Santa is almost here...

Track Father Christmas as he travels the world delivering presents.

Click HERE to see how far he’s got.

New season announced for Titchfield Festival Theatre

Titchfield Festival Theatre is delighted to announce its 2021 programme packed with shows for everyone.

Keeping us entertained has never been more important, and despite the necessary restrictions we have continued to plan some great new productions – and perform too, with rave reviews for shows such as Sweeney Todd and our current panto, Sleeping Beauty. Protecting our patrons is our top priority, so we have reduced the numbers in the auditoria as well as introducing other safety measures; please read the full details below.

Earlier this year, our live streaming service was launched, with the number of people tuning in to the live shows increasing every month. It is the perfect option for those patrons who prefer to or cannot visit the theatre. Every production is available via this service at this link https://www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/live-stream

We have over 30 productions lined up for our 2021 programme, musicals, drama, comedy and more.  There are exciting new productions from talented playwrights including An Evening with Rosie, Him & Me: The Tracy and Hepburn story and Lost + Found; classic comedy with the Lavender Hill Mob; popular favourites such as An Inspector Calls; the heart-warming Pollyanna; plus classic musical productions of, The Wizard of Oz and  Kiss Me, Kate. Our intimate studio is also hosting small scale musicals including LIFT.

A TFT season is not complete however without our annual Shakespeare summer festival, The Bard at the Barn. The 2021 summer plays at the historic Great Barn are The Taming of the Shrew, A Midsummer’s Nights Dream, The Comedy of Errors, Winter’s Tale and Shakespeare’s Lost Play by the RSC( Reduced Shakespeare Company).

The Titchfield Youth Theatre (TYT) promises some great shows too, with short plays and specially written productions including a rewriting of the classic story, Frank n Stein. The coming spring sees the start of our brand-new children’s theatre for youngsters aged 3+, promising interactive shows of popular stories with songs, dancing and theatre skills for all the family.

There is more exciting news, too. We have now launched Titchfield Youth Musical Theatre (TYMT), open to all young people aged 2 to 21. The new programme runs specialised theatre training to develop young people’s confidence and performance skills in acting, singing, dancing and stagecraft. and specifically will train youngsters in the art of Musical Theatre culminating in a performance of The Little Mermaid in June.

For more information on Titchfield Festival Theatre including booking tickets for forthcoming productions, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/or contact our Box Office on 0333 666 3366.        

YARN BOMBING THE POST BOX

Some very clever and creative Stitchers in Titchfield, have produced this amazing piece of work to say ‘Thank You’ to the Postmen and Postwomen, and to the shop keepers in the Village who have carried on supporting us during this Covid year.

Yarn bombing is a type of graffiti or ‘street art’ that employs using colourful displays of knitted and crocheted yarn or fibre, rather than paint or chalk.

The Jigsaw Playgroup and other young children have joined in helping the village look more Festive, by making pom-poms for the barrier around the village Christmas Tree.

Thank you clever people, keep those fingers busy!

Titchfield Ablaze – how it started and collecting your tree

Displaying a lit Christmas Tree in Titchfield Village started in the Mid 1970’s when the Bonfire Boys provided some red tubs with trees and lights; these were displayed outside the businesses in the Square and on a few flat porches in South St. The tubs were donated by the Southern Echo.

Moving forward to 1983 Ron Knee who ran the Antique/Chocolate shop in South Street, encouraged a few houses and shops to put up Christmas Trees, white lights preferred.

This idea caught on and in 1987 Tessa Short and Sheila Mayes organized trees for West Street, the first year 12 trees were put up, the second year word spread round the village and 40 trees were purchased and today its over 300. In the early days the Trees were supplied by a local nursery but this proved to be expensive.

At the start the bottoms of the trees were shaped by hand to ensure they fitted securely into the brackets, axes, a planer and finally electric saws were all used. In the early days individual light bulbs could be replaced and Ron Short would frequently be seen up a ladder replacing bulbs that were faulty.

“Titchfield Ablaze reminder...
collection of Trees on Saturday 5th 9.30-3.30pm...at Tessa’s Yard West St.,”

The Team of volunteers start at the end of August when the ‘price list’ arrives from the supplier, the trees are then advertised through October and the orders/payments are received from ‘village residents’. The order is placed at the beginning of November. In addition Trees are purchased for the Parish Rooms and the Church.

