Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline and the UK’s Number One Domestic carrier, has today started operating its brand new twice-weekly summer route from Southampton Airport in Eastleigh to Tours, France with Wednesday and Saturday flights available through to September 12th.

Passengers checking in for the inaugural flight were welcomed by Southampton Airport MD, Dave Lees and Flybe’s General Manager Market Development, Ian Taylor who was also tasked with presenting a gift of Wickham Vintage wine upon arrival to the MD of the French regional airport. Tours, a picturesque city on the lower reaches of the Loire river, is in a region often referred to as ‘The Garden of France’ renowned for its wines.

The Wickham Vineyard is located in the heart of the Hampshire countryside not far from Southampton airport and its award-winning wines were recently served to the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at a lunch in London to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee.

Mr Taylor commented:

“We are strongly committed to Southampton where we are the largest airline. This new route highlights Flybe’s commitment to giving our customers as much travel choice as possible and to ‘Making flying better.”

Southampton Airport MD, Dave Lees, added:

 “Tours is expected to be a popular destination for holidaymakers from the South East looking to enjoy the beautiful Loire Valley and we’re thrilled to be able to offer this regular Flybe service. It will also give those living in and around Tours a convenient route into the UK this summer for the various sporting and cultural celebrations, thanks to our excellent onward transport links.”

With the addition of this new route to Tours, The 2012 summer schedule from Southampton now offers a total choice of up to 684 flights a week on 32 popular routes. This choice includes weekly Saturday flights to Bordeaux, Inverness, Perpignan and Verona – all back by popular demand – as well as an additional flight on Sunday mornings on their already extensive schedule of up to 40 flights a week to Dublin, and an additional Saturday service for Limoges passengers. All are available for booking at www.flybe.com.

The introduction of the new service is welcome news for BAA who latest traffic figures show there was a 3.1% drop in passenger numbers at Southampton compared to last year – the biggest percentage drop of any  of BAA’s sites. However the figures for the past 12 months are up 1.2% although still a long ways off its pre-recession August 2007 peak.

It’s hoped that the budget airline’s new service will help Southampton continue its revival and defy the latest slide in the UK economy.

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New Gold kit alongside outgoing uniform

Firefighters in Hampshire will be sporting a new and improved gold-colour fire kit from today, replacing the previous dark-colour kit. The new personal protection equipment  will also include helmets, gloves and boots which form part of the new kit.

The new kit delivers a high technical specification and a more ergonomic design therefore increasing its usability for our frontline staff, whilst also providing a standard approach to PPE across the region.  It is an excellent example of fire and rescue services working together to improve safety and service delivery as well as delivering efficiencies.

The uniform will be phased into Hampshire’s 51 fire stations, replacing existing stock as necessary due to wear and tear and ensuring the changeover is as cost efficient as possible and no unnecessary costs are incurred.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service took the decision to introduce the new fire kit in June 2010 after seven of the fire services in the South East Region agreed to a joint project in order to create a strong and professional regional identity, whilst also delivering efficiency savings for each fire service.

Malcolm Freemantle, Station Manager and project lead for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, says: “Our main aim is always to provide the best possible PPE for our firefighters.

The project to select the new regional kit was rigorous, involving extensive service and technical evaluation as well as wearer trials in which Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service played a key role throughout.

More stories about HFRS here

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Burglars broke into the Currys store in Tollbar Way and stole several thousands pounds worth of digital cameras.

Four people wearing hoods and gloves broke into the store through a fire exit at around 2.15am on Thursday, May 10. They were only in the store for a few minutes but smashed several display cabinets. It’s thought they used crowbars. The cabinets contained digital cameras including expensive canon SLR cameras.

The thieves stole the cameras out of the cabinets putting them into some builder type bags and then made their escape from the store.

The exact value isn’t yet known but it thought the cameras taken were worth several thousands pounds in all.

Officers are now appealing for any witnesses who may have been in the area at the time or seen anyone suspicious hanging around the area to contact them. They would also like to hear from anyone offered cheap camera equipment.

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Steven Day at Eastleigh Police Station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Follow: @hedgeendpolice

More posts about local shop break-ins here

Eastleigh civic offices

Eastleigh Borough Council have issued a warning to householders to beware of a Council tax scam that is currently doing the rounds:

“The Council have received an increasing number of enquiries from residents regarding agents that offer to appeal against the banding of your property in order to obtain a reduction in your Council Tax.  Whilst many of these agents are legitimate, they will charge a fee for something which can just as easily be done by you free of charge.

