Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 12th July, 2016 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall. 6 Parish Councillors and the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins were present. Cllr Charles Chaired the Meeting.

Apologies were received from Cllr Pitter, CC/DC Humby, DC Mclean and DC Miller.

Clerk has written to three Contractors to obtain a quote for the drainage work in the play area at The Sawmills. One Company showed an interest and another one suggested a Company who might be better able to carry out the work. Clerk will write to them and ask for a quote. Cllr Smith said that the Village Green area is drying out now that the grass is being cut shorter.

Flooding in Durley has been the worst it has ever been in recent years. Beech Corner, Durley Primary School, Heathen Street, Parsonage Lane and Wintershill were the worst affected areas. Many properties were flooded including the School and Pumping Station. Regular flooding at Beech Corner has been a continuous battle over the last 10 years and CC Humby has been working to try and resolve the problem. He has now held Meetings with HCC and a large culvert under Snakemoor Lane is hoped to be installed and historic ditches will be reinstated in that area of Durley. The School will also be offered more advice on measures that could be taken to ease the risk of flooding. Cllr Delmege asked if the Brook could be checked to see if the flow of water is not blocked further down stream. This was carried out some time ago, but the Clerk will ask for a more recent inspection as this could ease the problem a little if it is kept clear. Parsonage Lane also needs a new larger culvert under the road. A request will be put in to CC Humby.

Cllr Burton was thanked for getting the new Village website up and running. After final checks are made it will go live very shortly. The website will be www.durleyvillage.com All village information will be placed on this website so if any organisations have information they wish to put on the website then please get in touch with Cllr Burton on durleyvillage@outlook.com

Some of the 30 mph new wheely bin stickers have been distributed along Durley Brook Road. Many residents are putting them onto bins. Requests have been made from other residents living in other lanes in Durley so 100 more stickers will be purchased.

CC Humby was not able to attend the Meeting as he had to be at another Meeting, but he sent the Clerk a Report on the recent Flood Management Meeting he had with HCC representatives regarding measures that could be taken to future proof Beech Corner residents and Durley Primary School from flooding. CC Humby will keep us updated with any progress. Councillors were very grateful for CC Humby’s support on this matter as he has visited the area when flooded many times and is aware how much this is affecting residents.

The Chairman and Clerk attended a Devolution Meeting with the WDAPC in Whitely and reported Hampshire’s views to Councillors. Cllr Charles also attended a Meeting for Parish Council Chairmen to discuss the work of Parish Councillors for a study with Leicester University.

Cllr Watts attended the recent PACT Meeting in Bishops Waltham. The Meetings now include more parishes which means that the larger parishes dominate more of the Meeting. Residents were reminded to keep their hedges cut down so that criminals cannot hide behind them to commit a crime. We have no PCSO in Durley at the present time. Fly-tipping is a big problem and there are 6 – 8 cases being investigated at the moment. At the Meeting it was menionted that CC Humby is able to obtain funds for a speed indicator sign so the Clerk will investigate this and see if we can obtain a mobile one for Durley which could be moved around the village.

Cllr Farr has reported the speed signs which have come down in Durley Brook Road and the Clerk has reported a sink which has caused a large hole outside of Beech Corner Garage. The sink has now been coned off by HCC whilst they investigate. The Pay Phone sign at the end of Church Lane has now finally been removed – with help from CC Humby. Cllr Delmege reported that there appears to be an increase in HGV lorries going through Durley Brook Road recently to Boorley Green. This will be kept monitored.

Fly-tipping in Greenwood Lane and various other areas in Durley is becoming a huge problem. CC Humby, along with Cllr Weston are looking into what can be done. Clerk was asked to write to CC Humby and ask if the cameras purchased by WCC could be used in Durley with a view to prosecuting the offenders. Lorry loads are being dumped in the middle of our lanes and although WCC are quick to come out and pick it all up it is not acceptable.

The HALC AGM is to be held on Saturday 22nd October in Hartney Wintney. The Chairman and Clerk will try and attend.

Councillors discussed the Botley By Pass proposals and agreed with the proposals. However, they also supported the views of the Eastleigh Ramblers’ to provide a footpath/cycleway/bridleway at the same time, as this would be an ideal opportunity to provide such a facility. It was also agreed that additional car parking spaces should be provided at Botley Railway Station as this would get used more with additional development planned for the area.

