Salisbury & Avon Gazette - Issue 40

Salisbury to celebrate history of St George with day of events

ST George’s Day celebrations are planned in Salisbury’s Market Square.

The city council has announced a range of familyfriendly activities, set to run between 10am and 4pm on Sunday, April 28.

Salisbury has strong ties with St George, the patron Saint of England, with records relating to the Guild of St George, an important merchant’s guild, which could have been founded as far back as the early 1300s.

A later record, dating from 1455, tells of a dragon being fought by St George in the company of St Christopher - the name of Salisbury’s ancient Giant, who features in a procession planned for the day.

Records suggest the tradition of celebrating St George dates back in Salisbury more than 700 years.

Paul Sample is one of the City’s Whifflers - a friend of Christopher III - who looks after the giant on pageant days.

He said: “St George’s Day is always a great family day out in Salisbury.

“Visitors can then enjoy workshops, medieval reenactments, street food, live music, meeting Christopher III and Hobnob, Morris Dancing, face painting, a free Blue Badge Tour and more.

“We are still looking out for volunteers to come forward to help as Whifflers with Christopher III and Hobnob.

“In particular we are looking for someone with a big bass drum - the sort used by marching bands.”

Anyone interested in volunteering should get in touch with Paul by email to paulsample61@gmail.com, or by calling 07718 185039.

A Salisbury City Council spokesperson said: “St George’s Day is designed with family entertainment in mind and most activities are free to participate

in. The day will take place outside and begins at 9.55am with a short procession of Salisbury City Councillors, led by mace bearers and featuring the Salisbury Giant.”

Also on the agenda are workshops, medieval reenactments, street food, live music, Morris Dancing, face painting, a free Blue Badge Tour and more throughout the day.

Highlights of St George’s Day in Salisbury include: 9.55am: Salisbury Town Crier at the Guildhall steps

Listen out for Salisbury’s Town Crier who will be announcing the start of St George’s Day before the beginning of the procession.

10.15am, 11.30am and 2pm: Mr Brown’s Pig Puppet Show

Join us at the puppet show to hear a magical story that will have you captivated from start to finish. Great fun for young and old alike.

10.30am, 12.15pm and 2.30pm: Morris Dancing

Come and see the Morris Dancers in the Main Arena on St George’s Day to put you in the celebratory mood as they dance in the style of the Cotsworld Morris.

11am & 3pm: Medieval Re-enactments

fighting skills in the Main Arena.

Noon: The Salisbury St George Blue Badge free guided tour

meets at the side of The Guildhall entrance steps for a wonderful tour of our historic

St George will be on the streets of Salisbury this month

city and find out facts about St George hidden in Salisbury.

1pm: Knight School

Young people will get the chance to dress up and learn how to be the perfect knights for St George’s Day in the Main Arena.

Watch knights from medieval times display their impressive

People living with cancer to benefit from £88,000 Stars Appeal grant

AN £88,000 grant will help people living with cancer and the staff supporting them at Salisbury District Hospital.

NHS Charities Together has handed the money to the Stars Appeal to fund two projects.

An enhanced prehabilitation and rehabilitation service for cancer patients aims to support their physical and mental wellbeing before or after their treatment or surgery.

The grant is funding a 12-session pass for a local leisure centre, which enables patients to continue the fitness activities they have started with the Hospital’s Cancer Therapy team.

Consultant Haematologist and Stars Appeal Hospital Ambassador, Dr Effie Grand, said: “The prehabilitation and rehabilitation service is vital for patients.

“It is not something every hospital does and thanks to the Stars Appeal and this grant from NHS Charities Together we can offer our patients even more support.

“It makes a huge difference not just to their mental wellbeing during a very stressful time, but also their physical recovery from operations, chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.

“We’re so grateful to NHS Charities Together for this generous grant, which will help us do so much for local cancer

patients.”

Charles McGrath, who is in remission after receiving intensive chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia, welcomed the initiative, which will help his ongoing recovery.

He said: “Going to the gym and staying active has helped me recover physically and mentally from intensive chemotherapy and a five-week spell in the Intensive Care Unit.

“That’s why I’m delighted with the introduction of this 12-session fitness pass, which will ensure I can keep as physically fit as possible and will be vital if I need any more treatment.”

The grant has also funded the Stars Appeal staff counselling service for a further year to continue supporting hospital workers.

The service employs two dedicated staff

counsellors, who provide 100 counselling sessions each month.

Stars Appeal staff counsellor, Pamela Kirkham, said: “To know we have secured funding for a further year from NHS Charities Together is wonderful.

“Taking care of our own mental health is essential in order to continue providing high quality care for the local community.

“It is known that early intervention reduces the risk of time away from work, and this service offers prompt and easy access for staff to receive support during difficult times.

“It is a privilege to be able to offer this extremely valuable service to the staff at Salisbury Hospital and this funding will enable myself and my team to continue to do so.”

NHS Charities Together is the national charity caring for the NHS, working with a network of more than 230 NHS charities, including the Stars Appeal, to help the NHS go further for staff and patients.

Dave Cates, of the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity, added: “We’re so proud to be a member of NHS Charities Together and to have their support.

“This is one of a number of grants they have provided to us over recent years which are making a big difference to local patients, families and hospital staff.”

Charles McGrath, centre, with members of the cancer therapy team and below, with his gym pass

Coffee Shop vs Coworking

Coffee shop working used to be a novelty - almost a naughty delight to get out of the office, but times have changed, especially with Covid. There is not a standard set of rules of where and how to work.

The Enterprise Network was set up over 10 years ago, to provide flexible working space for businesses or those of you who just need a space. We have evolved over the years and can offer facilities such as a business address through to a large office space and meeting rooms. All of these are offered on a flexible basis and give you the ability to expand as required or equally reduce office space if needed.

Here at Castledown Enterprise Centre based between Tidworth and Ludgershall on Castledown Business Park we just might have the ideal combination. Consider being a Co-Worker – this offers you a desk, Wifi, a professional but relaxed working environment. Coffee shops do offer you space but also noisy

customers, not enough space and no private areas to have that important Zoom conversation. So why not consider being a Co-worker for only £85 a month, that’s the cost of a coffee per day! This gives you the flexibility that modern working requires – we can even offer you a meeting room if you need to meet with clients. We have refreshments, space and parking –so what are you waiting for? We are that confident the space is fabulous, so we want to offer you a FREE working Session.

Call us on 01264 848311 to book in for your free sessions and see how the space can work for you. Don’t forget we can also offer these options at our Salisbury venue based in the City Centre call 01722 567345

Lennix Sutcliffe, 8, killed in scooter tragedy in Wiltshire village street

THE family of Lennix Sutcliffe - an eightyear-old tragically killed in a crash after his scooter was hit by a car on a driveway - have paid tribute to “the light of our small village”.

Lennix sadly passed away after a crash in Woodland View, Dilton Marsh, at around 4.30pm on Saturday afternoon (April 13), when a driver pulled into a driveway in the street.

His parents, Jackie and Chris, said: “Our Lennix was always playing, a happy go lucky child who was loved by everyone and who loved everyone.

“He simply loved life and was the light of our small village.

“He loved Pokémon and his favourite character was Charizard. He was playing today, just playing, taking every ounce of enjoyment that life offered.

“We as a family are now coming together to support one another. We ask our community to provide us both time and space in the days, weeks and months ahead of us.”

Police have asked that the family’s privacy is respected as they attempt to come to terms with their loss.

“Enquiries in relation to the collision remain ongoing by our Serious Collision Investigation Team,” a Wiltshire Police spokesperson said.

A man in his 30s was questioned by officers after the incident.

Anyone who can help should contact police on 101 and quote log number 218, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Have your say on licensing rules for Wiltshire pubs

PEOPLE are being urged to have their say on rules governing licensing for pubs and events in Wiltshire.

A consultation on how licenses are managed is being run by Wiltshire Council, the Licensing Authority. Objectives to be considered include; The prevention of crime and disorder; Public safety; The prevention of public

nuisance; The protection of children from harm. The licensing policy sets out how the council applies its functions under the Licensing Act 2003, particularly when making decisions on applications for premises licences, club premises certificates and temporary event notices.

See wiltshire.gov.uk.

Lennix Sutcliffe, inset, was tragcally killed in the incident. Pictures: Google/Wiltshire Police

Station forecourt plans up for discussion

MULTI million-pound plans to revitalise the forecourt at Salisbury Station will be discussed at a meeting next week.

On Tuesday (April 16), residents and businesses are being offered the chance to meet the contractor delivering the scheme.

The forecourt plan is the second scheme coming forward as a result of the £9 million investment in Salisbury from the government’s Future High Streets Fund.

It will see improved landscaping and planting of trees, street furniture and wayfinding, along with more sustainable travel facilities, such as a bus interchange.

A combination of wallmounted, and pole-mounted lighting is also proposed, to provide safe levels of lighting for the forecourt users.

The Meet the Contractor

event will be held in the empty retail unit off the booking hall at Salisbury Railway Station between 2pm and 7pm, featuring teams from Wiltshire Council and Milestone Infrastructure.

People can also see the latest plans and find out more about the scheme and how it will be delivered.

Cllr Tamara Reay, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for transport and assets, said: “One of our key priorities is to have vibrant, well-connected communities and the redesign of the forecourt area will make it more attractive and accessible for visitors and residents.

“These improvements aim to enhance the public realm and improve wayfinding to provide a welcoming arrival point to encourage tourists and visitors

to the city centre, to stay longer and spend more of their money in our local independent shops, cafes and restaurants which this modern cathedral city is renowned for.

“We recognise the works will cause some disruption to local people and businesses. We would, therefore, encourage local people to attend this event to find out more at an early stage and to ask any questions they may have.”

