Winchester News Online
Exbury Gardens remains open to visitors for exercise during lockdown
Exbury Gardens is remaining open during the second lockdown to enable people to use its grounds for essential exercise.
The New Forest attraction would normally be closed by now for routine garden and railway maintenance until Spring. But following public demand and the latest government guidance, Exbury’s Board of Directors decided to keep the gardens open.
An Exbury Gardens spokesperson said: “Keeping the gardens open to the public in this way is in the best interest of all, enabling our visitors to reap the mental and physical benefits of using our 200 acres of outstanding natural beauty for exercise.”
To enable more people to make use of their grounds amid the restrictions, ticket prices have been reduced.
Local blogger Sarah Frost (@girlabouthampshire) features Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway in blog posts including suggested ‘Autumnal walks’ and the ‘Top 5 days out in Hampshire’.
The blogger told WINOL: “I think it’s so important that gardens such as Exbury can remain open during lockdown because they provide large open spaces for people to enjoy. During the shorter days, they provide somewhere to exercise and get some fresh air which is vital for wellness in these tough times”.
The popular spot has been given the Visit England’s ‘We’re Good to Go’ mark, showing it has made the necessary changes to meet Government and public health Covid guidance.
Changes include, pre-booked tickets, one-way systems and regular cleaning to keep staff and visitors safe.
Exbury Gardens is just one of Hampshire’s scenic sites being kept open, with the National Trust also keeping all their “outdoor spaces” open to the public.
Gardening and Wellbeing Therapist, Annabelle Padwick told WINOL she hopes public gardens and grounds have been kept open this time “because the government are aware of how important they for our wellbeing”.
“But it’s probably because they are usually all open outside spaces which makes them quite safe. Plus, the autumn wet weather will naturally reduce the number of visitors making it even safer, compared to the summer months.”
“Gardens are incredible places that provide comfort, inspiration, hope and most importantly at time like this, a place outside that we can all safely visit”.
“Especially for people who don’t have access to their own garden, having the option to visit Exbury or other public gardens is hugely important for their overall wellbeing”.
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.
-
Football10 years agoFootball – Winchester City vs Didcot Town
-
Community9 years agoWinnall community association renovated
-
Community9 years ago
Hampshire’s frontline services at risk
-
Hampshire9 years agoUniversity of Winchester Parking Trouble
-
Community9 years ago
Knight Bus unveiled at school
-
Community9 years ago‘Controversial’ new plans take shape in Eastleigh
-
Winchester News Online9 years ago#MiracleMissy Update
-
Bulletins8 years agoWINOL 20 November 2018