The first Saturday in December has always been a hive of activity in ‘Tessa’s Yard’ in West Street with the preparation and collection of trees. For older residents who are unable to put on lights and climb ladders we have a team of volunteers who help, at lunch time we gather together for a bowl of soup and lots of home-made cake so we are refueled for the afternoon tree collections closing the yard around 4pm exhausted.

The ‘Christmas Tree’ on the Green has been supplied by the Bonfire Boys and other local doners over the years but it is now purchased by ‘Hadlows’ the Butchers, Titchfield Village Trust pay £200 for the insurance, the lights are provided by ‘Freemantles’ transport by Mark Harris and the ‘Star’ was made by Tony Traces. It is always a magnificent tree that comes from the same Plantation as the village trees.

As the number of orders grew it became harder to prepare the trees by hand, even for the willing group of volunteers, so in 2017 we approached our Christmas Tree supplier with the problem of ‘trimming the bottoms’ they purchased a machine and now the trees arrive trimmed which saves lots of work and is safer!.

The price of the trees has always been important, our aim is to have as many houses in the village taking part and to source trees grown locally. In 2010 we found a supplier who has allowed us to fulfil these aims… we hope Titchfield residents will continue to support us,

‘Merry Christmas’ from the Titchfield Ablaze Team. (Tessa, Grace and Annette)

Almshouse available in Titchfield

A Three Bedroom Earl of Southampton’s Trust Almshouse is available for person(s) in need who are currently resident n the Ancient Parish of Titchfield.

The Ancient Parish includes Titchfield, Stubbington, Locks Heath, Lee-on-the-Solent, Warsash, Sarisbury Green & Whiteley

Application Forms are available from:

The Earl of Southampton Trust Office, 24 The Square, Titchfield, PO14 4RU or can be downloaded from: eost.org.uk/housing

Please return completed application forms to Tracey Kenney at the above address by 31st December 2020

What the end of Lockdown 2 means for Titchfield

The easing of lockdown from this Wednesday will result in Fareham being in tier two of the national restrictions in place to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.

 As a result the Civic Offices will be open again. There are temperature checks on entry to the building and all visitors will be required to wear a mask. They should also check in for track and trace purposes on the NHS app or provide contact details.

 The tier two restrictions mean the following:

• You must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.

• You must not socialise in a group of more than 6 people outside, including in a garden or a public space – this is called the ‘rule of 6’

• Businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a Covid-secure manner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs

• Pubs and bars must remain closed, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals

• Hospitality businesses selling food or drink for consumption on their premises are required to provide table service only; in premises which sell alcohol, close between 11pm and 5am (hospitality venues in airports, ports, transport services and motorway service areas are exempt); stop taking orders after 10pm

• Hospitality businesses and venues selling food and drink for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through

• Places of worship remain open but you must not socialise with people from outside of your household or support bubble while you are indoors there, unless a legal exemption applies

• 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, and 15 people can attend linked commemorative events such as wakes or stonesettings.

• Organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue

• Organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes will only be permitted if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with (or share a support bubble with). There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing

• You must continue to follow tier 2 rules when you travel to a tier 1 area. Avoid travel to, or overnight stays in, tier 3 areas other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities. You can travel through a tier 3 area as a part of a longer journey

Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Cllr Seán Woodward, said: “Whilst we are pleased to be coming out of this lockdown phase it is still important that we observe the tier two restrictions that we now face in order to stop the spread of the virus. We all want to be back to normal as soon as we can be and the best way to achieve that is to follow the instructions now.”

Proposed changes to parish boundaries

A notice from the Diocese of Portsmouth re the proposed changes to Pastoral Parish Boundaries

Draft Proposal affecting Parishes of Titchfield, St Peter Curdridge, and Shedfield also impacting on the conventional district known as Whiteley:

“A Notice giving the objects of proposed pastoral reorganisation affecting this parish has or will be displayed near the main door of St Peter’s Titchfield and on the Church of England website.

The Notice includes the last date by which representations regarding the proposed reorganisation may be made to the Church Commissioners.”

Sleeping Beauty comes to Titchfield

The timeless classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty set to enchant Titchfield this Christmas

Sleeping Beauty is a fairy tale that we are all familiar with; a princess who pricks her finger, cursed to sleep for 100 years by an evil fairy, before a handsome prince awakens her with a kiss… it is a timeless classic and is this year’s Christmas pantomime at Titchfield Festival Theatre.

