THE MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY HELD ON TUESDAY 14th APRIL, 2015 IN DURLEY MEMORIAL HALL, DURLEY AT 8.00 p.m.
The Chairman, Cllr Charles welcomed everyone to the Annual Meeting and then introduced Councillors to members of the public present.
1. Apologies for Absence: Apologies were received from Cllr Burton and District Councillor Ruffell.
2. The Chairman presided over a Meeting of 5 Parish Councillors, County/District Councillor Humby, Mrs A Collins (Clerk), PCSO McCulloch and 9 parishioners.
3. Minutes of the previous Annual Parish Assembly (8.4.14) were read, confirmed and signed.
4. Matters arising: There were no matters arising from the Minutes.
5. Chairman’s Report – Councillor Sam Charles gave a Report giving details of all the Parish Council activities throughout the year. This included the planting of the commemorative poppies around the village, a community defibrillator which has been sited outside of Durley Memorial Hall for use in an emergency, various planning issues and legal battles, and working alongside residents on a variety of issues which concern them. The Parish Lengthsman has been a great asset to Durley on his half day every week, and various officers were thanked for all their hard work over the past year. PCSO Sarah McCulloch has been with us for a short while and will now be joining a different beat. A Tithe Map has been donated to the parish and is hung in the Hall from Gwen Houghton. School parking and a faster broadband service as well as an HGV ban through Durley are issues which continue to be pursued.
6. Financial Report – Clerk, Mrs Anne Collins. A detailed Report was given regarding the
Income and Expenditure for the year. A detailed set of Accounts is attached as
Appendix 1.
7. Highways Report – Councillor Mrs Sue Farr said that many pot holes have been filled during the year, emergency arboricultural works were carried out in lanes to clear blockages caused by fallen trees, jetting of drains and gullies has been carried out and the drainage outside of Rodlands on the junction has been greatly helped by the landowner clearing his ditch. Signing and lining has taken place, a fence outside of Durley Primary School has been replaced and other drainage work has been carried out when required.
8. Hall Report – Chairman of Hall Committee, Cllr Marie Smith. Cllr Smith reported that
the Hall is well used and has gradually been updated. New guttering has been placed on the front of the building and the Memorial Hall sign is being re-varnished. Quotes are being sought for the re-tiling of the Hall foyer. Cycle hoops are going to be installed under the fire exit so that bike riders are able to leave their bikes safely. A new hot cupboard has been placed in the kitchen for keeping plates warm, which is regularly used by Lunch Club and other hirers. A hot water machine for hot drinks has been installed in the kitchen. Cllr Smith then thanked John the Caretaker, Sam, Frank and Peter for all the maintenance work they carry out at the Hall and Anne for taking the bookings and keeping everything running smoothly.
9. County Councillor’s Report – County Councillor Humby. County Councillor Humby said that he has been working hard for the residents of Durley to give help and support where he can on various issues. His full Report is attached as Appendix 2
10. District Councillors’ Report – District Councillors Humby and Ruffell. District Councillor Humby included District Council matters in his Report shown as Appendix 2.
11. Police Representative’s Report – PCSO McCulloch was present at the Meeting and said that she has enjoyed working on the Durley beat, but has now moved to the Bishops Waltham/Swanmore/Soberton/Newtown beat and PCSO Richard Nolan has now taken over Durley. Sarah mentioned that Durley has a very low crime rate and then went on to inform residents and Councillors of police initiatives which are happening at the moment. Cllr Charles thanked Sarah for all the work that she has done in Durley.
12. Update and progress of the Durley Parish Plan – Chairman of the Steering Group Sam
Charles. Sam said that the Group has been meeting regularly throughout the year and
is now ready to finalise the Report and then print it. It is anticipated that the Report will
be delivered to every household in Durley during May/June with a Public Meeting
planned for Thursday 25th June at 7.30 p.m. in Durley Memorial Hall.
13. Questions to Council Members:
A resident asked about allotments in Durley. The Clerk replied saying that a request
was made a few years ago and only 2 residents wanted allotments so it was not viable
to install a car park, put water on and do all the necessary work to provide some
allotments. Grants are available, but there would have to be interest over a number of
years to make it cost effective. The Parish Plan Questionnaire did ask about whether
residents would like allotments so this will be part of the Parish Plan Report. This can
be looked into again if there is more support than previously.
A resident wished to thank the Parish Council for all their tireless work on behalf of the
residents as sometimes it goes un-noticed all the hours that are spent working on
behalf of residents. He wanted to show his appreciation. Mrs Merritt from Durley
Lunch Club also thanked Councillors for the new hot cupboard which has been
installed in the Hall kitchen.
14. There being no further business the Chairman thanked everyone for attending and
refreshments were then served. The Meeting concluded at 9.20 p.m.
