AMPORT PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday December 8th 2003 ^at 7.45pm at Amport School

Mr I. Morrison, (Chairman), Lt Col Stephens, (Vice Chairman) Mr Maurice Hardy, Mrs C Mallam, Mrs S.Hammer, Mr T. Southern, Mr Ian Long, Mr George Bacon, Mrs Diana Preston
Mrs Suzanne Hoare (Clerk) and Mrs Unwin, the village correspondent plus 1 member of the public
Apologies Mr Neville Geake

2. Minutes of the Previous Meetings

These were agreed and signed.

1. Amport TalkBack
   This item was introduced by David Preston, his demonstration showed the layout of a Forum, he described how a web manager was needed run the site, he stressed there would be no unofficial adverts and that blind e-mails would be forwarded, protecting recipients from SPAM etc.
   The current website is visited by 30-40 individuals a week.
   The Parish Councillors then discussed the role of the talkback initiative. It was felt that at first it would be an output service i.e. publicising the VDS and fete for example, but it was hoped that over time and with sufficient support it could develop into discussion and comment forum as well.
   It was agreed that Carolyn Mallam and Tim Southern should work with David Preston to produce a survey questionnaire to be delivered by hand to each home within the parish. This will contain an indication of how talkback will be used and stress the benefits of such a service. For Jan Meeting.
   The Chairman thanked David Preston for coming to the meeting.
2. The Green and Play area on the Green
   Carolyn Mallam reported that the final work on the play area should be completed this week.
   The mattas under the swings has effectively raised the level under the swing seats and these will be now need raising. It was agreed that necessary maintenance work on the seats and swings would be carried out shortly.
   Tony Darbyshire has planted the Dick Aubertin memorial oak, Maurice Hardy will bring full details of proposed plaque to next meeting.
   The Guidelines for Events on the Green were felt to be flexible enough and applications will be judged as they arise. The Sea Scouts application for a fete on Sunday 13^th June 2004 was approved.
   Grass cutting on the Green, a second quote needs to be obtained as part of the financial risk assessment George Bacon to complete this matter.
   The Ownership of the Green and the ability to grant easements has again been raised by Derek Roberts; he asks whether the Parish Council should seek Possessory title or is it something Residents on the Green should consider. After discussion it was felt that the council should follow up their previous letter to Hampshire’s County Solicitor and await a reply before consulting our own solicitors. Clerk/IM
   George Bacon has contacted BT concerning the Phone Box on the Green. It has been Grade 2 Listed and will be repainted in 2004; the internal light has been repaired.
3. Village Design Statement
   Charles Stephens reported that around 40 people attended the first meeting at the School on November 20^th, this produced 25 volunteers and the next meeting in January will be used to create teams to investigate issues. Money for this project is thought to be available from outside the Parish.
4. Footpaths, the investigation into who owns the land for each footpath continues.
   Quotes for next years proposed cuts are to be sought MH
5. Light Nuisance. Maurice Hardy has spoken to the Landlord of the Amport Inn and he is to change the white lights for orange, and will be asked to ‘switch off’ the lights by 12.30am at the latest.

4. Planning Applications

1. TVN.01739/15 Erection of double garage with storage over ( amended scheme) Haydown Farmhouse, Wiremead lane East Cholderton No Objection
2. TVN.LB 00645/1 Demolition of conservatory and erection of replacement conservatory, garden walls and swimming pool. Cholderton Park, Cholderton Road Amport. No Objection
3. TVN.03171/2 Erection of Replacement conservatory, garden walls and swimming pool Cholderton Road Amport No Objection
4. TVN.04076/9 Creation of agricultural field track, Southfield Holdings Amesbury Road Weyhill Amport. No Comment
5. TPO.TVBC.00120/15 Crown thining, removal of epicormic growth and deadwood 5 Lime trees Lime Tree Lodge Sarson Lane No Objection subject to the aboriculturist

1) TVN.02002/13 Erection of Summerhouse/agricultural equipment store, Broad Meadow, Sarsons Barns Amport Permission

The budget update for 9 months to Dec 8^th was presented along with a projection of the financial position as at 31^st march 2004 this was linked to the proposed budget for 2004/5
These figures were discussed in detail and approved by councillors present, a sum of £200 was added for routine expenses connected to the website. Councillors will set the precept for 2004/5 at the next meeting.
The following cheques were presented, approved and signed by Ian Morrison and Charles Stephens

S.A.Hoare Dec salary plus council expenses of 29.19  £ 232.69
Mr Horne Oct-Dec payment cleaning bus shelters         £ 30.00
Tony Darbyshire supply/ plant oak                              £ 230.00
Southern Water quarterly bill                                        £ 44.57

Clerk to contact HAPTC regarding invested capital

Amport School will be congratulated by Ian Long for their recent performance in the school league tables, it was felt this should take the form of a Christmas Card.
Sue Ryan, the Chairman of Monxton PC, has contacted the council regarding support for the village hall, which they propose to rename Monxton and Amport Village Hall. This is to become an agenda item.
A letter of thanks has been received from Oliver Sutton regarding his retirement gift.

George Bacon explained the current position with low flying and urged parishioners to gather as much detail as possible before contacting 0207 218 6020 MOD/DAS Complaints/Claims number

1. Carolyn Mallam asked if the fencing adjacent to the old watercress beds was sufficient from a safety point of view, Maurice Hardy will check.
2. Diana Preston reported that Gypsies were encamped along Skew Lane for 2 weeks but had now left.

Meeting Closed at 9.52pm

Date of next meeting Monday January 19th 7.45pm at the School.