As the Focus copy deadline arrived so did the sad news that Frank Sopwith passed away on Sunday 14th August after a short illness. Frank has managed the administration of the Hook Garden and Cemetery in an exemplary manner since 1997. Our thoughts are with Kay and all her family.
Hart are consulting on what will become the Local Development Framework (LDF) for the District. The key consultation document for Hook is The Core Strategy ‘Preferred Approach’ which sets out a proposed strategy for the future development of Hart. The final document will determine how Hook will develop over the next fifteen years. Residents are encouraged to attend the consultation event being held at the Elizabeth Hall on Friday 16 September from 12-8pm. The documents can be viewed on line at www.hart.gov.uk. The Parish Council is busy considering the implications of these documents and its response and would welcome feedback in writing from residents.
By now most readers will be aware that in mid July Royal Mail announced that they had decided not to proceed with the closure of Hook Delivery Office. Obviously this is great news for Hook and our thanks go out to all residents who sent in their views which no doubt influenced this decision.
As predicted, the Primary Care Trust has approved the application for a 100 hour pharmacy at the surgery in Hook.
Hampshire County Council is working in partnership with all Hampshire local authorities to deliver the Insulate Hampshire programme. The scheme offers cavity wall insulation for £75, and loft insulation for £99, based on average house size, and subject to a free survey. Over 70s and those on certain benefits will be entitled to insulation free of charge. For more information please contact Sarah Roberts at HCC on 01962 845893 or email .
Residents who attended the Hook Annual Village Meeting in April will have seen the Hook Tea Set on display. The set features line drawings of scenes from Hook and appears to have been produced for the Millennium celebrations in 2000. The set was found in a cupboard at Newnham Clubroom during the preparations for the demolition and rebuilding of the hall. It is still a mystery as to who acquired it and how it came to be in the Clubroom. Hook Parish Council has made a donation of £200 toward the new village hall as a gesture in recognition of the donation of the Tea Set to Hook.
Whilst there are a number of designated dog bins on Parish Council land, dog waste can be placed in the many public bins throughout Hook. Using these bins gives dog owners more opportunities to put bagged waste in a bin. Biodegradable bags can still be obtained free of charge from the Parish Council. Despite our best efforts in providing bins and bags we still receive reports about persistent dog fouling problems. Indeed at least one irresponsible owner has been allowing their dog to foul on another resident’s front garden. Anyone caught allowing their dog to foul will be prosecuted and can be fined up to £1000.
The cows will return to Bassetts Mead during September. They will only be in one of the three fields at any one time. Signs informing the public of the cows’ presence will be clearly displayed
Anne Atkins – Clerk