Nether Wallop:

Pippa Grob

AT the June Meeting of Nether Wallop Parish Council with Cllrs Michael Atkins, Ian Carpenter, Janet Pettitt and James MacDonald-Smith, Hampshire County Cllr Andrew Gibson, the clerk and one member of the public present the following was discussed:. 
 

Points from the floor: A resident enquired whether some hedge cutting could be done when turning right handed from The Square onto Heathman Street).  Going the opposite way towards the main road there is also a beech hedge which has grown right into the road and is now a safety issue. The landowner would be approached to deal with this without delay. In a worst case scenario the parish council may be advised to engage a contractor to carry out the work and bill the landowner.
 

Neighbourhood watch: Janet Pettitt has received no notification of any incidents via the website.  However she is aware that a green trailer has been stolen from a field along Airfield Road.
 

Playing fields: Ian Carpenter reported that the RoSPA inspection was carried out on 22 May. Despite two bags of bark being spread on the playground area there was a photo of a corner of membrane which was displayed.  Bill Cullen has raked over the bark. Ian has cleaned and removed any loose pieces of wood on the climbing frame. One new hard wood plank is required to replace an old one. The report commented that there is insufficient height on the guard rails but this is ‘low risk’. Ian reported that the deposit on the tennis court refurbishment is now paid and that a start date is awaited.
Michael Atkins enquired whether either Hants Playing Fields Association or The Lawn Tennis Association has agreed a grant.  Ian has heard nothing and would follow this up. In the case of the work on the court starting an email would be sent round to those on the village list compiled by Cllr Helen James and Anthony Whitaker would notify the other regular tennis players.  Gen Toyne Sewell has offered the use of his own tennis court.  Usual rates would be payable to the parish council.  
 

Village green: Ian Carpenter reported that the drainage is improving. Lots of marquees are being hired out. A generic risk assessment has been produced and hirers were required to sign a disclaimer. This year is the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the village green and there would be a special ‘Jazz on the Green’ in mid August to mark the occasion.  A letter to neighbouring households had been sent regarding a forthcoming wedding on The Green. 
 

Nether Wallop Village Hall Trust: Ian Carpenter reported that £500 was raised from the open garden event the previous Saturday. Over £90,000 has been raised for the trust in total. An architect would shortly be appointed.
 

Correspondence: Ian Carpenter reported on the letter from a resident at Jacks Bush who was concerned that the right of way from the A343 across to Hollom Down Road is overgrown with cow parsley.  This letter has been forwarded to the footpaths officer who has drafted an electronic reply. This would be sent to the resident by post
 

Matters raised by councillors: Ian Carpenter reported that Janet Pettitt wishes to resign as a councillor and has written to the chairman.  A notice of casual vacancy would be posted.
 

Points from the floor: Andrew Gibson reported that he looks after the rural portfolio.  The county council are allocated funds from the NHS to help keep older people in their homes and out of hospital.  He advocated tele-conferencing and apps as a means of communication.  James MacDonald-Smith felt this would be extremely difficult for older people and showed a lack of understanding. A discussion was held and this was unanimously agreed by all councillors present.  Ian Carpenter suggested that Andrew contact the Countess of Brecknock Nursing Home to find out about their nursing at home services.
Andrew reported that the county council would ask landowners to cut hedges and dig out ditches.
He would visit the parishioner who had alerted the council to the problem of the cats’ eyes not operating at Jacks Bush.
Ian Carpenter reported that potholes have been marked and photos taken but that the top dressing of roads is not working.  Andrew would follow this up.
 

Date of next meeting: The next monthly meeting will be held on 14 July 2014.