Minutes 1th May 2008

OWSLEBURY PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF ANNUAL PARISH MEETING HELD ON
11TH May 2009
AT 7:30 PM IN OWSLEBURY PARISH HALL

PRESENT

Councillor Mr A Manship – Chairman
Councillors: Mr J Chapman, Mrs J Chase, Mrs T Meads, Mr R Page, Mrs P Sharpe and Mr G Tull.

IN ATTENDANCE

County Councillor Mr P Mason
District Councillor Mr L Ruffell
P C Charlie Farley
Clerk to the Parish Council: Mrs E Manship

APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from:
District Councillor Mr R Humby
Mr H Petter

MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 12th May 2008 had been circulated. Mrs Harfield proposed the minutes were an accurate record. Cllr T Meads seconded this. The Chairman signed the minutes.

PROPOSED SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK – GUEST SPEAKER

Alison Tingley, Countryside Manager (Strategic), South Downs Joint Committee, spoke and took questions on the Proposed South Downs National Park, Next Steps and Implications for Owslebury.

 

In addition to the above Councillors 20 parishioners were present.

 

Alison explained the main differences between Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and National Parks and the key reasons for creating National Parks. The designation of an AONB arises from the 1949 Act section 85 and the designation of a National Park from the 1949 Act Section 5.

 

AONB’s are managed by an advisory committee to the Local Authorities – The South Downs Joint Committee, whilst National Parks are managed by a single purpose decision making body – The National Park Authority. The SDJC receives funding from the local authority, which has to be negotiated annually.

 

The finance National Parks receive is greater, calculated on a set formula and received direct from central Government. The key purpose of an AONB is conservation. The key purpose of a National Park is conservation and recreation.

 

Apart from 6 new areas, which are now open to consultation, the boundary of the proposed National Park is now fixed. The whole of the Parish of Owslebury (other than a small section either side of the Portsmouth Road) is included within the Park. The boundary of the National Park is available for view through the Defra website:

 

http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/pdf/protected-areas/national-park/south-downs/boundary-map.pdf

 

Alison talked through the time-scales, what it will mean and not mean for Owslebury. Under the current time-scale we can expect the SDNP to be designated early in 2010. At this point the AONB which covers much of the same area will be de-designated. In April 2010 the membership of the National Park Authority, 29 or 37 in number will be agreed.

 

It will comprise Defra appointees, 6 or 8 Parish Councillors and 15 or 19 District / County Councillors. The NPA will shadow for a year, assuming full powers in April 2011.

 

With regards to planning we can expect tighter controls, though these should have been in place since 2002 with the designation of the park. Whilst there is development control this does not mean no further development. With regard to process, it is likely that planning applications will continue to be processed by the District Councils, but the District Councils will make a recommendation to the NPA who will hold responsibility for the final decision.

 

In summary, the benefits for Owslebury include a permanent body that is responsible for the long term conservation and enhancement of the South Downs; better funding, more secure and more of it; tighter planning controls and an increased number of dedicated staff to manage the Park. What it will not mean is the nationalisation of land or the right to roam.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

My report for the year May 2008 to April 2009.

 

Following a number of traffic accidents at the Longwood Crossroads, local residents and the Parish Council have worked in partnership with Hampshire County Council and a number of road safety measures have been installed.

Concern is still held about the safety of the junction as drivers continue to drive in an unsafe manor. HCC are seeking to replace the stolen batteries on the Vehicle Activated Signs with more theft proof versions and all continue to monitor the junction.

 

The erosion of the banks in Whaddon Lane has grown considerably worse. Regular meetings have been held between the Parish Council Highways Committee, the landowners and private consultants employed by the Parish Council to recommend a scheme of works.

 

A scheme of kerbing and passing places has been forwarded to Hampshire Highways East which the Parish Council hope will be undertaken over the summer. The Utility companies have been given 3 months to carry out any works required in the lane. After this time they will not be allowed to dig up the road for a period of 3 years.

 

The remaining kerbing within the village, in Longwood Road and at the East End of Main Road, has not yet take place despite many meetings and discussions with Hampshire Highways. The work has continuously been put off through changing priorities. I continue to liaise.

