From Basingstoke and Deane:

Play areas and outdoor gyms are set to reopen from 4th July

Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council has announced that Play areas and outdoor gyms are set to reopen from Saturday 4th July in line with the latest government guidance.

The Borough Council will start reopening its 150 play areas from Saturday 4th July and is asking residents to be patient while the necessary health and safety inspections are carried out and signage is installed at each location.

WhitchurchThe council’s play inspection team will also be reopening 50 play areas belonging to parish and town councils in the borough as well as outdoor gyms.

Before each play area and outdoor gym can be safely reopened it must be inspected and residents are asked not to use the equipment until the council’s team has carried out this work and declared it fit for use.

Families and those wishing to exercise on the gym equipment will also be asked to follow the latest social distancing guidance when using the facilities.

For more information and to find your nearest play area visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/playareas

One big growth area as a result of the lockdown has been the interest in cycling, for leisure, utility and health reasons.Many more cyclingEvery day there are more enjoying the lovely countryside, going for exercise, or visiting the shops. Now that cafés have opened as takeaways numbers of visitors have become more noticeable, and with greater easing of the lockdown restrictions due next month these are sure to increase.

Coffee, cakes and shoppingCycle shops have seen a boom in trade as more take to two wheels. While riders sup their coffees, eat their cakes and fill up with energy from the shops, the new cycle racks help keep shop fronts and doorways clear of obstructions while the seats outside the Town Hall are well used for a rest and enjoyment of ice creams.Others are dusting off their bikes from the backs of sheds and using them for trips for local shopping. With less traffic, cleaner air, convenience and no parking problems, the benefits are clear.

Countryside paths and bridlewaysWith so many riding there has been pressure on some of the local countryside routes and riders are reminded that not all rural footpaths are available for cycling unless they are designated as Bridleways (which are open to walking, cycling and horse riding).

At the present time the only direct Bridleway status in town applies to the path north from Bloswood Drive out past the St Cross Allotments and towards Egbury.This lovely ride is also part of the Hampshire County Council’s Whitchurch 23 mile-Off-Road route that includes the Bourne valley, Ladle Hill and Watership Down. It is quite ‘challenging’ but can be done in parts and it links into some other lovely areas of the countryside.CYCLING IN HAMPSHIRE

Currently there are also proposals being made to redesignate the walking-only footpath westwards from Webbs Farm Close as a Bridleway (on which there will be local consultation).All other rural footpaths such as the ones by The Weir to All Hallows and through the ‘Hangings’ to Bere Mill are for walking only and cyclists (and horse riders) are asked to respect the law on this, as well as keeping to the Countryside Code: COUNTRYSIDE CODEHowever there is a mass of lovely tranquil lanes surrounding the town, making leisure riding a wonderful activity, with Sustrans National Cycle Route N246 just a few miles to the west: SUSTRANS NCN 246

Local information and supportToday, social media plays a large part in communications and there are several cycling related groups and pages. If you want advice or to go for a ride, there is a lot of freely available advice available.See:W.H.A.C (Whitchurch Hampshire Adventure Cycling)Whitchurch Hampshire Adventure Cycling (Facebook)Whitchurch Cycling – HampshireWhitchurch Cycling (Facebook)Advice on repairs and local cycling is also available through:Whitchurch Cycle Repair Café which is currently available as a local ‘fix for charity’ donation scheme.Currently contact is via contact@whitchurchcycling.org.uk

Need some advice? Coming soon:Coming soon there is also an opportunity for anyone new to or returning to cycling to have an informal and friendly get-together (social-distancing catered for) to learn about getting the most comfortable position and how to undertake necessary repairs such as punctures, and taking spares for a local cycle ride.Other support on cycling can be provided too.

ENJOY

From Basingstoke & Deane

UPDATE on work of community safety patrol officers (CSPOs) last week

Last week our community safety patrol officers dealt with 72 incidents, including fly-tipping, welfare checks and antisocial behaviour.

The majority of incidents dealt with last week related to antisocial behaviour, including littering incidents. Additional temporary signage has been installed and the team continues to work closely with operations in order to ensure all areas are kept clean.

Patrols are continuing in busier areas of the borough, such as parks and open spaces, due to the potential increase in gatherings following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. More patrols are also being dedicated to the town centre after more shops reopened on Monday 15 June.

The team continues to encourage residents to follow the government’s guidance when it is clear they are not complying and the police continue to report a good level of compliance from residents.

If you are aware of any particular issues, please email:cspo@basingstoke.gov.uk

The No.59 bus which serves the local Whitchurch area three mornings a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) is still picking up passengers and is a lifeline for some to reach the town for shopping or other essential services.

Phased returnWith an easing of the ‘lockdown’ a phased return to a more normal service has commenced.

Booking serviceThe service will be operating on its pre-Covid days using a booking system – just call 01256 320501. This will mean that no one needing the bus would be left at a bus stop, as capacity is being determined by the social distancing advice of the time.

Covid SafetyBCT drivers are undertaking special Covid-19 instruction on how to safely operate and maintain their vehicles before, during, and after each use, with appropriate PPE and cleaning materials being given to each driver.

TO USE THE BUS contact (24 hours in advance):

Community Transport Booking (Community Bus 59)

01256 320501