AT Abbotts Ann Parish Council's statutory annual meeting, neither the chairman, Cllr Beth Deacon, nor the vice-chairman, Cllr Elizabeth Howard, wished to continue in office.

Beth Deacon read a prepared statement expressing her view that "long-standing animosities" had prevented the council from operating efficiently over the past year. She said her misgivings on becoming chairman after the retirement of Cllr Bernard Griffiths had proved correct. There being no volunteers for either vacant post, elections were deferred to June. Beth Deacon had to preside for the meeting.

Minutes: The clerk confirmed that signed minutes could not be changed. An objection if considered necessary could be noted in a subsequent meeting. Cllr Sally Coffey asked why a resolution submitted by four councillors was not on the agenda. The clerk explained her reasons. Bernard Griffiths said the clerk had discretion in compiling the agenda.

Burial ground: It was contended that the burial ground sub-committee, established in February, was invalid. Elizabeth Howard had attended a training course on cemetery management. She advised that anything connected with the burial ground was solely the clerk's responsibility and not subject to discussion in a sub-committee. Cllr Susie Bleeker commented that a discussion group did not change the authorising power of the clerk. The clerk would take advice.

Future meetings: Meeting dates were agreed, including two to be held at Burghclere Down.

Standing orders: During the review of standing orders, Cllr Andrew Hayter suggested abolishing the role of vice-chairman as the council was small. Councillors disagreed. However, they agreed that anyone wishing to record meetings must advise the chairman and clerk in advance. Revised standing orders would be posted to the village website and be available in the shop.

Public participation: A resident commented councillors had all worked extremely hard to get through the bureaucracy required and, referring to the chairman’s statement, said there were no ‘long-standing’ problems between councillors.

Test Valley Borough Council: Borough Cllr Graham Stallard offered to help with funds for the village shop. On traffic matters, he hoped some of the money raised from fines for vehicles using barred routes could be used to assist areas affected by those traffic infringements.

Hampshire County Council: County Cllr Andrew Gibson being absent, his report was read out.

Planning: Some plans were past the due date for response. Graham Stallard reassured councillors that the borough council would consider late committee submissions providing decisions were still pending.

Correspondence: The chairman of the parochial church council had written serving a request on the parish council to take over the churchyard maintenance under the Local Government Act 1972. The clerk was asked to investigate further and report to the next meeting. Complaints had been received about dog mess and inconsiderate parking along Dunkirt Lane. Councillors agreed poor parking could prevent access by emergency services. Cllr Brian Sims said the landowner should erect a warning notice.

The Charities Commission had written suggesting the charity established historically for the Recreation Ground for Children be terminated as it was not active. Only ‘zero’ returns had been submitted, annually. Andrew Hayter said it was the responsibility of the trustees, who appeared to be the individual members of the previous parish council. This would be explored.

Funding request: Councillors approved an application from the village shop committee for help with repairs to the air conditioning and for refurbishing the vacated flat above.

Prior to closing the meeting, Beth Deacon announced her resignation from the council, as did Elizabeth Howard. Bernard Griffiths thanked them both for their hard work.