Category Archives: News

Fireworks & Bonfire Night

by Monxton Matters

Statistically, homes with thatched roofs are no more likely to catch fire than those with conventional roofs; however, if a thatched roof does ignite, the results are rapid and devastating.  We would ask that residents do not have bonfires or set off any fireworks  in their gardens, as they pose a serious risk to the  thatched properties in the village. If you live under thatch, it is wise to be extra vigilant around November 5th and make frequent checks on your roof.  Chinese lanterns are of particular concern, as the potential for harm when they descend is catastrophic, with a number of thatch fires resulting from these lanterns. 

For further information and advice, contact your local fire safety officer.

The laws concerning fireworks

  • It is illegal for anyone under 18 to possess a firework in a public place.
  • Fireworks cannot be set off by a private individual between 11.00pm and 7.00am except for certain nights of the year.
  • It is an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any captive or domestic animal.

Fireworks and Animals

Recommendations from the Blue Cross:
Every year thousands of animals will suffer as a result of fireworks being let off. Blue Cross animal hospitals across the country see a marked rise in pets requiring medication during such stressful times, and many animals are brought into Blue Cross adoption centres having run away from home.

Animals have very acute hearing. Loud bangs and whistles may cause actual pain in their ears. But by following these simple guidelines your pet need not suffer.

Small pets
Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, ferrets and birds all need to be treated with special care when fireworks are being let off. These animals are easily frightened. The Blue Cross advises that owners of such types of small animal should follow these precautions:

  • Hutches/cages and enclosures should, if possible, be brought into a quiet room indoors, or into a garage or shed.
  • Give your pet extra bedding to burrow into so it feels safe.
  • If you cannot bring your pet’s hutch inside, you should turn its enclosure around so that it faces a wall orfence instead of the open garden.
  • Cover any aviaries or hutches with thick blankets or a duvet to block out the sight of the fireworks and deaden the sound of the bangs, but make sure there is enough ventilation.

Dogs & cats

  • Always keep dogs and cats inside when fireworks are being let off.
  • Make sure your dog is walked earlier in the day before the fireworks start.
  • Close all windows and doors, and block off catflaps to stop pets escaping and to keep noise to a minimum. Draw the curtains, and if the animals are used to the sounds of TV or radio, switch them on (but not too loudly) in order to block out some of the noise of the fireworks.
  • Ensure dogs are wearing some form of easily readable identification (ID) – even in the house. They should have at least a collar and tag.
  • Think about fitting pets with a microchip, so that if they do run away they have a better chance of being quickly reunited with you.
  • Prepare a ‘den’ for your pet where it can feel safe and comfortable – perhaps under a bed with some of your old clothes. It may like to hide there when the fireworks start.
  • Let your pet pace around, whine, miaow and hide in a corner if it wants to. Do not try to coax it out – it’s just trying to find safety, so don’t disturb it.
  • Try not to cuddle and comfort distressed pets as they will think you are worried too, and this may make the problem worse. Instead stay relaxed, act normally and praise calm behaviour.
  • Avoid leaving your pet alone during such potentially upsetting events. If you do have to leave the house, don’t get angry with your pet if you find it has been destructive after being left on its own. Shouting at a frightened pet will only make it more stressed.
  • Don’t tie your dog up outside while fireworks are being let off, ie outside a shop while you pop inside, or leave it in the garden or in your car.
  • Never take your dog to a fireworks display.

