thedailyecho--2020-07-09--Sniffer dog helps seize illegal tobacco

Sniffer dog helps seize illegal tobacco

A CANINE hero has helped bag more than £6,000 of illegal tobacco smuggled into Southampton .
Tests on illegal tobacco have found traces of “ asbestos , rat droppings , dead insects and human excrement.
” But Cooper the dog has sniffed out a total of 519 packets of cigarettes and illegal tobacco valued at around £6,000 .
The goods were seized following raids on two Southampton shops and a storage unit on Monday .
Some of the haul is believed to have been smuggled into the country illegally , while the rest is thought to be counterfeit .
Cooper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to B.W.Y .
Canine and worked alongside the city council ’ s Trading Standards unit and Hampshire Police during the operation .
The tobacco products may have been made abroad , or made in illegal UK warehouses with no safety standards , according to the council .
Commenting on the operation , Cllr Dave Shields , Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities , said : “ Counterfeit tobacco is not only illegal , but can be hazardous to your health .
Tests of previous seizures of illicit tobacco have shown that a pack of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rat droppings , dead insects and human excrement .
“ When you buy illegal tobacco , you may also be helping more serious organised crime linked to the sales of illicit tobacco .
“ For instance , a packet of 20 Marlboro cigarettes purchased in some countries costs £1.21 .
These packets are then sold at approximately £6 each in the UK illegal trade ( 5x profit per packet ) compared with £11 for a packet sold by a legitimate trader .
“ Finally , buying cheap tobacco also makes it more accessible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the midst of a respiratory virus pandemic when you could be considering quitting .
If you would like to stop smoking , the # QuitforCovid campaign on Twitter offers online support and advice .
”

Tests on illegal tobacco have found traces of “asbestos, rat droppings, dead insects and human excrement.”
But Cooper the dog has sniffed out a total of 519 packets of cigarettes and illegal tobacco valued at around £6,000.
The goods were seized following raids on two Southampton shops and a storage unit on Monday.
Some of the haul is believed to have been smuggled into the country illegally, while the rest is thought to be counterfeit.
Cooper the “tobacco detection dog” belongs to B.W.Y. Canine and worked alongside the city council’s Trading Standards unit and Hampshire Police during the operation.
The tobacco products may have been made abroad, or made in illegal UK warehouses with no safety standards, according to the council.
Commenting on the operation, Cllr Dave Shields, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: “Counterfeit tobacco is not only illegal, but can be hazardous to your health. Tests of previous seizures of illicit tobacco have shown that a pack of loose tobacco contains contaminants like asbestos, rat droppings, dead insects and human excrement.
“When you buy illegal tobacco, you may also be helping more serious organised crime linked to the sales of illicit tobacco.
“For instance, a packet of 20 Marlboro cigarettes purchased in some countries costs £1.21. These packets are then sold at approximately £6 each in the UK illegal trade (5x profit per packet) compared with £11 for a packet sold by a legitimate trader.
“Finally, buying cheap tobacco also makes it more accessible to young people at a time--in the midst of a respiratory virus pandemic when you could be considering quitting.
If you would like to stop smoking, the #QuitforCovid campaign on Twitter offers online support and advice.”
To report illicit tobacco products call 0300 999 6999.


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--Police seized £140k worth of cannabis from 'factory' in Eastleigh

OFFICERS have seized an estimated £140k worth of cannabis following a drugs warrant at a marijuana factory in Eastleigh .
Police carried out a pre-planned drugs warrant at 7.46am yesterday on Dutton Lane where they discovered a cannabis factory in a rented property .
The amount of cannabis seized from the property is believed to have a street vale of around £140,000 .
Although there were no occupants present at the time of the warrant , officers have since arrested a suspect who remains in police custody at this time .
Officers who carried out the warrant have said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the local community .
In a post on Twitter , Eastleigh Police said : `` Following Community Intelligence we have executed a drugs warrant , disrupting a cannabis factory in Eastleigh .
`` [ We do listen ] please keep the information coming in ( not via Social Media ) . ''
They added : `` The owner of this property is going to return to find his house in a terrible state , unlikely to be covered by insurance .
`` Please make sure you know who you ’ re renting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed that officers executed a warrant at 7.46am on Wednesday , July 8 .
They continued : `` A cannabis factory was located within the property and assets with an estimated street value of £140,000 were seized as a result .
`` No occupants were present at the time of the warrant , but we have since arrested an occupant and they remain in police custody at this time . ''

Police carried out a pre-planned drugs warrant at 7.46am yesterday on Dutton Lane where they discovered a cannabis factory in a rented property.
The amount of cannabis seized from the property is believed to have a street vale of around £140,000.
Although there were no occupants present at the time of the warrant, officers have since arrested a suspect who remains in police custody at this time.
Officers who carried out the warrant have said they carried out the warrant following information from the local community.
In a post on Twitter, Eastleigh Police said: "Following Community Intelligence we have executed a drugs warrant, disrupting a cannabis factory in Eastleigh.
"[We do listen] please keep the information coming in (not via Social Media)."
They added: "The owner of this property is going to return to find his house in a terrible state, unlikely to be covered by insurance.
"Please make sure you know who you’re renting to."
A spokesperson from Hampshire Police confirmed that officers executed a warrant at 7.46am on Wednesday, July 8.
They continued: "A cannabis factory was located within the property and assets with an estimated street value of £140,000 were seized as a result.
"No occupants were present at the time of the warrant, but we have since arrested an occupant and they remain in police custody at this time."


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--Hampshire has the fourth best credit score in the country according to research

HAMPSHIRE has the the fourth best average credit score in the country , new research shows .
According to new research from Share to Buy , Hampshire has the fourth best average credit score in the UK , with 1,236 out of a possible 1,699 , which is more than double the country 's average of 570 .
The South is home to eight of the top ten areas in the UK with the highest credit scores , including Dorset in third place with 1,239 and Surrey with 1,125 .
Several factors can impact credit scores throughout our lives and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to start '' , as most credit scoring companies use this to help confirm your identity and address .
Three ways to impact your Score positively include setting up direct debits where possible as consistent , regular payments look good on your profile , maintaining older accounts as the average age of your bank account is taken into consideration , and ensuring not to borrow more than you can afford so you can always meet the minimum repayments easily .
Commenting on their average credit score analysis , Nick Lieb , Head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ Many people have been asking us what constitutes a good credit score when trying to buy a home .
The topic is more relevant than ever right now as we navigate our way through the uncertainty of the last few months , but with so many variables , and credit score companies all calculating scores differently , it 's not an easy question to answer .
`` We have combined data from two of the biggest agencies for our credit score review , and while it 's interesting to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ score is just one of several factors that play a part in your ability to get a mortgage .
Therefore , even if your credit score is not where you want it to be , this should n't be a deterrent in your search for a home . ''
To look at the rest of the data on the full map , visit : www.sharetobuy.com/news/mapped-average-credit-scores-uk-2 .

According to new research from Share to Buy, Hampshire has the forth best average credit score in the UK, with 1,236 out of a possible 1,699, which is more than double the country's average of 570.
The South is home to eight of the top ten areas in the UK with the highest credit scores, including Dorset in third place with 1,239 and Surrey with 1,125.
Several factors can impact credit scores throughout our lives and registering to vote is an "excellent place to start", as most credit scoring companies use this to help confirm your identity and address.
Three ways to impact your Score positively include setting up direct debits where possible as consistent, regular payments look good on your profile, maintaining older accounts as the average age of your bank account is taken into consideration, and ensuring not to borrow more than you can afford so you can always meet the minimum repayments easily.
Commenting on their average credit score analysis, Nick Lieb, Head of Operations at Share to Buy, said: “Many people have been asking us what constitutes a good credit score when trying to buy a home. The topic is more relevant than ever right now as we navigate our way through the uncertainty of the last few months, but with so many variables, and credit score companies all calculating scores differently, it's not an easy question to answer.
"We have combined data from two of the biggest agencies for our credit score review, and while it's interesting to see the variation in numbers, average credit score is just one of several factors that play a part in your ability to get a mortgage. Therefore, even if your credit score is not where you want it to be, this shouldn't be a deterrent in your search for a home."


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--Public consultation over Southampton Airport runway extension is pushed back

A PUBLIC consultation over plans to expand Southampton Airport has been pushed back .
As previously reported , airport bosses were planning to formally launch a consultation on plans to expand the runway at Southampton Airport by 164 metres on July 10 .
Residents will be able to have their say by leaving a comment on the new plans once they will be published on Eastleigh Borough Council website .
But a spokesperson for Southampton Airport has now said : “ The administrative processing of all of the new material onto the council planning portal is taking slightly longer than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public consultation on the planning application will go live next week.
” A date is yet to be set .
As reported , residents will have 30 days to have their say on the proposals which also include plans to add an extra 600 parking spaces to the existing long stay car park .
The one set to start next week , will be the second public consultation on the airport expansion .
The news comes as the initial plans were met with criticism as some residents raised concerns over the impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pollution .
Neighbouring local authorities including Winchester and Southampton councils objected to the scheme .
But Southampton Airport had previously said that following a high level of feedback received during the first public consultation last autumn , airport bosses made “ some significant updates and improvements ” in many key areas .
Airport bosses stressed that extending the runway is “ absolutely vital ” to the future of the airport .
Residents have been asked to have their say on the new plans .
A final decision is expected to be made @ @ @ @ @

As previously reported, airport bosses were planning to formally launch a consultation on plans to expand the runway at Southampton Airport by 164 metres on July 10.
Residents will be able to have their say by leaving a comment on the new plans once they will be published on Eastleigh Borough Council website.
But a spokesperson for Southampton Airport has now said: “The administrative processing of all of the new material onto the council planning portal is taking slightly longer than anticipated, and this now means that the public consultation on the planning application will go live next week.”
A date is yet to be set.
As reported, residents will have 30 days to have their say on the proposals which also include plans to add an extra 600 parking spaces to the existing long stay car park.
The one set to start next week, will be the second public consultation on the airport expansion.
The news comes as the initial plans were met with criticism as some residents raised concerns over the impact the expansion would have on the environment and pollution.
Neighbouring local authorities including Winchester and Southampton councils objected to the scheme.
But Southampton Airport had previously said that following a high level of feedback received during the first public consultation last autumn, airport bosses made “some significant updates and improvements” in many key areas.
Airport bosses stressed that extending the runway is “absolutely vital” to the future of the airport.
Residents have been asked to have their say on the new plans.
A final decision is expected to be made by Eastleigh Borough Council.


