Herald - Issue 403

Page 58 • The HERALD • 11th March 2021 v THE NEXT HERALD IS OUT ON 1ST APRIL v 023 8084 9370 Prospect Place, Hythe SO45 6AU • MOT’ s • MOT R epairs • A ir C on • A uto E lectrics • S ervicing •W elding • D iagnostics • S uspension • T yres • C lutches • C am B elts • B rakes Greenpeace Celebrates Southampton’s Low-Traffic Streets On Saturday 6th February, volunteers from Greenpeace Southampton Group individually visited and took photos of the modal lters around Southampton. Using the hashtags #sotonsafestreets, #historicactivetravel, #LowTrafficNeighbourhood and #TransformTransport volunteers then posted the photos on social media to show the positive impact they have on the community, making streets safer and quieter Jeanne, A Portswood resident and Southampton Greenpeace volunteer said: “The group visited the modal filters individually and shared photos to show our local councillors that we want more Low Traffic Neighbourhoods with safer streets, cleaner air and more space to walk and cycle.’ Jeanne continued, “ I would really love to see more of these modal filters and low traffic neighbourhoods. I am tired of the constant traffic in Southampton and the horrible levels of pollution. We have so many already that have been here for so many years that do a fantastic job, so the idea is not new, and they are evidence that they work”. At the start of the pandemic in 2020, the government committed £2 billion for councils to roll out new walking and cycling infrastructure like protected cycle paths and tra c calmingmeasures. However, in last November’s Spending Review, the government maintained its commitment to spending £27 billion on new roads, while failing to guarantee any additional money for walking or cycling, or green local public transport. Transport is the UK’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as a signi cant source of toxic air pollution, and building more roads only adds to this problem, encouraging more people to buy cars, and drive more miles. Our transport system is unfair - people in poorer areas aremore likely to die on roads, and the highest levels of air pollution are also experienced in the poorest neighbourhoods. In cities, people of colour Greenpeace Volunteer are more likely to live near polluted streets and su er the health impacts of air and noise pollution. Low Traffic Neighbourhoods are designated to reduce traffic in certain streets, improve air quality and encourage walking and cycling. Creating more space for everyone to be able to walk and cycle safely is crucial for making our transport system fairer. More than £500,000 in Grants Awarded to Combat Loneliness Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health, Councillor Liz Fairhurst has awarded a total of £565,390 in grant funding to projects across the county that are working hard to combat loneliness and encourage healthy living among older people. Councillor Fairhurst said: “Loneliness is a big issue, especially at this time when many older people have been staying at home for many weeks or months and are limited in their daily contact with others. We know that loneliness affects mental wellbeing which in turn changes physical health and that is why I am very pleased to award this funding to a range of organisations that are doing brilliant work in the community to support older people.” e grants awarded comprise: • £480,000 over a two-year period to MHA Communities to assist their county-wide work o ering a variety of ful lling social and digital activities and services for older people. ese include telephone befriending, online activities such as dance and exercise classes, as well as assisted shopping • £20,000 to Age Concern Hampshire to support the charity to increase the number of village agents in the county who have an important role helping older residents stay independent. Village agents play a vital role for the charity’s work helping older people as they provide information, support people to access services and transport. ey also work closely with other agencies in communities, through networking. • £65,390 to be shared among ve initiatives across the county to tackle isolation and improve digital connectivity. ese comprise: • Test Valley - Unity Test Valley Digital Connectors to improve digital skills among older people locally. • East Hampshire – Southern Rail partnership (SRP) project that brings together the SRP, Hampshire County Council and a local bus group to study the reasons residents have for not travelling - with an aim of encouraging people to travel with con dence again. e grants awarded by Councillor Fairhurst form part of a wider programme of Local Authority grant funding designed to assist individuals to remain independent within their communities, minimising their need for social care. ey enhance the vital role played by local voluntary and community organisations who are o en best placed to support people at a local level.