Winchester News Online
Winchester locals spark petition to prevent Water Garden being built on
The Water Garden, first created by Sir Peter Smithers in the 1950s, is now threatened by the current owner’s construction plans according to Winchester City Council.
The Water Garden is a well-known beauty spot of Winchester which moves backwards onto the Cathedral. The space consists of a pond, classical statue, and magnolia tree. The small area is mostly used for locals to walk through and take photos. Nonetheless, the spot’s future has been threatened and has sparked outrage online, on a Facebook page named “WINCH RANTS”, as development plans are put forward.
Buying the land back in 2018, Alan Stone publicly put out a statement to reassure the city council that it would be preserved, stating: “What’s the point of having something that beautiful and building on it?”
Yet just two years on a proposal has been brought to WCC (Winchester City Council) claiming Mr Stone wishes to build a two-storey house and two new openings for the garden, according to news reports.
Stephen Harte, Winchester City Council’s spokesman and groups of online locals have publicly objected to the application reports “THE SUN.” Members of the public had up until mid-November to send in written complains to the Council in order to get the construction cancelled, which has hit over 1,000 names in total.
One local 3rd year student, Esme Winterbone, said: “I think history should be preserved for the enjoyment of the public. I, and many others I know, enjoy walking through that public space and would hate to see it ruined by developers”
A first year named Jamie Marsh, gave a brief synopsis of their complaint letter, stating that: “Water Close is a modern treasure, a public work of art, a heritage asset and even a tourist attraction”
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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