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Annual Report

Chairman’s Report - April 2009 to March 2010

Introduction: At the time of writing the term of office for the Parish Council is coming to an end after 4 years and a new council will be elected on May 27^th and I would like to thank all the councillors for their hard work during the year.

The Year in Summary:

The Office and Clerk: Although some people are still unaware of its existence, the parish office has been in use for a year and is proving to be a real asset. Our new clerk, Derek Kane, settled in well and quickly became au fait with the vagaries of local government.

Waste water issues - Southern Water (SW): Following many years of tankering and overpumping of raw sewerage into the Bourne Rivulet at times of sewer infiltration, caused by rising water tables, major investments were made by SW over recent years to repair and line the sewer system.

However, SW failed to deliver a sealed system fit for purpose and, pointing the finger at leaking private laterals, attempted to install a ‘permanent’ overpumping scheme. This caused a public outrage, was rejected by the parish council and had to be withdrawn.

In the meantime SW’s contractors ‘4D’ are progressing three individual so called 'cut and push' schemes to prevent backing up of sewerage into the most affected houses. ‘4D’ confirmed that sealing works on the main sewer and repair of additional leaks identified had to be abandoned due to severe ground water infiltration, and therefore tankering is still required.

The parish council is keeping up the pressure for a permanent solution and is now involved in regular discussions with key stakeholders to achieve this over time.

Village 30 scheme: The Parish Plan is listing speeding as the highest rated problem. The Parish Council is pleased to announce that following negotiations, approvals and public consultation, the Village 30 scheme as featured in ‘Hill & Valley’ in March is scheduled to be fully introduced by June this year.

The scheme will restrict speed to 30 mph along the whole stretch of the B3048 from the Stoke end at Green Lane to Lower Link and incorporate Gangbridge Lane.

Land Registration: The clerk initiated the move to register all areas for which the council have responsibility, following an offer from the Land Registry to register all land belonging to Parish Councils at a minimal cost. This involved researching documents proving that areas, such as the recreation ground, had been given to the parish. This has been completed satisfactorily.

Lake and Environs: Following the re-fencing last year, a new signboard has been installed. It was painted by Hilary Jones and partly funded in memory of a member of the model yacht club. Our thanks go to Hilary for producing such an attractive sign.

Recreation Areas: All the play areas and sports grounds continue to be well used and the sports clubs continue to flourish.

Footpath Project: The footpath project began in November 2008 with Lorraine Cousins, then parish clerk, and Colin Henderson attending a Rights of Way conference in Alton which included a workshop on “Producing a Walks Leaflet”. Matched grant funding was applied for by the Council from HCC and this was secured for the 2009/2010 financial year.

On Lorraine’s retirement as Parish Clerk in May 2009, she kindly agreed to continue with the project in conjunction with Councillors Henderson and Foote. A leaflet template was provided by Hampshire County Council and 4 suitable walks were identified, each starting at the Recreation Ground where facilities such as parking, lavatories and the shop were already in place.

The leaflet was produced in March, showing each of the walks colour coded with waymarkers and the feedback we have had has been very favourable. A copy of the leaflet was delivered with Hill & Valley to all households in March, but more are available in the shop.

Community issues:

The Shop: Following the change in status of the Post Office, the inside of the shop has been altered and new equipment installed and many new lines are now being stocked. Despite this, the shop still needs more customers and we urge people to continue to support it as much as possible.

Planning: For the year 2009 (January to December) we received 60 Planning Applications upon which to comment and supported 52 of them (B&DBC refused 9 of these supported applications) and objected to 8 of them. (B&DBC passed 6 of these objected-to applications)

Precept: The precept for 2010/11 has risen from £17,829 to £21,171 and represents an increase per elector per annum of £3.30. As well as providing for up & coming projects, reserves and contingency, the parish council has also had to meet the rental cost of providing a parish office in the village centre as well as a drop in investment income.

Events: Please continue to support all the events that are held in the village on behalf of the many and varied charities

The Lunch: This is a welcome and well supported community event, appreciated by all those who attend and thanks are due to the organizers and helpers.

The Scrapbook: This is now being compiled by Lorraine Cousins and Margaret Payne who are very pleased to receive photos and items of village interest.

Litter-pick: In March, Patrick and Fiona Foote again organized a “litter-pick” of the areas not covered by Gordon Barton. It was a rather wet day and thanks go to them, and all the people who turned out. Thank you also to Alan Wolfenden and Gordon Barton for their continual work in helping to keep our village clean and tidy.

Proposed “Stopping-up” of part of the Smannell Road: This proposal by the developers building the new estate at East Anton will now, because of the pressure from the affected Parish Councils, be taken to a public enquiry. As yet we have not been given the date but we are in contact with Smannell Parish Council and are working together on this.

Bridget Culley
Chairman, St Mary Bourne Parish Council - April 2010

This page was last edited on 27 Apr 2010