horndeanmatters

Aquind who are proposing the new power interconnector from France to Lovedean sub-station are also it appears considering laying a fibre optic cable at the same time. It is understood that this allows the equipment at both ends of the cable to be monitored for balancing power etc but would have spare capacity for wholesale use to telecoms providers.

Ok, makes sense and if they are laying a cable then why not lay two.

I’m a little concerned however as this comes with the opportunity to be granted a licence by Ofcom to install infrastructure without planning permission, streetworks licences and to secure access on private land through the courts. Extract below from the Ofcom notification of consultation.

The electronic communications code is a set of rights that are intended to assist providers of communications networks and/or systems of infrastructure. Operators to whom Ofcom applies the Code may:
• construct and maintain communications networks and infrastructure (such as ducts, cabinets and poles) on public highways without the need to obtain a street works licence to undertake such works;
• construct communications infrastructure which is classified as ‘permitted developments’ under Town and Country Planning legislation (such as certain types of masts, poles and cabinets) without the need to apply for planning permission; and
• in the event that agreement cannot be reached with the owner or occupier of private land, concerning the deployment of communications networks or infrastructure on private land to apply to the Court to impose an agreement which confers the Code right being sought by the operator or provides for the Code right to bind the landowner or occupier.
Ofcom considers applications for the grant of Code powers from providers of electronic communications networks and providers of systems of infrastructure (or both) with reference to the matters set out in section 107(4) of the Communications Act 2003.

This is an area of expertise that few people locally have had to deal with and my question would be the following: If they are granted this power, and the fibre optic cable runs from interconnector to interconnector they would be able to install this cable from Portsmouth to Lovedean without getting planning permission or streetworks licences. What is to stop them from installing their power cables at the same time? After all we often criticise utility companies for digging up the road to put in a gas pipe, then two days later for a water pipe, “why cant they do it at the same time?” we ask…

Click on this link 2020 01 21 Aquind code-powers to download a PDF of the Ofcom consultation and consultation-form (3) to download a word copy of the response form which has the reply email details in it.

For me I will be replying that the licence should only be granted if the scheme as a whole is given planning permission (so as not to be used as any alternative mechanism to lay cabling) and that it is only to allow the installation of telecommunications equipment, all other utility infrastructure, particularly power cable, to be required to go through the normal planning and highways approval processes.

The Ofcom consultation closes on the 21st February 2020

The Aquind planning application has been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for them to decide. this means that EHDC, Winchester City Council, the South Downs National Park Authority and other key local organisations are now just consultees who can give a view on the application.

As a “Nationally Significant Infrastructure project” (NSIP) the Planning Inspectorate weigh up the application from a planning perspective and importance to the Nation.

Details of the application including the documents submitted and the next steps are on this link HERE

The application has been accepted for examination and interested parties have until the 19th February to register. Any group, business or private individual can register and doing so means you are notified of key steps in the application including progress of the application (hearings etc) and the decision. it also means you can register your comments and views.

The link to register for updates and to give your views is HERE

And… a link to the 536 documents (at the time of this blog…) is on this link HERE

Please find below details of various current scams from the Force Crime Prevention Advisor at Hampshire Constabulary from their November 2019 update.

Cllr Sara Schillemore.

SCAM 1

A scammer calls you, claiming to be from your bank or a Police Officer. They tell you that a fraudulent payment has been spotted on your card, or someone has been arrested using your card details.

They’ll either ask you for your PIN or ask you to key it into your phone. No bank or other legitimate service will ever ask you for your PIN. The scammer then sends a courier or taxi to pick up the card from your home. Even the driver may not know they’re being used as part of the scam. Once the scammer has both your card and PIN they can spend your money.

SCAM 2

A scammer calls you or visits you, claiming to be a Police Officer. They tell you there is a corrupt member of staff at your bank/ post office and the police need your help to catch them.

