Minutes 14th December 2009

PRESENT

Chairman: Cllr Mr A Manship
Councillors: Mr J Chapman, Mrs J Chase, Mrs T Meads, Mr R Page, Mrs P Sharpe & Mr G Tull

IN ATTENDANCE

Clerk: Mrs E Manship
County Councillor: Mr P Mason
District Councillors: Mr L Ruffell
PC Clive Barham and PCSO Helen Carthew

186/09 APOLOGIES

District Councillor: Mr R Humby

187/09 DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS

None

188/09 CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 9th November 2009 had been circulated. The Chairman signed the minutes.

189/09 POLICE CONSTABLE REPORT

a) Occurrence Summary – 10th November to 14th December 2009

Notes: This summary gives a simple snapshot of those incidents occurring within the parish, which are most liable to affect local residents. It is not intended to be a complete list of all occurrences recorded; identities are omitted. For detailed statistics by post code, please see the Hampshire Constabulary website: http://www.hampshire.police.uk scroll down to the bottom left of the page, and in the CADDIE space enter the post code of the area of interest.

 

Road traffic collision, Whaddon Lane. Between 17:00 and 18:00 on Saturday 14th November 2009.
Two vehicles collided, one failed to stop. No injuries. (44090494324)

 

Theft, Whaddon Lane. Between 18:30 on Monday 16th and 08:50 on Tuesday 17th November 2009
Log splitter stolen from farmyard. (44090498060)

 

Suspicious Person, Main Road, Owslebury. Between 22:00 on Sunday 23rd & 08:30 on Friday 27th Nov. 2009
Over 4 nights persons awoken by footsteps. Possible prowler. (44090512792)

 

Attempted Theft, Nr Longwood Road. Between 16:00 on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th November 2009
Attempt to steal diesel fuel from tank. Tank was empty so no fuel taken. (44090514991)

 

Rowdy and inconsiderate, Bus Stop. At around 01:00 on Saturday 5th December
A group of people congregated at the bus stop laughing and shouting. (44090523453)

 

Theft, Marwell Zoo. Between 09:30 on Saturday 12th and 09:30 Sunday 13th December 2009
Two Red Footed Tortoise stolen from a tank in the tropical house. (44090535252)

 

Anyone with information that might assist police enquiries into these or other crime incidents is requested to make contact by phoning 0845 045 45 45. Alternatively, information can be given to Crime Stoppers (anonymous & free) on 0800 555 111.

 

PC178 Clive Barham & PCSO14039 Helen Carthew
Meon Valley Safer Neighbourhoods Team,

Meon Valley Police Station,

Hoe Road,

Bishops Waltham.

S032 1DS.

Tel: 0845 045 45 45.  Fax: 023 8074 5307

Email: clive.barham@hampshire.pnn.police.uk Mobile: 079 0110 2498
Email: helen.carthew@hampshire.pnn.police.uk Mobile: 079 0110 2497
Email: dorian.chapman@hampshire.pnn.police.uk Mobile: 079 0110 2292

 

b) Punctures
Please report any punctures that you suspect may have been occurred by malicious intent to PC Barham

 

c) Police Availability
In addition to the ½ hour prior to each OPC meeting, PC Barham would like to arrange another regular time within the month for 1:1 community contact. He would welcome ideas with regard to where and when would be helpful to the community.

d) Poaching
Cllr Page reported that poachers had been present on his property on a number of occasions over the past month. A gate had been broken, signs of an animal skinned and a syringe left in the timber. On each occasion he had reported the incident, as requested to the Police but he had received neither a visit at the time or any follow up. He found this to totally contradict the words of PC Barham and Sgt Chapman in improving liaison between the Police and Parishioners. PC Barham explained that police would be deployed if available, apologised, confirmed he would look into the matter and respond to Cllr Page direct.

190/09 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

a) South Downs National Park Briefing – 20th November 2009

Cllr Chapman reported on the meeting. He was one of 7 persons who attended 3 of whom were from the National Park. The main purpose of the meeting was to brief those who were intending standing as a district parish council representative for the National Park Authority. An update was also delivered. The final size and boundary of the National Park is expected by the end of the year, though no new developments are expected. The Chairman thanked Cllr Chapman for attending.