Lewis Cowley, Milestone Infrastructure’s regional director, added: “We have been working with Wiltshire Council, Network Rail and South Western Railway for a number of months to develop the most efficient delivery solution.

“Our team will be happy to present the construction phasing plans at this event and be on hand to answer other questions related to the station forecourt construction works.”

How the station forecourt makeover could look once completed

Work underway to repair leaky city bridge as gateway work continues

WATER is seeping through a Salisbury bridge - with work scheduled to rectify the problem.

Wiltshire Council is carrying out work to waterproof the Fisherton Street Bridge as part of its routine maintenance programme.

The works involve removing the existing footpath slabs and road surface exposing the deck of the bridge.

The deck will then be prepared in readiness to receive a new spray applied waterproofing system.

Following this, the footpath slabs will be re-laid, and the road reinstated up to base level.

The council said works will be completed in two parts, with a north and south phase, with surrounding businesses

staying open throughout.

The north phase started on April 8 and is set to be completed on June 5, while the south phase will run from June 6 to July 17.

The final surfacing will be completed as part of the neighbouring Fisherton Gateway improvement work, which is continuing around the bridge.

Cllr Nick Holder, cabinet member for highways, Street Scene and flooding, said: "Our routine inspections show there is water seeping through the bridge deck, which if left unattended, could affect the ongoing future maintenance of the structure.

"As part of our preventative approach, we are carrying out the necessary work now to reduce more expensive and timeconsuming repairs in the future.

"This is in line with our Business Plan which aims to ensure we have wellconnected communities."

He said while not funded by the money for the Fisherton Gateway project - part of a £9 million rejuvenation project - it was "sensible" to carry out the work at the same time.

"The bridge works will coincide with the improvement works being carried out and traffic management arrangements in place at the western end of the Fisherton Gateway scheme to minimise disruption to local residents and businesses," Cllr Holder added.

"We apologise for any inconvenience but can reassure everyone that businesses in the area are open as usual."

Second man quizzed over dead animals

A SECOND person has been interviewed by police over the dumping of aroud 50 dead animals on the doorstep of a village shop in Wiltshire.

The gruesome discovery, of dead hares, a kestrel and a barn owl, was made outside Broughton Community Shop on the morning of Friday, March 15.

As part of the investigation, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Police officers arrested a 37-year-old man, from Totton, on March 28 on suspicion of a number of offences, including criminal damage, wildlife and firearms offences.

He was subsequently released on police bail with conditions until Friday 28 June, pending further enquiries.

In th latest development, on Tuesday (April 9), officers interviewed a 27-year-old man from Hythe on a voluntary basis and was interviewed under caution.

“He remains under investigation,” a police spokesperson said. “Officers continue to investigate the circumstances of the incident.”

Anyone who has any further information that may help police enquiries should 101, quoting reference 44240111410.

Work is already underway to repair leaks in the Fisherton Street Bridge, in Salisbury city centre Pictures: Google/Wiltshire Council

The animals were dumped outside Broughton Community Shop

Lynne, from Downton, had been missing since March 21

Body found in search for missing Lynne

POLICE involved in the search for missing Downton woman, Lynne, have recovered a body.

Dorset Police confirmed a body was found in the Breamore area this afternoon (Saturday) and her family had been informed.

“Sadly, a body was discovered this afternoon, and while formal identification has not yet taken place, the family of Lynne have been informed of this latest development,” a spokesperson said.

“Our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time.

“Formal identification will take place in due course.

“Although it is early stages, we do not believe there to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.”

Lynne was reported mossing after travelling on a bus in the Salisbury area on March 21.

Man attacked outside city centre pub

A MAN suffered serious injuries after confronting a person banging on the doors of a Salisbury pub.

The incident happened at around 4.05am on Sunday, March 31, at The Huntsman Tavern, in Gigant Street, pictured.

Police said an unknown man was banging on the door of the pub when the victim approached him and asked him to stop.

“An altercation has then occurred where the suspect has pushed the victim to the floor, causing serious injuries,” a spokesperson said.

“We are hoping to identify the suspect involved.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information, should contact police on 101, quoting reference 54240036739.

Picture: Wiltshire Police

Community bank passes £2 million lending as it marks first birthday

A COMMUNITY bank serving people Wiltshire has marked its first birthday by passing a lending milestone.

The Acorn Community Bank has passed a £2 million lending milestone and welcomed more than 1,000 new members after it was formed in April last year.

It came about after a merger between Wiltshire and Swindon Credit Union, Clivey Credit Union (WASCU) in Swindon, and Swan Community Bank in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire.

Since then, it has seen its membership rise from 4,184 to 5,308 – with 30 new people joining each month.

Acorn, which is based in Cavendish Square, Swindon, has also loaned £2.2 million to its members since the merger.

Credit unions, which are owned by their members and run on their behalf, provide affordable loans for people who are unable to get credit elsewhere to prevent them from going to payday loan companies or loan sharks.

Members open savings accounts and, provided they meet loan criteria, can take out loans which are repaid monthly.

Manager Clive Henly said: “It has been a

fantastic first year for Acorn and none of us can believe it has passed so quickly.

“In the months leading up to Christmas we saw an increasing demand for loans, though this has recently eased up a little.”

In response to a rise in the number of members asking for loans to buy school uniforms just before the start of the autumn term, Acorn has launched a Uniform Saver account so that families can put away money throughout the year.

Its Christmas Saver scheme has also helped 200 members put away money to help them cover the costs of presents.

Mr Henly added: “Our savings incentives have proved to be very popular with 470 people taking part, saving £42,600 so far.”

In Salisbury, the bank is also set to launch a project with Wiltshire Council to help people facing life-changing situations such as long-term illness or loss of employment get financial support and plan financially for their future.

The bank has also been nominated for the Best Credit Union (South) Award in financial website Smart Money People’s annual Consumer Credit Awards. Its forerunner, WASCU, won the award

two years ago.

Staff at Acorn have been working alongside loan shark experts from England’s Illegal Money Lending Team to highlight the dangers of borrowing from loan sharks and encouraging members to save regularly.

Mr Henly is expecting Acorn to see demand for loans continue despite the recent fall in inflation.

“The rise in membership and demand has been consistent in all areas,” he said.

“The cost-of-living issue continues to put pressure on people’s budgets, and we are seeing this when we assess their affordability when they apply for a loan.

“Now that inflation is easing, we are preparing to support our members as they take new steps in their financial journey, perhaps looking to fund home improvements, cars and holidays.”

For more details about the bank’s services, or to get in touch, go to acorncommunitybank.co.uk.

To vote for the bank in the Smart Money People Awards visit https:// smartmoneypeople.com/consumer-creditawards/review/acorn-community-bankreviews.

Acorn Community Bank has celebrated its first birthday

Church rooms could become house

A HARNHAM place of worship could be converted into a house, if plans are approved.

Plans to convert the Brethren’s Meeting Room, in Lower Street, into a home have been submitted to Wiltshire Council by Atlas Planning Group.

The application said the scheme came as a “result of the Brethren Congregation no longer requiring the existing use of the building”.

“With the congregation already having ownership of a larger meeting room with a greater capacity located less than one mile away and given that the application building is used only twice a week, the loss of the community facility has already been accepted by its former users and are fully supportive of the proposed change of use,” it went on.

“We secondly contend that given the small size of the building and lack of parking, its existing use would not be feasible, economically viable, or appropriate for an alternative community use in this location,” the application added. “It is said by the applicant that the meeting room only accommodates a

maximum of 15 covers when seating at tables and has no on-site car parking.

“Indeed, significant footfall would be required in addition to investment and a large turn over for it to be used as a shop or public house.

“Given the minimal use of the building by the Brethren Congregation (thus giving reason for the proposed changed of use), and with six other existing meeting halls, which can accommodate a greater number of visitors, all being located within a three mile radius of the application site, the

The

building is not appropriate for its existing, or future community use.”

A two-bedroom home would be created at the site, the plans said, without majorly altering the exterior of the building, save for an extra window being added.

A mezzanine floor would be installed inside, creating the second bedroom, the plans said.

They will now be considered by Wiltshire Council planners. For more details, and to comment on the scheme, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk.

Brethren’s Meeting Room, in Harnham, couldbe converted into a house

Picture: Google

Fares rise for Salisbury park-andride buses to help ‘high standards’

FARES on Salisbury’s park and ride services have gone up today (April 15).

People using the services, which run from five sites across the outskirts of the city, will notice increases of 50p for return tickets, and up to £10 on longer-lasting tickets.

Wiltshire Council said the increases would “help continue to provide a high standard of service”.

“The increases will help maintain and run the Salisbury area services, which provide a reliable, cheaper alternative to city centre parking,” a spokesperson said.

Car parks at the five sites remain free, they added, meaning people avoid parking costs when using the park and ride, which is provided by Salisbury Reds.

The new Salisbury Park and Ride fares from April 15 are:

Adult return - Old price: £3, new price: £3.50

Group return - Old price: £4, new price: £4.50

10 journey ticket (app only) - Old price: £14, new price: £16

Group 10 journey (app only) - Old price: £18, new price: £20

60 trip ticket (app only) - Old price: £70, new price: £80

Cllr Tamara Reay, cabinet member for transport, said: “Our Park and Ride sites

offer an easy alternative to city centre parking. People can park for free and then use the regular bus services to visit the city centre.

“The increase to the Park and Ride bus fares are necessary and have been agreed to ensure Salisbury Reds can continue to maintain high standards of service.

“We thank everyone for using the services when visiting the beautiful city of Salisbury.”

Andrew Sherrington, Salisbury Reds general manager, added: “Together with Wiltshire Council, we have considered

these changes to Park and Ride ticket prices very carefully - and we are hopeful they will have minimal impact on our customers.