They ask you to withdraw a large sum of your money, which the police or bank will mark, then put back into the banking system. They say this will help them identify the corrupt person. Once you hand the cash over, it’s gone forever.

SCAM 3

A scammer calls/visits you claiming to be a Police Officer. They are investigating a local jewellers for selling counterfeit jewellery/watches. They ask you to buy an expensive watch or piece of jewellery, to try to find out if counterfeit goods are being sold. Once you’ve bought the item, the scammer tells you to hand it to a taxi driver or courier for transfer to the police. The item is then simply kept by the scammer to be sold for monetary gain.

Bicycle Security Tips

1. When out lock your bike to something immovable, an object a bike cannot be lifted over and cannot be broken, cut or removed. Check the object is fastened to the ground.
2. For maximum protection use two locks (a D-lock and a robust chair and padlock is ideal). Find tested and approved bike locks at Sold Secure
3. Register your bike on Immobilise. Consider marking your bike with a bike wrap or similar. You can also invest in a bike alarm as a further deterrent.
4. Always lock your bike up at home, consider installing a ground anchor and attach it securely to a wall or concreate floor.

Action Fraud Update

Action Fraud is warning people to be on the lookout for fraudulent travel websites and unsolicited phone calls from scammers promising “too good to be true” deals on flights (particularly Africa and the Indian subcontinent).

Fraudsters most commonly cold call pretending to be from a travel company after the victim has unknowingly entered their personal details on a bogus website. After transferring the money for the great deal offered, victims may receive a confirmation email but any further attempts to contact the company will be unsuccessful. For more information click here.

ADVICE:

• Do your research – don’t just check one review!
• Are they a member of a registered trade body like ABTA
• Pay safe – use a credit card but be wary of paying into an individual’s account

Online Shopping: 5 Top Tips

1. Use a secure internet connection when online shopping, and avoid using public wi-fi.
2. Paying by credit card offers greater protection as most major credit card providers insure online purchases. Check your card’s Terms and Conditions for exact details.
3. Before entering payment card details on a website, ensure that the link is secure. There should be a padlock symbol in the browser window frame, which appears when you attempt to log in or register. The web address should also begin with ‘https://’. The ‘s’ stands for ‘secure’.
4. Check reviews to see if there are reviews and recommendations from a trusted source.
5. Check the web address for subtle misspellings, additional words and characters and other irregularities. For more information visit www.getsafeonline.org

You can read more tips in the Christmas Online Shopping booklet on the OPPC website.

Cyber Protect Team: Email Scams

PayPal Scam: A new PayPal scam/phishing email is going around asking email recipients to click on a link to access their PayPal account. Do not click on the link. If you want to check your account visit the PayPal website here.

Action Fraud phishing email: A new Action Fraud scam/phishing email is being sent out telling recipients that they have money owed to them. Do not click on the link. Under no circumstances will Action Fraud, or a police force, ask you to make a payment in order to recover money that you may have lost. For more information visit Action Fraud.

Urgent message on behalf of Horndean parish Council

UNFORTUNATELY DUE TO THE PREDICTED WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR TUESDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2019 WE HAVE HAD TO MAKE THE DECISION TO CANCEL THE CAROL SERVICE DUE TO TAKE PLACE IN HORNDEAN SQUARE FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY REASONS. PLEASE ACCEPT OUR APOLOGIES.

WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO WISH EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

HORNDEAN PARISH COUNCIL.

So Flick Drummond, the Conservative candidate standing in Meon Valley, has been to several Question and Answer sessions around the constituency to meet as many people as possible. Here are some of the questions and answers – and if you have any questions for Flick you can find and contact her on this link Here

Can you tell us why you are the best candidate to represent Meon Valley as MP

I have lived in this area for the last 33 years and know it very well. I have also had experience in Parliament as an MP so will be able to hit the ground running if I am elected which is important at this time in our history.

Brexit. Are you Leave or Remain, will you support Boris’s deal, should the deal be amended and do we look to remain in a customs union.

