AT the April meeting of Nether Wallop Parish Council with Cllrs Ian Carpenter, Jon Cotterell, Lynne Curry, Ross James, Helen James, James MacDonald-Smith, Edward Souter (chairman), Test Valley Borough Cllr Peter Boulton, the clerk and one member of the public present, the following topics were discussed:

Highways: The chairman read some of the report received from Hampshire County Cllr Andrew Gibson as follows: There have been a significant change in Highways management and from August a new contractor, Skanska, will take over from Amey. The county councillor conducted a comprehensive tendering process which was won by Skanska. At the same time a new capital investment programme for the highways was agreed.

The county council has purchased a number of vehicles which use advanced technology for pothole filling and road repair. This means an end to doing one pothole at a time and gives the workforce much more flexibility and should accelerate completion and improve quality. However, parishes should continue to report potholes and other problems on the website portal and record the reference number so quality and delivery can be monitored to completion.

Playing fields: Ian Carpenter reported that he has replaced the two swing seats. The RoSPA inspection will be carried out in May. One of the wooden planks is worn. Jeff Brisco has done a full electrical check on the pavilion. It was confirmed that the cleanliness of the pavilion was the responsibility of the users.

Nether Wallop Village Hall: The chairman reported that a review of income and expenditure on the hall would be carried out.

A complaint had been received from the neighbours of the hall about noise during a function. The trust has been waiting for the hall to dry out and some windows require frosting panes. This work would now be carried out before Easter.

The chairman congratulated the hall bookings manager who has done a lot of work.

Matters raised by councillors: The chairman proposed that Nether Wallop Parish Council merge with Over Wallop Parish Council in view of the struggle to find councillors and the combined work undertaken such as the Village Design Statement. Much discussion ensured with some councillors voicing concern over the implications and Jon Cotterell urging caution. James MacDonald-Smith felt that finance would need investigating.

Peter Boulton reported that the historical boundary will remain and that in any case a consultation period possibly of approximately two years would be mandatory.

It was resolved that the chairman prepare a scoping document to investigate the feasibility of an amalgamation of the two parishes. Peter Boulton suggested a conversation with the electoral division within the borough council. Parishioners are encouraged to attend the annual parish meeting to discuss this.

In the event of an adverse decision at Over Wallop Parish Council there would obviously be no point in proceeding.

Helen James reported that an advertisement would be drafted and sent to HALC as well as the parish magazine inviting applications for the position of Clerk / RFO. There would be a short lead up on the closing date for applicants of two weeks.

Jon Cotterell enquired about the possibility of installing a defibrillator at the hall.

He also wondered when the county council would do their speed monitoring along the A343 at Jacks Bush.

James MacDonald-Smith enquired whether the village green river bank would have any changes on the work done. The chairman replied that the banks must be solid to support the mowing and that original wattle fencing had rotted away. He added that decisions would be up to the village green committee.

Date of next meetings: The annual parish meeting will be held on 8 May at 7.30pm followed by the next monthly meeting in the village hall.

Pippa Grob