PRESENT: Cllr AD Walmsley (Chairman); Cllr NJ Campbell-White; Cllr R Wilmshurst; Cllr Mrs JM Millar; Cllr AB Hazlitt; Cllr AP Lockett; Cllr HR Peake; 89 Parishioners.
In attendance: County Cllr Mrs A Bailey; Pol Con C Barham; Mr PD Bayless, Assistant County Surveyor.
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS. The Chairman, Mr AD Walmsley, welcomed everyone to the Annual Parish Meeting, and introduced Members of the Parish Council and the Clerk to the assembly.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE had been received from Cllr Mrs JP Appleton; Cllr Mrs MS Davis; Mr H Pilbeam; Barbara Acheson; PD Morton; Barry M Nicholson; Mr and Mrs Tooley; Alan Walker; Diana de Winton; Mrs Cross; Mr and Mrs Young; G de la Mare; Mr and Mrs Witham; Mr and Mrs P Moll; Mr and Mrs Hackett; Mr and Mrs DR Davidson;
Winchester District Housing Association.
MATTERS ARISING ON THE MINUTES. Mrs A Gilman raised the matter of school parking and asked why the Parish Council are not pursuing the possibility of parking in Church Field. Cllr Wilmshurst advised that parking by childrens' parents is not a dead issue but one which the school and School Governors are looking at all the time, but Hampshire County Council will not find any scheme for parents parking. The Parish Council and School Governors are pressing for a pedestrian gate in the fence by the school notice board, which will make safer access to the school for pedestrians. Cllr Mrs Bailey advised that Mr PD Bayless, Assistant County Surveyor, has been involved in the issue of parking and is aware of the problems and is to look at the provision of a pedestrian gate.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT ON THE PAST YEAR. The chairman started by welcoming so many of the public to the meeting and contrasted it with the 6 people who had attended Otterbourne's annual meeting the week before.
He thanked many people for their contributions during the past year - his fellow councillors, Dennis Richman, the parish clerk, Vanessa Smith for her work as caretaker, Frank Smith for doing so much maintenance around the village, Andy Dyble for presenting the parish with a snooker table and Peter Davies for storing it, and Clive Barham our beat officer.
He thanked his predecessor Bob Jordan for all his hard work during his tenure of the chairmanship, in particular for his identification of the souvenir value of the old White Star Line plates and his work on the sports club lease.
He thanked George Beckett for all his work first as a parish councillor and then as our City Councillor and deprecated the anonymous letters which had led to Cllr Beckett's resignation in February 1996. He remarked that the best way to commemorate George Beckett's service would be to push ahead with some of the projects that he had supported - particularly the replacement of the sports pavilion.
Strategic Gap. It was at the previous year's Annual Parish Meeting that we discovered that Winchester City Council had, without consultation, decided to reclassify part of the land between Shawford and the M3 as no longer part of the Strategic Gap. We succeeded in having this decision reconsidered by the City Council planning committee at a public meeting attended by the chairman and several other parishioners. However the WCC upheld their earlier decision and maintained that the land would be adequately safeguarded by countryside policies.
Football pitch location. After considerable discussion and public debate last June, the football pitch had been moved 15 metres east, for a trial period of one year, to satisfy the request of a parishioner who complained about balls entering his drive, and to reduce the safety risk of footballers running across the road to retrieve balls.
M3. The chairman reminded members of the public that since December 15th 1995, one year after the M3 was fully open, it had been possible to submit claims for compensation. Several agents are acting for villagers on a "no win no fee" basis.
On the subject of M3 litigation costs, although this parish has paid its agreed contribution, £8735.93 of the Treasury Solicitor's costs are still owing. The other parties to the suit have now raised this sum. The parish council recommended that the debt be settled but we were outvoted by the other parties to the suit who decided to place it on deposit until payment is requested by the Treasury. We are a co-signatory to the deposit account and thus can ensure that the money is not withdrawn for any other purpose.
The Parish Council, after three years of negotiation, has finally agreed favourable terms for the acquisition of about one and a half acres of filled-in land at the edge of the playing field. We should shortly complete the purchase for £2750. The Chairman thanked Nigel Pugh for his assistance in drafting letters on this subject, and MP Gerry Malone for writing many letters in support of our cause
Airport Noise. The Chairman thanked two parishioners, Group Captain Monty Dawson and Robin Tice, for their excellent work in preparing and presenting proposals to Eastleigh Airport management about the route mg of aircraft. Their proposals have largely been incorporated into a plan published by Eastleigh Borough Council. This plan was made final in early April and should come into effect during the summer. This is a very considerable coup for the parish. The new routes should result in reduced aircraft noise in the parish and we are much indebted to the two gentlemen named above.
