New Milton Advertiser 18th December 2020

Friday 18th December 2020

L YMINGTON T IMES | advertiserandtimes.co.uk 70P

Food&Drink A taste of the Caribbean in the New Forest Page 28

What’s On Fun for all the family Page 18

Sport Local rugby clubs given restart green light Pages 21-23

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Town fears over ‘brazen’ drug dealing

School Santas hit the road

INSIDE Wheelie bins waste plan consultation extended again Page 2 Locals among first in UK to be given the coronavirus vaccine Page 4 New Forest clubs fear new curbs to be imposed on activities Page 5 Campaign launched to save woodland from ho using plans Page 9 17 Christian Comment 20 Letters 20 From Our Files 24 Puzzle Corner 24 Food and Drink 28 Good Dog 29 Classifieds 32-35 Motoring 36 Family Announcements back page NMA Price Rise 03 Index Planning Business Obituary 14 16

Call for ‘drug rooms’ to support users and crackdown on dealers

Cllr Davies said a “big part” of the requests he receives from residents is to do with the fallout from drugs. He said: “I think in recent years drug use has become much more visible in the town. “I have had reports of brazen drug dealing at some spots, in- cluding near the Tesco Express store in Pennington. I was walk- ing past another shop last year and there were people [involved in drugs] shouting ‘We run Pen- nington!’.” According to latest govern- ment figures, in October in the Lymington and Pennington area, which includes Milford, Sway, Hordle, Boldre and Nor- leywood, there were four report- ed drugs crimes. For the first 10 months of this year, there was a total of 66 drugs crimes reported, relating to pos- session, supply and production. Drug consumption rooms are aimed at reducing the risks of disease transmission through unhygienic injecting, prevent- ing drug-related overdose deaths, and signposting drug users to addiction treatment and health and social services. Addicts are provided with sterile injecting equipment and are supervised by staff trained and equipped to deal with over- doses. Several councils in the UK have called for such facilities, most recently Glasgow in May.

Continued on page 2 A PUB has been fined £1,000 for “blatant” breaches of Covid-19 regulations after being found serving drinks without food and hosting a birthday party with households mixing. The offences were discovered when licensing officers from Hampshire police carried out routine checks at the Elephant and Castle in Commercial Road, Totton, around 7.30pm on Saturday. Customers were seen drink- ing alcohol at tables where no food had been ordered – con- trary to requirements put in place by the government for But the government says that under the Misuse of Drugs Act they are illegal, and anyone in- volved in one would be arrested. Cllr Davies branded this stance “ignorant and old fash- ioned”. He said he would like to see the focus of the police aimed at dealers rather than users, say- ing: “Drug addiction should be treated as a health issue, and being heavy-handed with ad- dicts is doing more harm than good.” The town mayor Cllr Anne Corbridge declined to comment when the A&T asked for her re- sponse. Minutes of the Q&A meeting show councillors asked whether there was anything to suggest county lines drug gangs were operating in the town. Police replied that there was “no evidence” but said a block of flats in Lower Buckland Road has “significant issues and re- mains a priority”. They also said Operation Exposed had been introduced which identifies addicts for po- lice to visit, offering them advice

BY ANTONELLA LAZZERI

Southlands School held its own Santa Run in aid of Oakhaven Hospice – full story, page 3 (Photo: Steve West)

A LYMINGTON councillor is calling for a drugs consumption room to be set up where addicts can take illegal substances un- der medical supervision amid claims of “brazen drug dealing” in the town. Cllr Jack Davies says the in- itiative will help tackle drug issues, adding: “We’ve got to think outside the box, we can’t keep going as we are. For years and years all that happens is police bust one drug ring, and another one springs up in its place. “I’ve seen drug rooms done elsewhere with good results at reducing the harm of drugs and reducing serious crime caused by them. It allows for the health impact of drugs to be tackled while also allowing the police to go after the dealers.” He raised the possibility of trialling the scheme – which has been operating across Europe for the last three decades – at an online Q&A session on 10th November with officers from Hampshire Constabulary who were asked if they would be “supportive” of such a project.

