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Parish Council Minutes – 21 September 2016
Minutes of the Monxton Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 21st September 2016 in the Monxton Village Hall at 7.30pm.
Present: Cllr M Cleugh – Chairman, Cllr S Dowding – Vice Chairman, Cllr P Parfrey, Cllr J Balding, Richard Waterman – Parish Clerk, County Councillor Mrs Z Brook, Members of the Public – 1
Apologies: Cllr P Weston and Borough Councillor Mr B Few Brown.
WELCOME – The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS – There were no declarations of interest recorded.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING – Cllr S Dowding signed the minutes of the previous meeting as a true record.
PLANNING
Village Hall 16/01869/FULLN – Erection of side and rear single storey extension, raise roof over main auditorium and construct mezzanine floor, provision of disabled access ramp to frontage, installation of air source heat pump, prune overhanging trees and remove three trees. MPC Support this application.
The Chairman gave an up-date on previous planning applications.
- Corner Cottage 15/02913/FULLN: Erection of a 4 bed thatched cottage in the rear garden
- Objections (various neighbours) on the basis of height, traffic and being overlooked. MPC commented re height vs neighbours.
- Application passed by TVBC but no recent activity – possible access issues to the site from the track.
- Barn Cottage 16/00284/FULLN: Demolition of existing double garage and erection of a double garage & accommodation
- MPC objection
- Application withdrawn
- Issues with Nelsons lorries going through Monxton
- No major feedback from villagers over last 3 months
- It was reported that Nelsons have been using the Grateley Route to enter Fox Farm.
Alpine Group
The Chairman reported that he had no up-date from the Alpine Group despite several requests. It was reported that there has been an increase in large lorries visiting the Alpine Group, there have been reports of damage to hedging in Chalk Pit Lane and an increase in cars visiting the site. The Chairman stated that he will pay a visit to the Alpine Group.
BLACK SWAN – Cllr M Cleugh
The pub has been successfully listed as Assets of Community Value. A recent Village Meeting to discuss the possibility of purchasing the Black Swan as a Community Pub was well attended. Support for the project was overwhelming.
Cllr S Dowding proposed that Monxton Parish Council appoint Steve Oxley of Wilson Solicitors of Salisbury to do the work related to the ACV’s on the Car Park and Village Green. This was seconded by Cllr M Cleugh. All agreed.
The Parish Council agreed to open a second bank account to enable the collection of donations towards the legal costs.
Mr David James wished to thank Cllr M Cleugh and Cllr S Dowding on behalf of the village for the work they have done on the Black Swan, Car Park and Village Green.
ENVIRONMENT – Cllr J Balding
Southern Water
- Infiltration Reduction Plan
- The EA has approved the IRP subject to four further items of information being supplied. The further information which the EA has requested will be submitted to them at a progress meeting this month.
The Environment Agency
- The EA has basically agreed with what Southern water proposed to change to the IRP. Southern Water need to amend the plan to a final version which can then be published.
- Water industry study of national water resource availability
- This assesses England’s long term water needs and the options available for meeting them.
- Some key findings were that:
- Droughts will be more frequent and more severe than previously experienced – with the South East of England particularly at risk
- Taking gradual action now will reduce the risk for future generations and greater resilience could be provided at a relatively modest cost of about £4 per household per year
- Southern Water reports that they have already taken steps to increase the resilience of our water supplies including:
- Undertaking a universal metering programme with customers now using, on average, 16% less water/day
- Proactively tackling leakage in the system
Footpaths & Bridleways
- A tree has come down partially blocking Hook Lane Bridleway. This has been reported to Amport Parish Council.
TRAFFIC – Cllr P Parfrey
Speed Watch: Unfortunately there have been no further sessions with the speed watch equipment. The possibility of using the equipment at a deterrent in other areas of the village will be looked into.
Traffic Regulation Order (TRO): A site meeting with Highways to discuss the speed limit extensions & village gateways was very productive, several changes were agreed to the scheme for Monxton and it was agreed that there will be an additional gateway. Unfortunately due to further consultation for the changes, implementation will be delayed until the spring of 2017.