“The Valuation Office have produced a leaflet which gives details on what to do if you disagree with your Council Tax banding or any other aspect of the entry for your property in the Council Tax Valuation List.  Alternatively, you can contact the Valuation Office directly on 03000 501501.  The Valuation Office website also contains advice on what to do if you believe an agent who has contacted you is not legitimate.”

Read about more local scams here

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Bishopstoke Methodist church on Sedgwick Road will be staging some community events this weekend.

This Saturday (May 19) they will be holding a Coffee morning and plant sale in aid of CLIC Sargent Children’s Cancer Charity from 10 am till 12 noon during which visitors will be able to grab some plant bargains for the garden and enjoy a friendly coffee and chat at the same time

Meanwhile on Sunday, there will be a free showing of the film ‘Wesley’ a biopic based on the life of John Wesley the founder of Methodism starring Burgess Jenkins and June Lockhart.

The film is based directly on the journals of John and Charles Wesley.

John founded the Methodist movement while Charles become one of the most prolific and beloved hymn writers in history

There will be intermission refreshments of tea or coffee and cake.

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The Government’s official climate adviser wants ministers to ensure all councils reduce their carbon emissions.

In a new report, the Committee on Climate Change warns that we won’t meet our emissions targets unless every council does its bit.

Councillor Keith House, Eastleigh Borough Council, states:

I welcome the Committee on Climate Change recommendation that every council should have an ambitious local carbon plan – and funding from the Government to do it. Eastleigh Council is pushing ahead with ambitious plans of its own, but the Committee is right to say that every council must do its bit.

The report calls on the Government to:

• Require councils to draw up ambitious carbon reduction plans
• Provide funding for the plans

Greg Hewitt, coordinator of Southampton and Eastleigh Friends of the Earth states:

Eastleigh Borough Council must stick to it’s commitment to ‘Tackling Climate Change’ and actually show that it is with positive effects. We are working on a campaign ‘Clean British Energy’ urging individuals and organisations to switch from using dirty fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, and we hope the Council will support this.

The report highlights how council action on climate change could also:

• Reduce fuel bills
• Boost the local economy
• Create jobs

photo: Patrick Moore

Flashback to Boyatt wood incident

Fumes which led to a Boyatt Wood dental surgery being evacuated and a shopping centre car park being cordoned off last week  most likely came from drains – possibly from another premises – a spokesperson for the practice has said.

Three members of staff were effected by the smell and Hampshire Fire and Rescue mobilised five fire appliances to the scene on Monday May 14.

Fire fighters wearing breathing apparatus investigated the surgery while ambulances stood by, but they could not determine the exact source of the fumes.

None of the staff have experienced any ill effects since and the surgery is continuing to operate normally.

See also:

Boyatt Wood car park closed

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A jubilant Eastleigh team celebrating club history

Assistant manager Shaun Wilkinson sent out very strong team in the Hampshire Senior Cup Final at St Mary’s Stadium last night to overcome AFC Totton and denying The Stags a third straight Hampshire Senior Cup win as manager Ian Baird was waiting eagerly for the result in Hong Kong in the early hours of the morning.

The Spitfires opened the half with the majority of possession and the dominance soon paid off just after ten minutes when midfielder Daryl McMahon sent a looping pass to man of the match Mitchell Nelson who set up transfer listed Chris Flood who slided in superbly to put Eastleigh 1-0 up, much to the joy of the Eastleigh fans.

Chris Flood sliding into score Eastleigh's first

Chris Flood celebrating his goal with the rest of the team

Daryl McMahon sent a thirty yard free kick at goalkeeper Grant Porter who spilt the ball in the path of Gary Elphick however the former Havant & Waterlooville centre back send a free header inches over the bar.

The Stags only had one real clear cut chance in the first half, Johnathan Davies broke away on a counter attack and sent a ball to Nathaniel Sherbourne who sent his shot just wide of the goal past Gareth Barfoot which left Eastleigh going into the second half with a one goal lead.

One of the 14 Hawk-Eye cameras at St Mary's Stadium

Minutes into the second half and frustration showed on The Stags faces, left back Michael Green tackled  Ryan Hill, only for Hill to get Green in what looked like a headlock however referee Colin Lymer shown a yellow card to each player.

The Stags were on top and James Coutts had an ideal chance of equalising only for his shot being scuffed into the hands of Gareth Barfoot, moments later Barfoot was in action again this pulling off a fantastic double save from Johnathan Davies.

Daryl McMahon sent a fantastic volley into the hands of Grant Porter who parred the midfielders shot for the second time of the night, this time the ball fell to Chris Flood who just couldn’t get his shot on target.

