Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 14th November, 2017 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall. 6 Parish Councillors, County/District Councillor Humby and the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins were present, along with 10 parishioners. Kirstie Baines (Headteacher) was also in attendance.

Apologies were received from District Councillor Mclean and District Councillor Miller.

Clerk reported that the legal team at WCC have advertised the double lines at Beech Corner and at the end of Manor Road and once this is completed it is hoped that the lines will be painted. This has been a long-standing safety concern and Councillors are pleased that drivers will now be able to have clear sight-lines when coming out of these junctions without vehicles blocking their view. DC Miller was thanked for all his help in acheiving this for Durley.

The Community Payback Volunteers are continuing their work at Durley Recreation Ground and the painting of the play equipment and Pavilion will commence shortly.

Cllr Delmege has not received a response from HCC about the possible locations to site speed indication signs. Kirstie Baines attended the Meeting to discuss with Councillors the possibility of putting a flashing speed sign at two locations near to the School, warning drivers that there is a School in that location. Councillors agreed that it would make sense to try and co-ordinate all the signs at the same time. CC Humby will speak to HCC Highways and ask them to visit to look at the location and then see if it is possible to co-ordinate the two projects in some way. Kirstie also spoke to Councillors about a crossing outside of Quob Stables in Durley Brook Road so that children could cross safely after their parent has parked at Quob Stables. Councillors listened to the options and agreed that the safety of the children was paramount and they were willing to work with the School to find the best resolution. It is hoped that by having flashing signs at School pick-up and drop-off times, along with speed signs in the area, that traffic will slow down. The School will obtain costings and have further Meetings with Parish Councillors so that there is a clear idea of the funding required.

Clerk reported on a visit she had been invited to by CC Humby, along with 2 other Clerks. The Clerks were shown around the HCC Highways Department and shown how reports come in and what happens to them. Road closures, pot hole, emergency highways work, major work etc. are all shown on the systems and although the Clerks were shown the systems used, the Officers also could understand the frustration of Clerks when issues are not properly addressed. It was a two-way visit and very worthwhile.

Cllr Delmege was given two more contacts by the Clerk of Companies which have carried out traffic counts in other parishes. These will be contacted.

Cllr Charles and the Clerk attended an Eastleigh Borough Council Local Plan Meeting in Upham. Representatives from neighbouring parishes were invited along. The Meeting commenced with Officers explaining why the Local Plan was needed and how they were consulting within the Eastleigh area. Discussion took place, and it was generally felt that all the traffic studies should be carried out before a decision is made on the Local Plan as this would have a huge impact on the local area. The next Public Meeting is on 11th December at the Hilton Hotel, Ageas Bowl when EBC Officers will be discussing the Plan.

CC/DC Humby gave a report stating that £140m needed to be saved from the HCC Budget. He explained to residents and Councillors how this could be achieved and how it is very difficult to make these cuts when a large proportion of the money goes into adult social care and childrens services.

Clerk read out a quote for adding additional links onto the Parish Council part of the village website so that more information can be put up. The Clerk will put up information as and when needed. Andy Burton was thanked for previously putting up information via the Clerk for the Parish Council.

The Clerk had received two expressions of interest from residents wishing to become a Parish Councillor. However, a request was made by a few parishioners to call a By-Election. WCC have informed the Clerk that the cost will be between £1,000 and £5,000 which will need to be paid for by the Parish Council. Once the Election papers and Notices have been printed, and received by the Clerk they will be displayed on the noticeboards and website asking for volunteers to stand for Election. We hope to have a new Councillor in place during early January.

Cllr Watts attended a PACT Meeting in Bishops Waltham and reported that there have been 10 thefts in Durley and Curdridge recently, along with 2 vehicle crashes. Crime is on the increase in rural areas and residents are warned to lock vehicles. Community speedwatch volunteers are down and School parking is a problem in most Schools. Nottingham Knockers are in the area and Cllr Watts is going to send the Clerk a poster so that it can be placed on the noticeboards to warn elderly residents of their presence. Please warn anyone who might be vulnerable about these people knocking on their door.

