Winchester News Online
OPINION: Winchester is abandoning the homeless and drunk
Winchester. A city captured in the endless pages of history, and the creative hub for many artists and musicians, but behind this aesthetic portrayal, is a city plagued by drunkenness, homelessness and shoplifting.
And yet, these issues are not seen as a genuine problem, and instead a burden on the council desperate to protect the city’s reputation as a pristine city.
According to Councillor Ian Tait, market traders have “been threatened with violence” by a group of “around 10–15 individuals,” however, many of the market stall owners told us that this was not the case at all.
One market stall owner told us that this claim was completely inaccurate, and in fact, many of the smaller businesses benefit from the company and even appreciate it.
“In this city, there is a real sense of community. We do not abandon one another if they happen to be heavy drinkers or homeless,” said another stall owner.
“It seems as though it is easier to target these people than actually help them.”
Ironically, Winol found that although Winchester’s market owners were mainly unaffected by the anti-social behaviour, young women under the age of 30, did feel uneasy.
“I feel guilty for judging a character, but I cannot help but feel on edge,” one 21-year-old told us.
“You see all these horror stories of young girls being followed and attacked, and I don’t want to become another one of those headlines.”
“I feel like as a society, we are almost conditioned as girls to feel threatened by men in general, but in particular by drunks and drug users,” said another young woman.
“I think many of these people just need help. Not to be treated like criminals by the people who can actually help them.”
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.
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.”
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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