 

b) CPRE Seminar – Enhance the Countryside in your Parish – 11th November 2009

Cllr Tull reported on the meeting. A vision for the countryside over the next 20 years was presented followed by a series of useful workshops. It was helpful to be reminded of the expertise held by the CPRE upon which we can draw. Marc Samways gave a presentation on traffic safety in West Meon, where they are removing street signs and have installed a 1” pavement over which vehicles can drive when not in use by pedestrians. The Chairman thanked Cllr Tull for attending.

 

c) Training for New Councillors – 30th November 2009

Cllr Sharpe reported on recent training attended. A useful session covering finance and protocol and a reminder that Councillors represent parishioners views, not their own. The Chairman thanked Cllr Sharpe for her input.

 

d) Transport Forum – 14th November 2009

Cllr Chase reported on the meeting. Topics discussed included Bus Services; Rural Transport and the Rail Re-opening for Marchwood. Concern was widespread regarding the availability of a bus service for their own community and the move of the Friarsgate Medical Centre to Weeke as currently those visiting the centre catch buses from their home community to the bus station. The Chairman thanked Cllr Chase for attending.

 

e) Letters of Thanks

The Clerk confirmed letters of thanks had been received from parishioners who received a prize from the Website Competition and also from Morestead Church, WCAB and Owslebury Newsletter for their annual donation.

191/09 PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

a) Recreation Ground – Vandalism Preventative Measures

Mr Ames asked when the logs were going to be placed around the recreation ground to prevent it from further damage. Since the last meeting another vehicle had left tyre marks near the concrete square. Cllr Tull confirmed that some logs had arrived and others were on their way. He confirmed he would complete the work agreed over the next two to three weeks.

192/09 COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS

a) Application for Grant

Cllr Mason confirmed that the application for a grant for £500 should be completed as a priority.

a) Alteration to Minutes 176/09
Cllr Mason confirmed that he had not recently attended a HATS meeting as reported, as this was disbanded 6 months ago. However, he confirmed that Cllr Thornber has decided that HATS will be re-formed, though still without powers.

 

b) Drainage Works
Cllr Mason referred to the letter from Hampshire Highways regarding £300,000 towards drainage works and noted the ongoing work in Morestead Road as an example as to how this was being spent.

 

c) Speeding Prevention Laser Guns
Cllr Mason confirmed that more Police Officers were to receive training in using hand held laser guns. PC Barham and PCSO Carthew confirmed they were to be trained. PCSO Carthew requested a list of sites the Parish Council would like targeted. The Parish Council confirmed: -

Longwood Road (near the crossroads)
Hurst Lane (on the straight)
Portsmouth Road (near the junctions to Thompsons Lane and Hurst Lane)
Whaddon Lane (though more a case of driving too fast as opposed to speeding here)

d) Community Visits
Cllr Ruffell reported that he had recently attended the museum in Bishops Waltham, Durley Primary School, Southampton Airport (Consultation Committee) and the opening of a new pedestrian bridge.

193/09 HIGHWAYS

a) Hedges Blitz
It was agreed this could now be taken off the agenda. The majority have been cut and the main aim now is to keep the road signs clear. It was noted that whilst the hedge at the Longwood Crossroads had been trimmed visibility is still difficult. The Chairman reported that Marc Samways had informed him that Councillor intervention on behalf of the landowner had prevented the removal of the hedge. Cllrs Mason and Ruffell confirmed they knew nothing of this. Further investigation to be made.

b) Virtual Footpaths

Cllr Meads reported on her conversation with Norman Chapman, Clerk to Newtown and Soberton Parish Council. Their virtual footpaths were installed under ‘Safer Routes to Schools’. Both sides of the road have been outlined for about ½ a mile each side of the school. Pedestrians have priority over vehicles. They feel the children benefit from this as they walk to and from school. Cllr Meads confirmed that the next stage for Owslebury would be to arrange a feasibility study, though there is a need for a remaining width for two cars to pass. Cllr Meads raised whether the 1” pavement discussed at West Meon could also be an option. All agreed this should be investigated.

