Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 13th December, 2016 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall. 6 Parish Councillors, County/District Councillor Rob Humby, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins, and 3 parishioners were present.

Apologies were received from District Councillor Miller, District Councillor Mclean and Kirstie Baines.

The Clerk informed Councillors that the drainage in the Sawmills Play Area should be completed by the end of the year, although a starting date has still yet to be confirmed.

More ditches have been dug out at the Beech Corner end of the village and the pipe under the road will still happen. Councillors hope that this will be carried out soon so that it will ease the water problems at this end of the village during the winter months.

Cllr Charles and the Clerk attended the Southern Parishes Meeting in Bishops Waltham. The main issues discussed included Recycling Centres, Fly tipping, Dog Waste, the proposed Botley By-pass and the Eastleigh Borough Council development plans.

Parking outside of Beech Corner Garage on the junction is still causing a problem for drivers coming out of Stapleford Lane and Church Lane as they do not have good sightlines. DC Miller is trying to see if local funding can be made available to get the doubles yellow lines put down.

Clerk has received notification from WCC that no request has been made for an Election so Councillors are now able to make a Co-option at the January Parish Council Meeting. Notices have been put up on the village noticeboards and website inviting applications from residents who would be interested in helping the village and joining us on the Parish Council. Applications close on 23rd December, 2016.

Cllr Charles and the Clerk attended a Meeting with other local Parish Council Chairmen and Clerks to discuss the impact on the Eastleigh Borough Council planning options for large development in the local area. Councillors are very concerned about the impact it will have on the smaller villages like Durley as the traffic will increase dramatically when these homes are built.

CC Humby gave his Report which included the work that he is doing at the moment on the HCC Economic Development Board which looks at investments and making the economy work for HCC. Cllr Delmege asked Cllr Humby is more rental properties are being built to rent out as this would generate income. Cllr Humby said that they are investing in properties to rent out, and also services are being looked at as a possible way of making money to spend elsewhere on other services. CC Humby spoke about the huge social care budget.

The Parish Precept for 2017-18 was agreed and Councillors took into account that the Grant received from Government will be halved next year.

The Winchester District Association of Parish Councils AGM was attended by Cllr Charles and the Clerk on 6th December. The Election of Officers was the main item for the evening along with discussion about future Meetings.

BT have a Programme to remove low useage telephone kiosks. The kiosk outside of The Robin Hood in Durley Street is in the Programme to be removed. Councillors agreed that as it has not been used over the past year they would not be able to justify its retention.

Cllr Farr attended a Durley Primary School Meeting and gave a Report which included items on a feasibility study of the holding of water in the memorial garden, the wall at the entrance to the School will be re-built, the upgrading of the playground, the sides of the stream will be reinforced, the speed of the traffic now that the lay-by has been built and Grants which need to be applied for.

Cllr Watts and Cllr Farr attended a recent Police PACT Meeting and said that issues discussed were mainly speeding vehicles, fly-tipping and the frequency of future Meetings. The Meetings will be twice a year rather than 4 times a year. Clerk has written a letter of thanks to to Linda Summers who has been the main Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator for many years. Information will now be sent to Cllr Watts.

The quote for the new tiles in the Hall foyer and kitchen was agreed and it is hoped that work will start in January, 2017. There will be some disruption with Hall bookings during this time, but it is hoped that most bookings will be able to go ahead as normal.

DURLEY PARISH COUNCIL WISHES ALL ITS RESIDENTS A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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

Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 8th November, 2016 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall. 3 Parish Councillors, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins, District Councillor David Mclean and 2 parishioners were present.

Apologies were received from Cllr Burton, Cllr Delmege, County/District Councillor Humby and District Councillor Miller.

The Clerk informed Councillors that the drainage in The Sawmills Play Area will be carried out in 2 weeks’ time. The pipe under the road at Beech Corner has been prioritised by HCC Highways. Councillors are hoping that the work will be done before the winter weather sets in.

More fly-tipping in various areas of Durley has been reported over the past month. Clerk reminded members that any fly-tipping can be reported via the on-line service on the Winchester City Council website.

Cllr Watts reported on the Bishops Waltham Bridleway Project, but there were no issues that affect Durley.

Cllr Charles and the Clerk attended the Southern Parishes Meeting in Bishops Waltham and were introduced to the new Community Support Officer who works for Bishops Waltham and Swanmore Parish Councils. The major part of the Meeting was spent asking questions to Keith House from Eastleigh Borough Council about the housing proposals. He also talked about the proposed Botley By-pass.

A Report was given from the Parish Plan Team. The Good Neighbours Group is now re-vamped and led by Trevor Richardson. There are 9 Committee Members and 18 drivers. Many residents have offered their help. The Village Website is now up and running. A Public Meeting will be arranged in January, 2017 to see how many residents would be willing to help with a Village Carnival. New ideas will be welcome. A decision will then be made as to whether we will be able to hold a Village Carnival in 2017. The Team is also looking at Village gateway signs for the village.