Cllr S Dowding voiced her dismay that the project is to be delayed again, if implemented in the Spring it is nearly four years since the project was first discussed.
ANPR Cameras
Cllr P Parfrey reported that a meeting has been arranged to discuss the ANPR Cameras with Hampshire County Council Officers. Cllr Z Brooks confirmed that she will also be attending. It was noted that the Cameras are still not working.
Cllr Mrs Z Brooks was asked if she could investigate who signed off the proposed project for a footpath/cycle way from Weyhill to the Fyfield/Appleshaw junction. Cllr Mrs Z Brooks confirmed that she would.
SUNNYBANK – Report submitted by Cllr P Weston
The Play Area is now repaired. I am pleased to say it did not take too long to sort out, it was just a shame that it ran into the summer holidays so it was out of action over the time. I am now in direct contact with Sean Craig of Sovereign Housing so we have direct contact for any further issues.
Cllr P Weston has received correspondence on the matter of responsibilities for maintenance of the communal areas of Sunnybank.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH – Mr David James
Vehicle Crime
- Police reports of thefts from motor vehicles and thefts of motor bikes and mopeds in the Gosport area together with advice on security were posted on Monxton Matters.
Rogue Traders and Cold Callers
- Several instances of cold callers trying to sell goods door to door in Monxton were reported to me at the same time as a Police alert was issued. An alert regarding rogue traders, particularly selling gardening services was issued by the Police and posted on Monxton Matters. An item on this subject will appear in next month’s Parish News.
Scams
- Telephone scams continue to be a problem, including bogus calls from banks and the police. These are now getting increased coverage in the national news.
FINANCE – Parish Clerk
ACCOUNTS – 1st April 2016 – 21st September 2016
INCOME
Opening Balance BF = £4,232.74
Precept = £5,700.00
=£9,932.74
EXPENDITURE
Wages = £1,200.00
Insurance = £384.78
Village Maintenance = £1,380.00
Administration = £156.00
Queen’s Birthday Celebrations = £500.00
= £3,620.78
BALANCE IN BANK = £6,311.96
AUDIT
The Clerk reported that Audit have signed off the Accounts for the Year 2015/2016 and have not raised any issues.
VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COSTS FOR 2017
The Parish Council discussed Village Maintenance for 2017. Clive Hutchinson has provided a quote for 2017. Cllr J Balding will get quotes from other contractors for the village maintenance so that best value can be obtained.
The Parish Clerk reported that he is meeting with HCC in October to discuss the forming of a Lengthmans Scheme with neighbouring parishes.
WEB SITE – CLLR S DOWDING
An up-date on visitor numbers was given – 97,114 visits to date.
CLLR MRS Z BROOKS
Cllr Mrs Z Brooks briefly spoke about HCC and Devolution and again made the comment that with the recent changes in Government this may not happen.
CLOSE OF THE MEETING – The Chairman thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting.
DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING – 16th November 2016 in the Village Hall at 7.30pm.
Cllr S Dowding gave her apologies for the next meeting.
Parish Council Minutes – 13th July 2016
Minutes of the Monxton Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 13th July 2016 in the Monxton Village Hall at 7.30pm.
Present: Cllr S Dowding – Vice Chairman, Cllr P Parfrey, Cllr J Balding, Cllr P Weston, Richard Waterman – Parish Clerk, County Councillor Mrs Z Brooks, Mike James and Dr S Dart – Southern Water, Bill Scott – Environment Agency, Members of the Public – 10
Apologies: Cllr M Cleugh – Chairman and Borough Councillor Mr B Few Brown.
WELCOME – Cllr S Dowding welcomed everyone to the meeting.
PARISH COUNCIL VACANCY
Cllr S Dowding introduced Pete Weston to the meeting, Pete lives at Sunnybank and expressed an interest in becoming a Parish Councillor. Cllr P Parfrey proposed that Pete Weston be co-opted onto the Parish Council to fill the vacancy, this was seconded by Cllr J Balding. All agreed. Mr P Weston signed the Declaration of Office. Cllr S Dowding welcomed Cllr P Weston onto the Parish Council.
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS – There were no declarations of interest recorded.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING – Cllr S Dowding signed the minutes of the previous meeting as a true record.