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--New Forest MP makes bizarre suggestion to get campsites open

The “ rough end of a pineapple ” should be used to encourage officials to reopen a raft of the New Forest 's campsites , an MP told colleagues .
Conservative politician and New Forest West representative Sir Desmond Swayne bemoaned Camping in the Forest ’ s ( CITF ) decision to keep its sites closed for the rest of 2020 , including 10 in the New Forest .
Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday , Sir Desmond told Chancellor Rishi Sunak : “ It would be a great shame if the effectiveness of his measures were to be undermined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of £16 million at least to local traders by the company to whom the Forestry Commission handed a monopoly refusing to open its camp sites .
“ Will he summon Forestry England and threaten them with the rough end of a pineapple and instruct them to use their position on the board and their substantial shareholding to get those campsites open ?
” Mr Sunak replied : “ I share his passion for getting our campsites open .
Hopefully an extra incentive today will be the cut in VAT from 20 % to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as caravan sites , B & Bs and hotels .
“ I ’ m not sure I have the power to summon anyone but I will be delighted to bring whatever influence I can to bear on his particular matter and look forward to discussing it with him further.
” As reported , New Forest District Council leader Cllr Barry Rickman warned that the closure of Camping in the Forest 's sites , which include most of the district 's major campsites , campsites could cost the local economy £16m .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the local economy from lost discretionary guest expenditure ( 50 % occupancy of 3,105 pitches over the 87 days between 4th July and 28th September ) is a 'conservative ' £16 million , '' said a statement by Cllr Rickman .
`` If you then add the cost of the associated loss of local employment , supply chain costs , their own revenue ( a large proportion also spent locally by their staff ) it 's a staggeringly large figure . ''
In a statement issued on June 24 CITF confirmed that all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those in the Forest , would stay shut until next summer .
It added : `` It has been an extremely difficult decision to make and followed a careful review that considered many different factors but concluded that it is not viable to re-open the campsites from a safety , operational and financial perspective for the remainder of this year . ''

Conservative politician and New Forest West representative Sir Desmond Swayne bemoaned Camping in the Forest’s (CITF) decision to keep its sites closed for the rest of 2020, including 10 in the New Forest.
Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday, Sir Desmond told Chancellor Rishi Sunak: “It would be a great shame if the effectiveness of his measures were to be undermined in the New Forest with the loss of £16 million at least to local traders by the company to whom the Forestry Commission handed a monopoly refusing to open its camp sites.
“Will he summon Forestry England and threaten them with the rough end of a pineapple and instruct them to use their position on the board and their substantial shareholding to get those campsites open?”
Mr Sunak replied: “I share his passion for getting our campsites open. Hopefully an extra incentive today will be the cut in VAT from 20% to 5%, which extends to campsites as well as caravan sites, B&Bs and hotels.
“I’m not sure I have the power to summon anyone but I will be delighted to bring whatever influence I can to bear on his particular matter and look forward to discussing it with him further.”
As reported, New Forest District Council leader Cllr Barry Rickman warned that the closure of Camping in the Forest's sites, which include most of the district's major campsites, campsites could cost the local economy £16m.
"Our estimate of the impact on the local economy from lost discretionary guest expenditure (50% occupancy of 3,105 pitches over the 87 days between 4th July and 28th September) is a 'conservative' £16 million," said a statement by Cllr Rickman.
"If you then add the cost of the associated loss of local employment, supply chain costs, their own revenue (a large proportion also spent locally by their staff) it's a staggeringly large figure."
In a statement issued on June 24 CITF confirmed that all its sites across the UK, including those in the Forest, would stay shut until next summer.
It added: "It has been an extremely difficult decision to make and followed a careful review that considered many different factors but concluded that it is not viable to re-open the campsites from a safety, operational and financial perspective for the remainder of this year."


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--Campaigners want to see more Southampton cycle lanes

CAMPAIGNERS have backed temporary cycle and bus lanes in Southampton and are now calling on civic chiefs to go a step further .
Campaign group Southampton Street Space is asking Southampton City Council to implement further measures to support active travel across the city .
The news comes as the authority has already started to trial temporary bus and cycle lanes in a bid to tackle pollution .
As reported , some measures have been met with criticism with calls to remove the bus lane along the A3024 Bitterne Road West amid fears it will increase pollution .
But members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pop-up lanes and asked civic chiefs to link them to a new network of Active Travel Corridors .
They are also calling on the city council to set up the so-called Low Traffic Neighbourhoods .
These would see planters and bollards at one end of a street in order to still allow access but prevent vehicles from using the street as a cut through .
Bollards and planters outside shops and cafes to widen footways and a 20mph speed limit outside city businesses are also among the measures proposed by the group .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ Now the lockdown is easing , traffic levels are rising , with many residents complaining of their streets being used as high speed ‘ rat runs ’ .
We need a network of safe corridors on main roads that are linked by quiet residential streets , so residents have a realistic alternative to the car.
” Laurie Carrigan , from Southampton Street Space , also welcomed the new pop-up bus and cycle lanes across the city .
He said : “ Cycling or scooting along Hill Lane / Bassett Avenue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not an option for people before a safe lane was provided for them .
By giving people more options to leave their cars at home for some of their trips , it frees up space on the roads for those essential journeys that do need to be made by car.
” Cllr Steve Leggett , cabinet member for green city and place , said active travel corridors are already part of city council ’ s plans .
He added : “ These plans already include many of the proposals put forward by Southampton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Active Travel Zones which use a variety of measures – including bollards , planters and other modal filters – to calm or discourage traffic and prioritise people walking and cycling .
We are keen to take this conversation forward with Southampton Street Space and in the meantime would encourage them to share their proposals in more detail using our Southampton Travel Map.
” He said : “ There has been a huge uptick in cycling during the COVID-19 crisis and these pop up lanes are important in sustaining that .
I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and networks across the city .
If we take no action we risk moving backwards .
”

Campaign group Southampton Street Space is asking Southampton City Council to implement further measures to support active travel across the city.
The news comes as the authority has already started to trial temporary bus and cycle lanes in a bid to tackle pollution.
As reported, some measures have been met with criticism with calls to remove the bus lane along the A3024 Bitterne Road West amid fears it will increase pollution.
But members of Southampton Street Space welcomed the new pop-up lanes and asked civic chiefs to link them to a new network of Active Travel Corridors.
They are also calling on the city council to set up the so-called Low Traffic Neighbourhoods.
These would see planters and bollards at one end of a street in order to still allow access but prevent vehicles from using the street as a cut through.
Bollards and planters outside shops and cafes to widen footways and a 20mph speed limit outside city businesses are also among the measures proposed by the group.
In a letter to the council campaigners said: “Now the lockdown is easing, traffic levels are rising, with many residents complaining of their streets being used as high speed ‘rat runs’. We need a network of safe corridors on main roads that are linked by quiet residential streets, so residents have a realistic alternative to the car.”
Laurie Carrigan, from Southampton Street Space, also welcomed the new pop-up bus and cycle lanes across the city.
He said: “Cycling or scooting along Hill Lane / Bassett Avenue / Bitterne Road West, was simply not an option for people before a safe lane was provided for them. By giving people more options to leave their cars at home for some of their trips, it frees up space on the roads for those essential journeys that do need to be made by car.”
Cllr Steve Leggett, cabinet member for green city and place, said active travel corridors are already part of city council’s plans.
He added: “These plans already include many of the proposals put forward by Southampton Street Space, including the roll out of Active Travel Zones which use a variety of measures – including bollards, planters and other modal filters – to calm or discourage traffic and prioritise people walking and cycling. We are keen to take this conversation forward with Southampton Street Space and in the meantime would encourage them to share their proposals in more detail using our Southampton Travel Map.”
Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead backed campaigners.
He said: “There has been a huge uptick in cycling during the COVID-19 crisis and these pop up lanes are important in sustaining that. I would support longer term, properly segregated lanes and networks across the city. If we take no action we risk moving backwards.”


