Latest news with #Waverley
BBC News
20 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Waverley council to review homeowners' CIL bills
Homeowners in South West Surrey who believe they have been wrongly charged for work to their houses will be able to appeal under a new Borough Council says homeowners who believe they have wrongly received community infrastructure levy (CIL) bills for work including home extensions and annexes will be able to ask to have their charges new review system comes after residents protested in April, saying they had incorrectly received bills up to £70, for the review scheme went before the council on Wednesday, 4 June ahead of a decision on 1 July, with more information set be released on 12 June. Liz Townsend, Waverley portfolio holder for planning and economic development, said: "We know that the Community Infrastructure Levy legislation has been a source of stress and concern for some of our residents who believe they have been unjustly charged and unfairly penalised by these complex and inflexible rules."This is a new process for the council, and we have taken independent legal advice to ensure our approach is both robust and fair."I want to assure them that we are absolutely committed to addressing those concerns through a fair and transparent review process."CIL is typically charged to developers as a contribution towards essential infrastructure. However a number of homeowners across Waverley have also faced the the new scheme, cases would be reviewed by someone independent from the council previously said that, in most cases, it had been correct in issuing the bills despite anger from exception, it said, was the case of Steve and Caroline Dally who were billed £70,000 for a home extension and given no opportunity to argue their will go before the council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 23 June.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Gourock artist sets out to get people on their bikes after Inverclyde Bothy closes
A GOUROCK artist has spoken about her mission to get people across Inverclyde out on their bikes after the closure of a lifeline local project. Fine arts creator Christine Allan was a volunteer leader with the Inverclyde Bothy until the project's funder, Cycling UK, pulled the plug on its financial support for the initiative earlier this year. Christine admitted she was 'gutted' when Cycling UK axed its funding for the Bothy – but now she is setting up her own venture in a bid to keep cycling on track in the area. (Image: George Munro) Christine, a cross country mountain biker and member of various clubs, said: "I first joined the Inverclyde Bothy when I moved to Gourock with my partner. "It was a great way of meeting people. I have been involved in cycling most of my life, I have taken part in cross country and triathlon. She said: "I started volunteering as a leader, taking groups out on the road from our base at Gourock railway station. It was great and we had so many people involved. Read more Inverclyde Bothy health walks saved by Lyle Gateway Fun for all the family as Inverclyde eco group hosts seaside picnic this weekend Inverclyde pupils soak up the sun on the sea with cruise on the Waverley "It was a shame to lose the the Inverclyde Bothy. I think people were really disappointed to lose it." The Inverclyde Bothy was set up in May 2018 and had established a popular network of health walks as well as its cycling project. The cycling side of the Bothy's programme saw people taken out on safe routes with team leaders, including Christine, giving others the chance to learn to cycle. Christine Allan hopes to save cycling in Inverclyde (Image: George Munro) The Tele recently reported that the Lyle Gateway community hub had taken on the walks element of the Bothy project. But until now, nobody has stepped up with a plan to keep the Bothy's cycling legacy alive. Christine has already come up with a plan of action to bring back the cycling side of the Bothy's work, and has spoken to Community Tracks, the bike recycling and refurbishment project run by the Inverclyde Community Development Trust, about making use of their stock of bikes and equipment. Christine Allan hopes to start up a cycling venture (Image: George Munro) Christine is also now a Bikeability instructor and is visiting local schools to put pupils through a cycling proficiency course. The 49-year-old added: "We have all this cycling infrastructure in Inverclyde, and we also have all these bikes. 'I want to make sure that people can make use of it. Christine Allan's artwork and gifts are sold at the Wyllieum (Image: contributed) "I am determined to find a way to keep it going. There are such lovely routes here. I love cycling to Lunderston Bay." Christine, whose prints and giftware are on sale at the Wyllieum gallery in Greenock, was shortlisted for the 'tourism' prize at the ICON Awards, run by the Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce, last year. Cycling UK confirmed in March that funding for its 'connecting communities' programme had not been renewed, and that six project locations – Inverclyde, Dunoon, Helensburgh, Dumfries and Galloway, East Sutherland, and Caithness – would close by the end of that month. The Bothy was left out of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport's 'People and Places Programme' for this year, which replaced the previous funding model that provided cash to active travel groups such as Cycling UK.
