By Jenny Lingham-Doe

Sarisbury Infant School in Barnes Lane is appealing for a new school governor.

The school is looking for someone who is willing to offer some of their spare time and become a member of the school’s Governing Body and to help ensure that the school continues to achieve high standards.

You must live locally to the school and have a desire to see the school thrive at a time of change.  You may have professional or personal skills to offer, or you may simply be good at listening to information and making judgments and decisions.

If you are interested in the role, call Toby King, Chair of Governors, on 07788 595176 or Charlotte Weavers, Headteacher, on 01489 573 800 for an initial chat.

You can find out more about being a school governor in Hampshire by logging on to www3.hants.gov.uk/education/governors/governors-govrecruit/governors-info.htm

A Locks Heath woman has been convicted by magistrates for driving while more than twice the legal alcohol limit.

Kerry Marie Appleby-Walker, 39, of Hollybrook Gardens had denied the charge of driving a Mercedes in Hollybrook Gardens with 80 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.

But Fareham magistrates found her guilty of the drink-driving offence, which occurred on January 31.

Appleby-Walker was given an interim disqualification from driving and has to return to the court in Fareham for sentencing on May 3.

By Jenny Lingham-Doe

Crime fell in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for a sixth year in a row – and police vowed to ensure the force area remained a hostile place for criminals.

The total number of offences recorded by Hampshire Constabulary in 2012-13 was 108,745 – 15 per cent down when compared with the previous year.

Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “I took up the post of chief constable in February and it is my intention to continue to drive down crime levels and ensure these positive results continue.

“Our aims are to protect the people we serve from those who would cause them harm by making our two counties a hostile environment for criminals.

“The continued reduction in total crime across the force is testament to the tireless dedication, commitment, hard work and ‘one team’ approach of my officers, staff and volunteers against a backdrop of cuts and financial restraint.”

Serious violent crime fell 21 per cent from 803 to 631 offences, burglaries, robberies and vehicle crime fell 22 per cent from 15,589 to 12,180 offences.

Budding photographers could win a cash prize by taking part in a photography contest in Sarisbury Green.

Miller Homes property development company, which has a range of homes at Admirals Wood off Coldeast Way, is holding a photography competition that will run until May 3.

“We have chosen a theme of wildlife and birds because we are fortunate to see so many at this development,” said John Taylor, Regional Sales Manager.

There are two categories of entry – under 18s (as of April 15) and 18 and over as at the same date.

Only one entry per person is allowed.

A panel of judges will then make their deliberations and there will be a £75 voucher for the winner in each category with a £25 voucher to the runners up and a £15 voucher for third place. The vouchers can be spent in Boots shops.

Images should be sent as 300dpi jpegs to steve@bendell.biz.

Get ready for some Animal Antics at a fundraising concert performed by children in Locks Heath.

The concert on May 21 will be a fun evening with animal-themed songs backed by a guest band at St John the Baptist Church.

St John’s Notelets have been working hard for the show practicing for an hour every Tuesday.

The primary school youngsters are excited to share more of their songs with the community and raise money for the St John’s bike ride charity, Y-Services and for St John’s Audio Visual fund.

The performance is from 6.30pm to 8pm at the church in Church Road.  People can donate funds in a retiring collection at the event.

Tickets are free, but must be obtained first at the church office. For details call 01489 578082.

By Martin Rowe

Saints will be looking to cement a top 10 finish when they travel to Swansea tomorrow after all but securing Premier League survival last weekend.

Jay Rodriguez should be fit to start after a virus forced him onto the bench last weekend. Luke Shaw, who was also ill last week, is also likely to return to the squad this weekend.

While Swansea, since winning the League Cup in February, have struggled to get many points on the board but they sit firmly in the top half.

By Martin Rowe

Pompey may well be heading towards Division Two but are likely to have close to a full house for their final home game of the season against Sheffield United tomorrow.

It is the first league game since the Pompey Supporters Trust effectively sealed control of the club for the fans and as a result what could have been the despair of a second successive relegation has turned to the joy of knowing the club’s destiny is back in safe hands.

The rebuilding job for next season starts from tomorrow and Manager Guy Whittingham will be looking at all his players with a fresh eye and deciding who will be right for the new campaign next August.

