New enforcement and further businesses now open 

Further venues are now allowed to open and new enforcement measures have been annpunced – https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-announces-stronger-enforcement-measures-as-easements-resume

The series of tough new enforcement measures will target the most serious breaches of social distancing restrictions.  Fines for repeatedly not wearing face coverings where mandated will be significantly increased in the coming weeks up to £3,200, and on the spot fines for hosting or facilitating illegal gatherings of more than 30 people will be introduced.

The plan set out in the ‘roadmap to recovery’, which was paused for two weeks,  resumed from Saturday 15 August in England – except for specific areas where local restrictions are in place.  This means:

• indoor play and indoor soft play, bowling alleys, skating rinks and casinos will be permitted to reopen
• beauty salons, tattoo studios, spas and barbers across England will be able to offer all close contact services – including front of the face treatments such as eyebrow threading, eyelash treatments and facials from August 15 under new guidance
• indoor theatres, music and performance venues will be able to reopen with socially distanced audiences under updated performing arts guidance published by the government
• wedding receptions in the form of a sit-down meal in a COVID-secure location for up to 30 guests will now be permitted
• the piloting of a small number of sporting events to test the safe return of spectators can resume from August 15 with a view to reopening competition venues for sports fans, with social distancing measures in place from 1 October
• a number of pilots will now take place at event venues across the country to help plan how best to restart indoor business events and implement social distancing practices. Business events and conferences will be permitted to resume from 1 October provided rates of infection remain at current levels.

The government will continue to review these measures which are based upon the very latest infection rates but states that the situation now appears to have levelled off from two weeks ago when ONS had expressed concerns about a slight increase in the number of people in England testing positive. More detail on the new enforcement measures will be set out in the coming week.

Guidance has been updated to pick up these changes: 

·         Face coverings: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

·         Face covering exemptions: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

·         FAQs – what you can and can’t do: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do

·         Staying alert and safe: Staying alert and safe (social distancing)

Back to school safely government campaign launched 

The government has launched its #backtoschoolsafely campaign to reassure parents and students that schools and colleges are ready for their return in September – see https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-campaign-launches-to-get-children-back-to-school-safely

The campaign, which forms part of the government’s wider Stay Alert campaign, will show teachers welcoming their students back into school, experiencing all the benefits that entails. Newspaper and billboard advertising were launched from 17 August, with radio and digital adverts live from Monday 24 August and running until early September, alongside wider engagement with the teaching profession and local communications.

Schools have received Public Health England endorsed guidance on protective measures they should implement to be as safe as possible and reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus.

Parents are encouraged to visit gov.uk/backtoschool for information and practical guidance to help them plan for their children’s return to school. Leaflets explaining more about the safety measures in place will be made available over the coming days.

Local COVID-19 data and information

The most up to date figures for the borough from the Office of National statistics, for the week ending 7 August, show there have been no reported COVID-19 deaths in the borough since the week ending 26 June.

There have been 955 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Basingstoke and Deane in total – an increase of two cases since last week.

Cumulative data is shown on The Keep Hampshire Safe campaign webpages, launched by Hampshire County Council, at www.hants.gov.uk/coronavirus

The aim of the campaign is to continue to promote important public health messaging designed to support the population to keep well, and reduce transmission of coronavirus, as well as ensuring that messaging relating to local outbreaks will reach communities across the county in a timely way. The webpages include a number of resources and assets and contains links to a new COVID-19 dashboard, providing helpful ‘at-a-glance’ data on infection rates in Hampshire.

In line with best practice, the campaign messaging will reflect the traffic light colours of green, amber, red – to help local residents to recognise the state of play at any given time, with signposting to the latest information and advice.

The advice to everyone is that to help keep the virus in check and prevent local lockdowns in our area:

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

NHS advice about coronavirus (COVID-19), including what the symptoms are, what to do if you think you have it an…

1. keep your distance from people not in your household (or support bubble) – two metres apart wherever possible
2. wear face coverings where asked to do so
3. wash, wash, wash your hands – you can’t do this too often!
4. if you have symptoms, no matter how mild, get a test – it’s quick and easy to do. Book at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119

COVID-19 police survey

Hampshire Constabulary is working with the University of Portsmouth to understand views on how police officers across the region have handled the challenges of enforcing new rules during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Residents across the borough are being asked to complete this survey, which should take approximately 15 to 20 minutes, to allow Hampshire Constabulary to identify potential areas where discontent or enhanced compliance may be developed in similar situations. The results will also be used to develop strategies for the current pandemic and any future crisis scenarios.