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--Campaigners need support for Southampton race advice centre

CIVIC chiefs have denied claims that Southampton City Council ruled out plans for a race advice centre - but campaigners are looking for new supporters .
Civic chiefs in the city said the council `` is n't ruling anything out '' and continues to look at solutions to fight racism .
But campaigners , who last month called on the authority to set up a race advice centre , said they are now looking for new support as they claimed the city council did not discuss the proposals with them .
As reported , last month Don John and Jay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , asked the council to set up an independent centre where victims of racial abuse would receive face-to-face support .
The appeal followed the death of African-American man George Floyd .
The city council said it welcomes engagement with campaigners and said the leader of council contacted Positive Message Limited in June .
But Mr John claimed that after an initial email in which the council leader allegedly told campaigners about the services already available in the city , civic chiefs did not show any further interest and did not reply to further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John said : `` At least we thought they would come to us and talk about what they can do to help .
`` They basically said 'we have everything in place , we know what we are doing ' .
We just want to have a conversation on how we create a circumstance that when people have an issue of race they can have that resolved .
An advice centre seems a solution. ''
They might have a solution that is a bit better but they did n't even want a conversation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Limited is now looking for other groups to support them .
But Cllr Dave Shields , cabinet member for stronger communities at the city council , said : `` These allegations are false , however , we would welcome constructive engagement with Positive Message ltd , and would ask them to get involved in the substantial work we are already doing to tackle racism .
`` Any claims made by Mr John that we have not engaged with them on this are not accurate .
The Leader of the Council wrote to them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points they raised , and has been in touch with them since .
`` As has been communicated to Mr John , we have not discounted a Race Advice Centre , but we are quite rightly engaging with the wider black and minority ethnic communities and others on what they feel would be the most effective approach to tackling racism .
`` We are going to take the time needed to listen to , engage and act with our BAME communities to ensure we 're working towards meaningful change - not rushed solutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stated , we 're not ruling anything out . ''

Civic chiefs in the city said the council "isn't ruling anything out" and continues to look at solutions to fight racism.
But campaigners, who last month called on the authority to set up a race advice centre, said they are now looking for new support as they claimed the city council did not discuss the proposals with them.
As reported, last month Don John and Jay Shah, directors of Positive Message Limited, asked the council to set up an independent centre where victims of racial abuse would receive face-to-face support.
The appeal followed the death of African-American man George Floyd.
The city council said it welcomes engagement with campaigners and said the leader of council contacted Positive Message Limited in June.
But Mr John claimed that after an initial email in which the council leader allegedly told campaigners about the services already available in the city, civic chiefs did not show any further interest and did not reply to further emails sent by the group.
Mr John said: "At least we thought they would come to us and talk about what they can do to help.
"They basically said 'we have everything in place, we know what we are doing'. We just want to have a conversation on how we create a circumstance that when people have an issue of race they can have that resolved. An advice centre seems a solution.
" They might have a solution that is a bit better but they didn't even want a conversation."
Mr John said Positive Message Limited is now looking for other groups to support them.
But Cllr Dave Shields, cabinet member for stronger communities at the city council, said: "These allegations are false, however, we would welcome constructive engagement with Positive Message ltd, and would ask them to get involved in the substantial work we are already doing to tackle racism.
"Any claims made by Mr John that we have not engaged with them on this are not accurate. The Leader of the Council wrote to them directly on 11 June to address the points they raised, and has been in touch with them since.
"As has been communicated to Mr John, we have not discounted a Race Advice Centre, but we are quite rightly engaging with the wider black and minority ethnic communities and others on what they feel would be the most effective approach to tackling racism.
"We are going to take the time needed to listen to, engage and act with our BAME communities to ensure we're working towards meaningful change - not rushed solutions.
"As we’ve previously stated, we're not ruling anything out."


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--Thomas Clarke died after fall at Southampton car park

A MAN was found with severe head injuries after 'falling from height ' at a Southampton car park .
Thomas @ @ @ @ @ discovered at the bottom of Grosvenor Square multi-storey and police were called .
An inquest @ @ @ @ @ died on June 28 .
It was not made clear if this was at the @ @ @ @ @ A post mortem report by pathologist Dr Eleanor Jaynes states the preliminary cause of death @ @ @ @ @ a fall from height .
Area coroner Jason Pegg said that Mr Clarke lived in @ @ @ @ @ Heath .
He then adjourned the full inquest to February 24 , to be heard @ @ @

Thomas Clarke, 32, was discovered at the bottom of Grosvenor Square multi-storey and police were called.
An inquest opening in Winchester heard he died on June 28. It was not made clear if this was at the scene or in hospital.
A post mortem report by pathologist Dr Eleanor Jaynes states the preliminary cause of death as severe head injuries following a fall from height.
Area coroner Jason Pegg said that Mr Clarke lived in Hazel Grove, Lock's Heath.
He then adjourned the full inquest to February 24, to be heard in Winchester.


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--PHOTOS: Twelve tiny tots born during lockdown in Hampshire

LOOK at these delightful babies bringing joy to proud new parents and in love siblings during the coronavirus pandemic .
We would like to introduce you to all these bundles of joy who came into the world in very challenging circumstances .
From a quick arrival on the bathroom floor of Southampton ’ s Princess Anne Hospital to a little boy whose parents were told in advance he would be a girl and snapped up lots of pink clothes and accessories , we have 12 of our readers newborn tales below and their newborn baby images in our gallery above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world during lockdown , meaning that most of them still haven ’ t been able to receive a proper cuddle from wider family and friends and often even their grandparents .
So we ’ re introducing them to the world instead .
We ’ re calling all proud parents in Hampshire to take part in our new arrivals feature , which runs in the Daily Echo and online every Thursday .
We would love to see pictures of your brand new bundle of joy and hear all about the day they arrived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals and birth centres .
Why not share your happy news and photos with readers and create a keepsake which your little one can look back on in years to come ?
Also see their picture and story online .
To take part , visit dailyecho.co.uk/new-arrivals

As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles.
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These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community.
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thedailyecho--2020-07-09--Help us celebrate pets from Southampton and across Hampshire

FROM doting dogs and cuddly cats to bonny bunnies and huggable hamsters , pets are an enormous part of our @ @ @ @ @ a four-legged friend , brightly-coloured bird or fascinating fish , they become part of the @ @ @ @ @ of our day to day life .
To celebrate the role pets play , we @ @ @ @ @ pictures and put them firmly in the spotlight - where they belong .
We 'd @ @ @ @ @ pooch or much-loved moggy in your life .
Send us your photos and details here @ @ @ @ @ many as we can in the paper and online .

Whether it's a four-legged friend, brightly-coloured bird or fascinating fish, they become part of the family. A cherished part of our day to day life.
To celebrate the role pets play, we'd love to see your pictures and put them firmly in the spotlight - where they belong.
We'd love to showcase the pampered pooch or much-loved moggy in your life.
Send us your photos and details here and we'll print as many as we can in the paper and online.


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--Two special hearings held – were the defendants insane?

HE had no recollection of taking the woollen cloth , his family 's tragic history serving to explain why .
George Bishop , a former Southampton mercer , had carefully selected four yards of the material in the up market London drapery business , but finding no one free to serve him , calmly walked off with the goods .
He was followed down the road by a shop assistant who apprehended him without fuss .
Charged with theft , Bishop , 53 , had to appear before the Common Sergeant at the Old Bailey on May 10 , 1850 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a felony .
On legal advice , he pleaded not guilty on the basis he could not have formed the intention to steal .
`` He has no answer to the charge but this is a most melancholy case , '' his barrister Mr Parry informed the jury .
`` This unfortunate defendant , whose connections are most respectable , is decidedly insane , a circumstance proved on a previous occasion when he was convicted before this court for a precisely similar kind of robbery , but the value being small , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
With that , he called Bishop 's elder brother , a wine merchant , who movingly told the court of his delicate nature which had caused the ruin of his business and so affected his mind it left him incapable of distinguishing between what was right and what was wrong .
`` But he is quite harmless and all his acts of larceny are more childish than criminal .
He has not been placed under any form of coercion since his last conviction as it was feared it would increase his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the family 's hereditary mental illness .
`` My father was insane and both my mother and my mother-in-law suffered from the same disease .
Our paternal uncle , who was in the army , was due to be shot for violence to a superior officer when it was discovered he was insane .
Other branches of the family have also been more or less afflicted . ''
Throughout the hearing , grey haired Bishop buried his face in his hands and never uttered a word .
At its conclusion , he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be detained during Her Majesty 's Pleasure , a euphemism for being detained in a lunatic asylum as it was then termed .
Three months later , a special hearing was conducted into another case of insanity .
The long since abolished Commission of Lunacy sat to determine the future of tenant farmer Richard King who rented arable land at South Stoneham at £1,000 a year , but in trying to establish a higher yield for his crops , had so badly overspent his budget he was given notice to quit which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family to bring the proceedings to settle his affairs before his tenancy expired .
It was done , they insisted , with the greatest reluctance .
His wife , other members of his family and his bailiff testified how the sacking had badly affected him .
Aaron Gale , his newly appointed bailiff , described how he had found it difficult to get orders from King and when they were finally issued , were soon countermanded which frequently caused the labourers to lie idle .
`` On one occasion he had 50 sheep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market but after the flock had gone some 200-300 yards from his mansion , he decided they should be driven back home and to remain there to await his consideration .
After a considerable time , he decided he should sell them for more money at the Fareham and Botley markets . ''
Following other incidents , one involving violence , King was examined by two doctors who independently agreed he was of unsound mind , incapable of running his affairs and posed a danger to the public .
Consequently he was detained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ King was not present to listen to the evidence and was only produced by warders at its conclusion .
Looking vacant , he fixed his eyes on Commissioner Winslow but initially refused to answer his questions , apart from confirming his identity .
After the nature of the hearing had been explained to him , King moaned : `` Tis a bad job , '' and seeing one of the doctors , muttered : `` That is the worst enemy I have .
He is a disgrace to society . ''
The final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who said King 's delusions included his fears people , especially his wife , were conspiring to destroy him , he was going to be thrown into a furnace his staff were heating , and he believed the cathedral bells were tolling for him .
After he had led from the court , jurors agreed he was insane and incapable of running his affairs .