However the game is just as important for Sheffield United – who are likely to have a large following at Fratton Park – because they are still keen to grab one of the automatic promotion spots or at least seal their place in the play-offs.

Pompey old boy Dave Kitson – a real Marmite player for Pompey fans during his time on the south coast with some people big fans and others not convinced –  has been firing in the goals for the Blades and has 12 this season.

Plans for a nine-screen multiplex cinema in Whiteley look certain to be approved by councillors next week.

Artist impression of Whiteley cinema

Members of the Winchester City Council planning committee have been recommended to grant planning permission for the 2,850 square metre two-storey building which will have the cinema on the first floor and restaurants and community facilities on the ground floor.

But if they do approve the scheme it is likely that it will be referred to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, for the final decision.

Whiteley parish council chairman Mike Evans will speak at the meeting next Thursday (April 25) in support of the project. If it is approved work could begin in February next year and the 1,416 seat complex could be open by May 2015.

Fareham Borough Council is listed as an objector to the scheme claiming the multiplex cinema would be out of scale when taken with the new £84m shopping centre which it will sit beside.

Winchester Council has received 19 letters from residents objecting to the proposals for the cinema, to be operated by Cineworld, saying it would have an adverse impact on nearby residents and wildlife, and that it could cause traffic congestion.

Ten letters have been received supporting the cinema development suggesting it will provide evening entertainment within walking distance and that the acoustic and landscape screening would be better than what is there currently.

Whiteley Co-ownership Trust, which owns the shopping centre redevelopment, has applied for planning permission for the development. Originally the proposed cinema site was earmarked for offices and a medical centre and the site is next to a piece of land allocated for a church.

The report for the planning committee states the cinema complex could include privately-run restaurants, bars and leisure and community uses, such as a day centres, nurseries, crèche, medical facilities, art galleries, museums, libraries, public halls and places of worship on its ground floor.

Although these have not yet been confirmed, the report states the proposals “would extend and improve the facilities for Whiteley” and “support economic diversification and development” by efficiently using the land next to the shopping centre.

“The proposal is therefore considered to be acceptable in principle,” the report by planning officers said.

If approved, the cinema would be open until 12.30am from Monday to Thursday and until 2am on Fridays, Saturdays and those Sundays before a Bank Holiday Monday.

No facilities in the building will be allowed to be opened to customers outside of the hours from 8.30am to 11.30pm on Mondays to Saturdays and 10am to 10pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

A decision will be made at the meeting at Winchester City Council at 2pm next Thursday.

Police officers across Hampshire will today (April 22) pay tribute to their colleague Steve Rawson who was killed while on operational duty earlier this month.

Flags at police stations across the force area will be flown at half-mast and a minute’s silence will be observed to remember the Fareham PC whose funeral takes place today.

PC Rawson, 40, died while riding an unmarked police motorbike following a collision in Southampton on April 3.

He left a widow and two young children.

In paying tribute to PC Rawson, Chief Constable Andy Marsh said:

“Policing is a vocation that people are passionate about because it is about making a real difference to the communities we serve. It also remains a job with a very strong sense of team, camaraderie, and occasionally fun.

“Steve contributed all of these characteristics in huge measure. He was doing a job he loved that was incredibly important; protecting our communities from the most dangerous and organised of criminals. This is vital work, often unseen by the public and I know that Steve enjoyed it immensely.

“Without the work that Steve was such an important part of, the safety and very fabric of our communities would be under serious threat. Steve’s colleagues all speak of him being a great person to have around the team, passionate, capable, with a strong sense of fun which undoubtedly helped keep people upbeat in a difficult job.

“He will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Hampshire Constabulary is poorer for his loss.”

John Apter, chair of Hampshire Police Federation, said: “The loss of Steve has knocked us all. Many will say that the feeling of being part of the ‘police family’ is a thing of the past but the reaction from officers, staff and the public across the country has shown this not to be the case.

“The arms of the Police Federation will wrap around Steve’s family and support them over the coming months and years.

“PC Steve ‘Slim’ Rawson will remain in our hearts and memory, he will never be forgotten.”

Hundreds of people from all over the country including colleagues from police forces across the UK and beyond have signed an online book of condolence, and donations have been given from far and wide to a fund for Steve’s family.

