Elvetham Heath Matters - Elvetham Heath Parish Council
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Your councillors are: Marilyn Robson David Hammond
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Elvetham Heath Matters...
The BIG Elvetham Heath Spring Clean
Sunday 29th March 1-4pm The Key Centre
As part of the nationwide Great British Spring Clean 2020 campaign, running from 20 March to the
13 April 2020, we will be hosting our own BIG Elvetham Heath Spring Clean. Come and join us as we give
Elvetham Heath the spruce up it deserves in time for the spring and summer months.
We will be:
• collecting rubbish and litter picking
• removing plastics
• environmentally cleaning road signs.
All cleaning materials will be provided so please just turn up and get stuck in—there is no need to come
for the full three hours, just contribute any time you can spare. The whole family is welcome and we will
be providing refreshments for all volunteers. Last year over 70 people came out to help, and it would be
amazing to have the same fantastic response this year and see as many people as possible taking pride in
where they live and helping us keep Elvetham Heath beautiful. As well as doing a great thing for your
local community, there is also the chance to win a £25 Morrisons voucher for your efforts! The winner
will be chosen at random on the day from those who take part.
Many thanks to Morrisons for donating the voucher, materials and
refreshments in support of this event. For more information on
events happening as part of the Great British Spring Clean 2020 and
how you can get involved please visit the Keep Britain Tidy website
at www.keepbritaintidy.org.
What’s Inside...
* Updates on Elvetham Heath Market * More information on our events
* Ten years of Elvetham Heath Parish Council * Local news *Summer 2020
* Parking on the Heath *Councillor interview with Candice Walmsley
* Dates for your diary *Grant application process *And more….!
Contact Elvetham Heath Parish Council
office@elvethamheath-pc.org.uk 01252 819204 www.elvethamheath.org.uk
Parish Office: The Key Centre Elvetham Heath Fleet Hampshire GU51 1HA
Office hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 1pm
Follow us on social media:
Elvetham Heath Parish Council @elvethamheathpc @EHParishCouncil
PAGE 2 ELVETHAM HEATH MATTE RS
Elvetham Heath News and Updates
Parish Precept Elvetham Chase Update
When you receive your council tax information Following the Elvetham Chase appeal hearing
from Hart District Council, you will notice that regarding 700 houses at Pale Lane, the Secretary of
the annual parish element, the precept, has State dismissed the developer’s appeal on
increased by 2% which equates to less than £1.50 4th November 2019, upholding Hart District
per year extra on a Band D property. As we have Council’s decision to refuse planning permission.
previously mentioned, small increases each year Parking in The Key
will be used to build a cushion to prevent large We are aware that many people were concerned
increases in a few years’ time when we will have when a suggestion was made on social media that
exhausted our developer fund. The increase is the Parish Council may start charging for parking in
slightly smaller this year. the Key Centre car park. As we have reported
Currently the total council precept stands at before, the changes at Morrisons have had a
£136,000 per year but the costs of all its services knock-on effect to parking in the Key, making it
is close to £300,000. The shortfall is covered by difficult for those visiting the Key Centre or the
income from the Key Centre & other facilities Green to find spaces. We continue to explore ways
and what is left of the developer’s contribution to control the parking in our car park
which will only last for another ten or so years. but whilst charging was mentioned at a
meeting many months ago, it has never
Trees been considered a viable option.
Despite all the recent high winds, we were lucky
that only one large tree came down on Elvetham Road Adoptions
Heath. We have a tree management programme Elvetham Heath Way was finally adopted by
in place which helps to limit tree failures and we Hampshire County Council on 9th October 2019 and
are currently having a full tree survey carried out now boasts one of the best road surfaces in the
by a qualified arborculturalist. This survey will area! Work is underway to complete the adoptions
form the basis of the management plan for the of other unadopted roads and whilst this is never a
next few years. quick process, we hope to have good news soon.