George Bishop, a former Southampton mercer, had carefully selected four yards of the material in the up market London drapery business, but finding no one free to serve him, calmly walked off with the goods. He was followed down the road by a shop assistant who apprehended him without fuss.
Charged with theft, Bishop, 53, had to appear before the Common Sergeant at the Old Bailey on May 10, 1850, as he had a previous conviction for a felony.
On legal advice, he pleaded not guilty on the basis he could not have formed the intention to steal.
"He has no answer to the charge but this is a most melancholy case," his barrister Mr Parry informed the jury. "This unfortunate defendant, whose connections are most respectable, is decidedly insane, a circumstance proved on a previous occasion when he was convicted before this court for a precisely similar kind of robbery, but the value being small, he was given up to his friends."
With that, he called Bishop's elder brother, a wine merchant, who movingly told the court of his delicate nature which had caused the ruin of his business and so affected his mind it left him incapable of distinguishing between what was right and what was wrong.
"But he is quite harmless and all his acts of larceny are more childish than criminal. He has not been placed under any form of coercion since his last conviction as it was feared it would increase his malady."
The brother then detailed the family's hereditary mental illness.
"My father was insane and both my mother and my mother-in-law suffered from the same disease. Our paternal uncle, who was in the army, was due to be shot for violence to a superior officer when it was discovered he was insane. Other branches of the family have also been more or less afflicted."
Following medical evidence, jurors acquitted him.
Throughout the hearing, grey haired Bishop buried his face in his hands and never uttered a word. At its conclusion, he was gently removed from the dock and ordered to be detained during Her Majesty's Pleasure, a euphemism for being detained in a lunatic asylum as it was then termed.
Three months later, a special hearing was conducted into another case of insanity.
The long since abolished Commission of Lunacy sat to determine the future of tenant farmer Richard King who rented arable land at South Stoneham at £1,000 a year, but in trying to establish a higher yield for his crops, had so badly overspent his budget he was given notice to quit which preyed on his mind and led his family to bring the proceedings to settle his affairs before his tenancy expired.
It was done, they insisted, with the greatest reluctance.
His wife, other members of his family and his bailiff testified how the sacking had badly affected him.
Aaron Gale, his newly appointed bailiff, described how he had found it difficult to get orders from King and when they were finally issued, were soon countermanded which frequently caused the labourers to lie idle.
"On one occasion he had 50 sheep marked to go off to the London market but after the flock had gone some 200-300 yards from his mansion, he decided they should be driven back home and to remain there to await his consideration. After a considerable time, he decided he should sell them for more money at the Fareham and Botley markets."
Following other incidents, one involving violence, King was examined by two doctors who independently agreed he was of unsound mind, incapable of running his affairs and posed a danger to the public. Consequently he was detained in Fisherton Asylum, Salisbury.
Extraordinarily King was not present to listen to the evidence and was only produced by warders at its conclusion. Looking vacant, he fixed his eyes on Commissioner Winslow but initially refused to answer his questions, apart from confirming his identity.
After the nature of the hearing had been explained to him, King moaned: "Tis a bad job," and seeing one of the doctors, muttered: "That is the worst enemy I have. He is a disgrace to society."
The final witness was the asylum owner William Finch who said King's delusions included his fears people, especially his wife, were conspiring to destroy him, he was going to be thrown into a furnace his staff were heating, and he believed the cathedral bells were tolling for him.
After he had led from the court, jurors agreed he was insane and incapable of running his affairs.


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--Woman caught drink driving is banned from roads

A WOMAN caught drinking driving in Southampton has been banned from the roads .
Rosemary Ann Davies was caught drink @ @ @ @ @ year on Canute Road .
The 37-year-old was found to have 82 microgrammes of alcohol @ @ @ @ @ , exceeding the legal limit of 35 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath @ @ @ @ @ , Davies was found to be carrying a quantity of cannabis on French Street in @ @ @ @ @ Magistrates ' Court , she pleaded not guilty but was found guilty of drink driving @ @ @ @ @ the possession of cannabis .
Davies , of Murton Avenue , Upper Stratton in Swindon @ @ @ @ @ for 20 months and was fined a total of £220 .
She was also ordered @ @ @ @ @ of £30 and court costs of £250 .

Rosemary Ann Davies was caught drink driving on December 29 last year on Canute Road.
The 37-year-old was found to have 82 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.
On the same day, Davies was found to be carrying a quantity of cannabis on French Street in Southampton.
Appearing at Southampton Magistrates' Court, she pleaded not guilty but was found guilty of drink driving, and pleaded guilty to the possession of cannabis.
Davies, of Murton Avenue, Upper Stratton in Swindon, was disqualified from driving for 20 months and was fined a total of £220.
She was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and court costs of £250.


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--Plan for garage beside house at Furzedale Park, Hythe, rejected

PLANNERS have rejected a proposal to build an `` overbearing '' garage beside a house in a Hampshire village .
@ @ @ @ @ turned down an application relating to a semi-detached property at Furzedale Park in Hythe .
@ @ @ @ @ had urged the authority to reject the proposal .
In a letter to NFDC it @ @ @ @ @ garage sits in front of the natural building line .
This would interrupt the existing @ @ @ @ @ `` It would be overbearing and out of keeping with the street scene . ''
@ @ @ @ @ application after criticising the position , scale and height of the proposed garage .
But @ @ @ @ @ , has lodged an appeal .

New Forest District Council has turned down an application relating to a semi-detached property at Furzedale Park in Hythe.
Hythe and Dibden Parish Council had urged the authority to reject the proposal.
In a letter to NFDC it said: "The proposed garage sits in front of the natural building line. This would interrupt the existing rhythm of the openness.
"It would be overbearing and out of keeping with the street scene."
The district council rejected the application after criticising the position, scale and height of the proposed garage.
But the applicant, Tom Bennett, has lodged an appeal.


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--Buckler's Hard welcomes visitors for first time since March

A FORMER shipbuilding village on the banks of the Beaulieu River has become the latest attraction to reopen .
Buckler 's Hard , which produced some of the ships that fought at the Battle of Trafalgar , includes a maritime museum , a shipwright 's cottage and a tiny chapel .
A pop-up café will be open for visitors to purchase light refreshments until the Captain ’ s Cabin Tea Room reopens on July 22 .
Visitors can picnic on a green beside the river but are asked to comply with the New Forest Code by not using barbecues and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The toilets are open and will be regularly cleaned .
Buckler 's Hard is part of the Beaulieu Estate , which also includes Palace House , the ruins of Beaulieu Abbey and the National Motor Museum .
An estate spokesperson said Buckler 's Hard had introduced a raft of measures aimed at preserving the safety of staff and visitors .
They added : `` The attraction has been awarded the ‘ We ’ re Good To Go ’ industry standard from Visit Britain , which means they are following Covid-19 safety guidelines and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing and cleanliness .
`` In support of this , Buckler ’ s Hard has developed a Visitor Safety Promise to reassure visitors of the steps it is taking to help them feel safe during their day out . ''
The attraction will be open only from Wednesday to Sunday each week until July 22 , when it will return to normal .
The spokesperson added : `` Visitors are asked to purchase their admission tickets online before arrival to facilitate a quick entry to the attraction , and in accordance with government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` River cruise tickets will be sold as passengers go aboard the boat . ''

Buckler's Hard, which produced some of the ships that fought at the Battle of Trafalgar, includes a maritime museum, a shipwright's cottage and a tiny chapel.
A pop-up café will be open for visitors to purchase light refreshments until the Captain’s Cabin Tea Room reopens on July 22.
Visitors can picnic on a green beside the river but are asked to comply with the New Forest Code by not using barbecues and ensuring they take their rubbish home. The toilets are open and will be regularly cleaned.
Buckler's Hard is part of the Beaulieu Estate, which also includes Palace House, the ruins of Beaulieu Abbey and the National Motor Museum.
An estate spokesperson said Buckler's Hard had introduced a raft of measures aimed at preserving the safety of staff and visitors.
They added: "The attraction has been awarded the ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard from Visit Britain, which means they are following Covid-19 safety guidelines and have processes in place to ensure social distancing and cleanliness.
"In support of this, Buckler’s Hard has developed a Visitor Safety Promise to reassure visitors of the steps it is taking to help them feel safe during their day out."
The attraction will be open only from Wednesday to Sunday each week until July 22, when it will return to normal.
The spokesperson added: "Visitors are asked to purchase their admission tickets online before arrival to facilitate a quick entry to the attraction, and in accordance with government guidance, to record contact details.
"River cruise tickets will be sold as passengers go aboard the boat."


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--Winchester man sent bouquet of roses on Valentine's Day

WINCHESTER man Benjamin James Thompson stalked a woman over two months , a court was told .
Thompson , 33 @ @ @ @ @ Weeke , admitted the offence committed between December 21 last year and February 23 .
@ @ @ @ @ impact on the woman with Thompson sending numerous unwanted text messages and a bouquet of @ @ @ @ @ Valentine 's Day , February 14 .
He admitted the offence when he appeared at @ @ @ @ @ bench imposed a community order with the requirement to attend a 32-day building better relationships @ @ @ @ @ requirement for up to 20 days and an order to do 50 hours unpaid work @ @ @ @ @ also imposed banning him from any contact with the victim , to expire on July @ @ @ @ @ also ordered to pay a £122 victim surcharge and £40 costs .

Thompson, 33, of Taplings Close, Weeke, admitted the offence committed between December 21 last year and February 23.
The offending had a big impact on the woman with Thompson sending numerous unwanted text messages and a bouquet of roses to her workplace on Valentine's Day, February 14.
He admitted the offence when he appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates Court.
The bench imposed a community order with the requirement to attend a 32-day building better relationships course, a rehabilitation activity requirement for up to 20 days and an order to do 50 hours unpaid work.
A restraining order was also imposed banning him from any contact with the victim, to expire on July 2 2022.
He was also ordered to pay a £122 victim surcharge and £40 costs.


