21st April
21st April
19th April
5th April
Local MP, Alan Mak Leads Support the Emsworth Surgery Campaign
Local MP Alan Mak has
launched a campaign calling on the Emsworth Surgery’s doctors to
keep an ongoing presence in the town centre following a potential
move of their main surgery to a new building at Redlands Grange.
Talks between the doctors
and NHS England to build a modern health centre for Emsworth at
Redlands Grange are at an advanced stage, with an announcement
expected in the coming months.
In anticipation of the
planned Redlands Grange move, Alan has brought together other
community representatives in calling for a community presence to be
maintained in the town centre – with a satellite surgery the
preferred option. The doctors currently operate a satellite surgery
in Westbourne, close to the location of the new clinic.
Speaking after the launch,
Alan encouraged all residents to back his campaign by signing-up as
supporters on his website to demonstrate the community’s support for
a surgery presence in the town centre.
Alan said: "Over the last
three years I’ve chaired a number of meetings between the doctors,
the NHS and other stakeholders to turn our vision of a modern health
centre for Emsworth into a reality and to identify the best possible
option that meets the long-term needs of the community.
“Some people hoped that the
old Victoria Cottage Hospital site could be used. However, the
doctors have the final say, and their view is that a new, modern
purpose-built facility at Redlands Grange secures the long term
clinical needs of local residents.
“Nevertheless, I believe
it’s important that some presence is maintained in the town centre,
especially for those residents who would find it harder to access
the new facilities at Redlands Grange. That’s why I have launched my
campaign to persuade the doctors that Emsworth Surgery needs to keep
a presence in the town centre.”
The campaign has been
backed by the business community, with Sue Treagust from the
Emsworth Business Association saying that it was important for the
town that the doctors have a retained presence.
She said: “Although I am
disappointed by the decision to move to Redlands Grange, I believe
now that it’s vital the community comes together to ensure that some
health provision remains in the town centre. I’m support the aims of
Alan’s campaign and I encourage all residents to get behind it.”
The campaign is also
supported by all three of the Emsworth councillors, who backed the
push to retain services in the town centre.
Cllr Richard Kennett said:
“From speaking with residents I believe most people wish to finally
see a modern health centre for Emsworth even if that means moving to
Redlands Grange. However, I fully back Alan’s idea of a satellite
surgery which is a sensible compromise and hopefully something that
everyone can get behind.”
If you wish to sign-up to
the campaign please visit here.
If you wish to leave a
comment, visit alanmak.org.uk/contact
2nd April
Christians in Westbourne, near Emsworth mark Good Friday
Christians in Westbourne, near Emsworth, marked Good Friday with their traditional walk through the village with a large cross, recalling the death of Jesus. Celebrations of the resurrection included a sunrise service on Easter Sunday, followed by breakfast.
Rev Andrew Doye, rector at St John's parish church, said: "Easter is the great celebration in the church, taking us from the solemn sadness of Jesus' cross to the joy and brightness of his rising from the dead. God brought new life, then; and does so through his love and mercy to us, today."
26th March
Emsworth Museum Re-opens for the 2018 season on March 31st
Following last year’s successful temporary exhibition of the CDAS
finds from the Warblington Roman Estate, Emsworth Museum is pleased
to provide a permanent home for the unique Warblington Cist and
other finds from the excavation.
The new CDAS display cabinet will be formally opened by David
Hopkins, the Hampshire County Archaeologist at 10.30 on March 31st
The picture shows Trevor Davies and Jane Weeks of Chichester and
District Archaeology Society (CDAS) preparing the new display
cabinet.
The Museum is pen om Saturdays and Bank Holidays 10.30am - 4.30pm Sundays 2.30pm - 4.30pm and St \St George’s Day (23rd April) 10.00am - 2.00pm Admission is freewww.emsworthmuseum.org.uk.