HALC Awards Park and Ride Area
We are proud to share that A pre-application proposal has been submitted to
Elvetham Heath Parish Council Hart District Council regarding development on the
won the Hampshire Association of park and ride site. The proposal is for three buildings
Local Council’s award for ‘Best and associated parking to be a Lidl supermarket, a
Local Council Website’ and were drive-thru coffee shop and a gym. At this stage the
runners–up for the ‘Best Use of Parish Council is not involved but will be able to
Social Media in Public Engagement’ award at comment, as will residents, when the full application
their AGM on the 9th November. is submitted. Whilst most people will be pleased to
The panel were impressed with our website and see the area be developed, it is important to ensure
use of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to that it is used for something that will benefit
publicise events and communicate news and Elvetham Heath.
information with residents. We have separate
accounts for the Parish Council and Elvetham Parking on Grass Verges
Heath Market. You can follow us at: We have noticed an increase in cars parking on the
• Facebook grass verges at roadsides. Please do not do this as
• Instagram at elvethamheathpc and this damages the verges, particularly in the recent
Elvethamheathmarket wet weather. During the summer months this type
• Twitter at EHParishCouncil and of parking also makes mowing and maintaining the
EHMarket grass impossible.
ELVETHAM HEATH MATTE RS PAGE 3
Hole in the Motorway Fence
Many of you will be aware that there is a large hole resembling a doorway in the
fence between the Turner’s Way recreation area and the motorway services.
Holes in or under the fence have been a problem for many years and attempts by
either the Parish Council or Welcome Break to mend them have always been
vandalised almost immediately. These problems have escalated over the last year
or so – no longer being just an issue of public safety. As a result, we and Welcome
Break, having joint responsibility for maintaining the boundary, are working with
the police and others to block the hole and secure the fence permanently.
It is clear that many people use the hole as a short cut to get to work at the M3
Services – something Welcome Break is working to stop. Whilst this is neither safe
nor authorised, it is no longer the biggest concern. The hole has become a focus for antisocial
behaviour with groups of youngsters accessing the services at all hours of the day and night, causing
damage, using threatening behaviour and stealing. In one instance they broke the windows on the bridge
so that glass fell onto the motorway beneath. There is also evidence of drug dealing, criminal damage and
other illegal activity. Preventing this easy access should put an end to a lot of this illegal and antisocial
behaviour and as a result we should be able to improve the Turner’s Way recreation area.
The escalation of activity at the fence has coincided with an increase in antisocial behaviour on Elvetham
Heath in general and it is hoped that securing the fence will have a positive impact throughout the parish.
Our aim is to have the fence secured before the summer.
Reporting crime or antisocial behaviour on Elvetham Heath
The police ask residents to report any incidents to them via 101 – while that
particular incident may not be actioned it helps feed into a wider picture and
allows police to assign resources accordingly. You can also report some crimes
through the local police website—please see hampshire.police.uk.
It really is important to report all instances if we want to resolve the recent
issues we have been experiencing.
Join Us and Have Your Say!
Annual Residents’ Evening
Wednesday 27th May 7pm, The Key Centre
Please join us for our Annual Residents’ Evening. Come along for a glass of wine and an update of
what has been going on locally. This is your chance to meet the councillors who represent you and
put forward ideas to steer the council over the next year.
We hope to be joined by our grounds maintenance team Lotus Landscapes and a representative from
the local police force to answer your questions. If you have any specific questions you would like to
ask please email us at office@elvethamheath-pc.org.uk, ring us on 01252 819204 or pop by the office
in advance so we can answer questions fully on the evening. You will also be able to submit questions
on the evening itself. Please check website and social media for more information nearer the time.
This is your meeting so please come along and have your say.
PAGE 4 ELVETHAM HEATH MATTE RS
Local Community News
Changes to Using Household Waste Recycling Centres
From the 1st April Hampshire residents will need to register their vehicles for
ongoing free access to Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). Registration is
now open, and you can register up to three cars or 4x4s per address. Automatic
Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will check the registration of vehicles
entering the centre against the number plates that have been registered with the
Hampshire database. Customers from outside of Hampshire will be charged £5 each
time they use a Hampshire HWRC.
For details and to register see: hants.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling/recyclingcentres/vehicle-registration
Calthorpe Park School Help Shape Hampshire’s Library Service
Hampshire County Council has recently approved Hampshire County Council is asking people who live,
plans for a £9.2million expansion project that will work and study in Hampshire to have their say on
add 16 classrooms and take the school’s proposed changes to libraries. Visit
capacity to 1,725 pupils. Much of the cost is hants.gov.uk/library-consultation for
covered by contributions from the developers of more information and to fill out the
large local housing projects. Plans also cover consultation response form online, or
access and transport arrangements which will pick up a copy from your local library.
hopefully improve traffic flow in the area at school
Local Plan Gets the Green Light
drop-off and pick-up times.
