Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 13th October, 2015 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall, Durley. 6 Parish Councillors, County/District Councillor Humby, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins and 2 parishioners were present. Kirstie Baines (Headteacher) was in attendance to give a School Report.

Apologies were received from Cllr Smith and District Councillor Ruffell.

CC Humby gave Councillors an update on the progress that has been made by HCC to try and achieve faster broadband for Durley. There is still a long way to go, but HCC is putting pressure on BT to provide more rural villages with a faster broadband.

A County Councillor Grant was approved towards the drainage of the Play Area at The Sawmills. Cllr Pitter is looking at an alternative quote and will get back to Councillors when he has received it.

Durley Parish Councillors agreed to adopt the Parish Plan Action Plan and were looking forward to implementing some of the Actions which were highlighted in the Plan.

Cllr Farr and the Clerk attending a Meeting on Recycling which was attended by Rob Heathcock. Rob explained how the recycling contracts were agreed and worked out. Schemes operating in the Winchester District were working well, but could always be improved and assessed, although the Scheme does have to be cost effective.

Parking at the entrance to Manor Road and at Beech Corner are still causing problems for anyone who is trying to come out of Manor Road and Stapleford Land or Church Lane. Cones have now been placed at the end of Manor Road which has helped this problem. Councillors have been asked for double lines at these locations to stop vehicles from parking in this dangerous position. A request will still be pursued as it was felt that this is still very dangerous and an accident waiting to happen. A Pay Phone sign at the end of Church Lane which is no longer required was asked to be removed, as it has still not be taken down a request will again be put in for its removal.

Cllr Charles attended a Planning Coach Tour on 9th October. This was well supported and he encouraged any Councillors who had the opportunity in future to try and go on this Tour.

Cllr Delmege and the Clerk attended a Code of Conduct Training. Although this was vaulable there has been no changes since the last Training Session.

Cllr Charles gave a Report of the Hampshire Association of Parish Councils’ AGM which he attended on 10th October. Cllr Roy Perry – Leader of HCC spoke about Devolution which will be upon us in the future.

County Councillor Humby reported that he had attended a Rural Forum Network Meeting in Cheltenham and the items on the Agenda included Affordable Housing, Broadband and Rural Isolation. Cllr Humby also spoke about Andover Mind – which helps understand dementia patients.

Flooding at Beech Corner is a constant worrying problem each time we have rain and photographs were shown to Councillors giving details of how much flooding was affecting the properties and residents in the Beech Corner area. Parish Councillors and CC Humby will do all they can to help the situation. CC Humby will meet with Lisa Davis (Highways Officer) and see how we can sort out this problem. HCC have done some work, but it has not resolved the issue.

Kirstie Baines gave Councillors a School Report and this included a Survey which was carried out by the School showing the way in which children get to and from School each day. Councillors were then informed of draft proposals for a revised footway and drop-off lay-by outside of the School to try and help with the parking problems. Final plans have not been drawn up yet, but some funding has been secured towards the project.

Cllr Farr said that all pot holes which have been reported have been filled in. Cllr Pitter was thanked for reporting the pot holes on-line and following them up.

Clerk gave a Hall Report stating that the sound system has now been repaired. Baby changing facilities will be installed in the disabled toilet and a deep clean will be carried out in the toilet areas.

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

Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 11th August, 2015 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall, Durley. 7 Parish Councillors, County/District Councillor Humby, District Councillor Ruffell and the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins were present.

The Chairman Cllr Charles, Cllr Smith and the Clerk met at The Sawmills with Dave Rappini and Patrick Aust from WCC to discuss possible ways of draining the ground on the Green and in the play area so that it is not so wet. The Meeting was constructive and various options will be looked at. Quotes will then be received for any work.

County Councillor Humby informed Councillors about Rural Crime figures which are on the increase, and it is a real concern that Hampshire are 4th in the top ten counties. He is meeting with the Police Authority to discuss why Hampshire’s figures have increased so much compared with other counties. CC Humby also spoke about Devolution and Combined Authorities, which will lead to a consultation process for Parish Councils to comment on. CC Humby was asked if he would find out if a lorry count had been carried out through Durley yet.

District Councillor Ruffell reported on the contribution rates for affordable housing from developers. He was also looking forward to visiting Boom Town before the event commenced. DC Ruffell informed Councillors of the date and procedure of the North Whiteley Planning Application Hearing and Site visit.

Clerk confirmed that the sign which was ordered for The Sawmills showing children crossing/playing has been in situ for some months.

Councillors had no comments on the Statement of Principles – Gambling Act 2005.

Cllr Farr said that most pot holes had been filled in, but some were still marked with white paint ready to be filled in. Parking at the entrance to Manor Road by visitors to the Robin Hood were causing a safety hazard, especially when vehicles park both sides of the road. At times large farm vehicles or emergency vehicles would not have been able to get into Manor Road which is a concern.

Repairs have been carried out in the Hall and Clerk will get the light and fan repaired as soon as possible.

Cllr Watts reported that there will be a larger extractor fan fitted into the changing rooms in the Pavilion to try and help the condensation problems. More signs asking dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead and pick up after their dog have been placed at the Ground. Councillors agree that the Recreation Ground should be a place that everyone can enjoy – young children, footballers and other residents just walking and enjoying the surroundings. Dogs are welcome, but they need to be on a lead and to be picked up after them and consideration should be given to others who use the Recreation Ground.

