AMPORT PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 21^st June 2010 at 7.45 pm at Amport School

1. Present
Mr Ian Morrison (Chairman), Mrs Jean Arnell, Mr Bill Gore, Mrs Sarah Hammer, Mr Nicholas Hoare, Mr Ian Long, Mr Ashley Smith, Mr Neil Warren and Mrs Suzanne Hoare (Clerk)
Apologies, Lt Col Charles Stephens (Vice Chairman), Mrs Tanya Garman, and Mr Tim Southern TVBC Councillor.
The village correspondent and 1 member of the public were present.

2. Minutes of the Previous Meetings.
The minutes from the May meeting were approved and signed having been proposed by Nicholas Hoare and seconded by Ian Long.

3. Matters Arising from the last meeting and Declarations of Interest
Ian Morrison declared an interest in the Daisy cottage planning application for tree works.
Ian Morrison announced that Jean Arnell had tendered her resignation; Ian Morrison thanked Jean Arnell for her 3 years of service to the Parish Council.
Allan Maddern, a resident of East Cholderton, has expressed an interest in joining the Council - he will be invited to the next meeting and TVBC will be informed of the vacancy. Clerk

4. Reports and Meeting with Hampshire Highways
Mr Keith Thompson asked for an introductory meeting with the clerk and chairman of Amport Parish Council. 2 main areas of concern were discussed; the Track and the ditch on the Green with associated flooding at the bottom of Keepers Hill.
The ditch caused most concern. The edge of the road at the narrow point with the drainage ditch is being worn away as vehicles leave the road surface; this is mostly done by Lorries as they pass parked vehicles on the opposite side of the road.
The distance between the worn area and the ditch is now around 18 inches, this was thought to be a cause for concern by Councillors and after a site visit it was decided to move the Green advice notice board so that it alerts drivers to the narrowing, reflective patches will be added to the post. Ashley Smith advised that he could arrange this for the Parish Council. Further advice will be sought from Hampshire Highways on this problem. It was also suggested that the inlet pipe from the drains be extended further along the ditch where it moves away from the road.
Advice will be sought before any action is taken.
The drains between Keepers Hill and the ditch are cleared annually, perhaps to ease the risk of flooding. This could be performed more often.
The Cherry tree on the Green will be trimmed to improve visibility for children crossing from the Green back to School.

The Track
Keith Thompson advised that a tarmac edge would be required when the track is improved.
The specification for resurfacing the track needs attention and a meeting will be arranged between Ian Morrison, Charles Stephens, Bill Gore and Brian Nolan to ensure it is correct and it will then be checked with Hampshire Highways before being sent to several contractors to obtain quotes. Ted Perrin will be contacted for advice.

The Green and Amport Fen
Neil Warren has asked if he can be Officer in charge of the Green but wishes Ian Long to retain his powers over the play equipment, this was approved. A new safety inspection book with regard to the play equipment was distributed. The ROSPA report was given to Ian Long for his consideration before the next meeting; there were no obvious problems.
A vote was taken with regard to the goal posts on the Green, it was decided by all councillors present the 1 set of goal posts should be in place in the summer and 2 sets of goal posts will be in place in the winter.
The Fen is closed temporarily to remove Western Hemlock and it is hoped that this will be cleared away within the next week. Nettles will be hand pulled to control them this season.
Children from Amport School will undertake a butterfly survey in the next few weeks.

Footpaths and Highways
Bill Gore advised that the footpaths have all been cut by Clive Hutchinson and everyone was pleased with the quality of the work.
A further cut will be organised as and when necessary. Bill Gore was thanked by the Council.

7. Finance

The above cheques were approved by all councillors present tonight.
A three month budget update was presented to the council – most items were on budget. However concern was expressed over the approx 7% rise in the premium. Alternate quotes will be sought next year.

8. AOB and Correspondence

Nick Hoare left the meeting at 8.55pm
Caroline Unwin asked if the Parish Council would donate £100 towards the cost of a portaloo for a fundraising event at the Church – This was agreed by all those councillors present.
The Bus shelter at Weyhill was noted to contain rubbish –Sarah Hammer was asked if she could help with this. A note will be put in the parish magazine to try and find a person prepared to clean the Shelters at Weyhill/Fyfield IM
Sarah Hammer asked if it would be more viable for the section of the Parish North of the A303 to be part of Penton Grafton Parish. This has been discussed before and an approach will be made to Penton Grafton to judge their interest in this matter. IM Consideration will be given to contacting residents in this part of the Parish to see what interests could be supported financially by the Parish Council. IM
Neil Warren enquired about parking a coach during the summer fete – it was suggested outside the properties on the southern Green at the far eastern end.
Neil Warren also asked to see a copy of the Grass cutting contract, he asked that ‘The community and Pub’ be an agenda item next time clerk
A New Councillor training course will be booked on behalf of Neil Warren clerk
Jean Arnell raised the issue of noise at a party at the weekend – Brain Nolan commented that it was at Elmstead Park and that Pc Williams was looking into it.

The Meeting closed at 9.10 pm.

The next Ordinary meeting will be held at Amport School 7.45pm on Monday 19^th July