Monthly Archives: June 2020

From Hampshire County Council who administer the Bus passes:

The temporary changes to our concessionary travel scheme are coming to an end on Monday 15 June. The week-day start time for free travel for bus pass holders will revert to the normal 9.30am.

This is to help manage demand, particularly earlier in the mornings, as more people return to work and with social distancing in place at bus stops and on board.

Cllr Rob Humby, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment said:

As the country eases out of travel restrictions set in March to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, we can expect busy travel times to start to get back to more traditional peak periods.With capacity on public transport limited due to social distancing requirements, it seems the right time to revert to the usual operating hours for bus passes, helping to ensure space on buses earlier in the mornings for those going to work.I’d like to thank Hampshire’s bus operators for making the changes needed so quickly in March which allowed older people to travel for free when they could access supermarkets at quieter times, keeping themselves as safe as possible from the spread of COVID-19.

Face MasksAs from June 15th Face Masks will also be required when using public transport in England:See:FACE MASKS ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT

A message of thanks from Hampshire Countryside Services to all the volunteers that help to maintain our Public Rights of Way.

“We couldn’t do it without you! Thank you to all our volunteers helping to improve access on Hampshire’s Rights of Way network. Whether it’s working as a group work party, or as an individual path warden, your contribution has been invaluable so hats off to you”.Hampshire Countryside Service

Jackie & Barry the co-ordinators for Whitchurch Walkers are Welcome would also like to join Hampshire Countryside Services in saying thank you to our footpath and litter picking volunteers for all their hard work on the 364 km of paths in Whitchurch Parish.

Unfortunately government social distancing guidelines has pretty much curtailed all organised volunteering activities on the local public rights of way, but since the easing of lockdown we have been out assessing the local paths and liaising with the North Area Community Ranger in readiness for when we can restart maintenance activities.  

Hopefully we will be able to get cracking again soon; judging by the explosion in vegetation, I think we’re going to be busy!