Coronavirus Updates

 The Clerk does not work on Fridays so emails and messages are dealt with on the following Monday. 

As we enter a new lockdown this may well again be a challenging time so please remember that the village support group, Brockcare, is still active and willing to help in any way it can.  This is not only for those we have helped before but everyone - whether for practical issues or just to be on the end of a phone to have a chat.  

Please note that St. Nicholas' Churchyard has been closed under The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions)(England)(No. 4) Regulations 2020.  Access to any person to pay respects to a member of their household, a family member or friend as stated (Part 4 18.-10) is through the gate at the church car park.

  Please see the link to the Parish Council Covid-19 page for up-to-date advice and information

Until further notice Brockenhurst Parish Council will not be holding face to face meetings including Parish Council meetings and Planning Committee meetings.  Please see the link to the Parish Council Planning Pages for how to provide comments to Planning applications.

The Parish Council Office, now at 70b Brookley Road, will continue to be open for its office days and times but not for public visitors. If the telephone is not answered please leave a message and the Clerk will get back to you as soon as possible.

Please remember when using Brookley Road to Keep Your Distance and Keep Alert.  Stay safe.  

Remembrance 2020

Remembrance 2020 - Lockdown Changes to Events

Remembering those who served this country in conflict, and especially those who sacrificed their lives or endured suffering, is a key part of our beliefs. 

Normally they are remembered in public events such as the Remembrance Sunday Church services, or at the village War Memorial.  This year, following the Government's announcement of a second COVID lockdown, none of these gatherings are possible.  

In their place, a special Church service has been recorded on video, including wreath laying at the War Memorial.  This will be available over the internet from the Sunday morning, 8th November.  You will be able to find it on the Brockenhurst CofE Churches website at link to www.brockenhurstchurch.com

The War Memorial garden gate is open.  If local people want to make private visits bearing in mind the current social distancing rules, they are welcome.  A supply of wooden crosses will be left by the gate on Sunday 8th November and also on Wednesday 11th November should villagers wish to leave a commemorative item.  There will not be a collection.   

"Though we should all stay safe, it is important the sacrifice is remembered this year and always" says Captain Mike Matthews, Chair of the Brockenhurst Branch of the Royal British Legion.  "We encourage private moments of remembrance and reflection, and the video recording of the service can be a focus for a collective event, with others also engaging in the same act of viewing and remembering". 

"This second lockdown has meant we've again had to change the way we approach things", says Pete Wales, Chairman of the Parish Council.  "It affects Remembrance events and this will be a difficult period for many people.  Our village has a strong heart.  Please, if you are suffering and would like support, talk to your friends and neighbours, or the many local organisations which can help - be it the Church, the British Legion, Brockcare, local food banks and others.  Together we will get through this.  In the meantime, my very best wishes to you and all the individuals and organisations which serve our community". 

Captain Mike Matthews - Brockenhurst Branch, Royal British Legion

Councillor Pete Wales - Brockenhurst Parish Council

Congratulations go to our Vice-Chairman, Michael Harris, who was awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.  Well done Michael! 

The award was in recognition of his role as a Trustee and Treasurer for Comic Relief and helping to raise over £1.7 billion.  

Brockenhurst Parish Council's Annual Return and Auditor's Reports can be downloaded below:

• 2019/20 financial year: download using the link to the Auditor's Report and AGAR for the financial year 2019/20

The Government supported Rural Gigabit Scheme has now been given improved financial support from Hampshire County Council.  The grant for each property will now be £3,000 towards the cost of installation.  Two or more households in a local area can group together, each getting a grant to offset the installation cost for the group of properties. Speeds of up to 1000 Mbs can be obtained.  

Whilst some households are satisfied that the current superfast broadband speed is adequate, there are those, particularly on the fringes of the area covered, who may wish to join together and upgrade their speeds.  Further details can be obtained at: https://www.hampshiresuperfastbroadband.com/top-up/

The Parish Council publishes "The Brock News" newsletter three times per year which is distributed to all homes within the Parish. Unfortunately the Spring 2020 edition has been held up during the current Covid-19 situation but normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.

Please contact the Parish Clerk if you would prefer to receive the newsletter by email.

Follow this link to read our last newsletter. Please note that the latest release has been delayed due to the pandemic. 

The Parish Council have been working with various bodies to achieve flood reduction by identifying watercourses and drains that are particularly prone to blockage so that their clearance can be prioritised.  In low lying areas such as Brockenhurst it is particularly important that watercourses and drains are actively managed.  

Please see the Flooding section of our link to Emergency Services webpage for more information.  

To report a faulty or blocked watercourse please phone the Parish Clerk on 622829 or New Forest District Council on 023 8028 5000.

Forestry England, having a legal duty to protect the New Forest, are undertaking a programme of verge restoration works to stop further vehicle damage across the forest, including Brockenhurst.  These works with various partner organisations - Verderers, National England, New Forest National Park, Parish Councils, CDA, residents and local staff - are funded under the New Forest Higher Level Stewardship Scheme. 

A number of areas are included in the proposed programme of remedial works which will include re-profiling existing car-free banks and ditches which have eroded over the years, and creating new banks where erosion has been caused by vehicle movements.  Dragon's Teeth (small wooden posts made from FSC Chestnut) will also be installed. 

link to Maps of the area.   Further information is available via this link to hlsnewforest.org.uk.

A video can be found on this link to the Christmas Fun Evening Video.  Many thanks to everyone who came along and made the evening such a success!

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