“These services are designed to help ease congestion within the city centre, and they provide those visiting Salisbury with convenient and comfortable transport connections.

“Our team works very hard to ensure Park and Ride is an attractive and viable option in Salisbury, and these latest changes will ensure we are able to continue providing a high level of service here.”

CCTV issued after £900 Co-op theft

POLICE are attempting to trace this person in connection with shoplifting in Fordingbridge in which almost £900-worth of products were stolen.

The incident unfolded at the Co-op, in the High Street, at just after 8pm on Tuesday, March 26, when Nicorette, Nicotinell, Nexium Control and Optrex products were taken.

The person police want to speak to is described as aged around 29, approximately 6ft tall, with dark hair and a beard. They were wearing white trainers, blue trouser bottoms, a black top, long black coat.

“We believe the man in this

image can help us with our investigation and would urge him, or anyone who knows his identity, to get in touch with us,” a police spokesperson said.

“Also, if you have information about this incident, saw anything suspicious in the area at the time, or have any CCTV, mobile phone, dash cam or doorbell camera footage which could aid our investigation, please contact us.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident number

44240131159, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police are keen to trace this person over the thefts

Picture: Hampshire Police

£375k to boost walking, cycling and wheeling in Salisbury and beyond

NEW funding of £375,000 has been handed to Wiltshire Council to spend on new projects to boost walking, cycling and wheeling planning and infrastructure in the county - including in Salisbury.

The cash comes from Active Travel England (ATE) - £275,000 from the Capability Fund and £100,000 from the Active Travel Fund 4 extension - and is on top of the £978,000 the council has already received as part of Active Travel Fund 4 awarded in the financial year 2022/23.

The Capability Fund will be spent on the development of Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) in Melksham, Calne and Royal Wootton Bassett, along with feasibility studies, development, designs of the following routes:

n A3094 Netherhampton to Hospital cycleway in Salisbury

n Cycleways linking Trowbridge, Westbury and Warminster

n The Town Path walking and cycling link in Salisbury

n A338 City Centre to Hospital cycleway (via New Bridge Road and Downton Road) in Salisbury

n Development for priority schemes in Chippenham, Trowbridge and Devizes, as identified in the towns’ LCWIPs

The schemes will be moved forward or designed using the new funding, before the council applies for further money to enable them to be constructed.

The additional £100,000 from Active Travel Fund 4 will enable the delivery of accessibility improvements at Roundstone Street and The Halve in Trowbridge as an extension of the Future High Streets Fund (FHSF) project.

This will join up existing cycling and walking infrastructure, and will see three pedestrian crossings installed, along with segregated shared-use paths, and improved signing and wayfinding.

Cllr Tamara Reay, cabinet member for

transport and assets, said: “We’re committed to enabling residents to live healthier lives and improving walking, cycling and wheeling routes in Wiltshire.

“This is part of our Business Plan commitment to improve the air quality and support the decarbonisation of transport in our county.

“That’s why this funding is so welcome - it will be spent on both installing new infrastructure to make it easier for people to choose to leave their cars at home, as well as planning for more new projects, which will then put us in a good position to successfully bid for more funding.

“We have pledged to make the council carbon neutral by 2030, and we’re also doing all we can to help make the whole county carbon neutral too.”

To find out more about LCWIPs in Wiltshire, viasit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ transport-town-cycle-networks.

The Army Flying Museum

Immerse yourself in the fascinating story of British Army flying by visiting a local hidden gem. The Army Flying Museum sits adjacent to the Army Air Corps Airfield at Middle Wallop, just 20 minutes from Salisbury, and offers access and affordability to visitors; pay for admission once, and you will receive free entry to the Museum for a whole year.

Two large hangars house the impressive journey of British soldiers in the air from the pioneering days of balloons and kites to the Glider Pilot Regiment landing at Arnhem, right through to modern helicopter operations. Often likened to the Tardis, visitors are frequently met with surprise at the volume of artefacts, medals and over thirty fixed wing and rotary aircraft. Imaginative displays with a clever use of interactives and video provide for fascinating insight into the history of British Army flying.

The ‘Explore the Apache’ interactive display offers visitors the chance to find out everything about this iconic aircraft through films, images, and audio recordings. A special touchscreen allows them to ‘ask’ three soldiers questions about their training and first-hand experiences of flying and working on the Apache. For front row seats of these aircraft in action, look no further than the Museum’s Apache Café. Overlooking the active airfield, and open daily, this is an excellent spot to enjoy a bite to eat or drink, whilst admiring all manner of aircraft. Whether it be an Apache thundering overhead or the Historic Army Aircraft Flight waving at the café and children in the play park below, this is where the action is! Good food, friendly staff, and a great view make this a popular haunt.

The Museum offers a packed event programme and free creative activities for children are also staged at all the school holidays and the Museum has a regular event programme of lectures, concerts and family friendly events.

The Army Flying Museum is open daily from 9am to 4pm.The Museum is easily accessible from the M3 and A303 on the A343 between Salisbury and Andover. The Apache Café is also open daily from 9.00am to 3.30pm. Museum entry is not required to access the café.

Hate-related graffiti at Ringwood skatepark

POLICE are investigating a hate-related incident in Ringwood after graffiti was daubed on the town skate park.

The vandalism took place at the Carvers Recreation Ground, pictured above, some time between 4.30pm on Thursday, March 28, and 8am on Tuesday, April 2.

The graffiti has since been removed by council workers.

“Were you in the area of Carvers Recreation Ground at any point over the Easter weekend? Did you see anything suspicious, or did you witness the incident itself?” a police spokesperson said.

“If you have any information which may assist in our investigation, or have any footage, including mobile phone, doorbell camera, CCTV or dash cam, please call 101 and quote incident number 44240138905.”

Anyone with information can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police officer sentenced after assaulting boy, 17

WILTSHIRE Police firearms officer Lee Prince has received a suspended prison sentence after assaulting a 17-year-old boy.

PC Prince, who has been suspended from duty with the force, was sentenced at the City of London Court today (April 16) having previously been found guilty of common assault.

The court heard how the PC assaulted the teenager outside Liquor World, in White Beam Court, Swindon, while on duty as a firearms officer on April 17 last year.

PC Prince arrived at the scene shortly after colleagues had detained a teenager on suspicion of criminal damage when the incident unfolded.

At court, he was sentenced to 16 weeks custody,

suspended for 12 months.

In addition he must complete 240 hours of unpaid work, pay £775 in court costs, £500 victim compensation and £154 victim surcharge.

Deputy Chief Constable, Craig Dibdin, said: “We expect the very highest standards of conduct from our officers - and the public have every right to expect that from us.

“Trust and confidence in policing is hard won and it is imperative that when someone from our own ranks falls short of the exacting standards, we apply the law without fear or favour.”

PC Prince is now subject to a gross misconduct investigation by Wiltshire Police.

Woodhenge as old as its stone sibling down the road, says new research

WOODHENGE - the lesserknown timber cousin of Wiltshire’s world-famous stone circle down the road - is just as old as its near neighbour, according to new research.

It had long been believed Woodhenge was built in Amesbury around 300 years after its stone counterpart, in around 2,300BC.

But now, according to new carbon dating work by former lead advisor at Stonehenge and the Avebury World Heritage Site, Amanda Chadburn, it seems they are much closer related.

“These new dates are really exciting for a number of reasons,” she said.

“Firstly, it means the monument is now well-dated using modern, reliable techniques so we can trust them.

“Secondly, they show that Woodhenge was built in at least two phases, with the henge being built around 150-200 years later than the timber rings.

“Only the timber rings appear to have the connection with the sun - so this date difference makes sense in terms of the architecture of the

monument.

“Finally, the dates themselves are fantastic, they place the timber rings and the sarsens at Stonehenge at around the same time.”

Woodhenge is around two miles from Stonehenge and consists of six concentric ovals of standing posts, believed to be alinged wth the summer solstice sunrise, surrounded by a bank

and ditch.

It was discovered in 1925, when aerial photographs revealed the shape in a crop of wheat.

Today, visitors can see concrete markers showing the positions of the timber posts - for free.

“This shows that, along with the Southern Circle, Stonehenge with its solstital alignments isn’t

a one-off in the landscape,” Amanda added.

“It now seems that prehistoric peoples were sighting the solstices at a number of monuments in this exact area, and at the same time. This is truly exceptional.”

The new findings will feature in Amanda’s new bookStonehenge: Sighting the Sunset to be released on May 8.

Biker alleged to have fled police at 130mph

A BIKER accused of fleeing police officers at speeds of up to 130mph was arrested a day later.

Officers noticed Lawrence Oakford on Wiltshire roads on April 12.

But when they tried to pull the 33-year-old over, he sped off.

Although the officers pursued the Yamaha FZS motorcycle, they aborted the chase due to the high speeds involved through Avebury, which they said reached 130mph.

It was later confirmed he

was arrested at his home and charged in connection with the incident.

Oakford, of Market Lavington, is due in court at a later date.

Members of the Wiltshire Police Specialist Ops Team posted footage of the pursuit, which shows the squad car reaching around 130mph, on social media.

n Watch footage of the pursuit online at salisburyandavon.co.uk.

Woodhenge - Stonehenge’s little-known relative, just two miles down the road

Police footage of the pursuit showed high speeds involved

Four new CCTV cameras to monitor Salisbury alongside £25k control room upgrade project

CCTV in Salisbury is getting a £25,000 upgrade – as well as welcoming new additions to the fleet.

The improvements, which will see updates to the control room, are being funded by Salisbury City Council.

“With working and volunteering hours continuing to rise, as well as the expansion of CCTV in the city, the control room system now needs an upgrade and an additional budget of £25,000 has been agreed to do this,” a council spokesperson said.

