Category Archives: Environment

Work on the riverbanks

by Monxton Matters

Some of you may have noticed that works have started on the riverbank of Monxton green and along the banks of Monxton Manor grounds. The owners of Monxton Manor are implementing some of the recommendations proposed by the Wild Trout Trust, which have also been confirmed with the River Restoration Centre and the Environment Agency.

These works are to protect the river banks and to create a more natural and harmonious environment for fish and other wildlife both in and alongside the Pillhill Brook.

Click here to read the Wild Trout Trust Report on Pillhill Brook

 

We are very grateful to Mr & Mrs Corroon for improving the riverbanks, including the green, which many of us use all year round. There will now be an access point for dogs and children (and grownups) to the river.

Environment Report from MPC AGM 4 June

by Monxton Matters

The Pillhill Brook

The current status of the Pillhill Brook is officially classed as, “being in ‘moderate’ ecological condition” under the EU Water Framework Directive, meaning it is failing WFD targets.  A Monxton Riparian owner has recently commissioned an expert report on the section of Pillhill Brook which runs through his property, which he has kindly made available to us.  It also states that, “The Environment Agency is tasked with bringing all natural rivers in England up to ‘Good’ condition and presently the river is predicted to achieve this target by 2015.”  A survey of the Pillhill Brook and the surrounding area has been commissioned by the Environment Agency, which is in now in progress.

There have been a number of issues with the brook, some due to two unauthorised obstructions in the brook.  There have been two planning applications made in relation to these two obstructions, one a retrospective planning application for a bridge in the brook, to which there were numerous objections, but despite this, permission was granted by the TVBC Northern Area Planning Committee.  There have also been a large number of objections to the planning application for the construction of a replacement weir on top of the old weir.  This application is still pending and is waiting to be scheduled to be called to committee at TVBC. The proposed replacement weir, which in its current form will be raised, will continue to have an adverse effect on flooding upstream and the condition of the natural river channel of this unique chalk stream.  The removal of the dam from the original weir would return the brook to its original status quo.  The lack of wild brown trout in the brook is a concern, and we continue to try and rectify the issues which adversely affect the trout’s habitat.

Pumping Station

There are no issues with the Pumping Station, although ground water levels remain high.  As part of Southern Water’s efforts to alleviate groundwater flooding affecting our sewers, they used tankers and pumps to over pump to remove excess water from our sewer network.  Two brand new biological treatment tanks were installed, which are designed to treat the heavily-diluted wastewater prior to it being discharged in to the Pillhill Brook.  Over pumping is more effective than using tankers in keeping our sewers flowing and is an emergency measure, which is agreed to by the Environment Agency. Our MP, Sir George Young, was instrumental in obtaining the go ahead for the over pumping after his intervention on our behalf.  Cllr Balding is due to meet a Southern Water representative in the next few weeks to discuss cleaning up the site and surrounding area, and repairing the damage done to the verges.

Monxton Flood Advisory Committee

The Monxton Flood Advisory Committee is a sub-committee of, and reportable to, the Monxton Parish Council.  The committee comprises Judith Balding, Adrian Drage, Pamela Fisk and Paul Richards.  This committee was formed this year, to liaise with villagers and the four agencies involved in dealing with the issues which have arisen from the pumping station flooding. A meeting is planned with all the parties concerned, to discuss what action can be taken to avoid this happening again in the future.

Trees

There have been a number of tree applications in the village with no objections.  Work is in progress to cut back the trees and tidy up the area around the Village Hall.  There are several trees on the Village Green which need attention and any proposed works will be done later in the year.

Footpaths & Bridleways

There have been the very few issues with the footpaths and bridleways, but with the wet and mild weather in recent months, the footpaths around Monxton quickly become very overgrown.  The footpaths have now been cleared, and in the future we plan to cut and strim them three times a year, instead of twice a year, in an effort to keep them well maintained.

Fracking

There has been widespread publicity on fracking in the last year and it remains a contentious issue.  The Department for Energy and Climate Change has issued drilling licences for possible fracking underneath an area a few miles from Andover, Stockbridge and many historic villages, including Monxton.  Based on information available from DECC, the existing licences are located at the following locations: North of Winchester, from Kings Worthy stretching west almost to Stockbridge, and further north, reaching from Chilbolton west to Amport.  Fracking companies will need planning permission from the Hampshire County Council, as the minerals authority, if they wish to extract any oil or gas.

Hampshire’s Waste Recycling

by Monxton Matters

Have your say on the future of Hampshire’s Waste Recycling!

Hampshire residents are being asked what they would like from their Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), and how they use them.