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--Work set to start on historic Winchester church, where King Alfred was buried, as fundraising appeal

Work set to start on historic Winchester church, where King Alfred was buried, as fundraising appeal makes progress

AN appeal to raise money for the tower of a historic Winchester church has raised nearly £50,000 .
St Bartholomew 's needs to money to undertake important work at the medieval church which was part of Hyde Abbey , where King Alfred was buried more than 900 years ago .
Work will make the building more accessible and welcoming .
The appeal was recently boosted by a grant of £3,000 from Allchurches Trust , one of the UK 's largest grant-making charities , with its funds coming from ownership of the Ecclesiastical Group .
The parish newsletter states that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quiz night was held on Friday via Zoom .
Phase one of the project is due to start next month with a new kitchenette , wheelchair-accessible toilets , work to prevent damp and a reordering of some pews .
Phase two will include widening the north-west doorway and path to improve level access ; Reordering the area in the north aisle to create a heritage corner and welcome display ; Reordering the pews at the front to give more space for performance ; and new furniture .
It had been hoped to to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fundraising .
The church hopes to do .

St Bartholomew's needs to money to undertake important work at the medieval church which was part of Hyde Abbey, where King Alfred was buried more than 900 years ago.
Work will make the building more accessible and welcoming.
The appeal was recently boosted by a grant of £3,000 from Allchurches Trust, one of the UK's largest grant-making charities, with its funds coming from ownership of the Ecclesiastical Group.
The parish newsletter states that the appeal has raised £45,900. An appeal quiz night was held on Friday via Zoom.
Phase one of the project is due to start next month with a new kitchenette, wheelchair-accessible toilets, work to prevent damp and a reordering of some pews.
Phase two will include widening the north-west doorway and path to improve level access;
Reordering the area in the north aisle to create a heritage corner and welcome display;
Reordering the pews at the front to give more space for performance; and new furniture.
It had been hoped to to start work after Easter but coronavirus hit fundraising. The church hopes to do.
The appeal web site is www.stbartstowerappeal.org.


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--Southampton woman ordered to pay compensation

A SOUTHAMPTON woman who assaulted a woman has been ordered to pay £50 .
Charlotte Jane Dare , 32 , @ @ @ @ @ on December 14 last year .
Appearing before Southampton Magistrates ' Court , she pleaded @ @ @ @ @ .
Dare , of Linacre Road , Southampton , was discharged conditionally for six months @ @ @ @ @ compensation .


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--LETTER - Southampton must celebrate Wyndham Court and be more like Le Havre

SOUTHAMPTON like the rest of the UK is currently facing an economic crisis due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic .
But the city ’ s problems have been ongoing for far longer than the current pandemic .
The urban grain of our city is being destroyed by developers promising bold , new visions to regenerate our decaying city centre .
However , in reality , we have been left with permanent scars and lacklustre developments that hold no unique character .
Look at East Street with the promise of the new link to St Mary ’ s , once demolition of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went off leaving a half-built scheme full of student accommodation and no supermarket for locals as promised .
• Take a look back at Southampton 's East Street Shopping Centre Instead , we are left with an unsightly vacant site opposite the Central Hall .
The Bow Square development below , that destroyed the fruit and vegetable markets unusual and exciting industrial buildings .
• The transformation of Southampton 's former fruit market - pictures It benefited from unusual rooflines and replaced them with square blocks with coloured plastic being used as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scandalous of all , however , is the Bargate Quarter , pictured below .
I can ’ t think of any other city that has got a vacant eyesore site left empty alongside its primary historic landmark .
• Take a look at what was planned for the Bargate Shopping Centre Let 's be honest the scheme has failed , and now we have a devastating scar on the heart of our city centre .
Yet COVID-19 threatens our city further .
Debenhams will not reopen , and already a screening opinion has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attractive building it once anchored with more faceless characterless apartments and student flats .
The Nuffield Southampton Theatres closure is a devastating blow to our city and its rich culture , with its iconic campus theatre that is a true icon of 20th century architecture now likely to be demolished by the university .
Southampton must take a stand and look to its sister city Le Havre .
Le Havre , below , was often treated as an ugly failure , but no more .
Now it is a world heritage site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the war but instead of destroying and removing its post-war architecture , it has retained it and embraced it .
Now the city promotes itself as an architectural hotspot , embracing its “ concrete chic ” and making use of its unusual architecture .
Its new architecture is radical , with its Le Volcan theatre , Les Bains des Docks aquatic complex and Catene de Containers public artworks .
Post COVID Southampton must embrace our existing buildings and city , and reimagine our public spaces .
Let ’ s celebrate our listed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putting its large plaza to good use , Let 's protect our unique post-war structures and repurpose them with creative , artistic uses .
Post war architecture is now becoming increasingly sought after and fashionable .
It is a valuable commodity that we should make use of in this era of Instagramable places .
Let ’ s be more like Le Havre , below .
Radical .
Creative .
Bold .
Visionary .
And let ’ s turn our city around and celebrate it .

But the city’s problems have been ongoing for far longer than the current pandemic. The urban grain of our city is being destroyed by developers promising bold, new visions to regenerate our decaying city centre.
However, in reality, we have been left with permanent scars and lacklustre developments that hold no unique character.
Look at East Street with the promise of the new link to St Mary’s, once demolition of the shopping centre took place the developers went off leaving a half-built scheme full of student accommodation and no supermarket for locals as promised.
Instead, we are left with an unsightly vacant site opposite the Central Hall.
The Bow Square development below, that destroyed the fruit and vegetable markets unusual and exciting industrial buildings.
It benefited from unusual rooflines and replaced them with square blocks with coloured plastic being used as a pathetic attempt of place-making.
The most scandalous of all, however, is the Bargate Quarter, pictured below.
I can’t think of any other city that has got a vacant eyesore site left empty alongside its primary historic landmark.
Let's be honest the scheme has failed, and now we have a devastating scar on the heart of our city centre.
Yet COVID-19 threatens our city further.
Debenhams will not reopen, and already a screening opinion has been put into the council to demolish the attractive building it once anchored with more faceless characterless apartments and student flats.
The Nuffield Southampton Theatres closure is a devastating blow to our city and its rich culture, with its iconic campus theatre that is a true icon of 20th century architecture now likely to be demolished by the university.
Southampton must take a stand and look to its sister city Le Havre.
Le Havre, below, was often treated as an ugly failure, but no more.
Now it is a world heritage site.
Like Southampton, it was destroyed in the war but instead of destroying and removing its post-war architecture, it has retained it and embraced it.
Now the city promotes itself as an architectural hotspot, embracing its “concrete chic” and making use of its unusual architecture.
Its new architecture is radical, with its Le Volcan theatre, Les Bains des Docks aquatic complex and Catene de Containers public artworks.
Post COVID Southampton must embrace our existing buildings and city, and reimagine our public spaces.
Let’s celebrate our listed Wyndham Court, pictured below, but putting its large plaza to good use,
Let's protect our unique post-war structures and repurpose them with creative, artistic uses.
Let’s give people a reason to visit our city.
Post war architecture is now becoming increasingly sought after and fashionable.
It is a valuable commodity that we should make use of in this era of Instagramable places.
Let’s be more like Le Havre, below. Radical. Creative. Bold. Visionary.
And let’s turn our city around and celebrate it.
Name and address supplied


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--New bus service launched that will serve the city centre

A NEW bus service has been launched tbis week connecting Southampton City centre with Chilworth .
The new service from @ @ @ @ @ and links the City Centre with Portswood , Parkway , ASDA and Southampton Science Park @ @ @ @ @ clean emissions branded bus offering wifi , USB charge points and high back seats hit @ @ @ @ @ The first 100 passengers to use the lunchtime ASDA & Parkway link were able to @ @ @ @ @ voucher .
Gareth Blair , Managing Director `` This is the start of our new @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We work closely with our clients and passengers to tailor bespoke services .
@ @ @ @ @ more from their bus travel these days and rightly so .
`` With the X21 @ @ @ @ @ comfort and surf online on the move . ''
The service is designed to connect @ @ @ @ @ X4 at Parkway Station for commuters travelling for Hedge End and West End to the @ @ @

The new service from Xelabus started on July 6 and links the City Centre with Portswood, Parkway, ASDA and Southampton Science Park at Chilworth.
The new clean emissions branded bus offering wifi, USB charge points and high back seats hit the streets on Monday.
The first 100 passengers to use the lunchtime ASDA & Parkway link were able to receive a £5 ASDA shopping voucher.
Gareth Blair, Managing Director "This is the start of our new look bus services across Hampshire.
"We work closely with our clients and passengers to tailor bespoke services.
"Our passengers are expecting more from their bus travel these days and rightly so.
"With the X21 you can sit back in comfort and surf online on the move."
The service is designed to connect with trains and Xelabus popular X4 at Parkway Station for commuters travelling for Hedge End and West End to the Science Park.