Donkey deaths speed plea

areas, like Hampshire, in Tier 2 restriction zones. Sgt Robert Cohen from the force’s licensing team said: “This was a blatant breach of the current health protection regulations. “We are working hard to en- sure that everyone is observing the restrictions in place and is safe during the pandemic. “The guidelines in place around hospitality are clear, it is very disappointing therefore that this pub felt that it was appropriate to put everyone at risk and operate as if the pan- demic is not taking place.” NEW Forest groups have united in pleading for drivers to slow down as a police investigation was launched into three don- keys killed in a single collision at an accident blackspot. The incident happened close to the Fritham junction of the B3078 Roger Penny Way be- tween Cadham and Godshill just before 7am on Saturday morning. Witnesses reported the white Mercedes van, operated by ca- tering company La Chasse Ltd, was so badly damaged it had to be recovered from the scene. The route is well known as a

He continued: “We are work- ing with partners, including the council, to ensure where busi- nesses or individuals breach the regulations that this is ad- dressed quickly to provide reas- surance to the community. “We hope this sends a mes- sage to other businesses that breaching the regulations will be dealt with robustly to ensure everyone’s safety.” The officers also saw peo- ple playing at the pub’s pool table, as well as groups stand- ing in the beer garden having dangerous stretch of road with motorists regularly recorded exceeding the 40mph speed limit. Just two days before the col- lision the New Forest Roads Awareness Speed Watch team and Hampshire police record- ed 46 cars travelling above the limit in one hour. The highest speed recorded was 68mph. Commoner and Speed Watch volunteer Gilly Jones said: “There is a blanket 40mph speed limit with 30mph in the villages. However, a speed limit is the maximum speed vehicles should be travelling at – it is not

necessarily a safe speed. “The loss of any animal im- pacts many people – the com- moner who has lost their ani- mal, the agister and police who have to attend incidents, and the driver and witnesses. “At this time of the year when daylight is limited and weather conditions vary, drivers should take extra care and adjust their speed. It is important to be aware visibility can be very poor and that other vehicles’ head- lights may impede your view of the road ahead.” The latest accident has led Forest organisations to jointly issue a special appeal to drivers to be more careful of free-roam- ing animals on the roads. It was supported by the Com- moners’ Defence Association, Forestry England, the verder- ers, the national park authority

51

Pub fined for flouting Covid rules

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Deadline extended for wheelie bin consultation

HCC goes to great lengths continuing cash scheme FUNDING of £187,000 has been pledged to continue a scheme which gives New Forest com- munities more say in the up- keep of their surroundings. Hampshire County Council deputy leader Cllr Rob Humby has signed off the Parish Lengthsman scheme for 2021, which since 2010 has annually given the 187 parishes across the county £1,000 each. Dating back to the 1800s, the term lengthsman refers to workers responsible for keeping a particular length of road neat and tidy. PHONE 01425 612594 to place a display advertisement

Sunday is last chance to comment as 3,000 have had their say

“It still isn’t very satisfacto- ry. Unless you use social me- dia, you are unlikely to even know about the wheelie bin plans. I predict howls of protest from many people who simply don’t know what’s going to hap- pen.” Although Cllr Hoare has in- sisted wheelie bins are not a “done deal”, the council argues change is needed to the cur- rent sack collection system to improve local recycling rates which are among the lowest in the country. About 90% of homes are fore-

cast to get a wheelie bin if in- troduced, but critics say they are ugly additions to the street, cumbersome for older residents to handle and unsuitable for ru- ral areas. As part of the plans food waste would be collected sep- arately every week and garden waste could also be stored in wheelie bins and collected fort- nightly for a fee. Resident engagement packs are available from newforest. gov.uk/wastestrategy, local in- formation centres and by call- ing 023 8028 5000.