PLANNING
Corner Cottage 16/01420/FULLN: Erection of a single dwelling and detached double garage; with associated parking, turning, landscaping, private amenity space, and the creation of a new vehicular access point. NO OBJECTION.
Andover Business Park 16/01512/OBLN: Modify the planning obligation associated with Planning Permission 09/02392/OUTN by removal of Part II of Schedule 6 regarding HCV Traffic Demand Management systems.
This asks to remove the traffic restrictions and allow more than 85 HCVs/HGVs to leave the site in any one hour – a large lorry every 45 seconds.
This planning application was discussed at length. Cllr S Dowding will put details and bullet points on Monxton matters urging residents to write and object. The Parish Council will OBJECT on the grounds that the AMPR Cameras have not been working for over a year so the data supporting the application provided by the applicant is not up-to date or correct. The increase in traffic on the roundabout will send vehicles through Monxton as they try to avoid the queues.
Cllr S Dowding asked Cllr Z Brooks if she had any news on the repair of the AMPR Cameras. Cllr Mrs Z Brooks reported that she had been informed that they were to be repaired in July, this has now been put back to August.
BLACK SWAN PUB
The pub and car park are both listed as Assets of Community Value. The Car park listing is under review, requested by Enterprise Inns.
The Black Swan is now for sale – freehold, to include the pub, car park and village green. MPC have offered verbally to pay a nominal sum plus legal costs to transfer the title to MPC. This has been noted by Rob Willets their manager but nothing will happen until they get an offer for the pub.
ENVIRONMENT – CLLR J BALDING
MONXTON PUMPING STATION AND SOUTHERN WATER’S INFILTRATION REDUCTION PLAN
Southern Water: Mike James (Stakeholder Engagement Manager) & Dr Stephen Dart (County Engineer)
The points to be discussed:
1. Update on the IRP:
a. Has it been agreed by the EA and, if not, why not?
b. If not, how does this effect the implementation of the IRP in our area?
Mike James stated that it has not yet been agreed and explained the process. The IRP is currently with the EA for consideration. Southern Water are committed to manage the infiltration into the system. £500,000 has been spent in the area resulting in a 40% increase in flow through the system. The ground water needs to rise a further 3m before it will infiltrate the system. There is still 85 m of work to do in Monxton. The system is designed to cope with 40% infiltration.
The Pumping Station is classed as high priority and the pumping station is serviced on monthly. Southern Water have put precautions in place if the 2 pumps fail.
2. Could you confirm that your call centre operators will immediately dispatch three tankers to the pumping station when anyone calling from Monxton reports that it is flooding, and that the reference number to quote is 3687362?
Mike James stated that the reference number is correct and that tankers will be dispatched immediately. As he previously said Monxton is now high priority.
3. Are engineering changes within the plant itself, which may affect the safe running of the pumping station, tested before being put in to place?
Mike James stated that the equipment is tested by the manufacturer prior to delivery, it would be impossible to test it in situ. The bunding around the pumping station was discussed. Mike James stated that if the Parish Council wished for it to be removed, Southern Water would do so.
4. What infrastructure plans do SW and Southern Electricity have to protect electricity units in the pumping station from water ingress and can you provide a statement from Southern Electricity as to the impact on the village if this unit fails?
Mike James stated that the bunding had to be lower than the SEB Electricity sub station, it was reported that this was not the case. Mike James stated that he would take a look after the meeting.
The Environment Agency: Bill Scott
Points discussed:
1. Update on Southern Water’s IRP – Has it been agreed by the EA and, if not, why not?
Bill Scott confirmed that Southern Water had submitted the IRP and the EA are processing it to see if it meets their concerns. Bill Scott stated that he can see no problems and was confident that all issues have been addressed. The IRP should be passed within a week.
2. As it takes only a short time from a failure at the pumping station for the surrounding area to be flooded, what is the EA’s stance on over pumping at this site?
Bill Scott stated that the EA receive weekly statistics from Southern Water. The EA feel that over pumping should be the last result.
3. What assistance can we expect from the EA, if flooding does occur?
Bill Scott stated that the EA assess each individual problem and will work with Southern Water, but their main concern is to protect the Environment.