Hampshire County Council is looking at different and innovative options for running the HWRC service, partly in response to continuing reductions in Government funding, but also to see how a modern, value-for-money service can best be achieved for Hampshire’s residents.

Councillor Seán Woodward, Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment at Hampshire County Council, said: “Services across the Council have to find savings, and this is no exception. We have an excellent record for diverting waste from landfill in Hampshire, and we want to keep it that way.

“We’ve looked carefully at how residents are using HWRCs, the frequency of use and the type of waste disposed. We have some options that would either save money or generate income to offset costs, to ensure the service is sustainable in the long-term. What we need to do now, is find out from Hampshire’s residents what they think of these options, and hear what’s most important to people.”

Comments are invited on six main areas within the consultation:

  • Reviewing the number, location and usage of HWRCs and their suitability to meet the needs of communities now, and in the future.
  • Introducing measures to reduce the amount of trade waste wrongly disposed of at sites, which is expensive for the Council to dispose of
  • Accepting waste and recyclable material from small local businesses for a fee
  • Recovering the costs of the disposal of bulky and hazardous DIY waste such as soil, rubble and plasterboard, which is not classified as household waste and is expensive to dispose of
  • Reviewing opening times to reduce site management costs
  • Working with charities or communities to increase re-use of furniture and other items, to further reduce the amount sent to disposal.

The consultation runs from 2 June to 22 August. To take part, please complete the questionnaire online at: www.hants.gov.uk/recycling. Alternatively, paper copies of the consultation are available from District Council offices and Hampshire libraries. The can also be requested by emailing: hwrc.consultation@hants.gov.uk or calling: 0845 603 5634.

Footpaths to be cut

by Monxton Matters

Just to let you all know that the footpaths around Monxton are due to be cut or strimmed towards the end of this week (w/c 26 May), but it is slightly weather-dependent.

We know that the path behind Manor Farm and the Grain Store is particularly overgrown at the moment – a combination of plenty of rain, sun and warmth. So don’t try and walk that bit in shorts just yet!

Access Bridge at Upper Mill House

by Monxton Matters

Retrospective Planning Application for the construction of an access bridge across the Pillhill Brook at Upper Mill House.  Application No: 13/01556/FULLN

The TVBC Northern Area Planning Committee met on 15th April 2014 to consider this application and concluded that this development does not impact adversely on the character and appearance of the surrounding area, flooding or ecology, and in these respects complies with the relevant policies of the Test Valley Borough Local Plan.

Therefore permission was granted.  The decision notice and plan may be viewed on the Council’s website at www.testvalley.gov.uk/view-applications.

 

Repair and Renew Grant now available

by Monxton Matters

Flood hit residents and businesses can now apply for up to £5,000 to help make their properties more secure against future flooding.

The Repair and Renew grant is available to homes and businesses that were flooded between 1 December 2013 and 31 March 2014 to implement flood resistance and resilience measures to minimise the impact of any future floods.

Economic Portfolio Holder, Councillor Peter Giddings, said: “This is another key grant in the range of Government support available to help home-owners and businesses get back on their feet after the floods, and is particularly aimed at improving how well properties can withstand future flood events.   I would encourage anyone whose property has been affected by the floods to see if this grant might be applicable to them.”

Full details of the grant and a guide to how to apply can be found at www.testvalley.gov.uk/repairandrenew  Applications can be made online or in hard copy format.

Test Valley Borough Council is administering the Government package of support for businesses and homes affected by flooding which also includes a Council Tax Flood discount, Business Rates Flooding Relief and a Business Support Grant. For more information on all the schemes visit www.testvalley.gov.uk/floodhelp

For further information, please contact Tracey McKenzie-Robinson, Communications Team at Test Valley Borough Council on 01264 368109.

Monxton Flood Advisory Committee

by Monxton Matters

The Monxton Flood Advisory Committee has been formed to liaise with the various agencies involved in dealing with the problems from the flooding of the Monxton pumping station, as well as with any other flooding issues that affect the village.

The members of the committee are Cllr Judith Balding, Cllr David Bateman, Mr Adrian Drage, Mrs Pamela Fisk and Mr Paul Richards. This will be a sub-committee of and reportable to the Monxton Parish Council.

