Chilbolton Councillors

Graham Kelly      Chairman                                           861020

Moya Grove        Vice Chairman                                    860411

Annette Keys                                                               860377

Tony Morgan                                                                860725

Alan McGuire                                                                860261

John Irish                                                                     860848

Gwen Picco                                                                   860214

Maggie Hobbs     Clerk                                                   860749

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CHILBOLTON  PARISH  COUNCIL  NEWS

                  The February meeting took place on the 14th.   There was no good news to report on the issue of speeding down Martins Lane, as TVBC feel that, as a rural road, it is already well sign posted and that the accidents reported cannot be related necessarily to the state of the road.  The Council will keep an eye on this and would appreciate being notified of incidents when they occur. 

                  Rather more heartening was the progress made on the restoration of the Mark Way, which should be complete by the time this goes to print.  The work has been very well, and expeditiously, done and thanks are due to the developer of the Ivy Farm site.  The path is already being well-used and apparently holds particular appeal for users of wheel chairs. 

                  Thanks are also due to the owners of Watch Cottage for dealing so quickly with the shrubs obscuring the view from the Coronation Tree.

                  At the invitation of the Council, David Ball, the Regional Site Manager of Hampshire County Council Countryside Service, explained their plans for the management of West Down.   They will be applying for a high level stewardship grant from DEFRA, which will imply some conditions, and it is possible that the sycamores alongside Coley Lane, adjacent to the recycling area, will have to be replaced by a mixed hedge.   In addition cattle will be introduced for grazing purposes.  The authorities are well aware of the importance of West Down from an ecological point of view and all concerned, including the Wild Life Trust, are anxious to see it well managed.  Glyn Evans was also at the meeting and, in endorsing David Ball’s remarks, underlined the importance of the butterfly life on the chalk down and said that participation from the village would be welcome.
He is hoping to form a Conservation Group, concentrating on the natural history of the area, and anyone interested should phone him direct on 860697.                                                                               

                  Reporting on behalf of the Common Committee, Moya Grove said that quotes had now been received for the extension of dragons’ teeth, to restrict parking, and the lowest bid was accepted by the meeting.  Work should commence early in March, weather permitting.  There have been several renewed instances of 4x4 owners abusing the Common and hopefully the new measures will curb them.  In the mean time it would be appreciated if anybody witnessing these incidents could take the number of the vehicle concerned and, if you have a mobile, alerting the Police.  There was one particularly unpleasant incident on the Common last month involving a large party of unlicensed ferreters.  Again the Police need to be advised as soon as possible.  Under no circumstances should the offenders be approached directly.

                  Up to the time of writing we have been lucky with rainfall levels and the new drainage measures have yet to be seriously tested.  Meanwhile the ditches and culverts are particularly clear this year and thanks are due to all those concerned.

                                                                                                Graham Kelly

                                                                                                    Chairman 

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NEXT PC MEETING

In Chilbolton Village Hall ?