Winchester News Online
Grass roots football uncertainty cleared up by government announcement
Former footballer and youth football coach Robbie Savage is one of many demanding the Government take grass roots football into consideration when planning lockdown and tier system restrictions.
In Hampshire, there are over 1500 youth football teams, who, at times throughout this pandemic, have been left in the dark over what they can and can’t do due to COVID-19 restrictions. Since schools reopened in September, children have been able to mix with their classmates during the school day but, weren’t allowed to mix for recreational activities in their free time.
Travelling from one tier to the next for recreational purposes has been brought into question. For example, if a team from the Isle of Wight(Tier One) traveled to Portsmouth(Tier Two) for a football match, would this be allowed and would it be putting people at risk of the virus?
On Thursday 5th November, Oliver Dowden responded to MP Shaun Bailey in the House of Commons saying “I know that football clubs large and small make a huge contribution to their community on and off the pitch and, I can assure you my honourable friend they won’t be forgotten. As soon as we’re in a position to start lifting restrictions, grassroots sports will be one of the first to return.”
The day the UK went from national lockdown to the tier system when the Government released clear guidelines on the matter. These stated that organised outdoor sport is exempt from legal gathering limits across all levels, but modifications to high-risk activities should be made in tier three areas.
As for indoor sport such as Futsal, they are not exempt from legal gathering limits and must follow guidance and adhere to social distancing when not actively participating.
This will come as a relief for all teams across Hampshire who can resume playing after a bumpy, uncertain start to the football season.
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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