Complaints have been received from residents at The Sawmills that someone has dumped tree trimmings in the buffer area between the affordable homes and the most recent houses to be built. Clerk has written to all residents in The Sawmills and ask that the trimmings be removed within the next two weeks. All residents keep this area very tidy and take pride in their surroundings and Parish Councillors hope that once the trimmings have been removed this will not happen again.

The Hall Meeting has had to be postponed until August due to Councillor commitments.

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

Durley Parish Council held its A.G.M. on Tuesday 10th May, 2016 at Durley Memorial Hall, Durley. 7 Parish Councillors, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins, District Councillor Mclean and 2 parishioners were present.

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

The Chairman – Cllr Charles welcomed District Councillor Mclean to the Meeting and gave his congratulations to all three District Councillors who were recently elected.

As this is the A.G.M. of Durley Parish Council the following Councillors were elected:

Cllr Sam Charles – Chairman
Cllr Anita Watts – Vice Chairman
Cllr Marie Smith – Hall Management Committee Chairman
Cllr Kerry Pitter – Hall Management Committee Vice Chairman
Cllr Sue Farr – Highways Officer
Cllr Steve Delmege – Footpaths Officer
Cllr Anita Watts – Recreation Ground Chairman
Cllr Kerry Pitter – Transport Representative
Cllr Andy Burton will continue to improve and update the village website

A Meeting was held with HCC Highways and CC Humby to discuss the drainage at The Sawmills. Cllr Charles, Cllr Smith and the Clerk attended and informed Councillors of the way in which we can resolve the problem by using HCC drains once we have drained the area with land drains. Cllr Pitter offered to draw up a revised Specification. Councillors asked that the grass be cut on the Green as it is getting long, and it is needed for the 90th Birthday Celebrations on Sunday 15th May. Clerk will contact Dave Rappini to ask when it is going to be cut.

The work on the new School lay-by is still planned to take place over the half term week and will take 2 – 3 weeks. HCC are going to inform residents who live near to the School about the work.

The Queen’s Birthday celebrations are going well and the Clerk said that tickets are selling well – it is just hoped that the weather is also good.

Cllr Burton showed Councillors a sign which has been designed to direct vehicles down Parsonage Lane towards the Ladybirds Pre-school. Councillors were happy for the sign to be installed in the corner of the Hall car park.

Cllr Burton gave Councillors a pre-view of the new Durley village website which will be launched soon. This website will take material from the old website and put it in a newer format. It is hoped that all village organisations will contribute to their part of the website and we will have an up-to-date website for the future, which was an Action that was highlighted in the Durley Parish Plan. Cllr Burton was thanked for all his hard work. Once Councillors have seen the final updates there will be a launch date to go live.

Cllr Charles and the Clerk attended a Southern Parishes Meeting on 9th May and the new Chief Inspector was present along with Sgt Stuart Gilmore. Questions were asked about policing matters, and in particular the problem of fly-tipping.

DC Mclean gave a District Councillors’ Report, but as this was a new term of office he kept the issues fairly general. He talked about the Bishops Waltham Recycling Centre, the state of the roads, fly-tipping and visits by the Mayor for next year. As Durley is now included in with the Bishops Waltham Ward rather than Owslebury, Upham and Curdridge concern was expressed that we would still require the District Councillors to attend our Parish Council Meetings even though they are on the same night as Bishops Waltham. It is hoped that the District Councillors will be able to attend one Meeting first and then go to the other parish second. CC Humby has been doing this during his term of office as a County Councillor to both parishes.

Fly-tipping has again been occuring in Durley and the Clerk has reported all incidents as they happen. Councillors agreed that when cameras are available from WCC we would like to use them to catch offenders who fly-tip in Durley.

Clerk informed Councillors that Darren Lewis – our HCC Highways Officer is leaving soon and will be replaced with a temporary Officer.

Clerk said that there is a PACT Meeting with the Police on 30th June at Bishops Waltham from 7.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Any parishioners are welcome to attend. Cllr Watts and Cllr Farr will attend to represent the Parish Council. Clerk reported that our PCSO Richard Nolan has now left the Police. We are not having our own PCSO at the moment, but cover will be provided by the other PCSO’s in the area.

