thedailyecho--2020-10-07--'Southampton's City of Culture bid can be driver for recovery from coronavirus'

CULTURE and the city 's bid can be a key driver for recovery from Covid-19 , says one of Southampton 's leading elected representatives .
Cllr Satvir Kaur , Cabinet Member for Culture and Homes on Southampton City Council said : “ Culture has become the beating heart of Southampton , used to grow the local economy , create city pride , bring people together and help to address social needs .
`` Our city has shaped the world , and continues to do so , through innovation and creativity .
`` Bidding for UK City of Culture 2025 is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ map , show the world who we are and what we ’ re made of .
`` Let ’ s use culture as an engine towards Covid-recovery , while enriching lives and transforming communities , so that together we can create a city to be proud of , where people want to work , live , visit and enjoy.
” The first Premier Partner for the bid , Nick Parbutt , CEO and Founder of toob said : “ The City of Culture bid is a great opportunity for all who live and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the city .
`` A cultural vision for Southampton that builds on its rich history and diverse communities will be both inspiring and galvanising for everyone associated with the City .
`` Southampton is a great city with a proud history and an exciting future , and at toob we are delighted to be able to support the bid and assist in helping Southampton realise its potential .
`` We believe our £50m investment in toob ’ s full-fibre network provides communities with access to the world class connectivity that will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and enabling communities to thrive in an increasingly digital world .
`` We hope it will also be used as an asset during the run up to 2025 to enhance the creative process and connect people across the city.
” The consultation with stakeholders and the development of the bid themes and branding will take place between now and the end of the year .
The final bid submission will happen in September 2021 with the announcement of the winning city following in December .

Cllr Satvir Kaur, Cabinet Member for Culture and Homes on Southampton City Council said: “Culture has become the beating heart of Southampton, used to grow the local economy, create city pride, bring people together and help to address social needs.
"Our city has shaped the world, and continues to do so, through innovation and creativity.
"Bidding for UK City of Culture 2025 is our chance to put Southampton on the map, show the world who we are and what we’re made of.
"Let’s use culture as an engine towards Covid-recovery, while enriching lives and transforming communities, so that together we can create a city to be proud of, where people want to work, live, visit and enjoy.”
The first Premier Partner for the bid, Nick Parbutt, CEO and Founder of toob said: “The City of Culture bid is a great opportunity for all who live and work in Southampton to shape the future of the city.
"A cultural vision for Southampton that builds on its rich history and diverse communities will be both inspiring and galvanising for everyone associated with the City.
"Southampton is a great city with a proud history and an exciting future, and at toob we are delighted to be able to support the bid and assist in helping Southampton realise its potential.
"We believe our £50m investment in toob’s full-fibre network provides communities with access to the world class connectivity that will be essential in transforming lives, enhancing businesses and enabling communities to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
"We hope it will also be used as an asset during the run up to 2025 to enhance the creative process and connect people across the city.”
The consultation with stakeholders and the development of the bid themes and branding will take place between now and the end of the year.
The final bid submission will happen in September 2021 with the announcement of the winning city following in December.


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--John Lewis at Westquay Southampton unveils Christmas shop

JOHN Lewis in Southampton has unveiled its Christmas shop , with figures showing people have been shopping earlier than ever for the festive season Christmas sales so far have more than doubled compared with the same period in 2019 , the department store says .
Dan Cooper , who has the title ‘ head of Christmas ’ at John Lewis & Partners , said : “ We know that Christmas might look a little different to our customers this year , with smaller celebrations at home and video calls to loved ones .
“ But we also know that many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the festive season brings : from decorated fireplaces to wreaths on doors .
“ Our customers are planning earlier than ever to revel in the festivities and likely spread out the tasks to avoid any last minute rushes .
“ This year we have created a Christmas shop that will of course delight and inspire our customers but we have also focused on making it a simple journey that means they can tick off their list happily and safely.
” Christmas sales so far are up 112 per cent on last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Christmas room decorations have risen 300 per cent and Christmas card sales have nearly doubled .
Its festive shop on Floor Two of the Westquay Shopping Centre store features gifts and decorations , with seven decorating themes .
There are three key looks for the dining room – based on the art of Japan , Impressionism and Art Nouveau .
A living room is decorated in the Bloomsbury trend , while the Renaissance trend includes hand-blown baubles in pastel shades .
The seventh theme is based on Pop Art , with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decarations and for parents to “ indulge in their playful side ” .
John Lewis has also launched a 3D tour of its Christmas shop in London ’ s Oxford Street .
Customers will be able to virtually `` walk through '' the store and see the range brought to life .

Christmas sales so far have more than doubled compared with the same period in 2019, the department store says.
Dan Cooper, who has the title ‘head of Christmas’ at John Lewis & Partners, said: “We know that Christmas might look a little different to our customers this year, with smaller celebrations at home and video calls to loved ones.
“But we also know that many are looking forward to the small joys that the festive season brings: from decorated fireplaces to wreaths on doors.
“Our customers are planning earlier than ever to revel in the festivities and likely spread out the tasks to avoid any last minute rushes.
“This year we have created a Christmas shop that will of course delight and inspire our customers but we have also focused on making it a simple journey that means they can tick off their list happily and safely.”
Christmas sales so far are up 112 per cent on last year, John Lewis said, while sales of Christmas room decorations have risen 300 per cent and Christmas card sales have nearly doubled.
Its festive shop on Floor Two of the Westquay Shopping Centre store features gifts and decorations, with seven decorating themes.
There are three key looks for the dining room – based on the art of Japan, Impressionism and Art Nouveau.
A living room is decorated in the Bloomsbury trend, while the Renaissance trend includes hand-blown baubles in pastel shades.
The seventh theme is based on Pop Art, with a space for children to choose their favourite decarations and for parents to “indulge in their playful side”.
John Lewis has also launched a 3D tour of its Christmas shop in London’s Oxford Street. Customers will be able to virtually "walk through" the store and see the range brought to life.


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--City of Culture 2025 bid: ‘Southampton is warm and friendly’

THE BID to crown Southampton as the City of Culture in 2025 launches today .
It is hoped that the City of Culture title would draw hundreds of millions of pounds in tourism cash to the area .
It is a chance to “ celebrate the wealth of cultural activity happening in the city , to showcase diversity , and in doing so , address the challenges the city is Commenting on the bid , Lou Taylor , director of Black History Month South said : “ I have lived , worked and raised my family in Southampton for over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warm , friendly city and always ready to welcome people and make them feel part of its fabric within a very short space of time.
” He added : “ Southampton becoming UK City of Culture 2025 would place the spotlight on the wide range of nationalities and cultures the city has to offer and open a window into the amazing advantages diversity brings .
The benefits to commerce , entertainment and cultural heritage are immeasurable and give Southampton a uniqueness that is seldom seen.
” As reported previously civic chiefs outlined their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of culture and called on businesses to get behind the proposal in September .
City council bosses met with commerce figures from across the city to discuss how they could support the move .
A statement from the council said : “ There is a lot to gain from becoming a UK City of Culture .
“ When Hull was UK City of Culture in 2017 it added £300 million to their tourism market and up to £17 million gross value added to their local economy .
Southampton ’ s bid to become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successful , will look to deliver similarly substantial economic , social and cultural impacts.
” “ Businesses who become partners will be given huge profile in the city and the wider region and will have the opportunity to shape their involvement in line with their business objectives , ” the statement added .
Sandy Hopkins , Chief Executive of Southampton City Council said : “ Winning the bid will put the city of Southampton , and the surrounding Hampshire and Isle of Wight area , on the map , literally and figuratively , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people who live and work here.
” It is said the title will transform the profile and the prosperity of Southampton and use the power of culture to ensure the city reaches its full potential .

It is hoped that the City of Culture title would draw hundreds of millions of pounds in tourism cash to the area.
It is a chance to “celebrate the wealth of cultural activity happening in the city, to showcase diversity, and in doing so, address the challenges the city is
facing”.
Commenting on the bid, Lou Taylor, director of Black History Month South said: “I have lived, worked and raised my family in Southampton for over 30 years. It’s a warm, friendly city and always ready to welcome people and make them feel part of its fabric within a very short space of time.”
He added: “Southampton becoming UK City of Culture 2025 would place the spotlight on the wide range of nationalities and cultures the city has to offer and open a window into the amazing advantages diversity brings. The benefits to commerce, entertainment and cultural heritage are immeasurable and give Southampton a uniqueness that is seldom seen.”
As reported previously civic chiefs outlined their bid for Southampton to become the city of culture and called on businesses to get behind the proposal in September.
City council bosses met with commerce figures from across the city to discuss how they could support the move.
A statement from the council said: “There is a lot to gain from becoming a UK City of Culture.
“When Hull was UK City of Culture in 2017 it added £300 million to their tourism market and up to £17 million gross value added to their local economy. Southampton’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2025, if successful, will look to deliver similarly substantial economic, social and cultural impacts.”
“Businesses who become partners will be given huge profile in the city and the wider region and will have the opportunity to shape their involvement in line with their business objectives,” the statement added.
Sandy Hopkins, Chief Executive of Southampton City Council said: “Winning the bid will put the city of Southampton, and the surrounding Hampshire and Isle of Wight area, on the map, literally and figuratively, bringing with it so many benefits for the people who live and work here.”
It is said the title will transform the profile and the prosperity of Southampton and use the power of culture to ensure the city reaches its full potential.


