Minutes of the Annual Monxton Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 18^th May 2016 in the Monxton Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Present: Cllr M Cleugh – Chairman, Cllr S Dowding – Vice Chair, Cllr P Parfrey, Cllr J Balding, Richard Waterman – Parish Clerk, County Councillor Mrs Z Brooks, Members of the Public – 12
Apologies: Borough Councillor Mr B Few Brown.

WELCOME – The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN – Cllr S Dowding proposed Cllr M Cleugh as Chairman, this was seconded by Cllr J Balding. There were no other nominations. All agreed. Cllr M Cleugh was elected Chairman.

VICE CHAIRMAN – Cllr J Balding proposed Cllr S Dowding as Vice Chairman, this was seconded by Cllr M Cleugh. There were no other nominations. All agreed. Cllr S Dowding was elected Vice Chairman.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS –There were no declarations of interest recorded.

PARISH COUNCIL VACANCY
The Chairman was sorry to report that due to health reasons Cllr Mr D Bateman has resigned. The Chairman wished to thank David Bateman for all that he did during his time on the Parish Council. The Parish Council can now co-opt to fill the vacancy. Anyone interested in joining the Parish Council should contact the Parish Clerk.

FINANCE
The Clerk produced the end of year accounts for the year 1^st April 2015 to 31^st March 2016. Each item was explained. The Clerk reported that the accounts have been audited by Paul Reynolds the internal Auditor. The Parish Council agreed to adopt the accounts and the Chairman signed off the Audit Form. The Accounts will now be sent to District Audit.

Cheques issued in May 2016
N W Adams                         Playground Inspection                      £65.40
Aon Ltd                               Insurance                                     £384.78
CPRE                                  Subscription                                    £36.00

FINANCIAL RISK ASSESSMENT
The Clerk reported that he has carried out the annual financial risk assessment and that the following procedures are in place.

• Three quotes are sort for any project over £500.
• Cheques are presented for signature and recorded in the minutes.
• Two signatories are required.
• No petty cash is held.
• Any money received is banked as soon a practically possible.
• Bank Statements are available at each meeting if a Councillor wished to view them.
• The Precept is discussed at the November/December meeting and a budget forecast statement is produced by the Clerk.
• Insurance Valuations are checked each year and adjusted for new acquisitions.

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

BLACK SWAN/CAR PARK/VILLAGE GREEN UPDATE
Situation Summary

• Enterprise Inns own the Pub, Car Park and the Village Green
• Enterprise Inns have several options as follows:
  • Install a new manager and continue business as usual
  • Sell all three assets as a whole as a free house.
  • Sell the Pub, Car Park and Village Green separately
  • De-licence the Pub and then sell off the assets to developers

• In the event that they sell the Pub, Car Park and Village Green as separate units or try to de-licence the Pub a number of scenarios will involve TVBC.
• TVBC will not support any de-licencing of the pub
• TVBC will not support any development on the car park as this will be a back door to de-licence the pub
• TVBC will not support development of the village green as this is a designated Open space

The Chairman reported that he has written to the CEO of Enterprise Inns enquiring of their intentions for the Black Swan and Car Park. The Parish Council are in the process of registering the Village Green and the Car Park as a Community Asset.

Kit Malthouse MP has been lobbied and has said he will give his support.

VILLAGE GREEN HISTORY
In 1973 a licence was signed between the Parish Council and Strong Brewery Co of Romsey Ltd granting the use of the land to provide amenity space for the benefit of the inhabitants of Monxton.

The right to clear the land of shrubs and trees and to lay lawns and flowerbeds and to erect park benches and seats on the land.

The Parish Council agreed to maintain the land and to arrange for public liability insurance.

The licence has been sent to a solicitor to review with a view to understanding our options.

PROTECTING THE VILLAGE GREEN AND CAR PARK
Three potential defence mechanisms:

• TVBC already has the Village Green registered as an Open Space under the Borough Plan.
• Registering the Village Green & Car Park as Community Assets in process.
• HCC have a scheme to register the land owned by Enterprise Inns as a Village Green under Section 15 of the Commons Act 2006. Under investigation and will have legal costs to be considered.