The installation will take place in May and carried out by contractors Smart Integrated Solutions, they said, with new software enabling operators to “work more effectively and continue to uphold CCTV and data protection regulations”.

As well as the system upgrade, four deployable CCTV cameras will soon be installed

Shield your home from Care Costs & Inheritance Tax with a Living Trust.

A Living Trust, is a legal arrangement that allows you to protect your assets, including your home, from care costs along with potential inheritance tax implications. Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Asset Protection: By transferring ownership of your home and other assets to a living trust, can help protect them from certain creditors and potential claims, including care costs.

2. Care Costs: Placing your main home into a living trust can ring fence the property from any potential future care costs. Thus, protecting your inheritance

One of the advantages of a living trust is that it is reversable, meaning you can make changes to the trust or remove your home from the trust during your lifetime. This flexibility allows you to adapt to changing circumstances or wishes.

in the city following the council’s successful bid to the government’s Safer Street Funding.

The cameras will join the 64 already in place across Salisbury, recording 24 hours a day.

“Salisbury CCTV plays a very important role in keeping the city safe and assists in preventing and detecting crime,” the spokesperson added.

“The control room is monitored by a fantastic team who do a great job in providing vital evidence and intelligence to partners including the Police, ShopWatch, PubWatch and City Centre Security Officers.”

Meanwhile, the CCTV team is keen to hear from people prepared to volunteer as a CCTV operator.

For more details, contact CCTV manager, Keith Jackson, by email to kjackson@ salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk.

3. Inheritance Tax Planning: A living trust can be part of an estate planning strategy to minimize inheritance tax liability. By placing assets into a trust, they can be excluded from your taxable estate upon your passing, potentially reducing the amount of inheritance tax your beneficiaries would owe.

4. Reversable Nature:

5. Trust Administration: When you establish a living trust, you typically designate yourself as the trustee alongside one to three other trustees. Thus, maintaining control over the assets and allowing you to continue using and managing them as you did before. Surviving trustees take over the administration of the trust upon your incapacity or death.

The effectiveness of a living trust in achieving your specific goals will depend on your individual circumstances. Oakwood Wills offer a free consultation in the privacy of our own home. Tel 07832 331594

email: info@oakwoodwills. co.uk

Improvements are set to be made to the CCTV control room in Salisbury

Picture: Spencer Mulholland

Families receive offers of primary school places across Wiltshire

YOUNG people heading to primary school this year have received their offer of places in Wiltshire.

And Wiltshire Council says a total of 99% of county children have been offered one of their three primary school preferences, with 96% offered their first choice.

A total of 4,911 applications were made, with 4,858 of those online.

Parents and carers who have applied online will be sent an email confirming the school place offered to their child unless they have selected to receive their decision by the Parent Portal, in which case they will need to log on to view the outcome.

Those who have submitted a

paper application will receive a letter confirming the outcome of their application.

These will be posted on April 16.

All parents and carers have until April 30 to confirm if they wish to accept or decline the place offered to their child.

Parents will need their user ID and password to do so.

Laura Mayes, cabinet member for education and skills, pictured inset, said: “Today marks an important first step as children prepare to start their school days.

“We know that many families will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of their school application and we wish them all the best in this next chapter.

“Once again I’m pleased to announce that 99% of Wiltshire children, have secured a place at one of their preferred schools, which will be welcome news for most families.

“I’d like to thank our hard-working officers for their careful planning which ensures we have sufficient places across the county for all our pupils.”

The right to an independent appeal is open to anyone who has not received an offer at one of their preferred schools, the council confirmed.

Parents who wish to appeal for a place at a voluntary controlled or community school should visit wiltshire.gov.uk for details of how to appeal.

Anyone who wishes to appeal for a place at a voluntary aided, foundation school or an academy should contact the school directly for more information on next steps.

Parents who have any further general queries regarding admissions should email admissions@wiltshire.gov.uk, or contact Wiltshire Council’s customer services team by calling 01225 713010.

New plan outlines action on air quality

NEW measures to combat poor air quality in Salisbury are set to be considered as part of a new plan.

Wiltshire Council has formally adopted its Air Quality Action Plan, which details how it will continue to progress with improvements to air quality and health protection across the county.

The Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) outlines actions the council will take to improve air quality in Wiltshire up to 2029 and replaces the previous AQAP, which ran from 2015 to 2023.

The council currently has eight Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) declared in the county - including three in Salisbury - which are places where air quality is unlikely to meet government air quality targets.

Others are in Bradford-on Avon, Westbury, Marlborough, Devizes and Calne.

In these places, the council is required to take special steps to improve air quality.

Under the new plan, which was formally adopted on March 19, actions set to be considered come under the following broad topics:

• Alternatives to private vehicle use

• Environmental permits

• Freight and delivery management

• Policy guidance and development control

• Promoting low emission transport

• Promoting low emission plant

• Promoting travel alternatives

• Public information

• Transport planning and infrastructure

• Traffic management

• Vehicle fleet efficiency

Cabinet member for waste and environment, Cllr Dominic Muns, said: “I’m pleased we have finalised this action plan following a robust process and really worthwhile consultation.

“It is important that the plan will develop over time, and it sets out clear direction and priorities to support our efforts to improve air quality throughout the county.

“It is our responsibility to drive this plan forward but, alongside partners and the public, we all have a collective responsibility to do what we can to continue the progress which has seen pollutant trends moving towards an overall improvement in air quality in the county.”

Projects delivered directly and indirectly through the previous action plan include:

• Ensuring Air Quality was incorporated into wider spatial planning and transport

policy.

• Supporting the implementation of LTP (Local Transport Plan) 3, where it brings about improvements in Air Quality. Including implementing key junction improvements identified by the Devizes Transport Strategy (including acceleration of A361/London Road junction improvements, and addition of new cycle towpaths improvements / contraflow cycle lane).

• Establishment of local air quality groups to spearhead their own local initiatives to improve air quality within Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs).

• Supporting bids to OLEV and for the introduction of electric buses in Salisbury.

• Developing revised Supplementary Planning Guidance on air quality for developers.

• Developing a dedicated Air Quality website giving access to data to Wiltshire residents and others.

• Introducing a Know and Respond text service for vulnerable people to alert them of poor air quality episodes.

The cabinet report and full Air Quality Action Plan can be found online at https:// cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.

Ambitious plans for four-bed ecofriendly house in Wiltshire area of outstanding beauty submitted

“CAREFULLY considered” plans for a four-bedroom sustainable home in the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) have been submitted.

The scheme, designed and submitted by Tate+Co, would see the home developed in the grounds of Hillside Cottage, owned by Henry Ashworth.

The application to Wiltshire Council said the site offers “an opportunity to propose a more sensitively integrated building” than nearby houses.

It would minimise the “visual impact of the house to fit in with the existing landscape and AONB designation”, it went on.

Through discussions with Richard Burden, a planning officer at the Cranborne Chase AONB, the scheme seeks to address issues such as dark skies and sustainability, it added.

“This development would create a four-bedroom house with generous living spaces and multiple outdoor spaces,” the application said.

“The new house is two storeys and takes advantage of the existing views and topography.

“Our approach is to propose a new, low-energy, sustainable dwelling of architectural distinction, set within the substantial plot.”

The house would be built on a plot of around 0.24 hectares, previously part of the gardens at Hillside Cottage.

“The design has been carefully considered to reflect the sloping landscape, following the flow of the landform, so that only the top storey is visible when approaching from the south.”

The proposed home “takes advantage of this unique site to propose a modern,

sensitive building of high archtectural quality, while still remaining responsive to its context”, it added.

The building includes plans for an “elevated walkway”, “open-plan dining room and kitchen with fantastic views” and an “outdoor terrace which receives the afternoon and evening sun”, the plans said.

The scheme will now be considered by Wiltshire Council planners.

For more details, and to comment on the plans, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk and search for application reference PL/2024/03052.

How the new eco home could look at Donhead St Mary and below, how the home would sit in the hillside

Picture: Tate+Co/Wiltshire Council

Still chance to take part in late-night neon fundraiser for city hospice

MORE than 250 people are set to put their best foot forward to raise money for a Salisbury charity.

Saturday, April 27, will see walkers take part in the annual Midnight Walk event hosted by Salisbury Hospice.

The neon-themed event will see supporters completing walking routes of five or 10 miles, with both routes setting off from Five Rivers Leisure Centre at 8.30pm.

“The Midnight Walk is a fundraising event held in memory of loved once lost, this being in the hospice or the wider community,” a spokesperson said.

“In dedication to our loved ones, a special ‘Memory Book’ will be housed in Salisbury Cathedral and offer participants the chance to write a message in memory of an individual close to their hearts.

“The walk combines fun, lively and interactive elements whist also providing more poignant opportunities of remembrance.

“Join us and help make a difference to your local hospice step by step.”

People can still register to take part, online at www. salisburyhospicecharity.org.uk, or even on the night.

“We extend our sincere thanks to our sponsor, Webbed Feet, for their invaluable support,” the spokesperson added.

“Webbed Feet offer awardwinning sustainable web development and marketing,” a company spokesperson said.

“We’re proud to support such a worthwhile charity who are an integral part of the local community.”

Police warning after spate of burglaries

POLICE are warning residents to be on their guard after a spate of burglaries across Wiltshire.

In an open letter, Detective Inspector Darren Ambrose, who leads the Burglary Investigation team at Wiltshire Police, notes 27 incidents across the county in March.

“While we are doing all we can to identify those responsible, which often requires working closely with neighbouring forces as it is often the case that offenders travel cross border to commit crimes, I wanted to share with you some recent national research which has identified those houses most likely to be targeted and what you can do to help,” he said.

