thedailyecho--2020-01-26--Feature: Learning to ski in the Alps

Feature: Learning to ski in the Alps

La Plagne 's geography makes it one of the best resorts for any newbies .
Neil Lancefield joins a ski school to find out for himself .
`` Relax ! ''
shouts Laurent , my instructor , as a first attempt at skiing down what must be the gentlest slope in the French Alps involves more of a wobble than a glide .
I 'd love to take my instructor 's advice and loosen up , but relaxing is tough when you 're attached a pair of skis for the first time .
I tense up even more , causing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orange safety netting .
Family holidays overseas only ever happened in the summer when I was growing up , and I 've continued that trend into adulthood .
But after enjoying trips to destinations such as Chamonix , Wengen and Zermatt during their quieter summer seasons , I decided it was time to discover what happens when a mountain resort comes to life once the snow falls .
La Plagne is said to be an ideal ski area for beginners , with a reasonably flat plateau providing plenty of wide , gentle slopes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as I embark on the first of six morning lessons at Oxygene Ski School , those so-called easy slopes are as out of reach as the black runs .
On day one , our group of eight first timers stick to the baby slope in Plagne Centre - the area 's main hub – and by the end of the lesson , I am mentally exhausted .
I 'm staying at Ski Beat 's Chalet Florence in Plagne 1800 – named after its altitude in metres – which is one of a dozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Chalet Florence has a log fire , comfy sofas and restaurant-quality food , which means I have little inclination to leave after a day on the slopes .
One of Ski Beat 's largest chalets sleeps up to 19 guests with seven bedrooms in the main building and two more in an annex a short walk away .
The bedrooms are the only private rooms , but a cosy mezzanine space provides the perfect retreat for a couple or small group seeking quiet time away from the open plan living and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jen work tirelessly to ensure all guests are taken care of with cooked breakfasts , freshly baked afternoon cakes and superb evening meals with free-flowing wine .
Day two of ski school sees us continue learning the basics in the beginners ' area of Plagne Centre , but the third day is a game-changer as we leave the village behind and take our first chair lift .
Apprehensive about losing control , I adopt the snow plough position with my skis in a `` V '' shape .
This gives me stability but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down a slope than people with more experience who keep their skis side by side .
`` If you do n't go fast enough I 'll push you '' , Laurent jokes .
At least I hope he 's joking .
It turns out I do have an appetite for skiing fast , as long as I 'm on a long , straight slope .
With no need to worry about what to do with my body beyond keeping my elbows on my kneecaps , I put my skies in the parallel position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face as I travel faster than I 've ever gone without being in a form of motorised transport .
Not everyone in the group feels comfortable keeping up with the pace , and just three of us turn up for day four of ski school .
The absentees could be taking advantage of the many alternative activities available in La Plagne , such as easing tired muscles in a heated outdoor swimming pool , riding down the only bobsleigh track in France or hiking in snowshoes .
Our confidence grows enough to attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me feel like I 'm in a music video .
We build up our daily mileage throughout the rest of the week , and by the end of the final lesson I 'm confident enough to spend the afternoon skiing in the mountains on my own .
Navigating my way up chair lifts and down slopes is extremely satisfying , and I 'm overcome by a huge sense of independence as I reach my destination - the Vanoise Express cable car station - after 90 relatively incident-free minutes .
A wrong turn leads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those I 've been used to , and I 'm slightly horrified when I spot the signs either side of the piste indicate I 'm on a red run , rather than the blue I was aiming for .
With my only other option being a long uphill walk carrying my skies , I tentatively set off .
Using a stop-start technique Laurent taught me , I inch my way down and remarkably stay upright all the way to the bottom .
I wo n't be winning a medal at the Winter Olympics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proper skier .
I even find an apres ski party in full swing at La Bergerie snack bar , with people dancing on tables as a DJ , singer and saxophonist on a balcony entertain the crowd below .
When I finally make it back to the chalet , I 'm again exhausted .
But this time it 's due to being physically drained from a full day 's skiing , rather than struggling to remember the basics of how to ski .
I serve myself a large slice of cake and throw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the kind of relaxing I need no tuition for .
How to plan your trip ...
Ski Beat ( 01273 855100 ; skibeat.co.uk ) offers a week 's fully-hosted ski holiday to La Plagne , part of the 425km of pistes that make up the Paradiski region , from £499pp .
Price includes return Gatwick flights ( Manchester + £20 ) , transfers , seven nights accommodation with breakfast , afternoon tea , three-course evening meals with wine ( six nights ) and the services of a friendly chalet host .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs from £599pp .

"Relax!" shouts Laurent, my instructor, as a first attempt at skiing down what must be the gentlest slope in the French Alps involves more of a wobble than a glide.
I'd love to take my instructor's advice and loosen up, but relaxing is tough when you're attached a pair of skis for the first time. I tense up even more, causing me to slide off course into bright orange safety netting.
Family holidays overseas only ever happened in the summer when I was growing up, and I've continued that trend into adulthood.
But after enjoying trips to destinations such as Chamonix, Wengen and Zermatt during their quieter summer seasons, I decided it was time to discover what happens when a mountain resort comes to life once the snow falls.
La Plagne is said to be an ideal ski area for beginners, with a reasonably flat plateau providing plenty of wide, gentle slopes, categorised as blue runs.
But as I embark on the first of six morning lessons at Oxygene Ski School, those so-called easy slopes are as out of reach as the black runs.
On day one, our group of eight first timers stick to the baby slope in Plagne Centre - the area's main hub – and by the end of the lesson, I am mentally exhausted.
I'm staying at Ski Beat's Chalet Florence in Plagne 1800 – named after its altitude in metres – which is one of a dozen villages dotted around La Plagne's landscape.
But Chalet Florence has a log fire, comfy sofas and restaurant-quality food, which means I have little inclination to leave after a day on the slopes.
One of Ski Beat's largest chalets sleeps up to 19 guests with seven bedrooms in the main building and two more in an annex a short walk away.
The bedrooms are the only private rooms, but a cosy mezzanine space provides the perfect retreat for a couple or small group seeking quiet time away from the open plan living and dining area.
Our hosts Sam and Jen work tirelessly to ensure all guests are taken care of with cooked breakfasts, freshly baked afternoon cakes and superb evening meals with free-flowing wine.
Day two of ski school sees us continue learning the basics in the beginners' area of Plagne Centre, but the third day is a game-changer as we leave the village behind and take our first chair lift.
Apprehensive about losing control, I adopt the snow plough position with my skis in a "V" shape.
This gives me stability but is a much slower method of getting down a slope than people with more experience who keep their skis side by side.
"If you don't go fast enough I'll push you", Laurent jokes. At least I hope he's joking.
It turns out I do have an appetite for skiing fast, as long as I'm on a long, straight slope.
With no need to worry about what to do with my body beyond keeping my elbows on my kneecaps, I put my skies in the parallel position and wear a huge grin across my face as I travel faster than I've ever gone without being in a form of motorised transport.
Not everyone in the group feels comfortable keeping up with the pace, and just three of us turn up for day four of ski school.
The absentees could be taking advantage of the many alternative activities available in La Plagne, such as easing tired muscles in a heated outdoor swimming pool, riding down the only bobsleigh track in France or hiking in snowshoes.
Our confidence grows enough to attempt to ski down a halfpipe, making me feel like I'm in a music video.
We build up our daily mileage throughout the rest of the week, and by the end of the final lesson I'm confident enough to spend the afternoon skiing in the mountains on my own.
Navigating my way up chair lifts and down slopes is extremely satisfying, and I'm overcome by a huge sense of independence as I reach my destination - the Vanoise Express cable car station - after 90 relatively incident-free minutes.
A wrong turn leads me to a slope much steeper than those I've been used to, and I'm slightly horrified when I spot the signs either side of the piste indicate I'm on a red run, rather than the blue I was aiming for.
With my only other option being a long uphill walk carrying my skies, I tentatively set off.
Using a stop-start technique Laurent taught me, I inch my way down and remarkably stay upright all the way to the bottom.
I won't be winning a medal at the Winter Olympics, but I now feel like a proper skier.
I even find an apres ski party in full swing at La Bergerie snack bar, with people dancing on tables as a DJ, singer and saxophonist on a balcony entertain the crowd below.
When I finally make it back to the chalet, I'm again exhausted.
But this time it's due to being physically drained from a full day's skiing, rather than struggling to remember the basics of how to ski.
I serve myself a large slice of cake and throw another log on the fire. This is the kind of relaxing I need no tuition for.
How to plan your trip...
Ski Beat (01273 855100; skibeat.co.uk) offers a week's fully-hosted ski holiday to La Plagne, part of the 425km of pistes that make up the Paradiski region, from £499pp. Price includes return Gatwick flights (Manchester + £20), transfers, seven nights accommodation with breakfast, afternoon tea, three-course evening meals with wine (six nights) and the services of a friendly chalet host. A week's stay at the Chalet Florence costs from £599pp.


thedailyecho--2020-01-26--Worried about waterlogging? How to look after your garden when wet weather strikes

