thedailyecho--2020-10-30--Solent NHS Trust launch report into experiences of veterans

A REPORT has been launched calling for a new model of care to support armed forces veterans .
The Trauma in Mind report is a year-long study into the experience of veterans and their families who require intensive healthcare services .
Solent NHS Trust collaborated with NHS England and Breaking Barriers on the report and is using the findings to identify that a new service delivery model is needed .
• Remembrance changes in Southampton , Winchester and Eastleigh Over 150 interviews were carried out , with focus-groups for veterans , serving personnel , reservists , family members , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veteran and Founding Director of All Call Signs , a peer support organisation for veterans and serving military personnel .
He said : `` This report has gone to a painstaking effort to guide veterans ' mental health service providers on some of the key elements that must be included in a successful offering .
`` Key themes of collaboration and joined-up thinking , a focus on families being better integrated and included as well as ensuring that veterans from all minorities feel represented and welcome have to be front of mind to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is my opinion that this document should live on the desk of anyone creating , improving or working in mental health services for the military community . ''
Solent NHS Trust has now stepped up its response to veterans and their families by offering a wider range of courses through the Recovery College in partnership with Solent Mind .
David Noyes , Chief Operating Officer at Solent NHS Trust and retired Naval Officer , said : “ Solent NHS Trust ’ s links with both serving and retired military personnel and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we take our obligations through the Armed Forces Covenant extremely seriously .
“ Our commitment to service personnel is to provide an outstanding level of timely , responsive and specialist health care .
`` Working with NHS England to support the Trauma in Mind report has enabled us to actively listen , allowing future services to be designed with to meet the unique needs of this group . ''

The Trauma in Mind report is a year-long study into the experience of veterans and their families who require intensive healthcare services.
Solent NHS Trust collaborated with NHS England and Breaking Barriers on the report and is using the findings to identify that a new service delivery model is needed.
Remembrance changes in Southampton, Winchester and Eastleigh
Over 150 interviews were carried out, with focus-groups for veterans, serving personnel, reservists, family members, and professional stakeholders.
Stephen James is a veteran and Founding Director of All Call Signs, a peer support organisation for veterans and serving military personnel.
He said: "This report has gone to a painstaking effort to guide veterans' mental health service providers on some of the key elements that must be included in a successful offering.
"Key themes of collaboration and joined-up thinking, a focus on families being better integrated and included as well as ensuring that veterans from all minorities feel represented and welcome have to be front of mind to anyone working in this space.
"It is my opinion that this document should live on the desk of anyone creating, improving or working in mental health services for the military community."
Solent NHS Trust has now stepped up its response to veterans and their families by offering a wider range of courses through the Recovery College in partnership with Solent Mind.
David Noyes, Chief Operating Officer at Solent NHS Trust and retired Naval Officer, said: “Solent NHS Trust’s links with both serving and retired military personnel and their families is really important to us and we take our obligations through the Armed Forces Covenant extremely seriously.
“Our commitment to service personnel is to provide an outstanding level of timely, responsive and specialist health care.
"Working with NHS England to support the Trauma in Mind report has enabled us to actively listen, allowing future services to be designed with to meet the unique needs of this group."


thedailyecho--2020-10-30--3,000 businesses in "significant distress", says Begbies Traynor

ALMOST 3,000 Southampton businesses have found themselves in “ significant ” financial distress in the past three months .
The figure is up by 13 per cent on last year – but is set to rise even more when government support ends and the courts catch up with a backlog of insolvencies .
Analysis by insolvency firm Begbies Traynor found the pressure was hardest on industrial and professional services .
It found there were 2,787 Southampton businesses in significant distress between July and September .
The figure was up five per cent on the previous quarter .
Begbies says a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county court judgements ( CCJs ) and winding-up petitions being issued .
Only 10,045 CCJs were lodged nationally between April and May , compared with 26,244 last year .
There were only 101 winding-up petitions between April and May , a fall of 90 per cent on the same period last year .
Steve Powell , partner at Begbies Traynor in Southampton , said : “ Southampton businesses continue to face multiple challenges – from unpredictable consumer demand to restrictions on the way they offer their services , as well as managing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their workforce .
This is undoubtedly taking its toll , as reflected in these regional figures .
“ It is noteworthy that the number of businesses in significant distress has grown substantially in the last three months , even with court capacity significantly reduced due to the pandemic .
“ As such , there could be a significant number of insolvencies when the courts do get back to anywhere near normal capacity and attempt to clear the backlog of pending cases .
“ This , combined with the end of the furlough scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to have a material impact on the business failure rate .
“ Unfortunately , a combination of a grim economic data , and very poor trading conditions , particularly in the most vulnerable sectors such as hospitality will take its toll and this is expected to feed through to Q1 2021 as restrictions continue.
” Nationally , Begbies ’ Red Flag Alert research for the third quarter of this year showed 557,000 businesses in significant distress , six per cent up on the same period last year .
Businesses in “ significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as CCJs of less than £5,000 , or those which have been identified by the Red Flag risk scoring system , based on indicators including working capital , liabilities , retained profits ad net worth .

The figure is up by 13 per cent on last year – but is set to rise even more when government support ends and the courts catch up with a backlog of insolvencies.
Analysis by insolvency firm Begbies Traynor found the pressure was hardest on industrial and professional services.
It found there were 2,787 Southampton businesses in significant distress between July and September. The figure was up five per cent on the previous quarter.
Begbies says a backlog of court cases has prevented many county court judgements (CCJs) and winding-up petitions being issued.
Only 10,045 CCJs were lodged nationally between April and May, compared with 26,244 last year. There were only 101 winding-up petitions between April and May, a fall of 90 per cent on the same period last year.
Steve Powell, partner at Begbies Traynor in Southampton, said: “Southampton businesses continue to face multiple challenges – from unpredictable consumer demand to restrictions on the way they offer their services, as well as managing the direct health impact of the pandemic on their workforce. This is undoubtedly taking its toll, as reflected in these regional figures.
“It is noteworthy that the number of businesses in significant distress has grown substantially in the last three months, even with court capacity significantly reduced due to the pandemic.
“As such, there could be a significant number of insolvencies when the courts do get back to anywhere near normal capacity and attempt to clear the backlog of pending cases.
“This, combined with the end of the furlough scheme and other government support measures, is likely to have a material impact on the business failure rate.
“Unfortunately, a combination of a grim economic data, and very poor trading conditions, particularly in the most vulnerable sectors such as hospitality will take its toll and this is expected to feed through to Q1 2021 as restrictions continue.”
Nationally, Begbies’ Red Flag Alert research for the third quarter of this year showed 557,000 businesses in significant distress, six per cent up on the same period last year.
Businesses in “significant” distress are those with problems such as CCJs of less than £5,000, or those which have been identified by the Red Flag risk scoring system, based on indicators including working capital, liabilities, retained profits ad net worth.
CONTACT ME
t: 01202 411297
e: darren.slade@
dailyecho.co.uk


thedailyecho--2020-10-31--Boris Johnson 'considering' second national lockdown for England next week

