THE long-awaited appeal hearing to determine the future of the Camrose ground has kicked off.

Throughout this week a government planning inspector has been hearing evidence from both sides to decide whether the historic stadium will be saved or whether former owner Rafi Razzak will get the go-ahead to build a housing estate and care home.

Much of the evidence discussed is whether “equivalent or better” facilities have been provided, with Camrose campaigners saying that Winklebury Football Complex, where Basingstoke Town currently play, is not a like-for-like replacement.

You can read the full story in this week’s edition of the Gazette, which is out today.

SEE ALSO: 'Hear it from the street' – Steve Frangou makes emotional appeal in his Camrose hearing statement

Also in this week's paper:

  • A thankful resident from Basingstoke was overwhelmed when ‘kind-hearted’ strangers stopped to help her, after she fell and broke her leg, read about how she is searching for those who helped
  • A GP surgery in Basingstoke has vowed to improve phone waiting times following a meeting with local councillors
  • There are some inspiring youngsters in Basingstoke who are making a real difference to where they live and putting some adults to shame with their determination and positivity
  • Hundreds of people have signed a petition calling for plans to redevelop part of Winklebury to be paused over concerns surrounding the future health care provision
  • A disabled man from Basingstoke has been left without heating and hot water for over a week, here all about his story
  • Fewer complaints were made to Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) last year, figures reveal
  • A care home resident from Basingstoke decided to honour her cats by getting a tattoo
  • PLUS: All the latest from Basingstoke Magistrates' Court
  • Two pages of your letters to the editor
  • Pictures: Fun and laughter at Holi – Festival of Colours in town
  • Two pages of news from our communities
  • An eight-page puzzle special
  • Two pages of business news
  • Three pages of entertainment news
  • Three pages of sports news. And much more!

READ MORE: 'Forced to live in the cold': Disabled man left with no heating for days

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