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--New website pays tribute to Far East prisoners of war

THANKS to the untiring efforts of Earl Mountbatten and the 14th Army , the P & O steamship Corfu left Rangoon , in what was Burma , in September 1945 carrying over a thousand former Far East Prisoners of War .
On the wet and dreary morning of October 7 , 1945 , she docked in Southampton , the first of a small armada of 28 assorted passenger ships that brought more than 20,000 released captives back to Southampton from South-East Asia over the winter of 1945/46 , whilst 24 ships docked in Liverpool between October 8 and mid-December .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrival of SS Corfu , website fepow75.org.uk is being launched .
It honours the memory of all those who did not return home from Far East captivity and pays tribute to the survivors , acknowledging the physical and mental suffering so many endured after their return which impacted so many families .
Although the men , and in many cases , civilian women and children , had suffered grievously at the hands of the Japanese for up to four years , the official welcome they received on the dockside could perhaps be described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ music and lifted spirits , but no families or girlfriends were allowed to meet the first ship back .
Instead the men were greeted on board by General Sir Ronald Adam : the Adjutant General and by Lord Nathan , the Acting War Minister , who gave each Far East Prisoner of War a written message of welcome from King George VI and Queen Elizabeth .
What was described by one returning FEPOW that day as one “ of endless anti-climax ” was relieved by one moment of amusement .
In defiance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home a duck of formidable size and equal courage all the way from Rangoon .
Unsurprisingly this drew the attention of the official reception party , as well as the press and cameramen .
As if to emphasise its significance , or overcome by its feelings on the occasion , the duck laid an egg on the quayside and in doing so , it won all hearts .
It probably accompanied his guardian and the other FEPOW on their journey by bus and truck to the transit camp set up on the Common @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southampton people had put up the flags from the VJ and VE Day celebrations and lined the streets of the town in the rain , to do what they could to cheer the troops back .
Perhaps one reason for the low key official welcome was some embarrassment for the authorities .
Certainly , many FEPOW felt themselves tainted by being part of the Fall of Singapore , and what Winston Churchill described as “ the worst disaster and largest capitulation in British military history ” .
Overall , around 140,000 Allied Forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were taken prisoner between 1941 and 1942 .
For the next three and a half years thousands of FEPOW were forced to slave in brutal conditions on the Siam-Burma and Sumatra jungle railways , constructing airfields across the new Nippon Empire , or in the mines and heavy industry of Taiwan and Japan .
Over 12,500 British servicemen died as a result of their captivity .
Of those who survived , many were demoralised and traumatised by what they had seen and experienced .
They were not encouraged to speak about it and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before they left the UK five years earlier .
Southampton has its own Repatriation Memorial , marking the arrival in port of thousands of former Far East captives during autumn 1945 .
The engraved stone plaque was unveiled in Town Quay Park , which is situated between French Street and Lower High Street , in October 2013 .
The FEPOW 75 website contains interviews with survivors , as well as individual case histories and images of rarely seen artwork and poetry created in the camps and links to useful sources of information and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create poetry , based on what they have learned through visiting the website .
• Article by Roger Townsend and the FEPOW 75 team .
• Website will go live at 11.00am on October 7 , 2020 .

On the wet and dreary morning of October 7, 1945, she docked in Southampton, the first of a small armada of 28 assorted passenger ships that brought more than 20,000 released captives back to Southampton from South-East Asia over the winter of 1945/46, whilst 24 ships docked in Liverpool between October 8 and mid-December.
Seventy-five years to the day from the arrival of SS Corfu, website fepow75.org.uk is being launched.
It honours the memory of all those who did not return home from Far East captivity and pays tribute to the survivors, acknowledging the physical and mental suffering so many endured after their return which impacted so many families.
Although the men, and in many cases, civilian women and children, had suffered grievously at the hands of the Japanese for up to four years, the official welcome they received on the dockside could perhaps be described as muted.
Military bands played popular music and lifted spirits, but no families or girlfriends were allowed to meet the first ship back. Instead the men were greeted on board by General Sir Ronald Adam: the Adjutant General and by Lord Nathan, the Acting War Minister, who gave each Far East Prisoner of War a written message of welcome from King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
What was described by one returning FEPOW that day as one “of endless anti-climax” was relieved by one moment of amusement.
In defiance of quarantine regulations one determined soldier had brought home a duck of formidable size and equal courage all the way from Rangoon.
Unsurprisingly this drew the attention of the official reception party, as well as the press and cameramen.
As if to emphasise its significance, or overcome by its feelings on the occasion, the duck laid an egg on the quayside and in doing so, it won all hearts.
It probably accompanied his guardian and the other FEPOW on their journey by bus and truck to the transit camp set up on the Common!
In some contrast to officialdom, Southampton people had put up the flags from the VJ and VE Day celebrations and lined the streets of the town in the rain, to do what they could to cheer the troops back.
Perhaps one reason for the low key official welcome was some embarrassment for the authorities. Certainly, many FEPOW felt themselves tainted by being part of the Fall of Singapore, and what Winston Churchill described as “the worst disaster and largest capitulation in British military history”.
Overall, around 140,000 Allied Forces – 50,000 of whom were British – were taken prisoner between 1941 and 1942.
For the next three and a half years thousands of FEPOW were forced to slave in brutal conditions on the Siam-Burma and Sumatra jungle railways, constructing airfields across the new Nippon Empire, or in the mines and heavy industry of Taiwan and Japan.
Over 12,500 British servicemen died as a result of their captivity. Of those who survived, many were demoralised and traumatised by what they had seen and experienced.
They were not encouraged to speak about it and many could not resume lives they had before they left the UK five years earlier.
Southampton has its own Repatriation Memorial, marking the arrival in port of thousands of former Far East captives during autumn 1945.
The engraved stone plaque was unveiled in Town Quay Park, which is situated between French Street and Lower High Street, in October 2013.
The FEPOW 75 website contains interviews with survivors, as well as individual case histories and images of rarely seen artwork and poetry created in the camps and links to useful sources of information and research.
Schoolchildren and students are invited to create poetry, based on what they have learned through visiting the website.


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--New Forest Birth Centre unlikely to reopen until January

STAFF shortages caused by the coronavirus pandemic have forced health chiefs to close a Hampshire maternity unit for at least three months .
More than 3,400 babies have been delivered at the New Forest Birth Centre ( NFBC ) since the facility opened at Ashurst Hospital in 2008 .
But no new births will take place at the centre until January next year at the earliest .
Women who were hoping to use the facility are being told they can either give birth at home or at the Broadlands Birth Centre , part of the Princess Anne Hospital , Southampton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aim to provide mums-to-be with a homely and more relaxed atmosphere than hospitals .
They are available to women who are experiencing low-risk pregnancies and are likely to have a normal delivery .
• New Forest Birth Centre set to celebrate ten years of babies Former NFBC patients have taken to social media to voice their dismay at the closure .
One woman posted : `` I had both my children at NFBC and have recommended it to all my friends ever since .
Such a lovely place and the care was faultless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really hope this decision is reversed in January .
`` Such a lovely place and the staff were amazing .
I 've only every heard positive comments from others who have had babies there . ''
The birth centre is run by the University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust .
A spokesperson said : `` The decision to temporarily close the New Forest Birth Centre has been taken to ensure we can continue to provide the safest possible care for our families .
`` Having reviewed our current and projected staffing levels over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we would not be able to adequately staff the centre .
The safety of our staff is also paramount and , owing to the Covid-19 pandemic , a number of our colleagues have been unable to return to their substantive roles , meaning fewer midwives and support staff are available .
`` As a result the decision , which will be reviewed regularly , has been taken to close the centre until January 2021 .
`` There will then be a further review of staff levels to decide whether it can safely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ informed and will transfer to the Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton and our home birth services .
`` Expectant mums who call the labour line will be able to discuss the options for Broadlands birth centre or labour ward at Princess Anne Hospital or opt for a home birth .
`` This change does not affect antenatal and post-natal services which will continue to run at the New Forest Birth Centre . ''

More than 3,400 babies have been delivered at the New Forest Birth Centre (NFBC) since the facility opened at Ashurst Hospital in 2008.
But no new births will take place at the centre until January next year at the earliest.
Women who were hoping to use the facility are being told they can either give birth at home or at the Broadlands Birth Centre, part of the Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton.
Birth centres are midwife-led units that aim to provide mums-to-be with a homely and more relaxed atmosphere than hospitals.
They are available to women who are experiencing low-risk pregnancies and are likely to have a normal delivery.
Former NFBC patients have taken to social media to voice their dismay at the closure.
One woman posted: "I had both my children at NFBC and have recommended it to all my friends ever since. Such a lovely place and the care was faultless."
One added: "I really hope this decision is reversed in January.
"Such a lovely place and the staff were amazing. I've only every heard positive comments from others who have had babies there."
The birth centre is run by the University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust.
A spokesperson said: "The decision to temporarily close the New Forest Birth Centre has been taken to ensure we can continue to provide the safest possible care for our families.
"Having reviewed our current and projected staffing levels over the next few months, we have concluded that we would not be able to adequately staff the centre.
The safety of our staff is also paramount and, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, a number of our colleagues have been unable to return to their substantive roles, meaning fewer midwives and support staff are available.
"As a result the decision, which will be reviewed regularly, has been taken to close the centre until January 2021.
"There will then be a further review of staff levels to decide whether it can safely reopen.
"Our staff have been informed and will transfer to the Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton and our home birth services.
"Expectant mums who call the labour line will be able to discuss the options for Broadlands birth centre or labour ward at Princess Anne Hospital or opt for a home birth.
"This change does not affect antenatal and post-natal services which will continue to run at the New Forest Birth Centre."