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly set to place England under stringent national lockdown restrictions next week .
Here 's everything we know so far .
Who reported that a second national lockdown could happen soon ?
According to a report by The Times newspaper , Boris Johnson will announce the new measures at a press conference on Monday , November 2 .
The move could see everything closed except essential shops and educational settings .
When could the second national lockdown begin across England ?
The restrictions could be introduced on Wednesday , November 4 , and remain in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the The Times ' report .
However , no final decisions are believed to have been made , and tougher regional measures – such as the introduction of Tier 4 – are also being considered .
Mr Johnson has so far resisted pressure to reintroduce nationwide restrictions , despite calls for a “ circuit-breaker ” to curb the rise in coronavirus cases .
'Half a million people per week are becoming infected with Covid-19 across England' But new data published on Friday suggested around 570,000 people per week are becoming infected with Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientists for tougher restrictions .
The Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) infection survey found cases “ continued to rise steeply ” in the week ending October 23 , with an estimated 568,100 people in households becoming infected .
Scientific advisers at the top of Government believe it is now too late for a two-week national circuit-breaker to have enough of an effect and a longer national lockdown is needed to drive the reproduction number , or R value , of the virus below one .
All parts of England are on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 restrictions , they believe , while deaths could potentially hit 500 per day within weeks .
Government scientists are also confident that more than 50,000 new cases of coronavirus are now occurring every day in England .
It comes as official documents released by the Government show that a Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) meeting on October 8 said the number of infections and hospital admissions is “ exceeding the reasonable worst case scenario ( RWCS ) planning levels at this time ” .
The document , which came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced , said the number of deaths was also “ highly likely to exceed reasonable worst case planning levels ” within the next two weeks .
Sage documents leaked to The Spectator this week showed an RWCS of 85,000 Covid-19 deaths until the end of March , with more than 500 deaths a day for 90 days at the peak .
The Sage document of October 8 said a continued rise in hospital admissions means that “ if there are no decisive interventions , continued growth would have the potential to overwhelm the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-Covid treatments ” .
A separate Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling , Operational sub-group ( SPI-M-O ) consensus statement dated October 14 said “ combined estimates from six SPI-M-O models suggest there are between 43,000 and 74,000 new infections per day in England ” .
In September , the Government ’ s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance warned that without action , the UK could see 50,000 coronavirus cases a day by mid-October and more than 200 daily deaths .
Over the last week , deaths have averaged 230 a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 50,000 cases a day .
On Friday , the Government said a further 274 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 , while a further 24,405 lab-confirmed cases were recorded in the UK .
The new ONS figures , based on 609,777 swab tests taken whether people have symptoms or not , show the highest rates are in the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber .
Rates also remain high in the North East , but the ONS said these have now levelled off and “ there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other two northern regions ” .
Analysis by the PA news agency of the data shows that the estimated percentage of people in north-east England testing positive went from 0.57 % for the period September 12 to 25 to 1.41 % for the period of September 26 to October 9 .
But the rate of increase appears to be levelling off , with the latest figure being 1.43 % for the period October 10 to 23 .
In contrast , the North West has jumped from 1.57 % for September 26 to October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October 10 to 23 .
The lowest rates are in the South East , South West and eastern England , while there has been growth in all age groups over the past two weeks .
What is the R value in England ?
Sage said on Friday ( October 30 ) the reproduction number , or R value , of coronavirus transmission for the whole of the UK is between 1.1 and 1.3 – representing the situation over the last few weeks .
Last week , the group said the R number was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Here's everything we know so far.
Who reported that a second national lockdown could happen soon?
According to a report by The Times newspaper, Boris Johnson will announce the new measures at a press conference on Monday, November 2. The move could see everything closed except essential shops and educational settings.
When could the second national lockdown begin across England?
The restrictions could be introduced on Wednesday, November 4, and remain in place until December 1, according to the The Times' report.
However, no final decisions are believed to have been made, and tougher regional measures – such as the introduction of Tier 4 – are also being considered.
Mr Johnson has so far resisted pressure to reintroduce nationwide restrictions, despite calls for a “circuit-breaker” to curb the rise in coronavirus cases.
'Half a million people per week are becoming infected with Covid-19 across England'
But new data published on Friday suggested around 570,000 people per week are becoming infected with Covid-19 across England, prompting fresh calls from scientists for tougher restrictions.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) infection survey found cases “continued to rise steeply” in the week ending October 23, with an estimated 568,100 people in households becoming infected.
Scientific advisers at the top of Government believe it is now too late for a two-week national circuit-breaker to have enough of an effect and a longer national lockdown is needed to drive the reproduction number, or R value, of the virus below one.
All parts of England are on course to eventually end up in Tier 3 restrictions, they believe, while deaths could potentially hit 500 per day within weeks.
Government scientists are also confident that more than 50,000 new cases of coronavirus are now occurring every day in England.
It comes as official documents released by the Government show that a Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) meeting on October 8 said the number of infections and hospital admissions is “exceeding the reasonable worst case scenario (RWCS) planning levels at this time”.
The document, which came just days before three tier restrictions were announced, said the number of deaths was also “highly likely to exceed reasonable worst case planning levels” within the next two weeks.
'Continued rise in hospital admissions'
Sage documents leaked to The Spectator this week showed an RWCS of 85,000 Covid-19 deaths until the end of March, with more than 500 deaths a day for 90 days at the peak.
The Sage document of October 8 said a continued rise in hospital admissions means that “if there are no decisive interventions, continued growth would have the potential to overwhelm the NHS, including the continued delivery of non-Covid treatments”.
A separate Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O) consensus statement dated October 14 said “combined estimates from six SPI-M-O models suggest there are between 43,000 and 74,000 new infections per day in England”.
In September, the Government’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance warned that without action, the UK could see 50,000 coronavirus cases a day by mid-October and more than 200 daily deaths.
Over the last week, deaths have averaged 230 a day while the latest ONS data suggests more than 50,000 cases a day.
On Friday, the Government said a further 274 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19, while a further 24,405 lab-confirmed cases were recorded in the UK.
The new ONS figures, based on 609,777 swab tests taken whether people have symptoms or not, show the highest rates are in the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber.
Rates also remain high in the North East, but the ONS said these have now levelled off and “there is now a larger gap with the other two northern regions”.
Analysis by the PA news agency of the data shows that the estimated percentage of people in north-east England testing positive went from 0.57% for the period September 12 to 25 to 1.41% for the period of September 26 to October 9.
But the rate of increase appears to be levelling off, with the latest figure being 1.43% for the period October 10 to 23.
In contrast, the North West has jumped from 1.57% for September 26 to October 9 to 2.47% for the period October 10 to 23.
The lowest rates are in the South East, South West and eastern England, while there has been growth in all age groups over the past two weeks.
What is the R value in England?
Sage said on Friday (October 30) the reproduction number, or R value, of coronavirus transmission for the whole of the UK is between 1.1 and 1.3 – representing the situation over the last few weeks.
Last week, the group said the R number was slightly higher at between 1.2 and 1.4.


thedailyecho--2020-10-30--Wordsworth Primary School shuts after gas pipe rupture

Huge flames leapt into the air after a gas pipe ruptured on the grounds of Wordsworth Primary School on Thursday .
Firefighters on the scene reported the blaze was sparked during work digging a trench just off the site in Victor Street .
However , the school will now remain closed until Tuesday .
A spokesperson from the primary school said : `` The school is currently working with the gas and electricity companies to reconnect supplies .
`` Unfortunately at this point , we are uncertain as to whether this will be completed ready for us to open safely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decision to close the school on Monday ready for opening on Tuesday . ''
Crews from Redbridge and St Mary 's Fire Stations were called to tackle the fire and were aided by SGN workers .
A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services said : `` The stop message came in at 8.30pm last night , and it says that the fire involved 3m of exposed gas line and electric cables due to accidental damage by a digger .
The scene was made safe and the fire was extinguished using two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extinguishers and a jet . ''

Huge flames leapt into the air after a gas pipe ruptured on the grounds of Wordsworth Primary School on Thursday.
Firefighters on the scene reported the blaze was sparked during work digging a trench just off the site in Victor Street.
However, the school will now remain closed until Tuesday.
A spokesperson from the primary school said: "The school is currently working with the gas and electricity companies to reconnect supplies.
"Unfortunately at this point, we are uncertain as to whether this will be completed ready for us to open safely on Monday, therefore we are making the decision to close the school on Monday ready for opening on Tuesday."
Crews from Redbridge and St Mary's Fire Stations were called to tackle the fire and were aided by SGN workers.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services said: "The stop message came in at 8.30pm last night, and it says that the fire involved 3m of exposed gas line and electric cables due to accidental damage by a digger. The scene was made safe and the fire was extinguished using two breathing apparatus, two dry powder fire extinguishers and a jet."


thedailyecho--2020-10-30--Coronavirus: Two more deaths in Southampton and 68 more Covid-19 cases confirmed

Two new coronavirus deaths have been recorded at University Hospital Southampton Trust in the latest 24-hour period , the latest official figures show .
NHS England figures show 214 people had died in hospital at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust as of 5pm on Thursday ( October 29 ) .
That was an increase of two compared to Wednesday , when there were 212 .
It means there have been 12 deaths in the past week , up from two the previous week .
The victims were among 3,725 deaths recorded across the South East .
It comes as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southampton increased by 68 over the last 24 hours .
Public Health England figures show that 2,067 people had been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19 by 9am on Friday ( October 30 ) in Southampton , up from 1,999 the same time on Thursday .
Daily death counts are revised each day , with each case backdated to the actual date of death .
This means some of the deaths that were first recorded in the latest period may actually have taken place days earlier .
NHS England guidance states : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reporting in central figures can take up to several days and the hospitals providing the data are under significant operational pressure . ''
Only deaths that occur in hospitals where the patient has tested positive for Covid-19 are recorded , with deaths in the community excluded , such as those in care homes .

NHS England figures show 214 people had died in hospital at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust as of 5pm on Thursday (October 29).
That was an increase of two compared to Wednesday, when there were 212.
It means there have been 12 deaths in the past week, up from two the previous week.
The victims were among 3,725 deaths recorded across the South East.
It comes as the number of recorded coronavirus cases in Southampton increased by 68 over the last 24 hours.
Public Health England figures show that 2,067 people had been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19 by 9am on Friday (October 30) in Southampton, up from 1,999 the same time on Thursday.
Daily death counts are revised each day, with each case backdated to the actual date of death.
This means some of the deaths that were first recorded in the latest period may actually have taken place days earlier.
NHS England guidance states: "Confirmation of Covid-19 diagnosis, death notification and reporting in central figures can take up to several days and the hospitals providing the data are under significant operational pressure."
Only deaths that occur in hospitals where the patient has tested positive for Covid-19 are recorded, with deaths in the community excluded, such as those in care homes.


thedailyecho--2020-10-30--Schools in Hampshire with confirmed Covid case this week

COVID cases have been confirmed in 22 more schools across Hampshire this week .
Pupils and staff must isolate for @ @ @ @ @ been in close contact with an individual that has tested positive .
This list covers @ @ @ @ @ Hampshire County Council .
No Southampton schools or Independent schools have been included .
• @ @ @ @ @ case in the past week Below is a list of all the Hampshire schools with @ @ @ @ @ in the last week , and the date the most recent case was recorded :