26th March
Emsworth Business Association raises £6,500 for local primary
schools
Each year the Emsworth Business Association supports a local good
cause which has included over the last few years the Rosemary
Foundation, The Rowans Hospice and Stonepillow. The EBA chose as its
local good cause for 2017 the two Emsworth Primary Schools – St
James’ Primary School and Emsworth Primary School with the aim of
supporting the future generations of the community. Giles Babb,
Chair of the EBA was delighted this week to hand over a cheque to
Headteachers Kate Fripp and Erika
Biddlecombe for £6,500 which will be shared by the two primary
schools. Fund raising events over the year included –
· Emsworth
Apple Pressing Day
· The
Community Seafood Lunch held during Emsworth British Food Fortnight
· Father
Christmas’s Grotto at the Emsworth Christmas Lights Turn on
· Christmas
Tree re-cycling
The series of fund raising events culminated with the annual
Emsworth Charity Black and White Ball, held at the Brookfield Hotel
and attended by almost 100 people which raised through an auction
and raffle in excess of £4,000.
The Emsworth Business Association would like to thank all the local
business and residents who contributed and supported these events
last year and are delighted that the amount raised will make a
significant difference to these two primary schools.
“On behalf of St James' Primary School thank you for the money
raised for our school and our children. It is superb to see
our local community through the EBA supporting the education of the
future generation of Emsworth. One of the joys of Emsworth is
the team spirit shown by residents and businesses which is
demonstrated with this fund raising. Thank you.” Erika
Biddlecombe, Headteacher, St James' Primary School, Emsworth'
“Emsworth Primary School are incredibly grateful for the fund
raising by the community which will benefit the children in so many
ways. It shows our pupils the power of collaborative work and the
importance of being part of a wider community with local interests.
We are looking forward to sharing with you how the funds will be
spent and the benefits to our learning and environment! Thank you
from all of us.” Kate Fripp, Headteacher Emsworth Primary School.
“This
the largest total the EBA has ever raised for its annual support of
local good causes and we have been amazed by the continued
generosity and support of businesses. These are tough times for many
businesses and the fact that many still supported this initiative
shows just how strong and determined this community is.” Giles
Babb, Chair EBA
For more information - www.emsworth.org.uk & www.stonepillow.org.uk
19th March
Residents fear the ‘destruction’ of Emsworth as proposals for 260
new homes
PROPOSALS for 260 homes on
a greenfield site have sparked an outcry from residents who have
said: ‘don’t clog up our town’.
Land and Partners has
revealed plans to build on a field north of Long Copse Lane,
Emsworth, and will hold a public exhibition at the town’s community
centre. The field opposite Long Copse Lane, Emsworth where
developers want to build 260 homes But many fear the plan,
part of Havant Borough Council’s plan to see 1,700 homes built in
Emsworth by 2036, will add to the ‘destruction’ of the town. Dr Alistair Thomas, 74, has lived opposite the field for 33 years.
He said: ‘Traffic and a
growing population is swamping Emsworth such that everybody’s
quality of life, including any new people, is and will continue to
suffer.
‘There’s going to be too
many people in an area with not enough infrastructure.
‘Our road is very
narrow, it can’t fit two cars down it and there’s no pavement.
‘The town itself is getting
busier and is being destroyed. This new development will only make
things worse.’
In 2014 Bellway Homes
finished building 280 houses to the south of Long Copse Lane, as
part of its Redlands Grange development.
The field to the north of
it has an area of 15.8ha and is used as grazing land and horse
paddocks.
Jonathan Harbottle,
director of Land and Partners, said: ‘We understand the positive
benefits of respecting the environment, engaging with the community
and insisting on high-quality design, tailored to the local context.
‘Our proposals north of
Long Copse Lane are very-well contained by existing development and
natural boundary features.
‘We propose to keep open
the frontage of the land facing the lane with a green corridor which
acts as a visual buffer, a biodiversity corridor and sustainable
water feature.’