At 2.45pm today, officers and staff will gather together at police stations across the two counties in a minute of silent remembrance.

A popular pub in Locks Heath is undergoing a huge makeover and will be ready to launch “with a bang” for the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Lock Stock and Barrel pub is being revamped

The Lock, Stock and Barrel pub, formerly managed by Hall Woodhouse, has been taken over by a new family-run team that is giving the place, in the Locks Heath shopping centre, a £150,000 revamp.

It will be completely revitalised inside and out and will even have a new name, but owners Tony and Wendy Field and their son and daughter are firmly keeping that a secret until opening day on May 3.

“The idea is that it’s going to be the pub in the hub of the community for residents to come in and enjoy themselves,” said Tony who has had years of experience in the industry and instantly decided on taking over the place when it became available.

“We’re still going to continue food, entertainment and charity events. We’re looking forward to getting open and serving the community.

“I haven’t got everything planned yet. We could have an early evening or early afternoon opening – but either way we’re going to go with a bang.

Work has begun inside the Lock Stock and Barrel pub

“I’m just really excited about it. This is the first time the pub has had anything done to it in 15 years. It’s already creating local interest with people asking what’s going on.

“We’ve completely gutted it inside. We’re decorating, putting new areas in and catering for the shoppers at lunchtime and the local clientele during the evening. It’s going to be tastefully done.”

The bar is still in the same place inside, but a new kitchen has been installed. Expect to see a lick of green paint on the outside and inside, new raised seating areas inside and the garden fenced off to make it safer because it is located next to the in-coming traffic into the shopping centre car park.

Three or four new staff members are being sought for full and part time work. Those interested should contact Tony on 07966 327109.

The owner of a new hardware store said he was delighted to open his doors to customers at the Locks Heath Shopping Village.

Sharon Nicholson and Toby Roberts at D&G Hardware

D&G Hardware owner Toby Roberts said despite a few supplies missing from their shelves, he and colleague Sharon Nicholson were happy to provide residents with a range of garden and household supplies when they opened on Saturday (April 20).

“It was just a great day,” he said. “Sharon and I were both overwhelmed by everyone’s enthusiasm and sheer delight that Locks Heath has a Hardware Store again.

“Clearly Locks Heath is either populated with, or is visited by, delightful people with a passion for shopping locally.

“Over the next week or so we are expecting deliveries from many of our suppliers for important parts of our usual stock holding that did not make our opening.”

There are also D&G Hardware stores in Winchester, Chandlers Ford and Guildford.

By Rachael Fraser

Despite the fact they had been up since the crack of dawn, Heart FM’s new breakfast presenters Michael Underwood and Zoe Hanson, were still giggling and full of energy after their first show was broadcast this morning (April 22).

I caught up with the two radio DJs straight after their morning stint to discover they are as random in real life as we hear on the radio.

Michael Underwood and Zoe Hanson

And with Michael’s daily ‘Mikipedia’ – where he challenges Zoe to guess part of one of his countless random facts – baby talk and the life of their listeners, more hilarity is inevitably going to be heard on radios across the south coast.

Did you know the fact that if a chicken has red ear lobes it will lay eggs with brown shells and if it has white ear lobes it will lay white eggs? No, me neither. But Michael did, and that was one example of many facts that the listeners will learn.

“I absolutely loved it,” said former X-Factor host Michael, still smiling as he told me about his morning at the Segensworth-based studio, while speaking 19 to the dozen and challenging the speed of my shorthand note-taking.

“It seemed to fly by. Zoe said to me when you get to the end of the breakfast show on day one, you won’t remember what you did – and that’s right it was a blur.

“It got such a good response. You need to like somebody when you do this job. You’re relying on each other.”

He laughed: “Even on the way down here today I was smiling thinking of all the stupid things Zoe was going to say and do.

“I was more apprehensive about doing radio. There is a misconception that if you’ve done TV you can do radio as well. They’re two very different mediums. On radio you’ve only got your voice to connect with the listeners. I was a bit anxious, so I came in quite apprehensively.”

Although not entirely new to radio – he dabbled after graduating at Plymouth university – the 37-year-old has been used to television work and interviewing high profile celebrities, including a very non-diva like Jennifer Lopez and Tom Hanks, who Michael said were both brilliant and funny.