Horses & ponies

  • Fireworks must not be set off near livestock or horses in fields, or close to buildings housing livestock. Anyone planning a firework display in a rural area should warn neighbouring farmers in advance.
  • Try to make sure that fireworks are never set off near your horse’s field or stable. Tell neighbours and local fireworks display organisers there are horses nearby, so that they can ensure fireworks are set off in the opposite direction and well away from them.
  • Keep your horse in its familiar environment, in its normal routine with any companions to make it feel secure. If your horse is usually stabled then keep it stabled. If it is normally out in the field, keep it there as long as it is safe, secure and not near the fireworks display area.
  • Ensure that you or someone experienced stays with your horse if you know fireworks are being set off. This way you can observe its behaviour, ensure it remains as safe and calm as possible and respond to its reactions appropriately.
  • If you know your horse reacts badly to loud noises speak to your vet or perhaps consider moving your horse for the night.
  • Try to remain calm and positive as horses can sense unease in a person and this might make things worse if the horse is startled.
  • Be careful yourself. Try not to get in the way if your horse becomes startled as you may get hurt.
  • Chinese lanterns are known to cause terrible injuries and the deaths of horses and other livestock. As there is no way of controlling where they go and where they land, the advice to horse owners is to be vigilant and to ensure you check your fields and hedgerows for these lanterns.

 

Two Dogs Lost in Monxton

by Monxton Matters

76930_aDOLLY AND TINKER

White & Light Tan Jack Russell Terrier Cross

Missing from Monxton on Wednesday, 22nd October 2014

Two Sporting Lucas terriers (basically a Jack Russell and Norfolk cross) white with light tan marking, mother and daughter, Dolly and Tinker. They both ran from our house to go hunting in the nearby wood and refused to come back. They may have gone to ground, although they never have previously, they have only dug, without tunnelling.

CONTACT: Sophie Jackson – 07889 281396 – at Willow Glen

Dairy Farmer Blockade at Co-op Andover

by Monxton Matters

From Farmers Weekly

Dairy farmers have staged a fourth milk protest against plummeting milk prices by targeting the Co-op.

About 120 farmers used tractors to block the entrance to the Co-operative Distribution Centre in Andover, Hampshire.

From 8pm onwards on Tuesday (14 October) farmers prevented lorries from entering the 470,000ft depot, which serves more than 400 stores in southern England. The protest ended at about midnight.

To read the full article and see the video click here

Monxton Planning Applications

by Monxton Matters

There are four new applications for Monxton. To see each in more detail please click here and type in the reference number below. You can also comment online should you wish.

  • 14/02180/TREEN: Barn Cottage, High Street, Monxton – Cut down 2 willows and 4 beech trees
  • 14/02234/LBWN: Monxton Manor – Application to regularise alterations and refurbishment to stable building, including installing door and window, re-instate chimney, internal alterations and construct sunken patio with retaining walls to the north to provide workshop and storage.
  • 14/02300/FULLN: Monxton Manor – Retention of alterations and refurbishment to stable building including installing door and window, re-instate chimney, internal alterations and construct sunken patio with retaining walls to the north to provide workshop and storage.
  • 14/02358/FULLN: Willow Glen, Monxton – First floor extension at ground floor level; new single car garage with storage area and alterations to fenestration and timber cladding

New Sculpture Unveiled at Andover Business Park

by Monxton Matters

andover_new_sculpture_unveiled_former_raf_base1By www.andoverandvillages.co.uk (words and photo credit)

On Monday, 6 October, renowned artist Chris Brammall helped the Mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Jan Lovell, to unveil his spectacular flight and navigation-inspired sculpture at the entrance to Andover Business Park.   The piece pays homage to the site’s history as the former home of RAF Andover and has been beautifully engineered using galvanised steel and aluminium.  Councillor Ian Carr was also in attendance at the ceremony in his role as Leader of the Council, but also with a personal interest in the redevelopment of the Airfield.  Councillor Carr was a former RAF Aircrew Officer based at Andover as part of 21 squadron flying Devons.  It was the last squadron to fly from the site.

Decades have passed since the Lockheed P38 Lightning and the Westland Pterodactyl soared above the town of Andover in Hampshire. This new piece of public art will mean that the aircraft will take to the skies once more.

Standing at 13 metres at its highest point, the stunning work of art has been funded by global integrated property group, Goodman, owner and developer of Andover Business Park. The sculpture project commenced at the end of March and has taken six months to complete.