Pupils and staff must isolate for 14 days if they have been in close contact with an individual that has tested positive.
This list covers schools under the remit of Hampshire County Council. No Southampton schools or Independent schools have been included.
Below is a list of all the Hampshire schools with at least one recorded case in the last week, and the date the most recent case was recorded:
October 26:
Mountbatten School (Secondary) - Test Valley
Wildground (Infant) - New Forest
Wyvern (Secondary) - Eastleigh
October 27:
Locks Heath (Infant) - Fareham
Marnel Community (Junior) - Basingstoke and Dean
Oak Lodge (Special) - New Forest
Orchard (Junior) - New Forest
Redlands (Primary) - Fareham
St Francis CE (Primary) - Test Valley
St Mary's RC (Primary) - Gosport
October 28:
Brune Park (Secondary) - Gosport
Bursledon (Infant) - Eastleigh
Chandler's Ford (Infant) - Eastleigh
Elson (Junior) - Gosport
Lee on the Solent (Junior) - Gosport
St James CE Controlled (Primary) - Havant
St Martin's East Woodhay CE Voluntary Aided (Primary) - Basingstoke and Dean
Woolton Hill (Junior) - Basingstoke and Deane
October 29:
Abbotts Ann (Primary) - Test Valley
Oaklands Catholic (Secondary) - Havant
Priestlands (Secondary) - New Forest
Scantabout (Primary) - Eastleigh
October 30:


thedailyecho--2020-10-30--Burst pipe leaves areas of Hampshire without water

A burst water pipe has left parts of Hythe , Dibden Purlieu , Holbury , Marchwood and Calshot without water .
Southern Water is said to be `` working quickly '' to repair the pipe and have offered to deliver bottled water to vulnerable customers .
At 9.26 this morning ( 30th Oct ) Southern Water tweeted that they were dealing with `` a technical issue '' on a water main in the village of Rownhams .
Update : Marchwood and Calshot are also said to be affected by the water shortage .
Southern Water said the problem is due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is `` stuck in the shut position . ''
At 7.47pm Southern Water tweeted that people in the SO45 area who are still without water can collect bottled water from Gang Warily Community Centre , Newlands Road SO45 1ER .
They advised this would be a `` socially distanced '' service .
A spokesperson for Southern Water said : `` The [ bottled water collection service at Gang Warily Community Centre ] will stay open until at least 10pm .
`` Repairs are being made now to the pipe and the [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer if repairs are not completed [ by 10pm . ]
'' ( 21:16 ) Southern Water has tweeted that repairs to the burst main are complete and water supplies `` should gradually return . ''
( 22.39 ) Southern Water has tweeted that its teams are continuing to hand out water despite `` [ supplies ] coming back on line . ''
( 23:10 ) Southern Water has tweeted that they will be continuing to hand out bottled water at Gang Warily Community Centre until midnight .

Southern Water is said to be "working quickly" to repair the pipe and have offered to deliver bottled water to vulnerable customers.
We're sorry to those in #Hythe #DibdenPurlieu and #Holbury who have no water, we're working quickly to repair a water pipe.
We'll start delivering bottles to vulnerable customers on our Priority Service Register. If you or someone you know needs extra help call on 0330 3030277. — Southern Water (@SouthernWater) October 30, 20
At 9.26 this morning (30th Oct) Southern Water tweeted that they were dealing with "a technical issue" on a water main in the village of Rownhams.
We are dealing with a technical issue on a main in Rownhams, #Hampshire. We're sorry to say some customers in the #Hythe #Dibden Purlieu and #Holbury areas may experience low pressure or no water supply. We are working as quickly as we can to resolve the problem. — Southern Water (@SouthernWater) October 30, 2020
Update: Marchwood and Calshot are also said to be affected by the water shortage.
Southern Water said the problem is due to a valve on the water main which is "stuck in the shut position."
Repair work continues.
We'd like to reassure customers in #Hythe #DibdenPurlieu, #Holbury #Marchwood and #Calshot who may be out of water that we're working to resolve the issue. A valve on the water main is stuck in the shut position but we're on site and working to fix it as quickly as possible. 1/2 — Southern Water (@SouthernWater) October 30, 2020
Update:
At 7.47pm Southern Water tweeted that people in the SO45 area who are still without water can collect bottled water from Gang Warily Community Centre, Newlands Road SO45 1ER.
They advised this would be a "socially distanced" service.
Bottled water is available for customers who are still out of water in the #SO45 area at the Gang Warily Community Centre, Newlands Road SO45 1ER. This is being operated as a socially distanced service due to COVID-19. We ask our customers to be patient if this slows collection. — Southern Water (@SouthernWater) October 30, 2020
A spokesperson for Southern Water said: "The [bottled water collection service at Gang Warily Community Centre] will stay open until at least 10pm.
"Repairs are being made now to the pipe and the [water collection] service will stay open longer if repairs are not completed [by 10pm.]"
Update:
(21:16) Southern Water has tweeted that repairs to the burst main are complete and water supplies "should gradually return."
Repairs to the damaged valve which has affected water supplies in the areas of Calshot, Dibden Purlieu, Holbury, Hythe and Marchwood are complete. We are now recharging the main and supplies should gradually return. — Southern Water (@SouthernWater) October 30, 2020
Update:
(22.39) Southern Water has tweeted that its teams are continuing to hand out water despite "[supplies] coming back on line."
Supplies are coming back on line in SO45 but our teams are still out handing out water at the Gang Warily Community Centre. The team want to thank our very patient customers for all their kind comments. pic.twitter.com/LCjU8P0jdZ — Southern Water (@SouthernWater) October 30, 2020
Update:
(23:10) Southern Water has tweeted that they will be continuing to hand out bottled water at Gang Warily Community Centre until midnight.


thedailyecho--2020-10-30--Women mark tenth anniversary by running 10k every day - for ten days

A GROUP of Southampton women have marked the tenth anniversary of Anti-Slavery Day by completing a gruelling 100k challenge .
Three runners and a cyclist undertook a 10k journey every day for ten days to raise funds for a charity that helps female victims of modern-day slavery and trafficking .
Three of the women - Sophie-Rose Holt , 26 , Lindsay Stroh , 33 , and Katie Hall , 25 , completed the challenge by doing the last run together .
They were accompanied by Sophie-Rose 's mum , Sue Holt , 54 , who was taking part in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chilworth Arms pub in Chilworth and took just over an hour to complete the journey to Mayflower Park , Southampton .
Their route through the city included Palmerston Park , named after the Victorian Prime Minister who led Britain 's crusade against the slave trade .
They also ran past the Tudor House Museum , which has staged an exhibition highlighting the city 's contribution to the campaign .
Sophie-Rose said : `` We decided to complete a 10k a day for ten days to raise awareness of past and present slavery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survivors of slavery and human trafficking .
`` We started in Chilworth , went through Southampton Common and down to Viscount Palmerston ’ s statue in Palmerston Park , then went via the Tudor House before finishing near the docks , from where slave trading ships may have departed . ''
The fourth member of the fundraising quartet , Fia Gosling , 30 , also completed the challenge but was unable to join the others in Mayflower Park .
They have already raised more than £2,400 for Her Equality Rights and Autonomy ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modern slavery .
The London-based charity provides business and entrepreneurial training to women survivors of slavery , trafficking and exploitation .
It runs a three-week training course every year to provide survivors with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve financial independence .
Each student is paired with a personal mentor who helps them over a 12-month period , and longer if necessary , in their professional and personal development .
HERA also runs monthly booster workshops to help develop people a variety of skills .

Three runners and a cyclist undertook a 10k journey every day for ten days to raise funds for a charity that helps female victims of modern-day slavery and trafficking.
Three of the women - Sophie-Rose Holt, 26, Lindsay Stroh, 33, and Katie Hall, 25, completed the challenge by doing the last run together.
They were accompanied by Sophie-Rose's mum, Sue Holt, 54, who was taking part in her first 10k.
They set off from the Chilworth Arms pub in Chilworth and took just over an hour to complete the journey to Mayflower Park, Southampton.
Their route through the city included Palmerston Park, named after the Victorian Prime Minister who led Britain's crusade against the slave trade.
They also ran past the Tudor House Museum, which has staged an exhibition highlighting the city's contribution to the campaign.
Sophie-Rose said: "We decided to complete a 10k a day for ten days to raise awareness of past and present slavery as well as raising money to support survivors of slavery and human trafficking.
"We started in Chilworth, went through Southampton Common and down to Viscount Palmerston’s statue in Palmerston Park, then went via the Tudor House before finishing near the docks, from where slave trading ships may have departed."
The fourth member of the fundraising quartet, Fia Gosling, 30, also completed the challenge but was unable to join the others in Mayflower Park.
They have already raised more than £2,400 for Her Equality Rights and Autonomy (HERA), which promotes awareness of modern slavery.
The London-based charity provides business and entrepreneurial training to women survivors of slavery, trafficking and exploitation.
It runs a three-week training course every year to provide survivors with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve financial independence.
Each student is paired with a personal mentor who helps them over a 12-month period, and longer if necessary, in their professional and personal development.
HERA also runs monthly booster workshops to help develop people a variety of skills.