Cllr Pitter reported that part of Sciviers Lane has been shut whilst HCC carry out works near to the new development. A complaint was received about an overgrown hedge in Stapleford Lane. Cllr Pitter will look at this. Pot holes in Gregory Lane will be reported again to HCC.

Some maintenance problems were highlighted at the Hall and these will be attended to. Neil Ellen will be rectifying the microphone for the sound system and Cllr Charles will obtain a quote for a new window in the Committee Room. Parking on the tarmac area near the bottle banks is causing a problem for some residents who wish to put bottles into the bank. This area should be kept clear so that bottles can be dropped off. It was suggested that the bins could be moved out a little.

Clerk said that Playdale were waiting for two pieces of rope equipment to come from the manufacturer and then they will be able to come out and replace some of the play equipment parts and replace the safer surface. Clerk reported that Persimmon Homes has sent on the maintenance payment for future maintenance of the roadway which the Parish Council has adopted at The Sawmills.

Anne Collins
Clerk to Durley Parish Council
durleypc@homecall.co.uk

Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 10th October, 2017 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall. 5 Parish Councillors, County/District Councillor Humby and the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins were present, along with 5 parishioners.

Apologies were received from Cllr Bartlett, District Councillor Mclean and District Councillor Miller.

The volunteers on the Community Payback Scheme have nearly completed the work at Durley Recreation Ground cutting hedging and digging out the ditches. Work will then commence on the painting of the play equipment and Pavilion. A new table with seating has arrived and will be sited shortly near to the Play Area. This was purchased with a HCC Grant from Cllr Humby.

Councillors discussed possible sites for a speed indication sign, but due to various legal issues there are only a few places to choose from. Cllr Delmege will ask if someone from HCC will come to Durley and look at the possible sites.

The siting for the memorial seat donated by the family of Pat Parker has been agreed outside of Durley Memorial hall.

Cllr Charles reported on the WCC Planning Coach Trip around the Winchester District. He mentioned various sites that he had visited.

Cllr Delmege attended the CAB AGM and said that fund raising is still important and it is getting more difficult to complete with other fund raising organisations. 90% of the income comes from WCC and Parish Councils, but this does not cover the expenditure.

Cllr Charles and the Clerk attended the HALC 70th Anniversary Event at the Great Hall in Winchester before the Parish Council Meeting. Two speakers were giving presentations and refreshments were served. Most Councils were represented.

CC/DC Humby reported that savings need to be made within HCC over the next few years. Suggestions were being put forward on how to make these savings. These included School crossing patrols, waste recycling centres and free bus passes. Some of these measures need Policy changes. CC Humby also spoke about average speed cameras and the Sub National Transport Body.

A letter of resignation was received from Cllr Farr saying that she no longer wished to be a Parish Councillor. Notices will go on the noticeboards and website advertising the vacancy. Cllr Farr will be sent a letter of thanks for the 6 years she has served the Durley community on the Parish Council.

The External Audit has been returned and is satisfactory.

A response was received regarding the width and weight restriction through Durley and it was stated that Durley does not meet the casualty reduction rate and therefore we would not be considered a priority over other safety led schemes. These schemes are not wholly supported by the Police as they are difficult to enforce and also HCC would not wish to displace problems onto other nearby, and perhaps less appropriate routes. Cllr Charles said that Durley has been pushing for a width and weight restriction for many years and in some places in Durley Street it is impossible for 2 large vehicles to pass. Clerk will ask Andy Smith from HCC about the lorry count which was promised at a Meeting.

The hedge which was causing a problem in Parsonage Lane has now been cut.

After objections from local residents, Councillors agreed that an Objection should be made to for a Change of Use of land to a private gypsy and traveller caravan site in Durley Hall Lane. There are enough sites allocated within the Winchester District for Gypsies and Travellers within the Winchester Local Plan so there is no need for additional sites.