Please have your say and share with residents in your areas to help Hampshire Constabulary collect a wide range of views.

Other Non-COVID-19 Council News

Work on Hampshire’s first dedicated Electric Vehicle Charging  Hub at Feather’s Yard underway

There will be more opportunities for motorists to drive cleaner and greener in Basingstoke’s town centre while supporting targets to reduce carbon emissions, following the start of work to create the first dedicated electric vehicle (EV) charging hub in Hampshire.

After a delay due to the coronavirus pandemic, work to create the ‘green hub’ at the council’s Feathers Yard Car Park in the town centre is now in progress thanks to a contribution of £75,000 approved by councillors last year.

The hub of six chargers supports the council’s Climate Emergency target to work towards a carbon neutral borough by 2030 and offers electric vehicle drivers a convenient and dedicated car park with a better choice of chargers. The current 22 kWh EV rapid charger is being relocated from Central Car Park to Feather’s Yard and three additional dual fast chargers are being added. Parking will be free for plug in vehicles when the works are complete – which is expected to be by the end of August.

The rapid charger is capable of charging a standard electric vehicle from near empty to 80% capacity in just 40 minutes and the fast chargers can charge from empty to 100% in two to five hours, depending on car and battery capacity.

Find out more about the current electric vehicle changing points in the town centre at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/vehicle-charging-point

Don’t miss next week’s celebration of the borough’s COVID-19 heroes

The borough’s COVID-19 heroes will be celebrated for their acts of kindness during the pandemic as part of Basingstoke and Deane’s Big Thank You Week.

As part of a project launched by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Love Basingstoke and Basingstoke Voluntary Action, people of all ages across the borough were asked to send in their messages of thanks to local heroes who have gone above and beyond throughout the pandemic.

Almost 400 personal messages were received thanking residents, groups and businesses for their work to support vulnerable people in the community and carrying out acts of kindness.

Examples of this fantastic work will be showcased during Basingstoke and Deane’s Big Thank You Week, from Monday 10 August to Friday 14 August. Throughout the week of celebration, there will be a spotlight on:

• Unsung heroes on 10 August on Love Basingstoke’s social media channels
• Volunteer organisations, community hubs and community associations on 11 August on Love Basingstoke’s social media channels
• The business community with two categories – community support and adapting operations on 12 August on Business in Basingstoke’s social media channels
• Local artists, art organisations and the heritage sector on 13 August on Basingstoke Festival’s social media channels
• Key and essential workers on 14 August on Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s social media channels.

Residents, groups and businesses will be encouraged to continue sharing their thanks to anyone who is going out of their way to help people in need via the website. For more information visit https://www.thebigbdthankyou.co.uk

Other non-COVID-19 council news

Mayor’s online tribute to mark 75th anniversary of VJ Day

The Mayor is inviting borough residents to join her in commemorating the 75th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on Saturday 15 August.

Cllr Diane Taylor, whose father served in Burma during the Second World War, will mark the national remembrance with an online tribute to be broadcast on the day, in line with government guidance on COVID-19.

VJ Day recognises both the surrender of Japan and the end of the Second World War and the Mayor will pay her respects to the many thousands of Armed Forces personnel who fought in the Far East and the Pacific. Her chaplain, Dr Andy Taylor, will also take part in the online service with a speech and prayers.

A two minute silence at 11am will follow the Mayor’s virtual message (on Facebook @BasingstokeMayor and on Twitter @BasingMayor) and borough residents will be encouraged to take part by remembering the service and sacrifice made by the Second World War generation.

