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News Bites Food festival LONDON Street in Basingstoke is set to host the first of two Eat Street food festivals in the town. The Top of the Town event, organised and funded by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Destination Basingstoke, takes place on April 12 from 11am until 3pm ahead of Festival Place’s annual food fair a week later. Basingstoke’s restaurants will open their doors to cook international cuisine and demonstrate the tricks of their trade al fresco. Destination Basingstoke’s managing director Felicity Edwards said: “This is the first time anything like this has happened and we hope it will encourage more cooperation between local businesses and a better understanding of what they each have to offer. “It will be lot of fun and is a great way to try lots of different food from around the world.�
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as part of its Town Centre Programme and the support given to the Top of the Town retailers includes marketing, visual displays, sales techniques and fi nding new customers. She will then design a pilot programme of business support and training. Deputy leader Cllr Ranil Jayawardena said: “Our vision for
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Top of the Town aims to give the historic heart of Basingstoke a more clearly defi ned role as the independent and specialist part of the town centre. “We want to attract more people to come to the area for a different experience of shopping, dining or meeting friends, to keep the smaller traders thriving. “We are demonstrating our support for small businesses and providing them with the tools they need to thrive, especially against competition from online shopping.�
RESIDENTS are being warned of the dangers of hoax calls, after reports surfaced of calls being made claiming to be a police officer. Hampshire County Council’s Trading Standards officers are warning residents to be alert, with the hoax caller asking questions about home security and personal circumstances. Attempts are also made to book appointments for home visits to discuss police burglar alarms or loft insulation. A county council statement said: “Trading Standards would advise consumers never to give out personal details over the phone, and not to entertain visits from callers who make unsolicited telephone calls. “The police do not sell burglar alarms or loft insulation, and will not operate in this way. “The advice is not to get into conversation with this type of caller which includes similar telephone calls from ‘Banks’. “Instead, we advise you should report the matter to Trading Standards, via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06, or to Hampshire Police on their non-urgent number 101. “Trading Standards would advise consumers not to agree to work that is instigated as a result of a cold call or via a leaflet drop.�
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By James Booker
BASINGSTOKE and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) has enlisted the services of a ‘Queen of Shops’ style retail guru, in order to give the town centre a boost. BDBC has appointed Sally Williams in order to help advertise independent businesses in the Top of the Town. Ms Williams is a director of Retail Revival, and will meet independent business owners in the area to develop a pilot training and retail support scheme. BDBC has enlisted her help
BASINGSTOKE schools and colleges are this month being asked to host a variety of fundraising activities in aid of charity. Bibic, which helps children with conditions affecting their social, communication and learning abilities, is encouraging schools and colleges to fundraise for it. Geoff Cummins, Bibic chief executive, said: “We know schools and colleges often raise money for charity so we’re asking them to consider Bibic when choosing who to donate to.�
Stay vigilant on hoax call dangers‌
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