George Glennie, Development Director at Goodman, said: “We’re pleased to have been involved with bringing such a unique sculpture with historical relevance to the area.  At Goodman we are passionate about adding value to all of the regions where we operate.  We’re thrilled that this new artwork will call Andover Business Park home and be enjoyed by both employees and local residents.”

Chris Brammall, the artist, said: “Due to the scale of the sculpture and the fascinating context surrounding the theme of the piece, Flight and Navigation has been the type of challenge which we, as a company, always look forward to.

“The opportunity to engage with the public and the various stakeholders has been highly rewarding.  We feel that this has enabled us to produce a piece that accurately portrays the aspirations of everyone involved, while at the same time, creates a statement that enables the story of RAF Andover and its local community to continue on into the future.”

Chris also worked with the local community to develop an information panel to accompany the artwork.  It includes a fascinating mixture of memories, facts and anecdotes relating to the site. The last flag to fly at RAF Andover has been kept safe for decades by Councillor Ian Carr, and was brought back into service at the ceremony.  It was draped over the panel ready for the sculpture’s official unveiling.

Councillor Tony Ward, Portfolio Holder for Community and Leisure, said: “The work of art is simply stunning. It captures beautifully the elegance and physics of flight. You can almost hear the whoosh and thrum of the engines as they score a path through the clouds.

“Future generations would not know about the history of the site without trawling the history books. This sculpture will act as a permanent reminder of the aircraft and military men and women who took to the skies above the town. This is such an exciting day for Andover and I hope residents and visitors will enjoy the piece for decades to come.”

A commissioning panel comprising Test Valley borough councillors, Goodman developers, Council officers and external arts professionals conducted a vigorous shortlisting process to arrive at their final decision. More than 69 artists from around the world submitted initial designs for the installation.

 

Alpine & Manor Farm Update

by Monxton Matters

An update on the progress to secure sites for the relocation of Alpine and Penchard from their agent:

Despite a very thorough search, it was not possible to find existing buildings suitable for Alpine’s and Penchard’s businesses and it took an appreciable amount of time to find sites in an acceptable location which could be developed to provide the accommodation needed by both companies, particularly as the provider of those sites also has to be the purchaser of the Manor Farm site, once the companies have been relocated.

The companies are in the final stages of agreeing designs and specifications for the new buildings for Alpine and Penchard and they will then enter into negotiations to agree terms for the acquisition of the buildings and the sale of Manor Farm. Those negotiations should be concluded before Christmas and then the purchaser of Manor Farm will submit a planning application for the redevelopment of Manor Farm. That application should be determined by the middle of 2015 and, providing it is approved, the construction of the buildings for Alpine and Penchard should commence late summer and be completed by May/June 2016.

Nelsons Planning Application – operating hours (refused)

by Monxton Matters

Application by Nelson Plant Hire Ltd: Variation of condition 3 (operating hours) of planning permission 11/02569/CMAN at Nelson Recycling, Homestead Farm, Weyhill Road, Penton Corner Andover SP11 0QX (application number 14/01527/CMAN)

The Regulatory Committee refused the above application. For any further queries about the case please contact Kristina King on planning@hants.gov.uk

 

Parish Council Minutes – 17 September 2014

by Monxton Matters

Minutes of the Monxton Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 17th September 2014 in the Monxton Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Present : Cllr Mike Cleugh – Chairman, Cllr Sarah Dowding – Vice Chairman, Cllr Judith Balding, Cllr Adrian Drage, Cllr David Bateman, Richard Waterman – Parish Clerk, Members of the Public – 13, Mr Ray Alborough – TVBC Highways; Mr Mike James, Richard Andrews and Graham Purvis – Southern Water.
Apologies : Borough Councilor Mr B Few-Brown and County Councilor Mrs P West.