Moments later Flood soon made up for his miss and made a pacey run down the left wing to place a ball in the path of Mitchell Nelson who bundled the ball over the line much to the delight of the jubilant Eastleigh supporters.

Mitchell Nelson bundles in the ball to put Eastleigh 2-0 up

Eastleigh players celebrating Mitchell Nelson's goal and The Spitfires second

In stoppage time Jamie Brown nearly capped of a fantastic career at Eastleigh Football Club with a goal however it just wasn’t to be however The Spitfires won the cup and Richard Gillespie and Scott Rogers all finished their spells with Eastleigh in superb winning fashion!

Jubilant Eastleigh supporters, showing their appreciation for the team

Captain Tommy Jordan holding the cup with his defensive team mate Gary Elphick

Look out on EastleighNews for new signings and news from Eastleigh Football Club running up to the start of the season!

COME ON YOU SPITFIRES!!!

Photos by Paul Paxford and Andy Nunn

For match tweets and info follow eastleighfc

Follow Kieran James for articles on Eastleigh FC Follow @KieranJames1995

Tumbleweed photo: Judy Hedding

Hedge End Town Council finally overcame its inhibitions this evening and managed to hold a worthwhile debate on the Boroughs draft Local plan.

Hedge End’s only independent Councillor, Cllr Keith Day, has previously tried to get the Town Council to discuss the local plan at a Full Council meeting, but as he is the sole opposition figure on the Town Council, Cllr Day’s efforts in September and December 2011 were easily prevented by the Lib Dem Councillors.

But things were very different this evening. With Borough elections safely out of the way and Cllr Louise Bloom just elected to the chair of Hedge End Town Council, Cllr Day tried again, keen to get the matter discussed in Hedge End Town Council before the local plan is discussed further at Cabinet level in Eastleigh.

Cllr Days motion was as follows; 

In light of the Draft Local Plan summary consultation representations published by the Borough Council, and the overwhelming public opposition expressed therein, Hedge End Town Council urges Eastleigh Borough Council Cabinet to reconsider the large scale development proposed for Hedge End and Botley in favour of a plan for smaller-scale, sustainable, organic growth evenly spread across all the Borough’s settlements.

Whilst introducing his motion Cllr Day said;    

I suspect I am introducing another Tumbleweed moment here, but I’ll give it a try.

Hedge End Town Council has a good track record of consulting its residents. Last years reluctance to discuss the local plan was, to use a popular phrase of the moment, an omnishambles. Its time to put Hedge End first. Its time, well past time actually, for Hedge End Town Council to make it clear where it stands.

Cllr Louise Bloom then introduced the “Tumbleweed moment”, by asking if anybody was prepared to second Cllr Days motion. She was effectively asking one of the Lib Dem Councillors to support a motion that was put forward by the sole opposition Councillor, a motion that proposed a radically different approach to that being proposed by the Lib Dem controlled Borough Council, asking somebody to break-ranks under the watchful eye of the Leader of the Borough Council and leader of the Lib Dems in Eastleigh, Cllr Keith House. It was a big ask. 

There was a short pause that felt much longer, with Councillors anxiously looking around the room at each other, each trying to work out what the others were going to do, many clearly wanting the debate but hoping that somebody else would sacrifice themselves.  Cllr Helen Corben, a single-hatter who only serves on the Town Council,  finally put her hand up to second the motion.

The room noticeably relaxed, but there was a second “Tumbleweed moment” when Cllr Bloom opened the debate and asked if anybody wanted to speak, adding “You get 3 minutes, unless I’m feeling generous”  (which she was)…!

Nobody really wanted to go first, so Cllr House eventually kicked things off by saying;

Consultations on any plan tend to get all of the objections and less support. People who are happy with the proposals often don’t participate in the consultation.

The evidence is that there is NOT overwhelming opposition to the local plan. The motion is based on a false premise.

Most of the opposition to the plan is from Boorley Green, rather than Hedge End and Woodhouse Lane.

The motion is flawed because it does not provide for sustainable urban development. Hedge End is already a large urban area. Development needs to be here. The Sundays Hill bypass will relieve congestion. 

We tend not to hear the voices of those who are happy with the proposals, only those who are against it.

Having broken the ice and set the tone of the debate, Hedge End’s Councillors were now a little more relaxed about coming forward.

Cllr Rupert Kyrle, Eastleigh’s new Mayor, was next to speak but was careful to start by saying;

 ”I’d be expected to speak on this, as I’ve just gone through an election”

Cllr Kyrle (with his Town/Parish Councillors hat on) then proceeded to say;

There has been a lively debate on the local plan in Botley, with some acceptance and some rejection of the proposals.