thedailyecho--2020-10-30--New facility for men with learning disabilities

HEALTH chiefs are celebrating the completion of a new £10m unit for adults with learning disabilities .
Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust has opened Ashford , a ten-bed ward at Tatchbury Mount , Calmore , for men who have been detained under the Mental Health Act .
The unit occupies the former site of Rufus Lodge , an unused building that was longer suitable for clinical use .
Southern Health ’ s deputy chief medical officer , Dr Mayura Deshpande , said : `` By creating a new , safe and modern space in its place , we are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Calmore after they ’ d temporarily been cared for by our staff in Fareham , during construction.
” The ward was originally located on another part of the Tatchbury site - Woodhaven - which has since become Austen House .
Southern Health worked with construction contractor Kier to involve staff , patients and families in various elements of Ashford 's design .
Dr Deshpande said the building had ten en-suite bedrooms plus a raft of other facilities including a de-escalation and seclusion area , sensory , music and art rooms ; a family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Ashford ’ s matron , Rachel Makgatho , said the new unit provided patients with a safe and welcoming environment .
`` This allows for therapeutic interventions to take place which encourage them to take responsibility , stay healthy , get along with others and keep busy , '' she said .
`` This in turn supports the patients to develop the skills to live lives that are personally meaningful , enabling them to eventually move to independent living in the community .
“ The design of the ward has been carefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time socialising in communal areas whilst also providing quiet , calm spaces for spending time away from others .
`` This meets the needs of all our patients , including those with autistic spectrum conditions for whom space to walk and quiet areas can be vital.
” New Forest East MP Julian Lewis , who attended the opening , said : `` Once again , we see the unveiling of a high-quality mental health facility on the Tatchbury Mount site .
`` It is fast becoming a hub for state-of-the-art units to care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust has opened Ashford, a ten-bed ward at Tatchbury Mount, Calmore, for men who have been detained under the Mental Health Act.
The unit occupies the former site of Rufus Lodge, an unused building that was longer suitable for clinical use.
Southern Health’s deputy chief medical officer, Dr Mayura Deshpande, said: "By creating a new, safe and modern space in its place, we are now able to welcome our patients back to Calmore after they’d temporarily been cared for by our staff in Fareham, during construction.”
The ward was originally located on another part of the Tatchbury site - Woodhaven - which has since become Austen House.
Southern Health worked with construction contractor Kier to involve staff, patients and families in various elements of Ashford's design.
Dr Deshpande said the building had ten en-suite bedrooms plus a raft of other facilities including a de-escalation and seclusion area, sensory, music and art rooms; a family visiting room and a multi-faith room."
Ashford’s matron, Rachel Makgatho, said the new unit provided patients with a safe and welcoming environment.
"This allows for therapeutic interventions to take place which encourage them to take responsibility, stay healthy, get along with others and keep busy," she said.
"This in turn supports the patients to develop the skills to live lives that are personally meaningful, enabling them to eventually move to independent living in the community.
“The design of the ward has been carefully thought out, allowing patients to spend time socialising in communal areas whilst also providing quiet, calm spaces for spending time away from others.
"This meets the needs of all our patients, including those with autistic spectrum conditions for whom space to walk and quiet areas can be vital.”
New Forest East MP Julian Lewis, who attended the opening, said: "Once again, we see the unveiling of a high-quality mental health facility on the Tatchbury Mount site.
"It is fast becoming a hub for state-of-the-art units to care for those cruelly challenged by mental illness."


thedailyecho--2020-10-31--LIVE: Updates as PM may bring in second national lockdown

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thedailyecho--2020-10-31--More than 100 jobs could be lost at Southampton Solent University

MORE than 100 jobs could be be lost as a Southampton university attempts to resolve a multi-million pound black hole in its finances .
Solent University has revealed that it could be making a number of redundancies following a £10.5m forecast deficit for 2020 to 2021 .
The announcement has been branded “ disappointing and deeply unsettling ” by a Southampton MP , who linked the plans to the current problems brought with the coronavirus pandemic .
An email to UCU members seen by the Daily Echo says that the university intends to make “ substantial pay savings ” though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has since confirmed that there are 109 positions at the university that are at risk .
Unison 's south east regional secretary Steve Torrance said : “ Support staff have been working flat out to keep the university going and , considering the pressures they ’ re under , doing a remarkable job .
“ Administrators , cleaners , catering staff and security officers already know they ’ re facing a pay freeze .
But have continued to go above and beyond – in hugely challenging circumstances – to keep students safe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many face losing their jobs .
It ’ s essential the government steps up with a proper support package for universities and ends this avoidable crisis.
” MP for Southampton Itchen Royston Smith told the Daily Echo he was “ very disappointed ” to learn that the university may be making staff redundant .
He added : “ I know this will be a deeply unsettling time for all of those employed at the university .
This is sadly likely linked to the pandemic and is a startling reminder that we need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control so things can get back to normal as quickly as possible.
” A Solent University spokesperson said : “ In response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and wider changes and challenges across the higher education sector , Solent University has committed to making financial savings over the coming academic year .
“ As a result , we can confirm the Solent voluntary severance scheme opened on 26 October 2020 , and at the same time we have moved to an ‘ at risk ’ of redundancy situation for a proposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and are currently going through the collective consultation process .
“ Our focus throughout this process will be on ensuring we retain a skilled and agile workforce that can meet the evolving needs of the sector and continue to grow our excellent and distinctive offer into the future .
We also remain committed to maintaining and improving our reputation , and will continue to invest in our University and in our exceptional student experience .
”

Solent University has revealed that it could be making a number of redundancies following a £10.5m forecast deficit for 2020 to 2021.
The announcement has been branded “disappointing and deeply unsettling” by a Southampton MP, who linked the plans to the current problems brought with the coronavirus pandemic.
An email to UCU members seen by the Daily Echo says that the university intends to make “substantial pay savings” though a two-phase redundancy process.
Solent University has since confirmed that there are 109 positions at the university that are at risk.
Unison's south east regional secretary Steve Torrance said: “Support staff have been working flat out to keep the university going and, considering the pressures they’re under, doing a remarkable job.
“Administrators, cleaners, catering staff and security officers already know they’re facing a pay freeze. But have continued to go above and beyond – in hugely challenging circumstances – to keep students safe, fed and courses running.
“Now many face losing their jobs. It’s essential the government steps up with a proper support package for universities and ends this avoidable crisis.”
MP for Southampton Itchen Royston Smith told the Daily Echo he was “very disappointed” to learn that the university may be making staff redundant.
He added: “I know this will be a deeply unsettling time for all of those employed at the university. This is sadly likely linked to the pandemic and is a startling reminder that we need to follow the guidance to get coronavirus under control so things can get back to normal as quickly as possible.”
A Solent University spokesperson said: “In response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and wider changes and challenges across the higher education sector, Solent University has committed to making financial savings over the coming academic year.
“As a result, we can confirm the Solent voluntary severance scheme opened on 26 October 2020, and at the same time we have moved to an ‘at risk’ of redundancy situation for a proposed number of 109 posts across the University and are currently going through the collective consultation process.
“Our focus throughout this process will be on ensuring we retain a skilled and agile workforce that can meet the evolving needs of the sector and continue to grow our excellent and distinctive offer into the future. We also remain committed to maintaining and improving our reputation, and will continue to invest in our University and in our exceptional student experience.”


thedailyecho--2020-10-31--James Bond actor Sean Connery dies at 90

Much-loved actor Sir Sean Connery has died at the age of 90 .
The multi-award-winning household name was best known for his role as James Bond .
He was the first to bring Ian Fleming 's spy to life .
He appeared as Bond six times - and a notable seventh time in the film Never Say Never Again which was not made by the same studio .
Connery , from Fountainbridge in Edinburgh , also appeared as historical figures King Arthur , Robin Hood and Richard the Lionheart during his illustrious career .
He was knighted by the Queen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sean ’ s son Jason told the BBC his father died peacefully in his sleep overnight while in the Bahamas , having been “ unwell for some time ” .
Jason Connery said his father “ had many of his family who could be in the Bahamas around him ” when he died .
He said : “ We are all working at understanding this huge event as it only happened so recently , even though my dad has been unwell for some time .
“ A sad day for all who knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss for all people around the world who enjoyed the wonderful gift he had as an actor .
”

The multi-award-winning household name was best known for his role as James Bond. He was the first to bring Ian Fleming's spy to life.
He appeared as Bond six times - and a notable seventh time in the film Never Say Never Again which was not made by the same studio.
Connery, from Fountainbridge in Edinburgh, also appeared as historical figures King Arthur, Robin Hood and Richard the Lionheart during his illustrious career.
He was knighted by the Queen at Holyrood Palace in 2000.
Sir Sean’s son Jason told the BBC his father died peacefully in his sleep overnight while in the Bahamas, having been “unwell for some time”.
Jason Connery said his father “had many of his family who could be in the Bahamas around him” when he died.
He said: “We are all working at understanding this huge event as it only happened so recently, even though my dad has been unwell for some time.
“A sad day for all who knew and loved my dad and a sad loss for all people around the world who enjoyed the wonderful gift he had as an actor.”


thedailyecho--2020-10-31--Robbery in Commercial Road, Southampton

Robbery in Commercial Road, Southampton

POLICE say a `` large amount '' of cash was stolen by two men who robbed Co-op staff who were restocking a cash dispenser in Southampton .
No-one was hurt in the incident , which occurred in Southampton Road just before 11am on Wednesday .
A police spokesman said : `` Two men approached the ATM re-stocking staff inside the Co-op store .
`` They made threats towards the staff and demanded they hand over the cash cassette box that was due to re-stock the ATM .
`` The men then left the scene with the cash box in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , no one was injured .
`` We deployed to the area at the time of the incident and carried out a search for the van .
Our enquiries are ongoing .
`` Officers investigating the robbery would like to hear from anyone who was on Commercial Road who may have been in the Co-op , seen this van in the area or witnessed this incident .
`` Furthermore , if you were driving through at this time and have dash cam , please get in touch .
The footage you have captured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Anyone with information can call Hampshire police on 101 , quoting crime reference number 44200418410 .
Alternatively they can call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 11 , where messages can be left anonymously .

