October 2003 PC Meeting Report

Report on the Meeting held
Tuesday 7th October 2003, Shawford Parish Hall

 

Minute’s Silence

Before this month’s meeting commenced, the Chairman asked members to stand for one minute’s silence to commemorate the passing of Mr. Ray Wilmshurst and Mrs Vanessa Smith. Ray Wilmshurst was a Parish Councillor for many years and had served as Chairman of the Parish Council for ten of those years. Vanessa Smith was the Caretaker at Shawford Parish Hall.

Train timetable

Discussions on the reduction in Train Services at Shawford were held, letters to the appropriate Authorities questioning the reductions had been sent. With full explanations for the reduction in services, the Parish Council will pursue the matter further in conjunction with local Action Groups established for this purpose.

Bushfield Camp Footpaths

The issue of Bushfield Camp, and the re-opening of the footpaths there, was discussed at length. It was stated that the Parish Council might find it appropriate to provide support to the pressure group who are endeavouring to have the footpaths re-opened, and monitor the situation as Bushfield Camp is within the Parish.

Aircraft Noise

General disquiet was voiced over the marked increase in Air Traffic and its failure to keep to the agreed flight path , into and out of Eastleigh Airport. It is understood that the Local Member of Parliament, Mark Oaten, is entering into discussion with the Airport Authorities over the impact the increased Air Traffic is having upon the residents of the Parish.

New Pavilion Project

Mr. Paul Murray reported on the progress of the New Pavilion project. The roof is now on the building and the project is within the schedule for the opening on the 20th December 2003. Whilst some problems have arisen in respect of connecting the services, these are being actively addressed and will be resolved.

Planning

Cllr. Mr. Martin Bell reported upon the Planning Application for the development of Southdown School. Whilst members had reservations upon the sustainability question together with Traffic Management issues concerning the access roads to the site, the Parish Council were supportive of the project. Comments will be sent to Winchester City Council, Planning Department, supporting the proposal but at the same time expressing the Council’s concerns.

Cllr. Mr. Martin Bell also reported upon the Planning Application concerning the development of three dwellings at Silkstead Priors, Shepherds Lane. Again the Parish Council were supportive of the proposed development and will convey this to Winchester City Council, Planning Department.

Bus Shelter – Attwoods Drove

Cllr. Mrs. Celia Simmons reported that the new Bus Shelter, to be installed at the end of Attwoods Drove, will be installed on the 20th October 2003. The delay has been caused by the very large Public Liability insurance demanded by Hampshire County Council, Highways Department. However, the contractor has resolved this issue and the project can now proceed to fruition.

Civic Service

The Civic Service is to be held on Sunday 26th October 2003 and all preparations are in hand. The Mayor of Eastleigh, the Mayor of Winchester together with the local Member of Parliament will be attending.

M LANGFORD, CLERK