The Annual Parish Assembly was held on Tuesday 14th April, 2015 in Durley Memorial Hall, Durley at 8.00 p.m.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the Annual Meeting and introduced Parish Councillors, County/District Councillor, Police and the Clerk to the members of the public present.
Apologies were received from Cllr Burton and District Councillor Ruffell who were not able to attend.
The Chairman, Cllr Charles presided over a Meeting of 5 Parish Councillors, County/District Councillor Rob Humby, Mrs A Collins (Clerk), PCSO McCulloch and 9 parishioners.
The Minutes of the previous Annual Parish Assembly were read, confirmed and signed.
The Chairman’s Report was given by Cllr Charles and he gave a detailed Report of the work that has been carried out by the Parish Council over the past year. Included in the Report were details of the planting of commemorative poppies around the village, a community defibrillator has been installed outside of Durley Memorial Hall for use in an emergency, various planning issues and legal battles which have taken a huge amount of time, as well as working alongside residents on a variety of issues which concern them. The Parish Lengthsman has been a great asset to Durley on his half day every week. Councillors and the Clerk were thanked for all their hard work and support over the past year. PCSO Sarah McCulloch has been with us for a short while and will now be joining a different beat. A Tithe Map has been donated by Gwen Houghton to the parish and is hung in the Hall. School parking, faster broadband and an HGV ban through Durley are issues which continue to be pursued.
A Financial Report for the year was given by Mrs A Collins (Clerk). The Accounts were presented in detail at the Meeting by the Clerk and approved. The Accounts will now be audited by the Internal and External Auditors.
A Highways Report was given by Cllr Farr. Many pot holes have been filled in during the year, emergency arboricultural works have been carried out when necessary to clear trees off the roads, jetting of drains and gullies have been carried out and the drainage outside of Rodlands on the junction has been greatly helped by the landowner clearing his ditch. Signing and lining has taken place, a fence outside of Durley Primary School has been replaced and other drainage work has been carried out when required. Cllr Farr reminded members of the public to report any pot holes that they find either on-line via the HCC website, or to her on 02380 694623.
Cllr Smith (Memorial Hall Chairman) gave a Memorial Hall Report. Cllr Smith reported that the Hall is well used and has been gradually updated. New guttering has been placed on the front of the building and the Memorial Hall sign is being re-varnished. Quotes are being sought for the re-tiling of the Hall foyer floor. Cycle hoops are to be placed under the fire exit steps so that bike riders are able to leave their bikes safely. A new hot cupboard has been placed in the kitchen for keeping plates warm, which is regularly used by Lunch Club and other hirers. A hot water machine for hot drinks has been installed in the kitchen and works very well for hirers. Cllr Smith then gave her thanks to all those who help with the running of the Hall in any way, especially John the Caretaker, Sam Frank and Peter for all the maintenance work they carry out and Anne for taking the bookings and keeping everything running smoothly. Also Gerald Taplin who keeps the Hall car park hedge looking so neat and tidy.
County/District Councillor Rob Humby gave a County and District Councillor’s Report of the work he has carried out over the past year. The majority of his work has been related to highways and flooding issues. Trying to achieve a faster broadband for rural areas has also been a priority and he hopes that there will be an update in the next few months. He has supported Durley with grants and given support and advice where needed. He ended his report by saying how much he has enjoyed working with Durley Parish Council and hopes that together we can achieve a great deal and will continue to do so. Cllr Charles thanked Cllr Humby and Cllr Ruffell for all their support during the year.
A Police Report was read out by PCSO McCulloch who was the PCSO for Durley during this year, although she has now been transferred to another area. PCSO McCulloch stated that Durley has a very low crime rate and is a pleasant place to live. A number of police initiatives are in progress at the moment and parishioners were informed about them. Parish Councillors were sad that PCSO McCulloch is not covering Durley any more and thanked her for the work she has carried out during the past year.
Sam Charles gave an update on the progress of the Durley Parish Plan. He said that the Report is being finalised at the moment and then it will go to print. The Report will then be delivered to every household in Durley and a Public Meeting will be held on Thursday 25th June at 7.30 p.m. at Durley Memorial Hall. All residents will be invited to attend.
A resident asked about the possibility of providing allotments in Durley. As this was a question in the Parish Plan Questionnaire this would be looked into again if there was sufficient interest within the Parish Plan process.
A resident wished to thank the Parish Council for all their tireless work on behalf of the residents as sometimes it goes un-noticed all the hours that are spent working on behalf of residents. Durley Lunch Club also thanked Councillors for the new hot cupboard which has been installed in the Hall kitchen.
There being no further business the Chairman thanked everyone for attending and refreshments were then served. The Meeting concluded at 9.20 p.m.