However, as a long-standing presenter at Capital FM Zoe will be showing Michael the ropes and especially the best places in the Western Wards. They’ve already been to the Talisman Pub in Park Gate and she is extremely excited to take him around the community so he can learn the area.

Michael is commuting from Kingston in Surrey, which he enjoys, but is equally thrilled to be shown around and learn about the different places.

“There are lots of things I want to show Michael like the Warsash to Hamble ferry,” said Zoe. “I don’t know the longest ferry ride he’s been on, but this one take about six minutes. It’s the size of this couch. It’s brilliant!

“I’m looking forward to taking Michael to the gold post box in Hamble and to the Jolly Sailor in Bursledon.”

Taking over the mic from JK and Lucy, who have switched to the station’s Saturday Breakfast Show, the new pair plan to kick-start the mornings of thousands of listeners with a jam-packed morning schedule of music, showbiz interviews, competitions and giveaways, as well as latest news and travel updates.

They will be supporting scores of charity events, including the Race for Life in Portsmouth in July, in which Zoe and a team will be taking part. And with Zoe recently a first-time mum and Michael’s second child on the way in June, they will inevitably be talking about parenthood, advice and daily happenings while juggling a hectic lifestyle with the early morning radio show.

“It’s really sharing our lives and the listeners sharing their lives,” said Zoe. “You find some great people.

“We’re both quite chatty and that was one of the things I was most excited about – finding out what makes him tick. He must have an edge to him.”

Michael added, while cheekily mocking Zoe: “And on October 26 we’ll be sharing the same birthday. Although Zoe was born in 1948, so I’m a bit younger than her, but we’ll be celebrating our birthdays together. A couple of Scorpios, that’s got to be dangerous.”

Tune into their show weekdays from 6am to 9am on 96 to 103 FM.

A list of the latest planning applications submitted to, and decisions made by, Fareham Borough Council.

Applications

Locks Heath

83 Peters Road, Locks Heath. Single storey rear extension with habitable roof space. Mr Peter Crabb. Case Officer: Simon Thompson – P/13/0335/FP

Sarisbury

45 Anglers Way, Lower Swanwick. Conversion of integral garage to residential accommodation. Mr Andrew Smith. Case Officer: Simon Thompson – P/13/0332/FP

3 Anderson Close, Whiteley. Erection of rear conservatory. Mrs Mcguigan. Case Officer: Emma Marks – P/13/0336/FP

Titchfield

7 Sandringham Road, Fareham. Erection of single storey side extension and two storey rear extension. Mr and Mrs Robertson. Case Officer: Emma Marks – P/13/0316/FP

5 Southampton Hill, Titchfield. Erection of wrap-around rear/side conservatory. Ms Louisa Frampton. Case Officer: Simon Thompson – P/13/0324/FP

32 Hunters Lodge, Fareham. Removal of existing conservatory and construction of single storey sitting room with high level rooflights. Mr and Mrs Frost. Case Officer: Simon Thompson – P/13/0331/FP

Titchfield Common

72 Hunts Pond Road, Park Gate. Erection of rear conservatory. Mr Matthew Quirk. Case Officer: Emma Marks – P/13/0315/FP

48 The Hurdles, Titchfield Common. Erection of orangery to rear of dwelling. Mr and Mrs Goodsell. Case Officer: Simon Thompson – P/13/0337/FP

87 Locks Heath Park Road, Locks Heath. Certificate of lawful development for a proposed two storey rear extension. Mr and Mrs Martin Smith. Case Officer: Richard Wright – P/13/0339/LP

Warsash

3 Enterprise Close, Warsash. Erection of single storey front and rear extensions and first floor side extension over garage. Mrs S Jegat. Case Officer: Emma Marks – P/13/0318/FP

Fairhaven, Solent Breezes/Chilling Lane. Erection of single storey side and rear extensions to the existing detached garage, provision of a pitched roof and conversion of the garage to a granny annex. Mrs Jean Perkins. Case Officer: Susannah Emery – P/13/0330/FP

Decisions

Park Gate

24 Lower Duncan Road, Park Gate. Erection of first floor rear extension with barn hipped roof and juliet balcony (alternative to P/12/0785/FP). Mr P Taylor. Approve – P/13/0202/FP

