Winchester News Online
Coronavirus putting police under increased stress
Police officers in Hampshire are facing increasing stress and mental health issues due to the impact of Coronavirus, a body representing law enforcement has said.
The Hampshire Police Federation (HPF) says officers are feeling the effect of the extra strain placed on them to enforce Covid-19 rules and regulations.
Che Donald, National Vice-Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “What is worrying for my colleagues on the frontline is attending significantly more sudden deaths of Covid-19 victims and what impact this repeat exposure will have on their mental health.”
Over 230 Hampshire officers had to take sick leave over 2019/20, due to illnesses they felt caused by pressure they were under.
A welfare pack has also been sent out to all HPF members, which includes mental health support and financial guidance, aimed to help members cope with added stress caused by Covid-19.
Garry Smith, Hampshire Police Federation Secretary, said: “We’ve created the pack that may help people, whether it be with their own mental wellbeing if they’ve got any finance concerns.
“We wanted to stay in touch with people and offer some advice to help them through their self-isolation or their period working away from the workplace.
Winchester News Online
Park and ride charges to increase 22%
Park and ride users in Winchester will pay an extra pound per day from next month.
Winchester City Council posted “notices of variation for charges” across park & ride car parks.
It said that the price for all-day parking will increase from £3.50 to £4.50 and seasonal tickets will rise by 28%.
Some park and ride users were critical of the increase.
One woman, who uses the service regularly, said: “I’m surprised. I haven’t read anything about that at all.
“It does seem quite a steep rise.”
A tourist visiting from Canada said: “I think the service will remain high class, but it may be a hardship for some people who may find it less affordable.”
But another man, who lives in Winchester, said: “It’s so easy, it’s worth paying. I mean, where else would we park in Winchester?”
The Winchester Green Party said any increase in charges needs to be considered carefully to ensure that users are not put off using the service.
“Park and ride plays an important role in Winchester’s transport network.
“It helps reduce congestion in the city centre, supports air quality objectives and provides an alternative to driving into some of Winchester’s busiest streets.
“From a climate perspective, the long-term objective should be to make sustainable travel options attractive, convenient and accessible.
“For many residents and visitors, park and ride remains an important part of that mix, particularly for journeys where walking, cycling or conventional public transport are not practical.”
The council said it will still be free to park on Sundays but there are no buses.
Drivers can also park for free after 4pm as long as they get a ticket.
Winchester City Council was contacted for a response.
Winchester News Online
Police hunt man who threw chair and threatened shoppers
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.
Winchester News Online
Police officers injured during anti-migration rally
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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