The inspector’s report into the Hart Local Plan was
Fleet Lions Motorcycle Run recently published and found the plan to be sound.
The 37th Classic Motorcycle Run and Concours will As a result, it can now be adopted by Hart District
be taking place in The Key on Friday 8th May 2020. Council and should protect the district from
This event, run by the Fleet Lions, normally unwelcome development.
attracts over 200 entrants, with bikes ranging from
Dog Fouling Controls
the early 1900’s to later classics.
Following a consultation late last year, a new Dog
Riders arrive in The Key Centre car
Fouling Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) has
park between 9:30 and 10:30am
been adopted by Hart District Council. This new
before leaving on the road run, and
PSPO makes it an offence for a person in charge of a
finishing in the car park by 2.15pm.
dog not to be able to demonstrate that they have
For details see fleetlions.org.uk.
the means to clear up after their dog, or an offence
Fleet Half Marathon if they fail to clear up. From 1st April, dog owners
Fleet Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 15th can be stopped and asked to show they have the
March from 10:30am. Road closures will be in means to pick up after their dog, such as carrying a
place before and during this event so please check dog poo bag. A fine can be issued so please carry
before you travel. See fleethalfmarathon.com for bags and always pick up after your dog.
more details.
Thames Water Priority Services Register
Summer Wines Wine Workshop Thames Water run a priority service for customers
The Key Centre will play host to a that may require extra support, such as those with
Summer Wines Wine Workshop young children, disabilities, health conditions or
fundraising for Phyllis Tuckwell eligible for a pension. Signing up enables them to
Hospice Care on Friday 27th March tailor services to residents and prioritise support if
from 7:30pm. Tickets are £20: to buy head to issues arise. For details, see:
www.pth.org.uk, call 07592 177673 or visit the thameswater.co.uk/help-and-advice/customer-
Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care shop, Fleet Road. commitment/priority-services .
ELVETHAM HEATH MATTE RS PAGE 5
Ten Years of Elvetham Heath Parish Council!
Elvetham Heath Parish Council formally came into existence on Thursday 1st
April 2010. Before 2010, services were provided by Hart District Council. The
decision was taken to create a new parish council for Elvetham Heath
following a poll of Fleet residents to create parish councils. When Elvetham
Parish Council was created, there was no Instagram, Netflix was still two years
away, Matt Cardle won the X Factor (where is he now?!) and Downton Abbey
first hit our screens. Originally the council consisted of five councillors but this
was increased to seven in 2013.
In the last ten years, much has changed although some has stayed the same! While we have had a
total of 18 councillors, our Chairman Marilyn Robson has been in place since the Parish Council was
set up, along with Executive Officer Jan Hyatt. As well as maintaining the landscaping on Elvetham
Heath (no small task), since summer 2015 Elvetham Heath also became the only parish council in
Hampshire to maintain roadside verges. Another constant issue through our ten years of existence
has been the adoption of roads by Hampshire County Council from the developer. The Parish Council
has continually worked on this issue, and in October 2019 finally saw the road adoption of Elvetham
Heath Way. Work continues on outstanding roads and we will stay involved.
One of the most popular things about Elvetham Heath is the events
we put on each year. We have run the Summer Fete each June
since 2011, and the Christmas Carols in The Key since 2010. In 2014
we introduced the Concert on the Green, which has become one of
our most popular events and 2019 was the most well attended yet.
Since 2014 we have run Elvetham Heath Market in The Key on the
second Saturday of each month, with a special bumper market
around Christmas. In 2017 we also ran a Countryside Day.
We are always working to further improve the facilities and offerings on Elvetham
Heath. In November 2013 allotments were created and an orchard was added in
December 2016. A flagpole was erected in The Key in 2017 and in 2019 floral
displays were added to The Key and the adopted telephone box for spring/
summer. A Christmas tree has been placed in the Key since 2010 alongside lights in
the trees, which were updated in 2019. The five play parks are popular with
families and we work constantly to keep them maintained. In 2015 The Key play
park was replaced and expanded, with new equipment and the addition of a skate
ramp and zip wire. The empty sports pavilion has also been converted to Scout HQ.
