Archives for BID News

Hart Local Plan approved

Hart Local Plan approved

  Hart District Council’s Local Plan has been recommended for adoption by the government’s Planning Inspectorate, subject to councillor approval. The Local Plan sets out the council will balance future development requirements with the need to protect the special qualities of Hart. It will include a supply of new homes (including affordable homes and those for older people), economic development floorspace, low carbon lifestyles and renewable energy, while at the same time protecting and enhancing our natural and built environment and biodiversity. Hart District Council see the benefits of the local plan as providing a sound basis to make future planning decisions and
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Fleet welcomes Cantine, its first ever dog café

Fleet welcomes Cantine, its first ever dog café

  Cantine opened in Fleet on 3 February, a dog friendly cafe offering a warm welcome, drinks and snacks as well for dogs as well as their owners. Founded by Ali and Dave, who own two beautiful dogs, Belle and Buddy, and have put their corporate careers behind them to start a business with a difference. This dog friendly cafe will certainly be a great addition to the town. When we visited the café was busy with people enjoying a selection of teas, fresh coffee and home made cakes, including gluten free options. There are snacks for dogs too, including
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Hart and Rushmoor councils awarded £92k to combat rough sleeping.

Hart and Rushmoor councils awarded £92k to combat rough sleeping.

Hart District and Rushmoor Borough Councils have successfully secured funding to the value of £92k for 2020-21 to prevent and reduce the numbers of people sleeping rough in Hart and Rushmoor. The funding has been allocated following a successful bid submitted to central government through the Rough Sleeping Initiative and in response to the Prime Minister’s drive to tackle homelessness. Hart and Rushmoor’s bid proposal identified specific challenges which can be better addressed by providing a joint localised approach. Money this year will be used by Hart and Rushmoor to create two new specialist support worker roles. These will identify and
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Business Advice Workshop – Eliminate Single Plastics in your business

Business Advice Workshop – Eliminate Single Plastics in your business

The Fleet Business Improvement District, FindYourFleet, is working in partnership with Hart District Council and Kate Cottrell from Scoop to encourage businesses in Fleet to make simple changes towards becoming single-use plastic free. Kate Cottrell & Hart District Council are hosting a workshop on Thursday 5th March to introduce the issues surrounding single-use plastic within a working environment and find ways of reducing this damaging waste product. The challenges are similar to a home environment, so wider participants are also welcome, as well as businesses. At the end of the workshop the aim is that you will be able to
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Business Accounting and Legal Clinic

Business Accounting and Legal Clinic

Kirk Rice will be joining forces with the business legal team at Lamb Brooks Solicitors, making themselves available for a free accounting, tax and legal clinic, taking place on Thursday 6 February at the Kirk Rice office in Fleet. Businesses can book a free 20 minute appointment with a qualified accountant and /or lawyer. So if you have a burning question, are looking to make changes to your business or just want to run an idea past someone with the knowledge and experience to advise you, then please book your free appointment. Whatever stage your business is at, a chat
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Have your say on the future of libraries in Hampshire as part of the Hampshire Library Consultation

Have your say on the future of libraries in Hampshire as part of the Hampshire Library Consultation

Hampshire County Council is asking people who live, work and study in Hampshire to have their say on proposed changes to libraries. A 10-week public consultation until Wednesday 18 March 2020 is asking for opinions on: the emerging vision for Hampshire’s Libraries to 2025; the level of need for library services in specific local communities; proposed changes to the Library Service and the potential impacts; and any alternatives that respondents may wish to propose. The proposal includes the possibility of closing up to 10 libraries across the county, although Fleet would not be considered for closure as it is a
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Hart District Council identify £125,000 Single Person Discount Fraud

Hart District Council identify £125,000 Single Person Discount Fraud

Over £125,000 of fraudulently claimed single person discounts have been identified in Hart as a result of a recent review of the Single Person Discount scheme. More than 325 cases were discovered where discounts were removed, and the full charge is now payable. Single Person Discount fraud is the most common type of Local Government fraud nationally, totalling £19.4 million in 2019. Hart District Council recognises that this is a serious issue, reducing income that would otherwise be spent on critical public services. Consequently, reviews are regularly undertaken to ensure that those committing fraud are prevented from doing so and
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Is free parking good for Fleet?

Is free parking good for Fleet?

Hart District Council have been reviewing parking charges and are proposing to introduce free 30 minute parking in Fleet which is being discussed at the Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting on 17th December. The Fleet Business Improvement District undertook two research projects to get views from businesses, people who work in the town and shoppers / visitors to the town to understand whether free parking would be a good thing for Fleet. While there is overwhelming support for free parking, there are significant concerns about the current proposals which would introduce a new 3 hour parking charge, increase fees
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Guide to Preventing Business Crime

Guide to Preventing Business Crime

Lancashire Police have published helpful business crime prevention advice for business owners on their website. Read the full article and download the guide here Here are their top tips to reduce the risks of your business being targeted Keep valuables and anything that may attract a criminal to your business out of sight. Remove anything that might be used to commit crime – eg make sure there are no bricks or debris around or chain bins to railings so they can’t be used as climbing aids Security mark property, use dummy stock or consider smoke and dye systems (larger businesses)
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Fleet Business Improvement District funds taxi marshal pilot in Fleet

Fleet Business Improvement District funds taxi marshal pilot in Fleet

A taxi marshal scheme aimed at ensuring driver and passenger safety is set to launch over the Christmas period in Fleet, in partnership with Fleet Business Improvement District and Hart District Council’s community safety and licensing teams. The Security Industry Authority-licenced marshals, provided by Bridgegate Security with two thirds of the funding from the  Fleet Business Improvement District and the balance from Hart District Council, will operate on Friday and Saturday nights, from midnight to 4am at the taxi rank opposite Moo Moo nightclub until the New Year. The scheme aims to ensure safe operation of the taxi rank by:
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