Durley Parish Council held its Monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 13th February, 2018 in the Ken Stainer Suite at Durley Memorial Hall. 6 Parish Councillors, the Clerk – Mrs Anne Collins and 2 parishioners were present.

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

Cllr Delmege reported that the Speed Indicator Sign did arrive and the insurance was put in place for the one week free trial, but HCC did not approve the siting of the sign in time for it to be used. Councillors were disappointed that the free trial could not take place as HCC were asked for their feedback on where to site the sign prior to the trial taking place. Cllr Delmege is going to ask if we can have the sign for a further trial period.

The Clerk has been working with Andy Burton to update the website. A new Parish Council photograph is to be taken at the start of the March Meeting.

Cllr Charles (Chairman) and the Clerk attended a Southern Parishes Meeting in Bishops Waltham. The main topics for discussion were fly-tipping, speed cameras and awareness and future items for the Agenda.

Cllr Charles and the Clerk attended a Meeting with other Parish Councils and George Hollingbery MP to discuss the next steps to be taken regarding the Eastleigh Borough Local Plan implications in the Durley and surrounding areas after the decision taken at the December Meeting.

County Councillor Humby was not able to attend the Meeting, but sent an e-mail stating that he had a full HCC and WCC Full Council budget setting meeting on 22nd February, and at present there are no longer any proposals that will affect the School Crossing Patrols, HWRC sites or community transport.

Fly-tipping around various places in Durley have been reported during the month and Councillors hope that residents will take part in the Great British Sping Clean Event 2018 which is being promoted nationally on 2nd – 4th March. Residents will be encouraged to pick up litter outside or near to their property if they are able.

The gang mowing for 2018 was agreed for Durley Recreation Ground and the maintenance work at The Sawmills was agreed.

The HCC Parish Lengthsman Scheme will continue this year and the Clerk has written saying that Durley would like to be included in the Scheme.

The Clerk reported on the new General Data Protection Regulations which will come into force in May, 2018.

Cllr Watts gave a Neighbourhood Watch Report saying that the Nottingham Knockers are in the area again. Signs which state that no goods will be bought at the door can be available from the PCSO. Cllr Watts will obtain some of these and distribute as required. Sheds, cars and garages are still places which need to be kept secure. There is also a BT scam in circulation at the moment. Details will be put onto the Parish Council website and in the Parish Magazine.

Cllr Pitter gave a Highways Report. He has reported some trees opposite the former Upham Shop which need to be cut back and some pot holes which need repairing. The state of the footpath alongside Parsonage Lane was reported as it had hedge trimmings and other debris on the path. HCC will be asked to clear this path.

The Clerk gave a Financial Report and said that the ¾ year Internal Audit had been completed and was satisfactory.

Cllr Charles reported that he had met 3 Company’s at the Hall to give quotes for the Hall floor replacement. Further enquiries will be made before a final decision is made. The sound system is being updated with microphones which will also be used on the stage and round the Hall. Neil Ellen will carry out the work.

The Community Payback Volunteers have done some of the painting in the Pavilion, but have not completed it yet. The hedges have been cut back around the Recreation Ground. The roundabout in the play area at The Sawmills needs to be freed off by a key and Playdale are waiting for this to enable them to move the spindle. All the rotten wooden posts around The Sawmills Green will be replaced and some additional ones will be added to stop parking on the grass areas. Dog fouling is a huge problem in The Sawmills and surrounding areas. It is an offence to not pick up after your dog so please pick up after your dog. The Dog Warden will be asked to visit again.

The Appeal against the Planning Application for the Change of Use of land as a Gypsy and Traveller Caravan Site on land adjacent to Berkeley Farm, Durley Street, and the Appeal against the Enforcement Notice have now been lodged with the Inspector. Details of the Appeal can be found on the Parish Council website. All previous comments and objections have gone forward to the Inspector via WCC.

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