The story follows the magical journey of Princess Rose, as she faces the curse of the evil fairy godmother Carabosse. There will be all of the well-loved characters in this wonderful panto … and of course, plenty of dancing and singing, whilst not forgetting our hilarious Dame, Queen Ella, guaranteeing lots of fun for all the family.

Will King Sam and Queen Ella ever be able to save their daughter from the evil fairy’s curse? Will Princess Rose find her true love to help break the spell? Will we ever be able to get Queen Ella out of her protective rubbers!?

Sassy Harvey has adapted this production as well as directing Sleeping Beauty. Sassy said, “This is the first play that I have directed and written – and Sleeping Beauty was the perfect choice for me. It is a timeless classic: the beautiful princess and her handsome prince, the evil fairies… it is a magical piece of pure escapism for all the family to enjoy. I love it.

“Our panto is based on the original story; however, we have added some new characters as well, working with the cast to reflect their humour naturally, bringing out the best of their comedy talents! All of the cast have worked incredibly hard. Indeed, it is only 9 weeks between when we cast the parts for the panto until the opening night.

“All of us are really determined to perform a panto this year. I believe that people are really longing to enjoy a sense of normality over Christmas; and the best way of doing this is to come along to our panto to feel the magic, enjoy the singing, the dancing and the laughter. It will be huge fun!”

Sleeping Beauty opens on 9 December 2020 and continues until 19 December. Matinée performances are on Sunday 13 December and Saturday 19 December (both performances are currently sold out). There will be live screening of three performances on 18 and 19 December at 7.30pm, plus a live screening session for children on 18 December at 2.30pm.

For more information on Titchfield Festival Theatre including booking tickets for forthcoming productions, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/or contact our Box Office on 0333 666 3366.                     

Walk-through testing site opens at Cams Alders

https://www.fareham.gov.uk/coronavirus/intro.aspx

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is opening a walk-through testing site for Coronavirus on Cams Alders Car Park.  It will open on 10 November and operate on an appointment only basis.

 Anyone with coronavirus symptoms, however mild, can get a free swab test that takes less than a minute. Tests should be booked or ordered as soon as symptoms begin at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 and you can expect your result the next day.

 The site will operate using detailed procedures that have been approved by Public Health England. 

 Further details about how walk-through sites operate are available on the Government’s website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested

Titchfield Act of Remembrance 2020

The Titchfield Act of Remembrance this year, due to ~Covid-19 restrictions was held solely held in the Parish Church of St Peter’s.

Only representatives of the Armed Forces, and wreath layers from village clubs, societies and organisations were allowed to attend.

Rev'd Janet Trevithick led the service. During the service the wreaths were laid at the alter but later moved to the War Memorial outside the Parish Rooms.

Throughout the day ofher wreaths and crosses were also placed at the Memorial.

Residents are being urged to observe a two minute silence outside of their homes (socially distanced of course) on the 11th at 11am. In West Street they plan to play a recording of the Last Post.

Read about the lives of all the Titchfield men who fought and died in The Great War on the ‘Titchfield Remembers’ website.

Click HERE and then select ‘Servicemen’. (Those names in bold are the men who died).

Click the link below for a short video of the service.

The Act of Remembrance 2020 at St Peter's Church 8th November

No Memorial Service at the Titchfield War Memorial

Titchfield Remembrance service - Update

Due to the latest Covid-19 regulations there will be NO service at the Titchfield Memorial beside the Parish Rooms on Sunday 8th. November.

Residents have been asked not to attend on Sunday morning but, if they wish to lay tributes are asked to do so later in the day.

To comply with Coronavirus restrictions, Fareham Council have not agreed the usual road closures in the High Street which would have made ‘social distancing’ impossible.

However, there will be an amended service in the St Peter’s on the day but only individuals who have a role in the service have been cleared to attend.

The wreaths laid in the Church will be moved to the Memorial later on Sunday.

Rev Janet Trevithick posted on St Peter’s website, “I am happy to say that we have had permission to go ahead with our live streamed ‘Act of Remembrance’ service on Sunday 8th at 10.45am.