Parish Councillors are still pursuing the double lines outside of Beech Corner Garage to stop vehicles from parking on the staggered junction. Drivers have difficulty getting out of Stapleford Lane and Church Lane as they do not have visibility when cars are parked in the road.

District Councillor Mclean reported on development in the area and the impact that it would have on traffic through Durley.

2 residents attended the Meeting to ask about the re-planting of trees in Church Copse, Greenwood Lane and to report on some more fly-tipping in Church Lane/Durley Road.

Clerk read out a resignation letter from Councillor Burton stating that he is no longer able to continue due to work and personal commitments. Councillors were sad that Cllr Burton has to resign although they fully understand his reasons. Cllr Burton instigated the Village Website and will be greatly missed by Councillors. Clerk will be putting up Notices advertising for a new Parish Councillor shortly.

Damage to windows, vehicles and the village noticeboard in Gregory Lane were reported. Garden furniture was also stolen from a property in Durley Street. Residents are asked to keep vigilent for any unusual activity.

Cllr Pitter said that there are still some pot holes which are marked which need to be repaired. HCC are aware of the exposed telephone cable in Mincingfield Lane and the erosion of the road edges.

The Internal Audit Report was satisfactory.

Some new Christmas decorations have been purchased for the Memorial Hall. Clerk reported that the decorations need to be taken down before the Seniors Party in 2017. Cllr Charles, Cllr Pitter and the Clerk will meet with the Tiler to discuss the laying of the new tiles in the Hall foyer.

Cllr Watts reported that the hedges around the Recreation Ground have now been cut.

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

Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 11th October, 2016 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall. 5 Parish Councillors, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins and 5 parishioners were present. There was also two representatives from Regal Homes to show Councillors proposals for a development in Durley Street.

Apologies were received from Cllr Smith and Cllr Delmege. County Councillor/District Councillor Humby, District Councillor Miller and District Councillor Mclean also sent their apologies as they were attending a Meeting in Winchester.

Cllr Pitter and the Clerk had met with a drainage company and Councillors discussed and agreed the quotation given. It is hoped that work will start on putting in land drains in the Play Area at The Sawmills before the winter. The Play Area will be closed whilst the work is carried out – hopefully this will take a week.

CC Humby was not at the Meeting to give an update of the flooding situation at Beech Corner. Residents attending are getting very frustrated at not being informed of what work is being done and when. Although they are grateful that the ditch has been dug out – it does not lead anywhere and the pipe under the main road has not been put in yet. Winter is quickly approaching and residents in this area of Durley are getting very anxious about where the water will go. Clerk will try and arrange a Meeting with HCC Highways, CC Humby, Councillors and residents to try and work together to resolve this issue.

Fly-tipping signs will be put up around Durley in various hot spots to try and deter anyone from tipping in Durley.

Concern is still being expressed about the amount of lorries travelling through Durley. Clerk has received a response from the Torbay Farm developer stating that their lorries do not travel down Sciviers Lane from the Durley end. If the problem continues then we will need to see where the lorries are going.

Residents attending the Meeting were there to discuss the flooding at Beech Corner and the re-planting of trees in Church Copse. Residents were not happy that no response has been received from an enquiry to CC Humby about the reinstatement of the trees felled in Church Copse, which was requested by the Forestery Commission. Residents were also concerned about the vehicles parking at the end of Stapleford Lane outside of Beech Corner Garage. It makes it very dangerous coming out of Stapleford Lane and Church Lane. Clerk said that double lines were requested many years ago and were going through the legal system. Many requests have been made over the last 10 years, but still no lines have been installed. Residents and Councillors agreed that there will be a serious accident at this staggered junction as there are no sight-lines when vehicles are parked outside of the Garage. Cllr Charles assured residents that the Parish Council will do all it can to try and get these doubles lines to stop parking outside of the Garage.

The Consultation Paper on 2017/18 Local Government Finance Settlement was discussed and a response was agreed.

The Financial Regulations were updated as agreed, to comply with recent legilsation.

The re-painting of the Hall foyer, kitchen and toilet areas has been completed. Clerk said that some new Christmas decorations were required. These will be purchased. Cllr Charles will get in touch with the Tiler who will be giving a quote for the tiles in the foyer and kitchen.

Cllr Farr reported on a Planning Coach Trip Tour organised by Winchester City Council. She visited many planning sites including the Old Fire Station in Winchester and developments in Colden Common and Wickham.

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

Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 13th September, 2016 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall. 5 Parish Councillors, County/District Councillor Humby, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins and 7 parishioners were present. Kirstie Baines (Headteacher) was also present to give a Report on the School.