There are plenty of ways for the public to get involved with the VJ Day 75 national commemorations. Visit the government’s website https://ve-vjday75.gov.uk/get-involved/

The Royal British Legion will also be marking the 75th anniversary of VJ Day with shared stories and tributes online at VJ Day | Remembrance Events | Royal British Legion

The Prime Minister announced some changes to lockdown easing measures in a briefing with Professor Chris Whitty on Friday 31st July. In response to increasing transmission of COVID-19 in England, the following measures are being put in place:

• the lifting of restrictions that should have taken place on Saturday 1st August will be paused – bowling alleys, ice rinks and casinos will remain closed until at least 15 August
• indoor performances will not resume and pilots of larger crowds in sports venues and conference centres will not take place
• face coverings will be required in additional venues such as museums, galleries and places of worship from 8 August.

Full details are in the speech – https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/prime-ministers-statement-on-coronavirus-covid-19-31-july-2020

The ‘national pause on shielding’ will go ahead as planned. The government is not changing the rules on social contact nationally but warns that unless people follow the rules further restrictions could be applied.

These changes are prompted by the weekly survey by the Office for National Statistics which reports that the prevalence of the virus in the community in England is likely to be rising for the first time since May.

Around one in 1,500 now have the virus, compared to one in 1,800 on 15 July and one in 2,000 on 2 July. The ONS also estimates there are now 4,900 new infections every day, up from around 3,000 per day on 14 July and 2,000 per day at the end of June.
Dave Burn
Interim Democratic Services Manager
dave.burn@basingstoke.gov.uk

01256 845510

Weekly waste collections to resume mid-August

Weekly waste collections in Basingstoke and Deane are set to resume from Monday 17 August as staffing for the bin collection service stabilises during the pandemic.

The council and its waste and recycling contractor Serco have reviewed staffing and are happy the weekly service can be resumed as lockdown measures continue to relax. The day residents’ bins are collected will not change.

New subscriptions to the popular garden waste service will also be available from Monday 3 August but residents are being advised it may take over a month for bins or bags to be delivered and collections to start.

The council and Serco will continue to review the staffing of all waste and recycling services and will take measures to protect the core services during the COVID-19 crisis if required.

Reinstating the weekly waste collection and opening new garden waste subscriptions means all of the council’s waste and recycling services will be back online by mid-August. The council first made the difficult decision to stop garden waste and bulky waste collections in March and temporarily move to a fortnightly waste collection late April.

For more information and frequently asked questions visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/covid-19-bins-and-recycling

Leisure facilities set to reopen this weekend

Facilities at Basingstoke Aquadrome and Tadley Swimming Pool and Gym will reopen this Saturday (25 July), following further easing of lockdown restrictions.

Officers have been supporting Serco, which runs the two facilities, to understand the measures that need to be in place to safely reopen.

At the Aquadrome, the gym, studio for classes and the 25-metre pool will reopen on a reduced capacity. The lagoon and health suite will remain closed.

The gym and pool facilities will also reopen at Tadley Swimming Pool and Gym. Due to the size of the studio, no fitness classes will be running at the facility.

At both facilities, swimming lessons will resume from Saturday 1 August.

All activities at both facilities will need to be pre-booked to allow Serco to monitor and maintain social distancing and customers will be encouraged by make card payments where possible.

The reopening of these facilities follows the earlier reinstatement of activities at Basingstoke Golf Centre, which is also operated by Serco. The pitch and putt, adventure golf and driving range facilities are available but the clubhouse and toilets remain closed.
 

Shoppers must wear face coverings from Friday

Shoppers across the borough are being reminded to wear face coverings from Friday (24 July) when visiting the town centre.

Officers have been helping retailers to safely reopen by ensuring they have the appropriate measures in place, as well as working with Basingstoke Together BID, Festival Place and The Malls to ensure Basingstoke town centre is a safe and pleasant experience for shoppers.

A number of measures have been put in place, including walking on the left hand side of walkways, an increased cleaning schedule of public areas, hand sanitising units and extensive signage reminding shoppers what they need to do.

On 14 July, the government announced that face coverings would be compulsory in all shops and supermarkets, in line with public transport, from this Friday (24 July).

This new measure will help to reduce the spread of COVID-19 from droplets from coughs and sneezes when visiting smaller areas where social distancing may be more difficult, alongside other measures such as regularly washing your hands.

