DURLEY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING REPORT

Durley Parish Council held their Monthly Meeting on Tuesday 9th October, 2018 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall. 6 Parish Councillors, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins, and 3 parishioners were present.

Apologies were received from Cllr Bartlett and County/District Councillor Humby.

Cllr Delmege reported that the speed indicator sign which has been sited in Durley Brook Road is working well and a sample of statistics gained were given at the Meeting. Positive feedback was received from residents and Parish Councillors.

Cllr Watts and the Clerk attended the WW1 Commemoration Meeting and reported that planning for the events in Durley are going well. It is hoped that many residents will attend the commemoration services at the Church and opposite the School, the Exhibition at Durley Memorial Hall (which was built in memory of those who fell during WW1), and the lighting of the beacon in the evening.

Cllr Pitter reported on the Broadband in Durley and said that an article has gone onto the website asking for residents to respond so that we know what community interest there is when deciding on a Community Funding bid. Residents are urged to respond, otherwise Parish Councillors have no idea of how satisfied you are with your current broadband speeds in Durley.

The Clerk reported that HCC have confirmed that the grit bin sited along Wintershill will be reinstated and re-levelled.

Cllr Charles and the Clerk attended a Planning Event along with other Parish Councils – issues discussed were Enforcement, the Review of the Planning Department at WCC and the future Local Plan.

The new seat to be sited at Durley Recreation Ground has arrived. It will be placed where the old wooden seat was sited.

There were no County or District Councillor Reports.

A letter was received from Royal Mail warning residents of scam mail. This will be put on the noticeboard. Cllr Smith suggested that perhaps the CAB would visit Durley Lunch Club and inform elderly residents of scam mail, e-mails, telephone calls etc. Cllr Delmege will ask CAB and get in touch with Edna Merritt.

Clerk has been looking at various Grants for the school crossing and flashing lights. The Blue Lamp Trust is used for charities and is not suitable, and the Lottery Grant is not available as the land which the project is sited on is not owned by the Parish Council, but HCC. Further Grant options will be investigated by Durley Parish Council and Durley Primary School.

Cllr Pitter gave a Highways Report stating that white road markings have been placed on various roads in Durley so that repair work can be carried out. Some fly tipping was reported. Clerk reminded Councillors that anyone is able to report fly tipping via the Winchester City Council website. Evidence will then be gathered and a “W” placed on the fly tip. It will then be collected by WCC after investigation. Prosecution will follow if possible.

A Neighbourhood Watch Report was given by Cllr Watts, along with the Notes of a recent PACT Meeting held in Bishops Waltham.

Clerk gave a financial report and said that the External Audit had been returned and was satisfactory. The first half of the 2018-19 Internal Audit has been completed and is also satisfactory.

Bulbs have been planted in the memorial garden and in areas around the Hall car park in memory of John Sillence, who was our Hall Caretaker for 14 years. The bulbs were donated from the Village Quiz evening by Durley Entertainments Committee.

Cllr Watts reported that the Recreation Ground is good at the moment and the step on the veranda will be repaired shortly. Cllr Charles offered to meet with Colin Watts to discuss the best materials to repair it with.

Anne Collins

Clerk to Durley Parish Council

durleypc@homecall.co.uk

DURLEY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING REPORT

Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Meeting on Tuesday 14th August, 2018 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall. 5 Parish Councillors, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins, District Councillor Miller and 4 parishioners were present.

Apologies were received from Cllr Bartlett, Cllr Clegg, County/District Councillor Humby and District Councillor Mclean.

At the start of the Meeting Cllr Charles announced the sad death of our Memorial Hall Caretaker – John Sillence. John has been looking after the Hall for the last 14 years. A minute’s silence was held in John’s memory.

Cllr Delmege reported that he is waiting for HCC to come and higher the posts to site the Speed Indicator sign. The work was scheduled in for June/July. As the work has now been passed onto a Contractor Councillors asked that the Clerk contact CC Humby to try and pursue the matter so that the sign can be sited. The Clerk will also contact Ian Medd regarding the design for the village entry signs.