It may have been a relatively mild winter , but the rain has been incessant and we 're not out of the woods yet .
Warmer , wetter winters are becoming more evident with climate change - and waterlogging can be a problem for plants if wet weather persists into spring .
Guy Barter , chief horticulturist at the RHS , explains : `` We should n't be unduly worried about all the rain affecting beds and borders because when the soil is cold in winter , the roots and the organisms around them are pretty much dormant .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dormant enough to avoid infection , '' he adds .
`` The roots compartmentalise any damage they suffer in winter . ''
If the rain continues into spring however , it can be extremely damaging because the roots come back into life as the soil warms up .
Then they are respiring ( breathing ) and ca n't get the oxygen they need because the water has pushed it out of the soil , Barter explains .
`` It 's a very different matter if we get waterlogging in the spring and summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plants , which become vulnerable to root-rotting infections . ''
If we have lots of rain and a mild winter , plants tend to come on quicker and you may see many in bud earlier than usual , he notes .
`` If a frost hits in winter , some plants , such as hellebores , will go limp and flop to the ground , but when the weather gets better they will come up again .
Others , like viburnums , will see their flowers burn off , but more will come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ savage frost in late-spring can mean the loss of many flowers and plants , he warns .
So , you need to be prepared for the worst of the rain and the chance of a cold snap .
The RHS offers the following advice ... 1 .
Identify areas of your lawn which get soggy and spike them and rake in top dressing to help you improve drainage .
2 .
Cover smaller flowering plants with a cloche or fleece before frost to protect blossom against frost damage .
3 .
Upturn waterlogged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the root system that are affected and replant into fresh compost .
A smaller pot may be required due to the reduced root mass .
4 .
Try to keep off waterlogged soil until it is workable , to avoid worsening the conditions .
6 .
Apply a dressing of balanced fertiliser in the spring and mulch over the root area .
7 .
Give foliar feeds during the growing season to help improve leaf colour and encourage new root growth .
8 .
Water thoroughly in dry spells as plants will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waterlogging .
9 .
If you have a tender plant , which could succumb to frost damage , grow it in a pot against a wall , covering it overnight with fabric or horticultural fleece when frost is forecast .
1 .
If your lawn is prone to waterlogging , reduce the damage by installing paths and stepping stones so that it does n't suffer underfoot .
2 .
Select plants which are likely to grow well in wet soils , including Iris sibirica , some lobelias , dogwoods , elders and even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and rosemary , which may struggle unless you put them in a raised bed .
Other good plants for wet soil include Zantedeschia aethiopica , hosta and Hydrangea paniculata .
3 .
Carry out digging in the autumn , working in organic matter to help improve drainage and aeration .
4 .
Avoid overwatering container plants and ensure they are well crocked and free draining .
5 .
If there is somewhere for water to go , drainage can be installed .
Or , where appropriate , it may be worth digging out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lowest part of the garden to catch surplus water and let it soak in slowly .
6 .
Avoid smearing the sides of planting holes on heavy soils - use a fork for digging and break down the sides .
7 .
Grow plants in raised beds , or plant trees and shrubs on a slight mound , so the plant roots are n't sitting in the water .
8 .
Use a very thick mulch of organic matter around particularly susceptible plants .
This creates an aerated area between sky and soil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
9 .
Choose permeable surfaces when laying drives , paths and patios to allow rain to soak in .

It may have been a relatively mild winter, but the rain has been incessant and we're not out of the woods yet.
Warmer, wetter winters are becoming more evident with climate change - and waterlogging can be a problem for plants if wet weather persists into spring.
Guy Barter, chief horticulturist at the RHS, explains: "We shouldn't be unduly worried about all the rain affecting beds and borders because when the soil is cold in winter, the roots and the organisms around them are pretty much dormant.
"They are never completely dormant, but dormant enough to avoid infection," he adds. "The roots compartmentalise any damage they suffer in winter."
If the rain continues into spring however, it can be extremely damaging because the roots come back into life as the soil warms up. Then they are respiring (breathing) and can't get the oxygen they need because the water has pushed it out of the soil, Barter explains.
"It's a very different matter if we get waterlogging in the spring and summer, when the damage can spread through plants, which become vulnerable to root-rotting infections."
If we have lots of rain and a mild winter, plants tend to come on quicker and you may see many in bud earlier than usual, he notes.
"If a frost hits in winter, some plants, such as hellebores, will go limp and flop to the ground, but when the weather gets better they will come up again. Others, like viburnums, will see their flowers burn off, but more will come back later." However, a savage frost in late-spring can mean the loss of many flowers and plants, he warns.
So, you need to be prepared for the worst of the rain and the chance of a cold snap. The RHS offers the following advice...
Short-term remedies
1. Identify areas of your lawn which get soggy and spike them and rake in top dressing to help you improve drainage.
2. Cover smaller flowering plants with a cloche or fleece before frost to protect blossom against frost damage.
3. Upturn waterlogged plants in pots. Remove the parts of the root system that are affected and replant into fresh compost. A smaller pot may be required due to the reduced root mass.
4. Try to keep off waterlogged soil until it is workable, to avoid worsening the conditions.
5. Remove dead or dying shoots from affected plants.
6. Apply a dressing of balanced fertiliser in the spring and mulch over the root area.
7. Give foliar feeds during the growing season to help improve leaf colour and encourage new root growth.
8. Water thoroughly in dry spells as plants will be more susceptible to drought stress following waterlogging.
9. If you have a tender plant, which could succumb to frost damage, grow it in a pot against a wall, covering it overnight with fabric or horticultural fleece when frost is forecast.
Long-term prevention
1. If your lawn is prone to waterlogging, reduce the damage by installing paths and stepping stones so that it doesn't suffer underfoot.
2. Select plants which are likely to grow well in wet soils, including Iris sibirica, some lobelias, dogwoods, elders and even daffodils. Avoid plants such as lavender and rosemary, which may struggle unless you put them in a raised bed. Other good plants for wet soil include Zantedeschia aethiopica, hosta and Hydrangea paniculata.
3. Carry out digging in the autumn, working in organic matter to help improve drainage and aeration.
4. Avoid overwatering container plants and ensure they are well crocked and free draining.
5. If there is somewhere for water to go, drainage can be installed. Or, where appropriate, it may be worth digging out a ditch or seasonal pond at the lowest part of the garden to catch surplus water and let it soak in slowly.
6. Avoid smearing the sides of planting holes on heavy soils - use a fork for digging and break down the sides.
7. Grow plants in raised beds, or plant trees and shrubs on a slight mound, so the plant roots aren't sitting in the water.
8. Use a very thick mulch of organic matter around particularly susceptible plants. This creates an aerated area between sky and soil where roots thrive even in wet conditions.
9. Choose permeable surfaces when laying drives, paths and patios to allow rain to soak in.


thedailyecho--2020-01-26--Hunt for thieves after money stolen from Mandarin Chef in Crampmoor

THIEVES fled a restaurant after being caught inside an upstairs flat .
Police say a member of staff at Mandrain @ @ @ @ @ Romsey , disturbed someone inside an upstairs room at about 8.30pm on Saturday .
The @ @ @ @ @ after the flat was checked it was discovered that money had been stolen .
A @ @ @ @ @ `` We are keen to hear from anyone who may be able to assist our @ @ @ @ @ `` Maybe someone you know has more money than usual ?
Perhaps you were driving @ @ @ @ @ Road around 8.30pm and have a dash cam that could have captured people entering or @ @ @ @ @ Anyone with information can call 101 , quoting 44200031606 .
Alternatively , you can call @ @ @ @ @ 111 . ''

Police say a member of staff at Mandrain Chef in Crampmoor, near Romsey, disturbed someone inside an upstairs room at about 8.30pm on Saturday.
The thieves fled the scen and after the flat was checked it was discovered that money had been stolen.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: "We are keen to hear from anyone who may be able to assist our investigation following the theft.
"Maybe someone you know has more money than usual? Perhaps you were driving past the restaurant in Winchester Road around 8.30pm and have a dash cam that could have captured people entering or leaving the flat?
"Anyone with information can call 101, quoting 44200031606. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."


thedailyecho--2020-01-26--Southampton man cautioned after clashes in Hoglands Park

VIOLENCE broke out between rival football fans in a city centre park in Southampton .
Clashes occurred in Hoglands Park @ @ @ @ @ Hotspur FA Cup match at St Mary 's Stadium yesterday .
A police spokesman said @ @ @ @ @ of Tottenham and Southampton supporters .
He added that no weapons were invo0lved and no @ @ @ @ @ The spokesman added : `` Police were already on the scene and so the incident @ @ @ @ @ `` A 23-year-old man from Southampton has been dealt with by way of a condoitional @ @ @ @ @ the park was cordoned off yesterday but police say it was for an unrelated reason @ @ @ @ @ in place because we had a drone unit assisting us with the policing operation and @ @ @ @ @ a landing zone .
`` The drone was not related to the disorcer incident .
@

Clashes occurred in Hoglands Park before the Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur FA Cup match at St Mary's Stadium yesterday.
A police spokesman said the incident involved a number of Tottenham and Southampton supporters.
He added that no weapons were invo0lved and no injuuries had been reported.
The spokesman added: "Police were already on the scene and so the incident was stopped very quickly.
"A 23-year-old man from Southampton has been dealt with by way of a condoitional discharge."
Part of the park was cordoned off yesterday but police say it was for an unrelated reason.
"The cordon was in place because we had a drone unit assisting us with the policing operation and they had to cordon off a landing zone.
"The drone was not related to the disorcer incident."