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Wales Online
50 years of steam magic: discover the beauty of Ilfracombe via the magnificent Paddle Steamer Waverley
Summer is the perfect time for family adventures. This summer, families can embark on an enchanting adventure by water, by setting sail on the magnificent Paddle Steamer Waverley - which has recently received a Visit Wales Gold Award for 2025 - as she celebrates 50 years of sailing in preservation. From Monday, June 2 until Wednesday, June 25, families can take a trip like never before aboard the world's last seagoing paddle steamer, with cruises departing from Penarth, Swansea, Tenby and Porthcawl to the charming and idyllic North Devon seaside resort of Ilfracombe, a nod to what has been a long-standing tradition for South Wales passengers. Once aboard, take a step back in time as you observe the magnificent triple expansion steam engine, bringing to life the authentic charm of a real steamship as you hear the telegraph ring, witness the engine's graceful motion, watch the paddles turning through the portholes and sense the soothing aroma of hot oil and steam. Waverley's master, captain Dominic McCall, said: "We have developed our best possible sailing programme for South West Wales to ensure that as many locals and visitors as possible have the opportunity to step aboard Waverley and enjoy a traditional pleasure steamer excursion." (Image: Waverley Excursions) Introducing Waverley Waverley is named after Sir Walter Scott's Waverley novels. She was built to replace the 1899 Waverley, which was sunk by enemy action on May 29, 1940 at Dunkirk. Waverley's keel was laid on December 27, 1945 but due to material shortages after the war, she was not ready for launch until October 2, 1946. It wasn't until the following year on January 20, 1947 that she was towed to Greenock for the installation of her boiler and engines. Her maiden voyage was on June 16, 1947. Waverley was built for the route up Loch Goil and Loch Long from Craigendoran & Arrochar in West Scotland. She now visits several areas of the UK, offering regular trips on the Clyde, The Western Isles, the Thames, South Coast of England and the Bristol Channel with calls at Liverpool and Llandudno. Waverley is the world's last seagoing paddle steamer. In 1974, at the end of her working life, she was famously gifted for just £1 to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd., a charity registered in Scotland, was set up to own and operate the ship. Waverley then began a second career as a beloved tourist attraction. Since she has been in operational preservation, she has been awarded four stars by Visit Scotland, an Engineering Heritage award, and has carried more than six million passengers from more than 60 ports around the UK. Throughout your cruise, full catering facilities will be available, allowing you to indulge in a hot or cold snack, afternoon tea and cake, a wholesome meal in the Dining Saloon - or you can simply relax in one of the steamer's comfortable lounges. (Image: Waverley Excursions) No cruise is complete without visiting the souvenir shop, where exclusive gifts and mementos await, allowing you to carry a piece of Waverley's legacy home with you - ensuring the memories of your special day last a lifetime. Special offers are available on selected dates, allowing a friend to travel with you, free of charge*. Children travel for just £1, whilst under 5s travel free of charge on all sailings. If you dream of creating unique family memories that will last a lifetime this summer, then don't miss out on a Waverley Excursion. Bookings are now open, with tickets available from or you can secure your cruise by calling the booking office on 0141 243 2224. *Seniors bring a friend for free on selected sailings only. Buy one senior ticket and receive a second ticket free of charge. Both passengers must be aged 60 or over to take advantage of this offer. Applicable to advance bookings only.