Apologies were received from Cllr Charles and Cllr Delmege.

Clerk reported that Playdale are not able to carry out drainage work in The Sawmills play area. Other Play Companies will be approached.

The flooding in Durley is still a major concern and CC Humby has been working with HCC Highways to put in prevention measures. The ditch alongside Stapleford Lane has been dug and a pipe under the main road will be put in shortly. Some residents have put in flood defences into their property and Durley Primary School are also taking additional measures. Flooding in Parsonage Lane is also an ongoing problem and HCC will be asked if there is anything else that could be done in this location.

The fly-tipping in the buffer area in The Sawmills has been removed after a letter was written to the resident who dumped the rubbish stating that if it was not removed within 7 days then the Parish Council would remove it and send them the bill. It is hoped that residents and people travelling through Durley will get the message that we do not wish to see fly-tipping in Durley. There have been many instances of fly-tipping over the past few months and so it was agreed that CCTV signs will be put up in the fly-tipping hot spots in Durley to try and deter any fly-tipping. As fly-tipping is a big problem in Durley at the moment residents are urged to report any tipping they see on the Winchester City Council website via the Fly-tipping Report link.

The Grant has now been obtained for the HCC Parish Lengthsman Scheme so Durley will be able to use this Grant towards keeping some of the footpaths clear.

The brick wall outside of Priory View has now been reinstated after being knocked down. WCC were thanked for their swift response.

Lorries are still travelling through Durley to get to local development sites at Boorley Green and Torbay Farm. The lorry movements will be kept monitored and the Clerk was asked to write to the Torbay Farm developers asking them to use an alternative route rather than going through Durley Street to Sciviers Lane. The main roads would be much more suitable for these larger lorries.

County Councillor Humby reported on the recent Consultation on the Waste Disposal Sites in Hampshire. All 24 sites will stay open at the moment, although their hours of opening will be reduced. CC Humby has held a Meeting with all relevant Authorities to try and produce a Fly Tipping Strategy which will mean that all Authorities will work together to try and resolve this huge problem in Hampshire. Residents present at the Meeting asked when the re-planting of trees was going to happen in Church Copse, Greenwood Lane after most were felled. CC Humby will find out.

Most residents who attended the Meeting were there to hear about fly-tipping, flooding and traffic issues. Two residents were concerned abou the speed of traffic travelling down Parsonage Lane and how danagerous it was trying to get in and out of driveways. Councillors agreed that it would help if the hedge alongside Parsonage Lane in between 1 Hazeldene and White Owl Cottage was cut lower so that sight-lines were better on the bend. Clerk was asked to write to the landowner. Two large mirrors have been placed on the Highways grass verge and complaints were received that they reflect the sun and car lights. This would be a Highways matter so they will be informed.

The External Audit Report was approved and completed. The Insurance for 2016-17 was approved.

Broadband speeds (or the lack of it) was discussed. Councillors agreed that the broadband in Durley appears to have got worse – the speeds are lower and the internet dips in and out frequently. The Clerk suggested trying to get a picture of the broadband speeds which are achieved in Durley and broadband providers. Councillors agreed that this would be useful information. Any residents who are able to provide the Clerk will their speed and provider via the Parish Council e-mail address are encouraged to do so. Clerk will also write to HCC and get an update of when Durley is going to get the faster broadband.

The Electoral Review of Hampshire was reported and it was noted that Durley will still be in the Bishops Ward.

Kirstie Baines (Headteacher) presented an update on the flooding at the School which happened in June. All of the carpets and flooring has had to be taken up and half of the furniture had to be replaced. More flood prevention measures have also taken place.

Many pot holes which were reported have now been filled in.

The Hall toilets have now been replaced and the quote was agreed for the repainting of the foyer, toilets and kitchen areas.

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

ADDITIONAL NOTE:

Since the Parish Council Meeting the Clerk has received several complaints about the slow broadband and one parishioner said that if there was enough interest then virgin media might be able to provide a cable for a faster service. To consider this option we need to show them our interest so if you would like to sign up to show your interest then please do so at cablemystreet.virginmedia.com

Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 9th August, 2016 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall. 5 Parish Councillors, County/District Councillor Humby, District Councillor Miller, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins and 4 parishioners were present. Cllr Charles Chaired the Meeting.

Apologies were received from Cllr Pitter, Cllr Burton and DC Mclean.

Clerk wrote to the Company suggested for the drainage work in the Play Area at The Sawmills and they do not wish to carry out the work so Playdale will be approached to see if they have a drainage section within their Company.

