AT the December meeting of Thruxton Parish Council with Cllrs Charles Milner-Williams (chairman), John Davis, Janet Graham, Mike Windsor and Ray Bradbury, together with Hampshire County Cllr Zilliah Brooks and Test Valley Borough Cllr Pam Mutton in attendance, the following topics were discussed:

Sports field car park: Regarding this matter a meeting had been held with 22 Engineer Regt RE to discuss improvements. Ray Bradbury had produced a plan and developments are now awaited.

Village gated signs: The clerk had submitted designs to a company capable of producing these and now awaited quotations. It is hoped to progress this at the next council meeting.

Mullenspond: Following up on last month's complaint that this local beauty spot had become invisible from the roadway due to hedges and other vegetative growth, the clerk confirmed that she had written to the landowner. So far there has been no reply.

Neighbourhood Plan: John Davis reported on progress the ‘vision statement’ having been agreed. Discussions are continuing and submitted invoices are not being paid yet. It was noted that the grant of £3,800 relating to this project needs to be spent by the 31 January Anything unspent will have to be returned to Groundforce.

Parish lengthsman scheme: This scheme involves a group of local parishes getting together, applying for a grant, and working together with Penton Mewsey Parish Council who are doing the organising.

Insurance: The clerk advised that all volunteers, councillors and employees are covered in the event of accident.

County councillor’s report: Zilliah Brooks spoke about problems with hedges where the landowner is remiss in keeping them properly cut back. If the request to the landowner was formally made in writing, and if it was ignored, the borough council could intervene, get the work done, and invoice the landowner.

She is still working on getting a reduction of speed limits in the area and was soon to have a meeting with Hampshire Highways on this matter. Borough councillor’s report: Cllr Mutton also spoke about the delays and problems in getting 20mph speed limits established in the villages.

Defibrillator: On the question of the future siting of the defibrillator, given the uncertainty surrounding The George where it is currently fixed , it was said that the Hall trustees would be happy for it to be fitted there , provided this did not conflict with the Hall's status as a listed building. The point has been made to selling agents for The George that the appliance remains the property of the village.

Budget: Most of the rest of the meeting was devoted to the Budget for 2107 / 18. It was clear that there would be extra pressure on council finances and some provision needed to be made by increasing the precept. It was noted that residents had not responded to last month's invitation to express views on figures posted on the noticeboards. It was proposed, and agreed to raise the precept to £15,250. This equated to about £8 per average household for the year. It was also decided to grant £400 each to The Sports Trust, The Parish Church and the Hall.

The chairman had previously declared an interest in two of the grant applications; one from the Parochial Church Council of which he is treasurer and one from the Hall Trustees where his wife is chairman.

Trees: Worries were expressed about some overhanging trees on Village Street, towards the westerly end and these will be looked into, first of all to establish responsibility.

Next meeting: On 1 February.