The Key Centre has seen several necessary and major improvements over the years to keep it the
fantastic community space it is. The extension was opened in 2011, which allowed the Little Elves
Preschool to grow and introduced an additional two rooms for hire. The kitchen and washrooms
have been improved and updated, doors and windows have been replaced and
acoustic treatments added. We are continually working on improvements to
maintain this valuable parish asset.
In 2019 we entered the ‘Parishes in Bloom’ awards for the first time, achieving a
Silver Gilt award in recognition of the facilities and environment. Having entered
again in 2020, we hope to improve further on this. We strive to make Elvetham
Heath a great place to live, and hope residents living here agree. Thanks to all the
residents who help us keep standards high, and here’s to the next ten years!
PAGE 6 ELVETHAM HEATH MATTE RS
Grants from Elvetham Heath Parish Council
Did you know that Elvetham Heath Parish Council can award grants to local organisations or for
one-off events that benefit the community? There is only a limited budget, but it can be used to
support almost anything that can be shown to benefit all or part of the parish or its residents or that
is carried out on behalf of residents. Over the last few years we’ve awarded grants to the following:
• Royal British Legion (Fleet, Crookham & District)—for the poppy wreath and a contribution
towards cost of two-man delegation to 90th Anniversary of Great Pilgrimage.
• Hart Citizens’ Advice Bureau—towards additional services and the roll-out of Universal Credit.
• Fleet Cricket Club—towards new permanent nets.
• Church Crookham & Fleet Men’s Shed—towards building own premises.
• Christmas Lunch at the Harlington.
• Fleet Division Girl Guides—towards new district camp store.
• Fleet Phoenix—help with training costs and provision of computer equipment.
• Fleet & District Carnival Association
• Place 2B Youth Club—set-up grant.
For more information about applying for a grant or to see whether your event or organisation might
be eligible, please go to the grants page of our website where you can also find the application form.
The information required to enable the council to make a decision includes:
• Details of the request – what is it for and how much.
NB. Generally the council will only contribute towards one-off items or projects, not general
running costs.
• How many residents are involved or will benefit from the grant.
• What other fundraising has been carried out.
Councillor Interview—Candice Walmsley
Candice Walmsley has been a councillor since 2018.
• Why did you decide to become a councillor? I love Elvetham Heath and
wanted to be a part of keeping it beautiful and it continuing to be a pleasant
place to live.
• What do you like best about being a councillor? It’s great being part of the
community and making decisions to make Elvetham Heath a better place.
• What does being a councillor involve? Deciding a budget and planning how it
is best spent for the benefit of the residents including both the fun (summer
events, Christmas lights etc) and the necessary (emptying bins, looking after green spaces).
• What do you like about Elvetham Heath and the surrounding areas? Why do you choose to live
here? I loved it the moment I saw it – the green spaces are my favourite. I’m a nature lover but also
like having amenities close by – I feel Elvetham Heath is the best of both!
• What do you do for your ‘day job’? I am a dog walker/ pet sitter and work as an estate agent on
weekends
• What is your favourite food? I love my food but I would choose Thai or Indian.
• What would you never part with? My food! Apart from my family and pets obviously…
• Where is your favourite place? Anywhere warm, sunny and peaceful surrounded by nature.
• What is your claim to fame? My daughter is my claim to fame as she has met the Prime
Minister, but for myself, I was a maternity nurse for a Greek prince.
• If you could have one super power what would it be? On a soppy level, I would love to be able to
cure cancer. On a fun level, I would love to teleport, particularly to far-flung countries for sun and
adventure.
ELVETHAM HEATH MATTE RS PAGE 7
What’s Been Happening on Elvetham Heath…
• Elvetham Heath Market
February saw the return of the Elvetham Heath Market, after a January break,
and we were delighted with the turnout. Our new stallholder Luncheon
Muncheon sold out of his smoked pulled pork buns and Hell’s Bakery also sold
out of their amazing cakes. March sees the new arrival to the market of Green
Bean Coffee Company in their Vintage Renault Estafette selling freshly brewed
coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cold drinks.
The market runs on the second Saturday of every month from 10am to
1.30pm and we have a wonderful range of produce on offer including
fresh fruit and veg, award winning pies, meat, eggs, cheese and
homemade cakes and tarts.
Come to the next market on 14th March to pick up some fantastic
local produce and say hello to the passionate folk that make it. Looking
ahead, our April market falls on Easter Weekend, so come along and join in all the Easter fun….