Cllr Farr reported that a drainage pot hole has been reported to HCC. Cllr Delmege informed Councillors of a Speeding Traffic Report he had produced. He felt that the only way to reduce the traffic speed along the main road through Durley was to enforce the speed. At least 6 volunteers would be needed to set up a Community Speedwatch Group and if Durley would like one then we do need volunteers. If anyone is willing to be a volunteer then they will be trained. If you are interested in volunteering then please get in touch with the Clerk – Anne Collins via durleypc@homecall.co.uk. The Clerk has received details of some new stickers to go onto the wheely bins to highlight the speed along a stretch of road. Councillors felt that this did have a big impact on vehicles travelling through when they saw the bins out on a Friday and as this was some years ago it might be a good idea to get some new ones. Clerk said that if 4 stickers were required for each house (one on each side of both bins) that would be a cost of £4 per household. Previously householders purchased the stickers if they wished to have them. If the Parish Council pays for them this could cost quite a bit of money. However, they were effective. Councillors will agree at the next Meeting how the stickers would be funded. Have any residents got any views?

The Chairman and Clerk signed the Annual Governance Statement for 2015-16 for the Annual Audit Return and the Accounting Statements for 2015-16. These will now be sent off to the External Auditor.

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

Durley Parish Council held its Annual Parish Assembly on Tuesday 12th April, 2016 at Durley Memorial Hall, Durley. 5 Parish Councillors, County/District Councillor Humby, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins, PCSO Nolan, Sgt. Gilmore and 4 parishioners were present.

Apologies were received from Cllr Farr, Cllr Burton and District Councillor Ruffell.

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

Cllr Charles then gave a Chairman’s Report summarising the work the Parish Council has been working on during the year to achieve a positive outcome for all the residents who live and work in Durley. Cllr Charles said that main issues included the Durley Emergency Plan, which has been revised, and many residents have offered their help in the event of an emergency situation in Durley. Councillors are very grateful for their help and wish to thank all those who have put their name forward – although we hope the Plan will never be used. The Durley Parish Plan Team have been working hard to produce a Plan for Durley and are gradually working their way through the Plan. A new website for the village is being set up by Andy Burton and it is hoped that this will become live soon. Again, Cllr Charles thanked all those residents who have been involved in the Parish Plan over the last two years. Parking issues, Fly-tipping, Planning issues as well as attending many Meetings have been taking place over this year. A successful “Clean for the Queen” Litter Pick was held in Durley recently with many parishioners taking part – again, a big thank you. We are all looking forward to the Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations here in Durley on 15th May at The Sawmills and it is hoped that most residents will come along. At the end of his Report Cllr Charles thanked his fellow Officers, the Clerk, and CC/DC Humby. He gave a special thank you for DC Ruffell who will not be re-standing at the Election for Durley as he will be in a different Ward, due to the recent Boundary changes. DC Ruffell was thanked for all his hard work in Durley over the last few years as our District Councillor.

The Clerk gave a Financial Report for the End 2015-16. The Income and Expenditure are about the same as the previous Financial Year with £400 more to carry forward.

The Clerk read out a Highways Report stating that many pot holes have been repaired this year, and some issues including flooding, parking on parts of roads which obscure the sight-lines for drivers, and general maintenance of our highways were all problems that have ben highlighted throughout the year.

Cllr Smith gave a Hall Report and started by thanking all the Hall hirers for the support over the year. The new guttering which has been put up enhances the outside appearance of the building and the new table tennis table and line markings have made it possible to hold a Short Mat Tennis and Table Tennis session in the Hall on Monday afternoons. This Group is enjoyed by many of our more senior residents. Cllr Smith then thanked the Caretaker – John, Cllr Charles, Cllr Pitter and Peter for all their support in the Hall and Anne Collins to taking the bookings. During the next year it is hoped that the Hall foyer refurbishment will be completed.

County/District Councillor Humby gave his Report and said that he has been working hard for the residents of Durley over the last year. Fly-tipping in Durley and especially in Greenwood Lane has been a long-standing problem for residents. CC Humby has now been in contact with the Leader of WCC to try and resolve the Greenwood Lane fly-tipping. CC Humby also spoke about the Waste Recycling Consultation which needs to be completed by residents. CC Humby informed residents about Devolution. He ended his Report by thanking all the Parish Councillors and the Clerk for all their hard work in Durley, and also for the support given to him over the year. DC Humby will be standing for re-election in the Bishops Waltham Ward – which is now combined with Durley due to the new Ward Boundary changes.

