Upfront
Future of Barracks
THE leader of Winchester City Council has told the government that the council will resist any attempt to sell off the Sir John Moore Barracks site for housing . Stephen Godfrey has written to Defence Minister Mark Lancaster , in advance of an announcement about possible closure of the Barracks at Flowerdown in Winchester as part of a wider review by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation . Godfrey said : “ Should a decision be made to vacate the Sir John Moore Barracks , the Defence Infrastructure Organisation should be aware that Winchester City Council will resist any proposal to develop the barracks primarily for housing . I would expect the local community would also voice significant concerns .
“ However , we would be very supportive of any appropriate proposal that conforms with our Local Plan . Winchester City Council is very keen to exploit opportunities for use of any redundant public land , particularly to retain local employment .”
The letter explained planning policy does not support housing on the site and the Local Plan already addresses housing needs .
Godfrey asked ministers to consider retaining the Sir John Moore Barracks as a defence establishment because of its modern facilities , the city ’ s longstanding military connections and the contribution military personnel make to the vibrancy and economy of Winchester .
Winchester District Advice Charter
PEOPLE in Winchester who need advice will receive an improved service following the launch of the Winchester District Advice Charter at a Big Advice conference for advice-givers in Winchester District .
The conference was organised jointly by Citizens Advice Winchester District , Community First Winchester , and Winchester Action on Climate Change ( WinACC ).
Natalie Webb , chief officer at Citizens Advice Winchester District , said : “ We are seeing more and more people who need help . In many cases people need advice about more than one issue , which is why it ’ s so important that we work with other organisations .”
She presented evidence highlighting issues in the community which might impact on people ’ s advice needs , including an ageing population and the disparity between affluence and poverty in the district .
Nearly 50 representatives from around 30 organisations , from Age UK to Friends of the Family , agreed to work more closely together and welcomed the Charter , which they hope will become the gold standard for anyone who gives advice in Winchester District .
Hampshire County Council , which was represented at the conference , is reviewing advice provision across the whole county .
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