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--Winchester prison's Independent Monitoring Board report

WINCHESTER prison remains an `` extremely challenging environment '' , with high levels of violence , drugs and self-harm , according to new report .
An annual paper by the Independent Monitoring Board ( IMB ) released today ( Monday ) says that although there have been positive changes , the prison faces continuing pressure to deliver a safe , secure and constructive experience for prisoners .
The prison was lifted out of special measures in November last year and improvements in education and staff engagement have been made , but the IMB has said that an “ underlying volatility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has one of the highest rates of prisoner-on-prisoner assaults , despite more effective case management of the many complex prisoners involved .
Prisoner assaults on staff have reduced since last year but are still high compared with many other prisons , with these incidents caused by only a small number of prisoners .
A major concern is the segregation unit , ( CSU ) , which houses up to seven of the most challenging prisoners and has been condemned as “ dungeon-like ” in successive reports .
The board has said that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the promised new build has not materialised .
It was expected that work would start late last year to build a new segregation unit , but it is understood that funds for the project have not been approved for 2020/21 , despite promises .
A Prison Service spokesperson said that site surveys for a replacement segregation unit will start this month .
Monitors found an excessive amount of self-harm as up to 80 per cent of new arrivals declared that they have previously self-harmed and/or made suicide attempts , and/or had suicidal thoughts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be “ not fit for purpose ” , but the board found that ongoing investment to make wings more habitable can not eradicate the overcrowding or lack of accessibility for disabled prisoners .
Angus Somerville , chair of Winchester IMB , said : “ 2019/20 saw sustained progress across most operational areas , but levels of violence , drug use and self-harm in the prison remain unacceptably high .
It is a disgrace that the promised new CSU is no nearer a start date.
” He added : “ Regrettably , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the previous improvements to the daily regime , as staff balanced prisoners ’ health and humane needs .
“ While the energetic leadership of senior staff has had a positive impact on the culture at Winchester , the prison remains volatile , and continued effort will be needed to improve performance still further and provide the safe , secure and rehabilitative environment the prisoners require.
” The Prison Service spokesperson added : “ Inspectors praised the progress made at HMP Winchester in the past year , highlighting improving conditions and falling levels of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ X-ray scanner is preventing drugs from entering , repairs to the jail are now being completed quicker and every prisoner has dedicated support from a member of staff .
We know there is more to do and will continue to strive for further improvement .
”

An annual paper by the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) released today (Monday) says that although there have been positive changes, the prison faces continuing pressure to deliver a safe, secure and constructive experience for prisoners.
The prison was lifted out of special measures in November last year and improvements in education and staff engagement have been made, but the IMB has said that an “underlying volatility” remains.
The Romsey Road facility has one of the highest rates of prisoner-on-prisoner assaults, despite more effective case management of the many complex prisoners involved.
Prisoner assaults on staff have reduced since last year but are still high compared with many other prisons, with these incidents caused by only a small number of prisoners.
A major concern is the segregation unit, (CSU), which houses up to seven of the most challenging prisoners and has been condemned as “dungeon-like” in successive reports.
The board has said that it is “outrageous and shameful” that the promised new build has not materialised.
It was expected that work would start late last year to build a new segregation unit, but it is understood that funds for the project have not been approved for 2020/21, despite promises.
A Prison Service spokesperson said that site surveys for a replacement segregation unit will start this month.
Monitors found an excessive amount of self-harm as up to 80 per cent of new arrivals declared that they have previously self-harmed and/or made suicide attempts, and/or had suicidal thoughts.
The Victorian jail has been said to be “not fit for purpose”, but the board found that ongoing investment to make wings more habitable cannot eradicate the overcrowding or lack of accessibility for disabled prisoners.
Angus Somerville, chair of Winchester IMB, said: “2019/20 saw sustained progress across most operational areas, but levels of violence, drug use and self-harm in the prison remain unacceptably high. It is a disgrace that the promised new CSU is no nearer a start date.”
He added: “Regrettably, the necessary restrictions imposed by Covid-19 have reversed the previous improvements to the daily regime, as staff balanced prisoners’ health and humane needs.
“While the energetic leadership of senior staff has had a positive impact on the culture at Winchester, the prison remains volatile, and continued effort will be needed to improve performance still further and provide the safe, secure and rehabilitative environment the prisoners require.”
The Prison Service spokesperson added: “Inspectors praised the progress made at HMP Winchester in the past year, highlighting improving conditions and falling levels of violence and self-harm.
“A new X-ray scanner is preventing drugs from entering, repairs to the jail are now being completed quicker and every prisoner has dedicated support from a member of staff. We know there is more to do and will continue to strive for further improvement.”


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--Southampton residents urged to protect themselves against flu and coronavirus

SOUTHAMPTON residents are being urged to help protect themselves from the dual threat of flu and coronavirus .
Southampton Clinical Commissioning Group ( CCG ) says people living in the city should make sure they benefit from the biggest flu vaccination campaign ever seen .
NHS staff across the country are hoping to reach 30 million people - twice the figure recorded last year .
Public Health England has warned that people who get flu and coronavirus at the same time are almost twice as likely to die .
This year 's flu vaccination programme is bigger than ever because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jab .
Doctors are keen to stress that what can appear to be `` just flu '' can lead to long-term complications .
People at risk of developing problems if they catch flu include pregnant women , people aged over 65 and those with a long-term health condition .
• Flu vaccine more important than ever , PHE says • Doctors criticise flu jab myths and urge pregnant women to get vaccination Lorna Fielker , the city council 's cabinet member for health , said : “ This year , with both the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a flu jab is more important than ever .
“ We want to you to look after yourself and protect the NHS . ''
Mark Kelsey , clinical chair at NHS Southampton City CCG , added : `` This year will be the biggest flu vaccination campaign we have embarked on .
“ We will be vaccinating more people than ever as we have expanded the groups of people eligible for the free jab .
“ Because we still have coronavirus in our community , some practices and pharmacies might be carrying out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This could involve booked appointments , vaccinations in car parks or community buildings and separate clinic groups for our ‘ at risk ’ patients .
`` I would like to thank all of our NHS staff for their hard work to make this happen .
“ You may also see staff wearing face masks and lots more handwashing and use of hand sanitiser .
Please feel rest assured these measures are in place to help keep you and our staff as safe and secure as possible .
“ We know some people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scared about having their vaccination , however it is far better to be protected from flu , than go without .
”

Southampton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) says people living in the city should make sure they benefit from the biggest flu vaccination campaign ever seen.
NHS staff across the country are hoping to reach 30 million people - twice the figure recorded last year.
Public Health England has warned that people who get flu and coronavirus at the same time are almost twice as likely to die.
This year's flu vaccination programme is bigger than ever because more people are eligible for the free jab.
Doctors are keen to stress that what can appear to be "just flu" can lead to long-term complications.
People at risk of developing problems if they catch flu include pregnant women, people aged over 65 and those with a long-term health condition.
Lorna Fielker, the city council's cabinet member for health, said: “This year, with both the flu virus and Covid-19 circulating, getting a flu jab is more important than ever.
“We want to you to look after yourself and protect the NHS."
Mark Kelsey, clinical chair at NHS Southampton City CCG, added: "This year will be the biggest flu vaccination campaign we have embarked on.
“We will be vaccinating more people than ever as we have expanded the groups of people eligible for the free jab.
“Because we still have coronavirus in our community, some practices and pharmacies might be carrying out their vaccination clinics differently this year.
“This could involve booked appointments, vaccinations in car parks or community buildings and separate clinic groups for our ‘at risk’ patients.
"I would like to thank all of our NHS staff for their hard work to make this happen.
“You may also see staff wearing face masks and lots more handwashing and use of hand sanitiser. Please feel rest assured these measures are in place to help keep you and our staff as safe and secure as possible.
“We know some people will be feeling anxious, worried or scared about having their vaccination, however it is far better to be protected from flu, than go without.”


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--Prestigious new title for Southampton library services

CITY libraries have been awarded the prestigious title of Library of Sanctuary .
Southampton 's library service is only the third in the country to be awarded the title that is overseen by City of Sanctuary UK .
The initiative was set-up to recognise the important role libraries can play in providing a safe and welcoming space for people seeking sanctuary and for other new arrivals in communities .
• New opening hours announced for libraries across Hampshire Working towards the award , library staff received Refugee , Asylum Seeker and Migrant training to ensure sanctuary seekers feel welcome in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a greater understanding of their needs .
Councillor Satvir Kaur , Cabinet Member for Homes and Culture , said : `` I ’ m absolutely thrilled that Southampton ’ s fantastic library team , working in partnership , have secured the prestigious Library of Sanctuary award .
`` Southampton ’ s strength is in its diversity , being a welcoming port city for centuries .
`` Now as a City of Sanctuary , it ’ s great our local libraries can join and complement the work already done by our schools , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Council ’ s Library Service also secured National Lottery funding to establish a language café , working alongside Southampton & Winchester Visitors Group .
This helps to befriend sanctuary seekers and the staff are working towards a launch for the café , in line with government guidelines .
The announcement coincides with Libraries Week which started on Monday and is running until Friday , October 10 .
The event is an annual celebration of the invaluable role libraries play in bringing reading , information , learning and computer access to our communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the week .