CC Humby has been working hard behind the scenes to try and resolve the flooding at Beech Corner. Finance has now been put in place for a pipe under the road at Beech Corner to take the volume of water down Stapleford Lane away from the properties via the ditch which is going to be reinstated by HCC Highways. Landowners will be written to because once the ditch has been reinstated by HCC it will be the landowner’s responsibility to keep it clear. It is hoped that the ditch work will be carried out during August. The flooding at Durley Primary School has also been looked at by HCC Highways to see what action can be taken. CC Humby reported that the brick wall will be reinstated and air vents covered up to try to stop water getting into the School. The brook will also be looked at to make sure that the flow is able to get away downstream.

Cllr Delmege has delivered some of the 30 mph wheely bin stickers, but has not visited all residents in Durley Brook Road yet. Clerk has received more stickers for any resident who would like them. Please telephone the Clerk on 01489 860236 or send an e-mail to durleypc@homecall.co.uk if you would like one for your bin.

The fly-tipping in the buffer area in The Sawmills has not been removed despite writing to all residents in The Sawmills, so Councillors agreed that a letter will be sent to the offender and ask them direct to remove it within 7 days or the Parish Council will remove it and send them the bill. It is not acceptable that the residents of Durley should pay for the fly-tipping to be removed. The majority of Durley residents keep Durley clean and tidy and take their rubbish to one of the local Waste Management Centres in Bishops Waltham or Fair Oak. We also have a fortnightly bin collection service in Durley for garden waste provided by WCC.

CC Humby updated Councillors on Enforcement Action at Church Copse in Greenwood Lane, flooding actions to be taken in Durley, HCC Contract renewal for pot hole repairs – which should be more efficient in the future as a new machine will be used. The Area Wide Traffic Survey is due to commence in September in Durley and then visit other areas.

DC Miller introduced himself to Councillors and as this was his first Meeting in Durley he informed Councillors of positions he holds at WCC. Cllr Charles welcomed him to Durley and said that we were looking forward to working with him over the coming months.

The Agreement and Deed of Grant was signed at the Meeting for The Sawmills. This is in preparation for the handing over of the highways section of the road, but an Agreement was required to enable Southern Water to access the drainage under the road in the future.

Durley Parish Council has agreed to be a Lead Parish for the HCC Parish Lengthsman Scheme. Upham Parish Council will also join the Scheme. This will mean that both parishes will be allocated a Grant of £1,000 to spend on the maintenance of some of the parish footpaths. The landowner is still responsible for some of the maintenance, and HCC will do some maintenance, but if the footpath becomes blocked or a problem then the Parish Council will be able to clear it. The Groundsman which the Parish Council uses for The Sawmills will be asked if he would be willing to clear the footpaths as and when required.

Councillors agreed a response to the Public Consultation on the structure of local government in Hampshire. After reading through the Options it was agreed that Option D was the best solution. This would mean that there would be a County Unitary Authority incorporating HCC and the existing District Councils. Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight would remain as they are at present. If residents wish to give their views then they can complete a Consultation Form on the HCC website.

The brick wall outside of Priory View will be reinstated after being knocked down.

There appears to be a large amount of lorries going through Durley to and from the new development at Boorley Green. Lorries should not be using the route through Durley and Cllr Charles said that he is happy to report any lorries to the Transport Manager at Boorley Green. Vehicle times, registration numbers etc. would need to be logged so that they can be reported. Any residents seeing lorries of this nature should report them via e-mail to the Parish Council so that they can be reported.

A Hall Management Meeting was held on 8th August and discussions took place on the Hall foyer refurbishment, the deep clean of the toilet areas, the under stage area and the Hall car park. It was also agreed that some of the charges will need to be increased on 1st January, 2017 to cover the additional heating costs.

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

NOTE FOR PARISH MAGAZINE

Junior Soapbox – Durley Parish Council would like to remind residents that there are 2 dog/rubbish bins in Durley – one at The Sawmills and one in the Recreation Ground Car Park which are emptied each week by WCC. Both are well used by dog walkers. However, some dog walkers are still acting irresponsible and leave their dog poo bags on the sides of the lanes or do not pick up after their dog at all. We do ask that all dog owners pick up after their dog, especially when at the Recreation Ground and other public places. It is not a pleasant task for anyone to have to pick up dog fouling when the owner has been irresponsible. If one of these bins are not near where you walk with your dog then please take your bags home with you and dispose of them in your bin.

Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 12th July, 2016 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall. 6 Parish Councillors and the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins were present. Cllr Charles Chaired the Meeting.

Apologies were received from Cllr Pitter, CC/DC Humby, DC Mclean and DC Miller.

Clerk has written to three Contractors to obtain a quote for the drainage work in the play area at The Sawmills. One Company showed an interest and another one suggested a Company who might be better able to carry out the work. Clerk will write to them and ask for a quote. Cllr Smith said that the Village Green area is drying out now that the grass is being cut shorter.

