1493
MINUTES of a MEETING of SOUTH WONSTON PARISH COUNCIL
held on Monday 14th September 2009 in the Pavilion, Lower Road at 7.30pm
Present: Cllrs Peal (Chairman), Bolton (from 8.35pm), Clements, Perrins, Selby & Whiteley (until 9.25pm)
County Cllr Bailey (until 8.40pm)
City Cllr Godfrey (until 8.45pm)
City Cllr Wright (until 8.40pm)
Inspector Peglar (until 7.55pm)
Mr Stuart Fox (until 7.55pm)
Ms Sandra Tuddenham (until 7.55pm)
Mr Peter Ward
Mrs Avril Burt (until 8.35pm)
Mr Adrian Priddle (until 8.35pm)
Ms Jenny Jenkins (until 8.35pm)
Mrs Mary Flynn (until 8.25pm)
09/123 APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from Cllr Fox, Cllr Sawdon and City Cllr Lipscomb.
09/124 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The Chairman suspended Standing Orders.
Inspector Peglar confirmed that following a reorganisation he had taken over the area including South Wonston. A new PCSO and PC will shortly be starting. There has been a burglary in Downs Road. The problems experienced at the recreation ground were noted, including the series of break ins to the pavilion.
Stuart Fox, ACSO Team Leader, confirmed that Michael Rice and Jason Sohota had been patrolling the area. A beat surgery has been held. Mr Fox produced a record pertaining to 24th July – 4th September. The ACSO’s do not provide constant cover and there are shift patterns.
Sandra Tuddenham, WCC Community Safety Manager, confirmed that the partnerships were coordinated. In respect of anti social behaviour, individuals identified can be worked with. Ms Tuddenham said that records showed that there had been a reduction in problems locally due to patrols.
Clerk confirmed that following the most serious break in to the pavilion on 3rd July Council has appointed a private security firm, latterly drop ins but initially a static service 11pm to 1am was organised. This has resulted in a drop in problems.
City Cllr Godfrey referred to the motocross enforcement appeal, which could be heard by Public Inquiry in 2010. There is still time for representation to be made to the Inspector. Also an appeal has been lodged by Mr Crowther, who claims to own the Suncroft site. The appeal relates to WCC handling of the enforcement matter. Aside from this there are issues relating to noise disturbance, particularly barking dogs. Cllr Godfrey also referred to the closure of the layby on Christmas Hill and presence of the kebab van near the water tower.
Cllr Bailey confirmed that she had no advance knowledge of the layby closure.
The Chairman confirmed that Wonston Parish Council appear to have sought assistance from HCC in closing the layby. This was understood to be due to heavy vehicle movements through Sutton Scotney and unpleasant toilet litter being discarded.
Cllr Godfrey stated that South Wonston was not unduly affected by the kebab van. Cllr Godfrey referred to the death of a dog on Lower Road, caused by a Landrover illegally using the route, and urged the Parish Council to press for action.
Cllr Wright referred to the layby closure and confirmed that prior to the presence of the kebab van there had been instances of improper behaviour taking place there. This had ceased when the kebab van arrived. The site near the water tower is not ideal and can result in obstruction for dog walkers etc. Cllr Wright said that additional materials were being imported to Sanctuary Farm and that the verges would be damaged.
Cllr Bailey confirmed that HCC Enforcement had visited Sanctuary Farm and confirmed that the imported chalk was part of permitted development, along the edge of the field.
The Chairman confirmed that chalk had definitely been deposited onto the area of landfill, not the just the edge of the field. There was a 25 minute turn round between lorries accessing Sanctuary Farm via the main drive.
Cllr Bailey confirmed that this would be re-examined and that Highways will check the verges.
The Chairman asked Cllr Bailey about Lower Road signing.
Cllr Bailey confirmed that this is on the wish list for funding.
The Chairman asked Cllr Bailey about the 19 Downlands Way encroachment onto Lower Road.