WELCOME – Cllr Mike Cleugh welcomed everyone to the meeting
DECLARATION OF INTEREST – There were no declarations of interest recorded
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING – The Chairman signed the minutes of the July meeting as a true record.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC – No slots had been booked to address the Parish Council.

REPORTS
ENVIRONMENT AND FOOTPATHS
SOUTHERN WATER – Cllr Judith Balding was pleased to welcome Southern Water representatives, Mike James – Stakeholder Communications, Richard Andrews – author of the draft IRP and Graham Purvis – Hampshire Area Plan Manager, to discuss their draft Infiltration Reduction Plan (IRP).

SW has been working to survey and repair sources of infiltration in the villages of Fyfield, Kimpton, Mullens Pond and Monxton. These villages have been combined into a single IRP because they are on the same sewage network. The gravity flow from Fyfield and Kimpton villages is pumped via Thruxton, Mullens Pond and Amport to Monxton and on to Fullerton treatment works. The success of the infiltration reduction programme will be dependent on the support of the Environment Agency, Hampshire County Council, Test Valley Borough Council and all of the village’s Parish Councils.

Mr Mike James reported that Southern Water have 24,000 miles of sewers, much of it aging and in need of repair. Last year survey work was carried out in the Monxton catchment area. A repair programme was undertaken costing £1 Million.

POINTS FOR DISCUSSION

1) Can SW explain the design and capacity of the sewage system which passes through Monxton WPS and the design and capacity of the pumping station itself.

Answer: The system is a ‘foul system’. Sewage from Fyfield and Kimpton is pumped to Amport. It is then pumped to Monxton and then over the hill to Abbots Ann before being pumped to Fullerton. Monxton Pumping station has two pumps that are sized for the catchment area, they pump 45ltr a second. When needed the pumping station is supplemented by tankers. There is a back up alarm system that alerts Southern Water of problems. It was reported that the Alarm System was not working – Mr James noted this. The alarm system will be reviewed, along with ensuring the electricity system is resilient to any future flooding.

2) When the flooding occurred, why did it take SW so long to start over pumping

Answer: Southern Water have to apply for permits from the EA before over pumping can begin. There are a lot of conditions to meet before consent is given.

3) What are SW doing to prevent a recurrence of flooding to the sewage system and the pumping station this winter.

Answer: The Monxton Pumping Station has been up-graded and pumping capacity has been increased by 50%. The system is checked along the line and an early warning system has been installed at Mullens Pond (Est Cholderton). Repair work to stop surface water entering the system have been undertaken at a cost of £300,000. The work should be completed by the 1st October 2014.

4) What are SW considering for the medium and longer term, as it appears to us laymen that the plant, being sited in an area of high groundwater, is not in the right place?

Answer: The pumping station at Monxton has been sighted at the lowest point and there were no problems with ground water in the pumping station during the recent floods.

5) How does SW monitor the capacity of the system and are they approached or consulted by TVBC and HCC when new building plans are submitted?

Answer: Southern Water are not one of the statuary consultees, however Southern water are consulted on large scale developments. If the Parish Council have any concerns about any new development in the parish please contact Southern Water.

6) What arrangements do SW have in place for compensation to users when the services you provide are unavailable and how are these communicated to your customers?

Answer: Customers must report their claims direct to Southern Water with dates, times etc. Each case is investigated.

7) Is there a panel in place at SW which seeks out the views of your customers and provides feedback to the heads of the relevant departments?

Answer: Southern Water review their business plan every 5 years and customers are consulted. The last consultation was sent out to 31,000 customers.

8) What were the results of the CCTV surveys carried out by SW in Monxton in June at the river crossings and have those repairs identified been completed yet? If not, when will they be done?

Answer: CCTV was carried out on the system, there was not a lot of ground water infiltration detected. There are no current plans to do any work but this will be reviewed at a later date.

9) What is the timeline for implementing the IRP.