No-one was hurt in the incident, which occurred in Southampton Road just before 11am on Wednesday.
A police spokesman said: "Two men approached the ATM re-stocking staff inside the Co-op store.
"They made threats towards the staff and demanded they hand over the cash cassette box that was due to re-stock the ATM.
"The men then left the scene with the cash box in a white Ford transit van.
"Luckily, no one was injured.
"We deployed to the area at the time of the incident and carried out a search for the van. Our enquiries are ongoing.
"Officers investigating the robbery would like to hear from anyone who was on Commercial Road who may have been in the Co-op, seen this van in the area or witnessed this incident.
"Furthermore, if you were driving through at this time and have dash cam, please get in touch. The footage you have captured could prove vital to this investigation."
Anyone with information can call Hampshire police on 101, quoting crime reference number 44200418410. Alternatively they can call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 11, where messages can be left anonymously.


thedailyecho--2020-10-31--Southampton pre-school vandalised over half term

STAFF at a pre-school have been left angry and frustrated after coming back after half term to find the site had been vandalised .
Olive Tree Pre-School on Olive Road , Southampton has over 30 children that attend , from ages of 2 to 4 .
The site has been closed this week because of half-term , and when staff came in on Wednesday , they found that the outdoor play area had been vandalised .
Deputy Manager , Emma Green claims that this isn ’ t a new thing , and that every time they are off , something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We try to put everything away the day before we break up , but there ’ s some things you can ’ t put away because they ’ re in the garden .
“ I ’ m normally there first on a Monday morning to find that some of our outdoor toys are actually over the back in the park or on the roof of the adjacent building .
“ It ’ s continual and I ’ m sure it can ’ t be older children .
They must be fairly young because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the most recent spate of vandalism , windows have been smashed , items have been thrown into the park behind the pre-school , and toys have been broken and left on the floor .
Staff say they would like more security , but don ’ t want to make the place look like a ‘ prison camp ’ for the children .
Emma added : “ The children that we have here , some of them don ’ t have a lot , and the opportunities we give them are things that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do .
“ We raised a lot of money to build that outdoor classroom and the children like to go in there , so it ’ s just a shame that you can ’ t leave anything unattended because they just get broken all of the time .
“ It ’ s quite disheartening for myself and the staff .
We all work hard , we try and give the children the best opportunities just for it to happen every time we ’ re off.
” A GoFundMe page is now in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help support the pre school and raise funds so they can afford replacement equipment and improved security .

Olive Tree Pre-School on Olive Road, Southampton has over 30 children that attend, from ages of 2 to 4.
The site has been closed this week because of half-term, and when staff came in on Wednesday, they found that the outdoor play area had been vandalised.
Deputy Manager, Emma Green claims that this isn’t a new thing, and that every time they are off, something gets damaged.
Emma said: “We try to put everything away the day before we break up, but there’s some things you can’t put away because they’re in the garden.
“I’m normally there first on a Monday morning to find that some of our outdoor toys are actually over the back in the park or on the roof of the adjacent building.
“It’s continual and I’m sure it can’t be older children. They must be fairly young because of the mindlessness of it all.”
In the most recent spate of vandalism, windows have been smashed, items have been thrown into the park behind the pre-school, and toys have been broken and left on the floor.
Staff say they would like more security, but don’t want to make the place look like a ‘prison camp’ for the children.
Emma added: “The children that we have here, some of them don’t have a lot, and the opportunities we give them are things that they wouldn’t normally be able to do.
“We raised a lot of money to build that outdoor classroom and the children like to go in there, so it’s just a shame that you can’t leave anything unattended because they just get broken all of the time.
“It’s quite disheartening for myself and the staff. We all work hard, we try and give the children the best opportunities just for it to happen every time we’re off.”
A GoFundMe page is now in the process of being set up to help support the pre school and raise funds so they can afford replacement equipment and improved security.


thedailyecho--2020-10-31--9 ways second Covid lockdown in England could be different

Is a second lockdown coming in England and the rest of the UK ?
The Government appears divided over whether or not to bring in a new lockdown .
Home Secretary Priti Patel was asked about a national lockdown this week and said : “ Well I think at this stage of course we can rule nothing out because we are a Government that is focused on making sure that we stop the spread of this virus and also ( that ) we protect public health .
“ So we have been using , and we are using and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means available to us to do exactly that.
” You can see why she 's concerned , with hospital admissions rising .
Covid-19 patient numbers in hospitals in England are rising again ( PA Graphic ) But Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said the Government will “ try everything in our power ” to avoid a “ blanket national lockdown ” .
He said the Government ’ s “ very firm view ” is that a short national circuit-breaker lockdown would be the wrong approach .
In Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Whatever happens next , there are ways in which it will be different to the first lockdown .
Here are 9 things which could be different if there was a new national lockdown , compared to the first one announced by Boris Johnson in March : Wales is currently going through a ‘ firebreak ’ lockdown , while Labour leader Keir Starmer – following the advice of scientists to the Government , which it ignored – called for a ‘ circuit breaker ’ .
The idea would be to have short , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hopefully slowing the virus down everywhere .
Sage , the scientific advisory group for emergencies , apparently told the Government to try a short two week lockdown back in September .
Starmer ’ s suggestion was to have it over half term , so children would only miss one week of school .
Locking down fast and hard was proposed to stop the virus ’ spread before it got too bad .
Some experts feel the Government , in trying to avoid the pain of a national lockdown and going with its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the boat .
Clearly , the desire is to have a shorter lockdown than last time , if one becomes necessary .
But by delaying , it may be the Government has to have a longer lockdown than it would like .
Children learning from home was a big part of the first lockdown .
Since then , there ’ s been a lot of debate about whether the harm to youngsters is greater by taking them away from education , or by putting them at risk of catching or spreading Covid .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at risk ’ from the virus .
But stories of children dying were there in the first wave , so there is no guarantee of anyone being completely safe – so much remains unknown about the disease .
And would having children in school , with everyone else at home on shutdown , just give the virus a way to keep spreading ?
The way the Government seems to be leaning , it could be that socially distanced learning , with children split into bubbles , continues during a second lockdown .
Only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifeline for many workers during the first lockdown .
Many workers were on 80 per cent of their usual wage during furlough .
The Government reduced its support to 60 per cent in October .
Under the new scheme , workers will be paid 67 per cent of their wages - up to a maximum of £2,083.33 a month .
You must be off work for a minimum of seven days to be eligible .
Your employer does n't have to pay towards your salary .
This applies for those under the toughest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the Government would face pressure to expand it or make it applicable everywhere if there was a new national stay-at-home order .
Have you heard of Operation Moonshot yet ?
It ’ s the name Boris Johnson has given to a mass testing programme , which could see 10 per cent of the population tested for coronavirus each week .
New types of test , with some involving quickly testing saliva within ten minutes , could speed things up .
But Operation Moonshot is still largely an idea .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much higher than it was early on in the crisis – but the Government ’ s decision to stop tracking and tracing at one point did not help .
The good news is , even as the virus spreads , that health experts have a better idea of where it is because of the greater number of tests .
That ’ s why the Government is able to try local lockdowns .
Hopefully it also means if you ’ re concerned for yourself or a family member , you can get a test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tell the difference between Covid and a cold .
But there remain issues with the system , and apparent failings with the tracing of close contacts – crucial to get people to self-isolate and slow the spread .
If Lockdown 2 happens though , we can all expect to hear more about hotspot areas getting tested , perhaps more than we did first time round .
A successful vaccine might be the only long term way out of this crisis .
Back when the UK first locked down , work on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scientists have started from knowing nothing about the virus at the beginning of 2020 , to everyone in the global scientific community with any relevant know-how working towards finding a vaccine .
Usually , vaccines take years to develop , test to make sure they are safe and produce , as well as distribute to all those who need it .
The University of Oxford , along with pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca , has been at the forefront of one of the efforts to find a working vaccine .
But there are other projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trials are now underway for some of the more likely candidates .
That ’ s led to national newspaper frontpages about the possibility of a vaccine by Christmas .
Calm down though – any new vaccine would probably go to NHS workers and others in the firing line first .
Then it would take time to be distributed through the population , with vulnerable categories of people – such as those with underlying health conditions and the elderly – given priority .
It ’ s still some way off but it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the March lockdown .
Some critics of the Government say their local lockdown strategy , with tiers , 1 , 2 and 3 , is simply to buy time until a vaccine is ready .
If it ’ s not ready at some point in the first half of 2021 at least , delaying tactics may look misguided with hindsight .
Masks became mandatory on July 24 , as we were emerging into the summer and something a bit closer to normality .
After much debate about bringing in the mask rules , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that wearing them could offer you , and others around you , protection from the virus ’ spread .
A combination of everyone wearing masks , and social distancing markers in shops and town centres , should hopefully make it more difficult for the virus to spread .
The flip side to that is this will be Britain ’ s first test against coronavirus in winter – when more of us will naturally be indoors to keep warm .
Clearly , with Covid escalating and infecting more and more people , masks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the moment .
But it is a tool in the fight against the virus we weren ’ t using during the last lockdown in the spring .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock promised to put a “ protective ring ” around care homes as concerns grew about coronavirus deaths earlier this year .
Whatever the Government ’ s intentions , it did not succeed in offering care homes a great deal of protection .
Later , it emerged some coronavirus patients in hospital were discharged back into care homes , without a test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This was changed on April 15 in Government guidelines , but by then , it ’ s thought these patients may have been a large part of the reason for the virus crisis in the care sector .
A University of Stirling study , released in August , shows care homes in England suffered particularly badly from excess deaths .
Of all deaths registered as Covid-19 related in the UK , 17,127 ( 31 % ) occurred within care homes and at least 21,775 ( 40 % ) were accounted for by care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Scotland , 47 percent of deaths attributed to Covid-19 occurred in care homes .
This compares with 42 percent in Northern Ireland , 30 percent in England and 28 percent in Wales .
While Scotland had the highest proportion of care homes affected by Covid-19 and the highest proportion of care home deaths attributed to the virus , it had a lower proportion of excess deaths – those above the expected average for the time of year - in these facilities compared to England and Wales .
The conclusions are grim but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lessons to be learned about properly protecting the vulnerable people in care homes .
US President Donald Trump made a big deal of the fact that he received cutting edge treatments when he caught Covid-19 .
Clearly , the President of the world ’ s most powerful country will have access to healthcare not available everywhere on the NHS .
But there certainly have been advances in treatment since the first lockdown , when medics were struggling to adapt and look after people falling seriously ill from the effects of a strange and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has simple tips on its website for treating the virus at home – helpful for most people who get it , who will have a mild but uncomfortable illness .
More crucially though , doctors also have a better understanding of how to help people sick with Covid-19 in hospital .
The UK 's Recovery trial showed the steroid dexamethasone cut the risk of death by a third for patients on ventilators and by a fifth for those on oxygen .
And further data suggests another steroid , hydrocortisone , is equally effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effectiveness of blood plasma , taken from those who have successfully fought off Covid .
Other drugs are also being tested .
And every health system in the world is now very aware of the importance of having intensive care ventilators , PPE and other vital kit to tackle the virus .
Whether or not the Government is able to find enough staff to make proper use of its temporary Nightingale Hospitals , remains to be seen , however .
9 – More rebels reluctant to obey the rules ?
If there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be as welcome as it was in March .
Back then , Boris Johnson ’ s approval ratings as Prime Minister were through the roof , as the country came together to support the Government ’ s eventual choice to take tough action .
There is still likely to be support for the Government if it decides to lock us all down again .
Back in September , when Mr Johnson announced the rule of six and the planned tier system for local lockdowns , 78 % of Brits supported him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been more criticism of the Government of late and there is an argument it has lost the trust of some areas on its handling of the pandemic .
Anecdotal tales from pollsters suggest the subject of Dominic Cummings – the PM ’ s adviser who broke lockdown rules way back at Easter – is still mentioned in almost every focus group .
The consensus is , it ’ s ‘ one rule for them , one rule for us ’ .
If those making the rules are happy to flout them , why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separation from their families – sometimes even when relatives are ill or dying ?
Add to that the recent row between Manchester metro mayor Andy Burnham and the Government – which some will feel shows the Government picking on certain areas of the country – and there is less goodwill than there once was .
Whatever the Government decides , it ’ s vital it brings people together as it did in March – if the public don ’ t follow the rules , the spread of the virus won ’ t slow @ @

