December 1998 PC Meeting Report

The monthly meeting of the Parish Council was held on 1 December with Mr AD Walmsley in the Chair.

Election:

A Poll for the Election of one Parish Councillor is to be held on Thursday 17 December.

District Councillor’s report.

Cllr Mrs Campbell-White reported that the latest feasibility study for Bushfield camp shows Park and Ride provision for between 700 and 1000 cars as well as athletics, hockey and football facilities. The City Council is arranging for councillors from affected parishes to have a tour of all potential Park and Ride sites south of the city.

Police Report.

PC Barham submitted a list of recorded crime in the Parish for the period 1October to 1 December: 3 dwelling burglaries; 9 non-dwelling burglaries; 4 vehicle crimes; 1 damage; 1 drugs; a total of 18 recorded crimes. Following a series of offences in October, PC Barham recommended that parishioners check the security of their garages and garden sheds. The Council reported an incident of vandalism to the pavilion and changing rooms.

Parish Transport Representative’s Report.

A written report had been received from Mr M Eyre with a recommendation that the Council continue to press hard for a proper, quality bus service. The report contained a suggestion that diversion of sufficient journeys on the 29A route (Winchester and Compton and Shawford) should be made to provide a service on more days and with more choice of journey times. Cllr. Wilmshurst reported that with its new timings the daily service was now more useful to shoppers and was being well used. Cllr. Wilmshurst put the view that a well used once daily service from Compton Street might be easier to sustain than a more frequent service where each bus was lightly used.

Aircraft Noise-Compton and Shawford.

A copy of a letter from Group Captain MEH Dawson to Mr Colin Hobbs, Managing Director, Southampton International Airport, had been received proposing that a meeting be held in the early part of the New Year and listing suggested matters as a basis for discussion.

Parish Millennium Celebrations.

Cllr Walmsley and Cllr Wilmshurst are to arrange a meeting with local bodies in January.

Planning matters.

The subcommittee is to consider the application of Mr A Butler for the erection of a five bedroom dwelling and double garage on land adjacent to Highdown, Cliff Way; and noted that permission had been granted to Mr and Mrs J Venn for the construction of a grain drier with elevator pit and reception hopper with associated landscaping on land at Silkstead Farm, Hursley.

New Pavilion.

The Council’s architect had drawn up amended plans to take into account several of the City Planning Department’s concerns. For example the clock tower had been removed at their request. Despite receiving several letters in support of the revised design, the planners still favour the original simple barn-like design for which we already have planning permission. More negotiations are needed and will take place.

Compton and Shawford Community Association

are working hard on the refurbishment of the hall and the lease of the hall and caretaker’s cottage to them. The Council is grateful to their Hon Sec Mike Matthews for all his hard work.

Parish Hall refurbishment and extensions.

Builders’ quotations have been received by CASCA ranging in costs from £155,000 to £172,000. The Parish Council on 2 June 1998 had agreed to contribute a maximum of £142,000 to the project.

Remembrance Day:

It was noted at the wreath laying ceremony that the area around the Wayside Cross was overgrown with weeds. The site to be cleared of weeds next year, and particularly in time for Remembrance Day.

Highways, Byways and Environment:

Overhanging trees/bushes are obstructing the pavement and obscuring sight lines on Otterbourne Road. HCC to be contacted on the matter.

Shawford Down Car Park:

Council to write to HCC to request erection of a height barrier to prevent the use of the car park by high vehicles such as those used by “travellers”. It had been part of the original intention for the car park that such a barrier be installed.

Shepherds Lane bridge – Bus Shelter:

Following requests from parishioners, the Council is to investigate sources of grants towards a new shelter for the southbound side.

Civic Service:

In 1999 it will be the turn of Compton & Shawford PC to host the annual joint Civic Service of our parish and Otterbourne. A letter had been received from Mr Derek Davidson on behalf of the PCC suggesting Sunday October 24th 1999. [Note: the date was later confirmed as 17th October 1999 in order to avoid half-term].

DWH Richman
Parish Clerk
December 1998