Category Archives: News

Parish Council Minutes – 23 July 2014

by Monxton Matters

Minutes of the Monxton Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 23rd July 2014 in the Monxton Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Present : Cllr Mike Cleugh – Chairman, Cllr Judith Balding, Cllr Adrian Drage, Richard Waterman – Parish Clerk; Members of the Public – 4

Apologies : Cllr Sarah Dowding – Vice Chairman, Borough Councillor Mr B Few-Brown and County Councillor Mrs P West

WELCOME – Cllr Mike Cleugh welcomed everyone to the meeting.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST
Cllr Judith Balding declared and interest in the issue of flooding and the Weir.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The Chairman signed the minutes of the June meeting as a true record.

Cllr David Bateman stated that the minutes recorded that “Cllr Mrs P West stated that whilst at the site meeting she noticed the terrible state of the drains on the Monxton Road and tasked Highways to get them sorted, this was done the same day and they are all now clear”. Cllr David Bateman reported that this was not the case and they have since been reported to Paul Walsh at Highways.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
No slots had been booked to address the Parish Council.

ENVIRONMENT AND FOOTPATHS
THE PILLHILL BROOK

APPLICATION NO: 14/00300/FULLN for the construction of a replacement weir at Upper Mill House, Monxton, Andover.

This application has been decided as follows: PERMISSION subject to conditions & notes

15 Despite many objections to this Planning Application being made to TVBC, permission has been granted. The TVBC Northern Area Planning Committee met on 15th July 2014 to consider this application and concluded that this development is considered to be acceptable because it 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 2006. Therefore permission was granted subject to development beginning within three years and that it is carried out and completed strictly in accordance with the submitted plans. The decision notice and plan may be viewed on the Council’s website at http://www.testvalley.gov.uk/viewapplications.

A report by the Wild Trout Trust for recommended works to the Pillhill Brook at Monxton

Manor is available on the Monxton Matters website.

THE MONXTON FLOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
This is a sub-committee of, and reportable to, the Monxton Parish Council.

In an emergency :-

  • If flooding occurs from the pumping station, please report it immediately to Southern Water on 0800 820999 or 0800 0276152
  • If flooding occurs from the Pillhill Brook, report it immediately to the Environment Agency on their incident hotline 0800 807060.
  • If it is not an emergency and you have been affected by flooding or have an issue with either the Pumping Station or the Pillhill Brook, please contact the committee member for your area who will liaise on your behalf with Southern Water and the Environment Agency.

Contacts:

  • Sunnybank & Andover Road – David Bateman. Email: davebateman@btinternet.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

PUMPING STATION
All residents should have received a letter from Southern Water regarding their plans for the area, including their Infiltration Reduction Plan (IRP), which is being put in place for Monxton. An IRP is a strategy and action document to manage groundwater infiltration affecting the sewers in the catchment. One of the first IRPs of its type in the UK, it will be updated by Southern Water on a regular basis to show the latest information regarding the progress of work in the village to reduce infiltration. SW representatives were invited to attend tonight’s Parish Council meeting to discuss this document but it has not yet been completed due to requests for changes to it by the EA. SW have agreed to a meeting with our Flood Advisory Committee when it is available.

 

Cllr Balding has had three more meetings since the last Parish Council meeting with Southern Water representatives. Confirmation has been received that the works which have been requested by the Flood Advisory Committee, on behalf of MPC are to be done. These include:

  • Removing the chain link fencing and erecting a concrete bund with a close board panel fence on top of it around the perimeter of the pumping station.
  • Planting additional hawthorn around the perimeter to help screen the pumping station from neighbouring properties.
  • Repairing all damaged road surfaces and verges along Chalkpit Lane and the main road up to the bridge.
  • Doing all works necessary to rectify the damage to the field and surrounding area adjacent to the pumping station.

It was suggested that Southern Water are invited to the September Parish Council meeting to give a presentation. Cllr Judith Balding will speak to Southern Water.

 

TREES
The current work on the trees around the Village Hall has been completed and further works will be done at the request of TVBC in the future.

 

FOOTPATHS AND BRIDLEWAYS
The footpaths were cut again recently and will be done again in a few months. Please report any problems with either footpaths or bridleways to Cllr Balding.

 

TRAFFIC

  • Subject: Ref 14/01527/OMAN Extension of hours at waste transfer station Homestead Farm Penton Corner. Objections need to go to HCC not TVBC kristina.kinghants.gov.uk
  • Fighting the lorries. Tactics: Residents to obtain photos & videos; Reporting accidents; Press; Re-designation of Monxton Road; Speed detectors

 

The Parish Council and members of the public present discussed this issue at length including a report on a visit to a parishioner from Sam Francis one of the TVBC Planning Officers. The Chairman stated that residents seem reluctant to report incidents with lorries through the village, without hard evidence it is difficult to put together a credible case against this planning application. The Chairman urged residents to please report every incident they witness, taking photographs if possible.