“Only individuals who have a role in the service have been cleared to attend. So please, if you are able, do join us on line as we remember those brave service men and women of Titchfield who gave their lives to keep us free.“

Watch the service live from St Peter’s on You Tube. Click HERE

Once again; there is NO Service at The War Memorial

The Earl of Southampton Trust are looking for a new Trustee

Do you live in Titchfield, Sarisbury Green, Locks Heath, Hook with Warsash, Stubbington, Lee-on-the-Solent or Whiteley?

The Earl of Southampton Trust is a charity which was formed in 1597, we aim to assist people in need who live in these areas (then known as the Ancient Parish of Titchfield).

 The charity has a long history of housing people in need and currently has 19 houses situated in Titchfield village, we provide one-off grants to help individuals to improve the quality of their lives and also provide support for organisations locally.

 Knowledge of finance and investment, legal, medical and care and/or property management and all relevant to the post.

 Please send your CV to Tracey Kenney at info@eost.org.uk

 Closing date for applications is 27th November 2020, interviews to take place at the beginning of December.

Titchfield Remembrance Service and COVID safety guidance from FBC

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the annual Titchfield Remembrance Service has been significantly amended.

There will be no parade or service at the War Memorial beside The Parish Rooms.

A Covid safe service will, however, be conducted inside St Peter’s and restricted to the clergy and nominated wreath layers only.

The names of those village residents who lost there lives will be read out as usual.

There will be no hymns but the bugler will play the Last Post and after the two minutes silence, Reveille.

At some point after the ceremony the wreaths from the Royal British Legion, the Armed Forces and those representing village organisations will be transferred to the village memorial.

Those wishing to place crosses at the memorial in remembrance of family members may do so but must adhere to current Covid safety guidlines.

COVID safety guidance from FBC

The Director of Public Health for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has provided guidance on staying safe against Covid-19 virus transmission during upcoming events.

Halloween

This weekend it is Halloween and residents who like to take part in festivities and activities to mark this time of year are urged to do so in their own homes. At this current moment, advice from Public Health is that parents are not encouraged to take their children door-to-door trick or treating and risk spreading the virus through contact with shared surfaces such as buckets, bags and sweets. However, in this rapidly changing situation people are advised to check the Government’s website for further updates and advice.

It is also important people do not meet in groups of more than six. Instead, the Council is encouraging families to produce their own creative and alternative ways to celebrate Halloween at home with household family members.

November 5 – Bonfire Night

Large events marking bonfire night are strongly discouraged because of the risk of spreading the virus and increasing the infection rate within Hampshire. If large groups gather together to watch firework displays, there is a higher risk of importation of infection from surrounding areas and the potential need for support from the emergency services.  

All private events must adhere to Government guidelines regarding the rule of six and social distancing. The Council will be working with the Fire Service to ensure local communities are aware of safety measures, including the requirements to be COVID safe at all times.

Remembrance Sunday (In Fareham)

This year we have had to change the way we commemorate Remembrance Sunday. 

There will be a small church service of Remembrance restricted to the Royal British Legion and civic guests only due to social distancing requirements in Holy Trinity Church.  Sadly, there will be no parade or public gathering in West Street.

 All parades have been discouraged because of the risk of spreading infection with large numbers of people. However this year’s ‘Forever Remembered’ roll call will be broadcast on the Council’s website from 10:00am on Sunday 8th November: www.fareham.gov.uk/leisure/remembrancesunday.aspx. 

Holy Trinity Church will livestream the Remembrance Sunday service on their Facebook page from approximately 10:50 am on Sunday 8th November. 

Councillor Trevor Cartwright, Executive Member for Health and Public Protection, said: “At Fareham Borough Council we understand the importance of these events for our local community, however, during these difficult times it is paramount we follow the guidelines to protect ourselves and each other.

“We must reinforce the guidelines wherever possible to continue to stop the spread of the virus and decrease infection rates.

“Unfortunately that means annual events will look very different this year; however, if we persevere with social distancing and following the guidelines there is hope we can mark these occasions properly again next year.”

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Read about the men from Titchfield who fought in the Great War and who paid the ultimate price.

Visit the website ‘Titchfield Remembers’

OR

Click HERE to buy ‘Beyond the Memorial’ Book

Join the Titchfield Hallowe’en Pumpkin Trail

Get ready for the COVID Safe Social distancing Spooky Pumpkin Trail around Titchfield for the village youngsters on Thursday 29 Oct, beginning and ending at the Community Centre.

