Minutes of the Westleigh Parish Council Meeting held on the 9th January at 7.30pm
In attendance – Cllr’s Fairbrother, Gear, Burgess, Frajbis and Farrell-
Agenda
1. Apologies received in respect of the meeting – Cllr Biederman DCC, Selaine Saxby MP, Cllr Heard, Mark Thorne
2. Declarations of Interest – to receive Declarations of Interests from Councillors of any disclosable, pecuniary, or other Interests in items on the agenda – There were no declarations of interest
3. Minutes – to confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on the 6th November 2019 and any matters arising (Minutes already signed in December by Chair)
4. Co-
5. Correspondence and Communications – to include a summary of C&C received from the Chair and Clerk – (1) An offer to visit the Parish Council has been received from the Communications Officer for the Office of Police & Crime Commissioner, to give a presentation and answer questions. PC to write asking whether possible to visit in April or May. (2) An invitation to join an online workshop regarding policy drafting was passed to all present Councillors. (3) An email had been received by the Chair regarding the footpath from Tapeley. This is covered in section 9
6. County and District Ward Members reports – apologies received from both County and District (now also MP) Cllrs
Public Session – at the discretion of the Chair, any members of the public may speak following item 5 and before item 6 – no members of the Public attended
7. Finance – to receive an update on the current position, to receive accounts to pay, to note any income received, and any other matters relating – cheque no 100492 L Burgess £10 unpresented to date, cheque no 100496 NDC £495.40, and cheque no 100497 Westleigh Parish Hall £20 to be paid. All payments approved. The Council approved the final precept submission which is an increase of £570 due to the withdrawal of NDC support in 2020/2021. This will result in an increase of an average of £4.37 per rate paying household in 2020/21
8. Planning matters – notification received that the Planning Application from the Westleigh Inn to extend their kitchen had been approved
9. Westleigh Footpath update – Tapeley had obtained a quote of £2350+VAT to tarmac the footpath, and were happy to work with the Council on helping to pay for it. The Council still have a grant available of £529 to put towards the cost, plus an opportunity to claim a grant of £250 through District (not guaranteed). The Parish Hall also indicated that they would contribute £250. PC to submit claim asap, and also to confirm availability of the £529. Chair DF to liaise with Tapeley. It was also agreed that Cllr Frajbis CF would arrange to obtain ‘please shut the gate’ signs to be attached at each end of the path.
10. Housing Needs Survey – nothing further to report and this agenda item will now be removed from February
11. Eastleigh Defibrillator – Defibrillator received before Christmas. Awaiting installation quotes, PC organising. Also need to book an evening for 2 hours for defib training once installed. Cllr Saxby grant of £250 not accepted as defibrillator had already been purchased. Chair DF arranging repainting of phone box to improve the visibility of the defib location.
12. Highway issues – There is a blocked drain on the road opposite the Parish Hall, which causes water to flow down the road to the next drain. This could potentially be very dangerous if the temperature drops to freezing. Additionally, safety concerns were voiced regarding the closure of the layby on the main road by the bus stop. PC to raise concerns with County Cllr Frank Biedermann
13. Environmental issues – Concerns were raised by Cllrs regarding the seeming lack of progress in ‘sorting’ the West Living issues of flooding and mud slides. West Living residents met with Andrew Woollacott in November to express their serious concerns, and a contractor had been employed to clear the drains whilst individual residents cleared the mud. The residents discussed ways to help improve the environment and were keen to see a more sympathetic treatment of the fields and boundaries in line with Tapeley Estates biodiversity aims. It was explained that farmers are governed by the grants available. Councillors also expressed their concern regarding the severity of the hedge cutting in and around the Parish. PC to draft an open letter to Tapeley expressing those concerns.
14. Bus shelter – mural and sponsorship update – ongoing with some definite promises of sponsorship, and some to be chased up PC.
15. Summer Fete – inaugural committee meeting to be held on 15th January
16. Agenda items for the next meeting (Wednesday 5th February 2020) – book defibrillator training date
17. The meeting closed at 20.50hrs