Cllr S Dowding thanked Mike James, Dr S Dart and Bill Scott for coming and answering the questions.
Footpaths & Bridleways
The broken stile on Footpath 5 has finally been repaired!
TRAFFIC – Cllr S Dowding and Cllr P Parfrey
Speed Watch: 2 sessions with 3-4 offenders in each 1-hour block. Most drivers clocked at 27-32mph. Highest speed was 56mph. 1 local resident speeding. More volunteers are needed to extend the scheme.
Traffic Regulation Order (TRO): speed limit extensions & village gateways – delayed (yet again!) Implementation due December 2016 (over 15 months late!)
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH – Mr David James
Rural Crime – Jo Stewart’s account of her recent burglary (Amport) and advice on security is in this month’s Parish News. It appears that they were victims of a London gang targeting properties along the A303. Non-dwelling burglary and car crime also continue to be a problem.
Crime Alert– An Alert was issued on 1st July and posted on Monxton Matters. It covered the above rural crime together with a report on two new scams. The HMRC scam has been reported in the county and concerns people who receive calls purporting to be from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs threatening arrest if tax arrears are not paid. A warning was also given regarding the inevitable fraud associated with the sale of tickets to the Rio Olympics.
SUNNYBANK – Cllr Pete Weston
Grass cutting in Sunnybank seems to being done by three different contractors, investigations are being conducted to try and sort this out. The Play Area has been fenced off and closed. The Clerk reported that Sovereign the new housing association have accepted responsibility for the play area and have shut it until they can get repairs carried out.
FINANCE – Parish Clerk
ACCOUNTS – 1st April 2016 – 13th July 2016
INCOME
Opening Balance BF = £4,232.74
Precept = £2,850.00
=£7,082.74
EXPENDITURE
Wages = £800.00
Insurance = £384.78
Village Maintenance = £585.00
Administration = £156.00
Queen’s Birthday Celebrations = £500.00
= £2,425.78
BALANCE IN BANK = £4,656.96
CLLR MRS Z BROOKS
Cllr Mrs Z Brooks briefly spoke about HCC and Devolution. With the recent changes in Government it may be out on hold.
CLOSE OF THE MEETING
Cllr S Dowding thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting.
DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
21ST September 2016 in the Village Hall at 7.30pm.
Cllr J Balding gave her apologies for the next meeting.
Tutoring Services
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Kate has been teaching and tutoring literacy, language and literature for over 12 years and supporting home-educated students for the past year. She holds a full, enhanced DBS certificate and PGCE. Kate loves the opportunity to support students individually and develop their confidence and skills in a way that works for them.
- Private tuition in your own home
- Home ed support
- Literacy, language and literature
- Exam preparation & skills
- Study skills
- Academic or creative support
- Completely personalised programmes of study
Call Kate on 01264 710768, email her on loveliteracy@mail.com or see her Love Literacy Facebook page.
Superfast Broadband is HERE!!!
Finally, although with absolutely no fanfare whatsoever from BT et al, we have SUPERFAST BROADBAND in Monxton.
Whilst we were aware of the cabinet upgrade (in Monxton and at the Abbotts Ann exchange) and associated works, there has been no official announcement. However, at least 4 households in Monxton have now successfully signed up for Superfast Broadband – apparently with speeds available of (up to) 76mbps! We’re not sure how much of Monxton and the surrounding area will have access though.
https://www.homeandwork.openreach.co.uk/when-can-i-get-fibre.aspx
So please check with your provider if you can upgrade, or click the link above – and join the 21st century!
Enjoy!
Energy Saving Event – 24 September
sponsored by Abbotts Ann Green Action
War Memorial Hall, Abbotts Ann
on Saturday 24th September
10.00am to 12.00noon
Come and find out how to insulate your home, use only green electricity or make your own, and cut your fuel bills
Lots of information and the chance to discuss your issues and ideas over a cup of coffee.
More info: David Read – 710090 david.read@mybroadbandmail..com
Motor Vehicle Theft – Hampshire
| Message sent by |
| James Pusey (Police, Corporate Communications, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight) |
Officers in Gosport are issuing crime prevention advice after seven reports of theft from and eight reports of theft of motor vehicles in the town which have been made to us since Friday, September 16.