The event has been organised by YServices (Oasis Youth Group)

Due to the current restrictions in place Trick or Treating is a not safe option this year, however the team didn’t want to cancel Halloween for the children so instead they are encouraging as many residents as possible to pop a pumpkin or pumpkin related decoration into their front window.

Elaine David, who runs the Oasis Youth Group (YServices Charity) at the Community Centre, has planned for an organised trail for youngsters and with residents decorating their windows with pumpkin or pumpkin related front window, it could be ready made or home made.

Children taking part will be able to collect a pre-made pack from the Community Centre from 1.30pm until 3.30pm to help them navigate the Covid friendly Halloween trail.

Parents can buy a few treats and take them on a walk around the village and each time the children spot a pumpkin they could pop a treat into their bag.

NO knocking on doors & staying Covid safe at all times.

A special prize for the best children’s Fancy dress. All children must be with accompanied by an adult & no groups of more than 6 please.

So get your spooky costumes ready for a SPOOKY Thursday.

Further info from elaine@yservices.co.uk

Picture Perfect Pumpkin Picking

Almost Hallow’een and there are plenty of PYO Pumpkins down on Steve Harris Farms Pumpkin patch.

The farm is renowned for its summer-time PYO Strawberries and Raspberries but this time of year it’s all Pumpkins and Squashes.

To check opening times visit their website:- http://steveharrispyo.co.uk

Festival Theatre awarded funding

Titchfield Festival Theatre: COVID secure and continuing to entertain the South Coast

The award of significant funding to Titchfield Festival Theatre  (TFT) as part of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) is a huge step forward, according to Kevin Fraser, Artistic Director and Chair of the Trustees. The money, which will fund stage and other equipment, enables TFT to continue to provide the community with an eclectic range of shows, from the popular, through experimental to brand new plays written by aspiring playwrights; indoors or outdoors, no matter what happens in future.

In September, TFT reopened to the public as a COVID secure venue, one of the first in the region to be certified under the See it Safely banner administered by The Theatres Trust and Society of London Theatres. Extensive measures have been put into place, to protect patrons, cast members, stage crew and volunteers Since then, TFT has performed several shows including Sweeney Todd and 84 Charing Cross Road, with Up Pompeii  based on the Frankie Howard TV farce in November and an all singing, dancing Christmas Panto  Sleeping Beauty in December.

Kevin Fraser said: “We are truly delighted with the news that we have been successful in applying for the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund and I would like to thank the Arts Council for their support, too.

“TFT is a safe and secure place for all our visitors, be they patrons, staff, cast members or volunteers. We are the only theatre in the UK to have an ozone sanitiser, which sanitises all auditoria, public spaces and stage areas, killing 'all known germs' bugs and viruses including Covid19. It is applied after every show once audiences and cast have left the building and ensures that the building is completely sanitised and safe. We also have a smaller ozone sanitiser for use with our wardrobe department, enabling us to reopen this service for hires.

“All our venues have thermal imaging on entry to the venue and hand sanitising stations, together with social distancing measures. For example, we operate with three metres distancing from the stage to the audience when musicals are on. This is on top of the increased cleaning and sanitising regime we have put in place. Patrons do have to wear face coverings whilst in the building and we do have an in-house app to order drinks and have them delivered direct to patrons seats.

“Furthermore, we have invested in over £60,000 worth of camera, sound and vision mixing equipment to stream our shows live and are currently FREE to view. This is a major step forward and allows us to give broadcast HD TV quality streaming year-round.”

Despite the continuing epidemic TFT have invested in a new brochure with productions for 2021 which will soon be released, with a huge amount of new shows, comedies, dramas and musicals, something for everyone. Look out for it coming through your letterbox.

For more information on Titchfield Festival Theatre including booking tickets for forthcoming productions, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/or contact our Box Office on 0333 666 3366.   

Christmas tree time is here again!

The Tree on the Green

Every year Titchfield Village celebrates Christmas when local residents display a lit Christmas tree in a bracket fixed to the outside of their houses. Would you like to join in (or join us again) and have an outdoor tree this year?

We are a group of local volunteers who co-ordinate the trees: placing an order for 300 English grown trees; they are delivered to the village for collection. The trees will be trimmed but may need further trimming by you to fit into your bracket.