The Government appears divided over whether or not to bring in a new lockdown.
Home Secretary Priti Patel was asked about a national lockdown this week and said: “Well I think at this stage of course we can rule nothing out because we are a Government that is focused on making sure that we stop the spread of this virus and also (that) we protect public health.
“So we have been using, and we are using and we will continue to use, every single means available to us to do exactly that.”
You can see why she's concerned, with hospital admissions rising.
Covid-19 patient numbers in hospitals in England are rising again (PA Graphic)
But Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said the Government will “try everything in our power” to avoid a “blanket national lockdown”.
He said the Government’s “very firm view” is that a short national circuit-breaker lockdown would be the wrong approach.
In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, regional Governments are taking their own approaches.
Whatever happens next, there are ways in which it will be different to the first lockdown.
Here are 9 things which could be different if there was a new national lockdown, compared to the first one announced by Boris Johnson in March:
1 – How long it lasts
Wales is currently going through a ‘firebreak’ lockdown, while Labour leader Keir Starmer – following the advice of scientists to the Government, which it ignored – called for a ‘circuit breaker’.
The idea would be to have short, sharp lockdowns for everyone in the country, hopefully slowing the virus down everywhere.
Sage, the scientific advisory group for emergencies, apparently told the Government to try a short two week lockdown back in September.
Starmer’s suggestion was to have it over half term, so children would only miss one week of school.
Locking down fast and hard was proposed to stop the virus’ spread before it got too bad.
Some experts feel the Government, in trying to avoid the pain of a national lockdown and going with its local system of Tiers, has missed the boat.
Clearly, the desire is to have a shorter lockdown than last time, if one becomes necessary.
But by delaying, it may be the Government has to have a longer lockdown than it would like.
2 – Schools could stay open
Children learning from home was a big part of the first lockdown.
Since then, there’s been a lot of debate about whether the harm to youngsters is greater by taking them away from education, or by putting them at risk of catching or spreading Covid.
Most young people are not considered ‘at risk’ from the virus.
But stories of children dying were there in the first wave, so there is no guarantee of anyone being completely safe – so much remains unknown about the disease.
And would having children in school, with everyone else at home on shutdown, just give the virus a way to keep spreading?
The way the Government seems to be leaning, it could be that socially distanced learning, with children split into bubbles, continues during a second lockdown.
Only time will tell.
3 – No more furlough?
Furlough was a lifeline for many workers during the first lockdown.
From November, the Job Support Scheme replaces furlough.
Many workers were on 80 per cent of their usual wage during furlough. The Government reduced its support to 60 per cent in October.
Under the new scheme, workers will be paid 67 per cent of their wages - up to a maximum of £2,083.33 a month.
You must be off work for a minimum of seven days to be eligible. Your employer doesn't have to pay towards your salary.
This applies for those under the toughest tiers of local restrictions at the moment.
But the Government would face pressure to expand it or make it applicable everywhere if there was a new national stay-at-home order.
4 – More testing
Have you heard of Operation Moonshot yet?
It’s the name Boris Johnson has given to a mass testing programme, which could see 10 per cent of the population tested for coronavirus each week.
New types of test, with some involving quickly testing saliva within ten minutes, could speed things up.
But Operation Moonshot is still largely an idea.
It is true though that testing capacity is also much higher than it was early on in the crisis – but the Government’s decision to stop tracking and tracing at one point did not help.
The good news is, even as the virus spreads, that health experts have a better idea of where it is because of the greater number of tests. That’s why the Government is able to try local lockdowns.
Hopefully it also means if you’re concerned for yourself or a family member, you can get a test as the winter approaches and people try to tell the difference between Covid and a cold.
But there remain issues with the system, and apparent failings with the tracing of close contacts – crucial to get people to self-isolate and slow the spread.
If Lockdown 2 happens though, we can all expect to hear more about hotspot areas getting tested, perhaps more than we did first time round.
5 – More realistic hope of a vaccine
A successful vaccine might be the only long term way out of this crisis.
Back when the UK first locked down, work on a vaccine was only just getting started.
Scientists have started from knowing nothing about the virus at the beginning of 2020, to everyone in the global scientific community with any relevant know-how working towards finding a vaccine.
Usually, vaccines take years to develop, test to make sure they are safe and produce, as well as distribute to all those who need it.
The University of Oxford, along with pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, has been at the forefront of one of the efforts to find a working vaccine.
But there are other projects reportedly getting closer, too.
Human trials are now underway for some of the more likely candidates.
That’s led to national newspaper frontpages about the possibility of a vaccine by Christmas.
Calm down though – any new vaccine would probably go to NHS workers and others in the firing line first.
Then it would take time to be distributed through the population, with vulnerable categories of people – such as those with underlying health conditions and the elderly – given priority.
It’s still some way off but it’s a lot closer than it was during the March lockdown.
Some critics of the Government say their local lockdown strategy, with tiers, 1, 2 and 3, is simply to buy time until a vaccine is ready.
If it’s not ready at some point in the first half of 2021 at least, delaying tactics may look misguided with hindsight.
6 – Masks
Masks became mandatory on July 24, as we were emerging into the summer and something a bit closer to normality.
After much debate about bringing in the mask rules, the Government eventually delivered the clear message that wearing them could offer you, and others around you, protection from the virus’ spread.
A combination of everyone wearing masks, and social distancing markers in shops and town centres, should hopefully make it more difficult for the virus to spread.
The flip side to that is this will be Britain’s first test against coronavirus in winter – when more of us will naturally be indoors to keep warm.
Clearly, with Covid escalating and infecting more and more people, masks and social distancing aren’t doing enough at the moment.
But it is a tool in the fight against the virus we weren’t using during the last lockdown in the spring.
7 – Better protection for care homes?
Health Secretary Matt Hancock promised to put a “protective ring” around care homes as concerns grew about coronavirus deaths earlier this year.
Whatever the Government’s intentions, it did not succeed in offering care homes a great deal of protection.
Later, it emerged some coronavirus patients in hospital were discharged back into care homes, without a test to make sure they were negative.
This was changed on April 15 in Government guidelines, but by then, it’s thought these patients may have been a large part of the reason for the virus crisis in the care sector.
A University of Stirling study, released in August, shows care homes in England suffered particularly badly from excess deaths.
Of all deaths registered as Covid-19 related in the UK, 17,127 (31%) occurred within care homes and at least 21,775 (40%) were accounted for by care home residents, the study says.
In Scotland, 47 percent of deaths attributed to Covid-19 occurred in care homes. This compares with 42 percent in Northern Ireland, 30 percent in England and 28 percent in Wales.
While Scotland had the highest proportion of care homes affected by Covid-19 and the highest proportion of care home deaths attributed to the virus, it had a lower proportion of excess deaths – those above the expected average for the time of year - in these facilities compared to England and Wales.
The conclusions are grim but for any new lockdown, there are lessons to be learned about properly protecting the vulnerable people in care homes.
8 – New types of treatment
US President Donald Trump made a big deal of the fact that he received cutting edge treatments when he caught Covid-19.
Clearly, the President of the world’s most powerful country will have access to healthcare not available everywhere on the NHS.
Donald Trump
But there certainly have been advances in treatment since the first lockdown, when medics were struggling to adapt and look after people falling seriously ill from the effects of a strange and little known virus.
The NHS now has simple tips on its website for treating the virus at home – helpful for most people who get it, who will have a mild but uncomfortable illness.
More crucially though, doctors also have a better understanding of how to help people sick with Covid-19 in hospital.
The UK's Recovery trial showed the steroid dexamethasone cut the risk of death by a third for patients on ventilators and by a fifth for those on oxygen.
And further data suggests another steroid, hydrocortisone, is equally effective too.
Trials also continue into the effectiveness of blood plasma, taken from those who have successfully fought off Covid.
Other drugs are also being tested.
And every health system in the world is now very aware of the importance of having intensive care ventilators, PPE and other vital kit to tackle the virus.
Whether or not the Government is able to find enough staff to make proper use of its temporary Nightingale Hospitals, remains to be seen, however.
9 – More rebels reluctant to obey the rules?
If there is a second nationwide lockdown, it might not be as welcome as it was in March.
Back then, Boris Johnson’s approval ratings as Prime Minister were through the roof, as the country came together to support the Government’s eventual choice to take tough action.
There is still likely to be support for the Government if it decides to lock us all down again.
Back in September, when Mr Johnson announced the rule of six and the planned tier system for local lockdowns, 78% of Brits supported him, according to YouGov.
But there has been more criticism of the Government of late and there is an argument it has lost the trust of some areas on its handling of the pandemic.
Anecdotal tales from pollsters suggest the subject of Dominic Cummings – the PM’s adviser who broke lockdown rules way back at Easter – is still mentioned in almost every focus group.
The consensus is, it’s ‘one rule for them, one rule for us’.
Dominic Cummings
If those making the rules are happy to flout them, why should ordinary members of the public endure separation from their families – sometimes even when relatives are ill or dying?
Add to that the recent row between Manchester metro mayor Andy Burnham and the Government – which some will feel shows the Government picking on certain areas of the country – and there is less goodwill than there once was.
Whatever the Government decides, it’s vital it brings people together as it did in March – if the public don’t follow the rules, the spread of the virus won’t slow down.


