Winchester News Online
Ghost Train returns to Exbury Gardens for Halloween half-term
Exbury Gardens has welcomed back family favourite the Halloween Ghost Train for half-term.
The popular attraction has already been fully booked until Sunday but passengers who managed to get tickets can expect a pantomime-like experience with songs, jokes and some spooky friends along their journey through the scenic gardens.
This year the ghost train will see even more masks than usual, with face coverings being one of the new Covid safety measures in place to protect customers.
The steam railway have significantly reduced their ticket sales, with only alternate compartments available and to just one family or support bubble to allow for social distancing.
Exbury has tried to remain positive throughout the pandemic. Marketing Manager Celise Galloway told WINOL: “We were always certain we could make the event as safe as possible for our visitors.”
Exbury’s Halloween half-term is also host to craft activities like pumpkin carving and bat box making, in what was supposed to be the last week before the gardens’ winter closure. Instead, the Autumn opening has been extended for, at least, a week more.
Marketing Manager Celise told WINOL: “This has been a difficult year for so many, both physically and mentally.”
“And so, it made sense to allow people the benefit of visiting our stunning gardens.”
The Gardens are made up of 200 acres of woodland landscape within the New Forest. Each year, the attraction closes over Winter for routine garden and railway maintenance before their Spring reopening in March.
Those wishing to visit the gardens or take part in the Halloween fun, must buy a ticket and book an arrival slot online at https://www.exbury.co.uk/booking.
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.”
Winchester News Online
Residents warned over closure of recycling centre
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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