The government’s guidance on face coverings can be found at
www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

The government’s Roadmap to March 2021 announced
The Prime Minister has today set out an updated Roadmap to 2021 outlining plans to prepare the NHS for the possibility of a second wave of COVID-19 in the winter and for the remainder of the economy and society to return to life “as normal as possible, as fast and fairly as possible, and as safely as possible”.  The key points of the speech were:

Support for the NHS

·         Increasing the amount of testing capacity to half a million antigen tests per day.

·         Launching the biggest flu vaccination programme in history.

·         £3bn additional funding for the NHS for winter preparation.

·         Using the independent sector to increase resource and maintain the Nightingale hospitals as fully operational until March.

Local powers to deal with local lockdowns

·         A framework will be published today on how local areas should deal with local lockdowns.

·         Councils will be given powers from tomorrow to take action in their areas, for example, to close outdoor spaces and cancel events.

·         Draft regulations will be laid for ministers to be able to close local premises, issue stay at home orders, restrict travel, and prevent people from entering or leaving areas.

Easing Covid-19 restrictions

·         Effective from now people are encouraged to use public transport if they need to although they should consider alternatives if available.
·         From 25 July, as previously planned, indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and swimming pools can open.
·         From 1 August, bowling alleys, skating rinks, and personal beauty services can open. Nightclubs and soft play centres must remain closed for now.
·         From 1 August, employers will have the discretion to make decisions about how to get back to work safely – this could mean some people continuing to work from home, for some people this may be coming back into work settings.
·         From 1 August, indoor performances can take place. Wider audience attendance at sports event in stadia will be piloted with the aim to bring back audiences in stadia in October. Weddings of up to 30 people will be permitted from August.
·         From November at the earliest there will be a review on whether to relax social distancing measures and signal a complete return to normal.
·         The Government’s formal shielding programme is due to end on 31 July. Shielding will be stood up again at any point if required.

Further guidance is expected on each of these different stages and we expect a further Government update on 1 August.

Don’t just dump it if you want to donate’ message about textile banks  

Basingstoke and Deane residents wanting to donate their clothing and textiles at the borough council’s recycling sites are being urged to check if their chosen charity has resumed collections before taking items to the recycling banks.

Many charities stopped collecting donations of clothing or textiles during the pandemic and have only just resumed this. Residents have continued to bring items to the council-owned sites creating a build-up at some sites, which is not only classed as fly-tipping but also presents a fire risk.

As a result, the sites are having to be cleared by the council’s waste crew rather than benefitting the charities they were intended for. To ensure the charities benefit from these donations, residents are being asked to hold on to items if the banks are full and not to leave bags on the ground beside them.

There are 59 textile bins at the council’s recycling sites across the borough. Find out more about the sites and where they are located at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/recycling-sites

Bin deliveries  

The borough council has seen a huge demand for glass boxes and recycling bins during the pandemic. This is great news and we are working hard to respond to these requests and complete as many deliveries as possible.

However the demand does mean it is taking longer than expected to get orders delivered. Residents can leave extra recycling next to their green bin in a cardboard box or a clear plastic sack. They can also take glass to our local bring sites. To find your nearest bring site visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/recycling-sites.

Play areas and outdoor gyms set to reopen in July

Play areas and outdoor gyms are set to reopen from Saturday 4 July in line with the latest government guidance.

The borough council will start reopening its 150 play areas in the borough from Saturday 4 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. The 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

Return of weekly waste collections to be considered next month

The temporary decision to reduce waste collections to fortnightly will be reviewed mid-July to determine if the weekly service can be brought back yet.

Together with waste contractor Serco, the borough council will assess if weekly waste collections can resume with an aim to set a date for the service to start if the outcome is positive.

As staffing levels have began to stabilise during the pandemic, the council has staggered the return of services with those requiring the fewest staff brought back online first.

The fortnightly garden waste service, which has over 12,000 customers signed up, started on Monday 15 June for existing customers. This followed the reintroduction of the council’s bulky waste collection service and deliveries of bins and glass containers in May.

Waste collections, which have the biggest impact on staffing, will be reviewed mid-July following the completion of two garden waste collections.

For more information on the services and frequently asked questions visit /www.basingstoke.gov.uk/covid-19-bins-and-recycling

Small businesses encouraged to apply for grant support

Funding support for small and micro businesses not eligible for other government funding will be available from the council from Monday.