Cllr Bailey confirmed that HCC intends to send a letter to all residents bordering Lower Road.
The Chairman asked Cllr Bailey about 30mph roundels.
Cllr Bailey confirmed that these are permitted only where the speed limit changes.
Cllr Selby confirmed that roundels were in the vicinity of Bedfield Lane and London Road but no change of the speed limit applies there.
The Chairman asked Cllr Bailey about the verge and trees in Chaucer Close. Chaucer Close residents are being passed back and forth between HCC and WCC.
Cllr Bailey confirmed that the area was thought to be WCC.
The Chairman asked Cllr Bailey about the inclusion of Wrights Close/Wrights Way in the gritting route.
Cllr Bailey confirmed that this was being dealt with by Chris Wilson in Highways. Cllr Bailey also referred to the location of the kebab van in the bell mouth and a meeting in August, which the Parish Council Chairman attended. The current location is not suitable. It may be that the layby could be reopened, with height barriers to stop lorries pulling in.
Mrs Mary Flynn, Assistant Head at South Wonston Primary School, confirmed that a two week science project will focus on recycling, carbon footprints etc. A pack is available for what should be a fun project. Colden Common, Olivers Battery and others have joined the project.
The Chairman confirmed that the Parish Council had dabbled in sustainability and that there would be a WinAcc meeting in October. The Parish Council would be happy to support a venture which the school is leading.
Mrs Flynn confirmed that she would leave the first few pages of the pack for perusal. It is likely that a public meeting will take place.
Mrs Avril Burt, Chairman of the South Wonston Allotment Steering Group (SWASG), was keen to know why the Alresford Drove landfill site/s would not be suitable for allotments.
Clerk confirmed that the email from Mr Tidridge at WCC, detailing the reasons, had been forwarded to Mr Priddle for information.
Mrs Burt said that pockets of land had been identified, but owners were not known to be willing to sell land.
Cllr Selby suggested that the SWASG write to Mrs Alexis Norman, Estates Manager at Defence Estates, and Rev Bailey too, in connection with land for a burial ground.
Mrs Burt said that land for approximately 40 allotments would be required, the size in acres was not known.
The Chairman resumed Standing Orders.
09/125 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 13TH JULY 2009
Page 1483, 09/108 – Public Participation – Second paragraph
The third paragraph was amended to read “Cllr Bailey requested the Clerk to inform her if she becomes aware of any flooding in the village.”
Following the above amendment it was RESOLVED to approve the minutes as a true record of the meeting.
09/126 MATTERS ARISING FROM MEETING HELD ON 13TH JULY 2009
Page 1485, 09/110 Item 3 - Matters Arising from June meeting - BBQs
Clerk confirmed that only one organised BBQ has been requested/permitted – Mr Watts at the end of May, which was a booking of the pavilion for toilet facilities and BBQ/rounders match on the field. There has only ever been one request refused, last summer, to Clerk (via Cllr Selby) when a man from Andover wanted to use the skate park, have a BBQ and a ‘fun day’ type event – free of charge. This was refused ie no insurance for the event and not a local person. No one else has requested a BBQ via the Clerk, or been refused.
Page 1486, 09/111 Vandal Damage & Security - First paragraph – fire exit door
Quotation of £654.62 accepted from Centre Security of Fareham for supply and fit of a new fire exit door – fitted Monday 14th September.
Page 1486, 09/111 Vandal Damage & Security - Second paragraph - garage door
Quotation of £431.00 from The Garage Door Company accepted, and door fitted Weds 9th September.
Page 1487, 09/113 Correspondence – Third item – Tree course
Original training course booked for Philip Keating, Tree Warden, in October - £155 + VAT.
Page 1492, 09/118 Highways – General Matters
Hampshire County Council (HCC) Highways confirmed the Downs Road carriageway surface was made safe on 29th July.
09/127 VILLAGE PLAN & VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT
The Chairman confirmed that the City Council progress report in relation to the South Wonston Village Plan confirms reasonable progress.