ASSETS OF COMMUNITY VALUE
The consequence of listing land or buildings as Assets of Community was explained.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS 2015/2016
* Oakcutts, Old Stockbridge Road, Middle Wallop – Application for lawful development certificate.
* The Black Swan, Monxton – installation of externally illuminated and no illuminated signage and lights to the exterior of the building.
* Corner Cottage, Amport Road, Monxton – Erection of dwelling, detached double garage and construction of vehicular access.
* Garden Cottage, Chalkpit Lane, Monxton – Crown reduction Beech Tree.
* Pillhill Lodge, Green Lane, Monxton – An extension to the garage to link with the main dwelling; removal of garage door and replace with timber glazing.
* Beechurst, Green Lane, Monxton – Demolition of existing garage and erection of replacement double garage incorporating first floor home office.
* Jevvon, Andover Road, Monxton – Erection of detached double garage and garden store with studio over.
* Abbotts Mead, Chalkpit Lane, Monxton – Removal of existing boot room and the erection of ground floor extension to provide study and reception room and first floor extensions to provide bedroom, ensuite and dressing room with associated internal and external works; and erection of replacement 3 bay garage.
* The Black Swan Car Park – Fell Ash and Norway Spruce.
* Middle Orchard, Green Lane, Monxton – Reduce to 2m and prune back to the boundary on the roadside, overgrown Beech Hedge.
* Monxton Manor – Crown raise Plum by up to 3m. Remove middle stem of one Sycamore. Fell 2 Sycamore.
* Andover Business Park – Modify park 1V Schedule 6 of the planning obligation associated with 09/02392/OUTN to remove cars accessing Plot 1 via Monxton Road from the current regime of restrictions.
* Abbots Mead, Chalkpit Lane, Monxton – Silver Birch – crown reduction 30%. Conifer – Fell. Cherry – crown reduction 30%. Acer – Crown reduction 30%. Silver Birch – crown reduction 30%. Beech – Fell. Silver Birch – Fell.
* Meadow View, Monxton – Construction of double garage.
* Barn Cottage – Erection of double garage with ancillary accommodation over.

CURRENT PLANNING APPLICATIONS

• Meadow View 16/00434/LBWN: Demolition of single garage & construction of a double garage. MPC no objection.
• Pill Hill Lodge 16/00482/FULLN: An extension to the garage to link with the main dwelling; removal of garage door and replace with timber glazing (amended description & plans)
• Barn Cottage 16/00284/FULLN: Demolition of existing double garage and erection of a double garage and accommodation on a new 1^st

MPC objection
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. Arboriculture investigation in progress

 ALPINE UPDATE
Work has proceeded to draw up an outline design for a housing scheme working with a planning company to draw up a new scheme.

TVBC has met with the developers outside of the paid for process to review the feasibility of the plan prior to them incurring any expense. Still looking for a site to offload some of the heavy steelwork

ISSUES WITH NELSON LORRIES GOING THROUGH MONXTON
There have been no feedback from villagers over the last 2 months. The Environment Agency have confirmed that they are no currently taking legal proceedings.

ENVIRONMENT – Cllr J Balding   

• HCC
  • The Monxton Flood Advisory Committee had a meeting with the Assistant Highway Manager from HCC on 5th May, with regard to clearing the blocked drains and gullies in the village.
  • Some initial work by their gully cleaning contractor has now been carried out.  These include clearing the gullies outside Monxton Mill, those in Chalkpit Lane and Green Lane.
  • Longer term issues which need addressing with are in the pipeline!
• Southern Water
  • Further to a meeting of the Monxton Flood Advisory Committee and SW representatives, they have confirmed that their IRP has not yet been approved by the EA. The EA responded to Southern Water recently with some feedback which is in the process of being reviewed.
  • Once it has been approved, both parties will be invited to present it to a Parish Council meeting.
• Tree Applications
  • 16/00869/TREEN –  Abbotts Mead, Chalkpit Lane, Monxton Objection to two parts of this application – Permission granted by TVBC
  • 16/01142/TREEN – Kingsbrook, High Street, Monxton
  • T1 Yew – Fell  – No Objection
• Footpaths & Bridleways
  • The footpaths are due to be cut once a month during the summer months.
  • The broken stile on Footpath 5, which has been reported to the landowner and to HCC, has still not been repaired.
  • Hook Lane Bridleway has become overgrown again.  Amport PC are aware