thedailyecho--2020-10-31--Revealed: Plans for new homes in Southampton neighbourhood

A FORMER industrial site could be transformed to create 22 new homes should plans be approved by civic chiefs .
Plans for 22 new flats at the City West site in Millbrook have been submitted to Southampton City Council .
The proposals , submitted by English Properties Ltd , details plans for 22 new homes at a site on Millbrook Road East .
The vacant site was originally a mixed-use commercial development made up of 12 two-storey units with parking .
Now , the industrial site could be transformed into 22 new homes .
The site will be made up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flats and six two-bedroom flats , with associated works .
At the moment , there is room for 24 cars but the plans propose to change that by removing seven of the original parking spaces .
This will leave 17 spaces between the 22 new homes .
However there are plans to create cycle storage areas , which aims to encourage residents to use greener transport options .
This falls in line with Southampton City Council 's Green City Charter which aims to increase the number of charging points for electric vehicles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meadows and reduce the number of parking spaces in the city centre over the next few years in a bid to tackle air pollution in the city .
The flats will be listed as market housing , which means the properties will be for rent or sale .
A decision on the plans is yet to be made by City Council bosses .

Plans for 22 new flats at the City West site in Millbrook have been submitted to Southampton City Council.
The proposals, submitted by English Properties Ltd, details plans for 22 new homes at a site on Millbrook Road East.
The vacant site was originally a mixed-use commercial development made up of 12 two-storey units with parking.
Now, the industrial site could be transformed into 22 new homes.
The site will be made up of two-storey building compromising of 16 one-bedroom flats and six two-bedroom flats, with associated works.
At the moment, there is room for 24 cars but the plans propose to change that by removing seven of the original parking spaces.
This will leave 17 spaces between the 22 new homes. However there are plans to create cycle storage areas, which aims to encourage residents to use greener transport options.
This falls in line with Southampton City Council's Green City Charter which aims to increase the number of charging points for electric vehicles, plant 5,000 trees, create 25 urban meadows and reduce the number of parking spaces in the city centre over the next few years in a bid to tackle air pollution in the city.
The flats will be listed as market housing, which means the properties will be for rent or sale.
A decision on the plans is yet to be made by City Council bosses.


thedailyecho--2020-10-31--'UFOs' spotted in the skies above Southampton

HAMPSHIRE has long been a hotbed for UFO sightings , and what better day to look into our own X-Files than on Halloween .
Sightings in the county are n't a new thing , but only since the advent of camera phones has it become easy for spotters to get a snap .
The following are accounts of sightings , details and photographic 'evidence . '
The truth is out there !
This photo was taken by an astonished onlooker who asked not to be named for fear of being ridiculed .
The person , who was with his family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mysterious object circling above trees in the New Forest in broad daylight .
He told the Daily Echo how he snapped the picture moments before the strange contraption vanished into thin air .
He said : `` It was spinning slowly and moving in a straight line .
It was not travelling fast at all .
`` The whole thing can not have lasted more than about 20 seconds .
I got a quick photo with my digital camera but by the time I had rushed to a clearing for a better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If it was a spaceship , then we wondered whether the flash had gone off on the camera and they had seen it . ''
The UFO , he said , was about 25ft to 30ft across with a dull grey or silver body and `` shiny pieces '' attached to the underside .
He added : `` I really have no idea what it could have been .
We got a good look at it through the trees , but it all happened so quickly .
`` There may well be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't know what it is . ''
University of Southampton student Loiza Loizou received a shock after searching through photographs she had taken of the night sky over Weston Shore .
Her brother , Yiannkai , said : `` She had no idea an object was in front of her but it was clearly visible in the photo when the flash illuminated it , as can be seen from zooming in on the object and noticing the glass reflecting the light , '' he said .
A silent , spinning black triangle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - over Millbrook , Shirley and the Western Docks .
A video was captured on a mobile phone by a passenger travelling in a car under the Millbrook flyover .
The footage caused a buzz among UFO enthusiasts from across the country who described it as the best they had seen for some time .
An investigation was even launched by Southampton Airport after a worried member of the public alerted bosses .
Follwing a report published in the Daily Echo , more people came forward with footage .
It was believed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The mini-hot air balloon can be made with just four black bin bags , sticky tape , scissors and a hairdryer .
Mix those ingredients with a warm , sunny day and you have a black triangular balloon which can easily be mistaken for a UFO .
A UFO enthusiast claimed he had proof that an alien craft has flown over Hampshire .
Kenneth Parsons said he photographed this image of a disc-shaped phenomenon on the outskirts of Winchester .
He was convinced the mystery object proves the existence of other intelligent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mysterious image while taking photographs close to Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium .
But he only spotted it after loading images on to his computer and said : “ I first thought it was an insect close to the lens of my camera , or maybe a bird .
“ But after enlargement I realised it was a discshaped aerial object about a mile out .
“ I zoomed in on it and I ’ m no expert on wildlife , but I swear I have never seen a bug , bird @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” A Southampton man captured footage of an unidentified object hovering over Harefield .
The 49-year-old , who wished to remain annonymous , had been at a barbecue with friends when he saw a strange light dancing in the sky on West End Road .
He said : `` [ I saw a ] type of mist which turned into what looked like a more solid object .
`` It moved strangely , I had a BBQ with friends that night so I was a bit drunk , if I had not taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just passed it by .
`` No one was with me when I saw this .
`` The mist caught my eye as it was moving in all directions , I have seen the International Space Station many times and it was clear that this was something else .
`` I am not saying little green men and spaceships , but when I down loaded the photos on my computer it was clear that this was something strange , as it morphed into this solid object . ''
It is still not know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