Answer: The IRP is a living document at the moment and should be completed within the next two weeks, it will then be sent to the EA for approval. It could take two to three months for the EA to come back with approval. Once approval is granted it could take up to a minimum of two years to implement the IRP. This was deemed unacceptable by those present at the meeting.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC – The Southern Water Team were asked questions on Over Pumping, Raw Sewage in the fields and the time it took to sort things out during the problems earlier in the year. The Chairman thanked the Southern Water Team for coming.

FOOTPATHS AND BRIDLEWAYS – Footpaths & Bridleways Boat 11 has been cut back up to the track to Weyhill and most of the footpaths and bridleways have been cleared.

TEST VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF PARISH AND TOWN COUNCILS – Cllr Balding attended a meeting of the TVAPTC on 11th September on behalf of MPC. The Chairman, Charles Milner-Williams welcomed MPC and a very informative presentation was given by the guest speaker, Steve Lees, Head of Planning Policy and Transportation at TVBC.

PLANNING
Subject: Ref 14/01527/CMAN Extension of hours at waste transfer station Homestead Farm, Penton Corner.
Objections had been sent by MPC and several villagers. The main issue for the Monxton is the Lorries transporting material to Georgia Farm. Cllr David Bateman and Cllr Mrs P West attended the Planning Meeting. Cllr Bateman was pleased to report that the application had been refused by the Planning Committee. The Parish Council wished to thank Cllr Mrs Pat West for her support on this matter. A discussion of the dumping of rubble at the Georgia Lane Site followed.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH – Mr David James
Rural Crime
You may have noticed the recent coverage of rural crime in the news media. Livestock rustling, traditionally the stuff of westerns, has resurfaced in Britain. In 2013 the number of sheep stolen from farmers around the country increased by 25%. In our area crime has involved the theft of fuel oil and other chemicals, hand tools, tack and increasingly items such as quad bikes. Larger vehicles such as tractors are also targeted, generally to order by organised gangs, and are then usually shipped out of the country.

Incidents of poaching have also been reported. Three men have been found guilty at court of an offence of daytime trespass in pursuit of game in the Andover area. Each received a fine of £150, surcharge of £50 and costs of £85. If we want to tackle rural crime then we all need to work together by ensuring all incidents are reported, helping to ensure that the Police are able to target their resources efficiently.

Rogue Traders
The Police have had several reports of possible rogue traders touting door to door recently, particularly in relation to gardening and hedge trimming or tree surgery. If you have a caller who is aggressive or persistent please call the Police! Hampshire Trading Standards have a useful web page which lists reputable tradesmen:
http://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk/sitepages/bwchome.aspx

Crime Alerts
Since the last meeting an alert was issued on the 14th August which was distributed in Monxton and posted on Monxton Matters. It covered the points summarised above together with advice on warm weather home security.

TRAFFIC

  • Bollards installed outside Monxton Manor
  • Village Gateways are on order Community Speedwatch is recruiting volunteers
  • Bollards to be installed on small green (Abbotts Ann Rd)
  • Application for TRO for 30mph speed limit extension
  • Request for scalpings at highways edges on Broad Road and Amport Road

Mr Ray Alborough spoke about the bollards that have been installed at Monxton Manor as there have been comments about parking. The project has yet to be finished a suitable coverage of the parking area needs to be agreed and the addition of a solid white line on the highway will further highlight the area and move traffic further into the centre of the road. Highways are waiting for the County Council’s contractor to complete the work. Traffic Regulation Orders were discussed, Mr Ray Alborough suggested that all changes to the speed limits are applied for on one Traffic Regulation Order.

The Chairman reported that the Alpine Group relocation to a new site is progressing. The Chairman thanked Mr Ray Alborough for coming to the meeting.

WEB SITE
An up-date on the Web Site was given

SUNNYBANK
Cllr David Bateman reported that there is still an ongoing problem with the road drains. The drains are blocked from Silver Birch Farm all the way to the village, these have been reported to Paul Walsh at Hampshire Highways and he has promised that they will be dealt with by the end of the week. Cllr D Bateman will monitor the situation.