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THE consultation on propos- als for wheelie bins to be intro- duced in the New Forest has been extended for a second time. Residents now have until Sunday to respond to the dis- trict council’s survey on its waste strategy, which also in- cludes suggestions for alternate fortnightly collections of gener- al rubbish and recycling. As reported in the A&T, the deadline last Thursday was in- itially pushed back to Sunday 13th December when a tech- nical problem meant people could not access the website. On Friday it was extended again until Sunday 20th De- cember. Cllr Alison Hoare, NFDC cab- inet member for environment, explained: “I have been pleased to see a great deal of useful dis- cussion in our public engage- ment around the proposals put forward in our draft waste strategy. “More than 3,000 people have commented online, and we are still receiving many comments A PEDESTRIAN in her 70s who was badly injured in a collision with a car in Christchurch last week has died, police said. The incident last Tuesday, in- volving a black Ford Fiesta, hap- pened in Quay Road just after 8am. The woman was taken to hospital, and on Friday officers confirmed she died from her in - juries. The road was closed for five hours while the incident was dealt with. Sgt Craig Tatton, of the Dor- set Police traffic unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of

Milford councillors join objectors THE New Forest’s “woefully inadequate” recycling capa- bilities should be addressed before wheelie bin plans are progressed, members of Mil- ford Parish Council have con- cluded. doubt it will. “The long and short of it is I hate them.” He suggested there were cheaper and more pragmat- ic solutions to improve recy- cling such as biodegradable refuse sacks. Cllr Kenneth Cameron said NFDC should invest more in promoting home-composting.

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Wheelie bins are part of NFDC’s new waste proposals

through our website and the post. It is clear that local peo- ple care for their environment and would like to minimise our waste. “We are keen to hear from local people how our propos- als will work for them so that we can develop a service that works best for the local area, and for our environment.” She added: “I am extend- ing the deadline for comments further, until Sunday 20th De- cember, to give more people an the woman who died and her loved ones at this extremely dif- ficult time for them.” He said officers were continu - ing to investigate the collision and renewed an appeal for wit- nesses and anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come for- ward. Contact Dorset Police at www. dorset.police.uk, email 101@ dorset.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting reference 55200184289. Alternatively, contact Crime- stoppers anonymously at crimestoppers-uk.org or 0800 555 111.

opportunity to read the infor- mation and tell us their views.” NFDC’s ruling Conservative administration came under fire from Liberal Democrat opposi- tion members at a recent coun- cil meeting when it was revealed 3% of New Forest residents had responded to the consultation. Lib Dem leader Cllr David Harrison commented: “Now, just like the Brexit negotia- tions, the Conservatives have reluctantly agreed to extend the survey period.

Chair Cllr Bob Bishop warned wheelie bins could be “particularly problematic” for the many flats in the vil - lage and High Street proper- ties with front doors onto the pavement. Cllr Matt Goode asked: “The question is: what is the problem that they are trying to solve with this? Will it im- prove recycling rates? I highly

Cllr Anne Cullen declared: “There are a whole host of rea- sons why we are right behind the curve on recycling and before thinking about wheelie bins perhaps NFDC should be looking again at what it can and can’t recycle.” having a drug consumption room unless they were going to be implemented”. Talking about drugs in the town, they said: “We are aware of reports of drug-related activ- ity and anti-social behaviour at Archgate. Our officers are work - ing closely with New Forest Dis- trict Council and the relevant housing partners to seek an ap- propriate solution.” They said officers have been “supporting vulnerable drug users in the community” with the help of local charities and have carried out a number of “high-visibility” patrols by spe- cialist units in the area, which will continue. ulations. They are now set to work with the licensee, alongside New Forest District Council, to ensure the regulations are fol- lowed in future. Home Office minister Kit Malthouse replied: “I would just point him to the very small number of enforce- ment notices that have been handed out against the vast population of the United Kingdom – only in the tens of thousands against a pop- ulation of 65-million – which shows that encouraging the British people to follow the regulations is largely work- ing.”