If you are adversely affected by flooding, please contact the committee member for your area:

Sunnybank – David Bateman
Email: davebateman@btinternet.com

Andover Road – Pamela Fisk
Email: pamelafisk@sky.com

Chalkpit Lane & Broad Road – Judith Balding
Email: jbalding@talktalk.net

High Street & Green Lane (South side) & Abbotts Ann Road– Adrian Drage
Email: Adrian.drage@btinternet.com

High Street & Green Lane (North side) & Amport Road – Paul Richards
Email: Epjhrichards@aol.com

If flooding occurs due to the pumping station, to report it please call
Southern Water on 0800 820999 or 0800 0276152

If flooding occurs due to any issues with the Pillhill Brook, to report it please call The Environment Agency on their incident hotline 0800 807060

 

 

 

 

 

Monxton Pumping Station Update

by Monxton Matters

Representatives from Southern Water and the Environment Agency came to the pumping station on Monday 3rd March and ‘Betsy’ has now started to over-pump.  This is gradually stopping our flooding and should keep us from flooding again in the short term.  We would like to thank Sir George Young MP, for his assistance, as this happened after his intervention. We plan to have a Monxton Flood Advisory Committee, to negotiate with the various agencies involved, to try to ensure that this does not happen again in the future.  

Monxton Pumping Station Flooding Update

by Monxton Matters

Southern Water have been pumping out Monxton Pumping Station now for nearly two months (nearly 24/7), we have gone from one tanker to the present three, but unfortunately, to no avail.

Initially, the pump was found to be broken and was replaced with a new one.  The new pump has not failed and is working, but is completely overwhelmed. Southern Water confirmed that the pumping station cannot cope with the volume of groundwater now entering the sewage system, although sewage is still being pumped over towards Abbotts Ann.

The Environment Agency have now visited the site three times and on the second visit, over two weeks ago, an overland pump was requested, with the intention to use this to “over pump” from the station into the brook. For some weeks this has already been in place further up the line at a number of sites including Fyfield and Mullens Pond, to try to relieve the system.  We understand that the sewage in the system is now diluted enough by groundwater, to cause no harm the brook.  The Environment Agency said they needed to see the results of this and assured us that this would make a difference to our situation, but this has blatantly failed and, in fact, the flooding has increased.

On Friday 21st February, Southern Water delivered a pump named ‘Betsy’, which was installed and tested, with dramatic results – drains cleared and the pumping station stopped flooding! Betsy now awaits the delivery of some hoses to reach the brook.  These are in short supply at the moment but Southern Water told us that they were due to arrive on Monday 23rd February. They did not arrive and at a meeting yesterday, Southern Water confirmed that really they do not know when or if at all they can locate the hoses and additional kit needed to over-pump into the brook.

Although it was clear that the flooding of the pumping station had not improved since their last visit, the Environment Agency confirmed yesterday that they had still not yet given Southern Water the necessary permission to go ahead with the over pumping.  Without this permission Southern Water’s hands are tied, as they cannot over pump without the Environment Agency’s approval: this is not in place, nor do they know if it will be given.  The considerable impact ‘Betsy’ had on the pumping station flooding was made clear to both Southern Water and the Environment Agency yesterday, and we now await a decision from the Environment Agency.  In the meantime, Southern Water, have assured us they will endeavour to locate the necessary equipment as soon as possible.

There have been a small number of incidences of drivers being impatient with the tankers at the pumping station, so please be understanding at this difficult time.  We would advise that only those drivers who are residents of Chalkpit Lane use the lane until the flooding has ceased.

Long term solutions will be discussed with affected residents and the relevant agencies in the future.  An update will be posted as soon as we have a decision from the Environment Agency.

Southern Water

by Monxton Matters

The Monxton Pumping Station on Chalkpit Lane continues to flood, but Southern Water have assured us that they treat all incidents of foul flooding from the public sewerage system seriously. .

If you feel that the current continuous untreated sewage overflows onto the public highways from the pumping station constitutes a health hazard to either humans or animals, or you have been adversely affected in any way, please complain in writing to Southern Water.

Their complaints procedures and contact details are as follows:

Complaints about water or sewerage – please call 0845 278 0845. Southern Water will try and resolve your complaint as soon as possible. If they cannot and you are unhappy, please ask to refer your complaint to a manager and they will make arrangements to call you back. If you still remain unsatisfied then your case can be reviewed by the Customer Relations Team. If that doesn’t work ask your case to be referred to the Director of Customer Services and Revenue.

  • Technical & 24 hour emergency helpline: 0845 278 2845
  • Billing helpline: 0845 272 0845
  • Report a leak: 0800 820 99
  • Automated Services (Notify change of address, pay bills etc): 0845 270 1508
  • www.southernwater.co.uk
  • Southern Water, PO Box 41, Worthing, West Susses, BN13 3NZ

Click here to see the full Southern Water Complaints procedure.