STV News
6 days ago
- STV News
'Labour of love': Renovated island pier gets visit from the Waverley
It was a day decades in the making. On Tuesday, hundreds gathered at Salen Pier on the Isle of Mull to welcome the Waverley paddle steamer to dock. The occasion marked the first passenger ferry to stop there since 1964 – when the pier was the island's main port. For owner Peter Stanhope, the day marked a major milestone in a nearly 20-year-long renovation project. STV News Peter Stanhope boarding the ferry at Salen Pier STV News 'It's been a labour of love,' he told STV News. 'We tried for some grants but they weren't forthcoming, so it's literally been restored by blood, sweat and tears from friends and family.' Pupils from Salen Primary School led the warm welcome as the paddle steamer arrived. 'We've never had a welcome like that,' the commentator announced on board. Barry Whenman The children of Salen Primary School celebrating The Waverley's arrival Barry Whenman Mairi Maclean, headteacher of Salen Primary School said: 'The children really enjoyed it, they were really excited about seeing the Waverley coming into the pier. They were cheering and just really looking forward to seeing a paddle steamer.' The pier was bought by Peter in 2007 when it had fallen into a significant state of disrepair. Peter Stanhope Salen Pier archive from 1934 Peter Stanhope Between 1905 and 1955 the MacBrayne MV Lochinvar served the as the island's principal connection to the mainland, stopping off at Salen before heading to the island's capital of Tobermory. The pier had been the island's main port contact to Oban on the mainland, but when the car-carrying ferries replaced the Lochinvar the pier was abandoned and suffered decay. Today, Peter runs holiday homes from the pier's former waiting rooms – the only holiday rentals to sit on a pier in the UK. Peter Stanhope The pier when Peter bought in 2007 Peter Stanhope He hopes the Waverley visit marks a new chapter in the forgotten landmark's history – and can be the first of many visits to come. Paul Semple, the general manger of Waverley Excursions, said: 'The first visit to Salen has been a great success. We'll look to build it into the future programme. 'Occasionally we do find piers that the Waverley has not visited and we'll try and take the ship to the piers because we know the reaction and the support the ship will get when she visits somewhere new.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Row over infrastructure pot spending at Waverley Borough Council
Conservative councillors say that money raised through funds for infrastructure and community projects has become a "hidden revenue stream" for Waverley Borough council allocates income generated by the interest from unspent Community Infrastructure Levies (CIL) and Section 106 (S106) agreements to its main revenue account, the general fund, which includes spending on providing Conservative leader, Jane Austin, said other local authorities had made the decision to ringfence it for infrastructure and that Waverley should do the Liberal Democrats, part of a coalition that run the council, said the interest earned was managed responsibly and in line with national guidance and is a standard practice. CIL are charges made by councils on any new developments and are typically used to pay for infrastructure, such as schools and S106 agreements are negotiated between developers and councils, with funds used to benefit communities, and try to limit and mitigate the impact of new houses. The council is setting up a cross party working group to look at CIL and is reviewing cases of charges, after some homeowners were asked to pay thousands of pounds in fees for making home improvements, without the ability to Conservatives said the council had £28.3m of unspent CIL and S106 money as of 31 March 2025, which they claim is a large amount in proportion to the size of the Austin said it had "quietly become a hidden revenue stream for the council" and that there would be a "black hole" in the finances without it."We've got to the stage where our council is basically relying on the interest from this CIL and from this S106 money," she told BBC Radio Surrey.A council spokesperson refuted this, stating that Waverley had been "independently recognised as the most financially stable local authority in Surrey"."It is also, to our knowledge, the only council in the UK to have published a balanced budget for both 2024/25 and 2025/26," they Liberal Democrat leader of the council, Paul Follows, said it was "standard practice" for "funds to be allocated to specific infrastructure projects and held by the council until they need to be paid for"."These projects typically require extensive planning and can take several months, or even years, to complete," he said."All funds held by the council are managed in accordance with our approved treasury management strategy. This ensures that they generate interest, in line with our statutory responsibility to secure best value for public money."Any interest earned is retained within the council's general fund and is reinvested into local services and the enhancement of public amenities."According to the council, more than £2.1m of the £27.5m collected in CIL receipts to date had already been spent, with more than £15.2m allocated to specific infrastructure projects."Each year, we are committed to setting a responsible and balanced budget that maximises the resources available to deliver high-quality public services for the people of Waverley. This commitment remains unchanged, regardless of the level of interest income received," a council spokesperson added.