The replanting of the trees in Church Copse has not taken place and the Clerk has asked the Forestry Commission for details of when the inspection is to take place before legal action can be taken. No response has been received so Clerk was asked to write again and copy in other Officers. This issue has been going on for a long time and enforcement action should be taken to make sure that re-planting takes place.

Cllr Delmege attended the Meon Valley Home Start AGM and said that the Meon Valley section is now merging into the Hampshire Home Start. The AGM was well attended and many employees and volunteers were thanked for their hard work at Meon Valley Home Start.

Cllr Delmege has carried out some footpath inspections and Councillors agreed that landowners who have a footpath going through their land should keep it clear of brambles and vegetation. The vegetation is growing fast at the moment and needs to be kept down. Some stiles are in need of replacement as they are difficult to negotiate over so the landowners will be asked if they will replace or refurbish appropriate stiles to make them more accessible.

Cllr Watts reported on the WW1 commemorations. The Exhibition at Durley Memorial Hall is taking shape and a decision has yet to be made on the siting of the village beacon. Services of commemoration will be held at Durley Church and in the memorial garden opposite Durley Primary School. A note has gone into the Parish Magazine so that residents are aware of the weekend.

A District Councillor’s Report was given by Cllr Miller. He gave some information about the Eastleigh Borough Council Local Plan and the response from Winchester City Council, an update on the Sports Centre in Winchester and answered questions from residents and Parish Councillors.

Cllr Pitter updated Parish Councillors on the fibre broadband to properties in Durley. He is waiting for further information from BT and Openreach as the problem appears to be getting the fibre via overhead cables to properties. He hopes to have a further update for the next Meeting.

A Neighbourhood Watch Report was given by Cllr Watts who said that the main issues have been cold calling and break-ins, but not in Durley. There is an Older Driver Awareness Course being held locally. All information will be put on the Parish Council website for residents to view.

A Highways Report was given by Cllr Pitter. Some road defects have been repaired in Sciviers Lane, but he will go round the village and report other problems. The double yellow lines have been worked well after checking throughout the month. Tipper trucks going through the village have increased and the Clerk will write to one Company that appears to be travelling through the village very often. The trees will be cut back which over-hang the “unsuitable for hgv” signs at Wintershill.

Cllr Charles has now received 3 quotes for the Hall floor. Clerk will look into various Grants that we might be able to apply for to help towards the cost involved. The under-stage and on-stage areas will be cleared out shortly.

Clerk said that there was another Planning Application for 375 houses on our boundary on land north and east of Winchester Street, Botley. Parish Councillors agreed that a letter should be written to George Hollingbery MP stating that Durley residents are getting very frustrated with planning applications on the Eastleigh Borough Council boundary of our parish which are suffocating our small village.

Clerk reported that both Appeals against the Enforcement Notices on land adjacent to Berkeley Farm, Durley Street have been allowed by the Inspector.

Anne Collins

Clerk to Durley Parish Council

durleypc@homecall.co.uk

Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Meeting on Tuesday 12th June, 2018 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall. 7 Parish Councillors, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins, District Councillor Mclean and 6 parishioners were present. The Agent for Imperial Homes also attended to present his plans to Parish Councillors. Kirstie Baines (Headteacher) was also in attendance.

Apologies were received from County/District Councillor Humby and District Councillor Miller.

Councillors approved the Updated Model Standing Orders to reflect the new GDPR Regulations, The Privacy Policy, The Retention of Documents and Records Policy and the Data Protection Policy.

Cllr Delmege reported that the Speed Indicator sign has arrived and payment was agreed for the posts to install the sign. Locations have been agreed with HCC and Insurance has been sorted out by the Clerk. It is hoped that the sign will be installed shortly.

Clerk said that she has received many phone calls to the Parish Council from residents, and drivers who go through Durley saying how pleased they are that the double yellow lines are now in place and how much safter it is at Beech Corner and coming out of Manor Road. Councillors are encouraging residents to report any regular vehicle owners who choose to ignore the double yellow lines. It is important that we enforce the parking so that these areas stay safe. Councillors are pleased that after many years of campaigning our hard work has paid off.