Flooding in Durley has been the worst it has ever been in recent years. Beech Corner, Durley Primary School, Heathen Street, Parsonage Lane and Wintershill were the worst affected areas. Many properties were flooded including the School and Pumping Station. Regular flooding at Beech Corner has been a continuous battle over the last 10 years and CC Humby has been working to try and resolve the problem. He has now held Meetings with HCC and a large culvert under Snakemoor Lane is hoped to be installed and historic ditches will be reinstated in that area of Durley. The School will also be offered more advice on measures that could be taken to ease the risk of flooding. Cllr Delmege asked if the Brook could be checked to see if the flow of water is not blocked further down stream. This was carried out some time ago, but the Clerk will ask for a more recent inspection as this could ease the problem a little if it is kept clear. Parsonage Lane also needs a new larger culvert under the road. A request will be put in to CC Humby.

Cllr Burton was thanked for getting the new Village website up and running. After final checks are made it will go live very shortly. The website will be www.durleyvillage.com All village information will be placed on this website so if any organisations have information they wish to put on the website then please get in touch with Cllr Burton on durleyvillage@outlook.com

Some of the 30 mph new wheely bin stickers have been distributed along Durley Brook Road. Many residents are putting them onto bins. Requests have been made from other residents living in other lanes in Durley so 100 more stickers will be purchased.

CC Humby was not able to attend the Meeting as he had to be at another Meeting, but he sent the Clerk a Report on the recent Flood Management Meeting he had with HCC representatives regarding measures that could be taken to future proof Beech Corner residents and Durley Primary School from flooding. CC Humby will keep us updated with any progress. Councillors were very grateful for CC Humby’s support on this matter as he has visited the area when flooded many times and is aware how much this is affecting residents.

The Chairman and Clerk attended a Devolution Meeting with the WDAPC in Whitely and reported Hampshire’s views to Councillors. Cllr Charles also attended a Meeting for Parish Council Chairmen to discuss the work of Parish Councillors for a study with Leicester University.

Cllr Watts attended the recent PACT Meeting in Bishops Waltham. The Meetings now include more parishes which means that the larger parishes dominate more of the Meeting. Residents were reminded to keep their hedges cut down so that criminals cannot hide behind them to commit a crime. We have no PCSO in Durley at the present time. Fly-tipping is a big problem and there are 6 – 8 cases being investigated at the moment. At the Meeting it was menionted that CC Humby is able to obtain funds for a speed indicator sign so the Clerk will investigate this and see if we can obtain a mobile one for Durley which could be moved around the village.

Cllr Farr has reported the speed signs which have come down in Durley Brook Road and the Clerk has reported a sink which has caused a large hole outside of Beech Corner Garage. The sink has now been coned off by HCC whilst they investigate. The Pay Phone sign at the end of Church Lane has now finally been removed – with help from CC Humby. Cllr Delmege reported that there appears to be an increase in HGV lorries going through Durley Brook Road recently to Boorley Green. This will be kept monitored.

Fly-tipping in Greenwood Lane and various other areas in Durley is becoming a huge problem. CC Humby, along with Cllr Weston are looking into what can be done. Clerk was asked to write to CC Humby and ask if the cameras purchased by WCC could be used in Durley with a view to prosecuting the offenders. Lorry loads are being dumped in the middle of our lanes and although WCC are quick to come out and pick it all up it is not acceptable.

The HALC AGM is to be held on Saturday 22nd October in Hartney Wintney. The Chairman and Clerk will try and attend.

Councillors discussed the Botley By Pass proposals and agreed with the proposals. However, they also supported the views of the Eastleigh Ramblers’ to provide a footpath/cycleway/bridleway at the same time, as this would be an ideal opportunity to provide such a facility. It was also agreed that additional car parking spaces should be provided at Botley Railway Station as this would get used more with additional development planned for the area.

Complaints have been received from residents at The Sawmills that someone has dumped tree trimmings in the buffer area between the affordable homes and the most recent houses to be built. Clerk has written to all residents in The Sawmills and ask that the trimmings be removed within the next two weeks. All residents keep this area very tidy and take pride in their surroundings and Parish Councillors hope that once the trimmings have been removed this will not happen again.

The Hall Meeting has had to be postponed until August due to Councillor commitments.

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

Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 14th June, 2016 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall. 4 Parish Councillors, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins, County/District Councillor Humby and 4 parishioners were present. In the absence of the Chairman the Vice Chairman Cllr Watts chaired the Meeting.

Apologies were received from Cllr Charles, Cllr Delmege, Cllr Farr, DC Mclean and DC Miller.

Cllr Pitter has drawn up a plan of the Play Area at the Sawmills showing the drainage system proposals. Councillors agreed that the Clerk would obtain quotes to have this area drained and then see how it works before draining the Green area.

