AT THE February meeting of Amport Parish Council it was mentioned that they were still looking for a further member to join the council, which normally has ten councillors.

The following topics were then discussed:

Solar funding sub-committee: The committee had not met again since distributing the various grants but were pleased to hear that the cricket club had been able to purchase new nets and were actively encouraging new young members.

As the council still have some of the grant money available, there was a discussion as to whether to obtain a speed display device for East Cholderton, where there are often complaints about speeding motor vehicles. However, this could cost up to £3,000 and there is also the obligation for it to be moved every two weeks, which results in further expense. They would consult with nearby villages to see if there was the possibility of sharing.

Another item which could be acquired with the remaining money was a new mower for the churchyard; it was thought that a reconditioned one might be obtained from Wyevale.

Broadband: It was hoped that the renewed work by Openreach would result in the village finally being connected to the faster system. Some of the westerly parts of the village have only been getting speeds of 0.2 mps so that would be very welcome. According to the Openreach website it could be connected within the next four months.

Highways: The two problem areas of Wiremead Lane and the road across The Green are continuing to deteriorate with no apparent prospect of road repairs being done. A resident from The Green had suggested that perhaps that stretch of road could be improved by self-help, but the council decided that it was really a Hampshire Highways responsibility and needed proper treatment.

The Chairman, Cllr Ian Long, said that he would be writing again to complain in the strongest possible terms about the lack of attention to these roads which are rapidly becoming quite dangerous.

Footpaths: The path past the fishing lake has now been widened and levelled. Although it is at present very muddy it is hoped that, in spring, grass will start to grow.

The Green / Fen: Considerable tree-clearing work on The Green had been done over the past weekend by a team from the village and some new trees were planted. There are still some dangerous trees in The Fen which will be dealt with shortly by Carl Cafferty and there are benches there that will need to be repaired or replaced.

The council wondered whether someone from the village would like to sponsor a bench in memory of a relative.

There are also plans to plant bulbs such as native bluebells, wild daffodils and snowdrops in The Fen. The board showing butterflies which may be seen in The Fen is being repainted by Amanda Davies and will be re-erected shortly.

Lengsthman: The Parish Council are still asking that parishioners should suggest other tasks which could be carried out by the Lengsthman.

Weyhill footway: This job has recently been assessed by Hampshire County Council but unfortunately it will require more work than previously thought since the existing path only consists of a very narrow strip of tarmac.

Graveyard clearance: The council discussed the possibility of getting a community team together to do some clearing in the graveyard opposite the church, but the Parochial Church Council feel that it should be professionally done since it would require specialist equipment.”

Play equipment: Cllr Johnny Kitson has been consulting with Gemma Pearce, chairman of Amport School Parent Teacher Association (PTA), about the choice of new play equipment for The Green. There may be the possibility of a grant of extra money from Test Valley Borough Council, apart from the £5,000 from the solar fund.

Amport school: The PTA had asked for permission to put two bike racks in the bus shelter opposite the school. The council approved the expenditure of £93 for this as they felt it would encourage more children to bicycle to school.

Caroline Unwin