Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 8th March, 2016 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall, Durley. 7 Parish Councillors, County/District Councillor Humby, District Councillor Ruffell, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins and 4 parishioners were present. Councillor McClean also attended part of the Meeting to introduce himself as he will be standing as one of our District Councillors in the forthcoming Election in May.
Apologies were received from Kirstie Baines (Headteacher).
Clerk reported that she had received a very good response from residents who were willing to help if Durley was ever involved in an emergency situation. Clerk will update the Durley Emergency Plan and include all the volunteers. This will then be sent to HCC for their information. Parish Councillors wished to give their thanks to all those who volunteered their help in various capacities.
Flooding at Beech Corner is still continuing and it is hoped that funding will soon be available to put a pipe under the road to take the water. A large hole has appeared near a manhole/drain near to the Beech Corner Garage entrance. This will be reported to HCC. Cars parking outside of the Garage and in the lay-by in Stapleford Lane as making it difficult and sometimes dangerous for drivers to see round the vehicles and for visitors to properties in Stapleford Lane to park. Some cars are parked all weekend in the lay-by and thus blocking any available parking spaces for the residents who live near to park. It is hoped that some consideration will be forthcoming from the owners of these vehicles to stop this practice and vacate the spaces for the Durley residents to use.
Cllr Burton has almost completed the new village website. Once completed he will show Parish Councillors so that any amendments can be made before going live.
Clerk reported that the “Clean for the Queen” Litter Pick in Durley was very successful and many residents took part, along with the Durley Ladybirds. Councillors would like to thank everyone who took part, and hope that some of the good work will continue. Some of the volunteers were willing to continue picking up litter in Durley. Clerk will ask if we can keep the litter picks for future use.
A Meeting has been held to discuss a Village Event to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday and as many residents would like a village celebration it has been agreed that Sunday 15th May from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. we will have a Village Picnic at The Sawmills. A Grant has been applied for and a further Meeting to discuss the details will be held on Wednesday 16th March. All village organisations have been invited to attend.
Cllr Charles (Chairman) and the Clerk attended a HCC Devolution Workshop in Winchester and reported that it appears that HCC are still trying to process all the information. It seems likely that some services will come down to the Parish Councils to manage. Discussions are being held with HCC and WCC at present.
County Councillor Humby informed Councillors that he was meeting with Lou Hubble to discuss police matters. He has also met with Sam Clark regarding the Area Wide Traffic Survey which hopefully will be carried out once funding is in place. He also informed Councillors of the present position with the Devolution discussions with HCC and WCC.
District Councillor Ruffelll reported on the Budget Setting Meeting held on 25th February. It has been agreed that the Council Tax will rise this coming year by £4.34 per household. This is the first time that the Council Tax has risen in the last 6 years. DC Ruffell also said that from 1st April, 2016 all dogs will have to be chipped. WCC are offering a free chipping service at Mole Countrystores in Winnall from 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. There is no need to book – just turn up.
Two members of the public present were complaining about the fly tipping which keeps occurring in Durley. The lorry loads which keep getting dumped are an eyesore in Durley as well as blocking roads. The rubbish in Greenwood Lane has been there for months and shows no sign of moving. CC Humby will ask Cllr Read about this particular problem as he has been involved with it. Clerk reported that 4 lorry loads were tipped in one weekend. Mincingfield Lane was closed for a while as rubbish was tipped all over the road and made it impassible until the Police cleared the rubbish to the sides of the road. Chancellors Lane has also had a lorry load dumped in the road which a local farmer kindly cleared, and 2 lorry loads have been dumped in private gateways. Councillors are very concerned that this keeps on happening and will do all they can to try and help the various Agencies dealing with the problem. George Hollingbery MP is also trying to help with this problem.
Another resident present asked about the highways issues in Gregory Lane which he had reported to HCC. He will give the Clerk copies of the correspondence. The drainage at The Green and Play Area at the Sawmills are still being investigated by the Parish Council. If there was a ditch alongside Gregory Lane this might help with the drainage situation. Ditches not being maintained was also a concern, and a resident offered to dig out ditches near to him, but ownership was not always clear, so Clerk will find out from HCC about clearing out ditches and who owns what part of the ditch.
Cllr Farr gave a Highways Report stating that the 30 mph speed sign pole has been put up, but there is no sign. She has reported this to HCC. Cllr Farr also reported on the lack of police presence in the village, but Cllr Pitter said that there had been a speed van outside of the School recently.
Councillors viewed the HCC Walking Strategy Consultation and had no comments to make.
Cllr Charles congratulated the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins, on receiving her Mayor of Winchester Award for her work for Durley Parish Council which is over and above what is expected. Anne attended the Presentation in Winchester last week.
Cllr Farr asked if a direction sign could be placed in the Hall car park directing anyone to the Thresher Room, as some people were getting lost. Councillors had no objection to this and Cllr Burton offered to show Councillors sign designs.
There being no further business the Chairman declared the Meeting closed.
Anne Collins
Clerk to Durley Parish Council
durleypc@homecall.co.uk