 TRAFFIC – CLLR S DOWDING

• The Community Speed watch needs more volunteers to expand the scheme to various times of the day. Of the sessions undertaken 90% were under 35mph; 9% 37 – 42mph and 1 van at 50mph.
• Large vehicles are causing damage to the village verges and property.
• The Village Gateways are due to be installed late 2016. A Traffic Regulation Order is in progress.
• Lorries visiting the co-op site are still coming through the village due to bad signage and Sat Nav directions.

Cllr J Balding and Cllr P Parfrey spoke about a Highways meeting they had attended on the 29^th April 2016. The issue of HGV’s travelling through Monxton was raised and the meeting was told that the number plate recognition cameras on the barred routes have not been working for over a year.

Cllr Mrs Z Brooks stated that she has raised this with the HCC Chief Executive and promised that she would have answers within a month. Cllr Mrs Z Brooks stated that she will also have statistics for the fines levied.

Cllr P Parfrey will take over the Highways portfolio from Cllr S Dowding.

VILLAGE HALL – CLLR S DOWDING

• Following the questionnaire sent out to the village a second set of improved plans have been drawn up and an Architect appointed.
• Planning Permission and tenders from contractors will now be tackled.
• Fund Raising is underway and Grants will be applied for.
• Works are currently planned for the summer of 2017.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH – MR DAVID JAMES

• Burglaries and thefts from non-dwelling buildings continue to cause most problems. Here in Monxton at the end of last month a horse box trailer was stolen from a yard in Broad Road.
• At the half yearly NW coordinators meeting in April presentations were given by the Police on cyber and internet crime and on fire safety by Hampshire Fire and rescue. The fire safety presentation was summarised in May’ Parish News.
• Cybercrime concerns criminal activities carried out using computers and other computerised devices and is one of the most significant criminal threats to the UK. In 2015 there were 4.3 million reported cybercrimes in the UK. More than half the victims suffered a financial loss and of that number only 62% were fully reimbursed. 1 in 3 fraud victims were over 65.

QUEENS 90^TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
There is a joint celebration party organised for Saturday 11^th June 2016. A banner is to go up and there will be a leaflet drop around the village. Tickets are now on sale. It promises to be a good event.

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

DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING – A change of date from previously advertised – Wednesday 13^th July 2016 in the Village Hall at 7.30pm

Minutes of the Monxton Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 18^th November 2015 in the Monxton Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Present: Cllr S Dowding – Vice Chairman, Cllr J Balding, Cllr P Parfrey, Richard Waterman – Parish Clerk, David James – Neighbourhood Watch, County Councillor Mrs Z Brooks, Members of the Public – 8

Apologies: Cllr M Cleugh – Chairman, Cllr D Bateman and Borough Councillor Mr Ben Few-Brown.

WELCOME – Cllr S Dowding welcomed everyone to the meeting.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS – There were no declarations of interest recorded.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC – The Clerk reported that he had not received any request to address the meeting.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING – Cllr S Dowding signed the minutes of the previous meeting as a true record.

PLANNING
15/02647/CLEN – Application for lawful development certificate for use of the land edged in red on the attached plan as garden, since the date of 1988 – Oakcutts, Old Stockbridge Road, Middle Wallop.

Cllr S Dowding stated that Mr Paul Flippance, the Architect for this planning application had asked to address the meeting.

Mr Paul Flippance gave a site history and the various applications that have been submitted to Test Valley Borough Council. Mr Flippance explained why this latest application has been submitted, it is more of a legal issue to provide evidence of the garden/curtilage on the site. 5 affidavits have been submitted with the application to back up the application.