 

The Mother and Toddler Group approached the Parish Council regarding the play area. As a result a working party has been formed to lead in the update of equipment.

 

The Council was consulted on 32 planning applications in 2008 and 11 in the first part of this year. Site visits have been arranged for the whole Council for large or controversial applications. All applicants are invited to attend the meeting. The Council welcomes views from parishioners to help inform decisions.

 

The Council was concerned at the long closure of the Ship pub and the loss of the village amenity. Together with many others the Council liaised with Green King & Quindell & we are pleased to now see it open.

The Owslebury Website continues to grow in content and currently receives about 30 hits per week from new and returning visitors. The History section is particularly popular and e-mails have been received from around the world praising its quality. Our thanks go in particular to Mrs Betty Harfield for her hard work that has made this section so interesting.

 

The Village BT ‘phone box removal consultation caused great concern. No further communication has been received from BT. The Council is determined to retain the Box in Beech Grove. Further consultations from BT are expected in the future.

 

The Village Design Statement is now being co-ordinated by Mr Hugh Petter. The Council thanks Mrs Sprot for her starter initiatives.

 

Mrs Paula Sharpe was co-opted onto the Council last October. A founder member of the Owslebury Toddler Group she is currently co-ordinating the improvements to the play area.

 

Speed limit reminders (SLR’s) have been considered as a shared purchase with 3 other local parishes but the Council has felt that the fortnightly cost to move them between parishes, £750 per year, too much to justify the possible benefits.

 

The Council applied, through our County Councillor Peter Mason for a number of outstanding highways works to be undertaken through a “minor works programme”. The Council is pleased that triangular warning signs with respect to horses have been installed in Hurst Lane. Other works sadly remain outstanding including the long requested give way lines on the junction of Whites Hill and Hensting Lane and improvements in Lower Baybridge Lane and Hensting Lane.

 

An additional dog bin was purchased for the top of footpath 49 at the request of parishioners, making 3 in total in Owslebury village.

 

My thanks to residents in Beech Grove who alerted the Council to the overflowing bottle bank. Hopefully with regular collections agreed by SERCO and the residents aware of these times the difficulties can be overcome.

 

The Bus Shelter in Morestead was purchased following an accident that led to the destruction of the old shelter. Insurance cover and a grant from Hampshire County Council covered the cost.

 

I would like to personally thank all the Councillors who have volunteered to attend

meetings in and out of the Parish over the past year and work behind the scenes: -

Cllr Page for your care in looking after the safety of the play area;
Cllr Sharpe for your work identifying new equipment;
Cllr Tull for cutting back many of the bridleways;
Cllr Meads for your liaison with the school;
Cllr Chapman for your support with IT and the website;
Cllr Chase for representing the Council at a significant number of meetings and for your support as my deputy to the Clerk.

 

My thanks also to our County and District Councillors for your attendance at meetings and work behind the scenes: -

Cllr Mason for your support with grants e.g. for the lawnmower and parish hall fencing;
Cllr Humby for your updates with regard to the South East Plan
Cllr Ruffell for your support with Enforcement Issues.

 

I would also like to thank the Clerk, my wife, for her work over the past year. Your liaison with HCC and WCC to move projects forward and for the ongoing follow-up work with regard to repairs and maintenance throughout the Parish; for ensuring the Council is kept updated with new legislation; for your work to improve the Community Website and for looking after the finances.

 

Finally I would like to PC Charlie Farley for all his work, supported by PCSO Akehurst, for the Parish of Owslebury. For keeping us updated on local crime and for addressing quickly local issues of concern. Some of you will be aware that PC Farley is very shortly retiring.

 

As I close, it gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the Council to give him a very small token of our appreciation and to thank him for all the work he has undertaken for the Parish in the short time he has been with us.

 

REPORTS FROM PARISH COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES

a) Representative to Winchester District Association of Parish Councils – Cllrs Mr A Manship and Mr J Chapman

Winchester District Association of Parish Councils meets twice yearly. Unfortunately no Councillor had been able to attend over the past year.