• Christmas on the Heath
Christmas may now seem like a distant memory, but we would like to
thank all those who attended our Carols in the Key event. The weather
was kind to us and the rain (mostly) held off. Thanks to the Heathuns
WI who kept everyone warm with mulled wine and hot chocolate.
The Christmas market was less fortunate weather wise but was still a
successful event with a festive feel thanks to the carol singers and
Christmas produce.
We hope you all enjoyed the new Christmas lights this year – bigger and brighter than before.
These should last us for a several years.
Now we can look ahead to summer 2020 and the events we have planned so don’t forget to
save the dates: the Summer Fete will be taking place on Saturday 20th June, 1-5pm and the
Concert on the Green will be on Saturday 11th July, 3-8pm. More details coming soon!
• A Parish in Bloom!
Last summer we entered the South and South East Parish in Bloom
competition and are proud to say that we received a silver gilt award
and were only four points away from gold. Buoyed by this success, we
have entered again this year. The floral displays will return to the Key
area and whilst these and our attractive open spaces helped us win the
award, it is community involvement that carries a lot of weight with the
judges. If anyone is keen to get in involved, please do get in touch. In
the meantime, do watch out for the daffodils appearing along
Elvetham Heath Way.
• New at the Key Centre
We have a few new groups at the centre. For more information on all
classes please see Elvetham Heath Life, our website or contact us.
Singing for the Mind: a group for dementia sufferers and their carers
which meets every Tuesday at 2pm
Clubbercise: Wednesday evenings at 8.30pm
Kahli Lewis Dance Company: Wednesday 4.30-8pm
Rugbytots: Saturday 8.30am – 12.30pm
PAGE 8 ELVETHAM HEATH MATTE RS
Dates for your Diary
Saturday 14th March: Elvetham Heath Market, The Key. 10am-1:30pm
Friday 27th March: Summer Wines Wine Workshop, The Key Centre. From 7:30pm.
A special event fundraising for Phyllis Tuckwell. See www.pth.org.uk for more details.
Sunday 29th March: The BIG Elvetham Heath Spring Clean, The Key Centre. 1-4pm
Saturday 11th April: Elvetham Heath Easter Market, The Key. 10am-1:30pm
Friday 8th May: Classic Motorcycle Run, The Key. From 9:30am. Run by Fleet Lions,
this event attracts over 200 classic motorbikes. See fleetlions.org.uk for more details.
Saturday 9th May: Elvetham Heath Market, The Key. 10am-1:30pm
Wednesday 27th May: Annual Residents’ Evening, The Key Centre. 7pm
Saturday 13th June: Elvetham Heath Market, The Key. 10am-1:30pm
Saturday 20th June: Summer Fete, The Green. 1-5pm
Saturday 11th July: Elvetham Heath Market, The Key. 10am-1:30pm
Saturday 11th July: Concert on the Green, The Green. 3-8pm
Your Local Authorities—Who is Responsible for What?
Elvetham Heath Parish Council The Key Centre
The Key Centre Car parks at The Key and Turner’s Way
The Key GU51 1HA Grass verge maintenance, hedges and shrubs
Tel: 01252 819204 Litter bins
Email: office@elvethamheath-pc.org.uk Recreational facilities: play areas, pitches,
the green, woodland walks
Outdoor green space except nature reserve
Tennis courts
Hart District Council Refuse collection
Civic Offices Street cleaning
Harlington Way Fly tipping
Fleet GU51 4AE Housing
Tel: 01252 622122 Parking matters
Licensing
District Councillors: Cllr Angela Delaney Community Safety Initiative
Cllr Steve Forster District leisure facilities
Cllr Sara Kinnell Elvetham Heath nature reserve
Tree preservation orders
Planning matters
Council Tax
Hampshire County Council Highways including gritting and signage
Tel (Highways): 08456 035633 Street lighting
Tel (all other depts.): Tel: 01962 841841 Public rights of way
Education and learning
Council Councillors: Cllr Adrian Collett (Elvetham East) Libraries
Cllr Steve Forster (Elvetham West) Consumer advice and protection
Social care
Community transport
Your councillors
Marilyn Robson (Chair) Nicky Bond (Vice Chair) Candice Walmsley
Claire Brooks-McGoldrick Gordon Smith Martyn O’Donoghue Nick White
Parish Clerk: Jan Hyatt
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