Pedestrian dies after collision

Drugs in Lymington Continued from front page

and referring them to drug-help services. An arrest of a class A dealer had recently been made, they added. The police said Efford Way had also been added to the are- as where officers would be mak - ing patrols in an effort to tackle drug abuse. Asked about Cllr Davies’ suggestion, a spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said its stance “remains a national one, therefore it would not be appropriate for us to discuss Having engaged with the pub’s licensee, the officers reported him for summons in relation to the £1,000 fixed penalty notice for breaching current health protection reg-

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Pub Covid breach Continued from front page

and district and county coun- cils, as well as Hampshire po- lice, the New Forest Trust, the New Forest Association and the British Deer Society. NPA head of recreation man- agement Nigel Matthews said: “Although the long-term trend of animal accidents is down- wards, the death of any animal is a great loss to the Forest and to its owner. “For three donkeys to lose their lives together like this is truly shocking. We appeal to drivers to please slow down on the unfenced roads of the New Forest.” Rural Policing Inspector Ko- rine Bishop said: “The driver of the vehicle was spoken to at the scene by officers, with police enquiries ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the incident. “We are now beginning to see wetter roads and reduced visi- bility due to dark early morn- ings and fog across the New For- est. While there is a maximum speed limit of 40mph applied across the area, motorists are advised to adapt their speed to the current driving conditions.” Catherine Cotton, owner of La Chasse Ltd, said: “We are very, very saddened by the death of these three donkeys games of table football while drinking. At the time, they found “minimal” food being prepared in the kitchen, with the num- ber of customers in the bar far outweighing the small number of food tickets being prepared. Checks of the hostelry’s CCTV footage revealed cus- tomers entering, standing at the bar and walking around inside without wearing face coverings, and drinking nu- merous alcoholic drinks with- out meals. The footage also showed a birthday party taking place without people staying in their household groups or eating food with their drinks. Donkey deaths Continued from front page

MP questions rules enforcement ENFORCEMENT of Cov- id-19 regulations by police was criticised in the House of Commons on Monday by New Forest West MP Sir Desmond Swayne. “What is happening to our country?”

The Conservative back- bencher said: “Has the min- ister seen some of the quite shocking footage of the po- licing of demonstrations that is available online, and is he aware that the police have been visiting restaurants and demanding people’s names and addresses?

Police running speed checks on Roger Penny Way after the incident

but as the police investigation is ongoing it is difficult for me to comment further on the cir- cumstances of the accident. “It is deeply distressing for all of us and, of course, for the driv- er that was involved as well.” Anyone with information about the collision should contact Hampshire police on 101, quoting the reference 44200478908. Last week two further acci- dents involving commoners’ animals were reported to the verderers. On the Wednesday a filly wearing a reflective collar was hit on the B3054 between Beaulieu and Hilltop at around 7.30pm. Agister Robert Maton attended and the animal had to be destroyed. On Thursday a motorist re-

ported an accident involving a pony on the B3079 near Bram- shaw Church at around 5.30pm, but it was found unhurt. Verderers clerk Sue West- wood added: “Animals don’t have road sense, so please help avoid accidents by driving slow- ly and carefully. “The tragic death of these donkeys is a clear example of exactly why drivers must slow down and take extra care espe- cially in the early morning and late afternoon when the roads are very dark. “A collision will inevitably re- sult in significant delay for the driver involved and may result in a badly damaged vehicle as well as causing unnecessary suffering to the unfortunate an- imal.”

Delay for closure of town’s rat-run

A NOTORIOUS Ringwood rat- run is set to stay open until at least February 2021, it has been revealed. The West Street junction onto the A31 was supposed to have been blocked off in early 2020 in the first phase of Highways Eng -

land’s £13.5m scheme to widen the A31 and help alleviate con- gestion and improve safety. But Ringwood deputy mayor Cllr Philip Day reported that at a recent meeting with local members Highways England representatives said the work

was “unlikely” to happen before February. Cllr Day added he and oth- er councillors were pressing the agency to put up advanced warnings for motorists to “avoid unnecessary rat-running and congestion in the town”.