Two quotes were received for the grass cutting and maintenance work at The Sawmills. Councillors agreed to ask Shawn Read to carry out the work for the year.

The Queen’s 90th Birthday celebrations in Durley went very well and Councillors were pleased that over 200 residents enjoyed the event. The weather could not have been better and it was great to see young and more senior residents enjoying an afternoon together. Councillors gave their thanks to all those who helped in various capacities to make it all happen and run so smoothly.

Cllr Burton is now almost ready for the new village website to be launched. A few final checks need to be made and then any amendments. Once this has been completed the new website will be launched.

The 30 mph new wheely bin stickers have arrived. These stickers did have an impact on drivers going through Durley on a Friday when the bins were put out and as some of the older ones have now faded new stickers will be offered to those residents along the main road through Durley. If more stickers are required then some more will be purchased. Cllr Delmege will deliver to residents in Durley Brook Road first.

CC/DC Humby gave a Report saying that DC Mclean and DC Miller will be attending Durley Parish Council Meetings, but most probably alternating with Bishops Waltham. CC Humby said that the Area Wide Traffic Survey will be starting in the Autumn and Durley will be the first village to be surveyed. It is hoped that the results of this Survey will help with addressing traffic issues, speeding and traffic calming. HCC have been looking at a new pot hole repair machine which is more effective than what is currently used. At the conclusion of his Report CC Humby updated Councillors on Devolution.

The Hampshire Air Ambulance clothes recycling bin at the Hall will not now be used for this Charity as they no longer wish to have the clothes. However, Councillors agreed that the recycling bin is well used and a facility in Durley that we would like to see stay. The recycling bin will now be used by the Hampshire First Responders. This organisation sends someone out when an ambulance is called to try and help the patient before the ambulance gets there.

Cllr Watts and Cllr Farr will be attending the next PACT Meeting which is on 30th June at 7.00 p.m. in the Jubilee Hall, Bishops Waltham. Any parishioners are welcome to attend this Police Meeting.

Cllr Pitter will check the roads and lanes in Durley for pot holes and report them to HCC. Councillors were concerned that some pot holes have been reported and are marked ready for repair, but have still not beeen repaired after 5 weeks. The pay phone sign at the end of Church Lane, along Durley Brook Road has still not been removed by WCC despite several requests to remove it.

The Hall microphone has now been replaced and is now working. A Hall Meeting will be arranged when Cllr Charles is back from holiday.

Cllr Watts said that the guttering has been replaced on the Pavilion and that the veranda will be repaired during the summer months.

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

Durley Parish Council held its A.G.M. on Tuesday 10th May, 2016 at Durley Memorial Hall, Durley. 7 Parish Councillors, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins, District Councillor Mclean and 2 parishioners were present.

Apologies were received from County/District Councillor Humby, District Councillor Miller and Kirstie Baines.

The Chairman – Cllr Charles welcomed District Councillor Mclean to the Meeting and gave his congratulations to all three District Councillors who were recently elected.

As this is the A.G.M. of Durley Parish Council the following Councillors were elected:

Cllr Sam Charles – Chairman
Cllr Anita Watts – Vice Chairman
Cllr Marie Smith – Hall Management Committee Chairman
Cllr Kerry Pitter – Hall Management Committee Vice Chairman
Cllr Sue Farr – Highways Officer
Cllr Steve Delmege – Footpaths Officer
Cllr Anita Watts – Recreation Ground Chairman
Cllr Kerry Pitter – Transport Representative
Cllr Andy Burton will continue to improve and update the village website

A Meeting was held with HCC Highways and CC Humby to discuss the drainage at The Sawmills. Cllr Charles, Cllr Smith and the Clerk attended and informed Councillors of the way in which we can resolve the problem by using HCC drains once we have drained the area with land drains. Cllr Pitter offered to draw up a revised Specification. Councillors asked that the grass be cut on the Green as it is getting long, and it is needed for the 90th Birthday Celebrations on Sunday 15th May. Clerk will contact Dave Rappini to ask when it is going to be cut.

The work on the new School lay-by is still planned to take place over the half term week and will take 2 – 3 weeks. HCC are going to inform residents who live near to the School about the work.

The Queen’s Birthday celebrations are going well and the Clerk said that tickets are selling well – it is just hoped that the weather is also good.

Cllr Burton showed Councillors a sign which has been designed to direct vehicles down Parsonage Lane towards the Ladybirds Pre-school. Councillors were happy for the sign to be installed in the corner of the Hall car park.

Cllr Burton gave Councillors a pre-view of the new Durley village website which will be launched soon. This website will take material from the old website and put it in a newer format. It is hoped that all village organisations will contribute to their part of the website and we will have an up-to-date website for the future, which was an Action that was highlighted in the Durley Parish Plan. Cllr Burton was thanked for all his hard work. Once Councillors have seen the final updates there will be a launch date to go live.

