspiration came from a book named Dartmoor 365 by Dartmoor aficionado John operation as part of its push to encourage people to use green- er, “active” travel methods. However, concerns have been raised about their safety, prompting Coventry to drop its trial after only five days, and their environmental impact. In July Dorset Police issued a warning against their use following “enquiries” from the public. In January a jogger running at Branksome Chine, Poole, was badly injured after being knocked over by one. Despite these, speaking dur- ing his weekly Facebook ques- tion-and-answer session, BCP Council leader Cllr Mellor said the conurbation could be the latest to host one. “We’re one of the most con- gested areas in the country in terms of our road network, and we need to find other ways, par- ticularly in the last mile, of get- ting people around,” he said. “E-scooters might be a way of doing that – I appreciate they’re controversial but it’s something we’re committed to trialling.” Beryl, which runs the bike share scheme across Bourne- mouth, Christchurch and Poole, said it was “unable to comment at this stage” on whether it would be involved.

covered his own 222 highlights of the New Forest including history, industry, geology, sport, nature and culture. Jodi added: “Rather than simply telling people what the most popular attractions are, the book allows readers to ex- plore the New Forest. “Most pages have a simple illustration which helps people locate what they are looking for as well as a grid reference. The book is clear and light-hearted but above all aims to be inspiring and interesting.” New Forest 222 will be available at Sunnyfields Farm in Totton, Calshot Activ- ities Centre and October Books in Southampton, before being

40-44 Barton Court Road, New Milton BH25 6NR reception@quakerhouse.org.uk | call 01425 617656

We believe that a Care Home is a Home first and foremost…… And there’s no place like home.

Author Jodi Longyear

Hayward, which offers the same square-mile grid guidance. With the support of John’s son Rob Hayward, Jodi has un-

A re you feeling isolated? Do you or a loved one need company in a small,

Town to take part in electric scooters trial

friendly, family-run home, that is welcoming and engaging, where you can relax and be cared for with delicious home cooked meals, fun activities and trips out as the current situation permits. We provide respite, permanent or even care in your own home whichever care suits your needs. We have a GOOD rating by CQC and have been COVID free throughout the pandemic. We follow all government guidance to ensure that our residents are safe and well.

£1 MILLION REFURBISHMENT COMPLETED Osborne Lodge is a well-established family run care home situated within walking distance of New Milton town centre, GP surgeries and community centre Welcoming and friendly atmosphere All rooms have en suite facilities Choice of all meals Long term highly qualified staff Full range of activities RESPITE & DAY CARE FOR THE ELDERLY Are you looking after a loved one at home? Do you need a few hours to yourself? Or are you living alone in need of stimulating company? Have you had a fall and need to regain your confidence? We cater for clients wanting ongoing or short-term day care, or day care that can be called upon occasionally, whenever the need arises HALF AND FULL DAY CARE AVAILABLE Including lunch and activities (full day includes evening meal) Contact tel: 01425 618248 Email: enquiries@osbornelodge.co.uk www.osbornelodgecare.co.uk

Please call Alison or Kate on 01590 642121 for an informal chat, when we can talk through what care would suit you or your loved one best, there will be no obligation to take on the care if you feel that it is not right for you at this time.

We look forward to hearing from you!

www.hillyfieldresthome.co.uk 01590 642121 • manager@hillyfieldresthome.co.uk