Friday 18th December 2020 · 3

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Sculpture trail idea carved out for town

School’s sprinting Santas run up cash for hospice

ART lovers could soon be able to enjoy a Covid-secure display of exhibits across New Milton, under proposals for a sculpture trail. The idea was suggested in an email from Jack Irwin, project manager of Art Trails in South- ampton, which was read out during a recent online meeting of the town council’s amenities committee. Observing that the pandemic had forced the cancellation of many of New Milton’s commu- nity events in 2020, Mr Irwin said the trail would be a “Cov- id-friendly community art pro- ject”. The recreation ground, the town centre and Ballard Lake

were among the possible loca- tions he suggested to host the installations. Committee members agreed that town clerk Graham Flex- man should contact Mr Irwin for more information. This discussion came after councillors supported the in- stallation of a Covid-secure Nativity Trail, which is now in place at the recreation ground, off Old Milton Road. Set up by the New Life Church in Gore Road, the at- traction is a route marked out by seven signs illustrated with characters from the Nativity. QR codes can be scanned with smartphones to unlock a page of fun activities and questions.

Pupils and staff dash around site to raise funds for Oakhaven

and anxiety-provoking times.” He added: “It is without a doubt that without the com- mitment from the whole staff team at Southlands, we would not have been able to provide a little bit of normality here in our Southlands bubble. “Our staff team made sacri- fices with their own families to continue to provide the struc- ture, care and education for the students at Southlands.” Rebecca Sheen, school tran- sition manager, said: “Although Southlands is a small school, we recognise the importance of raising money for a wide range of charities throughout the school year. “To be able to raise money for such a wonderful organisation as Oakhaven and dress up at the same time has been a really joyous occasion for the school. “Helping our local commu- nity as they help us by provid- ing wonderful work experience placements and opportunities for our students is just a small thank you.” to give the same amount to every new claimer throughout 2020/21. An expected increase in new winter claimants has not mate- rialised because of the extension of the furlough scheme. However, Covid-19 has already affected council tax collections and the report said NFDC is ex- pecting increased arrears and a greater amount of debt to be carried over into 2021/22. Taxpayers in arrears are al- ready signposted by NFDC to Citizens Advice for help. Often there are “multiple issues”, the report added, and advisors can assist by taking a wider view in- cluding, for example, issues such as mental health and homeless- ness.

BY ANTONELLA LAZZERI

YOUNGSTERS spread some Christmas cheer with their own Santa Dash to raise funds for Oakhaven Hospice. Southlands School, a special- ist residential site near Lyming- ton, caters for children with au- tism, many of whom have found lockdown difficult. Staff wanted to give pupils a little bit of festive joy so or- ganised a week of Christmas activities – which culminated in the sponsored run around the school site. As reported in the A&T, due to the pandemic Oakhaven was unable to stage its tradition- al annual Santa Dash through Lymington this year, and in- stead appealed to fundraisers to hold their own – a challenge which Southlands accepted.

Southlands principal Andrew Simmons starts the race (Photo: Steve West)

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Around 50 youngsters aged between seven and 19 took part with several members of staff. It was followed by a buffet for the whole school. Principal Andrew Simmons said: “I have been at South-

lands for over 25 years. It is a school that takes pride in sup- porting each and every student to achieve their personal best. “When the first national lock - down was announced we had to react quickly to reassure our

students, parents and the ex- ternal professional services that we could continue to meet the needs of our student cohort. “I could not be more proud of how our students have coped in these challenging

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Council earmarks £25k funds for debt advisor

FUNDING of £25,000 has been set aside by New Forest District Council to help recruit a trained debt advisor for a year in the wake of the coronavirus pan- demic. Cllr Jeremy Heron, the cab- inet member for finance, ap - proved handing the money to Citizen’s Advice New Forest. It will come out of about £886,500 of help the authority has been given by the govern- ment to provide support to res- idents. A report signed off by Cllr Heron said that NFDC has used nearly £561,000 of the aid, main- ly through handing £200 to every claimant in receipt of Council Tax Support in April this year to help them cope. It has pledged

Historic carriage restoration on track Volunteers have replaced panels and repainted the first carriage (Photo: Garry Brown)

