PARISHES OF WEST TYTHERLEY & FRENCHMOOR

 

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

 

Minutes of the combined Annual Meetings of the two Parishes held on

Tuesday, 12 May 2008, at 1900h in King Edward’s Hall

 

 

Present: Councillors: A. Bowditch (AB) (Chairman); J.Guy (JG) (Vice Chairman); T.Mousley (TM); L.Bowditch (LB); J.Bundy (JB); A. Mavrogordato (AM); L.Koetser (Clerk); Councillor N.Whiteley; Councillor M.Woodhall; D Lyon (DL) Tree Warden; Jane Gimpel – West Dean PC; John Lancaster – Affordable Housing Enabler and six members of the public.

 

Apologies for Absence: E. Dowding (ED)

 

1.      Minutes of Annual Parish Meeting held on 14th May 2007

 

These were signed by the Chairman, Councillor A. Bowditch, at the monthly meeting of the Parish Council held on 11 June 2007.

 

2.      Affordable Housing
John Lancaster a Community Housing Enabler, gave a talk about the steps taken to find appropriate sites for affordable housing in the village.  He thanked John Guy and the rest of the Parish Council Members for their work administering the recent ‘Housing Needs Survey’ and confirmed that it had been a great success.  He urged people to apply to Test Valley Borough Council and get on the housing list. 

 

3.      Report from HCC (Cllr. M. Woodhall)

 

Cllr Woodhall thanked the Council for it’s involvement with the County.  He confirmed that efforts were being made to solve the drainage problems outside the village hall and he did not think that main drainage would ever be installed in the village.  He commented on the new plans for Outreach Services in the village Post Office and offered his support and help for new ideas for sustaining the village shop.

Cllr Woodhall commented that HCC were still planning for housing for the period 1993 to 2011, Test Valley being immune to development except for Andover.  However, the Government are now pushing for housing projects to 2026. 

Following the contribution to fund the refurbishment of the football pavilion showers Cllr Woodhall said he had more available funds this year and would welcome suggestions for its use.  AB asked if HCC would be willing to donate to the Hampshire Air Ambulance this year.  Cllr Woodhall said there were no plans to aid the Air Ambulance because as far as HCC were concerned this is a NHS issue but HCC would provide venues and assistance to help raise money for the charity.

 

4.      Report from TVBC (Cllr. N. Whiteley)

 

Cllr. Whiteley thanked the Parish Council members for their support throughout the year.  He confirmed that the majority of the Test Valley Borough Council budget is spent on the following:

police services, cultural activities, health and well being and will also be used to protect the Test Valley landscape.  He said TVBC had increased efficiency and had reduced staff levels.  He said the free buss pass scheme was very successful but more funding is required to meet the costs.  Cllr Whiteley said the Core Strategy Preferred Options Consultation had been completed and there would be no developments in local villages in Test Valley except for Andover.  He commented that the consultation was kept simple and short to save money.   Cllr Whiteley said he was a member of PTP – Progress Through Partnership; this works across boroughs to increase efficiency.

 

5.      OPEN FORUM 

 

David Lyon asked Neville Whiteley if Test Valley Tree Officers could be less obstructive and were they really necessary bearing in mind that most householders were conscientious about the trees on their property.  Cllr Whiteley confirmed that there are only three Tree Wardens for Test Valley. 

John Guy reported evidence of abuse of the Concessionary Travel Scheme by users, who now got free travel to work if they were over sixty and by bus companies, who could easily incorrectly declare concessionary journeys, both at the expense of council tax payers.  Cllr Whiteley advised that TVBC were monitoring the situation. Cllr Whiteley said Test Valley had restricted use of bus passes until after 9:30 am to stop people using it to travel to work and Test Valley Borough Council would tightly monitor the situation.*

 

There being no other business the Chairman then closed the Annual Parish Meeting and invited those present to, after refreshments, to stay on for the monthly meeting of the Parish Council which would follow shortly.

 

*

at the time of signing these minutes, John Guy reported that bus passes can still be used before 9:30.

 

Signed

 

A.Bowditch (Chairman)                                                   Date