Eagle Point, Little Park Farm Road. Erection of canopy at the entrance of the building. Mr Paul Foster. Approve – P/13/0258/FP

Sarisbury

233 Swanwick Lane – land to rear of – Lower Swanwick. Erection of four detached dwellings with garaging/parking and provision of access from Lower Swanwick Road. Mrs Vicki Horrell. Approve – P/13/0062/FP

10 Swanwick Lane, Swanwick. Erection of single storey rear extension. Mr Martin Farnam. Approve – P/13/0195/FP

5 Buchan Avenue, Whiteley. Erection of single storey rear extension (certificate of lawfulness). Mr Kevin Fifield. Approve – P/13/0293/LP

Titchfield

12 Brunel Way, Fareham. Proposed erection of two/three-storey rear extension and alterations to car parking area to the west side of the premises. Mr David Gillett. Approve – P/12/0198/FP

173 Segensworth Road, Fareham. Demolish existing chalet bungalow and erect 2 no. Detached or semi-detached chalet bungalows (outline application for access only). Mr D Massey. Withdrawn – P/12/0314/OA

Mill Lane, Titchfield. Installation of open reach cabinet. Openreach. Approve – P/13/0166/SU

Titchfield Hill, Titchfield. Installation of telecommunications cabinet. Open Reach. Approve – P/13/0204/SU

119 Segensworth Road, Fareham. Erection of side and rear conservatory. Mr and Mrs R and C Clark. Approve – P/13/0222/FP

Warsash

7b Brook Lane, Warsash. Change of use from a1 (retail) to sui generis (nails and beauty). Miss Jenna Sharpe. Approve – P/13/0192/CU

Magistrates in Hampshire are more than twice as likely to send criminals to prison as courts in other parts of the country, new figures reveal.

New research by the Howard League for Penal Reform charity showed courts in Hampshire imposed custodial sentences in 3.9 per cent of the cases they heard in 2011.

This was more often than areas such as Warwickshire (1.5 per cent) and Northumbria (1.6 per cent). The national average was 3.8 per cent.

Magistrates’ courts in Hampshire handed down 35,025 sentences to men, women and children in 2011 – of which 1,375 were custodial.

The charity said a growing number of magistrates’ benches were using community sentences which reduce crime and help people to turn their lives around, but some benches were still imposing prison sentences in cases where they were unnecessary.

Frances Crook, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “It is pleasing to see that magistrates’ courts are sending fewer people to prison overall than they have in the past. However, one cannot ignore the striking disparity in sentencing trends between different criminal justice areas.

“A short-term prison sentence is a catastrophe for everyone. It does not help change the life of the person sentenced – indeed, it is likely to compound issues such as drug addiction and make them more likely to re-offend. It costs the taxpayer a fortune and it does nothing to help victims, who get no recompense or easing of trauma.

“A court which imposes short prison sentences increases the likelihood of local people becoming victims of crime, because the failure rate is so high.

“Community sentences are much cheaper than custody and they deliver better results. They not only address a person’s offending, but allow them to access other services they need, such as help with drink, drugs or mental health problems.”

The maximum sentence that a magistrates’ court can impose is a six-month prison term, or up to 12 months in total for more than one offence.

Sailors took to the water with the sunny weather last weekend for the Brooks Macdonald Warsash Spring Championship.

There were 150 boats taking part in the event on April 20and 21 with officials running 40 separate races.

Spring Championship begins in ideal conditions

The Spring Championship, as part of the Warsash Spring Series, offers an intense schedule of four days’ racing, with no discards allowed.

Although the Saturday dawned with the River Hamble resembling a millpond, everyone was pleased to see the wind and the racing got underway without delay.

Windward/leeward courses were set for all classes in Black Group varying in length from 4.3 to 6.2 nm for IRC1/IRC2 and 3.1 to 5.5 nm for J/109, IRC3 and IRC4. IRC1 had an impressive lineup. The four Farr 45s topped the rating band and were joined by six J/111s as well as J/133s, Kers, a Sydney 40, Max Fun 35 and Grand Soleil 46.

Former Commodore’s Cup winner Anthony O’Leary also competed with his successful Ker 39 Antix.