We are trying to establish whether any of the incidents are linked, the items stolen from vehicles appear to have been taken from cars and vans . However the vehicles stolen all appear to be motorbikes or mopeds, some have subsequently been found burnt out. The vehicles have been taken from addresses including Bridgemary Road and Nobes Avenue over the weekend.
Officers would like to take this opportunity to remind people of the following crime prevention advice:
Motorbikes
• Always lock your bike and set its alarm if it has one.
• Try to use a designated motorcycle parking place with a stand and security loop.
• When leaving your bike for some time, try to lock it to something secure. At home, you can fit special attachments to lock your bike to.
• Don’t leave items such as helmets or other possessions with your bike.
Preventing scooter/moped thefts
.
• Park in safe areas where there are lots of passers-by and onlookers who will see if anyone is tampering with your scooter.
• Never leave anything, including your helmet, unsecured and on display.
• Have an alarm and immobiliser fitted – it is almost certainly worth the investment.
Thefts from vehicles
• Don’t leave anything in your car – if it’s not there, then it can’t be stolen.
• Choose a stereo that can be removed and make sure you take it with you! You should also mark it with your registration number or postcode, in case it’s stolen.
• Thieves aren’t picky, so don’t leave even low-value items in your car. Often thieves will smash and grab first and look later to see if what they’ve stolen is valuable.
• Don’t hide it – if you hide items under the seat or in the glove box, chances are someone will have watched you. If you cannot avoid leaving something in your car, put it in your boot before you begin your journey.
• Don’t leave valuables in your car even for a minute – it only takes a thief a few seconds to smash a window and get what they want, so don’t take the chance.
• Your car isn’t safe to be left unlocked on your driveway – nearly half of all incidents where items are stolen from cars happen when they are parked overnight, close to the owner’s home.
• Don’t leave your house keys or anything with your address on it in your vehicle – someone could steal your keys and then let themselves into your home.
Sat Navs
• If it’s portable, take the sat nav with you together with the support cradle and suction pads.
• Wipe away any marks left by the suction pads as thieves will look out for these.
• Don’t leave your equipment in the glove compartment – thieves usually check here first.
Securing Cars
• Always secure your car.
• Always lock your car and wind your windows up, even if you are just posting a letter or going into a petrol station.
• If you are stationary in traffic, keep your doors locked and don’t wind your windows too far down – someone could reach in and try to grab something off your passenger seat.
• Use a steering wheel lock every time you leave your car – it makes life more difficult for the thief and therefore your car a less tempting target.
• Get a car alarm – they not only deter a thief from stealing the car, but also from stealing items from inside it. Have it fitted by a professional.
• Immobilisers stop the engine from starting if the car is being stolen and they are the best way to stop thieves. Having an immobiliser is a good idea if you have an expensive car, and it might help to reduce your insurance premiums.
Monxton Parish Council Meeting – 21 September
MONXTON PARISH COUNCIL
NOTICE OF PARISH MEETING
THE MONXTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING IS
TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 21st SEPTEMBER 2016
IN THE VILLAGE HALL AT 7.30PM
AGENDA
- Welcome and Apologies
- Declaration of Interests.
- Members of the Public (Pre-booked slots if requested)
- Minutes of the Previous Meeting sign that they are correct
- Planning
- Reports:-
- Environment & Footpaths
- Traffic
- Neighbourhood Watch
- Monxton Web Site
- Sunnybank
- Financial Report
- Black Swan/Village Green up-date
- Village Maintenance – Cutting programme for 2017
- HCC and TVBC reports (if provided)
- Correspondence
- Close of the meeting
Date for next meeting 16th November
Amport Coffee Break
Our coffee morning is always on the first Thursday of every month, unless otherwise publicly announced. The next meeting is 6 October at 10am in Monxton & Amport Village Hall.
We have had 5 sessions now and the number rise each time. The get togethers are extremely relaxed and friendly, and we would like to make it quite clear that you do not have to live in Amport to attend. All are very welcome, so do come along – gentlemen too!
Monxton Matters 