EAST WOODHAY PARISH COUNCIL
HELD ON TUESDAY 29TH JANUARY 2002
Parish Appraisal/Village Design Statement.
A meeting of the Steering Group set up to look into the feasibility of carrying out this project has taken place. The meeting was told that, in order for such a project to succeed, it needs to be fully supported both by the Parish Council and the community. Finding out what the individual communities within the Parish feel are the particular characteristics of their area would be beneficial in many ways, for example when considering planning applications. The Steering Group would have little input into the outcome of the Parish Appraisal/Village Design Statement, but would merely act as a guide. Timescales from start to finish are likely to be in the region of 2 years. Some monies are available from Basingstoke and Deane, and additional sources such as the National Lottery and/or the Countryside Agency will also be explored. Overton Parish, who have recently completed their Village Design Statement, are happy to provide help and guidance where necessary.
Litter Warden.
There was general agreement that the present litter situation is not ideal, and needs resolving. The litter is not being cleared as it should be the contractors employed by Basingstoke and Deane. One of the Councillors will therefore meet as soon as is possible with representatives from Basingstoke and Deane and the contractors, but it was felt that the best way to get the job done to a satisfactory standard was for the Parish to have its own Litter Warden. A concerted effort will be made to find someone to fill the post, and in the meantime various volunteers will collect litter on a rota basis.
Amenities.
The surface under the swings at Heath End is in the process of being replaced, and it has also become evident as a result of this work that the shackles holding the swings onto the frame need replacing also. The company carrying out the work are in the process of sourcing replacement shackles.
Moles are creating problems on the Recreation Ground in Woolton Hill, and steps are being taken to eradicate them.
Yellow and black tape is being provided from the Area Surveyor’s Department to be put around the recently repaired height restriction barrier at Woolton Hill Recreation Ground car park.
Transport.
Funding continues to be sought to provide better bus services within the Parish, and also to provide one or more bus shelters to add to the only one we have at Ball Hill.
Green Burial Site.
The Parish Council have written to West Berkshire Council expressing concern that the Code of Practice applicable to this site is not being adhered to. They have written back saying they are ensuring that this will be the case from now on, and that they have no intention to close the site.
Planning.
Amendments which have been made to the proposed development at Gore End Road now make the development much more acceptable, and there is a good chance the application will now be approved. The proposed erection of a Telecoms Mast at Hollington is being opposed by the Parish Council, although it is accepted that erection of such masts are seen as vital to the economy. An alternative site nearby may be looked on more favourably. A report recently received from Basingstoke and Deane accepts that, whilst they accept the legal position with regards to the use of the former Axe and Compass at East End is unclear they intend to do nothing on the grounds of expediency. The Council felt this explanation was not acceptable. The recent application to erect a light industrial unit at Harwood Paddock is in line for consideration by Basingstoke and Deane in April. However, the possible discovery of a rare mouse is still being followed up.
Donations.
The Council agreed to donate £100.00 to the Twinning Association.
Annual Parish Meeting.
This will take place on Tuesday 30th April 2002 in East Woodhay Village Hall. Various organisations within the Parish will be invited to exhibit, and local dignitaries invited to speak.
Queen’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations.
Response to letters sent to the schools and organisations within the Parish re a community event to celebrate the above has been disappointing. The cost of providing something more tangible within the Parish (possibly on the grassy area opposite Masons Court) to commemorate the occasion will be investigated and reported back at the next meeting.
Other.
A new Code of Conduct for Councillors needs to be adopted by the beginning of May. Proposals put forward in a Government White Paper to enable Parishes to apply for Quality Parish status were discussed at a Workshop in Basingstoke and Deane. The overall view of Parishes in the Borough was that the proposals were unrealistic.