The Parish Council discussed this application and agreed that they had NO OBJECTION to this planning application.

FOX FARM – The appeal submitted on the 3^rd July 2015 has been dismissed/refused by The Environment Agency. Test Valley Borough Council have yet to comment.

15/02535/TREEN – Crown raise Plum by up to 3m. Remove middle stem of one Sycamore. Fell 2 Sycamore – Monxton Manor, Amport Road, Monxton. The Parish Council had NO OBJECTIONS to this planning application.

ENVIRONMENT – Cllr J Balding

FLOODING – Ground water levels are constantly monitored and are very low according to the readings taken on the 12^th November 2015. At present there are no Flood warnings for Monxton.

It was noted that the water in the weir has reached the level where it is starting to flow in to the river bed. Several river issues were briefly discussed and noted.

FOOTPATHS – The Hook Lane bridleway is blocked in several places. Amport parish Council have been contacted to see if a joint venture could be undertaken to clear the bridleway. A broken stile at Manor Farm has been reported 4 times and has still not been repaired.

TRAFFIC – Cllr S Dowding

The Speed Watch Scheme is quiet at the moment due to Alan Barbone’s work commitments. The scheme is in need of more volunteers.

Test Valley and Hampshire County Council have been contacted to chase up various issues. The village gateways and the extension to the speed limits are now promised for the summer of 2016. It is very disappointing that the date for their implementation has been extended from the original promised date of early 2015.

After some discussion it was agreed that the Police should be contacted about the regular disregard for the width restrictions by coaches and large HGV’s.

New oak posts have been installed round the village pond, which has enhanced the look of the pond area.

VILLAGE HALL – Cllr S Dowding

There has been a good response from the village to the recent questionnaire on the refurbishment and plans for the Village Hall. TVBC have confirmed that there is probably no height restriction for the site. A planning application is to be submitted and fund raising will start with an event on the 21^st November 2015. It is hoped to start the project in 2017 if the funding is in place. The Village will be kept informed of progress.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH – Mr David James

None-dwelling burglaries and an increase in scams remain a problem in our area, there has been an incident in Monxton.

Our local PCSO has proposed a joint presentation with Amport to inform residents of the increase in cyber-crime and id theft and how to protect your personal details.

SUNNYBANK – Report submitted by Cllr D Bateman

The overgrown bus stop still needs to be cleared and has been reported. Damage to the 30mph sign has been reported to Highways. Highways have carried out verge repairs and the byway has been cut back, but there is now an increasing problem with motorcycles and cars.

FINANCE – Parish Clerk

ACCOUNTS – 1^st April 2015 – 18^th November 2015

INCOME
Opening Balance BF              = £5,293.92
Precept                                    = £5,200.00
Police Grant                          = £1,000.00
Defibrillator Grant                 = £1,381.75
=£12,875.67

EXPENDITURE
Wages                                 = £1,600.00
Insurance                              = £410.44
Play Ground Inspection           =   £65.40
Village Maintenance              = £1,125.00
Dog Bins                               =   £130.08
Speed Watch Scheme            =   £767.87
Administration                      =   £117.80
Chairman’s Expenses             =    £68.77
Defibrillator                         = £1,658.10
Rubbish Bin                          =   £452.14

= £6,396.60

BALANCE IN BANK       = £6,480.07

VAT to be Claimed £527.37

MONEY SET ASIDE – NOT INCLUDED IN ABOVE FIGURES
£1000.00 for Village Project/Maintenance

2016/2017 PRECEPT
The 2016/2017 Precept will be discussed and set at the January meeting.

CLLR MRS Z BROOKS
Cllr Mrs Z Brooks reported that she is trying to organise a meeting with all the Parishes in her Ward and Hampshire County Council Highways Officers. It is hoped that outstanding issues in the parishes and the way forward will be discussed. Cllr Mrs Z Brooks will keep the Parish Council up-dated of her progress.

CLOSE OF THE MEETING
Cllr S Dowding thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting.

DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
20th January 2016

Minutes of the Monxton Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 30^th September 2015 in the Monxton Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Present: Cllr M Cleugh – Chairman, Cllr J Balding, Cllr P Parfrey, Cllr D Bateman, Richard Waterman – Parish Clerk, David James – NHW, Members of the Public – 5

Apologies: Cllr S Dowding – Vice Chairman, Borough Councillor Z Brooks and Borough Councillor B Few-Brown.

WELCOME The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest recorded.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC There were no request to address the Parish Council.

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

PLANNING

• 15/01363/FULLN – Amendment to Planning Application No:15/01363/FULLN: Abbotts Mead, Chalkpit Lane, Monxton
• 15/02135/TREEN – Fell Ash and Norway Spruce. The Black Swan Car Park, High Street, Monxton.
• 15/02100/TREEN – Overgrown Beech Hedge – Reduce to 2m and prune back to the boundary on the roadside. Middle Orchard, Green Lane, Monxton.
• 15/02183/LBWN – Replacement Signs to include one externally illuminated fascia
• 15/02182/ADVN    sign, one hanging sign, two hording signs and two internally illuminated signs – The Black Swan, High Street, Monxton.

The Parish Council will study the planning applications and make comment in due course.

ALPINE GROUP

The Chairman gave an update on the Alpine Group at Manor Farm. A new developer has expressed an interest in the project, a site for a new factory is being sort, and there is the potential to have contracts in place by the end of October with a planning application being submitted by the end of February 2016.

The Chairman reported that recently there have been problems with large Lorries causing damage in the village. A damaged tree and smashed pot have been reported to Kelvin Barry.

Cllr J Balding reported that there have also been several incidents of Lorries using Chalkpit Lane and these have also been reported to the Alpine Group.

ISSUES WITH LORRIES IN MONXTON

The Chairman gave an up-date on the lorry movements through the village to Fox Woods from information received from TVBC and the Environment Agency.

Cllr J Balding reported that Clegg and Booking coaches are still coming through the village empty. The Clerk reported that he had spoken to the company and would do so again.

ENVIRONMENT AND FOOTPATHS – CLLR J BALDING

FRACKING – Fracking Licenses were issued on the 18^th August 2015 – including land in Monxton.

FOOTPATHS – After many requests the broken stile on footpath 6 had been repaired, but unfortunately is now broken again.

The ‘Hook’ Lane Bridle Way is very overgrown between Amport and Monxton.

HIGHWAYS

Cllr S Dowding is away on business. An update will be given at the next meeting.

SPEED CHECKS

Alan Barbone reported that two speed checks have been done but only 4 motorists were recorded speeding. Timing is the essence when carrying out the speed checks. Over the coming weeks the group will be experimenting with different times and positions. The Police see the Speed Check scheme as a high visibility deterrent rather than an exercise to catch speeding motorists. More Volunteers are required.

DEFIBRILLATOR

The Defibrillator was discussed and it was felt that it would be a good idea to put details on the web site.

FINANCIAL REPORT

ACCOUNTS – 1^st April 2015 – 30^th September 2015

INCOME.

Opening Balance BF              = £5,293.92

Precept                                = £5,200.00

Police Grant                          = £1,000.00

Defibrillator Grant                 = £1,381.75

=£12,875.67

 EXPENDITURE.

Wages                                = £1,200.00

Insurance                             =  £410.44

Play Ground Inspection           =   £65.40

Village Maintenance              = £1,125.00

Dog Bins                               =   £130.08

Speed Watch Scheme            =   £767.87

Administration                       =   £117.80

Chairman’s Expenses              =    £68.77

Defibrillator                      = £1,658.10

Rubbish Bin                      =   £452.14

= £5,996.60

BALANCE IN BANK       =  £6,880.07

VAT to be Claimed £527.37

MONEY SET ASIDE – NOT INCLUDED IN ABOVE FIGURES

£1000.00 for Village Project/Maintenance

AUDIT

The Clerk reported that District Audit have issued the Audit Certificate for the Accounts 2014/2015. There were no matters which came to their attention which required the issuing of a separate additional issues arising report.

