Rooksdown Parish Council

22/10/2026

🍂 The Autumn 2026 Rooksdown Reporter is on its way!

Keep an eye on your letterbox, as the latest parish newsletter should be arriving soon. Inside you'll find updates, news, and information from around the community.

Haven't received a copy? Please contact the Clerk. Alternatively, you can download it here:

🔗 https://www.rooksdown.org.uk/the-council/newsletter-rooksdown-reporter/

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology and are in the following formats : .pdf. Request an accessible format.

15/10/2026

🍂 Want to lower your energy bills this winter?💡

Residents across the borough can now book a FREE Home Energy Survey with Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council's Green Team.

✅ Thermal imaging to identify heat loss
✅ Radiator efficiency checks
✅ Personalised energy-saving advice
✅ Written report with practical recommendations
✅ Available to homeowners and renters

Over 1,150 households have already benefited, with many potentially saving hundreds of pounds each year on their energy bills. 💷 🏠

📅 The survey takes around an hour and is completely free.

🔗 Book yours today:

08/10/2026

🗑️ Changes to Bin Collections Start Next Week 🗑️

From Monday 12 October, waste collections across Basingstoke and Deane are changing.

✅ Rubbish bins will be collected fortnightly
✅ Recycling bins will be collected on the alternate week
✅ Food waste caddies will continue to be collected weekly
✅ Glass collections will remain fortnightly

Many collection days are changing, so please check your new collection schedule carefully and make sure the correct bins are out by 6.00am on collection day.

Households should have received a personalised collection calendar through the post. If you haven't received yours, or would like to check your dates online, visit:

🔗 www.basingstoke.gov.uk/bincollections

The changes are being introduced to help increase recycling rates and reduce the amount of waste sent for disposal. Residents are encouraged to make full use of recycling, food waste, and glass collection services to help make room in their rubbish bins.

Find out when your bins will be collected and find out how to report a missed bin collection

07/10/2026

🚨 Fraud & Scam Prevention Advice – Meet Your Local Police Team 🚨

👮🏻 Join officers from the Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team for a free drop-in Beat Surgery, where they'll be sharing practical advice on how to spot scams, protect yourself from fraud, and what to do if you think you've been targeted👮‍♀️

📅 Saturday 17 October 2026
⏰ 9:30am – 11:30am
📍 Barclays Bank, Market Place, Basingstoke, RG21 7QA

This is also a great opportunity to speak with your local officers about any community concerns, ask questions, or simply stop by for a chat. No appointment needed

21/09/2026

ROOKSDOWN PLAY PARK UPDATE – SWINGS REINSTATED

We are delighted to confirm that the replacement parts have now been installed and the swings in the main play area are finally back in use.

The swings had been out of action since March following vandalism. We know how frustrating the lengthy delay has been for residents - particularly local children and families.

Throughout this period, Rooksdown Parish Council has worked hard on behalf of the community, repeatedly raising the issue, chasing progress and pressing for the work to be completed.

We are very pleased that the swings have now been restored for everyone to enjoy. Thank you to residents for your patience while we continued to pursue this.

23/07/2026

🌞Free summer adventures for children to explore this August 🌞

August Adventures returns to parks and green spaces across Basingstoke and Deane this August, offering a fantastic range of free activities for families 🌳 🛝 🥁

Children can discover new skills, get creative, enjoy sports and games, and collect stickers along the way to complete their Adventure Passport.

Activities will take place between 11am and 3pm at the following locations:

- Friday 7 August at The War Memorial Park, Basingstoke
- Tuesday 11 August at Heathlands Park, Penwood
- Thursday 13 August at The Green, Tadley
- Tuesday 18 August at Russell Howard Park, Basingstoke
- Wednesday 26 August at Brighton Hill Park, Basingstoke

📅 Events run from 11am to 3pm
🎟️ Free entry, no booking required.

Find dates, locations and activity details at: 👉

With a rich history and in an excellent location, Basingstoke and Deane offers the perfect blend of a vibrant town and scenic countryside.

17/07/2026

🐶 Have Your Say on Dog Fouling Enforcement 🐶
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is seeking residents' views on proposals to extend the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog fouling until 2029.

The order helps tackle dog fouling by allowing tougher penalties for owners who fail to clean up after their pets or carry suitable waste bags.

Find out more and take part in the consultation via the Parish Council website: 👇

Residents are being asked to give their views on proposals to continue to take a tougher stance on dog owners who don’t clear up after their pets.

23/06/2026

🌞 Heatwave Update – Water Usage Guidance from South East Water 💧

With the extreme hot weather forecast this week, water demand is expected to increase significantly.

During recent high temperatures, daily usage has already risen well above average levels.

When demand remains this high over consecutive days, it can put pressure on the network, particularly for properties on higher ground or at the ends of supply areas.

✅ Temporary guidance

To help maintain supplies for all customers, the following measures are being encouraged:

🚫 Pause use of hosepipes

💧 Use water for essential purposes only (drinking, cooking, hygiene)

🛑 Avoid refilling paddling pools or hot tubs

🚿 Do not use jet washers

16/06/2026

🛝 Rooksdown Park Play Area Update 🌳

The Parish Council have been liaising with BDBC regarding the condition of the main play area at Rooksdown Park.

We have received the following updates:
- The site has unfortunately suffered repeated vandalism 🚫.
- The swings, replaced in March, were dismantled within a day. Most parts have been recovered and remaining fixings are on order, with reinstatement expected in the next few weeks 🔧.
- The rope bridge was also vandalised but has now been rebuilt and reinstated ✅.
- Damage to the safety surface around the rotating pole has been repaired, with turf and surfacing replaced 🛠️.

Grass cutting will be followed up to ensure it is carried out as scheduled ✂️🌱.

If you notice any further issues, please do let us know 📩 .org.uk

16/06/2026

🚧 Overnight Road Closures – Winklebury Way & Roman Road 🚧

We’d like to let residents and road users know about upcoming overnight road closures as work continues to complete the new four-way junction.

🗓 Dates: Monday 29 June – Friday 3 July 2026
⏰ Time: 8:00pm – 6:00am each night

During these times:
• Winklebury Way and Roman Road will be closed overnight
• Signed diversion routes will be in place
• Access to properties will be maintained where possible
• Short delays may occur (occasionally up to 30 minutes)

These works are being carried out at night to help reduce disruption during busy daytime hours.