Following the first round of applications to the Small Business Discretionary Scheme, £652,500 of funding has been paid to 109 small businesses and a new application round has now been launched.

Grants of £2,500, £5,000, £7,500 or £10,000 will be available for small and micro businesses in the borough linked to their level of fixed property overheads costs.

When applying, businesses must be able to demonstrate a significant loss of income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To be eligible, the business must have fewer than 50 employees, occupy a property with a rateable value of up to £75,000 or part of a property with a rateable value of up to £75,000. The business must also not be eligible for any other government schemes including (but not limited to):

·         Self-Employment Income Support Scheme

·         Small Business Grant Fund

·         Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant

·         The Fisheries Response Fund

·         Domestic Seafood Supply Scheme (DSSS)

·         The Zoos Support Fund

·         The Dairy Hardship Fund.

Businesses are being encouraged to apply as soon as possible as grants will be administered on a first come, first served basis. The new application window will launch on Monday (29 June) and businesses will need to complete an application form by 4.30pm on Thursday 9 July.

For more information on the eligibility criteria and to apply, see www.basingstoke.gov.uk/COVID-19-business-support-and-grants

Mayor’s Charity Appeal 2020/21 

The Mayor, Cllr Diane Taylor, has praised local people for helping her raise more than £24,000 for local charities during her past year in office.

As Cllr Taylor embarks on a second year as the borough’s Mayor, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she has announced that her new charities for 2020/21 will be Sebastian’s Action Trust and St John Ambulance (Hampshire district).

After a hugely successful fundraising year from May 2019, which was brought to a halt when the lockdown restrictions were introduced, the Mayor is delighted to announce that a total of £24,881 has been raised for the Mayor’s Charity Appeal 2019/20.

This will be divided between her three chosen charities – HeartSmart which receives £9,752, Real Change Not Loose Change which also receives £9,752 and Besom in Basingstoke which receives £5,376.

Have your say on unique opportunity to shape future of health services

Working in partnership, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Partnership of Clinical Commissioning Groups, West Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group and Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs hospitals in Basingstoke, Winchester and Andover, have launched a programme of public engagement on the biggest modernisation of local health services in 50 years.

Hampshire Together: Modernising our Hospitals and Health Services is an exciting programme that will involve all NHS and social care services across Alton, Andover, Basingstoke, Eastleigh, Winchester and the surrounding areas.

Along with the unique opportunity to build a brand new hospital for residents in north Hampshire, the central aim of all partners is to deliver a joined-up healthcare approach that supports patients to access the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

An online engagement session will be held for people in and around Basingstoke next Thursday (2 July) to explain the programme and a range of healthcare experts will be on hand to answer your questions. To register for this session, which is taking place between 8pm and 9pm, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hampshire-together-online-engagement-session-for-the-people-of-basingstoke-tickets-109824696624

To find out more about the programme and to share your views throughout June and July, please visit the Hampshire Together website, Home :: Hampshire Together

Changes to lockdown measures 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has today announced further changes to lockdown measures in England from Saturday 4 July.

• Prime Minister’s statement to the House: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/prime-ministers-statement-to-the-house-on-covid-19-23-june-2020
• News release on easing of lockdown measures: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-announces-easing-of-lockdown-restrictions-23-june-2020

Guidance, giving further details, is awaited but the key points are:

•  from Saturday 4 July:
  • if it is possible to keep the two-metre distance then we should do so;
  •  in places where it is not possible then the guidance is for ‘one metre plus’, which means other mitigation is required – this will include plastic screens and masks but also measures such as giving details to restaurants so that if there are links to an outbreak of Covid-19 then people can be contacted;
  • despite reduction in the distance, “the fewer social contacts you have the safer you will be”;
  • two households of any size can meet in any setting inside or outdoors but multiple households can’t meet indoors – social distancing must still be in place;
  • restaurants and bars can open but must run a table service system and ensure minimal staff and customer contact;
  • places of worship can open for prayer and services, provided social distancing is maintained; weddings of no more than 30 people can go ahead;
  • hairdressers with appropriate precautions can open but nailbars and other close contact personal services cannot yet open;
  • people will be free to stay overnight in self-contained accommodation, including hotels and bed and breakfasts, as well as campsites as long as shared facilities are kept clean;
  • most leisure facilities and tourist attractions can reopen if they can do so safely, including outdoor gyms and playgrounds, cinemas, museums, galleries, theme parks and arcades as well as libraries, social clubs and community centres;
•  ‘close proximity’ venues such as nightclubs, soft-play areas, indoor gyms, swimming pools and spas will need to remain closed for now, as will bowling alleys and water parks;
•  the government will work with the arts industry on specific guidance to enable choirs, orchestras and theatres to resume live performances as soon as possible;
• courts, probation services, police stations and other public services will increasingly resume face-to-face proceedings;
• wrap-around care for school age children and formal childcare will restart over the summer;
• primary and secondary education will recommence in September with full attendance and those children who can already go to school should do so.

