Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is introducing the changes from Monday 12 October, with the aim of increasing recycling and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill or other forms of disposal. The changes are also intended to help the borough meet mandatory waste reduction targets set by the government.

Under those targets, the borough’s recycling rate needs to more than double, from around 30% to 65% by 2035. The amount of rubbish thrown away each year must also be cut by half by 2042.

From October, rubbish bins will be collected every two weeks, alternating with recycling collections. Food waste caddies will continue to be collected every week, while glass will remain on a fortnightly collection.

Personalised bin collection calendars are now being sent to households, with envelopes containing printed leaflets and cut-out-and-keep calendars expected to begin arriving on residents’ doormats from the end of this week.

The calendars have been produced specifically for individual properties and will show collection dates for all waste and recycling containers over the coming months. They will also include temporary changes to collections over the Christmas and New Year period, when schedules are adjusted to give crews time to catch up following the festive break.

Residents will also be able to check their collection dates online through the council’s bin collection service, which can be used once the printed calendar has run out.

The council says more than 40% of the material currently found in household waste bins could be recycled using the services already available across the borough.

Residents are being encouraged to make the most of recycling collections and reduce the amount they put into their rubbish bins. The council has refreshed its waste and recycling webpages and sent households a recycling leaflet earlier this year, with further advice included in the new collection calendars.

Information is also available about recycling a wider range of household items at the borough’s recycling sites, along with advice on reducing everyday household waste.

Cllr Laura James, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing, said residents should keep their calendars somewhere safe so they are ready for the changes on 12 October.

She said the calendars would make it clear if a household’s collection day was changing and when bins should be put out, while also providing useful information about what can be recycled.

Residents looking for further information about the changes, recycling more from home, disposing of household items, or requesting an extra or replacement bin can visit the council’s waste and recycling information.

The government announced on Monday that its decision, made in March, had been withdrawn following legal advice. It says this will allow it to review the evidence and consider how the proposals fit with its new ambitions and priorities.

Cllr Paul Harvey described the move as “deeply disappointing”, saying councils and communities had spent months preparing for major changes.

He said the announcement had come without warning and that the council would now seek answers about what it means for the future of local government in Hampshire.

Cllr Harvey also defended the proposed North Hampshire council, saying it would be large enough to remain financially strong while staying closely connected to local communities.

He said the council would continue to oppose any proposal for a larger authority covering more of Hampshire, while focusing on protecting services for residents amid ongoing financial pressures facing Hampshire County Council.

The new feature has been added to the Overton Radio website as part of a growing range of useful local information services being developed for the community.

Passengers can use the tracker to view upcoming bus services and see where a bus is along its route, helping them decide when they need to head to the bus stop.

Creator Rob Francis said the tracker was developed with one simple aim: to make finding local travel information easier.

“I wanted to create something that was genuinely useful for people in Overton and the surrounding villages. Rather than having to search around different websites to find out when the next bus is coming, the information is now available in one place.”

Rob said the bus tracker is just the beginning, with several more features already being worked on.

“There’s a lot more in the pipeline. I’m currently looking at introducing a train tracker, a dedicated roadworks section and an online planning portal.”

The planned services are designed to bring more everyday local information together on the Overton Radio website, creating a central hub for residents looking for information about transport, road conditions and local planning applications.

“The idea is to keep building on what we already have and make the website more useful to the community. If someone wants to know when their bus is coming, whether there are roadworks affecting their journey, when the next train is due or what planning applications are being submitted locally, eventually they’ll be able to find all of that in one place.”

The new bus tracker is available now via the Overton Radio website.

The concert will take place on 12 December at Weyhill Fairground Village Hall. Tickets cost £10, while children under ten can attend for free. The evening will feature seasonal songs performed by the popular community choir, with all proceeds helping the day centre continue its work with local residents.

Organisers say they hope the event will bring people together and raise much-needed funds during the busy winter period. The concert adds another highlight to the local Christmas calendar and offers a warm and friendly start to the festive season.

The fair promises a wide range of handcrafted gifts, seasonal decorations, and unique festive treats, making it the perfect opportunity to start Christmas shopping while supporting local makers.

Entry is completely free, and visitors will also be able to enjoy refreshments throughout the day.

Organisers say the fair is a great way to bring the community together while showcasing local talent.

The Kingfisher Day Centre looks forward to welcoming everyone for a day of Christmas cheer, shopping, and community spirit.

A familiar face in the borough, Cllr Phillimore first entered local government in 2015 as a borough councillor for Overton, Laverstoke and Freefolk—a ward that later became Whitchurch, Overton and Laverstoke. With deep-rooted ties to the community, he brings both experience and local pride to his new role.