The Parish Council agreed to the conclusion of the Audit.

SUNNYBANK – CLLR D BATEMAN

Cllr D Bateman reported that he has not had much joy with TVBC or HCC in regard to issues that he has reported.

• TVBC took no action on an abandoned car on Monxton Road and suggested that it be reported to the Police on 101.
• Road damage was reported to HCC and reference numbers given. Highways came out and marked the damage but have not come back to do the repairs.
• The Bus Stop at Sunnybank is very overgrown, this was reported to HCC but nothing has been done. The Chairman suggested that Clive Hutchinson be asked to cut back the overgrowth. All agreed.

Cllr D Bateman reported that the Church Gate Post is rotten and needs replacing and other repair work is required, would the Parish Council consider giving a grant towards the work?   The Chairman asked the Clerk to check past accounts as he was sure that the Parish Council had given a grant at some stage.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH – DAVID JAMES

Non-dwelling burglaries remain a problem in our area but progress has been made following a successful policing operation in the Test Valley district.

The initiative, which is part of the force’s rural crime crackdown Operation Falcon, saw a 20% reduction in the number of reported non-dwelling burglaries during the operation period.

CRIME ALERTS

An alert was issued on the 31^st August which was distributed in Monxton and posted on Monxton Matters. This gave more details of the work undertaken by the Police during Operation Falcon. It also outlined the property recovery service ‘Immobilise’.

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

DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING – 18^th November 2015

Minutes of the Monxton Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 22^nd July 2015 in the Monxton Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Present : Cllr M Cleugh – Chairman, Cllr S Dowding – Vice Chairman, Cllr J Balding, Cllr D Bateman, Cllr P Parfrey, Richard Waterman – Parish Clerk. Members of the Public – 4

Apologies: Borough Councillor Mr B Few-Brown and County Councillor Mrs Z Brooks

WELCOME – The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST – There were no declarations of interest recorded.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC – There were no requests to address the Parish Council.

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

PLANNING
15/01363/FULLN – Removal of existing boot room and the erection of ground floor extension to provide study and reception room and first floor extensions to provide bedroom, ensuite and dressing room with associated internal and external works; and erection of replacement 3 bay garage – Abbotts Mead, Chalkpit Lane.

The Parish Council OBJECTED to this planning application. Cllr Judith Balding read out several letters of objection to this planning application that have been submitted to TVBC from neighbouring residents.

15/01254/LBWN – Installation of externally illuminated and non-illuminated signage and lights to the exterior of the building – The Black Swan, High Street, Monxton.

The Parish Council had NO OBJECTIONS to this planning application.

ALPINE GROUP – The Chairman reported that unfortunately Keir has pulled out of the property deal and the Alpine Group are working hard to find another developer, this has put the move to the Walworth Industrial Site on hold. There have been several incidents of large long Lorries trying to access the Alpine Group site and they have caused problems for residents.

FOX WOOD, GEORGIA LANE – TVBC Officers went to visit the site on the 15^th June 2015 and were denied access, a further site meeting was scheduled for the date of this meeting. Nelsons have applied for a permit for a 100,000 tonnes of material to be used for the building of the tracks in Fox Wood. Nelsons has lodged an appeal.

REPORTS

ENVIRONMENT AND FOOTPATHS – CLLR JUDITH BALDING

THE PILLHILL BROOK – The water levels are very low in the Pillhill Brook at the moment, and consequently, no water is able to flow over the top of the replacement weir into the main river channel of the brook. There is a trickle of water seeping through the base, but it is important that the water levels remain sufficient to ensure that this section of the brook does not dry out again.

TEST VALLEY FLOODING FORUM – Cllr Judith Balding attended a Test Valley Flooding Forum on behalf of MPC in June, where there was a panel of representatives from TVBC, HCC and the EA, Hampshire Constabulary and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service. The forum included updates from the EA and HCC on the work which is being done around flood alleviation and the new preventative measures which are now in place throughout Test Valley.

A household Emergency Action Plan has been produced, which covers emergencies such as floods. Further details of this will be put on the Monxton Matters Website.

