Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 12th December, 2017 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall. 5 Parish Councillors, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins were present, along with 2 parishioners.

Apologies were received from Cllr Pitter, County Councillor Humby, District Councillor Mclean and District Councillor Miller.

The Clerk reported that the consultation period is now over for the double yellow lines in the village and it is hoped that the scheme will now be signed off. DC Miller will be asked for an update.

The Community Payback Volunteers are painting the inside and outside of the Pavilion, along with the play equipment at the Recreation Ground. Playdale have replaced the swings and chains, along with other peices of equipment at The Sawmills play area. The wet pour surfacing under the roundabout has also been replaced.

Councillors visited the buffer areas around the Sawmills development and had concerns about some encroachment issues. Councillors agreed that there is no access into the buffer areas for residents so any issues will be brought to the attention of those residents affected.

Cllr Watts and the Clerk attended a 6 hour Meeting to hear discussion about the Eastleigh Borough Local Plan at the Ageas Bowl. They reported that the Meeting finished at 1.00 a.m. with the decision being taken to put forward the plans with Options B and C being the better Options for development. Councillors were concerned about the way in which the Options would be submitted to the Inspector without the evidence required to make a sound Plan. Cllr Pitter and the Clerk have a Meeting in mid-January with George Hollingbery and other local parish councils to discuss the next step we could take.

Councillors looked at a quote for a traffic count to be carried out in Durley with a set of tubes for a week’s data. Cllr Delmege is finding out more information about a temporary scheme which is free to use before Councillors make a decision.

The Website designer is working with the Clerk to put additional links onto the Parish Council part of the village website. Some information has been uploaded, but some links are not live yet. Once it is set up the Clerk will circulate to Parish Councillors and then it will go live.

Cllr Charles attended the Teenage Drop-in Centre AGM to represent Durley Parish Council. He said that the Doctor who started the service has received an MBE for all her hard work.

A Meeting has been arranged with the School Governors, Parish Councillors, Rob Humby and Andy Smith (HCC Highways) to discuss the flashing signs, speed signs and proposed school crossing near Durley Primary School in the New Year.

A Notice was received of an Uncontested Election for Thursday 4th January, 2018. Clerk reported that Mrs Karen Clegg was the only applicant so she was duly elected as a Parish Councillor for Durley. Councillors will welcome Mrs Clegg to their January Meeting. Clerk has written to Mrs Clegg congratulating her on becoming our next Parish Councillor and informing her of the Meeting.

The Dog Warden from WCC has visited Durley and said that there was some dog fouling at the Recreation Ground, but he did not see anyone with a dog off a lead that was not picking up after their dog. He will make further visits to Durley in the future.

Councillors signed cheques for payment as presented by the Clerk. The Parish Precept for 2018/19 was agreed. The costings for the Uncontested Election are not known yet, but it will be a lower charge than if it was an Election.

Cllr Watts reported that the main message from the Police was for residents to keep vigilant, especially at this time of year. There has been some thefts from vehicles in the surrounding parishes.

Cllr Pitter has been reporting pot holes around the village, although many which have previously been reported have been repaired.

Cllr Smith reported on the recent Hall Management Meeting. The items discussed were the foyer mat will be pressure washed, replacement panels under the sinks in the toilets, CPBS volunteers will tidy up the Hall car park, the under-stage and on-stage areas will be cleared out, the kitchen cupboards will be sorted and the main Hall floor will be replaced. Cllr Charles is getting more quotes for the Committee Room window and the Hall floor. Clerk updated the Hall Risk Assessment. Neil Ellen is looking at replacing the Hall lights with LED lights which should save money on electricity if fitted.

At the end of the Meeting the Chairman wished everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year.

Anne Collins
Clerk to Durley Parish Council
durleypc@homecall.co.uk

Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 14th November, 2017 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall. 6 Parish Councillors, County/District Councillor Humby and the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins were present, along with 10 parishioners. Kirstie Baines (Headteacher) was also in attendance.