 

b) Representative to Owslebury Parish Hall Management Committee – Cllr Mrs T Meads
The Parish Council is grateful for the contribution from Cllr Peter Mason towards the new fence at the front of the hall. Unfortunately the stage blocks about which I had made some initial enquiries did not materialise. The Parish Council also benefits from John Chapman's membership of the Parish Hall Committee as Treasurer.

 

c) Representative to Winchester Area Community Action – Cllr Mr A Manship
I have been unable to attend any meetings this year, though I am pleased to confirm that they have offered to help us identify grants for which we can apply for the play area.

 

d) Representative to OMCA Committee – Cllr Mrs J Chase
This has been another busy year for the Association. Although all residents of Owslebury and Morestead are automatically members of OMCA the organisation of events falls to the same enthusiastic small group of people. Events this past year included the Murder Mystery evening, American Square Dance, Craft Workshop, Church Fete and more recently several Mini-Bus outings for our Senior Citizens.

 

e) Representatives to Rights of Way – Cllrs Mr A Manship & Mr G Tull
Cllr Manship reported that information regarding all the major walks that pass through the Parish has been uploaded onto the website:

The Monarch’s Way (Worcester to Shoreham)
The South Downs Way (Eastbourne to Winchester)
Pilgrims Trail (Winchester to Portsmouth)
Alan Kings Way (Portchester to Winchester)

 

Other information uploaded onto the website includes: -
The Definitive Statement - Information regarding the location of every right of way within the parish;

Links to organisations such as HCC, Ramblers Association, CPRE;

A link to HCC’s on-line maps to enable anyone to quickly report a fault

 

From time to time issues have arisen with Rights of Way that have ended up with the legal department at HCC.

The Parish Council has sought to ensure parishioners are informed (through the Owslebury Newsletter, notice boards and website) giving the opportunity to share information and influence decisions.

We have sought to improve general maintenance by regularly walking the paths and reporting broken signs etc.

With over 50 Rights of Way, help to report faults from Parishioners is very much welcomed. The quickest way please is through the website. If you do not have a computer please report faults to the Clerk.

 

Cllr Tull reported that he had cut about 10 miles of rights of way, both bridleways and footpaths. He has also cleared puddles and overhanging trees. He confirmed there is still plenty to do and asked parishioners to let him know.

 

f) Tree Warden – Cllr Mr A Manship
In June last year I met with Kevin Cloud, Tree Officer for WCC, as the Bank Tree was not sprouting new growth at the expected rate. He informed the Council that the Bank Tree had reached its peak and was suffering from ‘Die Back’. This we arranged to have cut out. It is understood that in time the Bank Tree will come to a natural end, so at some stage it may be appropriate to plant another as a long term replacement. However, as there are a number of trees in the area, it was agreed not to plant another at this moment in time.

My ongoing work has been when considering planning applications. Always to visit and consider the impact on the trees.

 

g) Local Authority Representative to Owslebury Primary School – Cllr Mrs T Meads
I have had various meeting and e-mail correspondence with David White, Headteacher, over the year. David is always very willing to discuss matters and we have covered issues such as the School Travel Plan & associated traffic issues, safer cycling, links to the village website and playground equipment. Most recently we have discussed the possibility of a feasibility study for a virtual footpath in conjunction with the School Travel Plan.

 

h) Highways Liaison Committee – Cllrs Mr A Manship, Mr R Page & Mr G Tull
Cllr Manship, within his Chairman’s report, referred to projects at the Longwood Crossroads; Whaddon Lane; Longwood Road; Hurst Lane and Hensting Lane. Plus continued Road Maintenance.

 

Cllr Chapman referred to work in partnership with Cllr Mason, to reduce speeding traffic in Hurst Lane and to prevent further erosion on the sides of the road.

 

i) Playgrounds Representative – Cllr Mr R Page
Cllr Page confirmed that the contractors keep the playground in reasonably good order. He confirmed that the annual risk assessment had recently been completed and gave no cause for concern. Personally he regularly checks the condition of the equipment to ensure safety for the young people.

