Thruxton   

John McKenzie

AT the June meeting of Thruxton Parish Council with the chairman Cllr Charles Milner–Williams and Cllrs John Davis, Janet Graham, Mike Windsor and Ray Bradbury in attendance the following topics were discussed:
 

Tree planters: The idea of having large planters at the three main entrances to the village had been popular at the last meeting; hence the clerk had submitted an application to Hampshire County Council for a grant towards the substantial cost involved.
 

Bottle bank: There was discussion about the bottle bank at The George. There was controversy over the noise generated, and the general untidiness of the surrounding area, including the derelict building. The clerk had received a proposal to have a bottle-bank at the car park adjacent to the school and sports field. However, there was a unanimous view that the present bottle-bank at The White Horse was quite adequate, although the chairman pointed out that, as it is a ‘mixed glass’  facility, as opposed to a ‘separated’ one, it means that the contents simply go to landfill.  It would be good if it could be compartmentalised
so as to have coloured glass distinct from clear and thus be properly recycled.
 

Internet banking: Although the council was supportive of the idea of internet banking, there were still uncertainties as to procedures. John Davis would look into this, and report to the July meeting.
 

Jubilee Walkway: The chairman, referred to the recent opening of the Jubilee Walkway and the planting of ‘royal oaks’ at the school and at The Green. The Mayor and Rev Ian Tomlinson had taken a formal part in these ceremonies and a good cross-section of our community, with also County Cllr Pat West in attendance. He thanked everyone who had helped to make this a happy and enjoyable occasion.
 

Planning: It was confirmed that an application to build two four-bedroomed houses adjacent to Eastfield House would shortly come before Test Valley Borough Council’s Northern Area Planning Committee. The parish council will attend and hope to state their case.
A further planning issue had brought three residents of Thruxton Down to the meeting. They were greatly concerned by a scheme to create a solar farm
on land just to the north of Snoddington Lane.  It was pointed out that, as yet, no formal application had been entered, and that the site is actually in the parish of Shipton Bellinger. Nevertheless, the council were anxious to do all that lay within their powers to help the residents who felt that this construction would seriously damage the sylvan beauty of the scene which lies just across the valley to the north of them. It would be a blot on the landscape.
The chairman undertook to find out to what extent Thruxton would be entitled to have a say in the matter.
 

Finance: The clerk confirmed that her records were currently undergoing external audit, and the council readily agreed, having reviewed the clerk's pay, that she should benefit from an enhanced hourly rate.
 

Flooding: The chairman will attend a borough council meeting on flooding, where he had been invited to speak about Thruxton's response to this year's threat: a response generally deemed to have been highly effective and exemplary.
 

Aster Housing: Details received from Aster Housing concerning a flat to let in the village would be featured in the Thruxton Times, and posted on the main notice boards.
 

Speed: Dissatisfaction was expressed with the 30mph signs about being too small or facing the wrong way. The matter is to be brought to the attention of Hampshire Highways.
There was interest in the idea of ‘gated entrances’. Ornamental features had been shown to have the beneficial effect of causing motorists to slow down. Shipton Bellinger had already installed this feature.
 

Visibility mirror: It was noted that the visibility mirror at St Johns Lane had been broken. This would be replaced as soon as practicable, given that safety was involved.
 

Helicopters: There was renewed concern, expressed by Mike Windsor that helicopters were hovering and flying too low over the village. A letter will be sent to Western Air asserting this, and asking that pilots be reminded of guide-lines. However, in any particular case, the priority is to get the registered number of the aircraft involved and report it to the control tower as close as possible to the time of the offending incident.
 

Next meeting: The next meeting is on 2 July and the chairman for that meeting will be John Davis.