MISCELLANEOUS
There have been reported incidents of someone dumping grass cuttings in the Phil Hill Brook. Reports of Japanese Knot Weed being dumped have also been logged. Boat 11 has been cut but not its whole length. It has been reported that Hampshire County Council are 18 months behind with their footpath cutting programme.

FINANCE
EXPENDITURE
Payments August and September 2014.
Mr Clive Hutchinson Grass Cutting                           £465.00
R.N. Waterman Wages – August (Standing Order) £200.00
R.N. Waterman Wages – September                          £200.00
                                                                                       £865.00

ACCOUNTS – 1st April 2014 – 17th September 2014
INCOME
Opening Balance BF = £5,574.65
Plus ½ precept          = £2,600.00
= £ 8,174.65

EXPENDITURE
Wages                                 = £1200.00
Insurance                           = £388.45
Notice Boards                    = £133.30
Play Ground Inspection  = £65.40
Village Maintenance        = £1171.00
Dog Bins                             = £152.64
= £ 3,110.79

 

BALANCE IN BANK = £ 5,063.86

MONEY SET ASIDE – NOT INCLUDED IN ABOVE FIGURES
£1000.00 for Village Hall Refurbishment
£2000.00 for Traffic Calming
£1000.00 for Village Project/Maintenance

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
It was noted that the Agenda for this meeting had not been put on the Web Site, Cllr Sarah Dowding apologised this had been an oversight. The Agenda however was displayed on the three village notice boards. Questions were asked about the way the Parish Council Agenda is distributed around the Parish. This was discussed and it was agreed that those who are not on email will be sent a copy of the agenda through the post by the Clerk.

CLOSE OF THE MEETING
The Chairman thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting.

DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
19th November 2014 in the Monxton Village Hall at 7.30pm

Grass clippings in the river

by Monxton Matters

There have been two recent reports of a household dumping their grass clippings in the mill race of Pillhill Brook. These clippings are clogging up the water, rotting and making it difficult for fish and aquatic life to thrive. There have also been lots of crab apples mixed with one lot of clippings.

So please ensure that no garden waste, or waste of any sort, is ever put in the river or any waterways. Please dispose of your waste responsibly. Thanks

Grass cuttings and crab apples littering the mill race.

Grass cuttings and crab apples littering the mill race.

Comedy Night 24 October

by Monxton Matters

“From Here to Absurdity” comedy night at Monxton & Amport Village Hall

Friday 24th October 8pm

Comedy comes to Monxton & Amport

On Friday 24th October Monxton & Amport Village Hall will be playing host to a hilarious 90-minute satirical sketch show open to all. “From Here to Absurdity” recalls the spirit of Peter Cook and Beyond the Fringe, comprising about 30 sketches and songs, written and assembled by Richard Kelly –a politics lecturer at Manchester Grammar School and a freelance contributor to Private Eye and the Spectator. The material focuses on the assorted idiocies of modern life, targeting (for example) political correctness, prattish ramblers, rapacious estate agents, irritating telephone salesmen, oily counsellors, brutal gynaecologists, sad round-robin writers, deaf parents, two-faced career women, men who can’t cook, men who can’t speak, birth, marriage, divorce and death.

Following its success at the Edinburgh Fringe, the show has played at the Buxton, Chester and York comedy festivals as well as numerous pubs, clubs and theatres across the country. A series with Radio 4 is currently being negotiated. The show involves three performers, each exhibiting a range of characters and accents, plus a minimalist set and topical soundtrack. None of the sketches last longer than 3 minutes, so if any of them leave you cold you can always wander off (mentally, that is) and contemplate the ‘absurdity’ of your own job, your own relationship, your own family and your own failed ambitions. For sheer comic tragedy, no sketch can ever compete with those…

Tickets are priced at £10 each and can be purchased from Val Taylor. Please telephone 01264 772578.