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--Rats spotted running around in Walnut Tree Farm pub, Nursling

CUSTOMERS were left shocked after rats were spotted scurrying around at a pub .
The Walnut Tree Farm in Nursling is being monitored by Test Valley Borough Council following the visitors ’ unexpected surprise when two rodents were seen in the pub and carvery ’ s grounds walking around the outdoor seating tables .
David Smith , from Winchester , said his friend spotted the rats in the conservatory .
He said : “ At lunchtime my friend went and told staff of the pub , and they didn ’ t seem bothered about it at all .
They were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It is absolutely disgusting and should be closed down and sorted out - it is putting people ’ s health at risk.
” The 29-year-old added : “ Working in kitchens myself , I know what the food and kitchen standard should be like and they clearly do not.
” Another visitor of the Greene King pub , Rebecca Spacagna , saw the rats as she went in for breakfast .
Rebecca said : “ We went out to the conservatory and there were two rats running around where the kids sit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catering , said they will not be returning and more rat traps need to be sorted .
A Test Valley Borough Council spokesperson said : “ We had two reports of rats at the pub , so we went down there on January 23 to carry out a thorough inspection .
`` Although we did not find any rats , we will continue monitoring the pub .
“ I have not heard any reports of rats physically inside the pub – just the ‘ summer house ’ after potentially someone left a door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Farm said : “ We take our cleanliness and hygiene standards extremely seriously and once we become aware of this issue , we took immediate remedial action .
`` We have the environmental health officer ’ s confidence that there is no evidence of pests inside the building .
`` [ The rat ] was not in the main building or kitchen , it was in the grounds where the outdoor seating area is situated.
” The pub in Adanac Drive , Nursling received a 5 out of 5 hygiene rating in their @ @ @ @

The Walnut Tree Farm in Nursling is being monitored by Test Valley Borough Council following the visitors’ unexpected surprise when two rodents were seen in the pub and carvery’s grounds walking around the outdoor seating tables.
David Smith, from Winchester, said his friend spotted the rats in the conservatory.
He said: “At lunchtime my friend went and told staff of the pub, and they didn’t seem bothered about it at all. They were very calm about the whole situation.
“It is absolutely disgusting and should be closed down and sorted out - it is putting people’s health at risk.”
The 29-year-old added: “Working in kitchens myself, I know what the food and kitchen standard should be like and they clearly do not.”
Another visitor of the Greene King pub, Rebecca Spacagna, saw the rats as she went in for breakfast.
Rebecca said: “We went out to the conservatory and there were two rats running around where the kids sit.
“We told staff members and they laughed.
“We just thought, 'Wow'.”
The 36-year-old, who works in catering, said they will not be returning and more rat traps need to be sorted.
A Test Valley Borough Council spokesperson said: “We had two reports of rats at the pub, so we went down there on January 23 to carry out a thorough inspection.
"Although we did not find any rats, we will continue monitoring the pub.
“I have not heard any reports of rats physically inside the pub – just the ‘summer house’ after potentially someone left a door open.”
A spokesperson for Walnut Tree Farm said: “We take our cleanliness and hygiene standards extremely seriously and once we become aware of this issue, we took immediate remedial action.
"We have the environmental health officer’s confidence that there is no evidence of pests inside the building.
"[The rat] was not in the main building or kitchen, it was in the grounds where the outdoor seating area is situated.”
The pub in Adanac Drive, Nursling received a 5 out of 5 hygiene rating in their November 2018 inspection.


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--Crime in Southampton goes up... yet again

CRIME in Southampton has gone up for the fifth year in a row , with numbers being `` significantly higher than the national average '' , it has been revealed .
Modern slavery , cruelty to children , blackmail and arsons were the offences to have increased the most in the city in the last year , according to new figures .
The data published by Southampton City Council in a report also show there were `` notable increases '' in violent crime , serious knife crime and residential burglary .
The news comes as the document revealed that between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Portsmouth have gone down .
Civic chiefs and police bosses said there are a number of reasons for the increase in Southampton , which in 2018/19 had 126.1 recorded crimes per 1,000 population .
According to the report , this is `` significantly higher '' than the national average of 86.7 per 1,000 population .
But police and city bosses ensured that action is being taken .
The document revealed that cruelty to children was the biggest offence to increase in 2018/19 with 180 cases reported , 83 more than in 2017/18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slavery was the second biggest riser in 2018/19 with 30 incidents , up from 17 the year before , a 76.5 % increase .
They were followed by blackmail ( 65.3 % higher ) , arsons ( 59.1 % higher ) and stalking and harassment which had seen a 46.1 % increase .
Meanwhile , violent crime was the largest offence in the last financial year with 11,079 incidents , 779 more than in 2017/18 .
The data also revealed that overall crime rate has gone up by 1 % over the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crimes reported in 2018/19 , 301 more than the year before .
Hampshire Police Chief Inspector Phil Lamb said people have now a better understanding of how to identify a child at risk or signs of modern slavery and this could have contributed to the increase in numbers .
He added : `` Whilst we have seen a large percentage increase in the number of incidents described as cruelty to children and young persons , the number does remain low .
We now have more opportunities to take action against offenders and protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone unnoticed and suffered in plain sight . ''
However , some crimes have decreased in the last year , including non-residential burglaries ( 20 % decrease ) , vehicle offences ( 10.7 % decrease ) and rape ( 4.7 % decrease ) .
Cllr Dave Shields , cabinet member for healthier and safer city at the city council , said work to tackle the issue is ongoing .
But he added that the extra police officers set to be deployed across the country are not in place yet .
`` Southampton has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the national figures because of the nature of the city .
It is disappointing that there has been a drop of crime in Hampshire and Portsmouth but Southampton has gone up , '' he added .
The report found that crime had increased within ten city wards , and fallen in six .
The largest increases were seen in Bitterne ( 11.5 % ) , Harefield ( 8.1 % ) and Freemantle ( 7.5 % ) .
Crime has also gone up in the city centre with a 3.2 % increase in Bargate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a `` fair share '' of police officers in the city .
She said : `` I understand there is going to be additional resources .
I would like to see more police so that we can deal with more issues .
We do need more police officers in Southampton . ''
Meanwhile , the largest decrease was seen in Coxford ( -14 % ) Crime rate also decreased in Bevois ( -5.6 % ) , Sholing ( -3.8 % ) and Woolston ( -2.9 % ) .
`` I have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
I am pleased the Prime Minister has responded by committing to an additional 20,000 police officers .
Southampton ’ s share of that will be very welcome '' , he added .
Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner Enzo Riglia said last summer the Police and Crime Commissioner was given Home Office funding to establish a Violence Reduction Unit ( VRU ) in Hampshire `` which is bringing together partners from policing , probation education , health and local authorities to identify the root causes of violence and develop solutions to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also working together with other partners across the city to understand the causes of crime in Southampton and to take action .

Modern slavery, cruelty to children, blackmail and arsons were the offences to have increased the most in the city in the last year, according to new figures.
The data published by Southampton City Council in a report also show there were "notable increases" in violent crime, serious knife crime and residential burglary.
The news comes as the document revealed that between 2018 and 2019 crime levels in Hampshire and Portsmouth have gone down.
Civic chiefs and police bosses said there are a number of reasons for the increase in Southampton, which in 2018/19 had 126.1 recorded crimes per 1,000 population.
According to the report, this is "significantly higher" than the national average of 86.7 per 1,000 population.
But police and city bosses ensured that action is being taken.
The document revealed that cruelty to children was the biggest offence to increase in 2018/19 with 180 cases reported, 83 more than in 2017/18 (85.6% increase).
Modern slavery was the second biggest riser in 2018/19 with 30 incidents, up from 17 the year before, a 76.5% increase.
They were followed by blackmail (65.3% higher), arsons (59.1% higher) and stalking and harassment which had seen a 46.1% increase.
Meanwhile, violent crime was the largest offence in the last financial year with 11,079 incidents, 779 more than in 2017/18.
The data also revealed that overall crime rate has gone up by 1% over the last year, with a total of 31,890 crimes reported in 2018/19, 301 more than the year before.
Hampshire Police Chief Inspector Phil Lamb said people have now a better understanding of how to identify a child at risk or signs of modern slavery and this could have contributed to the increase in numbers.
He added: "Whilst we have seen a large percentage increase in the number of incidents described as cruelty to children and young persons, the number does remain low. We now have more opportunities to take action against offenders and protect vulnerable people, who before may have gone unnoticed and suffered in plain sight."
However, some crimes have decreased in the last year, including non-residential burglaries (20% decrease), vehicle offences (10.7% decrease) and rape (4.7% decrease).
Cllr Dave Shields, cabinet member for healthier and safer city at the city council, said work to tackle the issue is ongoing.
But he added that the extra police officers set to be deployed across the country are not in place yet.
"Southampton has always had a higher crime rate than the national figures because of the nature of the city. It is disappointing that there has been a drop of crime in Hampshire and Portsmouth but Southampton has gone up,"he added.
The report found that crime had increased within ten city wards, and fallen in six.
The largest increases were seen in Bitterne (11.5%), Harefield (8.1%) and Freemantle (7.5%).
Crime has also gone up in the city centre with a 3.2% increase in Bargate.
Ward councillor Sarah Bogle has called for a "fair share" of police officers in the city.
She said: "I understand there is going to be additional resources. I would like to see more police so that we can deal with more issues. We do need more police officers in Southampton."
Meanwhile, the largest decrease was seen in Coxford (-14%)
Crime rate also decreased in Bevois (-5.6%), Sholing (-3.8%) and Woolston (-2.9%).
Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith said figures are disappointing.
"I have been lobbying government for more police resources for years. I am pleased the Prime Minister has responded by committing to an additional 20,000 police officers. Southampton’s share of that will be very welcome", he added.
Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner Enzo Riglia said last summer the Police and Crime Commissioner was given Home Office funding to establish a Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) in Hampshire "which is bringing together partners from policing, probation education, health and local authorities to identify the root causes of violence and develop solutions to reduce it".
The Safe City Partnership is also working together with other partners across the city to understand the causes of crime in Southampton and to take action.