 

j) Playground Project – Cllr P Sharpe
Cllr Page confirmed that she was working with Cllr Page, the Clerk and some parents to improve the play area with the purchase of additional equipment. She has contacted play area companies and we are hoping to purchase a Birds Nest Swing, a Seesaw, a Toddlers Play Structure and a Climbing Structure for the 5 – 12 year olds. Grants are being applied for and village fundraising events arranged which she hoped would be well supported.

 

k) Travellers Representative – Cllr Mrs J Chase
It was necessary to liaise with WCC when a van was camped in Red Lane in December 08. This was resolved before the end of the year.

 

l) Enforcement Update – Cllrs Mr A Manship and Clerk
A year ago, we were told that the majority of cases referred to Enforcement could not be followed-up owing to staff shortages. Following the concern of Parishioners and the Parish Council I arranged to meet with Neil March, Head of Enforcement, Cllr Ruffell and the Clerk to discuss local cases. The purpose was to offer local information to help the Officers prioritise.

 

We currently meet at 3-monthly intervals. This is supported by regular contact with individual officers between times. I am pleased to report that at our last meeting earlier this week, it was noticeable that significant progress is now being made. Old cases are being closed and minor cases dealt with. This is enabling the Officers to direct their time to cases giving them most concern.

 

I would like to stress that the work of the Parish Council is and must remain impartial at all times. Whilst we raise your concerns, our role is to support the Enforcement Officers by providing local information, not opinions. Sometimes retrospective Planning Applications are invited. Sometimes Enforcement Notices Served. But decisions are made by the Enforcement Officers who must at all times work in accordance with Planning Law.

 

l) Representatives for Sports Clubs using the Recreation Ground – Cllrs Mr G Tull & Mrs T Meads
Cllr Tull confirmed that the football club has kept the ground in good order. Together with the upkeep the Cricket Club always undertake, it is in good order.

 

l) Public Transport Representative – Cllr Mrs J Chase
A lot of lively discussion always follows the presentations by representatives from WCC, Bus and Train services and Dial-a-ride. One point raised by a Twyford resident was the possibility of late night buses for young people to get to and from Winchester. I have asked to be kept in touch on the progress of this matter in the event it may be of use to Owslebury residents in the future.

 

m) Improving Communication with Parishioners Lead – Cllr Mr J Chapman
Focus has been on improving usage of website. I ran a survey and information tent at the Church Fete in June 2008 and will do so again in June 2009. As a result of some input received (I didn’t follow up on the suggestion from little boy who wanted better games!), I tried to get the Sports Clubs to use it for fixtures and results. No success! I also tried to get a working link with the Owslebury Newsletter, still trying! There is some use, particularly on Parish Council matters and village history. More ideas would be most welcome.

 

n) Planning Lead – Cllr Mr R Page
Nothing to report.

 

o) Neighbourhood Watch – Cllr Mrs J Chase
Recently there has been more information available from the Police regarding crime in this area. I currently receive a weekly e-mail of reported crimes. In the past year it seems that thieves are becoming more brazen as there has been an increase in thefts of heavy plant and machinery. Our NW now has 17 co-ordinators.

VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT – Mr Hugh Petter (Report read by the Clerk)

I will set out briefly where we are with the Village Design Statement.

 

Over the course of the past year, a small group of residents from the village met several times during the spring and summer months to debate the nature, content and purpose of the Owslebury Village Design Statement (VDS). We also met Steve Opacic from Winchester Council last autumn, who gave us valuable guidance on these issues. Earlier this year the Parish Council reconfirmed that you wished to proceed with the publication of the VDS.

 

Inevitably with any voluntary organisation these things take time because they have to be fitted about peoples other commitments. Speaking for myself, I have recently handed over chairmanship of a craft based charity in London. This, regrettably, has given me very limited time to focus of late on the Owslebury VDS.

 

My intention over the summer months is to take photographs to illustrate the points that I think need to be made in our document and to give further thought to the text content. Then I will prepare a draft document, which will be reviewed and developed by our committee.