Sgt Gilmore and PCSO Nolan were present at the Meeting and said that Durley is a very low crime area. They felt that it was important to be seen in the village and have attended Durley Lunch Club and Durley School. Councillors asked about the lack of PACT Meetings and Sgt Gilmore said that they are being re-launched, but covering a larger area. Fly-tipping was also discussed as residents attending the Meeting were very concerned and frustrated about this. The Police can offer support and will try to help. Councillors thanked Sgt Gilmore and PCSO Nolan for the work that they do in Durley.

The main question from members of the public was concerning fly-tipping and this was answered by CC Humby and the Police.

At the end of the Meeting the Clerk read out a Statement from Kirstie Baines – Headteacher at Durley Primary School informing members of the Council and residents of the timescales for the work on the new lay-by outside of the School.

There being no further business the Chairman thanked everyone for attending the Meeting and declared the Meeting closed.

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

Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 9th February, 2016 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall, Durley. 6 Parish Councillors, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins and 3 parishioners were present.

Apologies were received from Cllr Burton, County/District Councillor Humby, District Councillor Ruffell and Kirstie Baines (Headteacher).

Two drainage contractors were used by WCC and Councillors agreed that they should be approached for a quotation for the drainage work at The Sawmills.

Response forms have gone out to every household in Durley parish to see who would be able to help in an emergency situation and who would need help if there was an emergency. Once this information is returned by 4th March Durley Parish Council will be in a position to update its Emergency Plan.

Flooding at Beech Corner is still causing a problem and although a Meeting was held with all the Agencies involved, this area still floods every time there is a heavy rainfall. A pipe under the road seems to be one option and larger ditches. However, funding is a major issues and this will need to be applied for. Residents at this end of the village have had to put up with flooding in their gardens and their property for many years and Councillors are anxious to get this problem sorted.

Cllr Burton sent the Clerk an e-mail updating Councillors on the progress of the new village website. We are trying to keep the same domain name which is causing a problem. But it is hoped that this will be overcome shortly.

Parish Councillors were unhappy that a Report on the results of the Consultation with residents was not available to Councillors at the Meeting despite asking for it. One resident attending said that he had not been consulted and he lived very near to the School. The Clerk was asked to make a further request for this information again from the School. It is very difficult for Councillors to represent all the residents if they do not know the results of a Consultation exercise.

Cllr Charles (Chairman) and the Clerk attended a Southern Parishes Meeting on 1.2.16 where the main issues discussed were the various Lunch Clubs in the area, transport hubs, publication of community events, Ward boundary changes, speed limits, policing and broadband. The Southern Parishes work together in various ways to try and help each other and share services.

A initiative was discussed for a “Clean for the Queen” Litter Pick Event. Councillors hoped that there would be enough support for Durley to take part. The Clerk will acquire high viz vests, litter picks and black sacks and then residents will hopefully pick up litter in their area. The Event will take place over the weekend of 5th/6th March. Anyone interested in helping can telephone the Clerk on 01489 860236 and then we will be able to make sure that the necessary equipment is available.

Cllr Farr gave a Highways Report stating that she has reported some of the speed signs which have been knocked over to HCC Highways. The corner at Stapleford Lane/Chancellors Lane needs repairing. Complaints have also been received about heavy lorries travelling down Stapleford Lane full and then going back empty. This will be investigated further. Cllr Delmege has been concerned about the speed of vehicles through the village and is finding out some statistics from other villages.

Councillors agreed a response to the Eastleigh Borough Local Plan – Issues and Options which will be sent in. It was agreed that any further development in this area will cause major traffic implications for everyone living here. The road infrustructure will not be able to cope, especially as the Boorley Green development has already been approved.

There being no further business the Chairman declared the Meeting closed.

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

Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 8th December, 2015 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall, Durley. 6 Parish Councillors, County/District Councillor Humby, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins and PCSO Richard Nolan were in attendance, along with 5 parishioners.

Apologies were received from Cllr Pitter and District Councillor Ruffell.

County Councillor Humby said that Patrick Blogg has now been appointed by HCC to help try to achieve a faster broadband for Hampshire. CC Humby and other officers are meeting to discuss if the State Aid Rules can be challenged to enable a 3rd party to get involved in providing faster broadband.

Further quotes will be sought for the drainage on the Sawmills Green and Play Area. A decision will then be made as to whether the work is carried out all at once or in two phases.