Plans to ease guidance for those shielding

People shielding from COVID-19 will be advised they can spend more time outside their homes from Monday 6 July, the Health and Social Care Secretary has announced –

Plans to ease guidance for over 2 million shielding

Joint statement on the death of George Floyd

The leaders of all political groups at the council united to issue a joint statement that reconfirms Basingstoke and Deane stands in solidarity with all those who reject violence and oppose racism in all its forms.

Borough’s shopping areas set to reopen next week 

We are working with Festival Place, The Malls and Basingstoke Together Business Improvement District to implement measures for the safe reopening of Basingstoke town centre next week.

On 25 May, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced plans for non-essential retailers to reopen stores from Monday 15 June and as part of this, the council has been awarded £150,000 to introduce measures to keep shoppers safe.

Following the announcement, the council has been working with its partners in the town centre, as well as other shopping areas across the borough, to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for shoppers and businesses will be supported to understand the measures they need to take before they can reopen.

Shoppers will be encouraged to support local businesses while ensuring the safety of other visitors, business owners and their staff.

A number of measures will be put in place including walking on the left hand side of walkways in the Basingstoke town centre area, an increased cleaning schedule of public areas and extensive signage reminding shoppers what they need to do. The council is also working with partners to provide hand sanitising stations at the Top of the Town and in council-owned car parks.

Shoppers using council-owned car parks in the town centre are being urged to make card payments using the free RingGo app which is available to download from the App Store and Google Play.

There are a number of other ways to get to the town centre, including walking, cycling and public transport, with bus passengers encouraged to follow the social distancing measures in place at Basingstoke bus station and on the buses. Plans to provide additional temporary cycle storage in the town centre are also under way.

More information on the measures Stagecoach has put in place on buses operating in the borough can be found at www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/national/covid-19-travelling-safely# 

More information about the measures being implemented at The Malls is at www.themalls.co.uk and in Festival Place is at www.festivalplace.co.uk 

Household Waste Recycling Centre bookings

The new system for residents to book slots at Hampshire County Council’s household waste recycling centre (HWRC) at Wade Road will go live on Thursday 11 June.

Residents will be able to book a 30 minute slot for Monday 15 June onwards. Bookings can be made at www.hants.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling/recyclingcentres/book-appointment or telephone bookings, for those without access to the online system, can be made by calling 023 8017 9949.

Those wishing to book a slot will need to provide their name, car registration and, for online bookings, an email address. Bookings will be limited to one slot per household per week and people will be able to book a slot up to 48 hours in advance.

From Monday 15 June, all HWRCs will also revert to their normal summer opening hours of 9am until 6pm, seven days a week.

Garden waste service 

Garden waste collections in Basingstoke and Deane will re-start from next Monday 15 June for existing customers as staffing levels begin to stabilise following the COVID-19 outbreak.

The fortnightly garden waste service, which has over 12,000 customers signed up, is resuming as part of a plan agreed by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hart District Council, working with waste collection contractor Serco.

It follows the reintroduction of the council’s bulky waste collection service and deliveries of bins and glass containers in May.

Following the suspension of the service in March, all existing garden waste customers have been sent a letter advising them that the service is restarting. Customers are asked not to overfill their bags or bins as they will be too heavy for the crews to collect. No new customers can be accepted to the service at this time but this will be reviewed. Customers can look up their collection date at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/gardenwaste