“The majority of burgled properties are in a cul-de-sac – they are most often approached from the rear and are rarely overlooked.

“Burglars often gain entry by climbing over fences and gates.

“As a result, you may consider something called ‘defensive planting’ which has the potential to make a property less

attractive and more difficult as a target.

“It involves planting plants with natural defences such as thorns, barbs or spines, along fences and windows.”

Other advice to prevent burglaries includes:

Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you’re only going out for a few minutes

Double-lock any door

Make sure that any valuables are out of sight

Keep handbags away from the letterbox

or cat flap and hide all keys, including car keys

In the evening, shut the curtains and leave lights on

If you’re out all day, then it’s advisable to use a timer device to automatically turn lights and a radio on at night

Set your alarm, and if you have a Ring doorbell, please ensure it is set to record

Make sure the side gate is locked

Lock your shed or garage

Lock your bike inside a secure shed or garage, to a robust fitting bolted to the ground or wall, like a ground anchor

Consider the purchase of a Faraday pouch/bag to place your car keys in. This reduces the risk of your car being stolen by gangs who have devices to steal vehicles without needing the keys

DI Ambrose added: “My pledge moving forward is to continue tackling burglary as effectively as possible, but having the support of the community is essential. Many of our burglary crimes are solved through brave members of the public coming forward and providing essential information.”

Pair hit the streets of London in aid of Salisbury hospital charity

A SALISBURY mum treated for breast cancer at the city hospital took to the streets of London on Sunday (April 21) for a marathon effort.

Jo Cullen, who was diagnosed in 2022, said she wanted to “give back” to those at Salisbury District Hospital who supported her through her treatment.

She took on the 26-mile challenge in aid of the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity.

The 50-year-old did a virtual London Marathon in 2020 but took to the streets of the capital for the first time at the event on Sunday.

She had been due to run it in 2022 but was forced to pull out after receiving her cancer diagnosis.

“Getting my cancer diagnosis was a big shock but I was very lucky to catch it early,” said Jo, who had surgery to remove the lump followed by a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, before the run.

“Nearly two years after my diagnosis, with all my treatment behind me, I am finally able to run the London Marathon after having to defer my entry twice due to surgery.

“I just want to finish and raise as much money as I can for the Breast Unit.”

The Stars Appeal Breast Unit, which opened in 2017, is Salisbury Hospital’s first-ever dedicated unit for breast patients providing dedicated diagnostic equipment

along with treatment and counselling rooms in a dignified environment.

It enables patients to have their diagnosis and follow-up care delivered in one place, reducing the need for patients to visit other departments in the hospital.

“We’re very lucky in Salisbury to have such a wonderful Breast Unit on the doorstep,” Jo said.

“The nurses and consultants were absolutely amazing from the moment I was diagnosed to all my operations.

“They are still at the end of the phone to

answer any questions or concerns. It feels like you’re not alone, and they’ve got you under their wing.”

She also praised the lovely décor and furnishings in the unit, which she says make it feel “very special”.

“I’m so grateful for all the work the Stars Appeal do,” she added.

“It is vital to people like me to have places like the Breast Unit.

“I really felt strongly about raising money for the Stars Appeal and to give back to a charity that has helped me and hundreds of other people.”

Sophie Bagshaw, from Ludgershall, a second-year Adult Nursing student at Bournemouth University, is completing a placement at Salisbury Hospital.

She also laced up her running shoes to take on her first London Marathon in support of the Stars Appeal.

The 20-year-old said: “While doing my placement at the hospital it was a surprise to me how much was funded by the Stars Appeal and I wanted to contribute.

“Salisbury is also my local hospital that I’ve used for years so I wanted to give back.”

To sponsor Jo visit https://www. justgiving.com/page/jocullen-1710703883122 and to support Sophie go to https://gofund.me/ecb711e2.

Find out more about the Stars Appeal at www.starsappeal.org.

Jo Cullen with the breast cancer team at Salisbury District Hospital and below, Sophie preparing for her run

Big Help Out is back to showcase volunteering through taster days

Wessex Community Action is the council for voluntary services in Wiltshire and provides practical support for community organisations on funding, governance, planning, policy development, recruiting and leadership. This monthly volunteering column looks at all aspects of volunteering and how people can give up their time for the benefit of their communities...

Wessex Community Action volunteer and community development worker Sarah Pickering, left, and Salisbury City Council communities manager Sarah Gregson promoting last year’s Big Help Out

LAST year 7.2 million people across the UK, including Wiltshire, took part in The Big Help weekend, part of the celebrations to mark the King’s Coronation last June.

The Big Help gave people a chance to support their communities by taking part in volunteer taster days and because of its success it is no surprise then to see it is back as an event in its own right.

On June 7, 8 and 9, – an extra day this year to give schools and workplaces a chance to join in – people will be encouraged to once again to dip their toes into the world of volunteering to get a feel for the benefits that giving up their time can bring and gain an understanding of the amazing work going on in their communities. The hope is that fledgling volunteers will build up a rapport with the group and enjoy their taste so much they’ll want to come back.

The event will be a finale to Volunteers Week, itself a national showcase for volunteering.

Last year Salisbury City Council

organised a successful Festival of Giving and Volunteering in the Guildhall Square on the Bank Holiday Monday of the Coronation Weekend. The city’s Foodie Forum, comprising the Salisbury Pantry, Salisbury Foodbank and Bemerton Community Fridge, came together to meet anyone interested in volunteering and show off their services.

Nationally, 70 per cent of those who tried volunteering for The Big Help Out said they were more likely to volunteer in the future and 80 per cent said they met someone new from a different background.

Wessex Community Action’s free online portal Wiltshire Together is an ideal place to find out what volunteering opportunities are available this year. It allows users to browse and pledge interest for opportunities listed by dozens of charitable organisations across the county. Users can search by area and set up a member profile that allows them to log their volunteer hours, which can help with CVs and employability prospects.

Volunteer and Community Development

Worker Sarah Pickering said: “If people want to volunteer more locally for organisations in Wiltshire, they can find taster opportunities linked to The Big Help Out campaign page on Wiltshire Together, which will be launched shortly. We want people to be able to help a cause right on their doorstep.”

She is urging voluntary groups and charities who are holding taster days for The Big Help Out can register them on Wiltshire Together by signing up and creating a profile on the platform.

“The aim of The Big Help Out was to use volunteering to bring communities together and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the Coronation weekend and we really want to see that continue this year,” she said.

Contact Sarah at volunteerdev@ wessexcommunityaction.org.uk or there is information on Wiltshire Together’s Volunteering in Wiltshire page at wiltshiretogether.org.uk/wiltshirevolunteering.

Line-up revealed for free festival near Amesbury

A DOZEN live bands will take to the stage at a free festival near Amesbury.

Figgle Fest is set to take place at Figheldean Playing Field from 11am to 11pm on Saturday, July 20.

Organisers have revealed a line-up including the likes of headliner Fleetwood Collective, a tribute to legendary rockers, Fleetwood Mac.

They will be appearing alongside The Intercepteurs, The Passenger Club, Southbound Lizzy, HP and The Reggae Sauce, The Zucchinis and The Dusk Hounds.

Free activities will also be on offer for children, with organisers promising an entertaining day for the whole family.

“Figgle Fest are proud to provide such a high-quality event to the local communities, with no entrance fee and free kids entertainment,” a spokesperson said. “Even though the event is free to attend – we still require donations to make all the fun happen,” they added. “A number of events are run each year in order to raise funds for Figgle Fest.”

People can also make donations to the cause online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/ figgle-fest-2023.

All

Fleetwood Collective will top the bill at Figgle Fest in July

Salisbury &

Events

Spring Brocante

The Larmer Tree Gardens

SP5 5PY

Sunday 5 th May & B/H Monday 6 th May

Vintage, Artisan & Decorative Antiques Fair with Local Foodies

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit our website Sorry

www.thedorsetbrocante.co.uk

salisburyandavon.co.uk

SIXPENNY HANDLEY COMMUNITY CINEMA Wonka

Village Hall, Common Road SP5 5NJ

Friday 19 April | 6.30 for 7.00 pm

£6 | Bar & snacks | Information: 6dhandleyhall@gmail.com

Advertise 01963 400186 Call us here

12th Avon & Bourne Valley Art Exhibition

SHIRLEY ALLUM - Birkenstock Day

Date for your diary!

Saturday / Sunday May 11th / 12th 2024

Thursday 2nd May

11.00 am - 5.00 pm

FIGHELDEAN VILLAGE HALL

(Just off A345 between Durrington & Netheravon).

Come and view the NEW Birkenstock arrivals. David and Sheena from Birkenstock will be in store from 10am until 3pm for fitting advise.

Now firmly established as an important venue for all up and coming Artists looking for a well organised and professional alternative to show their works- with over 160 Exhibits on view in 2023, 31 original sales plus many prints and over 300 visitors.

FREE RAFFLE on the 2nd May with a change to win a pair of ladies Birkenstock sandals

We look forwards to seeing you!

Shirley Allum & Team

Shirley Allum Ltd, 30 High Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8JG 01747 852444 | www.shirleyallum.co.uk

Avon & Bourne Valley Art Exhibition

Established 14 years ago by 3 keen local artists, this venue helps, mainly those isolated amateur artists of Salisbury Plain, by giving them a non-judgemental platform to show their work. Located in Figheldean (SATNAV the Village Hall at SP4 8JR)” Open to the public with Free Admission - light refreshments are available. Run on a totally non-profit basis, this year we are again supporting ‘Salisbury District Hospital Charity Star’s Appeal’. For full details of how to enter, please e-mail trevorwoodbridge_5@ outlook.com (01980 / 670153) or richardhorner008@icloud.com (01980 / 670626).