Southampton's library service is only the third in the country to be awarded the title that is overseen by City of Sanctuary UK.
The initiative was set-up to recognise the important role libraries can play in providing a safe and welcoming space for people seeking sanctuary and for other new arrivals in communities.
Working towards the award, library staff received Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Migrant training to ensure sanctuary seekers feel welcome in the cities libraries and so that staff have a greater understanding of their needs.
Councillor Satvir Kaur, Cabinet Member for Homes and Culture, said: "I’m absolutely thrilled that Southampton’s fantastic library team, working in partnership, have secured the prestigious Library of Sanctuary award.
"Southampton’s strength is in its diversity, being a welcoming port city for centuries.
"Now as a City of Sanctuary, it’s great our local libraries can join and complement the work already done by our schools, universities, and many community organisations.”
The Council’s Library Service also secured National Lottery funding to establish a language café, working alongside Southampton & Winchester Visitors Group.
This helps to befriend sanctuary seekers and the staff are working towards a launch for the café, in line with government guidelines.
The announcement coincides with Libraries Week which started on Monday and is running until Friday, October 10.
The event is an annual celebration of the invaluable role libraries play in bringing reading, information, learning and computer access to our communities and several events will be taking place throughout the week.


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--London Marathon efforts for Rose Road Association

IT was a London Marathon day like no other .
Not only was it one of the wettest on record , but the vast majority of the runners were nowhere near the capital .
Thousands of runners were up early with 24 hours to complete 26.2 miles on their own routes , mapping the way past virtual London landmarks on an app .
The Rose Road Association in Southampton had four runners take part in the event , all raising money for the charity which supports children , young people and families in the local area and across Hampshire .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rose Road Association in Aldermoor late in the morning on Sunday .
The children and young people had come out of the respite centre wrapped up warm with their support workers and were waiting enthusiastically to cheer them on by making lots of noise , waving banners , and holding balloons .
The stop was just long enough for a quick refresh and to snap a photo of one of the marathon runners , Jo , with a young person who uses Rose Road .
All four runners braved the rain and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting his race at midnight on Sunday and the three Rose Road visitors finishing their race around 5pm in Romsey .
A charity spokesman said : `` Seeing the smiles of joy and excitement on the faces of the children and young people as they held the signs they had made for the marathon runners was well worth braving the weather for . ''
The Rose Road Association support families who have children and young people with severe and complex disabilities .
The charity provides an overnight respite centre , outreach services , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support service to over 300 families .
They have been supporting people with disabilities for over 65 years .

Thousands of runners were up early with 24 hours to complete 26.2 miles on their own routes, mapping the way past virtual London landmarks on an app.
The Rose Road Association in Southampton had four runners take part in the event, all raising money for the charity which supports children, young people and families in the local area and across Hampshire.
A group of three runners came past the Rose Road Association in Aldermoor late in the morning on Sunday. The children and young people had come out of the respite centre wrapped up warm with their support workers and were waiting enthusiastically to cheer them on by making lots of noise, waving banners, and holding balloons.
The stop was just long enough for a quick refresh and to snap a photo of one of the marathon runners, Jo, with a young person who uses Rose Road.
All four runners braved the rain and did incredibly well, with one runner starting his race at midnight on Sunday and the three Rose Road visitors finishing their race around 5pm in Romsey.
A charity spokesman said: "Seeing the smiles of joy and excitement on the faces of the children and young people as they held the signs they had made for the marathon runners was well worth braving the weather for."
The Rose Road Association support families who have children and young people with severe and complex disabilities. The charity provides an overnight respite centre, outreach services, playschemes, and a family advice and support service to over 300 families. They have been supporting people with disabilities for over 65 years.


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--Mosaics installed on Townhill Park redevelopment road signs

RESIDENTS have introduced a splash of colour to the newly installed , Townhill Park road signs .
Road signs have been added along Meggeson Avenue as part of the council 's wider redevelopment of the area which will see 665 new homes built .
Thanks to the talents of local residents , who took up mosaic making before and during lockdown , these signs now include art work that has 'brightened up the streets ' according to the city council .
The council and contractor , Balfour Beatty , have worked with the SO18 Big Local community group , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Way ” .
The aim of the project was to bring the community together and enable them to put a distinctive stamp on the place they call home .
Each mosaic has been inspired by flowers , birds and animals common to the Townhill Park and Harefield areas and have been digitised , so they could be transferred to the road signs with every detail intact .
SO18 Big Local Chair , Kim Ayling , who 's mosaic was installed on a road sign at Meggeson Avenue said : `` The project has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved , from the first ideas , to overcoming the practical challenges of lockdown and now having the mosaics on public display . ''
The residents started creating and installing the designs last year through dedicated workshops , but when the lockdown started , these were cancelled .
From then on , the mosaic making was all done from home , with a WhatsApp group created to allow everyone involved to stay in touch .
Councillor Satvir Kaur , Cabinet Member for Homes and Culture , Southampton City Council , said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we want the local community to help shape their streets and neighbourhood , and the Mosaic Way is an amazing and inspiring example of families coming together to make this happen . ''

Road signs have been added along Meggeson Avenue as part of the council's wider redevelopment of the area which will see 665 new homes built.
Thanks to the talents of local residents, who took up mosaic making before and during lockdown, these signs now include art work that has 'brightened up the streets' according to the city council.
The council and contractor, Balfour Beatty, have worked with the SO18 Big Local community group, to help residents create a themed “Mosaic Way”.
The aim of the project was to bring the community together and enable them to put a distinctive stamp on the place they call home.
Each mosaic has been inspired by flowers, birds and animals common to the Townhill Park and Harefield areas and have been digitised, so they could be transferred to the road signs with every detail intact.
SO18 Big Local Chair, Kim Ayling, who's mosaic was installed on a road sign at Meggeson Avenue said: "The project has been a labour of love for everyone involved, from the first ideas, to overcoming the practical challenges of lockdown and now having the mosaics on public display."
The residents started creating and installing the designs last year through dedicated workshops, but when the lockdown started, these were cancelled.
From then on, the mosaic making was all done from home, with a WhatsApp group created to allow everyone involved to stay in touch.
Councillor Satvir Kaur, Cabinet Member for Homes and Culture, Southampton City Council, said: "Through our Townhill Park regeneration programme, we want the local community to help shape their streets and neighbourhood, and the Mosaic Way is an amazing and inspiring example of families coming together to make this happen."


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--LETTER - Warning of 'gross over development' in Hampshire

As will be well known , as a Conservative councillor I do not always agree with Liberal Democrats but I do share the concerns expressed in the letters of both Cllrs Alan and Celia Dowden about the proposals in the current planning consultation by the Government .
On this issue they are absolutely right .
Since my time as a Test Valley councillor and now as a county councillor , so also for well over 30 years , like Alan , I too have worked hard to protect the quality of the environment of this area and I hope we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Chairman of South East England Councils following a survey of our member councils , I have already authorised a submission by SEEC criticising proposals which could lead to gross over development across the south of England .
I know the leader of Hampshire County Council is also raising concerns on behalf of the county council .
On the one hand young people need accommodation and have the right to decent and affordable homes but on the other hand we need to protect the quality of the environment and avoid excess and poor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sympathetic to the CPRE in Hampshire who are campaigning for more statutory greenbelt locally to stop the whole of south Hampshire becoming one continuous urban sprawl .
Surprisingly Hampshire has very little statutory greenbelt and none at all around Southampton or Portsmouth .
As this is a `` consultation '' I do not see this as a matter for party political difference but rather an issue of where we can believe local democracy being better than central dictat .
I hope across Hampshire and the south east we will stand united on this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local communities more , to determine local planning policies through democratically elected local councils rather than use mutant algorithms drawn up by unaccountable consultants .
I would urge your readers to respond to the planning consultation whitepaper , available on the 'Gov.UK / consultations ' website before the end of October , so the Government learn just how widespread are the objections .
I have certainly told my MP what I think of these proposals

On this issue they are absolutely right.
Since my time as a Test Valley councillor and now as a county councillor, so also for well over 30 years, like Alan, I too have worked hard to protect the quality of the environment of this area and I hope we can stand together on this.
Currently as Chairman of South East England Councils following a survey of our member councils, I have already authorised a submission by SEEC criticising proposals which could lead to gross over development across the south of England.
I know the leader of Hampshire County Council is also raising concerns on behalf of the county council.
"Planning" is difficult.
On the one hand young people need accommodation and have the right to decent and affordable homes but on the other hand we need to protect the quality of the environment and avoid excess and poor quality development.
I am personally very sympathetic to the CPRE in Hampshire who are campaigning for more statutory greenbelt locally to stop the whole of south Hampshire becoming one continuous urban sprawl.
Surprisingly Hampshire has very little statutory greenbelt and none at all around Southampton or Portsmouth.
As this is a "consultation" I do not see this as a matter for party political difference but rather an issue of where we can believe local democracy being better than central dictat.
I hope across Hampshire and the south east we will stand united on this and tell the Government they must trust local communities more, to determine local planning policies through democratically elected local councils rather than use mutant algorithms drawn up by unaccountable consultants.
I would urge your readers to respond to the planning consultation whitepaper, available on the 'Gov.UK / consultations ' website before the end of October, so the Government learn just how widespread are the objections .
I have certainly told my MP what I think of these proposals
Roy Perry
Hampshire County Councillor


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--LETTER - An 18% drop in cycling in Southampton

THE LATESt Southampton traffic data reports an 11 % decrease in cycling compared to this time last year .
And this week there are 18 % less cyclists on our roads than there were last week .
Despite all the new measures to boost cycling there has been a reduction in the number of cyclists .
On Bitterne Road West the figures are not easily comparable , but if 117 cycle movements were counted in a 12 hour period , that equates to just under 10 cycles an hour .
Whilst in a 24 hour period there was an average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at peak times there may be 1,500 - 2,000 vehicles an hour on Bitterne Road West , and about 10 cyclists .
The data also shows the speed of vehicles has reduced by 4mph since last year - which is surely a result of the congestion caused by the cycle lanes .
And cars stuck in traffic churn out fumes into our communities .
Our city told everyone to get on their bike , and they haven ’ t .
If our city wants to get people out of their cars then it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell people what is best for them .
And in the meantime , please can the east of our city have it ’ s lane back .