After an initial general recall, the class was given a second chance to start under a ‘P’ flag and all went well.

The weather was bright and sunny on the Sunday with a forecast south-westerly breeze set to build from 10 to 17 knots during the day the best sailing conditions in the series so far.

The plan was to offer a longer race well over two hours to the Spring Series competitors followed by a short race for those boats entered in the Spring Championship only.

Racing took place on a small neap tide which may have led boats into a false sense of security. Several had to take penalties after misjudging the tide at the windward mark.

Ran proved unbeatable in IRC1 with Bon Exemple continuing her fine performance in IRC2. The Series race for IRC3 saw a very close finish, Induljence (J/97 – Nick and Adam Munday) taking first place by five seconds from Elaine (Elan 37 – Mike Bridges) with Starspray a further five seconds adrift in third. Sardonyx IX scored two wins in the J/109s, to count towards the Series and Championship. There is no stopping Kevin Sussmilch’s Mefisto, helmed by Volvo Ocean Race sailor Andy Budgen, making a clean sweep in the Sigma 38s.

The Brooks Macdonald Warsash Spring Series and Spring Championship grand finale will take place next weekend.

Inspectors rated a church school in Sarisbury Green as outstanding, a newly published report revealed.

Sarisbury Junior School

Sarisbury Junior School received the top grade after a one and a half day inspection by an officer from the Diocese of Portsmouth – the Church of England body for Portsmouth and surrounding regions.

The report, by inspector Chris Pritchard, praised the Church of England school for its stable connection between senior staff and the vicar at St Paul’s Church.

“This is an outstanding school because the core Christian values of love, hope and forgiveness ensure every child is treated as unique and valued as a child of God,” the report stated.

“Sarisbury is outstanding as a church school because it is inclusive and invitational. Children and adults are respected as individuals whatever their faith background, yet the school maintains a deep-seated distinctive Christian character.

“Parents, children and staff spoke of the sense of family within the school, how they are made to feel part of the family of Sarisbury Junior and that their well-being is of vital importance to the school community.”

It mentioned elements the school could focus on to develop, including to develop further the pupils’ voice in expressing the Christian character within the school and to the community it serves, as well as review the signs and symbols on the outside of the school for an opportunity to reflect the Christian foundation at the site in Allotment Road.

Head teacher Andy Stockton was delighted with the grade and said: “I’m very pleased and we’re really proud of the judgment.

“We were outstanding in a previous inspection in 2007 so the school has maintained a high focus of Christian dimension.

“Chris was really impressed with the way the children, parents and staff described the school.

“The links we have with St Paul’s are excellent and we work very closely with Reverend Matheson and the St Paul’s team.

“We give a special thanks to Penny and Mike Cooper, who are members of the church, who come in to read Bible stories to the children in a really creative and engaging way. As a consequence the school has developed a lot in that time and the links with St Paul’s have strengthened.”

He said the school will consider an activity involving a re-design of the sign to reflect the Christian values.

Locks Heath football club chairman Dougie Leaske said they planned for thousands of pounds of development work at the Recreation Ground to meet the standards of a higher league now they have won their division.

Locks Heath FC’s home ground at the recreation ground

Officials from the FA in London visited the Warsash Road ground last week to inspect the facilities ahead of making a decision on whether Locks Heath can move up to the Sydenhams Wessex League.

They won the Hampshire Premier League with an 8-1 thrashing of Liphook United at their home ground last night (April 23) but now the anxious wait goes on to see if they can move up a division.

If they are promoted they will have to provide a covered area for spectators among other improvements, and they plan to do that on one side of the pitch.

Dougie Leaske said he estimated the work they planned this summer would cost in the region of £30,000 for the covered spectator area, new dug-outs and other work.

“This is really all in the hands of the Football Association,” he said. “They came down and saw what we have got and they will now make their decision in a week or two.

“Normally the standards would be in place for the new league, but we can’t spend that money until we know we are going to go up so we are waiting and seeing what they say.

“We have got a development plan and we have been talking to the council about it – we just need to hear what the FA decide.”

Read more on how Locks Heath won the Hampshire Premier League.

The celebrations continued in the dressing room – Picture James White Photography

Locks Heath were last night crowned the Puma Engineering Hampshire Premier League Champions with a thumping 8-1 win over Liphook United.