Anne Collins
Clerk to Durley Parish Council
durleypc@homecall.co.uk

Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 12th September, 2017 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall. 3 Parish Councillors and the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins were present, along with 4 parishioners. Cllr Smith chaired the Meeting in the absence of the Chairman and Vice Chairman who were on holiday.

Apologies were received from County/District Councillor Humby, District Councillor Mclean, District Councillor Miller, Cllr Charles, Cllr Watts, Cllr Pitter and Cllr Farr. PCSO Slater also sent her apologies.

A successful Meeting was held to discuss Church Copse with George Hollingbery MP, CC/DC Humby, DC Miller, DC Mclean, Forestry Commission, WCC Planning Officers, Parish Councillors and residents to share concerns about the tree felling which has been occurring. The replanting should be carried out by April, 2018 and any further destruction will be reported to the Forestry Commission for Court proceedings to commence.

Volunteers on the Community Payback Scheme are working well at Durley Recreation Ground cutting hedging and digging out the ditches. The multi-surface play equipment will be re-painted when the present work has been completed.

The wet pour has been ordered for the resurfacing of the play area in The Sawmills. The swings will also be replaced. The drainage is working well. An enquiry was made about providing steps to the climbing frame, but Councillors felt that this might not be possible as it is an integral climbing frame. The manufacturers will be asked about the possibility when they lay the wet pour.

An Enforcement Notice has been served by the Legal Department at WCC on land next to Berkeley Farm, Durley Street. However, this has now been put on hold as the applicants have put in an Appeal against the original Refusal of the Planning Permission.

A resident attending the Meeting asked if CC Humby could give an update at the next Meeting about any HGV restrictions through Durley as the lorry traffic appears to be increasing. He also asked if a letter could be written to one lorry owner who has lorries in Wintershill if he would ask his drivers to turn right when coming out of their Yard onto the Winchester Road, rather than turning left and coming through Durley.

A memorial seat has kindly been donated to the village by the family of Pat Parker. Pat was born and breed in Durley and was well loved by residents. Pat ran Durley Post Office until it was forced to close and spent many happy times at village functions at Durley Memorial Hall. The family would like the seat to be sited outside of the Hall for anyone to enjoy who wants a rest during their walk around the village. Councillors thanked Pat’s family for this kind gesture.

An enquiry was made about the frequent short electricity cuts which appear to be happening in Durley. Although the electricity is only off for a short time it triggers alarms and some household items need re-setting. It appears that the sensors are very sensitive and this is why the power goes off for short spells. If you experience a problem then please phone 105 – it is a free number and they will keep you updated as to when your power is likely to come back on again.

The Insurance for the forthcoming year was agreed.

Cllr Delmege, Cllr Smith and Cllr Bartlett will be attending the Winchester CAB AGM on behalf of Durley Parish Council.

Parish Councillors felt that the recent report in the Parish Magazine regarding fly-tipping was unjustified and some of the comments did not reflect the work that Councillors and the Clerk have been putting in to try and tackle this antisocial behaviour. This is not a problem just in Durley, but all villages. A separate response will be put into the Parish Magazine.

Cllr Pitter and the Clerk attended a Meeting with George Hollingbery MP and other local parish councils to discuss the impact the Eastleigh Borough Council proposed development plans will have on the highways network for this area. Environmental damage was also discussed and District Councillors, County Councillors along with George will all put pressure where they can at a higher level.

Nofication has just been received about a Public Consultation on the proposals for Uplands Farm Estate. The Exhibition will be on Friday 22nd September from 2 – 8 at the Botley Centre and Saturday 23rd September from 10.00 – 4.00 at Hedge End 2000 Centre, St Johns Road, Hedge End. Notices will go up on the village website and on the noticeboards.

The October Parish Council Meeting will commence at 8.00 p.m. to enable the Chairman and Clerk to attend a 70th Anniversary Presentation by the Hampshire Association of Local Councils in Winchester.

Anne Collins
Clerk to Durley Parish Council
durleypc@homecall.co.uk

Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 11th July, 2017 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall. 5 Parish Councillors and the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins were present, along with County/District Councillor Humby and 1 parishioner.