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A TEAM of conservationists are making fast progress on reno- vating a historic train carriage which is part of a set that once carried royalty along Hythe pier. Hythe Pier Heritage Associa- tion (HPHA) recently set out a £220,000 plan of works to safe- guard the future of the histori- cal structure. The organisation intends on relaying the tramway as well as restoring all the existing carriages and the two original tractor units which power the train. It is currently working on carriage 4. Volunteers have been joined by members of Hythe Men’s Shed to work on the first car - riage, which was one of two to

be delivered in 1922. They have strengthened the structure by adding new frames along one side and new panels. In May 1944 King George VI rode along the pier in carriage 2 while visiting the area to view the vessels assembled in prepa- ration for the D-Day invasion. A plaque to commemorate the event was placed in the carriage – but was later stolen. More recently, a period penny has been mounted on the back- rest of the seat upon which the King sat. Project leader Tina Brown said: “Work is currently under- way on the repair and re-stain- ing of the carriage doors in an- other workshop nearby and, once all the external refurbish-

ment is complete, replacement glass panes will be sought to comply with the British Stand- ard specified for rolling stock. “The internal paintwork will need cleaning and preparing for a fresh coat of paint. The orig- inal seats, although nearly 100 years old, are beautifully made and show the carpentry skills of that time. “These have been given a good clean and only a touch up in keeping with restored furni- ture.” The HPHA is aiming to have the restoration complete in time to mark the pier’s cente- nary in July 2022. Donations to the project can be made at www.hythepierha. org.uk

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Locals among first in line for newCovid vaccine

those to receive a call offering him the jab. “I believe that if something is available to be had it should be taken up,” said the 99-year-old. “It all went like clockwork. The surgery had two clinics running side by side and they seemed to be getting through a lot of people. “I didn’t feel a thing – not even the needle going in. I’ve had more pain from the flu jab. But I did have to wait there for 15 minutes after I’d had the jab so they could make sure I didn’t have a reaction.” Bob, who has been shielding since March, is already booked in for a second booster dose on 6th January and was told that until that time he will not be protected. Dr Matt Nisbet, GP and clin - ical lead for business and part- nerships at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Partnership of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG), said the launch of the vaccination programme within the community was a “big moment for lots of peo - ple”. “For those of us working in surgeries across Hampshire it is a huge task, but also a real privilege to be part of this national effort to protect THE leader of Hampshire County Council has warned res - idents ahead of a relaxation of the Covid-19 restrictions over Christmas. Cllr Keith Mans, who repre - sents Brockenhurst, said res - idents needed to be careful and think about the impact of meeting people indoors, writes Maria Zaccaro of the Local De- mocracy Reporting Service . The news comes as Covid re - strictions are due to be eased next week to allow three house- holds to meet indoors between 23rd and 27th December. But Cllr Mans said that does not mean people have to change what they are doing. Talking during a meeting of Hampshire’s local outbreak en - gagement board, he said: “In my view that should only hap - pen if you really want it to hap - pen. “That does not mean you have to change what you are doing and you need to bear in mind that mixing different gen- erations is an important issue that you need to be careful of, particularly indoors.” Cllr Mans also asked resi- dents to avoid meetings if pos- sible. He added: “I think the inter - 19 Fir Avenue, New Milton

ourselves from the virus,” he said. “And for many of the patients we serve, receiving the vaccine will be a giant stride towards being able to live a more normal life again.” Dr Nisbet reassured the pub- lic they would be vaccinated as quickly as possible and urged people to be patient. He said that while the devel- opment of the vaccine was “fan - tastic news”, Hampshire still faced the “risky winter period ahead”. He added: “It is vital that we all keep up our guard.” Dr Karen Kirkham, clinical lead for the Dorset Covid-19 vaccination programme and as- sistant clinical director of NHS Dorset CCG, warned the cam - paign would be a “marathon not a sprint”. She said: “We’d like to ask for the continued help of the pub- lic as we continue the roll-out of the vaccination programme for the people of Dorset. “The NHS will let you know when it’s your turn to have the vaccine; it’s important not to contact us before then. “And if you can’t make an ap - pointment let us know as soon as possible and we can then of- fer the slot to someone else. You will be called again.”