 

Once we feel we are ready, we would like to arrange a presentation to the village to enable everyone to make comments. Realistically this is likely to happen towards the end of the year. All being well, we should then be in a position to work up a final draft early in 2010.

 

I am conscious that a good deal of time has passed already since we all embarked on this project and I am sorry that the pace can not be more rapid. However, I hope the structure I have set out above will meet with the approval of the Parish Council. I look forward to any comments made at the AGM tomorrow night. I can only apologise that, because of a work commitment, I am unable to attend in person.

 

With very best wishes to you and your colleagues

 

COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT
– Hampshire County Council & Hampshire Police Authority – Bishops Waltham Division –
County Councillor Mr Peter Kent Mason

Another year has passed and I am now pleased to present my eighth annual report.

 

The last 12 months has been the busiest of my time to date with the casework increasing significantly, dealing with complaints against Children’s and Adult Services, school placements, requests for speed limit reduction, flooding issues and compensation requests against the County Council.

 

The recently introduced ‘pothole busting’ teams have had some effect but with the bad weather they have been fighting an uphill battle.

 

I continue to serve and have an active presence on the Culture and Communities Committee, along with the same two outside bodies, namely the Twyford Waterworks Trust and the Bishops Waltham Citizens Advice Bureau. I also continue to serve on the Winchester Hampshire Action Teams made up of the seven County Councillors for the Winchester District, this year resulting in 95 meetings. This includes attendance at all full Council meetings, seminars, site meetings and briefings.

 

Again this year a sum of £10,000 was allocated to each County Councillor to personally distribute upon application to worthy causes within their division. I am pleased to report that this sum was distributed as listed below to 22 different and deserving causes: -

Colden Common PC – Church Lane Bus Shelter - £500
Twyford PC – Hunter Park Tarmac Court - £500
Bishops Waltham CAB – IT Equipment - £700
Upham PC – Play Equipment - £400
Age Concern Winchester – Fit as a Fiddle - £480
Curdridge PC – War Memorial Cleaning - £500
Twyford Waterworks Trust – New Access Path & Gate
Durley PC – Insulation of Village Hall Ceiling - £500
Owslebury Parish Hall – Fencing - £500
Homestart Meon Valley – Computer Equipment - £500
HIN Calendar – Multifaith - £200
Colden Common Bowling Club Boyes Lane – Building Fund - £500
Bishops Waltham PC – Bus Shelter - £500
Owslebury PC – Towards new mower - £400
Rainbow Playgroup Colden Common – New Side Gate & Play Area - £450
Friend in Retirement Bishops Waltham – Transport and Meeting Expenses - £350
Relate Winchester – Working safely with Domestic Violence Abuse - £250
Twyford Community Project - £500
Winchester Youth Counselling - £500
Colden Common Community Association – Computer Equipment - £500
Winchester & District Scouts – Crate stacking Activity - £250
Colden Common PC – Fishers Pond Signs - £520

 

It is not yet confirmed in writing that this will continue again for this 2009.

 

This year I have attended 63 Parish Council meetings which equates to a very satisfactory 93% attendance. I still consider that my regular attendance at these meetings helps me to keep in touch with the local developments and concerns within the Bishops Waltham Division.

 

It has once again been a very full year as a member of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Police Authority. I remain Chairman of the Crime Prevention Committee, Vice Chairman of the Community Affairs Committee and Member of Standards & Governance.

 

I have attended all 7 of the Police Authority Full Meetings. Also as an outside body member I attend Eastleigh Community Safety Partnership meetings. This year I have also been on the panel of 5 to appoint the new Deputy Chief Constable. I have also attended seminars, briefings and inspections resulting in 83 meetings totalling 800 hours on Police business. I have given several radio interviews concerning grants given by the crime prevention committee.

 

I have also attended at 2 Attestations and I award ceremony. I am still delighted to confirm that the standard of entrants has been extremely high. At each of the Attestations I have been delighted to make a short speech of welcome on behalf of the authority.

 

I have kept in regular touch with Lead Officers from the Western Operational Command Unit, which covers Eastleigh, New Forest & Test Valley.