SUNNYBANK
Cllr David Bateman spoke about the proposed footpath from Sunnybank to Red Post Lane. He suggested that Cllr Mrs P West is invited to the September Parish Council meeting to confirm exactly what is planned, the timescale and how it will be funded. Cllr David Bateman could not see how this will be achieved as highways do not own all the land and it will be reliant on landowners releasing land.   The residents parking at Sunnybank bungalows is completely inadequate. There would be plenty of room if the bank was cut away. If we are to get a footpath then this work could be incorporated in with this work. The Parish Council thought this a good idea.

 

FINANCE

Cheques to be issued in July 2014.

  • Mr B Pearce                          Fit Second Notice Board                     £25.00
  • Mr Clive Hutchinson        Grass Cutting                                            £705.00
  • TVBC                                       Dog Bin Emptying                                 £152.64
  • Mr N.W. Adams                  Play Ground Inspection                      £65.40
  • R.N. Waterman                   Wages – July (Standing Order)          £200.00

£1,148.04

 

ACCOUNTS – 1st April 2014 – 23rd July 2014

Opening Balance BF      = £5,574.65
Plus ½ precept             = £2,600.00
=  £7,174.65

Wages                                =    £800.00
Insurance                         =    £388.45
Notice Boards                 =    £133.30
Play Ground Inspection =     £65.40
Village Maintenance      =    £705.00
Dog Bins                     =     £152.64
PCC Grant                    =     £500.00
=  £2,744.79

 

BALANCE IN BANK       =  £4,429.86

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

 

PLANNING

  • Application for retrospective planning for the bridge at Upper Mill House, Ref 13/01556/FULLN — permission granted
  • Application for a new weir at the junction of the old river and the mill race from Lord Tan law – permission granted
  • Langley erection of 3 storey 4 bed dwelling – 14/00154/FULLN —Appeal lodged by Mr King
  • 14/01292 /FULLN —Aviary Shoetree Cottage — No Objection
  • 14/1396 /TREEN Abbotts Mead, Tree felling – No Objection

 

VILLAGE PROJECTS
VILLAGE GREEN CLEAR UP – Mr Clive Hutchinson quoted £500 to clear up the untidy area on the Village Green. The Parish Council agreed to proceed, although it was noted that Clive is very busy at the moment and it may no be done until the autumn.

VILLAGE POND – this was briefly discussed and there were mixed feelings on what to do with the area, it needs tidying up but reinstating the pond may cause flooding problems for neighbouring properties.

VILLAGE  VERGES AND WEED REDUCTION – It was noted that Hampshire County Council are not cutting the verges as often as they have in the past.

 

COUNCILLORS REPORTS
Cllr Mr David Bateman reported that there have been several incidents of Anti-Social behaviour in the village, unfortunately they have not been reported to the Police.

 

CORRESPONDENCE
The Chairman reported that the Parish Council have received a request for funding from the Monxton Parochial Church Council towards the upkeep of the Church Yard and maintenance of machinery. This was discussed. The Chairman proposed that a grant of £500 was given towards the upkeep of the Church Yard, this was seconded by Cllr Mr D Bateman. All agreed.

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

 

DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
17th September 2014 in the Monxton Village Hall at 7.30pm

Community Speedwatch – Volunteers Needed

by Monxton Matters

We are now in a position to be able to get the Community Speedwatch Scheme running and active in Monxton. So we now need volunteers – a minimum of 6 people and there is no maximum.

So if you would like to help ensure the speed limits within our parish are adhered to then please download the  Volunteer Application Form for Speed Watch and then email it to Marcus Tebbutt-Ford, who is coordinating the volunteers at this stage.

What is Speed Watch?
Speeding continues to be a concern of many local communities in both rural and urban areas and the local community have an important role to play in educating drivers about this issue.

Community Speed Watch (CSW) is a locally driven initiative allowing members of the community to monitor speeds of vehicles using speed detection devices. CSW schemes are supported by local policing teams with the aim of educating drivers to reduce their speeds.

The scheme aims to cater for the problem of real or perceived speed related offending, and through partnership with the community it is to be used in circumstances that are necessary, justifiable and proportionate in order to:

  • Reduce death and injury on the roads
  • Improve the quality of life for local communities
  • Reduce the speed of vehicles to the speed limit
  • Increase public awareness of inappropriate speed

How does it work?
Speed Watch is a community scheme that can only take place in 20mph, 30mph and some 40 mph limits or zones.

The scheme will be managed by the local police Safer Neighbourhood Teams but run by volunteers. Volunteers will use equipment that can monitor the speed of passing traffic and record the details, later adding them to a database. Vehicle checks will be undertaken by the police and letters will then be sent to the registered keepers of those vehicles exceeding the speed limit.

