LITTLETON and Harestock Parish Council elected a new councillor by co-option on Monday, February 12. Cllr Cliff Morton joins the council after living in the area for more than 37 years.

Cllr Morton retired following a career in IT, the last 17 years as a senior director with a global software and associated services provider. In the February parish newsletter, Cllr Morton said: “I feel I know the area well and understand the issues it faces.  It’s been a great place to live and bring up a family and I’m keen to play a part in Littleton and Harestock’s positive development by helping the parish council to protect and preserve the things we all like and enjoy, to improve the not so good bits, and to get the best outcomes from the challenges we face going forward.”

Littleton and Harestock Parish Council still has three councilor vacancies to fill. Anyone interested in becoming a parish councillor should email clerk@lhpc.org.uk or call 01962 886507.

THE March Hare, in Priors Dean Road, and the Running Horse, in Main Road, Littleton, have been identified as ‘assets of community value’ by Winchester City Council for another five years. This means that if either pub is put up for sale, the community is given time to prepare a bid and buy them.

Littleton and Harestock Parish Action on the Climate Emergency (PACE) is planning a Spring Clean in March and is urging more volunteers to get involved. Anyone interested should contact clerk@lhpc.org.uk. The Itchen Valley litter pick returns on Saturday, March 16.

FINALLY, the replacement parts for the new play tower at Eversley Park should be installed this week. Kings Worthy Parish Council posted on Facebook: “Tower opening – The replacement parts are due soon (early next week) and the contractor should be installing them imminently.

“Zipline – Unfortunately, the painting of the zip wire was not able to be completed thus we have instructed the contractor the re-open the zipline.

“We thank you for your continued patience and understanding whilst these issues are resolved.

THE Worthies Craft and Makers Market returns on Sunday, March 24 at the Worthies Sport and Social Club in Loader Close, Kings Worthy. The market is open from 10.30am to 2.30pm with free entry and free parking.

Other events coming up at the club include Sunday night bingo on March 3, 17 and 31, Jazz Jam from 8pm on Monday, March 18 and local band We’re Not Worthy from 6 to 8pm on Saturday, March 23.

The club is still not serving food after closing its kitchen in January “due to unforeseen circumstances”.

THE Sparsholt bell ringers of St Stephen’s Church are welcoming new members. The group meets regularly to practice each Monday evening and ring for Sunday services, weddings and funerals. Anyone interested can pop in on a Monday evening to see what bell ringing is about.

THE Parochial Church Councils of Chilbolton, Crawley, Littleton, Sparsholt and Wherwell are hosting a licensing service for their new Rector Revd Kevin Rogers St Stephen’s Church in Sparsholt. The service, on Tuesday, March 19 at 7.30pm, will be followed by a welcome reception in Sparsholt Memorial Hall.

Anyone planning on going should let John or Sally Wesley know by completing the sign-up sheet in St Stephen’s Church or by contacting the benefice office by Tuesday, March 5.