 

As I finish every time by assuring all residents of Bishops Waltham Division that, with your support, I shall continue to support and represent them at all levels with the utmost vigour.

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

District Councillor Laurence Ruffell

I can’t believe it’s been a year since my last Annual Report. The last 12 months have been really busy. As I have said in previous years, I am here to help!

 

To give you an example The residents of Durley & Curdridge were worried that up to 6000 houses could be built in North / North East Hedge End, right on their doorstep. At the last Full Council the whole document CAB 1823 (LDF) Appendix D was to be discussed, amended as necessary and approved.

 

The section that effects Durley & Curdridge was paragraph 6.25 and Policy H4 Winchester District Development Framework, Core Strategy, Preferred Option. With the help from GB and RH in formulating the wording, I was able to propose an amendment to Policy SH4, this was accepted at Council.

 

The City will require that those feasibility studies take full account of the significant constraints on any development in that part of Winchester District adjacent to the proposed SDA, due to the sensitivity of the natural and environment, and the importance of a long term open gap to protect the separate identify of the existing settlements of Durley and Curdridge.

 

The effect of this amendment makes Winchester’s involvement clearly reliant on the decision of Eastleigh Borough Council, which could be up to 2 years away.

 

Another example. Over the year I have been able to help several people with their open special problem. Late last year I had a letter from a Mrs T of Woodview Park about the speed of traffic on the A334 at Station Hill just outside her home. I went to visit Mr & Mrs T to see the problem for myself.

 

The residents of Woodview Park and people wishing to cross the A334 to get to the Train Station risk serious injury just to cross the road. I have previously reported this to Curdridge Parish Council.

 

Recently, I had the opportunity to discuss this problem with Mel Kendal who is the HCC Executive Member for the Environment, after meaningful discussions he arranged a meeting on the site with Chris D Wilson (Highways Manager).

 

ON March 18th we met and both agreed that a pedestrian crossing there would be virtually impossible and would cause traffic chaos, but it might be possible to site a pedestrian refuge there (Keep Left bollards). I have received an e-mail from Chris Wilson saying he has initiated a feasibility study to determine whether it is practicable to have a pedestrian refuge there and where to site it.

 

Another example. A local Publican asked if I could help about his parking problem, his pub is on a very narrow lane, despite many times of asking, clients continued to block the lane to all but the smallest of vehicles, emergency service vehicles could pass these vehicles. I arranged a meeting with the Traffic Management Team at WCC and the Landlord of the pub to agree a course of action. There is now a NO PARKING white line on the problem section of the road which most people respect.

 

Another example in November (2008) last year an elderly lady (92) was living in private rented accommodation, which had no central heating or double glazing. The only form of heating was a fire in the living room, he bedrooms and bathroom were unheated. She asked me if I could find out where she was on the Council housing list, she thought she had been on the list since the 1970’s. If she had enough points she would like to be considered for an old people’s bungalow in the area.

 

I set in motion a sequence of events that led to her (over a period of 6 months) being offered an old peoples bungalow in Bishop’s Waltham, however she did not accept this and thought an old people’s bungalow in Owslebury or Upham might suit her needs better. I am now informed that she has been offered and accepted accommodation in Owslebury.

 

I am a member of the “Planning and Development Committee” and a member of the “Social Issues Scrutiny Panel”. A deputy Member of the “Southampton International Airport Consultative Committee” and a deputy member of the “Environment Scrutiny Panel”.

 

Other meetings I have attended are about Climate change and the Local Development framework and of course 18 Planning Meetings and 4 Social Issues Scrutiny Panel meetings and most of the Parish Council Meetings of Owslebury, Durley, Curdridge and Upham.

 

As I said right from the beginning I am here to help.

 

b) District Councillor Rob Humby (Report read by Clerk)
This past year has been a very busy one for me as a District Councillor. Local concerns have been mainly Planning and Enforcement matters, whilst wider issues have included the Local Development Framework, involving the Strategic Development Area and the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire.

 

I have attended all the Cabinet LDF meetings and several of the joint PUSH meetings with all the eleven authorities at Fareham.