Cllr Selby confirmed that he had placed a Village Plan update in the West Dever News.
Cllr Sawdon has been unable to progress the Village Design Statement (VDS) over the summer and asked for a working party to assist. The original VDS working party including the Chairman, Cllr Sawdon and Cllr Whitely will reconvene.
09/128 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PUBLICATION SCHEME
A draft Model Publication Scheme was distributed to all Members for the meeting. It is a statutory requirement for all Councils to have a scheme for dealing with Freedom of Information requests. Information can be made available on the Parish Council website free of charge or hard copies can be provided at a charge ie 10p per A4 sheet, plus postage. Some headings under Class 5 have been left blank, however Clerk confirmed that details of document retention could be formulated and added. Further work to make information available on the website could follow, with the Publication Scheme document being amended accordingly. The Publication Scheme will be added to the website and reviewed annually.
It was RESOLVED to adopt the Freedom of Information Model Publication Scheme document.
09/129 CORRESPONDENCE
- Recently Received
Reply from Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence regarding purchase of MOD land. Cllr Selby confirmed that he had sent a response thanking Sir Tim for the response, and confirmed that when the land for the existing recreation ground was procured from the MOD similar obstacles must have been overcome then.
Email from Mr Cezair regarding the Village Plan questionnaire and Council’s opposition to the motocross. It was agreed to provide a copy of the page of the Village Plan questionnaire which included questions 90 and 91, and verify the reasons for Council objecting to the motocross.
Email from Andy Jones, Stagecoach, regarding possible route changes. Mr Jones has confirmed that due to incredible losses in revenue, due to the downturn in the economy, all route/journey planning has been shelved and instead efforts are being concentrated on cost saving.
Mr David Chatterton has commented on the above response from Stagecoach, and confirms that the “9.00” service may run slightly earlier in future. This would mean that even if villagers wishing to use the over 60’s pass walked to Christmas Hill they could still be denied use if the bus is on time. Mr Chatterton reminded Council that at the meeting last October Mr Pannell from Stagecoach gave assurance that drivers would not refuse pass holders on the rare occasion that the service was on time. Mr Chatterton will take up the matter with Andrew Jarvis, the Stagecoach Operations Manager, and suggests that Council writes too.
Email from Mrs Felton regarding the overgrown hedge Stainers Lane. This has now been cut back but ivy has grown out across the footway making it dangerous under foot.
Email from Mary Flynn at the Primary School regarding a two week science project at School, centred around environmental issues. The School is hoping to launch a Green Project, an initiative involving the local community. Full details above in Public Participation.
Copy letter from Mr Cornick of Downlands Way to Bellway, regarding issues with the site. Council has written to Bellway regarding mud on road, works vehicles using the Drove, very large delivery vehicles getting lost in various areas of the village and obstruction of private driveways near the site. Council also wrote to Bellway about the Cloudbank sign on Christmas Hill which was likely to direct motorists along Lower Road.
An anonymous letter has been received, commenting on details in the West Dever News regarding the exploration of gating and locking the recreation ground main entrance in the evening. It is suggested that this would penalise legitimate users of the recreation ground and instead measures should be taken to apprehend those causing damage and possibly offer a reward for information.
A letter has been received from the South Wonston Allotment Steering Group (SWASG) confirming its formation and aim to campaign for the establishment of allotments within the village. To assist with establishing the group an initial grant of £200 is requested from Council. It was RESOLVED to approve a grant of £200 to SWASG.
County Community Safety questionnaire – Clerk and Chairman have completed online as the deadline was 10th September. The responses reflected the recent problems at the recreation ground/in the village.
Email regarding a WinAcc Parish Initiative. An inaugural meeting will take place, possibly in October. Cllr Selby suggested that Council should be represented and that the Sustainable Energy Group should reconvene.
Email from Littleton & Harestock Parish Council with specific costing for shared SIDs. It was agreed that the costs were too great and there is a lack of suitable poles for the equipment to be mounted on.