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--Motorists warned of heavy delays on A34, near Winchester

MOTORISTS are being warned of heavy delays on a main road this morning due to a crash between a car @ @ @ @ @ face 70 minute minute delays on the A34 , at Junction 9 of the M3 @ @ @ @ @ partially blocked .
The incident is impacting traffic heading southbound at Winnall , which is @ @ @ @ @ A272 at the Three Maids Hill roundabout .
A spokesperson from Hampshire police said : @ @ @ @ @ 6.58am and the car and lorry have been cleared from the carriageway . ''

Drivers will face 70 minute minute delays on the A34, at Junction 9 of the M3, as the road is partially blocked.
The incident is impacting traffic heading southbound at Winnall, which is now tailing back to the A272 at the Three Maids Hill roundabout.
The congestion started at 7.13am.
A spokesperson from Hampshire police said: "We were called at 6.58am and the car and lorry have been cleared from the carriageway."
There were no injuries.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--More than 40 people stopped and searched in Sholing, Thornhill and Weston as police use Section 60 p

More than 40 people stopped and searched in Sholing, Thornhill and Weston as police use Section 60 powers

TWO knives and an axe were seized during a police stop and search operation in Southampton in which four people were arrested .
Officers used Section 60 powers in Sholing , Thornhill and Weston amid fears that gangs armed with weapons might attack each other .
Police have confirmed that 42 people were stopped , resulting in four arrests , between noon yesterday and 7am today .
A police spokesman said : `` During that time , officers were out patrolling the area in order to prevent serious violence involving weapons from occurring .
`` Section 60 is an emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a long term solution to violent disorder or weapon-related crime .
`` However , we have used the power this week as we have been aware of concerns within the local community and this has been our response .
`` While the Section 60 authorisation was in place , 42 people were stopped and searched .
This included four arrests and the seizure of two knives , a broken snooker cue and an axe . ''
Three men aged 28 , 29 and 30 were arrested in the Weston area of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapon in a public place .
The 28-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of drink-driving .
A 16-year-old boy was arrested in Sholing on suspicion of possessing a knife or bladed article in a public place .
Chief Inspector Phil Lamb said : “ First and foremost , the Section 60 power helps us to prevent incidents of serious violent .
“ We are also able to better apprehend those who are carrying weapons , or who are involved in planned violence .
“ I have seen people ask why we tell you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is important you know what we are doing about violent crime in your communities .
`` When we tell people a Section 60 has been authorised , it also may make those considering something think about their actions and the consequences that come with them .
“ Without information from you , we are not able to do this and we act on the information you provide us .
“ You will see us out patrolling again today .
Please , if you have any concerns or information , do not hesitate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If you are concerned about someone carrying weapons in your neighbourhood , or you see something suspicious you think is potentially related to serious violence , please call 999 .
”

Officers used Section 60 powers in Sholing, Thornhill and Weston amid fears that gangs armed with weapons might attack each other.
Police have confirmed that 42 people were stopped, resulting in four arrests, between noon yesterday and 7am today.
A police spokesman said: "During that time, officers were out patrolling the area in order to prevent serious violence involving weapons from occurring.
"Section 60 is an emergency power and we do not suggest it is a long term solution to violent disorder or weapon-related crime.
"However, we have used the power this week as we have been aware of concerns within the local community and this has been our response.
"While the Section 60 authorisation was in place, 42 people were stopped and searched. This included four arrests and the seizure of two knives, a broken snooker cue and an axe."
Three men aged 28, 29 and 30 were arrested in the Weston area of the city on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. The 28-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested in Sholing on suspicion of possessing a knife or bladed article in a public place.
Chief Inspector Phil Lamb said: “First and foremost, the Section 60 power helps us to prevent incidents of serious violent.
“We are also able to better apprehend those who are carrying weapons, or who are involved in planned violence.
“I have seen people ask why we tell you this beforehand. We do this because it is important you know what we are doing about violent crime in your communities.
"When we tell people a Section 60 has been authorised, it also may make those considering something think about their actions and the consequences that come with them.
“Without information from you, we are not able to do this and we act on the information you provide us.
“You will see us out patrolling again today. Please, if you have any concerns or information, do not hesitate to come and chat with us.
“If you are concerned about someone carrying weapons in your neighbourhood, or you see something suspicious you think is potentially related to serious violence, please call 999.”


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--Plans to expand Southampton Airport hang in the balance as councillors fear 'noise and climate chang

Plans to expand Southampton Airport hang in the balance as councillors fear 'noise and climate change'

PLANS to expand Southampton Airport are to be scrutinised at a special meeting on Tuesday .
Civic chiefs in the city will come together on Tuesday evening to discuss the proposals to expand the airport ’ s runway by 164 metres and add 600 parking spaces to the long stay car park at the site .
A final decision on the plans will be made by Eastleigh Borough Council .
But councillors at Southampton City Council will now have a further look at the details of the planning application .
According to an official document published ahead of the meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for further clarification on a number of aspects .
These include details on the impact the expansion would have on noise , local roads , trees and ecology .
An official report reads : `` Further information is requested in relation to the benefits and dis-benefits and measures to mitigate against the impacts of the airport expansion .
`` Without this additional information the council can not be satisfied that this airport scheme maintains an appropriate balance between the benefits of aviation and its costs , particularly in relation to its contribution to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city council said it supports the `` sustainable growth of Southampton Airport '' to ensure it remains `` a competitive and viable '' regional airport within the South East .
But the reports also reads : `` The proposed runway extension would facilitate a level of forecasted growth in air transport movements that would be at odds with the independent advice to government from the Committee on Climate Change on building a low-carbon economy and preparing for climate change .
`` Furthermore , the forecasted amount and frequency of aircraft departing to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southampton , would have a predicted significant adverse noise effect .
`` The proposed mitigation measures/controls relating to forecasted carbon emissions and noise impact are not alone sufficient in order to address these concerns . ''
As previously reported , in November last year campaigners presented city councillors with a petition signed by 1,900 people asking Southampton councillors to oppose the expansion of the airport .
Southampton Airport had previously said there is a need for a longer runway and vowed to grow `` sustainably and responsibly , sensitive to the needs of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expansion is expected to create 400 new jobs and boost financial investment from £160m a year to £275m .
The special meeting of the Planning and Rights of Way Panel will take place at the civic centre at 6pm .

Civic chiefs in the city will come together on Tuesday evening to discuss the proposals to expand the airport’s runway by 164 metres and add 600 parking spaces to the long stay car park at the site.
A final decision on the plans will be made by Eastleigh Borough Council.
But councillors at Southampton City Council will now have a further look at the details of the planning application.
According to an official document published ahead of the meeting it is recommended that city councillors ask for further clarification on a number of aspects.
These include details on the impact the expansion would have on noise, local roads, trees and ecology.
An official report reads: "Further information is requested in relation to the benefits and dis-benefits and measures to mitigate against the impacts of the airport expansion.
"Without this additional information the council cannot be satisfied that this airport scheme maintains an appropriate balance between the benefits of aviation and its costs, particularly in relation to its contribution to climate change and noise."
The city council said it supports the "sustainable growth of Southampton Airport" to ensure it remains "a competitive and viable" regional airport within the South East.
But the reports also reads: "The proposed runway extension would facilitate a level of forecasted growth in air transport movements that would be at odds with the independent advice to government from the Committee on Climate Change on building a low-carbon economy and preparing for climate change.
"Furthermore, the forecasted amount and frequency of aircraft departing to the south and arriving from the south over Southampton, would have a predicted significant adverse noise effect.
"The proposed mitigation measures/controls relating to forecasted carbon emissions and noise impact are not alone sufficient in order to address these concerns."
As previously reported, in November last year campaigners presented city councillors with a petition signed by 1,900 people asking Southampton councillors to oppose the expansion of the airport.
Southampton Airport had previously said there is a need for a longer runway and vowed to grow "sustainably and responsibly, sensitive to the needs of the local community".
The airport expansion is expected to create 400 new jobs and boost financial investment from £160m a year to £275m.
The special meeting of the Planning and Rights of Way Panel will take place at the civic centre at 6pm.


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--Hampshire Police make direct plea to mother after body of baby found in Portsmouth

POLICE have issued a direct plea to a new mother after the body of a recently born baby was found on a Hampshire street .
Officers have asked the mother to come forward to help in their instigations .
It comes after the discovery at the junction of Victoria Street and Old Commercial Road in Portsmouth at about 6.18am on Saturday .
Detective chief inspector Simon Baker said : `` We are extremely concerned for the welfare of the mother of this child .
“ I am making a direct appeal to her to get in touch with us .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ distressing time for you , but I want to make sure you are getting the right help and care .
“ I understand you may be frightened , but it is important that you get in touch with us .
“ We want to speak with anyone who has concerns about someone who has recently been heavily pregnant , that you suspect may have been heavily pregnant or who has given birth very recently .
“ Or maybe you have concerns for the whereabouts of a recently born baby .
“ Anyone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete confidence .
Our priority now is to ensure the mother of this child receives the assistance she requires .
“ Officers will be carrying out house to house enquiries in the Old Commercial Road area today and you will see an increased presence .
“ If you have any concerns , however insignificant you may believe them to be , please do not hesitate to approach an officer or to call us . ''
Officers carried out house-to-house enquiries in the area over the weekend .
Anyone with information can call police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 44200030626 .
Information can also be submitted online by clicking here .

Officers have asked the mother to come forward to help in their instigations.
It comes after the discovery at the junction of Victoria Street and Old Commercial Road in Portsmouth at about 6.18am on Saturday.
Detective chief inspector Simon Baker said: "We are extremely concerned for the welfare of the mother of this child.
“I am making a direct appeal to her to get in touch with us. I know this must be a very distressing time for you, but I want to make sure you are getting the right help and care.
“I understand you may be frightened, but it is important that you get in touch with us.
“We want to speak with anyone who has concerns about someone who has recently been heavily pregnant, that you suspect may have been heavily pregnant or who has given birth very recently.
“Or maybe you have concerns for the whereabouts of a recently born baby.
“Anyone who contacts us can speak with us in complete confidence. Our priority now is to ensure the mother of this child receives the assistance she requires.
“Officers will be carrying out house to house enquiries in the Old Commercial Road area today and you will see an increased presence.
“If you have any concerns, however insignificant you may believe them to be, please do not hesitate to approach an officer or to call us."
Officers carried out house-to-house enquiries in the area over the weekend.
Anyone with information can call police on 101, quoting Operation Cravat or 44200030626.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Information can also be submitted online by clicking here.