 

c) Whaddon Lane and Village Countryside Kerbing

Cllr Manship reported that Richard Peach had confirmed that the previously agreed countryside kerbing would be undertaken week beginning 15th January 2010. This includes Longwood Road and various areas within Main Road, where it has been requested. Whaddon Lane would be the last area within the project to be undertaken.

 

Cllr Manship reported that Andrew Tiffen had informed him that the landowners had submitted a long list of specifications to be agreed before they were prepared to sign the legal documents. Mr Tull reported to the contrary. That neither he nor Mr Ward had received the legal documents but they had received a letter together with a map giving the wrong specifications and incorrect measurements. He confirmed that Mr Ward was taking a lead on behalf of them both.

 

General discussion followed. Concern was raised regarding the number of specifications that seemed to have emerged following that originally agreed by the Parish Council. It was recognised that changes needed to be made owing to mistakes made in measuring the lay-bys but that the Parish Council or at least the Highways Committee must be in full agreement of any changes to the specification.

194/09 RIGHTS OF WAY

a) Red Lane
Cllr Manship reported on a meeting held at the site and talked through a couple of barriers that had been proposed for consideration. He confirmed that the landowners either side of the lane had offered a donation and that Barry Jordan-Davis had offered a small grant. The first quote received was in the region of £1,200. Alternative quotes would need to be sought. Cllr Page raised concern regarding the model of the barrier preferred owing to its safety for horses and it was agreed that Cllrs Page and Manship would discuss this further outside the meeting.

 
195/09 PLAY AREA

The Clerk gave an overview of the play area specification including the 4 new pieces of equipment planned for purchase as soon as funds allow. She reported on the funds raised and pledged to date. It was proposed that the £500 grant available from Cllr Mason was requested to fund the installation of the first piece of equipment and that the Open Space funds were now requested to enable, together with funds pledged, the project to get underway and the first piece of equipment ordered. All were in agreement.

 

Cllr Sharpe spoke about the funds available from Bovril and asked all the Councillors to vote on line and spread the word.

196/09 GREEN KEEPING CONTRACT RENEWAL

The Chairman asked views on work to date. Cllr Sharpe confirmed the play area was kept in good order and all grass picked up as requested. Mr Ames confirmed that the recreation ground was maintained well. All agreed that the increase in cost was reasonable and that they would wish the contract to be renewed.

 

Cllr Chapman confirmed the village hall was maintained well but he wasn’t sure at this stage whether OPHMC wished to continue with the contract. However, this does not affect the main contract and he would confirm either way with the Clerk.

197/09 HAMPSHIRE COUNTY YOUTH BAND ASSOCIATION

It was agreed to offer the County Youth Band a donation of £40. Cllr Mason thanked the Council for this and confirmed it would be much appreciated.

198/09 OWSLEBURY NEWSLETTER

Further to a circulated request from Owslebury Newsletter, a further donation of £25 towards running costs was agreed. Further to this, it was agreed that in respect to the cost to both the Owslebury Newsletter and the Parish Council, rather than abridge the minutes, the Clerk should forward the headings of items discussed and direct parishioners to the full minutes for further information. These should be available in the Parish Hall, on the Parish Notice board outside the Parish Hall and on the Owslebury website.

199/09 PLANNING

a) To discuss planning consultations

OPC: Objection: In summary - against countryside policy under the local plan; location not in the interest of horse security; insufficient evidence to prove justification for an additional house in the countryside to support the business.

b) To hear planning decisions

200/09 ENFORCEMENT ISSUES

a) Marwell Yard
The Clerk reported that the updated planning application is expected to go to the Regulatory Committee on Wednesday 13th January 2010.

201/09 TO CONSIDER MATTERS ARISING FROM CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED: FOR INFORMATION ONLY

a) Marwell 10km Road Race
Proposed Date 23rd May 2010

202/09 FINANCE

Payments were approved in accordance to the budget.

203/09 DATE OF THE NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

The next Parish Council Planning meeting will be held on Monday 11th January 2010 at 7.45pm

The meeting closed at 10.00pm