Wherwell  Councillors    

Jane Andrews         Chairman                                              860635

Pam Prince             Vice Chairman                                       860441           

Peter Bryant           Tree Warden                                         860541

Dr Gordon Pack                                                                  860500

Paul Sartin                                                                         860791

Sean Hutton                                                                       860443

Steve Sheen                                                                       860249

Liz Blakemore         Clerk                                                    860385

 

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WHERWELL PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES-January 2006

We hoped that the first meeting of the New Year would not have been spent discussing the same issues that were causing concern all last year but it was not to be!  Sadly all too often people are still parking in the vicinity of the War Memorial.  Recently an oil tanker had to reverse down Church Street because the access was obstructed and in the process seriously damaged the brickwork of the bridge. Vehicles have also been driven over the Green and the newly kerbed area outside Manor Farm House leaving deep ruts which we have had to pay to be repaired.  Frequently bad parking by the access to the Common by the Long Bridge causes problems to horses and their riders.  The HCC Rights of Way Officer is arranging for a suitable sign is to be put up here.  We have requested advice regarding parking issues from the police who are monitoring the situation. We have always been reluctant to introduce yellow lines in the village but if the parking problems persist we will have to do this. 

The Highways Engineer has been contacted regarding outstanding works at various sites.  We have requested that overtaking be prohibited along the A3057 within the parish.  

Recently work has been undertaken to alter the flow of the River Test.  Advice is being sought whether this could increase the likelihood of flooding.  It is hoped to have a supply of sand bags stored locally should they be required at short notice.  Any owners of properties likely to be affected by flooding should ensure that they are registered with the Environment Agency.

The planning application for a dwelling adjacent to Peacehaven has been turned down by TVBC.  We are awaiting advice from the Planning Enforcement Officer regarding the mobile home and caravan on the corner of Beech Grove.  The application for the demolition and re-siting of stables at the Priory was supported.  District Councillor Jim Neal has informed us that the land at the end of Beech Grove would be regarded as an exception site and therefore only if a clearly evident demand existed could affordable housing be built.  This will be reviewed once the Mill Close project has been completed.

The changes to the timetable of collection of household waste and recyclable materials will only affect the Fullerton and Cottonworth areas initially.  Residents affected should now have been notified by TVBC.

We continue to monitor the condition of the pay phone at Fullerton on the A3057.

The property marking kit is available from the clerk (Liz tel: 860385) for a nominal fee to mark items such as TVs music systems computers bicycles etc with your postcodes.  Please note that parked cars containing valuables are still being targeted by thieves throughout the Test Valley.

Having yet again had to chase for the repair to the lights on the steps down from Chant Close to Fullerton Road they have now been vandalised.

The double decker school bus is still reversing in the Playing Field’s car park which is extremely dangerous.  The headmaster and the bus company have been consulted again about this.

The Audit Commission has certified the Annual Return for 2004/05. The budget for 2006/07 has been approved and the precept set at £6500.

Standing Orders, Finance Regulations and a Complaints Procedure have been adopted and copies will be given to all councillors.

We are writing to MP David Miliband regarding the likely large increases to council tax due to the unfair method of the allocation of government funding to different areas.

Congratulations to the Playing Fields Committee for organising the fantastic Christmas Grotto which raised approximately £2500.  This was a tremendous achievement which involved much hard work and many man hours.

Next meeting: Tuesday 7th March at 6.30pm in the Colonel Jenkins’ Hall

Jane Andrews Chairman  Tel: 860635  Email: flyjohnandrews@aol.com

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THE NEXT WHERWELL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

Col Jenkins Hall at 6.30pm on 7th March 2006