With the memories of Halloween still fresh in our minds we dig into our very own X-Files.
Sightings in the county aren't a new thing, but only since the advent of camera phones has it become easy for spotters to get a snap.
The following are accounts of sightings, details and photographic 'evidence.'
The truth is out there!
_______________________________________________________________
2007
This photo was taken by an astonished onlooker who asked not to be named for fear of being ridiculed.
The person, who was with his family in Ipley at the time, spotted the mysterious object circling above trees in the New Forest in broad daylight.
He told the Daily Echo how he snapped the picture moments before the strange contraption vanished into thin air.
He said: "It was spinning slowly and moving in a straight line. It was not travelling fast at all.
"The whole thing cannot have lasted more than about 20 seconds. I got a quick photo with my digital camera but by the time I had rushed to a clearing for a better look, it had gone.
"If it was a spaceship, then we wondered whether the flash had gone off on the camera and they had seen it."
The UFO, he said, was about 25ft to 30ft across with a dull grey or silver body and "shiny pieces" attached to the underside.
He added: "I really have no idea what it could have been. We got a good look at it through the trees, but it all happened so quickly.
"There may well be a logical explanation for this, but I don't know what it is."
_______________________________________________________________
2008
University of Southampton student Loiza Loizou received a shock after searching through photographs she had taken of the night sky over Weston Shore.
Her brother, Yiannkai, said: "She had no idea an object was in front of her but it was clearly visible in the photo when the flash illuminated it, as can be seen from zooming in on the object and noticing the glass reflecting the light," he said.
_______________________________________________________________
2008
A silent, spinning black triangle was seen flying above Southampton three times - over Millbrook, Shirley and the Western Docks.
A video was captured on a mobile phone by a passenger travelling in a car under the Millbrook flyover.
The footage caused a buzz among UFO enthusiasts from across the country who described it as the best they had seen for some time.
An investigation was even launched by Southampton Airport after a worried member of the public alerted bosses.
Follwing a report published in the Daily Echo, more people came forward with footage.
It was believed that the object seen was a solar balloon.
The mini-hot air balloon can be made with just four black bin bags, sticky tape, scissors and a hairdryer.
Mix those ingredients with a warm, sunny day and you have a black triangular balloon which can easily be mistaken for a UFO.
_______________________________________________________________
2015
A UFO enthusiast claimed he had proof that an alien craft has flown over Hampshire.
Kenneth Parsons said he photographed this image of a disc-shaped phenomenon on the outskirts of Winchester.
He was convinced the mystery object proves the existence of other intelligent life in the universe.
Kenneth captured the mysterious image while taking photographs close to Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium.
But he only spotted it after loading images on to his computer and said: “I first thought it was an insect close to the lens of my camera, or maybe a bird.
“But after enlargement I realised it was a discshaped aerial object about a mile out.
“I zoomed in on it and I’m no expert on wildlife, but I swear I have never seen a bug, bird or spec of dust like this before.”
_______________________________________________________________
2019
A bizarre video captured a beam of light dancing in Southampton's sky.
A Southampton man captured footage of an unidentified object hovering over Harefield.
The 49-year-old, who wished to remain annonymous, had been at a barbecue with friends when he saw a strange light dancing in the sky on West End Road.
He said: "[I saw a] type of mist which turned into what looked like a more solid object.
"It moved strangely, I had a BBQ with friends that night so I was a bit drunk, if I had not taken photos and the film I would have just passed it by.
"No one was with me when I saw this.
"The mist caught my eye as it was moving in all directions, I have seen the International Space Station many times and it was clear that this was something else.
"I am not saying little green men and spaceships, but when I down loaded the photos on my computer it was clear that this was something strange, as it morphed into this solid object."
It is still not know what the object in the sky was.


thedailyecho--2020-10-31--Change in law sought after walkers killed by livestock

COUNTRYSIDE campaigners say farmers should be allowed to divert footpaths following a spike in livestock-related deaths .
Rural groups claim an amendment to the Highways Act 1980 would cut the risk of further accidents involving visitors walking across agricultural land .
They are calling for farmers to be given the right to temporarily divert public rights of way where livestock are present .
The New Forest has seen several incidents in which walkers have been badly injured by cows and other animals .
Dog owner Amelia Borelli was attacked near her home at Fritham after accidentally coming between a cow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by bushes .
The cow plunged its horn into her leg , which resulted in Amelia spending a week in hospital .
In another incident a herd of cows was reported to have been slaughtered after launching an attack that put a dog walker in hospital and killed one of his pets .
Now organisations including the Country Land and Business Association ( CLA ) and the National Farmers ' Union have written to Rural Affairs Minister Lord Gardiner following a series of incidents across the country .
• Cows to have horns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark Tufnell , deputy presidentof the CLA , said : “ We believe our proposal will help save lives .
`` There have been a number of tragic incidents recently of walkers being killed by livestock while visiting the countryside .
Our priority is people ’ s safety , and by amending the Highways Act landowners will be empowered to take the necessary steps to protect the public.
” Stuart Roberts , deputy president of the NFU , added : “ Sadly , we have learnt of several incidents recently in which members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The countryside is a busy working environment , so we need to ensure that the millions of people who visit every year can continue to do so safely and responsibly .
`` The proposed change in the law would allow farmers to quickly , easily and temporarily divert public rights of way where livestock are present to further reduce the risks.
” Head of Politics at Countryside Alliance James Legge said : “ The law must recognise that the countryside is a place of work as well as recreation .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the needs of farmers and land managers to raise livestock while also being able to take necessary steps to protect public safety .
`` The proposed change in the law would enable farmers and land managers to raise livestock and protect public safety , without reducing the ability of the public to enjoy the countryside .
`` The government needs to recognise the problem and act to ensure the law is fair and workable , and most importantly helps prevent any further tragic loss of life.
” Robert Martin is national vice-president of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` The devastating loss of life that we have experienced recently in the countryside could be prevented easily by taking the simple and reasonable approach we have outlined .
`` We want walkers to be able to enjoy the countryside safely alongside farmers going about their day-to-day business .
”

Rural groups claim an amendment to the Highways Act 1980 would cut the risk of further accidents involving visitors walking across agricultural land.
They are calling for farmers to be given the right to temporarily divert public rights of way where livestock are present.
The New Forest has seen several incidents in which walkers have been badly injured by cows and other animals.
Dog owner Amelia Borelli was attacked near her home at Fritham after accidentally coming between a cow and her calf, which was hidden by bushes.
The cow plunged its horn into her leg, which resulted in Amelia spending a week in hospital.
In another incident a herd of cows was reported to have been slaughtered after launching an attack that put a dog walker in hospital and killed one of his pets.
Now organisations including the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) and the National Farmers' Union have written to Rural Affairs Minister Lord Gardiner following a series of incidents across the country.
Mark Tufnell, deputy presidentof the CLA, said: “We believe our proposal will help save lives.
"There have been a number of tragic incidents recently of walkers being killed by livestock while visiting the countryside. Our priority is people’s safety, and by amending the Highways Act landowners will be empowered to take the necessary steps to protect the public.”
Stuart Roberts, deputy president of the NFU, added: “Sadly, we have learnt of several incidents recently in which members of the public have lost their lives.
"The countryside is a busy working environment, so we need to ensure that the millions of people who visit every year can continue to do so safely and responsibly.
"The proposed change in the law would allow farmers to quickly, easily and temporarily divert public rights of way where livestock are present to further reduce the risks.”
Head of Politics at Countryside Alliance James Legge said: “The law must recognise that the countryside is a place of work as well as recreation.
"The current Highways Act fails to balance the needs of farmers and land managers to raise livestock while also being able to take necessary steps to protect public safety.
"The proposed change in the law would enable farmers and land managers to raise livestock and protect public safety, without reducing the ability of the public to enjoy the countryside.
"The government needs to recognise the problem and act to ensure the law is fair and workable, and most importantly helps prevent any further tragic loss of life.”
Robert Martin is national vice-president of the Tenant Farmers' Association.
He said: "The devastating loss of life that we have experienced recently in the countryside could be prevented easily by taking the simple and reasonable approach we have outlined.
"We want walkers to be able to enjoy the countryside safely alongside farmers going about their day-to-day business.”


thedailyecho--2020-10-31--Man fined at Southampton Crown Court for injuring New Forest pony

A MAN who injured an 18-month-year-old pony has been slapped with a fine .
Bradley Hines injured Onion the pony @ @ @ @ @ the B3054 near Beaulieu .
However , the 21-year-old failed to report the accident on @ @ @ @ @ police .
Or , to give his details .
Hines , of Hobart Drive , @ @ @ @ @ offence at Southampton Magistrates ' Court on October 23 .
He was fined £120 and @ @ @ @ @ costs and a £32 victim surcharge .
His driving record has been endorsed with eight @ @

Bradley Hines injured Onion the pony during a car crash on the B3054 near Beaulieu.
However, the 21-year-old failed to report the accident on January 3 this year to police.
Or, to give his details.
Hines, of Hobart Drive, Hythe pleaded guilty to the offence at Southampton Magistrates' Court on October 23.
He was fined £120 and must pay £85 in court costs and a £32 victim surcharge.
His driving record has been endorsed with eight points.