Cllr Watts, Cllr Delmege and the Clerk attended a Meeting along with School representatives, the PCC and a representative from Durley History Society. On Sunday 11th November we hope to commemorate those who lose their lives in the First World War by holding our usual Service of Rememberance at Durley Church and in the Memorial Garden (opposite the School) and then we will hold an Exhibition at Durley Memorial Hall (which was built in memory of those who fought). At the Exhibition residents will be invited to visit and look at work completed by Durley School children, old Parish Council records, Durley History Society information and enjoy a cup of tea and peice of cake. At 7.00 p.m. a village beacon will be lit at a location yet to be decided. It is hoped that this will be a village event which residents will be able to commemorate those residents from Durley who we lost in the First World War.

Cllr Bartlett has been visiting businesses in The Sawmills to see if they would contribute towards some seating and tables on the Village Green. It is hoped that this will not only provide a village facility for all to enjoy, but also give the business unit workers somewhere to eat their lunch during the summer months if they wish.

Cllr Watts and the Clerk attended the Southern Parishes Meeting where the main issues for discussion were Community Speedwatch, Parish Charter and additional hours for a Parish Lengthsman.

District Councillor Mclean gave a District Councillors Report. He stated that he is back on the Planning Committee, and also on the Standards Committee, Overview and Scrutiny and the Licencing Committee at Winchester City Council. DC Mclean updated Councillors on the progress of the Sports Centre in Winchester and also said that he was pleased that the double yellow lines have finally been installed in Durley.

During the public participation session Councillors were asked if there was any update on the enforcement of the re-planting of the trees in Church Copse. As no further information has been received the Clerk will investigate what action is being taken now that the timescale for re-planting has expired. A potential resident was also present who asked about any future plans in Durley for additional planning. Councillors responded saying that in the present Plan there is no development for Durley on a large scale, but plans do change all the time so they would not be able to say what the future holds.

The Planning Appeal for the Unauthorised Gypsy and Traveller Site on land adjacent to Berkeley Farm is being held on 13th June and Cllr Charles, Cllr Pitter and the Clerk will be attending.

A request was received from the ADD Group (Action against Destructive Development) asking if Durley residents would like to make donations towards the fighting fund. This will be used to fight the Eastleigh plans on our boundary. It was agreed that the Clerk will put information on the website so that residents can make a donation if they wish.

An e-mail was read out from WCC regarding the lack of grass cutting this year. It stated that the current programme is based on 9 cuts per year and due to the weather conditions grass in some areas is getting higher than expected before it is cut. It was agreed that the Clerk would ask if Millway could be cut as it is very long, and also the verges, as some entrances are dangerous because drivers cannot see through the long grass.

Kirstie Baines attended the Meeting and gave a School Report. The main items which were included were the Walk to School Week, The Bear Hunt – which 80 families are taking part, discussions with the Strategic Development Officer regarding school numbers, new schools in the area, and the School Budget. Councillors offered their support where they can and are happy to write letters, e-mails etc. if it is helpful.

Cllr Watts gave a Neighbourhood Watch Report stating that there has been some thefts in the Bishops Waltham area but non in Durley. Residents were reminded that they should keep sheds locked and bikes should be locked up in the hot weather. Windows and doors should also be locked as some thefts are during the day time when the owner is in the garden. It is also advised to give your neighbour a key when you go away so that they can check on your home.

Cllr Pitter is taking a tour around the village checking all the potholes and then reporting them to HCC for appropriate action. The road subsidence in Heathen Street is still a big concern as the major work has still not been carried out yet. The Clerk will chase this up as the road is sinking again.

The Clerk gave a Financial Report and the invoice for the village entry signs was agreed.

Cllr Charles is meeting with a specialist to discuss the Hall floor replacement and to obtain a further quote. Clerk said that the Hall Caretaker is still unwell and Donna Shorney is doing a good job of covering for him. Councillors send their best wishes.