Surgeries roll out first doses to residents most in need of jab

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GP SURGERIES in the New Forest and Christchurch were amo ng the first in the country to start vaccinating patients this week as the roll-out of the biggest immunisation pro- gramme in NHS history gains momentum. New Milton Health Centre in Spencer Road and Stour Surgery in Barrack Road, Christchurch, took delivery of doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab on Tuesday, and clinics kicked off the next day. The first batches of the Cov - id-19 vaccine began arriving in UK hospitals last week. As the immunisation programme en- ters its next phase GP practices across the country have been working round-the-clock set- ting up hubs in surgeries, com - munity centres an d even hotels. Locations were announced on Tuesday, with New Milton’s surgery one of 10 vaccination centres in Hampshire, and Stour Surgery one of seven in Dorset. THE New Forest’s rate of fresh Covid-19 cases has started to grow again, ending a run of re - ductions over recent weeks. One person in the district was reported to have died in hospi- tal with the virus, according to weekly figures released on Tues - day by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), bringing the total death toll to 152. The amount of new weekly cases in the area reported on Tuesday rose to 143, said sepa - rate government numbers, just over double the 69 published last week. It puts the local case rate

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Bob Lowe (99) said he ‘didn’t feel a thing’ receiving the jab

tacted. The NHS asked people not to contact their surgeries, stressing the vaccination ser- vice is available “strictly by in - vitation only”. Barton resident Bob Lowe, who is well known for his work with Dame Esther Rantzen’s charity Silver Line, was one of

Nurses, paramedics, pharma - cists and other NHS staff have been working alongside GPs to vaccinate those aged 80 and over, as well as care home work - ers and residents. Those people in “priority groups” who are most vulner- able were the first to be con -

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Warning over coronavirus Christmas complacency

New infections double in a week

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generational meetings – avoid those if you possibly can be - cause that, to me, is where things get out of hand, where elderly people are much at risk.” His comments come as some experts said the decision to ease restrictions across the country over Christmas “will cost many lives”. On Wednesday London and several other areas in the south- east entered Tier 3 following a sharp increase in Covid cases. Simon Bryant, the director of public health at Hampshire County Council, told the meet - ing that current infection rates across the country are “con - cerning”.

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Clubs fear fresh curbs on New Forest activities

Pandemic sees smaller NFDC carbon footprint

THE carbon footprint of New Forest District Council buildings was a third smaller over a six-month period this year amid the coronavirus pandemic, it has been revealed. Over the first half of 2020/21 the CO2 output of NFDC facili - ties was 907 tonnes – compared to 1,346 tonnes over the same period in 2019/20, the council was told by Cllr Alison Hoare,

the cabinet member for the en- vironment. She said that was due to re- ductions in the use of its build- ings and the closure of leisure centres during the first lock - down. Cllr Hoare said NFDC’s tri- al of four electric vehicles was “progressing well”, saving 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide against an equivalent diesel ve- hicle.

Forestry England says it is protecting habitats in the area

She said: “Some months ago, it became clear that the next HRA would need to address changes and a strengthening of the law in this area. “It also needs to adapt to changes in the timetable for ground-nesting birds who, due to climate change, are begin- ning breeding earlier in the year. “At this point we began dis- cussing the implications of this with local groups who have per- missions for activities. We have also requested an extension from Natural England to agree the new HRA in order to give these groups time to adapt and for us to work on alternative op - tions with them. “Forestry England, as the land manager, has to find a way to meet the legal requirements to protect this precious habitat whilst at the same time trying to support the activities of local community groups. “This is a difficult balancing act and we are working hard with local groups to support them and find a suitable solu - tion. All parties have a com- mon goal to protect the special features of the New Forest and avoid endangering rare wildlife and habitats.”