Mr Harbottle said there
would be no more than ‘about two additional vehicle movements every
minute’ on the road network as a result. Havant Borough
Council has proposed the build of 9,549 homes by the year 2036, in
its Draft Local Plan. A total of 125 homes are being built on
land west of Horndean Road in Emsworth. And 1,100 homes have
been earmarked for Southleigh, the strategic gap between the town
and Denvilles.
Paul Brown, 52, lives on
Long Copse Lane with his family. He said: ‘We’re resolved that if
the development does go ahead we’ll probably just move.
‘I can’t believe 260 homes
can be put on that field without some major changes to the road
infrastructure around here, it would just clog this lane up.’
The exhibition will take
place at Emsworth Community Centre tomorrow, from 5.30pm-8.30pm.
The News 20th
March 2018
12th March
The Future of the Old Hospital Garden
The Friends of Emsworth
Community Health (FECH) hold the Old Hospital garden in trust
for the community and a few of us have been trying for more that
12 months to get improvements to the garden so that our
residents can enjoy it.
![]() Restoration plans and ideas for opening the garden to the public have been presented, but were rejected by the trustees. They seem determined to keep it under lock and key, and open it only for occasional use. With more and more homes being built in the area, and with no public space south of the A27, the garden is a valuable but under-used community asset. FECH is a small and little known local charity, but has assets of more that 600k and apparently distributes interest on capital to local good causes without breaking into its enormous capital. The garden (if restored) would become a huge asset locally and be a place of peace and relaxation, helping the health and well being of our residents - young and old. Please consider attending the FECH AGM that takes place on Thursday 22nd March at 4.30pm in the Community Centre. Perhaps the Trustees can be persuaded the public should have a voice about the garden’s future? If you would like to become a member of the friends the subscription is £2 which can be paid via BACS [ FECH-account 00013227- sort code 40-52-40]
1st March
Footpath loss angers locals
at Emsworth homes plan exhibition
A PUBLIC exhibition to
showcase plans for a new development and gain feedback from
residents was held at a community centre.
Curious members of the
public visited Emsworth Community Centre to learn more about
Hampshire Homes’ plans to build 49 homes off Westwood Close, in
Emsworth.
The move follows the
Development Consultation Forum held at Havant Borough Council’s
Public Service Plaza in January.
But some of those who
attended said the boards of information, which were on display
yesterday, told them ‘nothing new’.
Ray Cobbett, chair of the
Havant branch of Friends of the Earth and who opposes the
development, said: ‘Most of what I’ve seen today I’ve seen before,
except for the very basic designs.
‘This is over-development
on a valued piece of land – a green space with Emsworth on one side
and Westbourne on the other.
‘The development isn’t even
needed to meet the council’s housing targets.
‘It should have been
designated as a green space by the council because it includes a
much-loved historical footpath, which will now be diverted into a
flood zone.’
The 1.48-hectare site is
neighboured by the River Ems and the West Sussex village of
Westbourne.
The developer plans to
build four one-bedroom flats, 22 two-bedroom homes, 19 three-bedroom
homes and four four-bedroom homes, with a total of 121 car parking
spaces.
Tony Dove, 73, lives in
Westwood Close and attended the exhibition. He said: ‘People won’t
be able to use the path when it’s wet. I don’t think the developer
is listening to residents – today is a sham, we’ve seen it all
before.
‘The only thing I haven’t
seen is the picture of the houses, which isn’t detailed at all.’
Residents questioned why
the homes couldn’t be added to the some 2,100 due to be built at the
Southleigh site, between Emsworth and Denvilles, identified in the
council’s Local Plan 2036.
Phil Shephard, 65, lives in
Westwood Close. He said: ‘There’s 2,000-odd homes being built
elsewhere in Emsworth, but here we’ve got 49 houses encroaching on
to the last greenfield site between Westbourne and Emsworth.