I will be supporting Boris Johnson’s withdrawal agreement. It is very important that we deliver on the democratic vote despite whatever we wanted and to leave following the referendum and finish the uncertainty for our businesses and everyone. We need to Get Brexit Done and get the best deal we can now.

The proposed interconnector project known as ‘Aquind’ is a major concern locally. What is your position on this and how would you get involved to look after local interests?

It is a concern especially with the disruption it will cause for some time, let alone a massive building in the countryside and the permanent noise associated with these installations so I will listen to local residents carefully and work with local councils to find the best way forward. This planning application is being decided by the secretary of state so I will be well placed to help make sure local views are heard.

Social media has grown faster than controlling legislation. How do you feel the best way is to put in place safeguards for young people?

I am very concerned about social media and young people. Many of them use it more often for their social life instead of going out to talk to friends. I am also worried about the impact on mental health as it is difficult to get away from bullies on social media or the feeling that one is not good enough because of comments.

Should Facebook be able to gather vast personal data on us and then use it to sell targeted advertising to political organisations?

It is a big concern that personal data from all sources is being used in the wrong way by all sorts of organisations. We also need to make sure that people know how to identify fake news so they can find out the truth. I urge everyone to look at the Party Manifestos and websites to get the correct information.

How are you going to engage with young people in the Constituency

I hope that I will be invited into all the schools and colleges to meet young people alongside businesses and apprenticeships to hear the views of everyone and will contact them if elected.

What key issues with the NHS do you think need fixing and how would you execute this?

As we are an ageing population, the pressures on the NHS are growing. We have to realise that it can’t do everything and that people must use it correctly. It is very disappointing that people do not turn up for appointments at doctors without letting them know which means that other patients cannot be seen. We also need to encourage people to use pharmacies and walk-in-clinics rather than going to Emergency Departments. We need to see more investment into public health to keep people healthy in the first place.

Land East Of Horndean is our key strategic development that will bring in a new school, community building and vast public open space. What will you do to help support this development?

We must make sure that local residents have a say in any development and that it is appropriate in terms of numbers and design alongside the infrastructure that is needed at the same time. I would like to see better built houses with more space so that families can have the room to grow.

Noise on the A3M is an issue to homes along its length with noise levels exceeding set limits. What would you do to address this?

The best way is to have quiet tarmac but also more trees and acoustic fencing. I will work with the Highways Agency and local councillors to see what else can be done.

What is the best way for us to fund and provide care for the elderly?

We need a cross-party discussion on this. It is a difficult issue but we need to solve it quickly as a country with an ageing population and I think that can only be done if everyone sits down and works towards a system which is affordable for everyone – the tax payer and the elderly person.

How would you help support the increase in homes for first time buyers and make them truly affordable

We must make sure that developers build affordable housing and they are not allowed to get away with just a token amount of money instead.

What are your three top local issues for Horndean, Rowlands Castle and Clanfield

1. To make sure that development is appropriate in numbers and a mix of houses/flats which are affordable. I would like us to be a sustainable community to help with climate change and will be working with local people to see whether we can do this.
2. To work on ways to stop speeding through all our villages
3. Make sure that we retain the individuality of each place and keep our beautiful countryside working for farmers and for all of us to enjoy.

Meet Flick 2nd Dec at The Farmer Inn.

Flick Drummond, our local Conservative parliamentary candidate, will be at The Farmer Inn on Monday 2nd December between 18:00 and 20:00 to meet local residents and take any questions.

To find out where she stands on providing care for an ageing population, funding our Armed Forces, supporting local schools and of course the ‘B’ word please feel free to head over for a drink and a chat.

The Q+A has been organised by Cllr Sara Schillemore so if you would like to pose a question but can’t make it please comment on this post and it will be passed onto Flick.

Please keep comments polite and respectful – this election and Brexit is bringing out the worst in people.

HPC would like to welcome us all to their Christmas Carol Service on Tuesday 10th December starting at 7:00pm.