Village news: King's Somborne (From Andover Advertiser)

Village news: King's Somborne

10:30am Friday 19th December 2008

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EIGHT councillors attended the November meeting of the King’s Somborne Parish Council, together with the clerk Peter Storey, the footpath warden Dr Steve Rake and Pc Benton.

The following topics were discussed: Public session: Pc Benton took note of the presence of travellers in Up Somborne and Cllr Robbie Lane’s comments on the incidence of speeding along the Winchester Road. He also commented on support among the youth of the area for a youth shelter and it was thought appropriate to discuss this at the annual assembly next year.

Footpaths: The footpath warden produced a list of those areas which would benefit from remedial work and which could be undertaken by those undergoing community service.

This is to be followed up by the clerk.

Top Field: An independent valuation of the possible purchase price of Top Field will be obtained before any further approaches to Test Valley Borough Council.

The matter will be discussed further at the February council meeting.

Test Valley development: The borough council is organising a series of seminars at which the public can express their views on the latest proposals for development across Test Valley over the next 20 years.

These proposals will be published on the borough council’s website and Cllrs Dick Dyke and David Room will attend one of the seminars.

Bus shelters: There were 57 returns made for the bus shelter questionnaire which was sent to all households in the parish, and they showed an overwhelming support for new bus shelters of a wooden design to replace the three existing unattractive shelters.

Parish plan 2010: Cllr David Bidwell reminded the meeting that, with most actions cited in the 2005 parish plan now fulfilled, an updated view of the parish and its longer term requirements could be of benefit.

It was thought that residents were unlikely to welcome another 13-page questionnaire in the immediate future but a new plan for completion in 2010 could be useful. Volunteers would be required to undertake this task and a suitable article could be placed in The Gauntlet.

Bio-diversity project: The establishment of a bio-diversity project in the parish will be pursued. As the aim of this project is the maintenance and enhancement of wildlife in a particular environment, suitable areas should be near to passers-by for interest and schools for education.

Mini-projects could include wild flower areas to encourage insects, bird boxes to attract birds and a pond development as a feature of interest. Possible locations cited were the copse adjacent to the play area on the King’s Somborne recreation ground, Top Field and part of the John O’Gaunt Palace field.

Youth cricket: A need has been identified for an all-weather cricket strip for young players and a suitable location was agreed adjacent to the cricket square.

Scouts: A grant aid application form will be submitted in respect of a suitable fire detection system and exit door for the Scout Hut as the present system has been condemned.

War memorial: Some local families may now wish to have the names of deceased relatives added to the War Memorial. An article about this will appear in The Gauntlet.

Bus service: The Wilts and Dorset bus service from King’s Somborne to Winchester was taken over by Stagecoach from 3 November.

This has resulted in a slight change to timetables and also a larger vehicle being used, thus easing the overcrowding issue on the early morning service to Winchester.

The cemetery: Estimates will be obtained for the overgrown hedge along the cemetery boundary.

Tennis and all weather sports surface: This project has now been formally abandoned.

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