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--Robber who reached into backpack while telling shop staff there was a gun inside is jailed

A SOUTHAMPTON robber who threatened shop staff by telling them he had a gun has been jailed .
Jake Spiers would walk into stores with a bag or rucksack , which he would reach into before telling staff he had a gun .
Using the technique , the 29-year-old carried out two robberies in Southampton .
He also stole goods from a city department store on two occasions .
Now Spiers , of Landguard Road , Southampton , has been jailed for four and a half years .
During his sentencing , at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his robberies at Foyes News on Shirley Road .
The court heard he walked into the store with a rucksack just after 10.15am on November 6 .
He put his hand in the rucksack and threatened a member of staff saying he had a gun and demanded cash from the till .
He took a quantity of cash and left the store .
Two days later , just before midnight on Friday , 8 November , Spiers entered Retro Burger on Waterloo Road holding a carrier bag .
Again , he put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he had a gun and demanded cash .
A member of staff gave him an envelope containing £10 and he left the store .
No-one was hurt in either incident .
Spiers also stole from John Lewis at Westquay on two occasions , once on Sunday , October 13 and again on Friday , November 8 .
He stole an Amazon Echo Dot and a heated mattress cover .
Spiers pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and admitted two charges of shoplifting at Southampton Crown Court on 16 December .
Spiers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further shoplifting offences which were taken into consideration when being sentenced .

Jake Spiers would walk into stores with a bag or rucksack, which he would reach into before telling staff he had a gun.
Using the technique, the 29-year-old carried out two robberies in Southampton.
He also stole goods from a city department store on two occasions.
Now Spiers, of Landguard Road, Southampton, has been jailed for four and a half years.
During his sentencing, at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday, the court heard how Spiers carried out one of his robberies at Foyes News on Shirley Road.
The court heard he walked into the store with a rucksack just after 10.15am on November 6.
He put his hand in the rucksack and threatened a member of staff saying he had a gun and demanded cash from the till.
He took a quantity of cash and left the store.
Two days later, just before midnight on Friday, 8 November, Spiers entered Retro Burger on Waterloo Road holding a carrier bag.
Again, he put his hand inside the carrier bag and said he had a gun and demanded cash.
A member of staff gave him an envelope containing £10 and he left the store.
No-one was hurt in either incident.
Spiers also stole from John Lewis at Westquay on two occasions, once on Sunday, October 13 and again on Friday, November 8.
He stole an Amazon Echo Dot and a heated mattress cover.
Spiers pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and admitted two charges of shoplifting at Southampton Crown Court on 16 December.
Spiers also admitted to another robbery and two further shoplifting offences which were taken into consideration when being sentenced.


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--Test Valley restaurant could make 'UK's best burger'

A TEST Valley hotel and restaurant has made its way to the final of a burger competition , facing some of the biggest names in food .
The Greyhound on the Test in Stockbridge is going head to head with chefs from Bleecker , Smashburger and the Hard Rock Café , after making it through to the Final of this year ’ s National Burger Awards with its much-loved , Greyhound Burger .
The annual cook-off , now in its sixth year , will see 16 chefs from restaurants , pubs and street food businesses compete in a live final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next month .
At the event , each chef will be put to the test across three rounds , where they will produce the signature burger that was chosen for the final .
This signature dish will be whipped up under a strict time limit , A ‘ technical ’ burger will also be made , using ingredients from the competition sponsors - as well as a vegan burger to finish things off .
On the day , the burgers will be judged by a panel of industry experts , featuring El Perro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won the National Burger Awards in 2019 .
The chef that produces the Burger of the Year will walk away with £1,000 , as well as the prestigious award .
Tristan O ’ Hana , editor of Casual Dining Magazine , which hosts the event said : “ What a list of finalists we have this year .
“ From restaurants to pubs to street food operators , the different levels of operation that have made it through to the final is testament to how important the humble burger still is to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be so tight this year , so the very best of luck to all of the chefs involved . ''
The 2020 National Burger Awards is sponsored by Americana , Arla Pro , Danish Crown , Electrolux , Farm Frites , Hellmann ’ s , Kühne and The Meatless Farm Co .

The Greyhound on the Test in Stockbridge is going head to head with chefs from Bleecker, Smashburger and the Hard Rock Café, after making it through to the Final of this year’s National Burger Awards with its much-loved, Greyhound Burger.
The annual cook-off, now in its sixth year, will see 16 chefs from restaurants, pubs and street food businesses compete in a live final at the Islington Metal Works in London next month.
At the event, each chef will be put to the test across three rounds, where they will produce the signature burger that was chosen for the final.
This signature dish will be whipped up under a strict time limit,
A ‘technical’ burger will also be made, using ingredients from the competition sponsors - as well as a vegan burger to finish things off.
On the day, the burgers will be judged by a panel of industry experts, featuring El Perro Negro’s Nick Watkins, who won the National Burger Awards in 2019.
The chef that produces the Burger of the Year will walk away with £1,000, as well as the prestigious award.
Tristan O’Hana, editor of Casual Dining Magazine, which hosts the event said: “What a list of finalists we have this year.
“From restaurants to pubs to street food operators, the different levels of operation that have made it through to the final is testament to how important the humble burger still is to the hospitality industry.
"The competition is going to be so tight this year, so the very best of luck to all of the chefs involved."
The 2020 National Burger Awards is sponsored by Americana, Arla Pro, Danish Crown, Electrolux, Farm Frites, Hellmann’s, Kühne and The Meatless Farm Co.


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--University of Southampton are on the look out for drivers and cyclists to help reduce road accidents

ARE YOU hoping to reduce accidents on the road ?
Researchers from the University of Southampton are looking for drivers and cyclists to help them with a study which aims to limit the number of road accidents .
It was found that , on average , 124 cyclists are involved in collisions on Southampton roads each year , making up 16 percent of all accidents despite representing only 1.4 percent of everyday traffic .
As a result , the university ’ s transport research group are working with Cycling UK to develop new training programs which aim to help road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awareness of other road users .
As part of the research , they want cyclists , drivers and people who use both bicycles and cars on the roads to take part in focus groups , where they will discuss their views on a series of questions and scenarios .
Leader of the study Dr Katie Plant , lecturer in Human Factors in Engineering at the University of Southampton , said : “ For most of us , training in road safety is limited to taking our cycling proficiency test at school and passing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very easy for our knowledge of traffic laws and the Highway Code to diminish over time .
“ A high proportion of road accidents involve cyclists and drivers , two groups who are traditionally in conflict with each other .
It is really important therefore that we get both groups involved to find out where the gaps in awareness lie.
” The focus groups will be co-ordinated by Matthew Webster , a senior research assistant at the university who is also an elite level cyclist .
He said : “ By taking part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community can help us develop a major programme for cyclist and driver safety .
As well as reducing accidents , we can hopefully create an environment where more people feel confident about making their journeys by bike and can enjoy the health benefits of cycling.
” To take part , contact Matthew at M.Webster @ soton.ac.uk .

Researchers from the University of Southampton are looking for drivers and cyclists to help them with a study which aims to limit the number of road accidents.
It was found that, on average, 124 cyclists are involved in collisions on Southampton roads each year, making up 16 percent of all accidents despite representing only 1.4 percent of everyday traffic.
As a result, the university’s transport research group - who have been funded for the project by Roads Safety Trust - are working with Cycling UK to develop new training programs which aim to help road users understand risky behaviours and improve their awareness of other road users.
As part of the research, they want cyclists, drivers and people who use both bicycles and cars on the roads to take part in focus groups, where they will discuss their views on a series of questions and scenarios.
Leader of the study Dr Katie Plant, lecturer in Human Factors in Engineering at the University of Southampton, said: “For most of us, training in road safety is limited to taking our cycling proficiency test at school and passing our driving test. This makes it very easy for our knowledge of traffic laws and the Highway Code to diminish over time.
“A high proportion of road accidents involve cyclists and drivers, two groups who are traditionally in conflict with each other. It is really important therefore that we get both groups involved to find out where the gaps in awareness lie.”
The focus groups will be co-ordinated by Matthew Webster, a senior research assistant at the university who is also an elite level cyclist.
He said: “By taking part in the group discussions, the Southampton community can help us develop a major programme for cyclist and driver safety. As well as reducing accidents, we can hopefully create an environment where more people feel confident about making their journeys by bike and can enjoy the health benefits of cycling.”
To take part, contact Matthew at M.Webster@soton.ac.uk.


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--New route announced by Southampton Airport

A NEW route has been announced by Southampton Airport directly connecting the North to the South .
Eastern Airways will be operating 10 flights a week from Southampton to Teesside International Airport , offering point to point connection for business travellers and cruise holiday-makers .
• Plans to expand Southampton Airport hang in the balance as councillors fear 'noise and climate change' There will be two flights on offer from Monday to Thursday , one flight on Fridays and Sundays and no service on Saturdays .
Neil Garwood , Managing Director at Southampton Airport , said : “ I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be adding yet another route between the north and the south of the country .
“ Regional connectivity is vital for the economic prosperity of all regions of the UK , and continued investment is crucial in order to serve the country ’ s needs .
All flights will be bookable and on sale at flybe.com in the coming days , and fares will start from £69.99 one-way including taxes and charges .
Roger Hage , Eastern Airways ’ General Manager Commercial & Operations , added : “ This is a significant strategic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to develop the number of destinations available between the two airports .
“ The mix of business and leisure travellers in the region will benefit from this expansion of aircraft operating a broad Teesside network of Flybe routes operated by Eastern Airways , including a number of onward connections in the wider Flybe network .
”

Eastern Airways will be operating 10 flights a week from Southampton to Teesside International Airport, offering point to point connection for business travellers and cruise holiday-makers.
There will be two flights on offer from Monday to Thursday, one flight on Fridays and Sundays and no service on Saturdays.
Neil Garwood, Managing Director at Southampton Airport, said: “I am pleased to announce that Eastern Airways will be adding yet another route between the north and the south of the country.
“Regional connectivity is vital for the economic prosperity of all regions of the UK, and continued investment is crucial in order to serve the country’s needs.
All flights will be bookable and on sale at flybe.com in the coming days, and fares will start from £69.99 one-way including taxes and charges.
Roger Hage, Eastern Airways’ General Manager Commercial & Operations, added: “This is a significant strategic partnership for both the airline and airport to develop the number of destinations available between the two airports.
“The mix of business and leisure travellers in the region will benefit from this expansion of aircraft operating a broad Teesside network of Flybe routes operated by Eastern Airways, including a number of onward connections in the wider Flybe network.”