Apologies were received from District Councillor Mclean and District Councillor Miller.

Clerk reported that the legal team at WCC have advertised the double lines at Beech Corner and at the end of Manor Road and once this is completed it is hoped that the lines will be painted. This has been a long-standing safety concern and Councillors are pleased that drivers will now be able to have clear sight-lines when coming out of these junctions without vehicles blocking their view. DC Miller was thanked for all his help in acheiving this for Durley.

The Community Payback Volunteers are continuing their work at Durley Recreation Ground and the painting of the play equipment and Pavilion will commence shortly.

Cllr Delmege has not received a response from HCC about the possible locations to site speed indication signs. Kirstie Baines attended the Meeting to discuss with Councillors the possibility of putting a flashing speed sign at two locations near to the School, warning drivers that there is a School in that location. Councillors agreed that it would make sense to try and co-ordinate all the signs at the same time. CC Humby will speak to HCC Highways and ask them to visit to look at the location and then see if it is possible to co-ordinate the two projects in some way. Kirstie also spoke to Councillors about a crossing outside of Quob Stables in Durley Brook Road so that children could cross safely after their parent has parked at Quob Stables. Councillors listened to the options and agreed that the safety of the children was paramount and they were willing to work with the School to find the best resolution. It is hoped that by having flashing signs at School pick-up and drop-off times, along with speed signs in the area, that traffic will slow down. The School will obtain costings and have further Meetings with Parish Councillors so that there is a clear idea of the funding required.

Clerk reported on a visit she had been invited to by CC Humby, along with 2 other Clerks. The Clerks were shown around the HCC Highways Department and shown how reports come in and what happens to them. Road closures, pot hole, emergency highways work, major work etc. are all shown on the systems and although the Clerks were shown the systems used, the Officers also could understand the frustration of Clerks when issues are not properly addressed. It was a two-way visit and very worthwhile.

Cllr Delmege was given two more contacts by the Clerk of Companies which have carried out traffic counts in other parishes. These will be contacted.

Cllr Charles and the Clerk attended an Eastleigh Borough Council Local Plan Meeting in Upham. Representatives from neighbouring parishes were invited along. The Meeting commenced with Officers explaining why the Local Plan was needed and how they were consulting within the Eastleigh area. Discussion took place, and it was generally felt that all the traffic studies should be carried out before a decision is made on the Local Plan as this would have a huge impact on the local area. The next Public Meeting is on 11th December at the Hilton Hotel, Ageas Bowl when EBC Officers will be discussing the Plan.

CC/DC Humby gave a report stating that £140m needed to be saved from the HCC Budget. He explained to residents and Councillors how this could be achieved and how it is very difficult to make these cuts when a large proportion of the money goes into adult social care and childrens services.

Clerk read out a quote for adding additional links onto the Parish Council part of the village website so that more information can be put up. The Clerk will put up information as and when needed. Andy Burton was thanked for previously putting up information via the Clerk for the Parish Council.

The Clerk had received two expressions of interest from residents wishing to become a Parish Councillor. However, a request was made by a few parishioners to call a By-Election. WCC have informed the Clerk that the cost will be between £1,000 and £5,000 which will need to be paid for by the Parish Council. Once the Election papers and Notices have been printed, and received by the Clerk they will be displayed on the noticeboards and website asking for volunteers to stand for Election. We hope to have a new Councillor in place during early January.

Cllr Watts attended a PACT Meeting in Bishops Waltham and reported that there have been 10 thefts in Durley and Curdridge recently, along with 2 vehicle crashes. Crime is on the increase in rural areas and residents are warned to lock vehicles. Community speedwatch volunteers are down and School parking is a problem in most Schools. Nottingham Knockers are in the area and Cllr Watts is going to send the Clerk a poster so that it can be placed on the noticeboards to warn elderly residents of their presence. Please warn anyone who might be vulnerable about these people knocking on their door.