It is unfair that Hampshire County Council have rejected the proposals for the Botley bypass on the grounds that there is not enough traffic. We believe that the case for the bypass has been proved since the 1980′s. When HCC resurfaced the A334 through Botley recently, they chose to do it overnight on the grounds that to do so during the day would cause trafic chaos. Hampshire County Councils decision not to look at the Botley Bypass for another 20 years is irresponsible. Hampshire County Council has turned its back on the residents wishes for Botley. I will fight this tooth and nail until Hamshire County Council accept their responsibilities.

The Borough Council has to make some difficult decisions, but I don’t believe that Boorley Green is a sustainable site for that level of development. 

Cllr Sheila Baines then asked for clarification on what was in the plan, as she’d found that non-political residents were confused by the proposals. Cllr Keith House clarified, by saying;

For Hedge End there are propsals for 90-100 homes at Foord Road and 1000 new homes at Woodhouse Lane. At Boorley Green, the golf course site, 1400 new homes are  proposed. At Winchester street in Botley 300-400 new homes are proposed, along with allotments and a new cemetery.

Cllr Cynthia Garton was next to speak, saying;

The plan is not just about housing. Sports fields are needed. We are encouraging kids to get out and about and not stay indoors on their computers. People want to live here and have homes  and facilities.

By now the Councillors had overcome their reservations and were queuing up to speak, with chairman Cllr Bloom happy to let the debate run and not restrict Councillors on time.

Cllr Dan Clarke, one of the Town Councils younger members, was on-message too, saying;

To say that there is “Overwhelming public opposition” is simply not in the real world. That’s not what we’re detecting on the doorstep. People are concerned about Youth services and Libraries. Those are the things we should be concentrating on as Councillors.

People are concerned about their children and want their future housing needs to be met.

The local Blogosphere has been active on this, which is welcome, but it is far removed from the concerns of most people.

The motion is an “over-simplified, Victor-Meldrew get them out of Hedge End false premise”.

Cllr Caitlin Bloom, the youngest member of Hedge End Town Council and still studying herself, followed Cllr Clarkes lead, by saying;

Forthcoming events in London are encouraging us to inspire a generation. We should think about young people returning from University who will want a home in the area. I support the proposals in the local plan

Cllr Bruce Tennant didn’t say much on the detailed proposals for Hedge End, but added;

The feedback from canvassing recently is that this is not a big issue. I agree with Rupert. The proof of the pudding is that he was returned as Borough Councillor.

Cllr Derek Pretty added;

They are well thought through plans, but this is clearly an emotive issue. Those who object say so. Supporters tend to stay silent. The local plan has been well thought through. I can’t go along with this motion.

Cllr Jane Welsh took the debate in a different direction, saying;

Look around Hedge End. How many of us are living in homes that were once strawberry fields. The local plan is much better than popping houses in back gardens.

Having seconded the motion and listened to everybody else speak, Cllr Helen Corben then said;

I supported this motion because we needed a round table discussion which we’ve now had. Woodhouse Lane bothers me. I’d like to remind people of the problems at the roundabout by Wickes. The Maypole roundabout will be the same if the plans go ahead. We’ll need some substantial infrastructure to prevent that roundabout from becoming a problem.

Cllr Louise Bloom then added her own observations, saying

The Woodhouse Lane site is open to conjecture, as there is no clear message from Hampshire County Council.

I’ve only received 1 email on the subject. If we’re thinking about “overwhelming pubic opinion”, lets not forget that Cllr Welsh just had 48.2% of the vote whilst Cllr Kyrle managed 49% 

We mustn’t forget that some of the objections are from people, developers, who want to build even more houses on these sites.

The next stage is for this to be debated at Cabinet level in Eastleigh, and then in the Full Council.

I’ve asked Cllr Garton to debate the revised plan in Highways and Planning, in September. The public are welcome to attend.

Cllr Day proceeded to sum-up, saying;

I can’t help wondering why the Borough Councillors bothered with the public consultation if they are now relying on election results to justify the local plan.

And I refer to the recent Lib Dem campaign material, which was strongly anti-development. It  seems that Cllr Welsh has said one thing before the election and another after. Before the election she wanted no more housing. Now she seems to accept it…

Are the plans well thought through..? Cabinet seem to be about to approve the housing without the necessary bypass, but I suppose perhaps they are still being thought through…

It was incredibly remiss last year, for Hedge End Town Council not to debate this matter, but I’m pleased that whatever the vote this evening, this will be debated again in September. 