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

Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 9th June, 2015 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall, Durley. 5 Parish Councillors, County/District Councillor Humby, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins, and 2 parishioners were present. Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Pitter, Cllr Delmege, District Councillor Ruffell and PCSO Nolan.

Cllr Burton reported that the Parish Plan Report has been delivered to every household in Durley and the Public Meeting has been arranged for Thursday 25th June at 7.30 p.m. in Durley Memorial Hall.

CC Humby informed Parish Councillors that he is meeting with BT to find out the latest situation with the faster Broadband. He will update Parish Councillors as soon as he has any further information.

The Clerk attended a Consultation at Moorgreen Hospital to see what future facilities it could hold for local parishioners. As Moorgreen is right on the Durley boundary it would be beneficial for Durley residents to be able to have access to some of the services which might be offered in the future. A further Consultation will be held to widen the area of consultation.

Residents attended the Meeting to hear the latest update on the rubbish which has been dumped in Church Copse, Greenwood Lane. The Clerk has been sent e-mails by residents and has been consulting with CC Humby and George Hollingbery MP. CC Humby has been working very hard behind the scenes trying to get this unsatisfactory situation resolved.

CC Humby gave a County Council Report and said that he has been given a new post which incorporated rural affairs, and this would include health, rural broadband, rural isolation and other issues which affect the rural areas.

The Electoral Review of Hampshire County Council was discussed by Councillors and it was agreed that the present system of having 78 Councillors works well and they would not wish to see Durley/Upham split from Bishops Waltham. Councillors proposed that Durley stay in the present Division with Upham and Bishops Waltham.

Parish Councillors were very concerned that during the last month there has been two separate incidents of dead dogs being left in carrier bags in the Hall car park. The Police have been informed and enquiries are being made. Anyone who sees anything unusual in the car park is to either report it to the Clerk, or the Police. This activity is not acceptable and is not a pleasant experience for the Hall staff.

Cllr Farr had nothing to report on highways this month. Some pot hole have been filled in.

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

Durley Parish Council held its AGM on Tuesday 19th May, 2015 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall, Durley. 5 Parish Councillors, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins, and 1 parishioner were present. Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Charles, County/District Councillor Humby and District Councillor Ruffell.

As this is a new Term of Office the following Officers were Elected:

Cllr Charles – Chairman
Cllr Watts – Vice Chairman
Cllr Smith – Hall Committee Chairman
Cllr Pitter – Hall Commitee Vice Chairman
Cllr Farr – Highways Officer
Cllr Smith – Footpaths Officer
Cllr Watts – Recreation Ground Chairman
Cllr Pitter – Transport Representative

Councillors agreed to leave the post of Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator Representative until the next Meeting and after the next PACT Meeting. Another Footpaths Officer was also needed, this will also be agreed at the next Meeting.

Councillors signed the Declaration of Office Forms and the Register of Members’ Interest Forms.

As only 6 Councillors stood at the Election for 7 vacancies, the Clerk has advertised for an additional Parish Councillor to be co-opted. 2 candidates came forward and they were both very good candidates. However, Councillors proposed Steve Delmege to come onto the Parish Council. Steve will be asked to come to the next Parish Council Meeting. The other candidate will be informed that they were unsuccessful on this occasion, but hopefully they will stand again in the future.

Councillors also wished to congratulate Councillor Rob Humby on his re-election as our District Councillor. He could not be at the Meeting as he and District Councillor Ruffell had to attend the first Meeting of WCC after the Election.

The Financial Regulations were adopted as previously.

Cllr Burton said that the Parish Plan Report is going to the Printers at the end of the week and will be then circulated to residents. The Public Parish Plan Meeting will be held on Thursday 25th June at 7.30 p.m. in Durley Memorial Hall. It is hoped that many residents will attend.

The cycle racks have been installed at Durley Memorial Hall (under the stairs outside of the Committee Room). These are being used by school children catching the bus, but they are for anyone to use – be green and come to the Hall functions on your bike!

Views are needed from members of the public on the future use of Moorgreen Hospital. An Open Drop in Event is being held on Thursday 28th May from 5.00 – 6.45 p.m.

An e-mail was shown to Parish Councillors from a resident who lives in Greenwood Lane showing the rubbish which has been dumped at Church Copse. Authorities are aware of the problem.

Some highways problems were reported to Cllr Farr so that they can be reported to HCC Highways. Cllr Pitter offered to take photographs so that exact locations can be found by Officers. Clerk said that the telephone cable is still exposed alongside Mincingfield Lane where the roadside is very bad. The problem is mainly caused by large vehicles pushing in the ditch.

The Chairman and Clerk signed the Annual Return for 2015, and Councillors agreed the Accounting Statements for 2014/15 and Annual Governance Statement for 2014/15. These will now be sent off to the External Auditor.

The Memorial Hall sign over the front door has been re-varnished and some broken ceiling tiles have been replaced.

The swings have been replaced at the Recreation Ground, but the chains to the cradle seat are too short so the Clerk is returning them for longer ones. The tidy-up of the lock up continues and will be completed by the end of the month.

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

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.