Councillors and residents are still concerned about the parking at Beech Corner and at the end of Manor Road. Photographs have been taken by residents and these will be compiled and forwarded to HCC. CC Humby has also taken this up with HCC on our behalf. PCSO Nolan said that the Police will also help when they are covering this area.

Cllr Charles and the Clerk attended an Emergency Planning Workshop in Winchester and found it very interesting and informative. Durley is in the process of updating their Emergency Plan and were told at the Meeting that Plans should be kept as short and concise as possible so that it can be read quickly in an emergency situation. Flooding was discussed and areas which regularly flood were of concern to the Emergency Planning Team. Beech Corner properties are flooded on a regular basis so a visit was offered. This offer will be taken up to try and see if a resolution could be achieved. HCC have dug out the ditch along Durley Brook Road again, but Councillors are still not confident that this will stop the flooding into properties near Beech Corner. This problem has been going on for 9 years and Councillors agree that it is time it was sorted.

Cllr Delmege attended a School Meeting and reported that the main issues discussed were the proposed lay-by and speeding vehicles. Clerk was asked to find out when the School Meetings are being held so that a Councillor is able to attend.

Cllr Burton said that the Durley Parish Plan is progressing and some of the issues raised are now being worked on. There will be a Public Meeting on Thursday 18th February, 2016 at 8.00 p.m. to update residents on the progress and then prepare for some of the Groups to be set up if there is still sufficient interest. The Groups will be the easy to set up Groups that need little or no financial support. Notices about the Meeting will be put on the village noticeboards and website. The Village website will also be updated and given links to various organisations within the village. Durley Parish Council agreed to pay the set up cost and the yearly hosting fee. Ian Medd is plotting all the Durley road signs on a Map of Durley so that the Parish Plan Team can see which signs are actually needed and which ones are obsolete. Villag entry signs are also being looked at.

CC Humby gave a Report saying that he has been working hard on rural broadband, rural Post Offices and highways issues. He is also meeting with Louise Hubble to discuss rural crime. CC Humby spoke about the Botley By-pass which looks as if it is going ahead.

A parishioner present asked the Parish Council if they were going to provide a memorial to Sir Jeremy Black who sadly passed away recently. A relative was also present who suggested that perhaps fruit trees could be planted on The Sawmills Green to replace the 3 trees which had died, or perhaps a wooden bench. It was pointed out that many families wish to have a memorial in the village and that this could be considered at a future Meeting.

A request from the Bus Company that comes through Durley was read out. They are asking if landowners along Durley Street/Durley Brook Road/Snakemoor Lane etc. could keep their hedges and bushes cut back from the roadside as some overhanging branches etc. are damaging their new buses. Councillors were concerned that if the hedges, trees, bushes are not cut back then the Bus Company might refuse to come through Durley, which would making travelling very difficult for those residents who rely on the bus service.

An e-mail was receiving expressing concern over the proposed School lay-by. Kirstie has now sent a revised Plan which is half the length of the previous proposal. Councillors were concerned about the proposal and wished to know who has been consulted from the village and what the results were of the consultation. Concern was also expressed that CC Humby had not been informed of the revised Plan until the Clerk forwarded him the details, especially as he has been working very hard on this project and has secured the funding required.

A large sign which has been erected in The Sawmills has received complaints and the Clerk has asked Persimmon Homes if the owner could remove it.

A Devolution Workshop on 1st March, 2016 in Winchester will be attended by Cllr Charles and the Clerk.

PCSO Nolan gave Police Report and said that he hopes to attend the Parish Council Meetings quarlerly as well as attend Events in the village. He has visited Durley Lunch Club recently to see the elderly residents of the village.

A Highways Report was given by Cllr Farr and Cllr Watts reported that a Contractor cleaning out the drains was outside her property at 4.00 a.m. with yellow flashing lights which woke everyone up. She asked if this was normal practice. Clerk will ask HCC Highways if this is normal to carry out this work at 4.00 a.m.

Cllr Charles has fitted the baby changing facilities into the disabled toilet at the Hall. Non-Hall rubbish was dumped into the Hall bin recently which filled the bin up. Councillors agreed that this is not acceptable and that the bin is to be used for Hall rubbish only. It is hoped that this will not happen again.

There being no further business the Chairman wished everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year and then declared the Meeting closed.

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