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--Rishi Sunak's mini-budget: Hampshire reaction

THE chancellor who once worked shifts waiting tables in a Southampton curry house has been praised for boosting the struggling hospitality industry .
But there are complaints about a lack of action to help other sectors feeling the impact of the coronavirus crisis .
In his summer statement , Southampton-born Rishi Sunak announced a temporary VAT cut , from 20 per cent to five per cent , on food , accommodation and attractions .
An Eat Out to Help Out scheme will give diners 50 per cent off their meals on Mondays to Wednesdays in August , with the difference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been temporarily scrapped for homes under £500,000 .
The chancellor also pledged a £1,000 job retention bonus for employers who bring back furloughed staff .
The son of a Southampton GP and pharmacist , Mr Sunak once waited tables at Kuti ’ s Brasserie in the city .
Kris Gumbrell , chief executive of Brewhouse and Kitchen – which has a pub in Highfield Lane , Southampton – said : “ Sunak ’ s done a brilliant job .
It ’ s going to cost a lot of money but it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s great news and it protects jobs.
” Caroline Roylance , owner of the George pub at Fordingbridge , said the statement was “ the best news we ’ ve had in four months ” .
“ Since we closed our doors we ’ ve had no income , no government support through grants and had to furlough 20 staff .
“ We ’ ve tried to offer take away meals but the uptake was not enough to make it a viable option , ” she said .
“ We will definitely be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Out discount scheme , and the VAT reduction will help us make it through the next few months , because trade is unlikely to return to pre-Covid levels for some time .
“ Saying that , it ’ s been surprisingly busy today , which is encouraging , but it ’ s still not July busy .
It ’ s a start though.
” Tony Knight , chair of Hampshire Chamber ’ s Professional Services Forum , said : “ In these unprecedented circumstances and with limited room for manoeuvre , the chancellor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures .
“ The substantial and targeted VAT cut will provide much needed relief for the hospitality industry with restaurants given an extra shot in the arm through the August discount scheme .
“ At the same time , the raising of the stamp duty threshold will encourage the resumption of homebuying , boost the property sector and create jobs in the wider supply chain .
“ Many people worried about their futures will welcome the jobs retention bonus , giving employers an added incentive to bring staff back from furlough and keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the encouragement of apprenticeships and bonus payments for taking on young trainees .
“ Taken together , the various measures he announced represent a strong stimulus to boost business confidence and get the economy moving again .
“ It was , however , a giveaway .
There were no tax increases announced that would help pay for it .
“ Such spending can not go on forever and the chancellor will have some hard thinking to do before the Budget in the autumn .
At that point we can expect big decisions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deep recession we face .
“ If we don ’ t beat Covid , the measures announced by the chancellor will have limited impact in getting the economy back on track .
”

But there are complaints about a lack of action to help other sectors feeling the impact of the coronavirus crisis.
In his summer statement, Southampton-born Rishi Sunak announced a temporary VAT cut, from 20 per cent to five per cent, on food, accommodation and attractions.
An Eat Out to Help Out scheme will give diners 50 per cent off their meals on Mondays to Wednesdays in August, with the difference paid by the government.
Stamp duty has been temporarily scrapped for homes under £500,000.
The chancellor also pledged a £1,000 job retention bonus for employers who bring back furloughed staff.
The son of a Southampton GP and pharmacist, Mr Sunak once waited tables at Kuti’s Brasserie in the city.
Kris Gumbrell, chief executive of Brewhouse and Kitchen – which has a pub in Highfield Lane, Southampton – said: “Sunak’s done a brilliant job. It’s going to cost a lot of money but it’s supporting the sector. It’s great news and it protects jobs.”
Caroline Roylance, owner of the George pub at Fordingbridge, said the statement was “the best news we’ve had in four months”.
“Since we closed our doors we’ve had no income, no government support through grants and had to furlough 20 staff.
“We’ve tried to offer take away meals but the uptake was not enough to make it a viable option,” she said.
“We will definitely be applying for the Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme, and the VAT reduction will help us make it through the next few months, because trade is unlikely to return to pre-Covid levels for some time.
“Saying that, it’s been surprisingly busy today, which is encouraging, but it’s still not July busy. It’s a start though.”
Tony Knight, chair of Hampshire Chamber’s Professional Services Forum, said: “In these unprecedented circumstances and with limited room for manoeuvre, the chancellor should be applauded for some very sensible measures.
“The substantial and targeted VAT cut will provide much needed relief for the hospitality industry with restaurants given an extra shot in the arm through the August discount scheme.
“At the same time, the raising of the stamp duty threshold will encourage the resumption of homebuying, boost the property sector and create jobs in the wider supply chain.
“Many people worried about their futures will welcome the jobs retention bonus, giving employers an added incentive to bring staff back from furlough and keep them on.
“We also welcome the encouragement of apprenticeships and bonus payments for taking on young trainees.
“Taken together, the various measures he announced represent a strong stimulus to boost business confidence and get the economy moving again.
“It was, however, a giveaway. There were no tax increases announced that would help pay for it.
“Such spending cannot go on forever and the chancellor will have some hard thinking to do before the Budget in the autumn. At that point we can expect big decisions on tax and borrowing to help offset the deep recession we face.
“If we don’t beat Covid, the measures announced by the chancellor will have limited impact in getting the economy back on track.”


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--Hampshire sight loss charity creates video raising awareness for visually impaired people during loc

Hampshire sight loss charity creates video raising awareness for visually impaired people during lockdown

A HAMPSHIRE sight loss charity has created an awareness video to show residents how visually impaired people struggle with social distancing .
Open Sight Hampshire , who help people with sight loss across the county have created an informative video to make people aware of the challenges that blind and visually impaired people are having to face in regards to the government 's social distancing advice .
While many of us have been keeping two metres apart on public transport , in shops or even just while walking down the road , people with sight problems have been facing times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason why the charity created the video to show people what it may be like .
Zoe Hanscombe , who works for the charity and helped create the video , is visually impaired herself and has experienced a lot of anxiety while trying to follow social distancing rules , as well as being met with frustration and anger from people who do n't understand .
She said : `` Trying to navigate through streets and shops with social distancing measures in place has been hard .
I am visually impaired , I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't judge distance at all .
Imagine how hard it is for people who are completely blind !
`` While I have a guide dog , he has n't been trained to pick up on social distance markers , or to work out which seat we 're meant to sit on at hospital appointment , or a bus .
There 's nothing for him to feel to help him tell me where to go .
That 's why I created the video , it 's important to raise awareness for people that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so please do n't get angry or frustrated with us !
Some of our members across Hampshire have n't even left the house at all during lockdown because they 're so anxious , so a bit of consideration and knowledge about the subject is needed .
`` We 're all in this crisis together but visually impaired people had it hard enough before hand . ''
Open Sight Hampshire have many groups across Hampshire including Eastleigh and Fareham , and before lockdown , they would meet once a month to chat with and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not being able to meet face to face , regular Zoom meetings and chats on Facebook have been taking place to help people during the difficult time .
A link to the visually impaired social distancing video can be found here : https : //youtu.be/hxkfYHEe5rg .

Open Sight Hampshire, who help people with sight loss across the county have created an informative video to make people aware of the challenges that blind and visually impaired people are having to face in regards to the government's social distancing advice.
While many of us have been keeping two metres apart on public transport, in shops or even just while walking down the road, people with sight problems have been facing times of heightened anxiety, which is the reason why the charity created the video to show people what it may be like.
Zoe Hanscombe, who works for the charity and helped create the video, is visually impaired herself and has experienced a lot of anxiety while trying to follow social distancing rules, as well as being met with frustration and anger from people who don't understand.
She said: "Trying to navigate through streets and shops with social distancing measures in place has been hard. I am visually impaired, I can see a little bit but I can't judge distance at all. Imagine how hard it is for people who are completely blind!
"While I have a guide dog, he hasn't been trained to pick up on social distance markers, or to work out which seat we're meant to sit on at hospital appointment, or a bus. There's nothing for him to feel to help him tell me where to go. That's why I created the video, it's important to raise awareness for people that we aren't meaning to not distance, so please don't get angry or frustrated with us! Some of our members across Hampshire haven't even left the house at all during lockdown because they're so anxious, so a bit of consideration and knowledge about the subject is needed.
"We're all in this crisis together but visually impaired people had it hard enough before hand."
Open Sight Hampshire have many groups across Hampshire including Eastleigh and Fareham, and before lockdown, they would meet once a month to chat with and support one another.
However, despite not being able to meet face to face, regular Zoom meetings and chats on Facebook have been taking place to help people during the difficult time.
A link to the visually impaired social distancing video can be found here: https://youtu.be/hxkfYHEe5rg.


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--Hampshire college launches "Covid-19 Bounce Back" scheme to help county's economy recover

A HAMPSHIRE college has launched a collaborative `` Covid-19 Bounce Back '' pledge in a bid to support the county 's economic recovery .
Eastleigh College has launched an `` ambitious and collaborative '' pledge which aims to benefit employers and communities across the region , and this was developed with support from a number of stakeholders including business groups , employers , councils , schools and the University of Portsmouth .
The scheme will see the college train a minimum of 500 new apprentices , provide a guaranteed place on a professional or technical course for all eligible full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a guaranteed place for all eligible adults wanting to enrol on a flexible full or part-time Access or Higher Education courses .
As well as this , the college will commit its Adult Skills funding to retraining , supporting the unemployed or providing a pathway to an apprenticeship .
Chief Executive Designate at Eastleigh College , Paul Cox said : “ As a key anchor institution in our region we recognise our responsibility to both lead and proactively collaborate to deliver the promises in our pledge during the 2020/21 academic year .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions being lifted , many organisations have already been irreparably affected by the pandemic , with many still uncertain about what the future holds. ''
Likewise , many individuals are now out of work or facing the risk of redundancy , and a high number of our 16 year olds have been out of education since March .
Eastleigh College is committed to train the region ’ s future workforce , and will support those who lose their jobs , or need to retrain or upskill .
We have a proven ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work tirelessly to deliver our full provision of courses , training and apprenticeships however the Covid-19 pandemic develops .
”

Eastleigh College has launched an "ambitious and collaborative" pledge which aims to benefit employers and communities across the region, and this was developed with support from a number of stakeholders including business groups, employers, councils, schools and the University of Portsmouth.
The scheme will see the college train a minimum of 500 new apprentices, provide a guaranteed place on a professional or technical course for all eligible full time 16-18 year old students, and a guaranteed place for all eligible adults wanting to enrol on a flexible full or part-time Access or Higher Education courses.
As well as this, the college will commit its Adult Skills funding to retraining, supporting the unemployed or providing a pathway to an apprenticeship.
Chief Executive Designate at Eastleigh College, Paul Cox said: “As a key anchor institution in our region we recognise our responsibility to both lead and proactively collaborate to deliver the promises in our pledge during the 2020/21 academic year. While it is encouraging to see some coronavirus-related restrictions being lifted, many organisations have already been irreparably affected by the pandemic, with many still uncertain about what the future holds.
" Likewise, many individuals are now out of work or facing the risk of redundancy, and a high number of our 16 year olds have been out of education since March. Eastleigh College is committed to train the region’s future workforce, and will support those who lose their jobs, or need to retrain or upskill. We have a proven ability to deliver excellent teaching online, and will work tirelessly to deliver our full provision of courses, training and apprenticeships however the Covid-19 pandemic develops.”
·


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--LETTERS - Road crashes are no accidents

LETTERS - Road crashes are no accidents

The RoadPeace 'Crash not accident ' campaign ( https : //www.roadpeace.org/take-action/crash-not-accident/ ) calls for an end to a language of @ @ @ @ @ makers and the media must stop using the word ‘ accident ’ when referring to @ @ @ @ @ adopt appropriate , constructive and accurate terminology such as crash or collision .
I thought @ @ @ @ @ point , considering the high proportion of Echo articles about road crashes and deaths ( @ @ @ @ @ I checked ) Hopefully the active travel initiatives brought in by our council will reduce @ @ @ @ @ the cost to the NHS .
Please let your councillors know if you like the @ @ @ @ @ do n't put people first are definitely letting their councillors know .