FRACKING UPDATE – The government had previously said it would impose an ‘outright ban’ on fracking in national Parks and Sites of Special Scientific Interest. But they seem to have sidestepped this by proposing rules which appear to suggest that fracking will be allowed under National Parks and other conservation and national beauty sites, so long as it involves drilling sideways from outside the park. When it comes to SSSL’s and groundwater protection zones the rules are very vague. According to a DECC statement, the new rules will say that fracking can only take place1,200 metres below groundwater zones, National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites. There are concerns that conservation sites could become surrounded by fracking rigs and that sample drilling could be allowed via this loophole in the regulations.

TREE APPLICATIONS – Fell 1 Cedar at Monxton Mill, High Street – NO OBJECTION.

FOOTPATHS AND BRIDLEWAYS – Cllr Judith Balding has contacted HCC again, asking for the broken stile to be repaired on footpath 6.

TRAFFIC – CLLR SARAH DOWDING

• A grant of £1000 has been received from the Police towards the Speed Watch equipment.
• HCC have installed the bollards on the Little Green including an additional 9, there has been some discussion about the additional bollards and residents have asked for 5 to remain on the Little Green. Cllr Sarah Dowding is meeting on site with HCC to discuss sites where the other 4 bollards can be used.
• The Salt Bin by the pond has disappeared, this will be reported to Highways.
• The co-op lorry monitoring system was discussed, TVBC will be asked if the system is still functional as there seems to have been an increase in Co op

Lorries through the village of late.

• An increase in Clegg and Booking Coaches travelling through the village has been noted. The Clerk will contact Clegg and Booking
• It was promised that the Village Gateways and extension to the speed limit would be installed in 2015/2016. TVBC will be contacted during September for an up-date.

VILLAGE HALL – CLLR SARAH DOWDING

• The Village Agent Scheme is under discussion
• The Village Hall Committee are looking at refurbishing the hall, an Architect has been engaged and has come up with plans to improve the hall.
• The Village will be asked to fill in a questionnaire for their views on the proposals.
• Unfortunately parking will still be an issue, but it is hoped that the planned refurbishment will encourage more use of the hall from the village for parties etc.

FINANCE – PARISH CLERK

ACCOUNTS – 1^st April 2015 – 22nd July 2015

INCOME.

Opening Balance BF      = £5,293.92

Plus ½ precept             = £2,600.00

Police Grant                 = £1,000.00

=  £8,893.92

EXPENDITURE.

Wages                         =   £800.00

Insurance                     =   £410.44

Play Ground Inspection =     £65.40

Village Maintenance       =   £705.00

Dog Bins                       =   £130.08

Speed Watch Scheme   =   £137.88

Administration              =   £117.80

Chairman’s Expenses   =   £   68.77

=  £2,435.37

BALANCE IN BANK       =  £6,458.55

MONEY SET ASIDE – NOT INCLUDED IN ABOVE FIGURES

£2000.00 for Traffic Calming

£1000.00 for Village Project/Maintenance

The Clerk reported that the new Lloyd bank account is now set up and the first half of the 2015/16 precept has been paid in. A letter to HSBC is to be sent closing the bank account and asking for the funds to be transferred to the Lloyds account

SUNNYBANK – CLLR DAVID BATEMAN

• 2 of the road drains have been repaired and subsidence at the edge of the road has been reported to Highways.
• Part of the bank on the Monxton Road opposite Silver Birch Farm has been worn away by large Lorries, this has been reported to Highways and they have agreed to re-build the bank.
• Several requests have been sent to HCC to cut the Bridleway.
• The Rubbish Bin has now been installed in the lay-by between Sunnybank and Monxton Village.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH – MR DAVID JAMES

The Police have now changed the way the NHW information is sent to the Co-ordinators. Rouge Traders are in the area and there is a new run of phone scams.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS – The Parish Council were asked if planning permission is required for a mirror on the road verge. TVBC will be contacted for clarification.

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

DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING – 23^rd September 2015 in the Monxton Village Hall at 7.30pm