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--Sex offender who stayed at home with child to be sentenced at crown court

A SEX offender who breached his notification requirements by staying in a house with a child is to be sentenced @ @ @ @ @ Travis Ward , 44 , is due to appear at Southampton Crown Court next month @ @ @ @ @ offence of failing to comply with notification requirements .
Ward stayed at an address that @ @ @ @ @ for the qualifying period of seven days .
He also stayed at an address with @ @ @ @ @ of at least 12 hours , which he was banned from doing .
Appearing at @ @ @ @ @ Ward , of Shirley High Street , Southampton , pleaded guilty to two counts of @ @ @ @ @ requirements .
His case was adjourned until February 11 and the case moved to Southampton @ @ @ @ @ He was given conditional bail until the next hearing .

Andrew Travis Ward, 44, is due to appear at Southampton Crown Court next month to be sentenced for the offence of failing to comply with notification requirements.
Ward stayed at an address that had not previously been notified for the qualifying period of seven days.
He also stayed at an address with a child for a period of at least 12 hours, which he was banned from doing.
Appearing at Southampton Magistrates' Court, Ward, of Shirley High Street, Southampton, pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to comply with notification requirements.
His case was adjourned until February 11 and the case moved to Southampton Crown Court for sentencing.
He was given conditional bail until the next hearing.


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--Man, 35, who had a razor blade is in the dock (along with ten others)

AMONG the cases heard at Southampton Magistrates ' Court were ... PAUL MARK MAY , 53 , of Kingsdown Way , Southampton .
Admitted breaching community order by failing without reasonable excuse to comply with community order by failing to attend office appointments .
Committed to prison for three months , suspended for 12 months .
GUY LEWIS WETTON , 46 , of Irving Road , Maybush .
Admitted breaching suspended sentence order by failing without reasonable excuse to comply with community requirements , by failing to attend alcohol treatment requirement .
Suspended sentence varied .
Now committed to prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .
Also rehabilitation activity requirement for 20 days and alcohol treatment requirement .
Ordered to pay costs of £60 .
ALBIE REG SAMWAYS , 19 , of Wimpson Lane , Millbrook .
Pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis .
Conditional discharge for 12 months .
Also ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a conditional discharge of £21 .
NEIL THOMSON , 39 , of Chichester Road , Poulner .
Pleaded guilty to being over the drink-driving limit while in charge of a motor vehicle .
Driving record endorsed with 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay court costs of £200 and a victim surcharge of £39 .
ADAM NICHOLAS GIBSON , 32 , of Lebanon Road , Southampton .
Pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis .
Fined £260 , ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £32 and court costs of £85 .
WUYAN XIONG , 22 , of Suttones Place , Southampton .
Pleaded guilty to drink-driving and driving without insurance .
Disqualified from driving for 14 months .
Also fined £150 , ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £32 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Frost Lane , Hythe .
Pleaded guilty to one count of assault by beating and one count of theft .
Committed to prison for 11 weeks , suspended for 12 months .
Also ordered to pay compensation of £108 .
SCOTT LESLEY DAVID WILTON , 27 , of Hurst Close , Chandler 's Ford .
Pleaded guilty to the possession of cannabis .
Discharged conditionally for 12 months .
Ordered to pay £21 victim surcharge and £85 court costs .
DOMINIC MARK CARTER , 35 , of Spring Road , Southampton .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fined £80 and ordered to pay £32 victim surcharge .
DONALD ALENN EMM , 35 , of Lawn Road , Portswood , Southampton .
Pleaded guilty to carrying a blade , namely a razor blade .
Community order made and fined £80 .
Ordered to pay £90 victim surcharge .
JACK RYAN JEWELL , 30 , Ennerdale Road , Southampton .
Pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour towards a man to cause harassment or distress .
Fined £250 and ordered to pay compensation of £150 .
Also ordered to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs .

PAUL MARK MAY, 53, of Kingsdown Way, Southampton. Admitted breaching community order by failing without reasonable excuse to comply with community order by failing to attend office appointments. Committed to prison for three months, suspended for 12 months.
GUY LEWIS WETTON, 46, of Irving Road, Maybush. Admitted breaching suspended sentence order by failing without reasonable excuse to comply with community requirements, by failing to attend alcohol treatment requirement. Suspended sentence varied. Now committed to prison for eight weeks, suspended for 24 months. Also rehabilitation activity requirement for 20 days and alcohol treatment requirement. Ordered to pay costs of £60.
ALBIE REG SAMWAYS, 19, of Wimpson Lane, Millbrook. Pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis. Conditional discharge for 12 months. Also ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a conditional discharge of £21.
NEIL THOMSON, 39, of Chichester Road, Poulner. Pleaded guilty to being over the drink-driving limit while in charge of a motor vehicle. Driving record endorsed with 10 points. Also fined £396, ordered to pay court costs of £200 and a victim surcharge of £39.
ADAM NICHOLAS GIBSON, 32, of Lebanon Road, Southampton. Pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis. Fined £260, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £32 and court costs of £85.
WUYAN XIONG, 22, of Suttones Place, Southampton. Pleaded guilty to drink-driving and driving without insurance. Disqualified from driving for 14 months. Also fined £150, ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £32.
MATTHEW JOHN AMOS, 34, of Frost Lane, Hythe. Pleaded guilty to one count of assault by beating and one count of theft. Committed to prison for 11 weeks, suspended for 12 months. Also ordered to pay compensation of £108.
SCOTT LESLEY DAVID WILTON, 27, of Hurst Close, Chandler's Ford. Pleaded guilty to the possession of cannabis. Discharged conditionally for 12 months. Ordered to pay £21 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.
DOMINIC MARK CARTER, 35, of Spring Road, Southampton. Pleaded guilty to the possession of cannabis. Fined £80 and ordered to pay £32 victim surcharge.
DONALD ALENN EMM, 35, of Lawn Road, Portswood, Southampton. Pleaded guilty to carrying a blade, namely a razor blade. Community order made and fined £80. Ordered to pay £90 victim surcharge.
JACK RYAN JEWELL, 30, Ennerdale Road, Southampton. Pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour towards a man to cause harassment or distress. Fined £250 and ordered to pay compensation of £150. Also ordered to pay £30 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs.


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--This widely-used drug is used to treat a common eye condition – but researchers say it has 'no benef

This widely-used drug is used to treat a common eye condition – but researchers say it has 'no benefit at all'

RESEARCHERS have found that a widely used drug to treat a common eye condition has “ no benefit ” and should no longer be used .
Eplerenone , which is primarily used to treat heart failure , is currently offered widely by ophthalmologists as a treatment for central serous chorioretinopathy ( CSCR ) based on limited clinical data .
The condition causes fluid to build up under the retina and can lead to sight loss in up to a third of patients .
It is the fourth most common retinal disease and affects ten in 100,000 men and two in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40s .
Eplerenone , which is one of a group of drugs that decrease the activity of hormones that regulate salt and water in the body , was found to improve vision in a small number of patients in early-stage research .
However , it is also associated with side effects including raised potassium levels which can affect heart rhythm , and a decrease in blood pressure .
As a result , Professor Andrew Lotery , a consultant ophthalmologist at University Hospital Southampton , launched the first study into the long-term efficacy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The £1 million trial , funded by the Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health Research Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation ( EME ) Programme , saw 111 patients at 22 sites across the UK receive either the medication or an identical placebo tablet for up to 12 months .
The results showed there was no benefit of treating patients with eplerenone compared to those who took a placebo .
Prof Lotery said : “ Despite a lack of robust clinical trial evidence , eplerenone and other similar drugs are widely used by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment of CSCR .
“ However , as these drugs can have side effects such as hyperkalaemia , which causes a rise in potassium and can affect heart rhythm , it was important to the NHS that we determine efficacy and safety .
“ After a year of follow-up , this study found no benefit of treating patients with eplerenone compared to those patients that took a placebo tablet.
” He added : “ This is an important practice-changing finding and should prompt ophthalmologists to stop treating CSCR with eplerenone , instead opting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential interventions .
”

Eplerenone, which is primarily used to treat heart failure, is currently offered widely by ophthalmologists as a treatment for central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) based on limited clinical data.
The condition causes fluid to build up under the retina and can lead to sight loss in up to a third of patients.
It is the fourth most common retinal disease and affects ten in 100,000 men and two in 100,000 women mainly in their 30s and 40s.
Eplerenone, which is one of a group of drugs that decrease the activity of hormones that regulate salt and water in the body, was found to improve vision in a small number of patients in early-stage research.
However, it is also associated with side effects including raised potassium levels which can affect heart rhythm, and a decrease in blood pressure.
As a result, Professor Andrew Lotery, a consultant ophthalmologist at University Hospital Southampton, launched the first study into the long-term efficacy and safety of the drug for CSCR.
The £1 million trial, funded by the Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health Research Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) Programme, saw 111 patients at 22 sites across the UK receive either the medication or an identical placebo tablet for up to 12 months.
The results showed there was no benefit of treating patients with eplerenone compared to those who took a placebo.
Prof Lotery said: “Despite a lack of robust clinical trial evidence, eplerenone and other similar drugs are widely used by ophthalmologists as first line therapy for the treatment of CSCR.
“However, as these drugs can have side effects such as hyperkalaemia, which causes a rise in potassium and can affect heart rhythm, it was important to the NHS that we determine efficacy and safety.
“After a year of follow-up, this study found no benefit of treating patients with eplerenone compared to those patients that took a placebo tablet.”
He added: “This is an important practice-changing finding and should prompt ophthalmologists to stop treating CSCR with eplerenone, instead opting to participate in future trials of other potential interventions.”