And this week there are 18% less cyclists on our roads than there were last week.
Despite all the new measures to boost cycling there has been a reduction in the number of cyclists.
On Bitterne Road West the figures are not easily comparable, but if 117 cycle movements were counted in a 12 hour period, that equates to just under 10 cycles an hour.
Whilst in a 24 hour period there was an average of nearly 27,000 vehicle movements.
So at peak times there may be 1,500 - 2,000 vehicles an hour on Bitterne Road West, and about 10 cyclists.
The data also shows the speed of vehicles has reduced by 4mph since last year - which is surely a result of the congestion caused by the cycle lanes.
And cars stuck in traffic churn out fumes into our communities.
Our city told everyone to get on their bike, and they haven’t.
If our city wants to get people out of their cars then it needs to start a conversation, not tell people what is best for them.
And in the meantime, please can the east of our city have it’s lane back.
Jon Walters
Southampton


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--Southampton workers 'without mental health support' in pandemic

MORE than half of Southampton workers have not received any mental health support or advice form their employers since the pandemic struck in March , research has suggested .
The survey found 22 per workers said their mental health was worse than before the pandemic , while 64 per cent had felt anxious and apprehensive about returning to work .
The research , based on 1,500 interviews across the country , was carried out for the mental health organisation TalkOut and found 59 per cent of Southampton workers had gone without mental health support .
Nearly a third felt uncertain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twenty-seven per cent were having fewer one-to-ones with their boss , while 71 per cent said their workplace had not organised any virtual social activities .
Eighty-five per cent of respondents did not think their mental wellbeing had been their employers ’ priority during the pandemic .
When asked who they would speak to if they were feeling anxious or stressed about the current situation , 20 per cent felt they would not talk to anyone and only seven per cent would be comfortable speaking to their employers ’ human resources departments .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : “ Mental health has been on the business agenda for some time , but if there ’ s one thing this crisis has made clear , it ’ s that there is still a long way to go when it comes to providing effective support to employees .
“ Unfortunately , whilst businesses were quick to adapt to social distancing and working from home , for many , the emotional wellbeing of employees was an afterthought .
But the psychological strain of the crisis is impossible to ignore and whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , furloughed or working from home , it ’ s likely to have a long-term impact .
“ It may seem like a daunting task but there are a number of immediate actions businesses can take to improve staff health and wellbeing .
Regular communication to see how people are doing , creating safe spaces for people to talk openly , providing mental health training , and pinpointing employees to useful resources are all great starting points .
“ A positive and supportive workplace can make all the difference when it comes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , businesses have a duty of care to their workforce .
In time , Britain will come to review its response to the coronavirus pandemic , but mental health can ’ t wait .
”

The survey found 22 per workers said their mental health was worse than before the pandemic, while 64 per cent had felt anxious and apprehensive about returning to work.
The research, based on 1,500 interviews across the country, was carried out for the mental health organisation TalkOut and found 59 per cent of Southampton workers had gone without mental health support.
Nearly a third felt uncertain about the future of their job.
Twenty-seven per cent were having fewer one-to-ones with their boss, while 71 per cent said their workplace had not organised any virtual social activities.
Eighty-five per cent of respondents did not think their mental wellbeing had been their employers’ priority during the pandemic.
When asked who they would speak to if they were feeling anxious or stressed about the current situation, 20 per cent felt they would not talk to anyone and only seven per cent would be comfortable speaking to their employers’ human resources departments.
Jill Mead, chief executive of TalkOut, said: “Mental health has been on the business agenda for some time, but if there’s one thing this crisis has made clear, it’s that there is still a long way to go when it comes to providing effective support to employees.
“Unfortunately, whilst businesses were quick to adapt to social distancing and working from home, for many, the emotional wellbeing of employees was an afterthought. But the psychological strain of the crisis is impossible to ignore and whether staff have been working on the frontline, furloughed or working from home, it’s likely to have a long-term impact.
“It may seem like a daunting task but there are a number of immediate actions businesses can take to improve staff health and wellbeing. Regular communication to see how people are doing, creating safe spaces for people to talk openly, providing mental health training, and pinpointing employees to useful resources are all great starting points.
“A positive and supportive workplace can make all the difference when it comes to mental health and now more than ever, businesses have a duty of care to their workforce. In time, Britain will come to review its response to the coronavirus pandemic, but mental health can’t wait.”


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--LETTER - Will new officers cut fly tipping in Southampton?

Taxpayers foot £2m bill to clear up illegal dumping of waste material over past eight years Councillor now proclaims the appointment of two salaried/pensioned environmental officers will save Southampton residents money .
The appointment of these fly-tipping czars will increase the council ’ s investigation abilities and , presumably by performance related results , significantly reduce the amount of fly tipping in the area .
A publicity campaign costing ££££ ’ s will be directed to the doorsteps of law abiding citizens who dispose of their waste via the approved/legal methods .
Another councillor proclaims that prosecution of fly tipping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The first question that arises is , why has it taken Southampton City Council eight years to realise fly tipping has taken £2m from its spending budget ?
Next , will the two environmental officers be employed proactively , work unsociable hours , patrol known ‘ hot spots ’ work in partnership with other agencies , be trained to carry out covert surveillance [ RIPA 2000 ] to reduce the current clear up costs to the council ?
How much will the purchase and installation of covert CCTV equipment , by appointed contractors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , camp illegally on council land , dump their waste before leaving , be prosecuted using the same powers granted to SCC ?
Will the environmental officers work 9-5 Monday to Friday , from an office in the civic centre ; reactive only , to reports of illegal fly tipping , with no chance of catching the offenders ?
I envisage an indebted student , dumping some Ikea packaging , next to their overflowing wheelie bin , being fined £50k , pursued by High Court enforcement officers and/or sent to prison .
Has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the modus operandi to target prolific serial fly tippers or , just go for the easy option of prosecuting the tax payer who leaves bagged waste outside their property for the ‘ austerity reduction ’ fortnightly refuse collection service ?
I guess the crackdown results will reveal if the council policy works or not in due course .
The implementation costs must be similar to the anti litter patrol officers now employed in the high street [ QE2 mile ] alongside the mobile litter collection .
How many fines have been issued for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more auxiliary staff ?

Taxpayers foot £2m bill to clear up illegal dumping of waste material over past eight years
Councillor now proclaims the appointment of two salaried/pensioned environmental officers will save Southampton residents money.
The appointment of these fly-tipping czars will increase the council’s investigation abilities and, presumably by performance related results, significantly reduce the amount of fly tipping in the area.
A publicity campaign costing ££££’s will be directed to the doorsteps of law abiding citizens who dispose of their waste via the approved/legal methods.
Another councillor proclaims that prosecution of fly tipping offenders is the worst possible outcome.
The first question that arises is, why has it taken Southampton City Council eight years to realise fly tipping has taken £2m from its spending budget?
Next, will the two environmental officers be employed proactively, work unsociable hours, patrol known ‘hot spots’ work in partnership with other agencies, be trained to carry out covert surveillance [RIPA 2000] to reduce the current clear up costs to the council?
How much will the purchase and installation of covert CCTV equipment, by appointed contractors costs?
Will travellers who cause damage, camp illegally on council land, dump their waste before leaving, be prosecuted using the same powers granted to SCC?
Will the environmental officers work 9-5 Monday to Friday, from an office in the civic centre; reactive only, to reports of illegal fly tipping, with no chance of catching the offenders?
I envisage an indebted student, dumping some Ikea packaging, next to their overflowing wheelie bin, being fined £50k, pursued by High Court enforcement officers and/or sent to prison.
Has SCC thought this through, looked at the modus operandi to target prolific serial fly tippers or, just go for the easy option of prosecuting the tax payer who leaves bagged waste outside their property for the ‘austerity reduction’ fortnightly refuse collection service?
I guess the crackdown results will reveal if the council policy works or not in due course.
The implementation costs must be similar to the anti litter patrol officers now employed in the high street [QE2 mile] alongside the mobile litter collection.
Staff pushing their wheeled bins.
How many fines have been issued for litter to justify the salaried/pension costs of more auxiliary staff?
David Lange
Southampton


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--LETTER - Council did not foresee impact of Westquay

SOUTHAMPTON , as history tells , is and all ways will be in a unique position because of its land situation .
It is roughly a triangular shape pivoted at the bottom covering the docks the left side reaches out to Millbrook Testwood etc the right side covers Woolston and Bitterne .
At the top of this pivoted triangle , we have the Chilworth roundabout , to its left covers Lordshill Shirley and Millbrook etc , to the right , we have Bassett , Swaythling and Bitterne .
Because Southampton is situated between two rivers the Itchen and the Test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arterial routes from the North East and West , which has served the city well for centuries , as time passed by , successive councils in their so called wisdom decided to enhance the city with well-meaning but ill-thought-out projects regardless and oblivious to what affects their decisions would have on our business and entertainment environment .
When Westquay was first built and the precinct came into operation , this was bound to affect and over time we have witnessed the demise of St Mary 's road and the many shops which were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stroll round to East Street we are witnessing another once busy trading area that had character but as with modern thinking that too has all but been decimated .
The point I am making is , this council of many political colours and cultures decided to expand the Westquay shopping area behind , into a huge attraction with a modern cinema and well known upmarket eating establishments .
In this triangular area , we are now seeing the demise of many small and medium-sized businesses shops , catering , etc , all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wisdom did not foresee , what effect this would have on the vast amounts of traffic both of domestic and commercial this Westquay project would attract .
Now because of their spurious claims of an over-polluted city they now see fit to strangle the three main road arteries to the city by installing under-used cycle lanes that have now resulted in congestion and pollution that has increased above the levels of pre-cycle lanes .
Cycling is no more than a leisure and that is all it is .
As for the spurious claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are more pollutants affecting children in homes that are far more dangerous ?
I feel sorry for all the people that have to live near these routes .
With many roads and pavements in need of repair coupled with thousands of potholes .
We need a new political party sworn in at the coming by-elections next March to revive our once proud city .
As one knowledgeable Sotonian pointed out we have lost a vast amount of entertainments including the Royal Pier , Southampton Annual Show , Ice rink , Tall Ships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by stupidity , we will lose the Boat Show probably to Portsmouth .
Is there no end to this folly that has blighted our city by these councillors .
If only I was young enough to start a new political party for next year 's city elections , I would call it the Phoenix Party , to rise above the ashes of our once-great city , to fight for all the people , not just a few .