Best in Show 2023 winner, Gary Peerless voted by the general public.

12th Avon & Bourne Valley Art Exhibition

Saturday / Sunday May 11th / 12th 2024

11.00 am - 5.00 pm

FIGHELDEAN VILLAGE HALL

(Just off A345 between Durrington & Netheravon).

Now firmly established as an important venue for all up and coming Artists looking for a well organised and professional alternative to show their works- with over 160 Exhibits on view in 2023, 31 original sales plus many prints and over 300 visitors.

Avon & Bourne Valley Art Exhibition

Retirement & Independent Living

Enjoying a refreshing cha mpa gine afternoon tea in the ra re ‘Devon Belle ’ Pullman observation ca r as you stea m through the spectacula r Purbeck countryside .

Traditional Butchery; Modern Service

At Kingman’s Butchers, Amesbury we value our whole community but understand that some might be less able to get down to our little shop – which is why we are more than happy to come to you!

We offer a FREE delivery service to within ten miles of the shop, there is no minimum order and the portions can be EXACTLY the size you want. If you only want two sausages and three eggs, then we will deliver two sausages and three eggs – but if you spend over £20 then you will get a stamp in your loyalty card and a full card is worth £20 off your next shop.

Give a us a call on 01980 622155 or pop into the shop if you’re on the High Street and we will go the extra mile for you.

5 High Street, Amesbury, SP47ET

Eyewear is a family business run by Martyn Sales. Martyn is an experienced lens maker and has been manufacturing lenses for the trade and supplying glasses to the public at discount prices since the late 1970’s. Our showroom and factory are located on Ashfield Road Trading Estate, Salisbury. Some of our key services that we offer are:

Quality care in Salisbury you can trust

When a family is thinking about care for a loved one, they want the best - they want to know that the care home they choose will put their loved one’s safety, happiness and wellbeing first.

Salisbury Manor is managed by award-winning provider Care UK - one of the UK’s most highly successful care home operators* with over 40 years’ experience of delivering high quality care to older people.

Living at Salisbury Manor is all about quality of life. Every colleague in the home is passionate about enabling residents to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle, tailored around their unique needs and preferences. The lifestyle team will organise a huge variety of group and one-to-one activities, with plenty going on each day.

With the extra support that our care home offers, new residents are often surprised at what they can do, whether that’s being able to continue with an activity they’ve enjoyed in the past, or even discovering new hobbies with our daily activities.

The purpose-built home is designed for enjoying a luxury lifestyle, with en-suite rooms and facilities including a cinema, café, hair and beauty salon, and comfortable lounges and dining rooms. The home also boasts lovely gardens with wheelchair friendly pathways – the perfect place to spend some time when the weather allows.

Whether your loved one enjoys a quiet cup of tea in bed before starting the day, loves going for strolls in the landscaped grounds, or enjoys a chat over a glass of wine, the team at Salisbury Manor will spend time to enable them to continue living life the way they want to.

Salisbury Manor care home

Salisbury Manor Shapland Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 7EJ

01722 638 420 careuk.com/salisbury-manor

*As rated by the Care Quality Commission in England and the Care Inspectorate in Scotland.

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Education secretary’s bad example...

“IF I’d have met these people, I’d have probably punched them.”’

In a week during which a BBC survey indicated a ‘rise in challenging behaviour and violence’ in schools, the last thing the teaching profession needed was the education secretary making flippant comments in the national press justifying the use of violence to address the conduct of some Ofsted inspectors.

Speaking to the Association of School and College Leaders’ (ASCL) annual conference in March in Liverpool, Gillian Keegan told headteachers she would be tempted to punch any Ofsted inspectors who were rude during school visits.

Obviously, our school leaders and inspectors were unanimous in their condemnation of her comments, but it does bring into to question Keegan’s suitability for a position requiring professional leadership in the way young people are educated.

With teachers battling to manage increasingly

challenging and violent behaviour in schools, it is alarming our education secretary should heard to condone, as means to resolve conflict, behaviour which could lead to pupil exclusion, or for a teacher, instant career-ending dismissal. In a similar vein, the education secretary, in an unguarded and defensive comment about the crumbling school buildings fiasco during an interview last year, modelled another aspect of anti-social behaviour schools are struggling to address in her public use of expletives. She was recorded as saying: “Does anyone ever say, ‘You know what, you’ve done a

Cllr John Wells Labour chair of Environment and Climate Committee (Salisbury City Council)

****ing good job, because everyone else has sat on their arse and done nothing?”

One in five respondents to the BBC’s survey said they had experienced online abuse from a parent or guardian since September. A similar number said they had experienced verbal abuse.

We need to step back and look at the bigger picture. Anti-social behaviour and violence is increasing in the world beyond the school gates and is clearly proportionally reflected in pupil behaviour in school.

Keegan at least understands the root of the problem, describing Liz Truss’s short-

lived premiership as “chaotic” and admitting the Government had failed to resolve the increasing demands for special needs education.

With commendable honesty our education secretary said: “The massive demand, of more and more children diagnosed or even not diagnosed but have special educational needs, that’s something that I think we haven’t got the right system in place. If you look at special education needs, we haven’t built enough special educational needs places or schools. We have councils under pressure because families can’t get the right support that they need.”

The recent pay increase in teacher’s salaries is welcomed and may help with the recruitment and retention of well qualified and experienced staff, but that increase has not been matched by an increase in school budgets. The unfortunate financial consequence is likely to be a reduction in spending on much needed support staff or resources.

‘‘Cuts’ are a Conservative stealth tax’

APRIL is the month for increased bills.

My car insurance and phone bill have both gone up, and I was informed today that a check up at the dentist will now cost a whopping £48.

It feels relentless.

According to the Chancellor however, one bill we ought to feel relieved about is National Insurance (NI).

In what might be seen as a cynical bid for votes, NI contributions have been cut twice in the last six months.

The Conservatives claim this will save a worker earning £35,000 about £900 a year.

I guess that might just about cover my council tax increases, mortgage hike, food price inflation and possibly the dentist. And yet, take a closer look and any benefits from the

NI cuts are in fact cancelled out by the Conservative Government’s refusal to move Income Tax thresholds.

Once upon a time, both NI and Income Tax thresholds used to rise in line with inflation. So as inflation went up, so did the tax threshold and therefore the amount of tax a person paid relative to their real-life earning power stayed fairly steady. However, tax thresholds have

been frozen until 2028. So as inflation is reflected in wages increasing over the next four years, more people will start paying tax and more people will start paying the higher rate of tax when their salary reaches £50,270.

Due to astonishing levels of inflation over the past couple of years in particular, a person earning £35,000 in 2010 when the Conservatives took charge,

should now earn £50,270 and therefore start paying 40% tax.

According to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), which conducts independent assessments of the Government’s economic plans, this freeze will create 3.2 million extra taxpayers by 2028, and 2.6 million more people paying higher rates. This is a stealth tax and it is frankly offensive for the government to be claiming people will be taking home more in their pay packets. It is an indictment of directionless Conservatives who are more interested in clinging on to power than sorting out our struggling economy and properly addressing the cost of living crisis.

The country deserves better and the general election can’t come soon enough.

Victoria Charleston

Lib Dem

Parliamentary spokesperson for Salisbury constituency

Unemployment rate ticks up to highest in six months

THE unemployment rate in the UK rose to its highest level in six months between December and February, according to new figures.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the rate increased to 4.2%, with the total number of unemployed people standing at 1.4 million.

Meanwhile, the number of economically inactive people, those not in work or looking for employment, also rose.

An ONS spokesperson said the data featured “tentative signs that the jobs market is beginning to cool”.

Other figures in the ONS data showed average wage growth decreased to 6%, while real wages rose by 1.9% in the three months to February, taking inflation into account, the highest since September 2021.

The news came as inflation in the UK fell to 3.2% in March - its lowest level for two-and-a-half years.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt (Con, South West Surrey), said: “The plan is working, and we’re turning a corner. Inflation is falling faster than expected, significantly down from its 11% peak. Really welcome news.

“Alongside our tax cuts, worth around £900 a year to the average worker, people should start to feel the difference in their pay packets.”

But shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves (Lab, Leeds West), said: “Conservative ministers are hitting the airwaves today to tell the British people that they have never had it so good.

“But, after 14 years of Tory economic failure, we are worse off.

“Rishi Sunak is too weak to fix the economy and too out of touch to deliver for working people.”

Atelier Seamstress Wanted

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Temporary lights and signs everywhere!

THE amount of work going on in Salisbury at the moment is mindblowing!

I can’t walk anywhere without having to change my route in some way to avoid the latest roadworks/street improvements/traffic changes.

It’s all one-way systems and temporary signposts!

I can only hope these things are finished before the summer arrives because who wants to visit a city that seems to only feature yellow signs and temporary traffic lights?

A WALKER Salisbury

* We see what you did there - Ed

Crime rising?

I CAN’T be the only person who has noticed an uptick in crime in Salisbury recently.

Shoplifting, burglary, theft, assaults are happening everywhere, it feels like, and nothing is done.

The cost-of-living crisis is clearly knocking on because it seems obvious that when people are really struggling, many turn to crime to support themselves.

But most of us don’t, so those who do need to punished and it seems the police just don’t have the numbers, or the will, to do much about it.

The noises coming out of the police HQ (miles away though it is) are positive and hopefully things will improve, but my heart goes out to shopkeepers and others who are the victims of these crimes.

We were burgled once, many years ago, and our home never felt the same.

I can only think it must be the same for people who own shops and other businesses.

As for those who end up hurt after a night out, or just when out and about in the city, that must be really harrowing.