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--Plans to build 45 sheltered flats for OAPs in the heart of Lymington are thrown out by council

PLANNING chiefs have rejected proposals for a major housing development in the centre of a Hampshire town .
The district council has refused to support an application to replace four houses at Stanford Hill , Lymington , with 45 sheltered flats for the elderly .
The multi-million-pound scheme had been opposed by the town council and the Lymington Society .
People living near the site also lodged objections .
They criticised the scale and potential impact of the proposed development , claiming it would create extra traffic problems in the area as well as putting additional pressure on services used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has rejected the application for a raft of reasons , including the lack of affordable housing .
A council report outlining its decision also quotes comments submitted by the authority 's conservation staff , who criticised what they described as a `` large , bulky structure '' .
The report says the new building would be highly visible from the street and a neighbouring conservation area .
`` It would adversely change the character of the site from one which provides a welcome relief on the edge of the built-up area to one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme fails to respond to the character of Lymington , the setting of the adjacent conservation area and a number of important listed buildings . ''
As reported in the Daily Echo , plans to transform the site were published last year .
The applicant , Renaissance Retirement , responded to initial criticism of the scheme by cutting the number of flats it intended to build from 50 to 45 .
But town councillors criticised the density of the proposed development and urged the district council to reject the application .
The scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lymington Society , which said it would harm one of the town 's tree-lined green arteries .
Speaking at the time a Renaissance spokesman said : “ The design is right for the site ’ s location and responds well to the street scene .
“ When it comes to density , national planning guidelines encourage schemes like the one we ’ re proposing when they ’ re on sustainable sites .
`` It ’ s also worth noting that if planning permission is granted we ’ ll be making a Community Infrastructure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding wider local infrastructure improvements . ''
The spokesman also responded to claims that Lymington needed more housing for young people .
He said the proposals put forward by the company aimed to help meet a specific need which had been put forward by the district council .

The district council has refused to support an application to replace four houses at Stanford Hill, Lymington, with 45 sheltered flats for the elderly.
The multi-million-pound scheme had been opposed by the town council and the Lymington Society.
People living near the site also lodged objections. They criticised the scale and potential impact of the proposed development, claiming it would create extra traffic problems in the area as well as putting additional pressure on services used by the elderly.
The district council has rejected the application for a raft of reasons, including the lack of affordable housing.
A council report outlining its decision also quotes comments submitted by the authority's conservation staff, who criticised what they described as a "large, bulky structure".
The report says the new building would be highly visible from the street and a neighbouring conservation area.
"It would adversely change the character of the site from one which provides a welcome relief on the edge of the built-up area to one which dominates its surroundings.
"The scheme fails to respond to the character of Lymington, the setting of the adjacent conservation area and a number of important listed buildings."
As reported in the Daily Echo, plans to transform the site were published last year.
The applicant, Renaissance Retirement, responded to initial criticism of the scheme by cutting the number of flats it intended to build from 50 to 45.
But town councillors criticised the density of the proposed development and urged the district council to reject the application.
The scheme also came under fire from the influential Lymington Society, which said it would harm one of the town's tree-lined green arteries.
Speaking at the time a Renaissance spokesman said: “The design is right for the site’s location and responds well to the street scene.
“When it comes to density, national planning guidelines encourage schemes like the one we’re proposing when they’re on sustainable sites.
"It’s also worth noting that if planning permission is granted we’ll be making a Community Infrastructure Levy contribution, which will go towards funding wider local infrastructure improvements."
The spokesman also responded to claims that Lymington needed more housing for young people.
He said the proposals put forward by the company aimed to help meet a specific need which had been put forward by the district council.


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--Mustang silly: Driver has vehicle taken away by police... because £45,000 supercar wasn't insured

TRAFFIC police have labelled the driver of this £45,000 supercar 'Mustang silly ' – after discovering the vehicle had n't @ @ @ @ @ the bright orange car on the M3 northbound near Basingstoke at the weekend .
It @ @ @ @ @ ' , police say .
It was then found that the vehicle was n't covered @ @ @ @ @ seized it from its owner .
Calling the driver `` Mustang silly '' , an @ @ @ @ @ said : `` This vehicle was sighted at speed on the M3 northbound at junction @ @ @ @ @ was stopped and it was then found that the owner has not insured his £45,000 @ @

Officers stopped the bright orange car on the M3 northbound near Basingstoke at the weekend.
It had been travelling 'at speed', police say.
It was then found that the vehicle wasn't covered by insurance – and police seized it from its owner.
Calling the driver "Mustang silly", an officer from Hants Roads Policing said: "This vehicle was sighted at speed on the M3 northbound at junction seven.
"The vehicle was stopped and it was then found that the owner has not insured his £45,000 tangerine.
"The vehicle was seized."


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--Ringwood woman caught three-and-a-half times the drink-drive limit

A WOMAN has been found guilty of being three-and-a-half times the drink-drive limit .
Tuulia Elizabeth Smith , 42 , @ @ @ @ @ Street , Ringwood , on September 13 .
When breathalysed by officers , she was @ @ @ @ @ of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath .
The legal limit is 35 microgrammes of @ @ @ @ @ breath – meaning she was three-and-a-half times the drink-drive limit .
But she was found @ @ @ @ @ the same count .
She was remanded on bail to appear for sentencing at Southampton @ @ @ @ @ 12 .
Smith was giving an interim driving ban until the next hearing .

Tuulia Elizabeth Smith, 42, was caught drink-driving in Burley Street, Ringwood, on September 13.
When breathalysed by officers, she was found to have 129 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.
The legal limit is 35 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – meaning she was three-and-a-half times the drink-drive limit.
Appearing at Southampton Magistrates' Court, Smith, of Burley Street, Ringwood, denied drink-driving.
But she was found guilty following a trial at the same count.
She was remanded on bail to appear for sentencing at Southampton Magistrates' Court on February 12.
Smith was giving an interim driving ban until the next hearing.


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--Crown court date set for three men after drugs raid at city centre property

A CROWN court date has been set for three men who were arrested after a drugs raid in central Southampton @ @ @ @ @ , Ottian Lleshi , 21 , and Jurgen Spahiu , 18 , are due to @ @ @ @ @ next month The trio were charged with being concerned in the production of a controlled @ @ @ @ @ drugs raid in the centre of the city .
Officers seized around 1,000 cannabis plants @ @ @ @ @ Polygon on January 15 .
Hidri , Lleshi and Spahiu , all of no fixed @ @ @ @ @ Magistrates ' Court last week .
None of the men entered pleas at the hearing @ @ @ @ @ .
They are next due to appear at Southampton Crown Court on February 21 .
@ @ @ @ @ in custody until the next hearing .

Fatjon Hidri, 36, Ottian Lleshi, 21, and Jurgen Spahiu, 18, are due to appear at Southampton Crown Court next month
The trio were charged with being concerned in the production of a controlled class B drug following a drugs raid in the centre of the city.
Officers seized around 1,000 cannabis plants from a property in The Polygon on January 15.
Hidri, Lleshi and Spahiu, all of no fixed address, appeared at Southampton Magistrates' Court last week.
None of the men entered pleas at the hearing and the case was adjourned.
They are next due to appear at Southampton Crown Court on February 21.
All three men were remanded in custody until the next hearing.


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--InJoy opens new centre in Ocean Village, Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON residents can climb to new heights at an `` exhilarating '' activity centre .
The centre in Ocean Village features climbing walls , laser tag , a trampoline and ninja park , as well as arts and cooking classes .
City mayor Peter Baillie and MP Alan Whitehead were given the chance to try out the latest offerings during a recent visit .
Mayor Baillie said : “ It was such brilliant fun and a real adrenaline buzz .
The InJoy team were really helpful and professional and gave me real confidence .
I think I tried everything !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for people of all ages.
” Right behind him was MP Alan Whitehead .
He said : “ It was totally exhilarating !
What a great asset and a draw for the city .
It ’ s proving to be a hugely popular venue.
” Southampton ’ s InJoy manager Meredith Donnelly said : “ We ’ re hugely excited by the reaction we ’ ve had here since our launch - with adventure-seekers visiting us from across the region.
” Meredith added : “ Alongside our regular activities , we have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including student nights , business ‘ away days ’ , birthday parties , baby showers and gender reveals .
We also run fitness classes for adults and have meeting rooms for hire .
”

The centre in Ocean Village features climbing walls, laser tag, a trampoline and ninja park, as well as arts and cooking classes.
City mayor Peter Baillie and MP Alan Whitehead were given the chance to try out the latest offerings during a recent visit.
Both politicians scaled the centre's seven-metre high climbing walls.
Mayor Baillie said: “It was such brilliant fun and a real adrenaline buzz. The InJoy team were really helpful and professional and gave me real confidence. I think I tried everything! It’s the most wonderful place for people of all ages.”
Right behind him was MP Alan Whitehead. He said: “It was totally exhilarating! What a great asset and a draw for the city. It’s proving to be a hugely popular venue.”
Southampton’s InJoy manager Meredith Donnelly said: “We’re hugely excited by the reaction we’ve had here since our launch - with adventure-seekers visiting us from across the region.”
Meredith added: “Alongside our regular activities, we have already hosted a number of events at Injoy, including student nights, business ‘away days’, birthday parties, baby showers and gender reveals. We also run fitness classes for adults and have meeting rooms for hire.”
For more information call 02381733433.


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--LETTER: Forget Big Ben - this is why we should celebrate Brexit with a 23-shot salute

THERE appears to be a lot of controversy as to whether or not to replace the Big Ben bell striker at an exorbitant cost of £500,000 in Parliament ’ s Elizabeth Tower to enable the bell to strike on the 31st January to mark the UK quitting the EU .
The amount of money specified seems a little out of proportion and the Government will certainly drop a big clanger if they approve that sort of expenditure .
• Brexit will be 'huge opportunity ' for business , says minister Rather than disrupt restoration work and incur such a high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun salute .
The King ’ s Troop Royal Horse Artillery ( based at Woolwich ) have for some time fired their 13 pounder guns in Green Park for all major ceremonial occasions .
As you are aware they have been firing blanks for some time , as Baldrick in Blackadder would remark ‘ ’ it ’ s the bromide in the NAFFI tea ’ ’ .
Green Park is situated less than a mile from Big Ben and I ’ m sure the lads in the artillery could put their hands on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gun trajectory and make a big hit for the occasion .
As the official time is 11.00pm signified by eleven shots or better still twenty three hundred hours [ 23.00hrs ] twenty three shots !
Five minutes before eleven , sound the evacuation signal in Parliament after which any rabble that choose to still remain may have to scrabble out of the rubble .
The King ’ s Troop Royal Horse Artillery could prove to be a big hit with the public .