‘It’s messing with a famous
footpath and water voles – which I saw at the Westbourne end of the
river last year.
‘They’re endangered.’
Hampshire Homes said it
will listen to the community and incorporate feedback given into its
planning application, which will be submitted to the council ‘in the
coming weeks’.
Director of Hampshire
Homes, Ian Wallace, said: ‘Residents were keen to engage with our
team and turned out in numbers.
‘Of particular concern was
the footpath, and we’ve been happy to take peoples’ thoughts on
board.
‘We’re proposing the path
is diverted slightly to ensure it’s kept within the green space. A
portion of it is being moved out of the developable area to a small
section of flood zone 2.
‘A large section of the
remainder of the path sits within flood zones 2 and 3.
‘Discussions with Hampshire
County Council’s Rights of Way team are continuing about the
diversion, and correct measures will be taken in selecting the
finished surfacing and maintenance of the footway.’
The News 28th
February 2018
28th Februay
13th February
12th February
An explosion of colour awaits visitors to Emsworth this spring.
On 28th, 29th April
and 5th, 6th,
7th May
2018, Emsworth Arts Trail will showcase the exciting and varied work
of over 100 talented local artists within the town.
From home studios to community halls, businesses, sailing clubs and
churches, artists will open their doors to art lovers on its popular
annual arts trail.
Nearly all venues are located within a mile of Emsworth’s town
centre. By
walking or cycling, visitors can look forward to meeting artists and
have a chance to purchase their work.
“A full spectrum of mediums and styles including painting,
printmaking, photography, furniture making, weaving, woodturning,
ceramics, jewellery and textile art will be on display,” explains
Carol Price, chairman of The Emsworth Arts Trail.
“We have lots of exciting new artists and makers this year, offering
something new to visitors, alongside many established names that
have been part of the trail since its launch in 2001,”
Emsworth Arts Trail works alongside local business to help stimulate
economic activity in the town. Nearly 50 companies have paired up
with one or more artists to exhibit their work for its ‘Adopt an
Artist’ scheme.
"We are delighted that so many shops, restaurants, churches, pubs
and cafes across the town have offered their premises as temporary
galleries so that visitors will be able to take advantage of all
that Emsworth has to offer whilst enjoying the art on display. Nearly
all of the venues are based near the centre of Emsworth so visitors
will be able to follow the Art Trail map on foot or by bike to take
in as many as they like,” explains Carol.
Organisers recommend parking outside the village or on the outskirts
of the Trail and walking in, as parking in the town is often very
busy over the two weekends. All
public transport information can be found on the web and in the
Trail Guide.
Look Out For:
The
Boat Project,
the Arts Council England initiative that formed part of the London
2012 Olympic Festival will be on display at Hollybank
House during the first weekend of the trail.
‘Collective Spirit’ is made of thousands of donated wooden items and
was built in Emsworth during 2011-12. It documents the lives of
people within the South East of England, with many items coming from
local residents. http://theboatproject.com
Hollybank House will also host a collection of artists on the 28th –
29th April,
and promises to offer visitors a special experience this year.
And, of course don’t miss all the local artists who open up their
studios and gardens to welcome visitors to their homes, definitely
worth a visit for a chance to see their work and spend some time in
their company.
The event runs over two weekends on 28th –
29th April
and 5th, 6th,
7th May
2018.
Visit
the Emsworth Arts Trail’s website for more information on each
artist, opening times, access and trail map www.emsworthartstrail.org.uk ![]()
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23rd January
Customers express their shock at sudden closure of restaurant
THE OWNER of a restaurant has stressed that the venue will reopen,
despite it’s abrupt closure.
The temporary closure of Woosters, the fine dining restaurant in
Emsworth, has led residents to take to social media and express
their shock but the owner of the restaurant, based on South Street,
has quashed rumours that the restaurant is closed for good.