Cllr Watts said that the painting in the Pavilion is almost completed and the multi-surface equipment is being re-painted at the moment. Dog walkers were seen on the Recreation Ground without keeping their dog on a lead. Everyone is reminded that dog owners must be responsible for keeping their dogs on a lead and picking up after them.

Robin Reay from Luken Beck attended the Meeting and showed Councillors plans which have been drawn up for 2 dwellings on land in front of Quob Stables, Durley Brook Road. Councillors made no comments, but will make any comments when a formal Planning Application is received.

The Chairman closed the Meeting at 9.55 p.m.

Anne Collins

Clerk to Durley Parish Council

durleypc@homecall.co.uk

DURLEY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING REPORT

ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY

Durley Parish Council held its Annual Parish Assembly on Tuesday 10th April, 2018 at Durley Memorial Hall, Durley. 5 Parish Councillors, County/District Councillor Humby, District Councillor Miller, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins, PCSO Slater, a police representative and 3 parishioners were present.

Apologies were received from District Councillor Mclean.

Cllr Charles (Chairman) commenced the Meeting by introducing members of the Parish Council and other Officers to the residents attending.

Cllr Charles gave a Chairman’s Report summarising the work the Parish Council has been working on during the year. He said that the drainage work which was carried out at The Sawmills appears to be working effectively, the Parish Council part of the village website is now live, the Footpaths around Durley are kept clear by the Parish Lengthsman, the play areas have been renovated and new safer surfacing has been put down in places. We have been working closely with the School to try and slow the traffic down through Durley, especially past the School. A new SID sign has been ordered and will be placed in 5 different locations on a rotation basis. It is hoped that the information this sign records will be useful to verify speeds of traffic and volume of traffic through Durley. The Chairman, Clerk and Councillors attend many Meetings outside the Parish Council throughout the year. At the end of his Report the Chairman thanked all his Officers and the Clerk for all their hard work over the year.

The Clerk gave a Financial Report for the End 2017-18. Details of the Income and Expenditure were given out and the Clerk explained that £16,000 was given to the Parish Council for the future maintenance of the road which was adopted at The Sawmills from Persimmon Homes. This money will be put aside for these future costs. The Internal Audit Report was satisfactory and Councillors thanked the Clerk for all her hard work with the accounts of the Parish.

Cllr Pitter gave a Highways Report saying that he has reported many pot holes throughout the year by photographing the pot hole and sending the picture to HCC Highways via the on-line system. This works well. However, at the present time, due to the bad winter weather there are many pot holes which need attention as they are filled with water. The double yellow lines at the end of Manor Road junction and Beech Corner are marked out ready to be completed. This has been after many years of persuing from Durley Parish Council. It is hoped that this will stop parking in these unsafe areas.

Cllr Smith gave a Hall Report and started by thanking all the Hall hirers for the support over the year. She also thanked the Hall Caretaker John, who is unfortunately unwell at the moment. Councillors all wished John a speedy recovery. Donna Shorney was thanked for helping with the Hall in John’s absence. Both textile bins in the Hall car park are well used by residents and raise funds for the First Responders, Breast Cancer and the Hall.  The new tables and trollies are well used and the new sound system has been installed. It is hoped that the Hall floor will be replaced, a window put into the downstairs Committee Room and replace the strip lights in the Hall with more energy efficient LED lighting. Cllr Smith then thanked Cllr Charles, Cllr Pitter, Shawn and Peter for all their support in the Hall and Anne Collins for taking the bookings.

County/District Councillor Humby gave a County Councillor’s Report outlining the work that HCC is doing to keep our road network safe, especially during the bad winter weather which we have had this winter. CC Humby attends many Meetings which could involve going to the House of Commons, visiting local residents and everything in between. Taking responsibility for the highways and environment in Hampshire is a vast amount of work and deciding on the budget for these issues is a big responsibility. Adult and child social care takes up a large amount of the budget so juggling the figures to accommodate all that is required is not easy. CC Humby informed residents about the work that Skanska are doing on our highways and the new machines that they use, e.g. the Dragon Patcher to fix pot holes more efficiently. CC Humby was thanked for all his hard work in Durley over the year.