The amount of money specified seems a little out of proportion and the Government will certainly drop a big clanger if they approve that sort of expenditure.
Rather than disrupt restoration work and incur such a high cost why not consider a simple military gun salute.
The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery (based at Woolwich) have for some time fired their 13 pounder guns in Green Park for all major ceremonial occasions.
As you are aware they have been firing blanks for some time, as Baldrick in Blackadder would remark ‘’it’s the bromide in the NAFFI tea’’.
Green Park is situated less than a mile from Big Ben and I’m sure the lads in the artillery could put their hands on a bit of live ammunition, adjust the gun trajectory and make a big hit for the occasion. As the official time is 11.00pm signified by eleven shots or better still twenty three hundred hours [23.00hrs] twenty three shots!
Five minutes before eleven, sound the evacuation signal in Parliament after which any rabble that choose to still remain may have to scrabble out of the rubble.
The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery could prove to be a big hit with the public.
Allan Foxall
New Forest


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--Brexit will be 'huge opportunity' for business, says minister

A GOVERNMENT minister has played down fears that Brexit could destroy jobs across Southampton if no trade deal with the European Union is agreed .
International trade minister Conor Burns , a former Southampton councillor , has said there are “ huge opportunities ” for more companies to export as Britain prepares to leave the EU .
But he also called for a “ dialling down ” of the current dispute with the US , whose treasury secretary is threatening to slap tariffs on British cars if the UK goes ahead with a tax on the American digital giants .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is why we should celebrate Brexit with a 23-shot salute The UK officially leaves the European Union this Friday , but business with Europe will continue as normal until the end of this year while talks go on over trade agreements .
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn visited Southampton last autumn and warned there was a “ huge threat to jobs all across Southampton ” if Britain left the EU without a deal .
But Mr Burns said : “ We are determined to try and get a deal and , crucially , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this was clear in the political declaration that accompanied the EU withdrawal agreement .
“ We ’ re optimistic that we can get that deal .
There is plenty of time now to make ourselves prepared for the event that a deal is not forthcoming , a good 11 months , ” he added .
He said talks with the US , Australia and New Zealand were going on at the same time as negotiations with the U and there would be talks with a “ further tranche of countries ” and work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are trying to make the trading opportunities for UK companies even greater , which we should be doing anyway because France and Germany export a lot more than we do from an even deeper point of integration with the EU , ” he said .
On the prospect of a trade war with the US hitting the UK car industry – which exports many vehicles through Southampton – he said : “ We ’ ve got to dial this down.We believe that a tariff war is in nobody ’ s interests at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ de-escalate this.
” He said the government would shortly be publishing a negotiating mandate for a free trade deal with the US .
“ It ’ s very much the view of the government that we should be dialling this down , we should be talking about this , we should be finding a way to reduce or eliminate tariffs , not getting into the business of a tariff war .
That ’ s in nobody ’ s interest whatsoever , not least British car manufacturers or those who work in that sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said ministers had been told by Boris Johnson “ to get out there with our message that January 31 represents an opportunity for the UK ” .
He added : “ There are huge opportunities out there , there ’ s real interest in Britain again and there ’ s huge support through the Department for International Trade for small and medium sized companies to show them how easy it is , frankly , to export and to support them if they wish to embark on an export journey .
”

International trade minister Conor Burns, a former Southampton councillor, has said there are “huge opportunities” for more companies to export as Britain prepares to leave the EU.
But he also called for a “dialling down” of the current dispute with the US, whose treasury secretary is threatening to slap tariffs on British cars if the UK goes ahead with a tax on the American digital giants.
The UK officially leaves the European Union this Friday, but business with Europe will continue as normal until the end of this year while talks go on over trade agreements.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn visited Southampton last autumn and warned there was a “huge threat to jobs all across Southampton” if Britain left the EU without a deal.
But Mr Burns said: “We are determined to try and get a deal and, crucially, so is the EU.”
He says this was clear in the political declaration that accompanied the EU withdrawal agreement.
“We’re optimistic that we can get that deal. There is plenty of time now to make ourselves prepared for the event that a deal is not forthcoming, a good 11 months,” he added.
He said talks with the US, Australia and New Zealand were going on at the same time as negotiations with the U and there would be talks with a “further tranche of countries” and work on access to other markets.
“We are trying to make the trading opportunities for UK companies even greater, which we should be doing anyway because France and Germany export a lot more than we do from an even deeper point of integration with the EU,” he said.
On the prospect of a trade war with the US hitting the UK car industry – which exports many vehicles through Southampton – he said: “We’ve got to dial this down.We believe that a tariff war is in nobody’s interests at all. We’ve got to de-escalate this.”
He said the government would shortly be publishing a negotiating mandate for a free trade deal with the US.
“It’s very much the view of the government that we should be dialling this down, we should be talking about this, we should be finding a way to reduce or eliminate tariffs, not getting into the business of a tariff war. That’s in nobody’s interest whatsoever, not least British car manufacturers or those who work in that sector,” he added.
Mr Burns said ministers had been told by Boris Johnson “to get out there with our message that January 31 represents an opportunity for the UK”.
He added: “There are huge opportunities out there, there’s real interest in Britain again and there’s huge support through the Department for International Trade for small and medium sized companies to show them how easy it is, frankly, to export and to support them if they wish to embark on an export journey.”


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--John Lewis is recalling this product over fears it could cause burns

DEPARTMENT store John Lewis is recalling Winter Spice set of nine tealights/Christmas tea light advent calendars because there is a risk of the candle flaring up during use , which could potentially cause a fire or burns .
According to the Chartered Trading Standards Institute website , the company is recalling the products - stock numbers : 78779614 , 78779613 .
The notice has also been placed on the John Lewis website .
These products were sold between August 2019 and January 2020 from John Lewis & Partners shops and johnlewis.com .
The company placed a notice on the trading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We 're recalling these products as there is a risk of the candle flaring up during use .
`` As a consequence , the ignition source may cause a fire or cause burns to the user .
`` Please stop using immediately , and return to your nearest John Lewis & Partners shop as soon as possible for a full refund , or to exchange it for an alternative product if you prefer .
`` We 're sorry for any inconvenience or disappointment this product recall may cause you . ''

According to the Chartered Trading Standards Institute website, the company is recalling the products - stock numbers: 78779614, 78779613. The notice has also been placed on the John Lewis website.
These products were sold between August 2019 and January 2020 from John Lewis & Partners shops and johnlewis.com.
The company placed a notice on the trading standards website on January 22, saying: "We're recalling these products as there is a risk of the candle flaring up during use.
"As a consequence, the ignition source may cause a fire or cause burns to the user.
"Please stop using immediately, and return to your nearest John Lewis & Partners shop as soon as possible for a full refund, or to exchange it for an alternative product if you prefer.
"We're sorry for any inconvenience or disappointment this product recall may cause you."


thedailyecho--2020-01-27--Eastleigh residents set to benefit from £300,000 play park investment

EASTLEIGH residents are set to benefit from a £300,000 investment into parks and open spaces .
A range of community improvements are set to be made to the open spaces around Eastleigh in a bid to enable younger generations to benefit from quality outdoor play areas `` for many years to come '' .
The funding for the improvements was given to the Eastleigh Local Area Committee by the developers of the North Stoneham Park housing development , and this is being distributed across the borough .
Chair of Eastleigh Local Area Committee , Cllr Paul Bicknell , said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in addition to the new play area planned for North Stoneham Park to be completed early spring , as well as improvements to Lawn Road .
`` This further reinforces ELAC ’ s commitment to investing in new play areas and public open spaces for our residents , enabling our younger generation to benefit from quality outdoor play areas for many years to come.
” The Pirelli Park project to turn the cable factory site into a public open space already had a budget of £225,000 , but this was boosted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for hard and soft landscaping including a new play park .
While £66,000 was allocated to building a new play park on Cheriton Road and £12,200 will be spent on repairing the zip wire and trampoline at Grantham Green Play Area , which are both set to be completed by the end of 2020 .
Also , £68,000 was already spent on the play area at the Leah Gardens housing site on Woodside Avenue , which was completed in December 2019 .
Finally , £3,750 of the funding will be given to The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their `` Friday Night Football Project '' at Places Leisure Centre , which has been successful in engaging with youngsters who are excluded from mainstream football sessions .

A range of community improvements are set to be made to the open spaces around Eastleigh in a bid to enable younger generations to benefit from quality outdoor play areas "for many years to come".
The funding for the improvements was given to the Eastleigh Local Area Committee by the developers of the North Stoneham Park housing development, and this is being distributed across the borough.
Chair of Eastleigh Local Area Committee, Cllr Paul Bicknell, said: “This investment in these exciting projects is in addition to the new play area planned for North Stoneham Park to be completed early spring, as well as improvements to Lawn Road.
"This further reinforces ELAC’s commitment to investing in new play areas and public open spaces for our residents, enabling our younger generation to benefit from quality outdoor play areas for many years to come.”
The Pirelli Park project to turn the cable factory site into a public open space already had a budget of £225,000, but this was boosted by £125,000 from the funding to help pay for hard and soft landscaping including a new play park.
While £66,000 was allocated to building a new play park on Cheriton Road and £12,200 will be spent on repairing the zip wire and trampoline at Grantham Green Play Area, which are both set to be completed by the end of 2020.
Also, £68,000 was already spent on the play area at the Leah Gardens housing site on Woodside Avenue, which was completed in December 2019.
Finally, £3,750 of the funding will be given to The Saints Foundation to help them continue running their "Friday Night Football Project" at Places Leisure Centre, which has been successful in engaging with youngsters who are excluded from mainstream football sessions.