Fingers crossed we get some more police officers, or more policing, soon, as it feels like we have gone to hell in a handcart at the moment.

M GILES Salisbury

Social club sadness

I WAS saddened to read of the trouble at Stratford Social Club (‘Salisbury venue highlighting plight of the social club’, April 8).

The local social club where we grew up is somewhere I remember fondly. Somewhere mum and dad could take us and we would find something to do, games to play, and they could enjoy some time away from the house (and a drink!), knowing we were safe.

It’s sad that community places like this are struggling. It is symbolic of the decline of the pub and community spirit not only in Wiltshire, but across the country.

I hope they get a boost in numbers after featuring in your newspaper. Social clubs need to survive, I’m sure many families like ours will find them again if they do.

ANNE Amesbury

EV backing

MORE electric buses on our streets can only be a good thing (‘£11.4m secured for new electric buses in Salisbury’, April 8).

It’s obvious we have to move away from gas-guzzling vehicles if we are to have any kind of future not only in our city, but on this planet.

I was shocked to read some comments online bemoaning the news of the new buses.

What are these people on about?

Electric vehicles must be part of a solution to the current

Fact of the fortnight

APRIL is National Pet Month, so we thought it only fair to dedicate this edition’s fact to our best friend - the dog. Here are just a few facts you might not know about your canine pal...

Dogs noses are wet to help absorb scent chemicals. The special mucus helps them absorb the chemicals, and they can then lick their noses to sample them, helping them understand what the smell is.

Three dogs - in first class, of course - survived the Titanic sinking. The doggy divers who survived were a Pomeranian puppy wrapped in a blanket by her owner, another Pomeranian and a Pekingese.

The Guinness Book of Records lists a Great Dane named Zeus as the tallest dog in the world, standing proud at 44 inches. You wouldn’t want that jumping on you on the sofa!

A speedy Greyhound racer could beat a Cheetah in a long-distance race. Experts say the dogs would emerge victorious over the famed big cat over any distance, as they can maintain a speed of around 35mph for up to seven miles!

crisis.

I’m always amazed at the lack of other suggestions from the ‘it’s natural climate change’ brigade.

If so, are they just happy to accept there will be no human life on this planet before we know it?

Conspiracy theories abound and it’s really sad to think of people willing to sacrific the existence of their children, grandchildren or great grandchildren, just because they cannot be bothered to change their lifestyle, even a little bit.

I don’t doubt there are other forces at work - as a lot of businesses stand to lose a lot of money if we start to take real steps towards net zero - so I have some sympathy easily taken in by the theories.

But we must do better at educating people on what is happening - and what must be done to stop it.

Hooray to the electric buses, I say, we could do with more efforts like that.

Health & Wellbeing

‘Skincare needn’t cost the Earth’

by Victoria Kunewyk

HAVE you ever considered making your own skincare? I have a super simple two-ingredient recipe to make your own face cleanser, which will get rid of make-up, tone and moisturise your skin. I promise, you will not look back!

A few years ago, I developed an all-natural moisturising bar for my son to help manage his eczema and it’s since turned into a small business – and I love the fact I have since managed to help others with their dry skin issues, young and old, as a result.

Since then, I am always testing and trying different skincare recipes, as it is so important that we consider what we put on our skin and what packaging we are putting into our bins as a result.

All you will need is: witch hazel, sweet almond oil and a reusable leak-proof bottle. Simply pour into a bottle at a ratio of 1:1, both the witch hazel and the sweet almond oil.

The ingredients will separate in the bottle, so before applying to a cotton pad, always give the bottle a quick shake prior to use. It is that simple!

To personalise your cleanser to you and your skin type, you can add essential oils. For example, lavender and tea tree is a lovely blend for its antimicrobial properties, reducing inflammation and redness, or you

can use frankincense to strengthen the skin, tone and lift the skin.

Ensure you measure the essential oils, as it should not be more than 1% of the ingredient total.

You don’t even have to use sweet almond oil. You can swap it for jojoba oil, coconut oil or even olive oil.

There are some great companies online for ingredients, such as The Soapery and Naissance – some high street stores can be a bit pricey –and, don’t forget, once you have the basic ingredients, you can easily make more for yourself, as gifts, and before you know it, you’ll be making most of your skincare items, which in the long term saves you money and works wonders for your skin and the planet.

n If you are looking for all-natural lip balms, moisturisers or even gemstone jewellery, all hand-made in Dorset by myself, look up my shop, which is on Etsy – kunewyk.etsy.com – or find me on social media.

by Fiona Chapman

THIS rain is miserable, I am not sure if it is worse having had a break from winter and then coming back to continuous rain and mud, or better to stay in it and you don’t know any difference!

prostate gland. Really all men over the age of 50 should be taking nettle root! Even better is to juice the whole herb – so, leaves and roots.

I have been rushing out into the garden as soon as it begins to dry up, doing lots of clearing to allow room to plant wildflowers and herbs, so have dug up huge great clumps of nettles. I feel somewhat guilty doing this as nettle is such a powerful and good herb from the leaves to the root to the seed, but I do have an awful lot of nettles and I need room for other herbs!

As I was digging, I was thinking I should be saving the roots, drying them and either using them as cut dried root to decoct or to put them into a tincture. Nettle roots are particularly good for their anti-inflammatory and decongestant action on the

The whole nettle is used for allergies such as hayfever and urticaria, the name Urtica dioica giving its use away, as it blocks histamine receptors. As it helps the liver to eliminate metabolic wastes, it is also used for arthritis and eczema.

I thought I would juice the whole nettle to see how easy it is and what the taste is like. It is quite a palaver. You can only use the young roots, the old, yellow woody ones will not do. You need a powerful juicer and the juice that comes out is very dark green and quite thick.

The taste is a little zingy on the tongue and reminded me of a sort of earthy seaweed. Not unpleasant, but definitely an acquired taste..

n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist (email

Fly away on the ultimate piece of rock memorabilia

IN 1972, Wings - the band formed by Paul McCartney after The Beatles disbanded - went on tour in Europe.

Covering 7,500 miles in nine countries, the band travelled in a custom-designed double decker bus, rather than the standard tour buses used by their contemporaries.

The open-topped 1953 Bristol KSW5G was resplendent in a design created by psychedelic artist Geoffrey Cleghorn and featured facilities allowing the band’s families to travel with them, children and all.

“We knew we were going to tour in Europe and that the weather would be nice, and the idea of being stuck in a bus all the time, going from city to city, hotel to hotel, wasn’t too appealing, so we decided to travel around in an open-top bus and get some sunshine as we travelled from one place to another,” McCartney said of the trip.

Drummer Denny Seiwell said of the famous double decker: “We had wives and kids with us, and an image of the Beatles. Nobody wanted to be drunk or high.

Next sale is a General and Antiques Auction on the Phixius Auctions: Every Friday night from 5pm. Online and in the saleroom.

26th April

We are running a timed book sale from 23rd - 30th April

Photos of upcoming items in our next sale

“We thought it was very important that we gave our best performances because we knew we were going to be judged based on the last time people saw the biggest band in the world.”

After the tour was finished, the bus actually returned to service, before being returned to

its Wings heydey and put on display outside a rock-themed Tenerife cafe.

Now, more than half a century after it first hit the road, the bus that housed Paul, Linda and others, is up for sale.

For more details on the sale, log on to online auctioneer Car & Classic at carandclassic.com.

Making more of the garden

by Sally Gregson

AFTER such a very wet winter, many garden soils are heavy and waterlogged. Unless, of course, your garden is blessed with free-draining sandy soil, in which case you will be the envy of many of your friends who labour on heavy clays.

Such light soils, however, are really quite hard work. They are never satisfied. In spring they will need to be mulched with plenty of organic matter to keep all that moisture in the soil and available to the plants. But on heavy soils, it’s the ideal time to lift and divide the herbaceous plants.

It is hoped the rains will have abated by the end of the month and any excess moisture will drain away, allowing a little work on the garden borders.

In the case of the crowns of herbaceous plants such as Crocosmias, Helianthus and the

latter-day Asters – that we now call Symphyotrichon or Callistephus – dig the crowns up with a garden fork and split them into however many pieces you need. Discard the middle of the clump and make gardeners of your friends, and friends of fellow gardeners, by giving them each a piece or three. Otherwise, the best option is to put them on the compost heap, cleaned of weeds and passengers.

In the site of the new plantings, fork in plenty of wellrotted garden compost to improve the soil texture, and re-plant the pieces. Give them a water just to settle the soil down around the roots and they will be ready for another season. A more Draconian measure would be to lift all the plants in the border, barring the shrubs and trees, and treat the soil to a dressing of refreshing compost

mixture. Use a tarpaulin for the excavated plants which can be split and the divisions replanted in improved soil. This is an exercise that is well worth the labour involved every five or six years, and after all that winter rain, now is the ideal

time to work on at least a part of the border.

The plants will repay all your work by putting on a brilliant show all summer.

And they will be more robust and resistant to any forthcoming drought!

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It is the ideal time to lift and divide herbaceous plants like Crocosmias

Eco-home plan for Salisbury barn site

PLANS to demolish a barn on a farm near Salisbury and build two new homes and a swimming pool have been submitted.

The scheme, submitted by Michael Lyons Architecture on behalf of Mr and Mrs Martin, would see a four-bed house and a two-bed property developed on a plot at Nunton Farm, in Nunton.

It comes after planning permission was previously granted to redevelop the barn.

“The current proposal is to create a more traditional family home with an ancillary dwelling that could be sold off separately but initially is to stay within the one ownership,” the applicaton said.

“The main house is to have four good-sized bedrooms at first floor with formal and open-plan living spaces at ground floor.

“There is utility, plant and storage to the side. The second dwelling has two first-floor bedrooms, again with formal and open-plan living at ground floor.

