January 2010

Your chance to shape Winchester's future economy

As the country climbs slowly out of recession and government spending cuts are predicted with gloom, the people of the Winchester District are helping to shape a rather rosier economy for the next decade. Local residents and businesses are now being invited to comment on a draft economic strategy for the District, which has been drawn together after months of discussion, analysis and evidence-gathering. The document, spanning ten years from 2010 to 2020, is available to view on the Council’s website www.winchester.gov.uk/economicstrategy, and a printed copy is also available in the Council’s customer service centre on Colebrook Street. The strategy describes the current state of Winchester’s economy, splitting the district into three geographical areas of Winchester town, the southern urban areas and the rural district. Five key industry sectors are identified and given special consideration - tourism retail knowledge & creative industries public administration & services land based industries. The strategy also looks ahead at developing trends, likely events that will impact on the economy and the main opportunities for Winchester to maintain a diverse and prosperous economy over the long term. One of the big issues addressed by the strategy is need to work towards a low carbon economy, both to provide new jobs for tomorrow’s workforce but also to protect the very District in which we live and work. The consultation period lasts until 19 February, and consists of five key questions, about the vision for the future economy of the District and the way we will achieve this vision. Local business groups and other key stakeholders will be invited to respond, but the Economic and Cultural Services Division of Winchester City Council welcome feedback from any member of the public. To view the document, go to www.winchester.gov.uk/economicstrategy or telephone Economic Development Manager Kate Crawford on 01962 848 563 or email kcrawford@winchester.gov.uk

A twitter-ing success!

The Council Twitter stream proved to be a big success in communicating information regarding disrupted services during the severe weather this month. While we received and answered many queries and questions via Twitter during that period, statistics also show that from 5-15 January the 12 tweets* that were posted providing links back through to information on the WCC website, were clicked on 369 times. By applying the cost per call to each click, Twitter potentially saved 396 calls each costing £3.37. This represents a saving of £1,334 at a time when the Customer Service Centre was under-resourced and in danger of being overwhelmed by call volumes. Twitter allows users to communicate with people and organisations in messages or ‘tweets’ of up to 140 characters. Twitter allows us to deliver updates as they happen directly to our customers via a PC, laptop, mobile phone or other handheld communication device, helping our followers keep right up-to-date even on the move, or ask us a question as soon as it arises. Twitter is free to join and use, and within minutes you could be receiving all the latest news and information. If you would like to see our Twitter feed in action visit http://twitter.com/winchestercity You can also find the Council on Facebook - www.facebook.com/pages/Winchester-United-Kingdom/Winchester-City-Council/111176592037 *numerous other tweets concerning the weather were posted without links.

High Street improvement update

The second phase of the Winchester High Street improvement scheme restarted on 4 January. This phase of the work will see new paving from Middle Brook Street to the Buttercross, taking in all the side streets in between. The work restarted outside of HMV and will progress up the High Street. This phase is due to be completed by Easter. For more information go to the Hampshire County Council website.

America Football opportunity!

Have you ever seen American Football on television and thought "I'd like to have a go at that," well now you can! Your local American Football team, the Hampshire Thrashers - SPAA Winchester District Team of the Year for 2009 - is now in training for the 2010 season. Training takes place on Sundays 1pm-4pm at the Winchester Rugby Club. Everyone is welcome regardless of skill level and experience. There are positions for all age groups and body sizes, you don't have to be 'big' to play. For more information contact David Senart via email dsenart@winchester.gov.uk or telephone 01962 848351. The Thrashers also have a website - www.thrashers.org.uk

Upcoming Meetings
Social Issues and Scrutiny Panel- Walton Room, Guildhall, Winchester		1 February 18:30
Environment Scrutiny Panel- Walton Room, Guildhall, Winchester		2 February 18:30
Cabinet- Walton Room, Guildhall, Winchester		3 February 09:00
Local Economy Scrutiny Panel  - Walton Room, Guildhall, Winchester		4 February 18:30
Principal Scrutiny Committee - Walton Room, Guildhall, Winchester		8 February 18:30
Resources Scrutiny Panel - Walton Room, Guildhall, Winchester		9 February 18:30
Planning Development Control Committee - Walton Room, Guildhall, Winchester		16 February 09:30
Council- Conference Chamber, Guildhall, Winchester		18 February 19:00
Cabinet (Traffic & Parking Committee) - Walton Room, Guildhall, Winchester		22 February 10:00
Personnel Committee - Walton Room, Guildhall, Winchester		22 February 18:30

Recent Press Releases

History of Hampshire & Isle of Wight in ten objects

Your chance to shape Winchester's future economy

British Views - photographic exhibition

Silver Hill Statement by Cllr George Beckett Leader of Winchester City Council

Winchester Health Walks – a great way to stay active this year

Largest affordable housing scheme for a decade on the horizon

New Services for Older Persons

Thornfield Properties - a response from the City Council

Keep in Touch
The are a variety of ways for you to keep in touch with Winchester City Council  Twitter - http://twitter.com/winchestercity  Facebook - Winchester City Council		Corporate Communications Winchester City Council City Offices Colebrook Street Winchester Hampshire SO23 9LJ Tel: 01962 848 504 Tel: 01962 848 251 communications@winchester.gov.uk

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