Apologies were received from Cllr Pitter, Cllr Bartlett and District Councillors Miller and Mclean.

George Hollingbery has been in touch with the Forestry Commission regarding Church Copse and the replanting of trees. Councillors were also concerned about the removal of further trees which could make another entrance into the Copse. CC Humby suggested copying in Simon Finch at WCC so that he can liaise regarding planning issues.

Councillors were pleased to hear that the proposed parking restrictions will be placed outside of Beech Corner Garage and at the Robin Hood junction to stop vehicles from parking on these dangerous junctions. After many complaints over the years Durley Parish Council have been trying to make these junctions safer for residents trying to come out onto the main road through Durley. It is hoped that once these restrictions are in place it will give sight-lines to those who need them. Support was also given for the restrictions from our County and District Councillors.

Letters have been written to all residents living in The Sawmills to ask for their comments on the parking restrictions and rights of way through the development. From the responses received it is clear that road markings showing who has right of way were preferred, but most did not want any parking restrictions as this would also restrict parking for residents. The Clerk will respond to HCC stating what the responses show and ask HCC to put in the give way markings and no parking restrictions. WCC will be asked to make sure that the weed control along the sides of the highway in The Sawmills are in place.

Many residents have objected to the road closure proposals in Wangfield Lane as this would send more traffic along Netherhill, which is a narrow country lane and not suitable for more traffic. Durley Parish Council has also send in an objection as Durley lanes are already used as a rat-run through Durley and it is not fair that Wangfield Lane should be closed at the expense of additional traffic travelling down Netherhill.

Cllr Charles and the Clerk met with the Community Payback Supervisor at Durley Recreation Ground to discuss areas in Durley which could use volunteer work to enhance the village. Various tasks in Durley were highlighted by Councillors, but the largest project will be at the Recreation Ground during the summer. Hedging, ditching and re-painting work will be carried out during August and September. The volunteers will be supervised at all times during the work.

CC Humby gave a County and District Council Report. He said that a Consultation is in process at the moment to consult with residents on how they feel savings could be made at HCC. He also reported that the recyling tips are going to be stay open as they are at present. The City Bus Station in Winchester is being re-vamped and is going onto the next Phase.

Clerk reported that Enforcement proceedings against the illegal Gypsy/Traveller site in Durley Street is with the Legal Department at the present time. Once the paperwork is ready the Enforcement Officer will serve the papers to the occupants.

Cllr Pitter attended the Winchester Passenger Transport Forum on 26th June. As Cllr Pitter was not able to attend this Meeting he sent a Report stating that Stagecoach was the main bus provider for the Winchester area and they travelled 2.2 million miles per year on the various routes, carrying 3.2 million passengers. This represents a 20% increase over the past 10 years. All new buses have Wi-Fi and contactless card readers to speed up the paying process. Present and future cuts from HCC will not affect the Stagecoach bus service in our area.

A donation towards the maintenance of the Holy Cross Churchyard for 2017 was agreed.

Cllr Charles gave a report on the recent Durley Parish Plan Meeting. He said that no further feedback has been received via the website for any future events which residents would like arranged in the village. One family have taken up an allotment in Albany Road. If there is sufficient interest then the Parish Plan Team would like to hold an Apple Picking Day in the village. A Village Market/Table Top Sale is to be arranged for Saturday 30th September and if it is successful then future days will be organised. Village entry signs and gateways are being discussed and costs sought to try and enhance the entrance to Durley.

Cllr Smith gave a Report on the recent Hall Management Committee Meeting. The Hall foyer is now completed and the smaller tables have been replaced. The under-stage area will be cleared of any unwanted items and the Hall car park will be tidied up by volunteers. To enable the Committee Room downstairs to be used more, the Committee are looking at putting in an additional window to make the room more appealing. It is hoped that morning or afternoon Clubs could be held in this room for elderly residents who would like to get together during the day time.

Anne Collins
Clerk to Durley Parish Council
durleypc@homecall.co.uk