The motion was then put to a recorded vote, with Cllrs Day and Corben supporting the motion, Cllrs Kyrle, Baynes, Houghton and Watson abstaining and the 14 other Cllrs that were present voting against it (n.b. only Cllr Jenny Hughes was absent this evening).

The meeting then moved on to other business, but closed a short while later with an umistakeable buzz in the room. It is rare for Hedge End Town Council to have such a debate and although the outcome of this one was not what Cllr Day or the public gallery had hoped for, everybody seemed pleased that the Town Council had broken through the political obstacles that had prevented this important dicussion from taking place last year.

Hampshire Senior Cup Final at St Mary's Stadium

Ian Baird’s Spitfires will go into the Hampshire Senior Cup Final at St Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday night (7.30 pm kick off) with a strong squad after a thrilling 4-3 defeat away to Maidenhead United on the last game of the season.

Alex Wall and Reece Tison-Lascaris gave the home side a two goal advantage at York Road just after twenty minutes only for Lee Peacock to score with a great finish to half the deficit.

Incredibly second half substitute Sam Wilson scored his first ever league goal for The Spitfires to equalise only for right back Mitchell Nelson to pop up with  a header in the 65th minute to put The Spitfires 2-3 up.

Three minutes later Tison-Lascaris bagged a brace for the home side and with seconds ago Maidenhead could would of saved themselves  from getting relegated with Paul Samakula bagging a winner however Eastleigh rivals Havant and Waterlooville also scored a late winner which relegated Maidenhead from the Blue Square Bet South.

The Spitfires Hampshire Senior Cup Final opponents AFC Totton nearly secured  a place in the Blue Square Bet South themselves last week however a 4-2 defeat to Oxford City in the Evo-Stick Southern Premier League play-off final shattered any chances for The Stags to be in The Spitfires league next season.

The last time these two teams met was in a pre season friendly where AFC Totton beat a very weak Eastleigh side 1-0 who included in the side Ross Bottomly who now plays for the Stags and will take help Jim Thorne lead his side out after Stuart Ritchie took the Havant and Waterlooville vacancy as manager.

Ian Baird will not lead his team out as the former Hong Kong manager is going to the Hong Kong Sevens which Eastleigh usually enter however Assistant Manager Shaun Wilkinson will lead the side out at St Mary’s Stadium.

After this game The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is expected go ahead with goal-line technology at a meeting in Kiev in July following the European Championships.

IFAB is currently assessing two different systems bidding to be approved as authorised suppliers of goal-line technology, one Hampshire based Hawk-Eye and the other from German-Danish firm GoalRef.

Both companys’ systems are undergoing rigorous testing ahead of the IFAB meeting, and Hawk-Eye will be used in a live match situation on Wednesday when Eastleigh and AFC Totton face each other in the Hampshire Senior Cup final.

However any decisions will not be given to the ref but it will be the first time in football history that goal line technology is being used.

Eastleigh’s owner Stuart Donald posted on the fans forum today about a free coach taking any Eastleigh fan to St Mary’s Stadium for free of charge.

“The clubhouse is open from lunchtime tomorrow as mentioned but there is also free transport to and from St Marys for the fans provided by Steve through Airlynx so please come down and take advantage of the low prices and free transport and get in the cup final spirit!!”

The coaches will leave The Silverlake Stadium between 5.30 and 6.30 pm however a decision on how many coaches there will be has not been made as there is no way of telling who will turn up on the day.

The clubhouse will be open at The Silverlake Stadium at 12PM so be sure to get there early and experience the cup fever running up to the big match.

This is going to be massive game for The Spitfires and it will hopefully give something to the fans in a season that has been a little disappointing, so come on down to St Mary’s Stadium and roar on those Spitfires!

Tickets: £10 Adults, £5 Concessions

Eastleigh’s squad 

Andy Forbes

Callum Casson

Chris Flood

Danny Smith

Damian Scannell

Daryl McMahon

Gareth Barfoot

Gary Elphick

Gary Holloway

Jamie Brown (Making his last ever appearance for The Spitfires)

Jordace Holder-Spooner

Liam Robinson

Michael Green

Mitchell Nelson

Richard Gillespie (Making his last ever appearance for The Spitfires)

Sam Wilson

Scott Rogers (Making his last ever appearance for The Spitfires)

Tom Jordan

COME ON YOU SPITFIRES!!!

Photo by Tony Smith

For match tweets and info follow eastleighfc

Follow Kieran James for articles on Eastleigh FC Follow @KieranJames1995

Listen to live match commentary on Radio Spitfire here