It is roughly a triangular shape pivoted at the bottom covering the docks the left side reaches out to Millbrook Testwood etc the right side covers Woolston and Bitterne.
At the top of this pivoted triangle, we have the Chilworth roundabout, to its left covers Lordshill Shirley and Millbrook etc, to the right, we have Bassett, Swaythling and Bitterne.
Because Southampton is situated between two rivers the Itchen and the Test, we have always had three main arterial routes from the North East and West, which has served the city well for centuries, as time passed by, successive councils in their so called wisdom decided to enhance the city with well-meaning but ill-thought-out projects regardless and oblivious to what affects their decisions would have on our business and entertainment environment.
When Westquay was first built and the precinct came into operation, this was bound to affect and over time we have witnessed the demise of St Mary's road and the many shops which were quite popular including the market.
Taking a stroll round to East Street we are witnessing another once busy trading area that had character but as with modern thinking that too has all but been decimated.
The point I am making is, this council of many political colours and cultures decided to expand the Westquay shopping area behind, into a huge attraction with a modern cinema and well known upmarket eating establishments.
In this triangular area, we are now seeing the demise of many small and medium-sized businesses shops, catering, etc, all because the Southampton council in its so-called wisdom did not foresee, what effect this would have on the vast amounts of traffic both of domestic and commercial this Westquay project would attract.
Now because of their spurious claims of an over-polluted city they now see fit to strangle the three main road arteries to the city by installing under-used cycle lanes that have now resulted in congestion and pollution that has increased above the levels of pre-cycle lanes.
Cycling is no more than a leisure and that is all it is.
As for the spurious claims of car emissions affecting the environment, there are more pollutants affecting children in homes that are far more dangerous?
I feel sorry for all the people that have to live near these routes.
With many roads and pavements in need of repair coupled with thousands of potholes.
We need a new political party sworn in at the coming by-elections next March to revive our once proud city.
As one knowledgeable Sotonian pointed out we have lost a vast amount of entertainments including the Royal Pier, Southampton Annual Show, Ice rink, Tall Ships, Hot Air Balloons, and now by stupidity, we will lose the Boat Show probably to Portsmouth.
Is there no end to this folly that has blighted our city by these councillors.
If only I was young enough to start a new political party for next year's city elections, I would
call it the Phoenix Party, to rise above the ashes of our once-great city, to fight for all the people, not just a few.
David J Hacking
Southampton


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--LETTER - Do you serve at HMS Dauntless in reading?

I am looking for ex Wrens - anyone who joined during 1947-81 and trained at HMS Dauntless ( Reading ) .
I 'm compiling a searchable , accessible archive of Divisional `` class '' photos that only ex wrens may access .
The collection also encourages old friends to be rediscovered , memories shared and new friendships/support groups formed .
With permission from various Wrens support groups , I started this archive and for want of anywhere better or more accessible , I stored the collection in a private FB group and contacted all the Wrens I could trace using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know that there are many hundreds of ladies out there who do n't use social media .
Literally within days I realised the idea was much bigger than just photo storage .
A friend came on board to help with the deluge of information that landed on my desktop and within a month we had over 1000 'members ' in the group .
That 's when we discovered that this was so much more than just an archive of old photos .
Especially during lockdown , it became a place of memories , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding photos of adventures and escapades .
It brought isolated ladies together , occasionally offered moral support and gave us all things to think and talk about .
Within the first month of existence there were over 10.5k social interactions within the Group .
30,000 wrens went through the gates of the training establishment known as HMS Dauntless during the 34 years in operation .
Approximately 40 divisions ( classes ) per year which means a rough total of 1,360 classes which equals the potential for 1,360 class photos .
We currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what 's possible .
We 've published in all the usual naval and military publications but we 'd like to reach those ladies who do n't read these or use social media .
If you were , or you know of any ladies who were , in the Wrens , please get in touch with us because we 'd love to hear from you and quite possibly , give the opportunity to reconnect with old classmates .

I'm compiling a searchable, accessible archive of Divisional "class" photos that only ex wrens may access.
The collection also encourages old friends to be rediscovered, memories shared and new friendships/support groups formed.
With permission from various Wrens support groups, I started this archive and for want of anywhere better or more accessible, I stored the collection in a private FB group and contacted all the Wrens I could trace using normal social media sources.
But I know that there are many hundreds of ladies out there who don't use social media.
Literally within days I realised the idea was much bigger than just photo storage.
A friend came on board to help with the deluge of information that landed on my desktop and within a month we had over 1000 'members' in the group.
That's when we discovered that this was so much more than just an archive of old photos.
Especially during lockdown, it became a place of memories, finding old friends, making new ones, adding photos of adventures and escapades.
It brought isolated ladies together, occasionally offered moral support and gave us all things to think and talk about.
Within the first month of existence there were over 10.5k social interactions within the Group.
30,000 wrens went through the gates of the training establishment known as HMS Dauntless during the 34 years in operation.
Approximately 40 divisions (classes) per year which means a rough total of 1,360 classes which equals the potential for 1,360 class photos.
We currently have around 600 photos ... 42.5% of what's possible.
We've published in all the usual naval and military publications but we'd like to reach those ladies who don't read these or use social media.
If you were, or you know of any ladies who were, in the Wrens, please get in touch with us because we'd love to hear from you and quite possibly, give the opportunity to reconnect with old classmates.
Janette Crisp
Asst Coordinator Dauntless Div Phots 47-81
ddpwrens@gmail.com


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--LETTER - They speed up behind like they're in Tour de France

Cycling now enjoys a renewed vogue as a non-polluting form of transport .
However , spare a thought for the @ @ @ @ @ the prime of life , who has to negotiate a pavement or shared path .
@ @ @ @ @ , each bicycle once carried a simple handbell which could be used as a warning @ @ @ @ @ count of the number of cyclists who approach silently from behind and speed past as @ @ @ @ @ the Tour de France .
We all have to make use of the same public @ @ @ @ @ the only one who finds this disturbing ?

However, spare a thought for the pedestrian, perhaps not in the prime of life, who has to negotiate a pavement or shared path.
If memory serves me well, each bicycle once carried a simple handbell which could be used as a warning. Lately I have lost count of the number of cyclists who approach silently from behind and speed past as if they were competing in the Tour de France.
We all have to make use of the same public space, but am I the only one who finds this disturbing?
Michael Southgate
Totton


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--Tips for new dog owners

Tips for new dog owners

WITH the demand for puppies soaring during the coronavirus pandemic and many people bringing a new four-legged friend into their homes during or just before lockdown , Dogs Trust Dog School is offering some top tips for new puppy owners to help their young dogs adjust to new experiences .
Despite Dogs Trust Dog School face-to-face training classes pausing for five months during the pandemic , the demand for classes from new puppy owners was unprecedented – with over 5,000 enquiries about training classes during lockdown .
Since August 17 , classes have started to re-open , where safe to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have over 1,400 new dogs booked onto classes and had over 450 enquiries per week .
Gemma Whitlaw , Head Coach at Dog School Hampshire , said : `` Dogs will have got used to having their favourite humans by their side day in day out during lockdown .
`` Whilst many puppies will have been happy to have their human family at home during the past few months , they may need help adjusting to life when their families go back to work and school .
They may also need help getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feeling comfortable seeing people in face masks . ''
Dogs Trust Dog School has recently resumed classes for some of its Dog Schools , with smaller classes and other safety measures in place .
To see if your local Dog School has reopened visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-school .
For schools that can ’ t reopen just yet , online one-to-one sessions or full online training courses are available .

Despite Dogs Trust Dog School face-to-face training classes pausing for five months during the pandemic, the demand for classes from new puppy owners was unprecedented – with over 5,000 enquiries about training classes during lockdown.
Since August 17, classes have started to re-open, where safe to do so, and the team already have over 1,400 new dogs booked onto classes and had over 450 enquiries per week.
Gemma Whitlaw, Head Coach at Dog School Hampshire, said: "Dogs will have got used to having their favourite humans by their side day in day out during lockdown.
"Whilst many puppies will have been happy to have their human family at home during the past few months, they may need help adjusting to life when their families go back to work and school. They may also need help getting used to car travel and support with feeling comfortable seeing people in face masks."
Dogs Trust Dog School has recently resumed classes for some of its Dog Schools, with smaller classes and other safety measures in place. To see if your local Dog School has reopened visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-school.
For schools that can’t reopen just yet, online one-to-one sessions or full online training courses are available.