We organise Christmas trees for community buildings like the Parish Rooms and a tree for the ‘Green’ – sponsored again this year by ‘Hadlows’ the Butchers and Lights provided by ‘Freemantles’ Transport by Mark Harris and the ‘Star’ by Tony Traces.

This year we can supply a 4ft Nordmann tree at £13.50. If you would like a Christmas tree, orders must be placed by:

Monday 2nd November 2020 (at the very latest - no late orders)

The trees are ready for you to collect from 9.30-3.30pm on Saturday 5th December from the Yard entrance please adhere to Social Distancing and wear a mask. These Trees are available for Titchfield Village residents - outside Trees only. Please tell your neighbours and friends in the village if they do not know.

Latest Parish News available

The Parish magazine, Titchfield News, contains information about both Church and
village life. It has been published bi-monthly since June 2020 and copies of the June
and August magazine are available at http://www.stpetertitchfield.org.uk/titchfield-
news .

There is a facility for online copies to be read aloud. Please see:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETOohmYui3Q

Titchfield News is delivered to people who have paid a subscription.

From Saturday 3 rd October, copies of the October issue, costing 80p, are available for people to buy
during times when the church is open for private prayer (currently Tuesday,

Thursday and Saturday from 11.00 am until 3.00 pm.). Please just ask a steward for
a copy and, if at all possible, have the correct money because they are not able to
give change.

We are unable to sell the Titchfield News on Sunday mornings for the
time being.

The October 2020 issue of Titchfield News will be available online from December
2020.

We do hope you enjoy reading Titchfield News.

FBC's emergency mid-year budget

Emergency mid-year budget to cover predicted £1.14m Covid-19 black hole

Fareham Borough Council is drawing up an emergency mid-year budget to manage a predicted £1.14m shortfall as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The measures will be discussed at the Council’s Executive which meets later today (Monday, September 7).

The pandemic left the Council’s original break-even £9.6m budget with a £3.66m shortfall. Government grants and other financial support is only expected to cover around two-thirds of that shortfall leaving the Council with a £1,143,700 hole in the budget.

It is proposed that the shortfall for this year is met from the Council’s reserves but a number of other measures - including charging for parking in coastal car parks - are being considered to bridge the funding gap for future years.

Before the pandemic, the Council’s medium-term financial strategy predicted a funding gap - the gap between what the Council needs to spend to maintain services and what it will have available to spend - of £1.5m over four years. Plans were in place to overcome the shortfall, but the indications are that the Covid-19 pandemic will mean that gap widens considerably putting Council services at significant risk.

During the pandemic the Council has had unforeseen costs with its COVID response while seeing declines in income as a result of:

• Parking charges being suspended

• Demand for trade waste collections reduced

• Concessionary payment terms for commercial property tenants

• Reduced number of planning applications received

• Suspension of market pitch fees

• Treasury investment income affected by adverse cash flows and reduced interest rates
   
  A 14% Council Tax rise - approximately £23 - would cover the £1m funding gap but has so far been dismissed as an option.

Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Cllr Seán Woodward, said: “Most residents are surprised that Fareham Borough Council delivers all of our services for a cost of just £3 per week for the average home, almost the lowest in the country. 

“However, Covid-19 has had a significant impact on every aspect of life and society in our Borough and it is well reported how this has led to an immense impact on the UK economy.

“It is fortunate that as a Council we have been so prudent with our reserves for a number of years so have a strong financial standing, but this is still going to have a very significant impact on what we can and cannot do as a Council for the rest of the year and for many years to come.

“We must take action now and that is why we have got an emergency mid-year budget coming before us and why we are having to look at alternative ways of bridging the funding gap for the future.

“Our services are vital to our residents and, for many, are a lifeline. But in order to safeguard those services from cuts we must find revenue from other sources - either increasing the Council Tax for everyone in the Borough or introducing a modest charge for demand-led services.”

Armed Police in Titchfield

Armed Police are dealing with a serious incident in the village.

Police in Lower Bellfield Road

Police are currently in attendance in Lower Bellfield Road.

A resident earlier reported that a man was seen in the village centre brandishing a knife.

In a separate incident the Police were in attendance in Posbrook Lane where a caravan had come off the road at Thatchers Copse.

The caravan in Posbrook Lane

MORE TO FOLLOW…