Cllr Charles and the Clerk attended a Southern Parishes Meeting on 9th May and the new Chief Inspector was present along with Sgt Stuart Gilmore. Questions were asked about policing matters, and in particular the problem of fly-tipping.

DC Mclean gave a District Councillors’ Report, but as this was a new term of office he kept the issues fairly general. He talked about the Bishops Waltham Recycling Centre, the state of the roads, fly-tipping and visits by the Mayor for next year. As Durley is now included in with the Bishops Waltham Ward rather than Owslebury, Upham and Curdridge concern was expressed that we would still require the District Councillors to attend our Parish Council Meetings even though they are on the same night as Bishops Waltham. It is hoped that the District Councillors will be able to attend one Meeting first and then go to the other parish second. CC Humby has been doing this during his term of office as a County Councillor to both parishes.

Fly-tipping has again been occuring in Durley and the Clerk has reported all incidents as they happen. Councillors agreed that when cameras are available from WCC we would like to use them to catch offenders who fly-tip in Durley.

Clerk informed Councillors that Darren Lewis – our HCC Highways Officer is leaving soon and will be replaced with a temporary Officer.

Clerk said that there is a PACT Meeting with the Police on 30th June at Bishops Waltham from 7.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Any parishioners are welcome to attend. Cllr Watts and Cllr Farr will attend to represent the Parish Council. Clerk reported that our PCSO Richard Nolan has now left the Police. We are not having our own PCSO at the moment, but cover will be provided by the other PCSO’s in the area.

Cllr Farr reported that a drainage pot hole has been reported to HCC. Cllr Delmege informed Councillors of a Speeding Traffic Report he had produced. He felt that the only way to reduce the traffic speed along the main road through Durley was to enforce the speed. At least 6 volunteers would be needed to set up a Community Speedwatch Group and if Durley would like one then we do need volunteers. If anyone is willing to be a volunteer then they will be trained. If you are interested in volunteering then please get in touch with the Clerk – Anne Collins via durleypc@homecall.co.uk. The Clerk has received details of some new stickers to go onto the wheely bins to highlight the speed along a stretch of road. Councillors felt that this did have a big impact on vehicles travelling through when they saw the bins out on a Friday and as this was some years ago it might be a good idea to get some new ones. Clerk said that if 4 stickers were required for each house (one on each side of both bins) that would be a cost of £4 per household. Previously householders purchased the stickers if they wished to have them. If the Parish Council pays for them this could cost quite a bit of money. However, they were effective. Councillors will agree at the next Meeting how the stickers would be funded. Have any residents got any views?

The Chairman and Clerk signed the Annual Governance Statement for 2015-16 for the Annual Audit Return and the Accounting Statements for 2015-16. These will now be sent off to the External Auditor.

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

Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 12th April, 2016 at Durley Memorial Hall, Durley. 5 Parish Councillors, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins and 3 parishioners were present.

Apologies were received from Cllr Farr, Cllr Burton, County/District Councillor Humby and District Councillor Ruffell.

The drainage in the Sawmills is still ongoing and a Meeting has been arranged with HCC Highways, Cllr Humby and Durley Parish Council to discuss the best solution to the problem. Flooding at Beech Corner is still a huge problem when it rains and it is hoped that further digging of the ditch will help ease the situation. Councillors will keep this area monitored but still feel that a pipe under the road would resolve the issue for the future.

The new School lay-by is being installed over the half term week, commencing 31st May. It will take about 2 weeks to install and it is hoped that this will ease the parking problems near to the School as well as helping with traffic congestion during drop-off and pick-up times at the School. CC Humby and Peter Eade at HCC were thanked for all their efforts in getting this project underway. Work has been going on for many years to try and find a solution to the traffic problems caused at School times.

The Queen’s 90th Birthday celebrations in Durley are well underway, with all organisations joining with the Parish Council to sell tickets and help with the Event. The “Birthday Party” will be at The Sawmills from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. on Sunday 15th May. There will be an Entertainer for the children as well as games. A Grant was successful from WCC towards the cost of the Event, which will cover part of the cost involved. A Birthday tea will be provided for the children and tea/cakes for the adults. Any donations of cakes or draw prizes would be most welcome. Please contact Anne Collins – 01489 860236 if you would be willing to make a cake or donate a draw prize to this community Event.

The Clerk has received a response from HCC Highways regarding the offer from a resident to dig out ditches in his area of Durley. The response states that residents should only dig out their own ditches, as many legal issues would be involved if anyone was to dig out a ditch not in their ownership. Clerk was asked to write to the resident who made this kind offer and thank him, but due to legal legislation the Parish Council were not able to support his offer.