Nicholas Ralls stated that the reason behind the closure is so that
he can focus on enhancing the site’s customer service. He
said: ‘Woosters is only closing for a short period of time, to allow
systems to be implemented that will enhance our customers’
experience. Once
they are in place, my vision for a top restaurant supported by high
class musical entertainment, will reopen with customer service fully
at the forefront.
‘Woosters will, I hope, be enjoyed for many a year by the people of
Emsworth and beyond.’ Users
on Facebook expressed their dismay upon learning that the site had
closed.
When trying to book a reservation, customers are told that the team
regret to inform that the site is closed and to email in any
reservation enquiries.
There is no information online to state when the restaurant will
reopen, but Nicholas advised that it should be in ‘just over a
month’s time.’ The
business owner is also focusing on another project that has been in
the pipeline since 2014, a boutique hotel.
Nicholas said: ‘We have been granted planning permission for a
seven-bedroom hotel which we will call Jeeves Boutique Hotel. It
will run alongside the restaurant. It
is going to be beautiful and we’re hoping to include a deluxe
penthouse but we need to get that agreed next, added Mr Ralls.
‘In regards to Woosters, we have a loyal fan base and we do already
provide our customers with a high quality service. My team work very
hard. But
I believe that there is always room for improvement so we want to
implement a few updates for our customers.
The News 23rd January
17th January
Developers and locals clash over proposed Emsworth homes
FRUSTRATIONS have been
aired by members of the public over a proposed development of 49 new
homes.
Councillors, residents and
planners from Hampshire Homes packed into Havant Borough Council’s
Public Service Plaza for a development consultation forum, to
discuss the potential development of homes in the land off of
Westwood Close, Emsworth.
The proposed site for the
homes, which was earmarked in the council’s draft local plan,
contains a public footpath and sits next to the River Ems.
Between 30 and 40 per cent of these homes will also be affordable
housing. Havant Borough Council is required by the government
to provide a total of 9,260 new homes by 2036. Resident fears
lay with flood risk from the River Ems, as well as the future of the
environment in the area. Charles Ashe from the Emsworth Residents Association is one of those who opposes the plans.
John Harvey, 76, lives in
Westwood Close. He said: ‘My partner and I have lived here for 33
years. We are against the application because we are concerned
about the traffic that will be caused once people have moved in, as
well as the traffic that will be coming in as the work is being
done. I can’t really comment on the flooding issue, so we have to
assume that the proposed developers know what they are talking
about. The initial plan was going to be right next door to us
but has now been moved, so that is an improvement at least.’
Director at Hampshire Homes
Ian Wallace said: ‘We are here not only to show our plans but to
listen to the residents – that is the key for us. Because
we’re a local housebuilder I think we understand the needs of the
area very well. Getting feedback from residents in an area is
such an important part of the development process, so having
meetings such as this mean an awful lot to us. Following today
we will be holding a public exhibition in February, with a formal
application after that. We are excited to see what the future
of this project holds.’
An exact date for the
exhibition has not yet been set.
The News 17th Janary 2017
29th December 2017
Have your say on Havant
Borough Council’s draft local plan for 2036
THE public will have its
say on Havant Borough Council’s draft local plan after it was passed
for consultation.
The document details the
authority’s proposals to build more than 9,000 homes by 2036 and was
passed through a meeting of the council’s cabinet on Monday night.
Between January 8 and
February 16, 2018, residents can comment on the plans via a web
survey, to shape their final outcome.
They will also have the
chance to read webpages responding to FAQs and discuss proposals at
local plan exhibitions across the borough, which will be advertised
online and via posters in town centres.
Councillor David Guest, HBC
cabinet Lead for planning, said: ‘It is important residents of
Havant have the opportunity to understand what the draft local plan
means for their area. Consultation will be comprehensive and we are
aiming to reach as many residents as possible and invite their
feedback.’
To take the survey next
year or learn more, visit havant.gov.uk/localplan.
The News 20th December2017
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You can still check out last year's news HERE