The RoadPeace 'Crash not accident' campaign ( https://www.roadpeace.org/take-action/crash-not-accident/ ) calls for an end to a language of neglect and denial.
Policy makers and the media must stop using the word ‘accident’ when referring to road crashes, and to adopt appropriate, constructive and accurate terminology such as crash or collision.
I thought it was worth making this point, considering the high proportion of Echo articles about road crashes and deaths (3/10 in 2 daily briefings I checked)
Hopefully the active travel initiatives brought in by our council will reduce the crashes, deaths and the cost to the NHS.
Please let your councillors know if you like the changes, as those who don't put people first are definitely letting their councillors know.
Lyn Brayshaw
Southampton


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--Millbrook Healthcare to donate 48k facemasks to Hampshire charities

A SOUTHAMPTON-based healthcare provider is donating 48,000 face masks to local charities during the coronavirus crisis .
Millbrook Healthcare has vowed to donated 48,000 medical face masks to Hampshire charities to help them get back in their feet after months of closures due to the pandemic .
The healthcare provider continued to provide the essential community equipment service on behalf of the NHS and social care .
They introduced strict PPE and social distancing guidelines , to ensure the staff continued to deliver a safe service .
Throughout the pandemic , the procurement team has worked tirelessly to ensure everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However throughout the crisis many charities have struggled to find PPE for staff .
Millbrook Healthcare uas vowed to help local charities across the country by donating 48,000 face masks .
Phil Elkin , Group Procurement Director at Millbrook Healthcare , visited Naomi House Hospice to hand over face masks .
Mr Elkin said : “ During the Coronavirus pandemic our priority has been to maintain the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and our service users , by having the PPE stocks required .
“ We ’ re pleased that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this equipment to charities that need support in the communities that we are proud to be a part of.
” Lesley Brook , Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Care , Naomi House and Jacksplace , said : “ One of the great challenges for us during the Covid-19 crisis has been maintaining a steady supply of personal protective equipment .
It has taken a significant amount of staff time to source and secure everything from gloves to hand santiser , and especially masks .
`` This hugely generous donation from Millbrook Healthcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidence that short-term availability of Type IIR masks will not impact our vital work caring for the region ’ s life limited children and young adults .
”

Millbrook Healthcare has vowed to donated 48,000 medical face masks to Hampshire charities to help them get back in their feet after months of closures due to the pandemic.
The healthcare provider continued to provide the essential community equipment service on behalf of the NHS and social care.
They introduced strict PPE and social distancing guidelines, to ensure the staff continued to deliver a safe service.
Throughout the pandemic, the procurement team has worked tirelessly to ensure everyone has the PPE stocks that they need.
However throughout the crisis many charities have struggled to find PPE for staff.
Millbrook Healthcare uas vowed to help local charities across the country by donating 48,000 face masks.
Phil Elkin, Group Procurement Director at Millbrook Healthcare, visited Naomi House Hospice to hand over face masks.
Mr Elkin said: “During the Coronavirus pandemic our priority has been to maintain the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and our service users, by having the PPE stocks required.
“We’re pleased that we’re able to donate some of this equipment to charities that need support in the communities that we are proud to be a part of.”
Lesley Brook, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Care, Naomi House and Jacksplace, said: “One of the great challenges for us during the Covid-19 crisis has been maintaining a steady supply of personal protective equipment. It has taken a significant amount of staff time to source and secure everything from gloves to hand santiser, and especially masks.
"This hugely generous donation from Millbrook Healthcare offers us breathing space and gives us confidence that short-term availability of Type IIR masks will not impact our vital work caring for the region’s life limited children and young adults.”


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--Three days of Bursledon roadworks

Three days of Bursledon roadworks

Three days of roadworks will begin later this month on a busy road in Bursledon .
From Tuesday July 21 @ @ @ @ @ workers will be carrying out roadworks on Portsmouth Road in Bursledon .
An existing iron @ @ @ @ @ concrete base installed and the paving surrounding the bollard will be taken up and relayed @ @ @ @ @ place on the section of Portsmouth Road , outside of Manns & Manns .
During @ @ @ @ @ been warned that delays in the area may be likely and traffic during the roadworks @ @ @ @ @ two-way signals .

From Tuesday July 21 until Thursday July 23, workers will be carrying out roadworks on Portsmouth Road in Bursledon.
An existing iron bollard will have a new concrete base installed and the paving surrounding the bollard will be taken up and relayed.
This will be taking place on the section of Portsmouth Road, outside of Manns & Manns.
During this time, drivers have been warned that delays in the area may be likely and traffic during the roadworks will be controlled by using two-way signals.


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--College student in Eastleigh dubbed the "National Netball Player of the Year"

A COLLEGE student from Eastleigh has been dubbed the `` Netball Player of the Year '' after scooping a national award .
Barton Peveril College student , Grace Wood has been named the Association of Colleges ( AoC ) National Netball Squad Coaches ’ Player of the Year , after she represented the country 's college Netball squad in her first season .
Grace represented the National Netball Squad on several away weekends throughout the season , which was shortened due to the impact of Covid-19 , facing opponents throughout the home nations and the first year college student quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awarded the Coaches ’ Player of the Season Award for her efforts .
Speaking on her student ’ s success , Barton Peveril Teacher of Sport , Netball Coach , Alix Christopher said : `` Grace has played some outstanding netball this year and thoroughly deserves this award .
She is a committed player and is showing a tremendous amount of potential to play at these higher levels .
We are all very proud of her achievements and look forward to working with her in college netball for her second year of college.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ who plays club netball for Swan Netball Club in Eastleigh and for Team Bath , was nominated for a trial by Barton Peveril Netball Coach Sonja Payne .
After submitting a video portfolio , Grace attended a trial in Nottingham where she was one of just 20 individuals selected to represent her country amidst a pool of over 250 students at the final trial .

Barton Peveril College student, Grace Wood has been named the Association of Colleges (AoC) National Netball Squad Coaches’ Player of the Year, after she represented the country's college Netball squad in her first season.
Grace represented the National Netball Squad on several away weekends throughout the season, which was shortened due to the impact of Covid-19, facing opponents throughout the home nations and the first year college student quickly showed her dominance in matches and was awarded the Coaches’ Player of the Season Award for her efforts.
Speaking on her student’s success, Barton Peveril Teacher of Sport, Netball Coach, Alix Christopher said: "Grace has played some outstanding netball this year and thoroughly deserves this award. She is a committed player and is showing a tremendous amount of potential to play at these higher levels. We are all very proud of her achievements and look forward to working with her in college netball for her second year of college.”
The former Wildern School pupil, who plays club netball for Swan Netball Club in Eastleigh and for Team Bath, was nominated for a trial by Barton Peveril Netball Coach Sonja Payne.
After submitting a video portfolio, Grace attended a trial in Nottingham where she was one of just 20 individuals selected to represent her country amidst a pool of over 250 students at the final trial.


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--Solent University student with "most severe" cerebral palsy scoops prestigious journalism award

A SOLENT University student with `` the most severe form '' of cerebral palsy has scooped a journalism high achiever award Jordan Wood , 25 , has been recognised in a prestigious new awards scheme after being nominated for the `` Student Award for Achievement in Journalism '' by his lecturers .
The Sports Journalism student was recognised for making `` exceptional progress , achieving highly and contributing towards his group '' , and he was one of three students to be honoured with the award .
Jordan has Spastic Quadriplegia - the most severe form of spastic cerebral palsy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and use the legs , arms , body and face – but he isn ’ t letting that hold him back and he was `` speechless in more ways than one '' with the award .
He said : `` I 'm till trying to take it in , part of my disability is that I 'm non-verbal so it goes without saying that I was speechless in more ways than one !
`` Being seen as a high achiever in journalism means everything to me and not even my disability will hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve always had a strong passion for writing and when I got into sports writing , I found my niche in a sport that I love to write about , which is Formula 1 .
My future career intentions are to be respected by my peers as a sports journalist , with the added bonus that I ’ ll be able to travel the world following the F1 circus .
I hope this award is the first of many to come in the future.
” The awards scheme was launched by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Journalists ( NUJ ) in tribute to their late colleague and former chairman , Bob Norris , who also worked for the Hampshire Chronicle .
Will Cope , Course Leader in BA ( Hons ) Sports Journalism , said : “ Jordan has recently ended a four-year journey with us at Solent University , which started on the foundation degree and continued on the Sport Journalism degree .
Ever since his dad took him to a Formula One race as a young boy , he became hell-bent on studying at university , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one day be able to write about motor racing for a living .
“ Despite having no mobility , being non-verbal and needing to communicate via Megabee eye technology , Jordan 's passion for teaching and learning has always shone through .
His engagement was second to no-one and he threw himself into every activity with energy and determination .
“ Jordan is a wonderful young man , has an amazing sense of humour and lights up any room that he enters .
We can think of no-one more deserving of this award @ @