Recruiting volunteers
Members of the community need to be registered with Hampshire Constabulary to join a scheme. This entails completing an application form (see download above) which contains questions to determine their suitability.

Volunteers may be given access to private information and police databases; therefore we need to ensure that we and other members of the public are protected. We can only measure this by vetting applicants.

Nelsons Lorries – working hours extensions

by Monxton Matters

Nelson Plant Hire Application No: 14/01527/CMAN

VARIATION OF CONDITION 3 (operating hours) of planning permission 11/02569/CMAN for an increase in hours to start from 6am to 6pm to include Saturdays and between 6am to 1pm on Bank Holidays.

The deadline for comments is now 1st August 2014 to Hampshire County Council (not TVBC).

This planning application has been deferred from the 16th July 2014 Regulatory Committee and it will now be considered at the 17th September 2014 Regulatory Committee.

If you wish to comment details are on www.hants.gov.uk/county-planning.  You can do so by email to planning@hants.gov.uk  and copy to the case officer, Kristina King at kristina.king@hants.gov.uk or in writing to her at:

County Planning
Economy, Transport and Environment
Hampshire County Council
Elizabeth II Court West
Winchester
Hampshire SO23 8UD

Do also copy in Cllr Pat West (patricia.west90@gmail.com) and Cllr Ben Few-Brown (bfewbrown@googlemail.com), if you wish.

We have compiled a template letter for everyone to use. Please download the Letter of Objection Nelsons Operating hours and add you own comments if you wish. Don’t forget to add your own name and address to the letter too!

PLEASE ENSURE YOU SEND YOUR EMAIL BEFORE FRIDAY 1ST AUGUST 2014

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.

Children’s Disco – 12 July

by Monxton Matters

Dust off your kids’ party frocks and dancing boots….

There is a disco for the children of Monxton & Amport to kick off the start of summer. It will be held in Monxton & Amport Village Hall on Saturday 12th July from 3-5.30pm. Tickets will be £3 per child and refreshments will be available for small change.

Tickets from Karin Staines (712061) or Penny Kitson ( 771227) and put the date in your diaries!

Amport Fete 19 July – update

by Monxton Matters

Fete date for the diary.. please come…

cropped-AFlogo1The fete this year is on Saturday 19th July and we have lots of fun stalls and entertainment planned including tractor and pony rides, Morris dancing, Punch and Judy, gun dog and hawk flying displays, classic cars, the Amport games and much, much more….(see www.amportfete.com).  We’ve got Parsonage Farm on the barbecue, a Chinese noodle bar, a tea tent and treat stall and a fully stocked bar. I really hope that you will all come along and support the day – it is from 12.30 to 16.30. All proceeds go to church, school and community.

Supper tickets ON SALE NOW

There is also a supper on the green from 18.30 ’til late with a hog roast, locally baked bread, yummy salads and homemade brownies and strawberries. There will also be plenty of entertainment with the Big Cheeze band providing ample opportunities for dancing and a lively auction. Tickets are £12 for adults and £6 for under 11s. Let me know how many you’d like….. get them before it’s a sell out! (cover will be provided if it’s not quite as good weather as last year).

HELP PLEASE..

What I really need is the following
1. Volunteers on the day to man stalls – an hour or two (or four) of your precious time would be greatly appreciated
2. Prizes for the auction and raffle would be amazing – if you have any contacts at local businesses then please see whether they’d be prepared to donate something.
3. Filled jars, Bric a brac, toys and books… donate at the bus shelters in Amport and East Cholderton.
4. Muscles to help with the put up on Friday afternoon/evening and take down on Sunday morning.

Plus any other offers of help/ideas

Please contact Kate Cavalier by email – kate.cavalier@gmail.com or by phone 01264 773876 or in person at The Old Farm, The Green, Amport.

Vehicle collision

by Monxton Matters

There was a collision this afternoon between Cambridge Cottage and Little Thatch, between a Volvo and one of the Nelsons Lorries. The Volvo came off worst, as was to be expected. It is not yet known who’s at fault but all villagers will know that this is a pinch point that sees a lot of ‘near misses’. The accident occurred between 17.30 and 17.50 on Monday 23rd June.20140623

Path of the Gods

by Monxton Matters

Charles & Caroline Littleworth would like to thank everyone who came to the book signing for their son, James, and also to thank everyone who has purchased a copy of his book, Path of the Gods.

If you have not yet bought your copy you can buy it from Waterstones, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, Foyles and other bookshops.

Title: Path of the Gods
By: James Val’Rose
ISBN: 9781849635271
Paperback

To read the first pages of the book click here

If purchasing from Amazon, if you order it along with say, another bestseller (of a similar genre if possible) putting Path of the Gods in the basket first will significantly increase marketing opportunities for James.

Click here for the Amazon link