 

I am on the Local Economy Scrutiny Panel which has led to me becoming greatly involved with the rural economy and what can be done to help rural businesses in the area. This started with organising a very successful meeting between Planning Officers, Members and the National Farmer’s Union at Hursley.

 

I have been working closely with the Economic Development Officer at Winchester, especially dealing with LEADER funding from SEEDA, funding aimed at assisting rural businesses, especially farming and forestry, and the communities around them. This has involved setting up a Fieldfare local action group to identify projects that will qualify for a share of the two million pounds funding available.

 

I am on the steering group over seeing these projects. This is a joint project between Winchester and East Hampshire District Council and I recently signed the agreement between the two authorities.

I have attended rural economy meetings at Sparsholt, where I met with Cllr Ray Ellis, Portfoilio Holder for Rural Affairs at Hampshire County Council.

 

I have had meetings with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and the Head of Strategic Planning putting the case for the rural economy. It is encouraging to see that the draft LDF recognises the importance of the rural economy to the Winchester District.

 

I am a member of the Olympic sub group for the Winchester District Sport and Physical Acitivity Alliance. I have also attended Media Training, the Hampshire Economic Partnership celebration at Lainston House, the first ever Winchester Sports Awards, the launch of the Citizen’s Advice Bureua in Bishops Waltham and have even presented the Hampshire Bowman with their Hampshire Hospitality award.

 

I would like to end my report by thanking everybody, especially the Parish Council, for the work they do and confirm that I will continue to do my best to help the local community in any way I can.

REPORT FROM PC CHARLIE FARLEY

P C Farley compared the Crime Figures for the past two years: -

There has been a significant increase in plant theft since Christmas. As a result the Chief Inspector has set up Countrywatch, aimed at rural business premises and landowners to help address rural crime and hunting. A full time Officer to lead this will take up post in the summer. The scheme will support a free-flow of information between the Police and the Community and visa versa to help all keep ahead of the purpetrators.

 

Safer Neighbourhood Teams are running meetings in the urban areas but in the more rural locations the police will liaise and and provide support through the Parish Councils as meetings are already set up across the county.

PRESENTATION OF THE AUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st MARCH 2008

Explanation of variances between financial years 2006/07 & 2007/08

 

Receipts – approximately £1000 greater in 2006/07: -

In 2006/07 an additional £1,500 was received in grants to purchase community assets (subsequently purchased in 2007/08)

 

In 2007/08 the website was set up. £250 was received for advertising and an additional £250 received in bank interest.

 

Payments – approximately £8,800 greater in 2007/08, reflecting the number of community assets purchased: -

Picnic Table for Glebe Field

3 Community Noticeboards for Owslebury, Morestead & Baybridge

Noticeboard and Swing Shut Gate for the Play Area

Countryside Access Board

Park Bench for the Recreation Ground

Dog Bin

Parish Website

and maintenance work carried out – for example: -

Safety Rails at the top of the slide and wetpour repair in the play area

All the seats on the Recreation Ground and Glebe Field were repaired and repainted and the Pilgrims Way finger post repaired

The die-back from the Bank Tree was removed

 

Staff Costs – approximately £1,800 greater in 2007/08 - Significant increases in hours required in relation to: -

Research, quotes & purchase of the above community assets
Compiling information for the website

Answering enquiries from the public re: planning and enforcement etc.

Increase in government policies requiring implementation e.g. code of practice, financial regulations etc.

Staff Pension offered

 

Cllrs Meads proposed a vote of thanks to the Clerk for her work, seconded by Cllr Chase.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS

Play Area – Mr Russell raised the Council’s awareness that children had been seen skateboarding down the slide and asked whether more appropriate facilities could be considered in time.

 

Longwood Crossroads – Mr Emmans raised his concern regarding the safety of the junction from Longwood and suggested a ‘stop’ sign as opposed to a ‘give way’ sign. The Clerk confirmed the replacement batteries for the speed limit reminders were due to be installed week beginning 23rd May 2009 and the junction would continue to be monitored.

 

Mr Emmans suggestion would be passed on to Highways.

The meeting closed at 9.15pm.

Chairman……………………Date…………