Born and bred in the borough, Cllr Phillimore has lived in either Overton or Whitchurch his entire life and can trace his family’s local heritage back to 1600 in Steventon. A former pupil of Overton Church of England Primary and Queen Mary’s Grammar School in Basingstoke, he has spent the last 40 years working as an accountant in the motor trade.

As Mayor, Cllr Phillimore will represent the borough at civic and ceremonial events throughout the year, while championing his 2025/26 charity appeal, which supports two causes close to his heart: the Whitchurch Community Swimming Pool and St. Michael’s Hospice (North Hampshire).

The swimming pool, located at Testbourne School in Whitchurch, is the focus of a major community effort to restore it for public use. Meanwhile, St. Michael’s Hospice offers vital palliative care and emotional support for people with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Serving alongside him during the mayoral term is Cllr Jacky Tustain, who has been appointed Deputy Mayor for 2025–2026.

For more information about the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane and how to support the Mayor’s charity appeal, visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/mayor.

Picture: Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council

Organized to raise funds for Dive Ability, a Hook-based charity that transforms the lives of disabled individuals through the power of scuba diving, the event promises an exhilarating experience while supporting a great cause.

When and Where?

Date: Saturday, 15th March 2025
Location: Overton Black Arrows Archery Range, Laverstoke Lane, Laverstoke, Hampshire, RG28 7NY

Who Can Take Part?

This unique challenge is open to anyone aged 18 or older on the day of the event. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just keen to support a worthy cause in a memorable way, this is your chance to walk on fire—literally!

How to Sign Up

Signing up is simple! Just head over to this registration link to secure your spot.

Participation Fees and Sponsorship

• £10 entry fee if you commit to raising £100 or more in sponsorship.
• If you’re unable to commit to fundraising, a £50 non-refundable deposit is required instead.

More Information

Additional event details and FAQs can be found on the registration page. If you’re curious about firewalking and want to learn more, check out the FireWalk website for insights and expert guidance.

So, do you have what it takes to conquer the heat? Sign up today and take the ultimate (but shortest) walk for a truly incredible cause!

Kicking off at 7:30 PM, with the quiz starting promptly at 8 PM, the event invites teams of up to six people to test their knowledge in a fun and friendly competition. Entry costs £10 per person, which includes food, and a cash/card bar will be available. Plus, there are exciting prizes up for grabs for the top teams.

To secure a spot, participants must email Clare Albert at LandFfundraising@gmail.com with their names and payment details.

The quiz night serves as a key fundraising event for the trust, which works to maintain and enhance vital community spaces, including the Children’s Playground, Quiet Garden, Woodland & Open Field, and the Beautiful Pond Area.

With a great atmosphere, delicious food, and plenty of friendly rivalry, the Laverstoke & Freefolk Millennium Green Trust Quiz Night promises to be a fantastic evening for a great cause. Don’t miss out—book your place today!

Starting in Whitchurch, they’ll head to Overton via the Harrow Way, onto Ashe and Steventon, then returning to Overton, a detour around Jackson’s Wood and onto Laverstoke before heading back home via the Hangings.

The men’s shed currently help a number of local organisation and individuals by doing jobs – large and small – which are carried out for free, or at cost-price only. The Men’s Shed has used its own funds – as well as the time, expertise and labour of members – to improve the shed.

If you’d like to donate, then Chloe has set up a Just Giving page, which you can access by clicking here.

The building they occupy in Laverstoke Lane is owned by De La Rue and managed by Laverstoke and Freefolk Parish Council, but a problem with the underground pipes connecting the building with the main sewer network means they currently do not have sewage drainage and they need to use a chemical toilet which the parish council can no longer fund.

Eviction would mean closure of the club. This would be both a huge personal disappointment for the shed’s members and a significant loss for the community. The club helps to keep older members of our community active and healthy, lowering the likelihood of imposing greater costs on local authority social and health services.

The men’s shed currently help a number of local organisation and individuals by doing jobs – large and small – which are carried out for free, or at cost-price only. The Men’s Shed has used its own funds – as well as the time, expertise and labour of members – to improve the shed. It would be a so disappointing for this work to be lost.

There are potential solutions at a range of cost points, from wholesale sewage pipe repairs, to installing very small portable facilities for those members who cannot walk to alternative toilets nearby.

The men’s shed is asking the parish council to consider their solutions and do everything it can to support the club and the wellbeing of our members. There will be a meeting of the parish council on Tuesday 6th February at 7.30pm at Lady Rose Hall in Laverstoke Lane, where this will be up for discussion.