SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF A MEETING OF

EAST WOODHAY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON TUESDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2002

 

 

 

Parish Appraisal/Village Design Statement.

The steering group have recently met with members of Overton Council who have just completed their Village Design Statement.   They are happy to help  in any way they can, and gave lots of helpful advise and information.  Timescales from start to finish are estimated at around 2 years.

 

Website.

It was confirmed that abridged minutes of Parish Council Meetings are now being posted on the Website, along with dates of future meetings.   However, minutes cannot be posted until they have been signed off at the meeting after the one to which they refer.    Everyone is welcome to attend all Parish Council meetings.

 

Litter Warden.

Colour advertisements have been produced and will be posted around the Parish in an attempt to recruit a Litter Warden.  These will be in place for approximately one month, after which response will be assessed and any further action considered.   

 

Swings at Heath End.

The surface underneath the swings has now been replaced, and new shackles have been fitted to the swings themselves.

 

Transport.

Progress with regard to improving public transport provision to Andover has been disappointing.  With many different organisations involved, the situation becomes very complicated, and monies cannot be obtained from the government for a service which is deemed as undermining an existing local one.   The position will remain under review.

 

Masons Court has been identified as an idea position to site a new Bus Shelter.   Details of suppliers, styles and prices have been obtained.  A 75% grant from the Countryside Commission will be sought, along with contributions from local businesses.   The issue of whether Planning Permission will be required is to be looked into.

 

Planning.

The Council has objected to the proposed erection of a telecoms mast at Blacklands Copse on the basis that it is an area of outstanding natural beauty.   The Council also intends to speak against proposed development at Harwood Paddock when it comes up before Development Committee.

Skateboard Ramp.

A Safety Report is due soon on the Parish’s play equipment, and it is felt that the Skateboard Ramp may be highlighted as something which requires attention.

 

A quotation of £160 plus VAT to repair the recent vandalism on the Skateboard Ramp has been accepted and work will commence shortly.   The possibility of using sheet steel instead of plywood on the surround will be considered.  It was also suggested that the Council should look into the possibility of providing some sort of shelter on the Recreation Ground with the intention of stopping youths from vandalising the Skateboard Ramp to shelter inside there.  Several other parishes have erected shelters recently with the help of funding from Basingstoke and Deane.   The matter is to be investigated further.

 

Donations.

A request was received from St. Thomas’ Handbell Ringers for a donation towards the cost of maintaining their bells.   The meeting agreed to a donation of £100.

 

Queen’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations.

A letter has been received by the Parish Council suggesting the purchase of a community minibus as a suitable Jubilee Project.  However, a project such as this brings with is many associated issues such as maintenance, housing, driving etc.   It was agreed that any decision on the matter should be postponed until after the new Council is in place in May.

 

The Parish Council is looking to enhance the grassy area opposite Masons Court as a Jubilee Project.   The cost of providing a steel/iron framed seat could cost in excess of £600, coupled with the cost of hardstanding and fixings.   Provision of some car parking spaces there would prevent cars parking on the grass, but work of this nature would be the responsibility of the Highways Department.

 

A community event is to be held on Tuesday 4th June in the field used by St. Martin’s Guild for their fete.  The marquees used for the fete will remain in place and barbeques and entertainment will be provided.  People are invited to bring picnics and food to barbeque.  The cost will be covered by contributions from local organisations supplemented by a charge of 50p per person, which will also help enable monitoring of numbers.    Children in the Parish will be presented with commemorative mugs.