BY ANTONELLA LAZZERI

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AN award-winning Indian take - away in Pennington will open on Christmas Day to provide hundreds of free meals for elderly and vulnerable resi- dents. The team at Forest Tandoori have pledged to dish out as many three-course set meals as possible between 2pm and 8.30pm to people who request them either in advance or on the day. The family-run takeaway, which was recently recognised with a top accolade in the pres- tigious Good Food Awards, is prepared to create up to 300 or more main meals and sides for the community. Spokesperson Shima Miah, whose father Shah Rahman has run the Fox Pond business since 1998, said: “We know that Christmas will be a difficult time for many people this year who may be separated from their loved ones or struggling financially. “We felt that we wanted to do something for those in need so we decided to offer free set meals for anyone in the commu- nity who is vulnerable, elderly or struggling financially this year.” The Christmas Day offer, which has been circulated wide- ly on social media, follows a pre- vious initiative by the business in Milford Road to give free food to Lymington hospital staff and NEW Forest activity groups have raised fears about their operations being severely affected by fresh restrictions under consideration to protect wildlife. Among them is the district’s cycling club which has been rid- ing locally for over 80 years and claims it has been told by For- estry England (FE) that it can- not use any of its 130 car parks next year for regular events. The alleged ban comes as concern grows among other organisations over the impli- cations of a requirement to protect wildlife habitats in- cluding those of ground-nest- ing birds. Kelvin Pinchem, secretary of the New Forest Cycling Club, said he was “shocked” when the FE told him it would not be giv- ing it a permit for any of the car parks next year. He said: “We are now facing a huge struggle to try to find other sites. We were told that the decision had been taken to protect wildlife habitats and prevent people parking on the verges. But our club only at- tracts about seven to eight cars in total. “We need to find the sites soon as we have to give the po- lice their locations months in

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Beaulieu Model Flying Club said it has been told it can fly planes only during the winter

advance of races.” The 300-strong Beaulieu Model Flying Club said had been told it will be able to fly planes only during the winter months – which a spokesperson branded “completely useless”. He added: “We need fine weather and good visibility, none of which you get in the winter. We have always been very careful about not going near any wildlife. “We have been told that oth - er organisations will also face similar restrictions on using the heath and the New Forest. “We feel the FE are being very

high-handed in the way they are dealing with clubs like ours.” It has been flying there for 50 years and pays a £1,000 annual licence. Chair of the New Forest Dog Owners Group, Heather Gould, said it had heard “rumours” of changes in the way organisa- tions will be allowed to use the Forest, specifically at Beaulieu. She said: “We have asked the FE for information, not least because it is so close to Hatchet Pond where the car park is clos - ing and moving, and the toilets being taken away. “So far we’ve not had a re-

sponse. Of course, some car parks close for short periods of maintenance or to protect ground-nesting birds. That’s completely reasonable. “We do need to keep an eye on this – many people have a perception of continual and creeping closures and restric- tions.” A spokesperson for FE did not deny the claims made by the groups but said it had a “le- gal requirement” to protect key habitats in the Forest which is set out in the Habitat Regula- tions Assessment (HRA) and is due for renewal next year.

Takeaway’s free Christmas Day meals

Staff at Forest Tandoori are offering takeaways to the elderly and vulnerable

know is in need this Christmas, please don’t be afraid or embar- rassed to contact us confiden - tially. You can call, email or pri- vate message us on Facebook

to place your order and we will have it ready for you to collect.” To contact Forest Tandoori call 01590 688446 or email info@ foresttandoori.com

residents at a nearby care home during the pandemic. Shima said: “On a busy week - end evening we cook 250 or more main courses, so we are prepared and we haven’t set any limits on the number of meals we will give away. “If people are vulnerable or alone and would benefit from a hot meal we do not want to turn them away.” Anyone requesting a free set meal can choose an appetiser of onion baji or meat or vegeta- ble samosa, followed by a main course curry dish prepared with chicken, lamb or vegetables, ac - companied by a rice dish and naan bread. Poppadums and onion salad will also be included. Co-owner Khalid Rahman said: “If you or anyone you

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