ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY REPORT

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.

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DURLEY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING REPORT

Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 10th February, 2015 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall, Durley at 7.30 p.m. 4 Parish Councillors, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins, and Kirstie Baines (School representative) were present. Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Burton, Cllr Smith, County/District Councillor Humby, District Councillor Rufell and PCSO McCulloch.

At the start of the Meeting the Clerk informed Parish Councillors that ex-Parish Councillor David Poole had sadly passed away that week. David was a Parish Councillor for a number of years and was always willing to help Durley and its parishioners in any way he could. He was a former Parish Council Chairman and will be missed by many.

The Community Defibrillator Training is being held on Thursday 19th February at 7.00 p.m. in Durley Memorial Hall. Anyone is welcome to attend.

It appears that Durley is in Wave 2 of the faster broadband, but we will have to wait until September to know more details about timescale.

There were no County or District Councillors reports this month.

Cllr Pitter has been asked if a village litter pick could be organised. The Clerk will ask WCC for litter picks and black sacks if residents are willing to cover their patch. There are some residents who already pick up litter in their particular lane or road and Councillors do appreciate this help. If anyone is willing to pick up litter in a certain area please get in touch with the Clerk and she will provide you with the necessary tools. Eastleigh Borough Council will be contacted to litter pick along Snakemoor Lane as this is particularly dangerous and has a lot of litter to be picked up.

A Rights of Way priority cutting list has been sent to HCC for consideration. Footpath 28 in Chancellors Lane is temporarily closed.

Kirstie Baines was present to give a School Report. The main issues were the flood defences, parking, defibrillator for the School and an Emergency Plan for the School.

Cllr Watts gave a PACT Meeting Report. She said that the main problems highlighted were inconsiderate parking and speeding, there were also 2 theft incidents during the month.

Rubbish has been dumped in Netherhill along with a fridge in Snakemoor Lane. This fly-tipping will be reported to WCC to be picked up. Some road problems were reported to Cllr Farr and these will also be reported to HCC Highways.

Cllr Charles read out a quote for the re-tiling of the Hall foyer and kitchen floors. Councillors agreed that this needs to be done as the old tiles are getting broken and some need replacing. New ceiling tiles to replace broken ones will also be purchased.

Some residents, along with the Chairman and Clerk attended an Appeal Hearing in Winchester regarding the 2 enforcement notices served on Church Copse, Greenwood Lane by HCC. The result of the Hearing will not be known for a few weeks.

There being no further business the Chairman declared the Meeting closed.

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DURLEY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING REPORT

Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 13th January, 2015 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall, Durley at 7.30 p.m. 6 Parish Councillors, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins, and 10 parishioners were present. Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Drake, County/District Councillor Humby, PCSO McCulloch along with Kirstie Baines and Tony Hughes (School representatives).

Costings were discussed for a flashing speed limit sign in Durley, as it would cost around £3,000 for the sign and installation and moving of the sign if required, Councillors agreed that we should wait until the new financial year and also see if another Parish was willing to share the sign to half the cost involved.

The Community Defibrillator has been installed outside of the former Post Office Room at Durley Memorial Hall. A Training Event has been arranged for Thursday 19th February starting at 7.00 p.m. for about an hour and a half at Durley Memorial Hall. All residents are invited to attend. The Training will be given by a member of the Ambulance Service and it is hoped that it will give anyone who needs to use the equipment the confidence to use it in an emergency situation.

At the Meeting the Clerk read out an e-mail from Cllr Drake stating that he had reviewed his offer of running a Village Raffle for a Defibrillator at the School and was now not able to promote it. No other Councillors were able to organise the Raffle so it was agreed at a donation would be made if the School can raise the remainder of the funds.

Cllr Pitter reported that he had attended a recent Transport Meeting in Winchester and he produced a full Report of the Meeting. The bus service through Durley over the weekend will be cut back, but during the weekdays it will remain unchanged. This is because not many residents use the weekend service and it is not viable.

The fencing has been replaced outside of Durley Primary School by HCC.

Cllr Charles reported that Botley Parish Council are not going to Appeal against the decision at the Judicial Review as after receiving advice it appears that there is little point.

Cllr Charles attended the Budget Meeting at WCC and said that many issues were discussed, including more textile bins to raise funds for WCC.

Cllr Watts asked for more information on the Drop-in Centre/Young Persons Clinic in Hedge End. Cllr Charles acquired a leaflet explaining the service available to teenagers in this area. He was also informed that Durley youngsters do use this service.

District Councillor Ruffell gave a District Council Report and he said that Planning Training will be given to Parish Councils which Councillors felt would be useful. He also spoke about the recent Planning Application for 950 new homes and other buildings at Chalcroft Farm, Burnetts Lane, Horton Heath. DC Ruffell also said that the Boundary Commission decision will be received during mid-February.

In the Public Participation part of the Meeting parishioners were asking about the Appeal at Church Copse, Greenwood Lane against HCC Enforcement Notice. A resident also asked when the road is likely to be adopted by HCC through the Sawmills. Clerk responded stating that it is still going through the legal process at the moment.

The Chairman received a letter from a resident at The Sawmills regarding the bin near to the village green which he objected to. Another resident also complained to WCC. Councillors agreed that they would monitor the situation, but in the interests of the majority of parishioners in Durley this location was the best siting for the bin for the use that we hope it will have. There are two smaller litter bins (one in the play area and one by the side of the seat on the green), and these have been emptied regularly by a Councillor and the rubbish has been put into her own private bin. This is not now acceptable as there is too much rubbish and doggy bags, so a dual purpose landscape bin was required in this area. This new bin will be emptied by WCC landscape team each Friday.

Clerk read out a letter from Councillor Drake giving his resignation as he was no longer able to continue as a Parish Councillor due to other commitments. Councillors would like to thank Cllr Drake for all his work on the Council and accepted his resignation. As there is an Election in May 2015 Cllr Drake’s position will not be filled as it is within 6 months of an Election.

A School Report was sent to Councillors by Kirstie Baines. Kirstie said that the parking problems have improved since cones have been put out on the roadside outside the School, the flood barriers should be in place by early February, and the School catchment areas have been agreed with HCC.

The Hall foyer renovations are still being discussed and Cllr Charles will get an alternative quote so that the kitchen area could be included in the floor re-tiling if required.

Cllr Watts reported on the Recreation Ground and informed Councillors that broken bottles and glass were thrown in the goal mouths and on the multi-surface court. Dog fouling is still a big problem.

Cllr Watts and Cllr Farr are attending the next PACT Meeting and the main issues which cause residents problems is inconsiderate parking. The Police will be asked to monitor certain areas in the village which are causing a safety issue for other car drivers.

Cllr Farr gave a Highways Report saying that some areas of Durley have had flooding this month due to the heavy rainfall. It is hoped that a ditch will be dug out in Parsonage Lane to try and relieve some of the flooding outside of Rodlands, Durley Street. There was also flooding along Durley Street from the Robin Hood.

There being no further business the Chairman declared the Meeting closed.

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