Winchester News Online
Popular cafe struggling due to road closures
Staff of the Handlebar Cafe have been left worried and confused as their business struggles due to restricted access caused by a nine-month project to repair a 100 year old bridge.
The Handlebar Café, part of Bespoke Biking has been hit in its peak season with parking suspensions and further works along Garnier Road, continuing to confuse customers and delivery drivers.
Lee Banks, Manager of The Handlebar Café, said: “There’s a lack of confidence whether people can come here or not, and that’s one of the big things that we’ve been trying to counteract, with that and the weather over the summer, its allowed for a dip in sales.”
“In the first three months we lost £10,000 so this summer we had to work really hard to keep the confidence levels up.”
However, the café is staying positive and striving forwards to chase sales by revamping their menu, including a larger range of vegan options, as well as free treats on offer for children.
Company Director, Heather Evans said: “We are going to start a petition to seek some compensation as our jobs and livelihoods are on the line, the closure has stopped people from getting to work.”
“The closure of the bridge has come at such a bad time; we look out of the café window and see nothing happening- the opportunities of things to go wrong is very high.”
After just recently celebrating their 4-year anniversary in late September, The Handlebar Café hopes for many more years to come.
Whilst reflecting on this milestone, the café would like to thank all their customers that have supported the business throughout this tough time and wish to give a warm welcome to new customers that walk through their doors.
But now with February 2024 seeming like the more appropriate time for the bridge repair to be completed, and with autumnal weather approaching the café is worried for their future.
The Handlebar Café still remains firmly open, despite the road closure:
Monday – Wednesday, 8:30am- 4:30pm
Thursday – Sunday, 8:30am – 5:30pm
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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