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--Coronavirus: Person dies at Southampton General Hospital

THE first coronavirus death in three weeks has been recorded at University Hospital Southampton Trust , the latest figures show .
NHS England figures show 200 people had died in hospital at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust as of 5pm on Tuesday ( October 6 ) .
That was an increase of one compared to the 199 that had been recorded at the same point on Monday , and the first death in 21 days .
The victims were among 3,618 deaths recorded across the South East .
Of 25 trusts within the region , University Hospital Southampton trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death counts are revised each day , with each case backdated to the actual date of death .
This means some of the deaths that were first recorded in the latest period may actually have taken place days earlier .
NHS England guidance states : `` Confirmation of Covid-19 diagnosis , death notification and reporting in central figures can take up to several days and the hospitals providing the data are under significant operational pressure . ''
Only deaths that occur in hospitals where the patient has tested positive for Covid-19 are recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as those in care homes .

NHS England figures show 200 people had died in hospital at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust as of 5pm on Tuesday (October 6).
That was an increase of one compared to the 199 that had been recorded at the same point on Monday, and the first death in 21 days.
The victims were among 3,618 deaths recorded across the South East.
Of 25 trusts within the region, University Hospital Southampton trust has the sixth-highest death toll.
Daily death counts are revised each day, with each case backdated to the actual date of death.
This means some of the deaths that were first recorded in the latest period may actually have taken place days earlier.
NHS England guidance states: "Confirmation of Covid-19 diagnosis, death notification and reporting in central figures can take up to several days and the hospitals providing the data are under significant operational pressure."
Only deaths that occur in hospitals where the patient has tested positive for Covid-19 are recorded, with deaths in the community excluded, such as those in care homes.


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--Saints star Stuart Armstrong tests positive for coronavirus

The Scottish FA confirmed that the midfielder return the test this morning and that he will now self-isolate for 10 days , meaning he will be unavailable for selection for his country 's international matches .
A statement from the Scottish FA added that the national team 's chief medical consultant Dr John MacLean has been in contact with the government regarding the positive case .
Steve Clarke , Scotland National Team Head Coach : “ While this is obviously disappointing news the most important thing is the health and safety of the individuals involved and the wider group .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the positive test , the Chief Medical Consultant immediately contacted the Scottish Government ’ s clinical adviser , who in turn alerted the local Health Protection Team .
“ We have informed the respective clubs from whom we have borrowed the players and backroom staff and we now have to prepare for a huge match ahead tomorrow.
” Ian Maxwell , Scottish FA Chief Executive : “ We were made aware of the positive test this morning and I reiterate Steve ’ s view that the health and safety of those involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dialogue with Dr John MacLean to ensure that those who are required to self-isolate are given the full support of the Scottish FA in conjunction with their clubs .
“ Equally , the protocols and procedures in place are designed to ensure that the remaining members of the squad – who have all returned two rounds of negative tests – can continue to prepare for the forthcoming matches in a safe and secure environment .
”

The Scottish FA confirmed that the midfielder return the test this morning and that he will now self-isolate for 10 days, meaning he will be unavailable for selection for his country's international matches.
A statement from the Scottish FA added that the national team's chief medical consultant Dr John MacLean has been in contact with the government regarding the positive case.
Steve Clarke, Scotland National Team Head Coach: “While this is obviously disappointing news the most important thing is the health and safety of the individuals involved and the wider group.
“As soon as we were informed of the positive test, the Chief Medical Consultant immediately contacted the Scottish Government’s clinical adviser, who in turn alerted the local Health Protection Team.
“We have informed the respective clubs from whom we have borrowed the players and backroom staff and we now have to prepare for a huge match ahead tomorrow.”
Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive: “We were made aware of the positive test this morning and I reiterate Steve’s view that the health and safety of those involved is paramount. We will maintain constant dialogue with Dr John MacLean to ensure that those who are required to self-isolate are given the full support of the Scottish FA in conjunction with their clubs.
“Equally, the protocols and procedures in place are designed to ensure that the remaining members of the squad – who have all returned two rounds of negative tests – can continue to prepare for the forthcoming matches in a safe and secure environment.”


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--Traffic accident blocks Redbridge Flyover, Southampton

A TRAFFIC accident which blocked a major Southampton route has now been cleared .
The crash involving `` two black @ @ @ @ @ of the eastbound A35 near to the Redbridge Flyover just before the M271 .
Motorists @ @ @ @ @ on Salisbury Road and Commercial Road between Testwood Lane and the A35 Totton Bypass .
@ @ @ @ @ have now been cleared with delays said to be easing .
The Daily Echo has @ @ @ @ @ .

The crash involving "two black cars" blocked one lane of the eastbound A35 near to the Redbridge Flyover just before the M271.
Motorists were warned of 30-minute delays on Salisbury Road and Commercial Road between Testwood Lane and the A35 Totton Bypass.
However, all eastbound lanes have now been cleared with delays said to be easing.
The Daily Echo has contacted Hampshire police for comment.


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--Positive coronavirus test at Mountbatten School, Romsey

A pupil at the Mountbatten School in Romsey , Hampshire has tested positive for covid-19 The child is reported to @ @ @ @ @ Positive coronavirus case among students in three Hampshire schools A post from the school 's @ @ @ @ @ We have had a confirmed COVID-19 case today in Y11 .
Senior staff have spoken @ @ @ @ @ directly affected this afternoon and more detailed information will be shared with all parents tomorrow @ @ @ @ @ wonderful community of parents for your support . ''
It comes as cases of the @ @ @ @ @ three separate schools in the last two days .
• Coronavirus : More than 250 @ @ @ @ @ in a week • 'Be extra vigilant ' : School on alert after girl followed @ @ @ @ @ at Hounsdown School in Totton has also tested positive - confirmed by Hampshire County Council @ @ @ @ @ , the Westgate School in Winchester has reported a single case and remains open .

A pupil at the Mountbatten School in Romsey, Hampshire has tested positive for covid-19
The child is reported to be in Y11.
A post from the school's Twitter account yesterday confirmed the case.
It also said that parents would be given more details later today (Thursday).
The message on Twitter said: "We have had a confirmed COVID-19 case today in Y11.
"Senior staff have spoken to parents of all children directly affected this afternoon and more detailed information will be shared with all parents tomorrow.
"Thank you to our wonderful community of parents for your support."
It comes as cases of the virus have been confirmed at three separate schools in the last two days.
A student from Thornden School in Chandler's Ford tested positive on Tuesday.
A pupil at Hounsdown School in Totton has also tested positive - confirmed by Hampshire County Council on October 5.
Meanwhile, the Westgate School in Winchester has reported a single case and remains open.


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--Police called to an encampment on an Eastleigh sports ground

Police were called overnight to an unauthorised encampment at a university sports ground .
The reports came in from members @ @ @ @ @ the encampment was set up at the Southampton University Sports Ground on Wide Lane , @ @ @ @ @ the people involved and worked with the landowners to resolve the issue .
The encampment @ @ @ @ @ and clearing up is now taking place .
A police spokesperson said : `` There @ @ @ @ @ clearing up of the site to limit any potential environmental impact but we would urge @ @ @ @ @ similar incidents to us so that we can take appropriate action where necessary .
`` @ @ @ @ @ suspicious activity or a crime , can do so via our online reporting tool on @ @ @ @ @ by calling 101 .
`` Please remember that if a crime is in progress , @ @ @ @ @ scene , or a person is in immediate danger then please dial 999 . ''

The reports came in from members of the local community after the encampment was set up at the Southampton University Sports Ground on Wide Lane, Eastleigh.
Officers engaged with the people involved and worked with the landowners to resolve the issue.
The encampment has now left the site and clearing up is now taking place.
A police spokesperson said: "There is now a phase of clearing up of the site to limit any potential environmental impact but we would urge you to continue to report similar incidents to us so that we can take appropriate action where necessary.
"Anyone wishing to report any suspicious activity or a crime, can do so via our online reporting tool on the Hampshire Constabulary website or by calling 101.
"Please remember that if a crime is in progress, the suspects are at the scene, or a person is in immediate danger then please dial 999."


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--Southampton delivery driver ambushed by gang

A GANG of up to eight people - with some riding motorbikes - ambushed a delivery driver in an attempted robbery .
A delivery driver riding a moped was surrounded by up to eight people at a roundabout in Warren Avenue , Southampton .
They had been riding two motorbikes and travelling in a Black Kia Rio - registration HV59 MJJ .
The Kia rammed into the victim knocking him and the moped to the ground before a passerby stopped the robbers and they fled the scene following the incident at around 7pm on Saturday , September 19 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he was not injured .
The black Kia was reported as stolen on Monday , September 14 and later recovered in Coxford Road on Sunday , September 20 .
Officers would now like to find out where it was being kept during this time .
Police also want to identify the person in a CCTV image they have released .
A police spokesperson said : `` We know he has his face covered but he is wearing distinctive orange and grey gloves .
Do you recognise him ?
`` Did you see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September 14 and Sunday , September 20 ?
`` Were you in the area around this time on Saturday 19 September ?
Did you see anything suspicious ?
Do you have any CCTV or dash am footage which may assist our investigation ? ''
Anyone with any information should call us on 101 quoting 44200363980 .

