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‘Cruel pandemic’ limits Hampshire’s library service

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Book lovers in Hampshire can continue to use libraries during lockdown, but in a limited way.

Because readers can’t browse in branch during lockdown there are now alternative ways to borrow books.

Users can reserve and renew library books online or on their smartphone using an app.

Alternatively, library customers can use the service Ready Reads, where library staff select books based on what the customer likes to read, and the customer collects the books from their chosen library.

Councillor Seán Woodward, Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage, said: “In the interest of everyone’s safety, which remains our top priority, we will not be able to support browsing in any of our branches while the latest national COVID-19 lockdown is in place.

“We encourage customers to instead look through our digital library and borrow and return digital items from the comfort of their own home, if they can.”

Cllr Woodward told WINOL: “We also have a successful Library at Home Service where residents, perhaps more vulnerable and even shielding residents, are able to receive library books of their choice delivered to their home.”

People can join virtual children’s activities such as Online Rhymetime and Online Storytime.

During the lockdown all library cafés will be closed.

Cllr Woodward told WINOL: “The pandemic has been so cruel. So may vulnerable groups would meet in our libraries, and they’d be really important community hubs.

“Our Discovery Centres with cafés and more people coming in to do other things than actually get library books. And that is the sad thing, that we have lost all of that.”

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Police hunt man who threw chair and threatened shoppers

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A man threw a chair and threatened bystanders in the centre of Gosport on Friday.

Police say the man, who was behaving aggressively, threw the chair on the ground and shouted threats at nearby shoppers before running away. No one was injured.

It happened just before noon, outside a Greggs Bakery on the High Street. 

Hampshire Police say the man was white, bald and in his late 40s. He was wearing a baseball cap and a grey hoodie. 

Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them.

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Winchester News Online

Police officers injured during anti-migration rally

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Twelve people were arrested after 350 anti-migrant protestors clashed with police overnight in Gosport following reports of a small boat landing in the area.
A small number of officers needed medical treatment following the protests near Walpole car park.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest, our position on this has been clear that we will investigate thoroughly and take robust action against anyone responsible.
“Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.”
Police had banned face coverings and had issued a dispersal order ahead of the protests across Gosport.
Those arrested were held on suspicion of assaulting officers or being drunk and disorderly.
The protest marks an increase in tensions within the UK after protests at Portsmouth, Taunton, Basingstoke and Glasgow in recent months.
Gosport Reform UK councilor Paul Carter told GB News: “If you think about this last night, no one really knew what was happening… I think a lot of people are really worried.”

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Residents warned over closure of recycling centre

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People in Romsey are being warned that the town’s recycling centre will be closing for a month for repairs.

The closure of Casbrook recycling centre will take place from 12 October to 12 November.

The council says that repairs are essential to keep the site safe, after heavy vehicles damaged the tarmac beneath waste containers.

Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s deputy leader, said: “We are investing in essential improvements to preserve the surface of Casbrook HWRC (Bunny Lane) and ensure the facility continues to serve residents safely and effectively for many years to come.

“I thank residents for their patience during these works and confirm that capacity is available at nearby HWRCs to ensure residents that usually use Bunny Lane, can still dispose of their waste during this time.”

Locals have been advised to use alternative centres in Winchester and Eastleigh while the repairs take place.

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