Durley Parish Council held its Annual Parish Assembly on Tuesday 4th April, 2017 at Durley Memorial Hall, Durley. 7 Parish Councillors, County/District Councillor Humby, District Councillor Miller, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins, PCSO Slater and 3 parishioners were present.
Apologies were received from District Councillor Mclean.
Cllr Charles (Chairman) commenced the Meeting by introducing members of the Parish Council and other Officers to the residents attending.
Cllr Charles gave a Chairman’s Report summarising the work the Parish Council has been working on during the year. These include appointing a drainage Company to put in a land drainage system in The Sawmills play area so that it will not get so wet, drainage work and a pipe under the road at Beech Corner to stop this area from flooding during wet weather, helping the village to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday on the Village Green and providing a village website for use by the Parish Council and other organisations within Durley. Parish Councillors have been working hard to try and resolve many issues which have arisen over the past year, including fly-tipping in our country lanes, parking problems, speeding vehicles, pot holes, and footpaths. Cllr Charles thanked his fellow Councillors and the Clerk for all their hard work over the year and for attending the many Meeting which are always supported by attendance from Durley. During this year the road has finally been adopted through The Sawmills by HCC and this will mean that line markings and signs can now be installed by HCC. Cllr Charles also gave his thanks to CC/DC Humby who has been supporting Durley residents and Durley Parish Council throughout the year. District Councillors Miller and Mclean have also joined Durley this year after the May Elections.
The Clerk gave a Financial Report for the End 2016-17. The Expenditure was up this year due to the refurbishment of the Hall foyer and kitchen floors, painting, and new tables for the Hall. Finance was also spent on Consultancy fees for a Planning Application.
Cllr Pitter gave a Highways Report saying that he has reported many pot holes this year and most have been repaired. Flooding, parking at Beech Corner and the end of Manor Road have still caused problems for drivers not being able to get a good sightline when coming out of adjoining roads. Repeated requests have been made to WCC for double yellow lines at these junctions. Councillors feel that this is an accident waiting to happen.
Cllr Smith gave a Hall Report and started by thanking all the Hall hirers for the support over the year. The Hall foyer and kitchen has been repainted and new tiles put on the floors. These measures have brightened up the entrance to the Hall and Councillors are pleased with the result. The new small Hall tables are light-weight and easier for hirers to take up and down. Trollies have also been purchased to move the tables around the Hall and store them. Both textile bins in the Hall car park are well used by residents and raise funds for the First Responders, Breast Cancer and the Hall. Cllr Smith then thanked the Caretaker – John, Cllr Charles, Cllr Pitter, Shawn and Peter for all their support in the Hall and Anne Collins for taking the bookings.
County/District Councillor Humby gave a Joint Report from HCC and WCC. He said that fly-tipping has been a major concern this year and prosecutions have taken place. One offender was given a custodial sentence, whilst most are given fines of thousands of pounds. All the Waste and Recyling Centres in Hampshire have been able to stay open at the moment, however the hours have been reduced and charges have needed to be made for DIY Waste. Highways is part of CC Humby Portfolio and he has been all over the County dealing with Highways issues on the major roads and infrustructure. Cllr Miller followed with a District Report from himself saying that he is doing all he can to get the double yellow lines installed in Durley at Beech Corner and the end of Manor Road. Councillors were disappointed that they were not painted when the double lines were painted recently in Bishops Waltham. DC Miller will follow this issue up again.
PCSO Stephanie Slater was present representing the Police. She gave out statistical examples of various incidents throughout the year in comparison to last year. Durley is not a high crime area, but Councillors and residents do appreciate the support of the Police when an incident does occur. PCSO Slater has visited Durley Lunch Club and talked to the elderly residents as well as visiting Durley Primary School to speak to the younger members of the Durley community.
General questions were then asked by residents attending and the Chairman then thanked everyone for attending and closed the Meeting.
Anne Collins
Clerk to Durley Parish Council
durleypc@homecall.co.uk
