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
