News

Election Support

There are less than two weeks until the polls open for people to cast their votes in the local elections on the 4th May 2023.

There should be no barriers to voting for anyone. Everyone should have the right to vote on their own and in secret.

There’s a whole range of support you can get for when you come to vote, including:

Taking a trust companion with you to a polling station to help you vote
Tactile voting devices such as magnifiers and large print ballot papers
Audio recordings of your ballot papers are available on our website

and much more.

Should you require specific support when casting your vote, please visit Voting in Elections | Test Valley Borough Council for more information.

May Bank Holiday Collections

As we approach the May bank holidays, do remember that Test Valley Borough Council bin collections will be impacted.

Don’t worry though, the teams will be working hard to catch up after the bank holiday and ensure that your waste is collected as soon as possible.

The bank holidays are:

Monday 1st May
Monday 8th May
Monday 29th May

Check the updated schedule and make sure your bins are out on the right day: testvalley.gov.uk/bins.

Planning Application 23/00967/FULLN – Lesleys Cottage, Finkley Road, Finkley, Andover

An application has been received for the erection of an agricultural storage building at Lesleys Cottage, Finkley Road, Finkley, Andover.

The deadline for return of any comments to Test Valley Borough Council (Planning Authority) is 8 May 2023. You can email your comments quoting the reference number of 23/00967/FULLN to planning@testvalley.gov.uk

You can view the application here and enter 23/00967/FULLN as the reference number.

Countdown to the Coronation

Where will you watch?

On Saturday 6 May 2023, The King’s Coronation will be broadcast live on TV, radio and online, and shown on large screens at selected locations across the UK. Whether it’s watching the processions in London in person, or visiting one of the screening sites in the capital’s parks, there’s plenty of helpful guidance online about how you can watch. You can also find a list of large screening events taking place closer to home.

Winchester Cathedral is also offering a live screening of the Coronation Service from Westminster Abbey. Screens will be positioned throughout the Nave, with a large central screen by the altar. You don’t need to book as seats will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Planning your Coronation party

There’s still time to plan your celebrations and preparations for a Coronation Big Lunch event. Get tips and help online, from bunting and baking, to the best buffet pleasers…

👑 downloadable children’s activities
📧 ready-made invitations
🔻🔻 help with bunting 🔻🔻
🍓 special recipes – have you tried strawberry and ginger trifle?
🎶 and the perfect ready-made playlist

Follow the link here for details of the special Coronation weekend!

Getting the Most Out of Your Library

If you love magazines, did you know you can now borrow five magazines at a time for up to seven days from many County Council libraries.

If you prefer reading online, and for easy access, you can use Hampshire Libraries’ free app ‘Libby’ which enables you to download eMagazines directly to your phone, tablet, or computer.

All you need is your library card number and PIN to get started. If you’re new to Libby, just tap the ‘register now’ link on the app’s main page to create your account in a few easy steps. Once registered, you will be automatically logged in and can start enjoying content straight away. For more details on registering, take a look at the Libby user guide.

If you like to read newspapers, they’re on offer for FREE too, through ‘PressReader’ which allows you to read magazines and newspapers on your mobile phone or tablet. You can sign-up here.

Notice of Uncontested Election – Parish Elections May 2023

The Notice of Uncontested Election for Smannell Parish Council in relation to the Parish Elections May 2023 has been formally issued by Test Valley Borough Council. It can be accessed here.

Statement of Persons Nominated – Parish Elections May 2023

The Statement of Persons Nominated for Smannell Parish Council in relation to the Parish Elections May 2023 is available here.

Don’t Forget You Will Need Photo ID When You Visit A Polling Station to Vote!

Do remember that the new regulations do now require that you have Photo ID when you visit a polling station to vote. Below is the full list of accepted IDs. For further information visit www.testvalley.gov.uk/ElectionsMay2023.

Where to Find My Polling Station?

With one month to go until the local elections in Test Valley, most registered households should now have received their polling card. It should say on there where you will need to go to cast your vote.

Alternatively, you can visit www.testvalley.gov.uk/ElectionsMay2023, enter your postcode at the bottom of the page and it will tell you where your polling station is.

Doing a Spring Clean this Easter? Having a Clear-Out?

If you are doing any home spring cleaning during the Easter holidays, do please make sure you dispose of your waste in a correct and a legal manner, or you may end up with a court date yourself.

We all have a responsibility to make sure our waste isn’t fly tipped, doesn’t cause pollution, or harm to people and this is outlined in the law under the Waste Duty of Care Code of Practice.

If you are paying someone else to remove the rubbish, make sure you see all of the legal transfer notes and licenses before anything is handed over. Alternatively, if you’re disposing of it yourself, use one of the Household Waste Recycling Centres, which are operated by Hampshire County Council.

For more information visit www.hants.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling/recyclingcentres.