164. Public Participation
None.
165. Disclosures of Interest
None.
166. Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Mr M Böckle and Mr J Charlesworth
167. Minutes of Previous Meeting
The Minutes of the meeting dated 10 February 2009, having been circulated, were signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
168. Matters Arising
(a) Visit from NFDC Standards Committee
The Chairman reported that the Parish Council had not received written feedback on this visit although it was understood from the representatives who had attended the February meeting that they had enjoyed the varied content.
(b) NF NPA Plan – Further Consultation
Mr Rollé reported that he had attended a meeting on the Parish Council’s behalf concerning service villages and housing. Each attendee had been invited to bring forward their group’s issues.
The general consensus of opinion was that the service village title was unacceptable. Employment and business issues were discussed as well as housing. A further meeting was scheduled for 21 April. Thanks were extended to Mr Rollé for attending this meeting on the Council’s behalf.
(c) New Forest Golf Club, Lyndhurst
It was noted that it had now become clear that the NF NPA had not made any recommendation that the course be reduced to nine holes. This was the purely the opinion of the Verderers.
(d) Developer’s Contribution – Great Mead
The Clerk reported that clarification had now been obtained and this contribution could be claimed by the Parish Council provided it was used for upkeep of the land.
(e) Notice Board – Main Car Park
Mr Alexander reported that he had recently updated the information on the map in the above notice board and had noted that there had been 19 changes regarding shops in the High Street in the past 18 months.
169. Correspondence
HCC – Letter from Tim Lawton in reply to Clerk’s letter voicing the Parish Council’s concerns at the condition of the footpaths in the village and the defects on the fault log that had been awaiting attention for a considerable length of time. He agrees there are a large number of defects outstanding and suggests meeting with a Councillor to tour the Parish regarding this matter.
RESOLVED: That the Clerk contact Rob Millar to arrange for Mr Abbott, Mr Boyes and the Clerk to tour the village with Mr Millar.
ACTION BY: The Clerk
NFDC – Notification of two applications for temporary road closures – (a) A35 High Street and A337 Gosport Lane on Sunday 26 April for St George’s Day Parade.
- (b) A35 High Street and B3056 Beaulieu Road for a Good Friday Walk of Witness
HALC – Information regarding Calor Village of the Year
HALC – Email concerning Local Council Review. Subscription now due at a cost £12 per issue.
RESOLVED: That copies of the Local council Review be ordered for the Councillors and Clerk.
ACTION BY: The Clerk
NFDC – New Forest District Local Development Framework – Core Strategy – New Forest District Outside the National Park – Submission to the Secretary of State on 27 February 2009.
Standards Board for England – Town and Parish Standard Newsletter.
170. Minutes of Committee Meetings
The minutes of the following Committee meeting held since the date of the last meeting were received:
Planning Committee – 27 February
Allotment Committee – 2 March
Mrs Butcher reported that fees would be raised in October 2010. She asked that thanks be recorded in the minutes to Ms Palmer, who had revised the Allotment Terms and Conditions. These would be issued from October 2009. Rental would be increased in October 2010.
171. Reports from Committee Chairmen
(a) Recreation Ground
Mr Rollé reported that a short informal meeting had taken place at the Recreation Ground to discuss proposals previously agreed at a Recreation Ground Committee meeting. It was hoped to combine the opening of a buccaneer play ship with a Recreation Roadshow and day out for children that would have a pirate theme. There would be a competition to name the ship.
It was also agreed to take plans a stage further for a sustainable cycle track in the Recreation Ground. Keith Dillon had wide experience in constructing similar projects and had already built a small test area with assistance from local youth. Nearby residents would be kept informed before further work took place.
It was recognised that there was a need for public conveniences in the Recreation Ground and research would be undertaken to ascertain whether or not this was feasible.
RESOLVED: That the Clerk consult with NFDC and Fordingbridge Town Council to obtain information regarding maintenance and vandal proofing.
ACTION BY: The Clerk
(b) Circular Walk and Launch Day
In the absence of Mr Böckle, Ms Palmer explained that a meeting had taken place to formulate plans for the launch day. This would be on 19 April at 11.00 am and would also involve fundraising for the Scouts, the organisation of which they would undertake themselves. Preparation of the mapboard and leaflets was now reaching the final stage.
Mrs Wyeth explained that it was important to help the Scouts as much as possible with fundraising. Footings for the new building had now been dug, thus bringing their planning permission into operation. She also reminded Mr Rollé to inform her if she could be of any assistance in obtaining clay through NFDC.
172. Annual Parish Meeting
The Chairman reported that it would not be necessary for Community Centre custodians to be elected at the Annual Parish Meeting as this subject could be dealt with by the Charity Commission.
It was agreed that questions would be taken following each Committee Chairman’s report but would be limited to that particular committee and not of a general nature.
Councillors were reminded by the Chairman to arrive promptly and to have their preparation ready for a 7.30 pm start.
173. Accounts
(a) The Clerk submitted accounts which had become due for payment since the date of the last meeting, as detailed in Appendix A and these were approved.
(b) The Clerk submitted details of Parish Council spending for the period 1 April 2008 to 10 March 2009.
174. Alice Community Project
Mrs Trend reported on the progress of this project and explained that she felt it would raise the profile of the village. The Lyndhurst Area Plan had identified the need for youth activities and community events. Out of this had grown the Alice Festival commencing in May and ending with an Alice in Winter Wonderland theme in December. Many local groups had become involved.
The launch party will be held on 15 May from 6.00 to 8.00 pm. Thanks were expressed to Mrs Trend and Mrs Bisson for the work they had undertaken on this project.
175. Assets Register/Insurance Register
The Clerk reported that work was well in hand to update both registers and quotations were being obtained for insuring the Parish Council and its property as insurance was due for renewal on 25 March.
176. Reports from Representatives of Outside Bodies
PC White reported that three surgeries had been booked and the first had been held prior to the Parish Council meeting. The main topics had been the speed of traffic in Gosport Lane near Rufus Court, concerns of Romsey Road residents regarding crossing the road and crossing the road near Brooklands.
Mrs Wyeth stated that there were ample crossing points in the village itself which people should use although it did necessitate a longer walk.
The Chairman explained that the SID that had been trialled in the village was not considered to be of a suitable type and there had been drawbacks that outweighed its value.
Thanks were expressed by the Chairman to PC White and PCSO Quinn for their continued presence in the village whenever possible.
177. Dates for Future Committee Meetings
Planning Committee – 24 March 2009 – Community Centre – 7.15 pm
178. Venue
The Chairman reported that the Parish Council had now used the Community Centre as its venue for one year and asked if Councillors were happy to continue the arrangement or would prefer to return to Appletree Court.
RESOLVED: That meetings continue to be held at the Community Centre.
179. Items for Discussion at the Next Meeting
Items brought forward from the Agenda for the March meeting.
Any other items brought to the Clerk’s attention by 2 April 2009.
180. Rumour Corner
It was noted that the Diocese was considering making changes at the Church and these were outlined. The Parish Rooms in Forest Gardens could be sold and a new hall built within the grounds of the church.
Mr Clark reported on a Megaball event that would be held next Sunday at 6.00 pm at the Community Centre for fathers and sons.
In the absence of any other business the Chairman thanked those present for attending and closed the meeting. |
