Hook Community Christmas
The Parish Council plans to host a Hook Community Christmas Lunch on Christmas Day again this year. Anyone who will be alone (of any age) on Christmas day can join the party for Christmas dinner, some fun, carol singing and to enjoy the company of others. This event is free for guests thanks to a number of local organisations, volunteers and sponsors who have been extremely generous in providing money, time and goods.
If you are able to volunteer your help on the day or if you will be alone on Christmas Day and would like lunch, please get in contact by e-mail at or call the office on 01256 768687 for more information or to register your interest.
New Councillor – Rob Cowell OBE
The Parish Council is pleased to announce that Rob Cowell OBE has now joined the council. He has recently retired after serving 36 years in the RAF. Rob originates from Hampshire and moved to Hook in 2006, with his wife and two grown up sons. He enjoys tennis, golf and travel and gardening. Rob has a genuine desire to use his administrative and leadership skills in all committee activities, and relishes the opportunity to face the future challenges of Hook’s development.
Parish Council Office Christmas Closure
Please be aware that the Office will close at 12 noon on Friday December 22nd December and will re-open at 9am on Tuesday 2nd January 2018.
Planning News
The last year has seen an unprecedented increase in the number of Hook planning applications, submitted to Hart District Council (HDC). These include several large scale developments such as Owen’s Farm (West of Hook). Hook Parish Council’s Planning and Infrastructure Committee meets twice monthly to discuss such applications. As a statutory consultee, representing the local community’s interests, it continues to feedback local opinions though the submission of planning comments to HDC. A summary of the larger applications received and the Parish Council’s response to them can be found at https://hook.gov.uk/category/development/. If you do not have access to the internet, please contact the Parish Council for a paper copy.
Wellworth Park Play Area Refurbishment
The official opening was a great success. Over 100 people enjoyed the sunshine when the park was officially opened by Ranil Jayawardena MP, who was accompanied by his young daughter. Wicksteed provided goody bags for every child. The Parish Council have been awarded £1,000 towards the refurbishment from the Tesco ‘Bags of Help’ Scheme. Thank you to all those who voted for the project with, their blue discs in Tesco’s. Thank you also to ‘Petals From Paula’ who donated the ribbons for the opening ceremony. The new play equipment enables greater accessibility, combining modern equipment with classic childhood favourites and provides a wonderful play venue for children of all ages. .
Hook Infrastructure
The Parish council is a key link between the community and other tiers of local government. We have regular dialogue with Hampshire County Council highways and endeavour to keep residents informed of relevant matters.
S E Water will commence installation of an essential new water main, between Griffin Way South and the roundabout on station road, on 8th January. This will be done in sections and will take until July to be completed. Traffic disruption is unavoidable, as traffic lights will be in operation.
Recycling and Waste
Hart District Council will take one or more of their green crates from the kerbside. If you would like an additional crate, they are free to collect from Hart District Council or the Parish Council office. Alternately, if you prefer to have a wheeled glass bin they are available from Hart District Council and cost £30. Please remember that wrapping paper, shredded paper, plastic packaging cannot be recycled and will need to go in your black bins. For more information about recycling, go to https://www.hart.gov.uk/waste-recycling or call 01252 622122.
Crime and ASB
There has been a recurrence of break-ins to access cars keys from the house and steal the cars. With Christmas around the corner, make sure you secure your property.
Thieves often gain access by putting a hand or hook through the letter box and removing keys left visible nearby, or lifting the handle to open the door. UPVC doors are particularly vulnerable, where the handle had been lifted to engage the lock rather than locked with the key. Advice from the police is to double lock all doors with the key when leaving home and at night and ensure keys are not visible through the letter box or window. Free advice can also be obtained from https://www.bluelamptrust.org.uk/Bobby_Scheme
The Parish Councillors and the Office Staff would like to wish all our residents a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Dates for your diary
- Hook Community Christmas Lunch–25th December 2017, Hook Community Centre 12 – 3pm