Whiteparish Parish Council

PARISH COUNCIL NOTES
From the meeting held 31st March 2005 in the Village Hall

Annual Parish Meeting
Ten members of the public attended the Annual Parish Meeting which was held before the Parish Council meeting. Matters raised were: the Chairman read out a letter from County Councillor Bill Moss in which it was suggested that a permanent traffic light system be installed in The Street. Several villagers spoke and among the objections were: traffic speeds up to make the green light; The Street is not wide enough for lights outside the shop; trade at the shop dropped off by an average of 40%. The Parish Council later agreed to reject the proposal. An enquiry was made about the route of the New Forest National Park boundary - the Chairman described the route and agreed that the centre of the village is outside the park. The Clerk of West Dean promoted the idea of using the SDC free help to make a Whiteparish sector on the southwilts.com website, rather than use the village website whiteparish.co.uk. The Annual Parish Meeting closed at 7.50 pm and the Parish Council Meeting commenced then.

Matters Arising from last meeting
Intelligent bus stop pole on the green opposite the shop - The Passenger Transport Unit at WCC had replied to suggestions made by the Transport Committee to reduce the impact of the new pole on the village scene that the only suggestion possible is to paint the pole green. A mock up is to be provided and this is awaited. Properties subject to an agricultural tie condition of occupancy - In response to a PC query, SDC replied that an applicatiion for a certificate of lawful use to remove an agricultural tie condition of occupancy was refused. At least one of the applicants had been last employed locally in agriculture. Painting of railings round pond opposite Courtens Garden Centre - It has been confirmed that the contractors should be re-painting very soon after Easter. Temporary stock-piling of top and sub-soils as part of the restoration scheme at Biffa Landfill Site, Southampton Road - No enforcement action has been taken by WCC on the height of stockpiles and the type of materials used despite many requests for action by the PC. A letter of complaint to be sent to the Chief Executive of WCC. Damage caused in the village during the diversion of A36 traffic - the Transport Committee had written to Wilts. Highways Partnership requesting a survey of the village to be carried out. A reply received that safety inspections had been undertaken on the diversion routes and that defects, where identified, had been repaired. The Transport Committee to carry out their own survey and report any defects found to the Clarence defect reporting system. Village Hall funding - the plans for the village hall had been sent to HM Customs & Excise together with details of proposed funding sources. A reply received that this was useful but that they need to do more research and consult more widely before a decision as to whether VAT will be payable on the refurbishment costs can be made. Information received from DEFRA that if the project is split into two (the actual building and then the fitting out of the building) public funds (ie Parish Council funds) can be used for one project and a DEFRA grant for the other.

Finance
A letter had been received from the Treasurer of the Parochial Church Council thanking the PC for the recent grant.

Rights of Way
Footpath 3, parallel to Newton Lane, continues to be blocked and unmarked. The WCC Footpath Warden is following this up. The South Wiltshire Ramblers carried out a survey of the Rowdens Farm/Cowesfield area of the village together with the Footpath Warden. As a result of this, they have erected four new stiles. A letter of thanks to be sent.

Environment
Courtens Garden Centre have offered to plant up the floral tubs opposite the shop for the summer if the plants are bought. Sponsorship to be sought within the village. Members commented that the spring bulbs looked very good; thanks to be sent to Courtens for supplying and planting the bulbs. Following an enquiry by the PC, it has been ascertained that WCC are responsible for the maintenance of Green Close and carry out six-monthly inspections when any defects are rectified. Although Green Close is on the list for re-surfacing, it is a low priority. A request to be sent for quicker action to be taken.

Planning
The appeal against the Enforcement Notice served on land at Hop Gardens/Newton Lane has been dismissed. The track, hardstanding and access must all be removed.

Anchor Staying Put
This is a Salisbury based charity that helps older and disabled people stay in their own homes. They have recently moved to new premises at 35 Catherine Street where they have a showroom of the services and facilities they provide. They will visit people's homes to assess the needs and inform them if they are eligible for a grant.

Next Meeting
Villagers are very welcome to attend the Parish Council Annual General Meeting which will be held at 7.30 pm on Thursday, 12th May, 2005 in the Village Hall where they will be able to speak at the discretion of the Chairman. Please contact the Clerk or any councillor if you can't attend and wish to raise any village matter.

Anita Boakes, Parish Clerk, Tel. 884646
The Gatehouse, The Street, SP5 2SG
E-mail DandA.Boakes@care4free.net

Click here for CLARENCE (road and lighting defects) or call 0800 232323
Click here for ALDERBURY POLICE STATION

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