George Mason, the Chairman of the Hampshire League, presented the trophy to Locks Heath captain Sean Stacey to spark jubilant celebrations on the pitch at the Recreation Ground.

Locks Heath needed two points from their final two games in order to secure the title – but were determined to make sure of the championship at the first hurdle.

See the celebrations as Locks Heath lift the championship trophy

They raced into a four goal lead in the first half with goals from Matt Northcott and two more from Ash Tattersall before Sean Snelling scored a beauty just before the break.

Locks Heath celebrate winning the Puma Engineering Hampshire League. Picture – James White Photoghraphy

Sam Gray pulled one back for the visitors with a superb volley, but there was no stopping Locks Heath who fired in four more through Snelling again, two from Ryan Lock and one from Jordan Neal.

Now Locks Heath must sit tight and wait to see if they will be approved by the Football Association for promotion into the Sydenhams Wessex League.

Read more on plans for Locks Heath’s ground.

Click one of the images in our gallery to see the picture slideshow. Pictures by James White Photography.

A plan for 206 houses on a derelict site in Locks Heath has been refused for not providing adequate affordable housing.

An aerial view of the Peters Road site application that was refused

Developers Taylor Wimpey and Bovis applied to Fareham Borough Council to build on land to the south of Peters Road with a new vehicle and pedestrian access, associated parking and open space.

Despite a council planning officer’s report recommending the plans should be approved, councillors unanimously refused permission because the developers would not provide the £3,638,768 payment towards education, infrastructure and sports facilities.

The builders told the council the suggested contribution along with the requirement to make 40 per cent of the new homes affordable would make the scheme unviable and they would not proceed.

Councillor Brian Bayford, who represents the Park Gate ward where the site is located, said: “It was refused on the grounds of design, affordability and the viability of it.

“They were not intending to give any money towards affordable homes and infrastructure.

“I was unhappy with the number of three storey buildings on the site. I didn’t like the design of some of them – they didn’t have nice backdrops. To be honest they looked a bit bland.

Peters Road site plan – the coloured land to be developed by Taylor Wimpey and Bovis was refused

“We have a policy at the council that we would like developers to provide 40 per cent of the buildings or bedrooms as affordable.

“They were only going to give 27 per cent, which I thought wasn’t good enough.

“I wasn’t in any way happy they wanted to provide much less than half the contribution funds for infrastructure and road improvements.”

The application would have had the main access to the site on Lockswood Road, with emergency vehicle access routes through an adjoining development for 49 dwellings – which has already been given permission – and directly onto Peters Road.

The proposed homes were to be a mix of two and three storey buildings and a combination of 129 houses and 77 flats – which included affordable housing.

Nearby residents objected to the latest proposals on the 6.33 hectare land concerned about the size of the development, the impact on traffic and wildlife and loss of privacy. They felt there would be a need for a second road to access the site.

Councillor Bayford added: “The developers weren’t very happy. It was interesting that one resident said if the developers don’t get what they want then perhaps they won’t develop on it. So if that were the case the residents would probably be very happy with that solution.

“It’s going to be developed one day, but until we get it exactly right then nothing is going to be developed there.

“They will go away and come back with some slightly revised plans and try to negotiate differently on the questions of viability, affordable housing and infrastructure.”

The application site includes areas of derelict glasshouses and a number of abandoned outbuildings, as well as a mix of field boundaries and wooded areas as well as hedgerows that criss-cross the site.

The site has been earmarked for housing as part of the council’s local plan – the document that sets out guidelines for the future of the borough. A number of applications have been made over the past 15 years.

Permission was granted for 307 homes on a larger part of the site in November 2008, but has not yet been developed. The permission will expire later this year unless work begins soon.

The developers were unavailable for comment.

By Martin Rowe

Locks Heath can go into this weekend’s final match of the season full of pride after they sealed the title in midweek.

Their 8-1 thrashing of Liphook United on Tuesday night sealed the title with a game to spare.

That means the pressure is well and truly off for the clash with AFC Stoneham this weekend. Their opponents have been hot on the heels of Locks Heath all season but never managed to close the gap.

The match between these two is on Saturday April 27 with the kick off at 3pm.