District Councillor Miller gave a District Council Report and he outlined the work that the 3 District Councillors carry out over the year at WCC. DC Miller spoke about the various Grants that are available, facilities that have been purchased recently by WCC, including hopefully having a sports facility in the southern parishes. High class offices are also needed in Winchester. DC Miller was thanked for all his work over the past year for Durley.

PCSO Stephanie Slater was present representing the Police along with a colleague. She stated that the overall crime statistics for Durley was down this year. She has visited Durley Lunch Club with Trading Standards Officers to talk to elderly residents about scams etc. The Police might have a stand at the Church Fete this year.

General questions were then asked by residents attending and the Chairman then thanked everyone for attending and closed the Meeting.

Anne Collins

Clerk to Durley Parish Council

durleypc@homecall.co.uk

Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 13th March, 2018 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall. 7 Parish Councillors and the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins were present.

Apologies were received from County/District Councillor Humby, District Councillor Mclean and District Councillor Miller.

The Clerk reported that an Order for the double yellow lines will come into effect on 16th April. Councillors were pleased that the lines will finally be installed and these junctions in Durley will be made safer.

Cllr Delmege updated Councillors on the Speed Indicator sign and suggested 5 locations that HCC are happy to use to locate the signs which comply with the current regulations. Councillors agreed that one sign would be purchased and 5 posts so that the sign could be moved. Two locations will be each side of the Primary School and it is hoped that this will slow the traffic down outside of the School.

An updated photograph has been taken of Parish Councillors for the new website before the Meeting. This will be sent to the Website designer and then the new Parish Council website will go live.

Cllr Charles (Chairman) and the Clerk attended a Southern Parishes Meeting in Bishops Waltham. The Fly Tipping Strategy Officer was invited to the Meeting to inform Councils about the way in which fly tipping is reported and hopefully lead to prosecutions. Sharing information about reducing speeding in villages was also discussed.

A Meeting with George Hollingbery MP was attended by Cllr Charles and the Clerk, to discuss the EBC proposed plans. Studies need to be available to HCC Officers before they can make comments on the Plans regarding the traffic problems which could arise.

Councillors reviewed the current Policies which Durley Parish Council hold and agreed that there were no amendments to make. Clerk said that these Policies are updated as and when new legislation comes into force.

Cllr Pitter gave a Highways Report stating that there are some pot holes in the area, but they are filled with water at the moment so he cannot photograph them. These will be reported as soon as the weather is better. Clerk read out an e-mail from a resident regarding traffic through Durley Street asking if the signage could be changed. Councillors viewed the photograph of the signs and agreed that we would not be able to have these signs as we do not have a ban on HGV vehicles through the village, we can only have advisory signs. Cllr Clegg said that the roadside edges in Kytes Lane are eroding – these will be reported to HCC. The area around a manhole at the end of Stapleford Lane is breaking away so this will be reported to HCC. The Parsonage Lane footpath has been cleared by Peter.

Cllr Watts gave a Neighbourhood Watch Report saying that sheds and vehicles need to be kept locked as thefts from these items appears to be the main problem at the moment. Fly tipping was reported again in Chancellors Lane.

A Financial Report was given by the Clerk.

An e-mail was read out regarding dog fouling along Parsonage Lane where children and elderly residents walk to get to the School or Memorial Hall. Councillors totally agreed with the writer that this is not acceptable behaviour and Durley Parish Council urge any residents to get in touch with the WCC Dog Warden or Durley Parish Council if they know, and especially if they have evidence as to who is not picking up after their dog. Signs do not appear to work and it is the irresponsible owners that we need to educate, so we need your help to try and discourage this sort of behaviour in Durley. Thank you to all those who are responsible dog owners, we do appreciate your co-operation.

Anne Collins

Clerk to Durley Parish Council

durleypc@homecall.co.uk