Cllr Pitter reported that part of Sciviers Lane has been shut whilst HCC carry out works near to the new development. A complaint was received about an overgrown hedge in Stapleford Lane. Cllr Pitter will look at this. Pot holes in Gregory Lane will be reported again to HCC.

Some maintenance problems were highlighted at the Hall and these will be attended to. Neil Ellen will be rectifying the microphone for the sound system and Cllr Charles will obtain a quote for a new window in the Committee Room. Parking on the tarmac area near the bottle banks is causing a problem for some residents who wish to put bottles into the bank. This area should be kept clear so that bottles can be dropped off. It was suggested that the bins could be moved out a little.

Clerk said that Playdale were waiting for two pieces of rope equipment to come from the manufacturer and then they will be able to come out and replace some of the play equipment parts and replace the safer surface. Clerk reported that Persimmon Homes has sent on the maintenance payment for future maintenance of the roadway which the Parish Council has adopted at The Sawmills.

Anne Collins
Clerk to Durley Parish Council
durleypc@homecall.co.uk

Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 10th October, 2017 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall. 5 Parish Councillors, County/District Councillor Humby and the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins were present, along with 5 parishioners.

Apologies were received from Cllr Bartlett, District Councillor Mclean and District Councillor Miller.

The volunteers on the Community Payback Scheme have nearly completed the work at Durley Recreation Ground cutting hedging and digging out the ditches. Work will then commence on the painting of the play equipment and Pavilion. A new table with seating has arrived and will be sited shortly near to the Play Area. This was purchased with a HCC Grant from Cllr Humby.

Councillors discussed possible sites for a speed indication sign, but due to various legal issues there are only a few places to choose from. Cllr Delmege will ask if someone from HCC will come to Durley and look at the possible sites.

The siting for the memorial seat donated by the family of Pat Parker has been agreed outside of Durley Memorial hall.

Cllr Charles reported on the WCC Planning Coach Trip around the Winchester District. He mentioned various sites that he had visited.

Cllr Delmege attended the CAB AGM and said that fund raising is still important and it is getting more difficult to complete with other fund raising organisations. 90% of the income comes from WCC and Parish Councils, but this does not cover the expenditure.

Cllr Charles and the Clerk attended the HALC 70th Anniversary Event at the Great Hall in Winchester before the Parish Council Meeting. Two speakers were giving presentations and refreshments were served. Most Councils were represented.

CC/DC Humby reported that savings need to be made within HCC over the next few years. Suggestions were being put forward on how to make these savings. These included School crossing patrols, waste recycling centres and free bus passes. Some of these measures need Policy changes. CC Humby also spoke about average speed cameras and the Sub National Transport Body.

A letter of resignation was received from Cllr Farr saying that she no longer wished to be a Parish Councillor. Notices will go on the noticeboards and website advertising the vacancy. Cllr Farr will be sent a letter of thanks for the 6 years she has served the Durley community on the Parish Council.

The External Audit has been returned and is satisfactory.

A response was received regarding the width and weight restriction through Durley and it was stated that Durley does not meet the casualty reduction rate and therefore we would not be considered a priority over other safety led schemes. These schemes are not wholly supported by the Police as they are difficult to enforce and also HCC would not wish to displace problems onto other nearby, and perhaps less appropriate routes. Cllr Charles said that Durley has been pushing for a width and weight restriction for many years and in some places in Durley Street it is impossible for 2 large vehicles to pass. Clerk will ask Andy Smith from HCC about the lorry count which was promised at a Meeting.

The hedge which was causing a problem in Parsonage Lane has now been cut.

After objections from local residents, Councillors agreed that an Objection should be made to for a Change of Use of land to a private gypsy and traveller caravan site in Durley Hall Lane. There are enough sites allocated within the Winchester District for Gypsies and Travellers within the Winchester Local Plan so there is no need for additional sites.

Anne Collins
Clerk to Durley Parish Council
durleypc@homecall.co.uk