Winchester News Online
Pollution levels still on the rise in Winchester
Anger has been expressed at the slow progress in reducing pollution in Winchester city centre.
The centre’s one-way system and main routes have been covered by an Air Quality Management Area since 2003 with the first action plan launched in 2006, but levels of nitrogen dioxide and particulates still remain high in the city.
Winchester’s air pollution is mainly caused by traffic so the first lockdown saw levels reducing, the health and environment committee heard.
David Ingram, head of environmental health & licensing, said the council policy was to try to reduce traffic in the city centre with higher parking charges to encourage the use of park and ride.
“The most significant improvement in air quality would be realised by a significant reduction in vehicles accessing the town centre. There is a dichotomy in how we reduce levels of traffic without having a direct impact on economic prospects. We are trying to discourage more polluting vehicles such as SUVs.”
“We want to create a sense of movement in the district and something we want everyone to want to be a part of.”
The council is cutting its carbon footprint with the use of electric vehicles and reducing staff commuting.
A spokesperson from Winchester Council said the uptake of electric vehicles had been more than offset by the increased number of SUVs on the roads which was “very disappointing.”
Cllr Jackie Porter, Lib Dem, said of behaviour change: “Don’t underestimate lots of people making small changes: eating a vegetarian meal twice a week, using a slow cooker more often. Not everyone will rush out and buy an electric car.”
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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