Meeting held on Thursday  2^nd December 2004 in Itchen Abbas and Avington Village Hall.

 PRESENT: Alison Matthews (Chairman), Cynthia Bolton, Jennifer Ffennell, Steve Gapper, Elaine Labram, Geraldine Phillips, Eric Thompson, Paul Twelftree, Joyce Edgell (Clerk).

One member of the public was present. The meeting was also attended by Geoffrey Williams and Chris Ward of Brian Jezeph, Planning Consultants to discuss the planning application for a hotel at Morn Hill. 

11.1 APOLOGIES: Martin Woodcock 

11.2 MINUTES of LAST MEETING

The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 4^th November were approved and signed. 

11.3 MATTERS ARISING                                                                                                                  ACTION

a)      Couch Green

No news from the plumber re the damaged drain cover. ET to investigate.                                                                                                                      ET

Football nets have been purchased. 

b)      Low Cost Housing

The Southern Water building has been demolished and removed. Southern Water are starting to redirect the piping very soon.

FP will contact Ursula Benyon to discuss the applicants for the houses.                 FP            

c) Finger Posts and Sign in Church Lane, Easton

            As Norman Beaumont has not started the sign for Church Lane, Easton, this is to be left for the time                         being.                                                                                                                              JAE

            EL will ask the owners of Rosebank if they will agree to a new sign saying “Church Lane” being attached to their                         wall.                                                                                                                                    EL  

d) Footpaths

            The improvement to the surface of the St. Swithun’s Way footpath will be started shortly. The footpath will not be                         closed.

HCC  own the Railway Line footpath. The estates department to meet to discuss what can be done to keep the             footpath in better order. It was suggested that maybe it could be extended to Bridget’s Lane with a zigzag path             down onto the Couch Green play area.

CB reported on the Hampshire Community Access Forum Seminar she had attended with JAE.

            A letter has been received from the Trail Riders Fellowship, who want to open up certain tracks for 4WD                         vehicles. Advice has been received from HCC and no response will be given until there is an inquiry.

CB asked if someone could check the footpaths for the time being. EL offered and FP will help.

e) Traffic Calming

            The surface at the new junction at The Cricketers was approved. JAE to write to Graham Clifford to say HCC                         can progress.                                                                                                                             JAE

            PT to put an article in the magazine.                                                                                           PT 

f)        Easton Cricket Club

No response to JAE’s letter. 

g)      Standing Orders/Secret Ballot

AM suggested that a resolution be added to the Standing Orders that:

“When a vacancy occurs on the Parish Council and is to be filled by co-option  (no valid request for an election having been made) if there is more than one candidate those Parish Councillors present at the relevant meeting of the Parish Council shall vote by written secret ballot. The votes shall be counted by the Clerk who shall then declare the result”.

PT proposed that this resolution be adopted. CB seconded this proposal. This resolution was carried unanimously. 

h)      Freedom of Information Act 2000-Workshop 8/12/2004

JAE to attend 

i)        Banner signs at Percy Hobbs

Two banner signs have been erected at the Percy Hobbs. One is on the roundabout and one down Chapel Lane. Neil Broadbent says this is acceptable. PT to enquire if this is on HCC land which could present a problem.                                                                                                                         PT                                                                                           

11.4 COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS and QUESTIONS 

                        CB reported that the hedge has not been trimmed by the seat at the Police House and the trees are                         overhanging Shelley Close pavement. JAE to mention this to Andy Morphew.   JAE 

                        SG stated that the Web Site is still not functioning. He will put an article in the magazines to say that anyone                         wanting a copy can e-mail JAE who will send them one.                                         SG 

                        EL said a cheque for £50 will arrive shortly from the Easton fun day to help with insurance costs for the Old                         School Field.

                        A caravan has been parked in a lay-by for some time. She will contact the travellers' liaison officer. EL

                        EL commented about potholes on the road between the Golf Club and Avington. JAE to contact Neil                         Broadbent.                                                                                                                       JAE

            EL had received a comment from a resident as to why there was no road sign in Easton to help the emergency   services. They now use  GPS. 

11.5 FINANCE