A delivery driver riding a moped was surrounded by up to eight people at a roundabout in Warren Avenue, Southampton.
They had been riding two motorbikes and travelling in a Black Kia Rio - registration HV59 MJJ.
The Kia rammed into the victim knocking him and the moped to the ground before a passerby stopped the robbers and they fled the scene following the incident at around 7pm on Saturday, September 19.
The delivery driver's moped was damaged however, he was not injured.
The black Kia was reported as stolen on Monday, September 14 and later recovered in Coxford Road on Sunday, September 20.
Officers would now like to find out where it was being kept during this time.
Police also want to identify the person in a CCTV image they have released.
A police spokesperson said: "We know he has his face covered but he is wearing distinctive orange and grey gloves. Do you recognise him?
"Did you see it in your area between Monday, September 14 and Sunday, September 20?
"Were you in the area around this time on Saturday 19 September? Did you see anything suspicious? Do you have any CCTV or dash am footage which may assist our investigation?"
Anyone with any information should call us on 101 quoting 44200363980.
Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--Teens arrested after mopeds stolen from Domino's in Southampton

TWO teenage boys have been arrested after Domino 's Pizza mopeds were stolen in Southampton .
Two grey mopeds were @ @ @ @ @ yesterday .
They had been stolen from Domino ’ s Pizza in Mercator Close , @ @ @ @ @ was later found in the Tanners Brook area of the city .
Two 16-year-old boys @ @ @ @ @ on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle .
Both remain in police custody at @ @ @

Two grey mopeds were reported stolen at around 9.45pm yesterday.
They had been stolen from Domino’s Pizza in Mercator Close, Southampton, and one moped was later found in the Tanners Brook area of the city.
Two 16-year-old boys from Southampton have been arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.
Both remain in police custody at this time.


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--CCTV footage released following two arson attacks on cars

CCTV footage of a man police would like to identify following two car fires .
At around 11pm on September @ @ @ @ @ alight with petrol outside an address on Miller Drive in Fareham .
No-one was injured @ @ @ @ @ believe it is possible that the person responsible suffered flash-type burns at the moment the @ @ @ @ @ are now looking to speak to the man picture in the CCTV .
A spokesperson @ @ @ @ @ `` We want to speak to the man pictured wearing a hooded top with an @ @ @ @ @ area .
`` We appreciate the picture is quite grainy , but we are hoping @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Do you know him ?
Do you know anyone who has suffered any @ @ @ @ @ Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 , quoting 44200378755 .
`` @ @ @ @ @ independent charity Crimestoppers 100 % anonymously on 0800 555 111 .

At around 11pm on September 29 two cars were set alight with petrol outside an address on Miller Drive in Fareham.
No-one was injured in the fires but police believe it is possible that the person responsible suffered flash-type burns at the moment the petrol was ignited.
Police are now looking to speak to the man picture in the CCTV.
A spokesperson from Hampshire Police said: "We want to speak to the man pictured wearing a hooded top with an emblem on the left chest area.
"We appreciate the picture is quite grainy, but we are hoping someone will recognise this person.
"Do you know him? Do you know anyone who has suffered any unexplained burns recently?
"Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 44200378755.
"Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.


thedailyecho--2020-10-07--Ambassadors Craig David Shelina Permaloo and Lawrie McMenemy

THREE of the ambassadors who will helping to lead the bid are unveiled today .
They are legendary former Saints manager Lawrie McMenemy , Southampton-born singer songwriter Craig David and Shelina Permaloo , winner of BBC 's MasterChef in 2012 , cookery author and restaurateur .
Lawrie McMenemy managed Southampton Football Club from 1973-85 and oversaw one of the most successful periods in the club 's history .
In 1976 he guided the team , then in the Second Division , to a famous FA Cup Final victory over Manchester United .
Southampton then won promotion to the First Division @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – their highest ever placing .
Lawrie signed some of the highest profile players of that era , including Kevin Keegan , Alan Ball and Peter Shilton .
In his role as a bid ambassador he said : `` Southampton , everybody in the world has heard the name .
Let ’ s show it off more .
`` We have the biggest liners in the world come in here .
People come in .
They like it here .
They stay here .
`` I ’ m from the North .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took it .
And that was 1973 .
And we fell in love with it very , very early on .
`` When we won the FA Cup , people in football could n't believe it .
Because we were a second division team at the time .
We were playing Manchester United , one of the biggest clubs in the world .
`` I think it will be remembered forever if we get the City of Culture .
This town has done everything right to deserve it .
`` I liken it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fantastically well .
When we won the FA Cup , everybody came out .
`` And I think this sort of thing will happen for the City of Culture as well .
The whole area will want everybody to know what a good city this is .
`` City of Culture .
Let 's do it . ''
Craig David rose to fame in 1999 and released his debut studio in 2000 and has released a further five , He has worked with a variety of artists including Sting , Tinchy Stryder and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 singles and seven UK Top 40 albums .
selling more than 15m records worldwide .
He has been nominated for 14 Brit Awards .
He said : `` I am proud to be an ambassador for Southampton in the bid to become UK City of Culture 2025 .
I am passionate about our city .
`` The inspiration for my first album Born To Do It came from experiences growing up in this special city .
`` We have our fair share of challenges , especially now , but we who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and those who come from all parts of the world to make Southampton home , know how brilliant this city is at supporting each other and raising one another up during difficult times .
Our future is not yet written .
So I say to everyone in Southampton ‘ join in ’ , and I say to everyone else ‘ join us – choose Southampton ’ .
Southampton born Shelina said : `` I am so proud to be one of the Ambassadors for Southampton City of Culture bid .
`` Southampton is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fond memories growing up .
I remember the green spaces .
`` I remember the playgrounds , I remember all my friends who come from such different backgrounds .
`` With this bid , I think we 're going to be able to get lots of hard to reach communities .
`` And in doing that , harnessing everyone ’ s own abilities , their own creativity , thinking about how they in turn can make their city home as well .
`` And if we won the bid , I think , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared voice of success , a shared voice of making Southampton our home .
`` Funnily enough , when I won Master Chef , in all the press interviews , everyone was saying ‘ Oh , so you ’ re from London ’ .
`` I said “ No , correction , I ’ m from Southampton ’ .
And I made it a real point that I ’ m of Mauritian heritage but I ’ m from Southampton .
`` I feel if we can all get behind it , we can @ @ @ @ @ @

They are legendary former Saints manager Lawrie McMenemy, Southampton-born singer songwriter Craig David and Shelina Permaloo, winner of BBC's MasterChef in 2012, cookery author and restaurateur.
Lawrie McMenemy managed Southampton Football Club from 1973-85 and oversaw one of the most successful periods in the club's history.
In 1976 he guided the team, then in the Second Division, to a famous FA Cup Final victory over Manchester United.
Southampton then won promotion to the First Division and in 1984, finished runners up – their highest ever placing.
Lawrie signed some of the highest profile players of that era, including Kevin Keegan, Alan Ball and Peter Shilton.
In his role as a bid ambassador he said: "Southampton, everybody in the world has heard the name. Let’s show it off more.
"We have the biggest liners in the world come in here. People come in. They like it here. They stay here.
"I’m from the North. When I was offered the job, I took it. And that was 1973. And we fell in love with it very, very early on.
"When we won the FA Cup, people in football couldn't believe it. Because we were a second division team at the time. We were playing Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world.
"I think it will be remembered forever if we get the City of Culture. This town has done everything right to deserve it.
"I liken it to the FA Cup, that went fantastically well. When we won the FA Cup, everybody came out.
"And I think this sort of thing will happen for the City of Culture as well. The whole area will want everybody to know what a good city this is.
"City of Culture. Let's do it."
Craig David rose to fame in 1999 and released his debut studio in 2000 and has released a further five,
He has worked with a variety of artists including Sting, Tinchy Stryder and Kano.
Craig has 20 UK Top 40 singles and seven UK Top 40 albums. selling more than 15m records worldwide.
He has been nominated for 14 Brit Awards.
He said: "I am proud to be an ambassador for Southampton in the bid to become UK City of Culture 2025. I am passionate about our city.
"The inspiration for my first album Born To Do It came from experiences growing up in this special city.
"We have our fair share of challenges, especially now, but we who have been born and brought up here, and those who come from all parts of the world to make Southampton home, know how brilliant this city is at supporting each other and raising one another up during difficult times.
Our future is not yet written. So I say to everyone in Southampton ‘join in’, and I say to everyone else ‘join us – choose Southampton’.
Southampton born Shelina said: "I am so proud to be one of the Ambassadors for Southampton City of Culture bid.
"Southampton is a beautiful city. I have such fond memories growing up. I remember the green spaces.
"I remember the playgrounds, I remember all my friends who come from such different backgrounds.
"With this bid, I think we're going to be able to get lots of hard to reach communities.
"And in doing that, harnessing everyone’s own abilities, their own creativity, thinking about how they in turn can make their city home as well.
"And if we won the bid, I think, collectively, that voice will be a shared voice of success, a shared voice of making Southampton our home.
"Funnily enough, when I won Master Chef, in all the press interviews, everyone was saying ‘Oh, so you’re from London’.
"I said “No, correction, I’m from Southampton’. And I made it a real point that I’m of Mauritian heritage but I’m from Southampton.
"I feel if we can all get behind it, we can certainly win the bid."


thedailyecho--2020-10-08--Woman arrested after car crashes into a river in Fareham

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving after a car crashed into a river .
Police were @ @ @ @ @ before 3am today ( October 8 ) , after reports of a collision on Wallington @ @ @ @ @ Vauxhall Astra had crashed into the estuary at Delme Roundabout .
The vehicle was fully @ @ @ @ @ morning during low tide .
The driver , a 38-year-old woman from Gosport , has @ @ @ @ @ drink driving .
She remains in custody at this time .

Police were called to the incident just before 3am today (October 8), after reports of a collision on Wallington Way, Fareham.
A Vauxhall Astra had crashed into the estuary at Delme Roundabout.
The vehicle was fully submerged and was recovered this morning during low tide.
No injuries were reported.
The driver, a 38-year-old woman from Gosport, has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving.
She remains in custody at this time.