“The living room could be converted into a ground floor bedroom if this became necessary in the future.”

It said access to the new properties would come from the existing route, while the main house “would retain a very similar finished floor height to the existing barn”.

“The second dwelling would benefit from a timber-framed carport building along the northern boundary with storage above while the main house has a carport wing intergrated into the main form,” it went on.

“Some new native trees and hedging would be planted around the perimeter of the site along with an area to the north

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east designated for fruit trees.”

Power for the main dwelling would come a ground mounted solar panel array, with both properties benefiting from electric heatpump heating and hot water.

“An outside swimming pool lies to the south west of the main house but the pumps and

heating will be within the plant room, eliminating any potential noise disturbance to the neighbouring properties,” the application added.

Wiltshire Council will now consider the plans. For more details, log on to www.wiltshire. gov.uk and search reference PL/2024/03106.

Call 01935 428975

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Use it or lose it, please support your local independent shops.

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Sudoku 3D puzzle

Cryptic crossword

Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.

Killer sudoku pro

Killer Sudoku Pro

Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.

That’s progress (11)

13 Note bishop with volatile bile that’s awful

15 Former British PM supported by English from colder climes? (8)

17 Academic institution that in Paris is unparalleled (6)

18 Intelligent critic’s principal prize (6)

19 I start to

For the solutions, turn to page 43

We use the latest specialist equipment to accurately check the front and rear wheels of your vehicle. If the alignment is not set correctly it will cause excessive wear to your tyres, steering and suspension componenents. To prevent high repair costs, or tyre replacement from misaligned wheels you could potentially save yourself money by checking the alignment.

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Free new book dispells EV myths

A GROUP founded by motoring journalist and TV presenter Quentin Wilson has released a myth-busting book on electric vehicles (EVs).

FairCharge, supported by the RAC, has published The Little Book of EV Myths, which tackles 21 examples of what it calls, “electric vehicle misinformation”.

The book highlights the importance of the facts around the EV industry – and what drivers can really expect when they own one - and is available for free.

Topics covered in the book include EV fires, pollution, electric car costs and range. It also examines the mining of materials for EV batteries and the impact electric vehicles have on the UK grid.

“There are more myths surrounding electric cars than Elvis Presley,” it says.

“That’s the way it feels anyway.

Everything from EVs pollute more than petrol cars, the batteries fail after three years, the electricity grid won’t cope, they catch fire more than combustion cars and that hydrogen, not batteries, is the future.

“There’s even a new collective noun for all these myths - Misinfo. Electric cars may not be for everybody, but with so many now on our roads, the technology works and has proved reliable for a million UK owners who drive EVs every day.

“Many of the current EV myths have taken root on social media because of a lack of proper understanding of the technology of batteries, electrification, and renewables.”

Among those explained in the Little Book of EV Myths:

EVs are more expensive than combustion

cars

It says: “This is certainly true on many models. But the price difference is narrowing now.”

EV batteries don’t last

The book says: “Many think the lithiumion battery in their phone has the same chemistry as an EV. That’s not so.

“To create confidence in the technology most car makers now offer eight-year, 100,000-mile battery warranties on EVs, that’s a greater warranty cover than on an internal combustion engine.”

EVs regularly catch fire

“The fire service estimate there are around 100,000 vehicle fires every year in the UK and records for 2022 to 2023 show only 239 EV fires – or 0.24%.”

n Read more at salisburyandavon.co.uk

Crossword

Changes To Rural Permitted Development Rights

Class Q and Class R Permitted Development Rights were enacted around a decade ago, giving rise to substantial prospects for the conversion of agricultural buildings without the need for full planning permission. Symonds & Sampson Senior Rural Surveyor George Whittaker outlines the proposals currently under consideration.

Navigating the planning system can be challenging and in recent years, the government have experienced pressure to broaden these rights to apply to more buildings nationally.

In July 2023, the government consulted on additional mechanisms to bolster housing delivery, support the agricultural sector, boost businesses, and revitalize high streets. The consultation proposed significant changes that could potentially increase the scope of development through permitted development to include: Class Q (agriculture to residential conversion):

• Extending rights to encompass buildings in National Parks, National Landscapes (former Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty), and Conservation Areas.

• Incorporating buildings on agricultural units previously utilized for nonagricultural purposes.

• Extending rights to include agricultural buildings no longer part of an established agricultural unit.

• Increasing the number of homes permissible under Class Q on an agricultural unit from five to 10, with a maximum combined floor area rising from 865m² to

1,000m².

• Reducing the maximum dwelling size from 465m² to 100-150m². Class R (agriculture to a flexible commercial use):

• Expanding rights to cover any buildings in rural use, not just agricultural (equestrian and forestry)

• Elevating the permissible floor area from 500m² to 1,000m².

• Rights to include conversion to sporting, recreational, and general industrial. Class A (New agricultural buildings):

• Increasing the maximum floor area for new agricultural buildings under Class A permitted development from 1,000 sq m to 1,500 sq m.

The above proposed changes are welcomed by our rural client base seeking to add value to property and diversify income. The government, at this stage, appear to be seeking to support the growth and expansion of rural businesses generally. It is important to note that the proposed changes to Class Q, Class R and Class A Permitted Development Rights have not yet been enacted and, although likely to be popular with our rural client base, the Local Government Association (LGA) are quoted to be “dismayed and strongly oppose the Government’s pursuit to extend national permitted development rights further. We continue to call for them to be urgently revoked.”

For now, all we can do is to watch this space, Symonds & Sampson’s planning experts are monitoring the situation closely, and if you would like to be added to a list of parties to be notified if and when the changes are enacted, please do get in touch with George gwhittaker@symondsandsampson.co.uk or call him on 01305 236578.

Before and after images show a former cattle housing building converted to a substantial residential dwelling; a planning project in North Dorset overseen by Symonds & Sampson

Symonds & Sampson Celebrates Internal Promotions

Symonds & Sampson, the regional firm of Chartered Surveyors, Estate Agents, and Auctioneers, is delighted to announce a number of internal promotions. James Shapland, Head of Building Surveying, Ryan Holmes, Head of Commercial Property, and Chris Powell, Rural Surveyor and head of the firm’s Devizes office, all become full Partners of the firm. Lucy Carnell is promoted to Rural Partner, Meredith Holmes to Auction Partner and estate agents Peter Grout-Smith, Daniel Magee, and Adam Taylor are all promoted to Senior Residential Manager. Senior Partner, Mark Lewis, is very pleased to see people step up within the firm: “Those being promoted are all key to the firm’s success and their elevation is well deserved. It is so good to see individuals with different roles in the firm develop, and all eight will continue to provide the very best advice for our clients.”

Managing Partner, Richard Miller, adds “All of these promotions reflect significant endeavour and performance within their respective disciplines. They also see the broader view and contribute to the overall strength of the firm in many other ways. They are all worthy of their promotions and we wish them well in their ongoing career with us”.

Proposals to change rural planning rules

PROPOSALS to make converting agricultural buildings into residential dwellings easier are currently being discussed.

Class Q and Class R Permitted Development Rights were enacted around a decade ago, giving rise to substantial prospects for the conversion of agricultural buildings without the need for full planning permission.

Symonds & Sampson senior rural surveyor, George Whittaker, outlines the proposals currently under consideration:

“Navigating the planning system can be challenging and in recent years, the government have experienced pressure to broaden these rights to apply to more buildings nationally.

“In July 2023, the government consulted on additional mechanisms to bolster housing delivery, support the agricultural sector, boost businesses, and revitalize high streets.

The consultation proposed significant changes that could potentially increase the scope of development through permitted development to include:

Class Q (agriculture to residential conversion):

• Extending rights to encompass buildings in National Parks, National Landscapes (former Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty), and Conservation Areas.

• Incorporating buildings on agricultural units previously utilized for nonagricultural purposes.

• Extending rights to include agricultural buildings no longer part of an established agricultural unit.

• Increasing the number of homes permissible under Class Q on an agricultural unit from five to 10, with a maximum combined floor area rising from 865m² to 1,000m².

• Reducing the maximum dwelling size from 465m² to 100-150m².

Class R (agriculture to a flexible commercial use):

• Expanding rights to cover any buildings in rural use, not just agricultural (equestrian and forestry)

• Elevating the permissible floor area from 500m² to 1,000m².

• Rights to include conversion to sporting, recreational, and general industrial.

Class A (New agricultural buildings):

• Increasing the maximum floor area for new agricultural buildings under Class A permitted development from 1,000 sq m to 1,500 sq m.

“The above proposed changes are welcomed by our rural client base seeking to add value to property and diversify income. The government, at this stage, appear to be seeking to support the growth and expansion of rural businesses generally.

“It is important to note that the proposed changes to Class Q, Class R and Class A Permitted Development Rights have not yet been enacted and, although likely to be popular with our rural client base, the Local Government Association (LGA) are quoted to be ‘dismayed and strongly oppose the Government’s pursuit to extend national permitted development rights further’.

“For now, all we can do is to watch this space.”

If you would like to be added to a list of parties to be notified if and when the changes are enacted, get in touch with George by email via gwhittaker@

Standing: Daniel Magee and Adam Taylor Seated: Jon Summers Partner and Head of Agency, Peter Grout Smith

Standing left to right: Ryan Holmes, James Shapland and Chris Powell

Seated: Lucy Carnell and Meredith Holmes

Calling all current and potential landlords!

We have a range of different services available to help you manage your rental property including Guaranteed Rent and Fully Managed.

Here at Northwood incorporating Bassets, we are a family owned business, so we pride ourselves in providing a personalised experience to all of our customers.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you!

T: 01722 820 580

E: lettings@northwood-bassets.co.uk

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