Jordan Wood, 25, has been recognised in a prestigious new awards scheme after being nominated for the "Student Award for Achievement in Journalism" by his lecturers.
The Sports Journalism student was recognised for making "exceptional progress, achieving highly and contributing towards his group", and he was one of three students to be honoured with the award.
Jordan has Spastic Quadriplegia - the most severe form of spastic cerebral palsy, marked by the inability to control and use the legs, arms, body and face – but he isn’t letting that hold him back and he was "speechless in more ways than one" with the award.
He said: "I'm till trying to take it in, part of my disability is that I'm non-verbal so it goes without saying that I was speechless in more ways than one!
"Being seen as a high achiever in journalism means everything to me and not even my disability will hold me back from achieving my goal. I’ve always had a strong passion for writing and when I got into sports writing, I found my niche in a sport that I love to write about, which is Formula 1. My future career intentions are to be respected by my peers as a sports journalist, with the added bonus that I’ll be able to travel the world following the F1 circus. I hope this award is the first of many to come in the future.”
The awards scheme was launched by the Solent branch of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) in tribute to their late colleague and former chairman, Bob Norris, who also worked for the Hampshire Chronicle.
Will Cope, Course Leader in BA (Hons) Sports Journalism, said: “Jordan has recently ended a four-year journey with us at Solent University, which started on the foundation degree and continued on the Sport Journalism degree. Ever since his dad took him to a Formula One race as a young boy, he became hell-bent on studying at university, and getting the knowledge and knowhow to one day be able to write about motor racing for a living.
“Despite having no mobility, being non-verbal and needing to communicate via Megabee eye technology, Jordan's passion for teaching and learning has always shone through. His engagement was second to no-one and he threw himself into every activity with energy and determination.
“Jordan is a wonderful young man, has an amazing sense of humour and lights up any room that he enters. We can think of no-one more deserving of this award."


thedailyecho--2020-07-09--BIG INTERVIEW: Southampton star Danny Ings reveales he's hooked on scoring

Already bagging over 20 of them in all competitions this season , Ings still has five games to add to that tally before this campaign comes to its delayed end .
The 27-year-old ’ s addiction to scoring , he says , started as a youngster and has been with him throughout his career .
Speaking to the Daily Echo about his excellent season to date , Ings said : “ I think a lot of comes down to hard work and building momentum .
“ As a striker that ’ s all you try and grip on to once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because you want to keep improving so you can go again .
“ When you ’ re a striker and you ’ ve got some form , you often find yourself in better positions to score goals than before you went on the run .
“ For me , goals are goals .
It doesn ’ t matter whether I ’ ve stolen the ball off Hugo Lloris or I ’ m whipping it into the corner like I did against Watford .
“ It ’ s the same feeling because you know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team .
It ’ s such a great feeling and it ’ s something I ’ ve enjoyed ever since I was a young lad .
“ Scoring is addictive and I always try to score as many as I can.
” Given Ings ’ prolific record it ’ s easy to forget he started the season playing second fiddle to Che Adams , Ralph Hasenhuttl ’ s £15million signing from Birmingham .
Although he came off the bench to score against Liverpool at the start of the campaign , the local lad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the starting XI .
But that all changed on one September evening at Fratton Park in a derby match that won ’ t be forgotten in a hurry .
The celebration is iconic but , more importantly for Ings , his brace lit a fire that ’ s been burning ever since .
“ I think that night definitely kick-started things , ” Ings reflected .
“ Before that I wasn ’ t in the side , I was coming on in games and it was quite frustrating .
“ From that night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the opportunity with both hands and I ’ ve made sure I ’ ve been putting enough work and effort in .
“ I really want to put the plans the manager has for each game in place .
“ The best part of my season was probably over the Christmas period .
Having such a strong base physically really helped me with that period.
” Lockdown seemingly came at the perfect time for Saints ’ star man .
He ’ d managed two goals in the nine games before the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since Saints ’ season resumed away to Norwich , the striker ’ s scored three in four matches .
The former Liverpool man went on to explain that , although he continued training , the three-month hiatus set him up for a strong finish to the season .
“ I feel like I ’ m fitter now than I was before the lockdown , and I ’ ve scored a few goals since the lockdown , ” he added .
“ I think coming back in better shape has been really positive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consistency there .
“ I want to keep building and I want to score as many goals as I can before the end of the season and to see how many wins we can get in the remaining games .
“ That ’ s the most important thing right now .
“ You don ’ t go and beat Man City and then take your foot off the gas , you want to go again and again and find things that you can improve on.
” With Premier League safety wrapped up , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his side let their standards slip .
Towards the end of last season , Saints managed just two wins in their final eight matches .
But from what the players are saying and with how they are acting , taking their foot off the gas is something they won ’ t allow to happen .
“ There ’ s been a good feeling around the place , especially since the restart , ” the Saints ace added .
“ We ’ ve come back in great condition .
We are still pressing teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t stop .
“ Now we ’ ve got a few good results against some great teams , it just gives us a lot of confidence to go again and see how many wins we can finish with at the end of the season.
” Although Saints won ’ t let their standards slip , Ings , who has started playing golf , hopes the team can get together once this season comes to an end later this month .
The 27-year-old has instructed James Ward-Prowse to organise a golf day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but admitted he won ’ t want to be playing in a fourball with the club captain !
Discussing the potential of pitting his golf skills against the rest of the squad , Ings said : “ Alex McCarthy is the man , he ’ s supposed to be really good .
“ I think we should definitely try and arrange a team golf day at the end of the season .
“ I ’ m going to try and Prowsey to arrange that , but I couldn ’ t play with Prowsey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If we went to play golf together…it just couldn ’ t happen .
“ That ’ s something on the cards that we want to do as a team at some point .
”

Already bagging over 20 of them in all competitions this season, Ings still has five games to add to that tally before this campaign comes to its delayed end.
The 27-year-old’s addiction to scoring, he says, started as a youngster and has been with him throughout his career.
Speaking to the Daily Echo about his excellent season to date, Ings said: “I think a lot of comes down to hard work and building momentum.
“As a striker that’s all you try and grip on to once you’ve scored a few goals because you want to keep improving so you can go again.
“When you’re a striker and you’ve got some form, you often find yourself in better positions to score goals than before you went on the run.
“For me, goals are goals. It doesn’t matter whether I’ve stolen the ball off Hugo Lloris or I’m whipping it into the corner like I did against Watford.
“It’s the same feeling because you know you are scoring and contributing to the team. It’s such a great feeling and it’s something I’ve enjoyed ever since I was a young lad.
“Scoring is addictive and I always try to score as many as I can.”
Given Ings’ prolific record it’s easy to forget he started the season playing second fiddle to Che Adams, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s £15million signing from Birmingham.
Although he came off the bench to score against Liverpool at the start of the campaign, the local lad still struggled to force his way into the starting XI.
But that all changed on one September evening at Fratton Park in a derby match that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.
The celebration is iconic but, more importantly for Ings, his brace lit a fire that’s been burning ever since.
“I think that night definitely kick-started things,” Ings reflected.
“Before that I wasn’t in the side, I was coming on in games and it was quite frustrating.
“From that night, I’ve managed to take the opportunity with both hands and I’ve made sure I’ve been putting enough work and effort in.
“I really want to put the plans the manager has for each game in place.
“The best part of my season was probably over the Christmas period. Having such a strong base physically really helped me with that period.”
Lockdown seemingly came at the perfect time for Saints’ star man.
He’d managed two goals in the nine games before the coronavirus pandemic led to football being temporarily paused.
Since Saints’ season resumed away to Norwich, the striker’s scored three in four matches.
The former Liverpool man went on to explain that, although he continued training, the three-month hiatus set him up for a strong finish to the season.
“I feel like I’m fitter now than I was before the lockdown, and I’ve scored a few goals since the lockdown,” he added. “I think coming back in better shape has been really positive for me because it’s kept the consistency there.
“I want to keep building and I want to score as many goals as I can before the end of the season and to see how many wins we can get in the remaining games.
“That’s the most important thing right now.
“You don’t go and beat Man City and then take your foot off the gas, you want to go again and again and find things that you can improve on.”
With Premier League safety wrapped up, Hasenhuttl won’t want to witness his side let their standards slip.
Towards the end of last season, Saints managed just two wins in their final eight matches.
But from what the players are saying and with how they are acting, taking their foot off the gas is something they won’t allow to happen.
“There’s been a good feeling around the place, especially since the restart,” the Saints ace added.
“We’ve come back in great condition. We are still pressing teams in the 95th minute, we just don’t stop.
“Now we’ve got a few good results against some great teams, it just gives us a lot of confidence to go again and see how many wins we can finish with at the end of the season.”
Although Saints won’t let their standards slip, Ings, who has started playing golf, hopes the team can get together once this season comes to an end later this month.
The 27-year-old has instructed James Ward-Prowse to organise a golf day when the time’s right – but admitted he won’t want to be playing in a fourball with the club captain!
Discussing the potential of pitting his golf skills against the rest of the squad, Ings said: “Alex McCarthy is the man, he’s supposed to be really good.
“I think we should definitely try and arrange a team golf day at the end of the season.
“I’m going to try and Prowsey to arrange that, but I couldn’t play with Prowsey because we would just laugh too much. If we went to play golf together…it just couldn’t happen.
“That’s something on the cards that we want to do as a team at some point.”