Cllr Charles and the Clerk attended a Southern Parishes Meeting on 4th April where the main issues discussed were the Ward Boundary changes, Devolution, NALC and HALC, Planning issues, Policing and the Recycling Consultation.

The 3 members of the public present were at the Meeting to object to a Planning Application and Councillors listened to their objection.

There being no further business the Chairman declared the Meeting closed and then followed on to the Annual Parish Assembly at 8.00 p.m.

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

Durley Parish Council held its Annual Parish Assembly on Tuesday 12th April, 2016 at Durley Memorial Hall, Durley. 5 Parish Councillors, County/District Councillor Humby, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins, PCSO Nolan, Sgt. Gilmore and 4 parishioners were present.

Apologies were received from Cllr Farr, Cllr Burton and District Councillor Ruffell.

Cllr Charles (Chairman) commenced the Meeting by introducing members of the Parish Council and other Officers to the residents attending.

Cllr Charles then gave a Chairman’s Report summarising the work the Parish Council has been working on during the year to achieve a positive outcome for all the residents who live and work in Durley. Cllr Charles said that main issues included the Durley Emergency Plan, which has been revised, and many residents have offered their help in the event of an emergency situation in Durley. Councillors are very grateful for their help and wish to thank all those who have put their name forward – although we hope the Plan will never be used. The Durley Parish Plan Team have been working hard to produce a Plan for Durley and are gradually working their way through the Plan. A new website for the village is being set up by Andy Burton and it is hoped that this will become live soon. Again, Cllr Charles thanked all those residents who have been involved in the Parish Plan over the last two years. Parking issues, Fly-tipping, Planning issues as well as attending many Meetings have been taking place over this year. A successful “Clean for the Queen” Litter Pick was held in Durley recently with many parishioners taking part – again, a big thank you. We are all looking forward to the Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations here in Durley on 15th May at The Sawmills and it is hoped that most residents will come along. At the end of his Report Cllr Charles thanked his fellow Officers, the Clerk, and CC/DC Humby. He gave a special thank you for DC Ruffell who will not be re-standing at the Election for Durley as he will be in a different Ward, due to the recent Boundary changes. DC Ruffell was thanked for all his hard work in Durley over the last few years as our District Councillor.

The Clerk gave a Financial Report for the End 2015-16. The Income and Expenditure are about the same as the previous Financial Year with £400 more to carry forward.

The Clerk read out a Highways Report stating that many pot holes have been repaired this year, and some issues including flooding, parking on parts of roads which obscure the sight-lines for drivers, and general maintenance of our highways were all problems that have ben highlighted throughout the year.

Cllr Smith gave a Hall Report and started by thanking all the Hall hirers for the support over the year. The new guttering which has been put up enhances the outside appearance of the building and the new table tennis table and line markings have made it possible to hold a Short Mat Tennis and Table Tennis session in the Hall on Monday afternoons. This Group is enjoyed by many of our more senior residents. Cllr Smith then thanked the Caretaker – John, Cllr Charles, Cllr Pitter and Peter for all their support in the Hall and Anne Collins to taking the bookings. During the next year it is hoped that the Hall foyer refurbishment will be completed.

County/District Councillor Humby gave his Report and said that he has been working hard for the residents of Durley over the last year. Fly-tipping in Durley and especially in Greenwood Lane has been a long-standing problem for residents. CC Humby has now been in contact with the Leader of WCC to try and resolve the Greenwood Lane fly-tipping. CC Humby also spoke about the Waste Recycling Consultation which needs to be completed by residents. CC Humby informed residents about Devolution. He ended his Report by thanking all the Parish Councillors and the Clerk for all their hard work in Durley, and also for the support given to him over the year. DC Humby will be standing for re-election in the Bishops Waltham Ward – which is now combined with Durley due to the new Ward Boundary changes.

Sgt Gilmore and PCSO Nolan were present at the Meeting and said that Durley is a very low crime area. They felt that it was important to be seen in the village and have attended Durley Lunch Club and Durley School. Councillors asked about the lack of PACT Meetings and Sgt Gilmore said that they are being re-launched, but covering a larger area. Fly-tipping was also discussed as residents attending the Meeting were very concerned and frustrated about this. The Police can offer support and will try to help. Councillors thanked Sgt Gilmore and PCSO Nolan for the work that they do in Durley.

The main question from members of the public was concerning fly-tipping and this was answered by CC Humby and the Police.

At the end of the Meeting the Clerk read out a Statement from Kirstie Baines – Headteacher at Durley Primary School informing members of the Council and residents of the timescales for the work on the new lay-by outside of the School.

There being no further business the Chairman thanked everyone for attending the Meeting and declared the Meeting closed.

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