Tree Warden, Footpaths Representative. The chairman thanked Tom Threlfall for taking on the role of tree warden so effectively, and thanked Barrie Hazlitt, who has decided not to seek re-election to the Council, for his work over the years as footpaths representative. The chairman regretted that he had to report that once again we had received complaints about the state of footpath 37 between Hurdle Way and Clease Way.
Civic Service. The joint Civic Service with Otterbourne had been hosted by Compton and Shawford in 1995. We had, for the first time, extended the invitation to the reception after the service to the entire congregation instead of just the official party. Thanks to the Wilmshursts and to Jean Davidson and her team, the catering bill was less than Otterbourne would have budgeted for just the official party. The Parish Council had discussed whether, like Otterbourne, we should have a chain of office for our chairman. The chairman thanked Doug Lincoln for making sketches of possible designs, but reported that the Council had decided that a chain of office would not be an appropriate use of public funds.
Traffic safety. We continue to review the traffic congestion in Compton Street outside the All Saints' Primary School.
In November 1995 the council had written to the County Council pointing out the dangers of the unlit crossing at the end of Compton Street. Unfortunately, early in 1996, there was a serious accident in which a young girl had her leg severely broken after alighting from a bus at that point. The Parish Council are now pressing the County Council for an urgent review of road safety in the area.
Parish Magazine. The Parish Council continues to use the Parish Magazine to bring important matters to parishioners' attention, and we make a contribution to the publication costs.
Parish Computer. A computer has been purchased for the clerk, with costs shared equally with Otterbourne Parish Council. The Chairman thanked the Clerk for persevering in his attempts to master new technology.
Welcome Pack. The parish council, in the person of the chairman, has taken over the publication of the Welcome Pack from Ken Staunton who had been maintaining it for several years. To conform with the law concerning keeping this kind of contact information on computers, we registered under the Data Protection Act. The information in the Welcome Pack has also been made available on the internet. For those who have access to the internet from home or at the office, the address is (currently) http://ww3.hursley.ibm.com/compton/index.htm.
Conclusion. As this was the end of the Council's four-year term, the chairman looked forward to the new council which would have its first meeting on 7 May with several important projects to pursue:
PRESENTATION AND ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTS. Copies of the audited accounts for the year ended 31 March 1995, and the unaudited accounts for the year ended 31 March 1996, had been circulated and which were explained by Cllr AP Lockett. Following a proposal by Mr AR Taylor, seconded Mrs JA Walmsley, and in the absence of objections were adopted.
PARISH HALL MANAGEMENT SUB-COMMITTEE. Cllr NJ Campbell-White reported that the parish hall continued to function very much the same as the previous 3 years, and Mrs Vanessa Smith remains as caretaker and with her husband Frank continues to run the hall efficiently. Plans for both short and long term improvements to the parish hall had been put on hold, pending a decision as to what was to happen to the surplus land attached to the hall. Following the 'in principle' decision of the Parish Council in February, that the land should be sold, the council agreed that £60,000.00 of any proceeds should go towards improvement of the parish hall. Cllr Campbell-White's report included itemised works and costings to support the estimated £60,000.00. He further reported that we continue to try and let the parish hall but income is not on budget, bookings are down on the last two years and running costs are still averaging around £3,500.00 p.a. loss. With the sale of White Star Line plates, and the lack of expenditure on improvements this year, the actual cost of running the hall this last year should work out at apprx. £2,800.00. He reported that the sale of White Star Line plates has dropped considerably and there are no immediate future sales being negotiated.
PARISH HALL CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS Cllr Mrs Millar reported that a committee has been meeting regularly to discuss and plan for this celebration which will start on Friday 6 December 1996, the date recorded on the wooden plaque at the door, with a party based on the CASCA Christmas 'do' successfully run by Peter Moll in past years. The Parish Council centenary exhibition will be on the walls all that week and there will be other events including a quiz night, musical evening and, on 14 December, a party for young folk Mrs Millar expressed thanks and paid tribute to the committee, also, many people who have offered help and support. Mrs Millar concluded by advising that the hall caretaker, Vanessa Smith, had attended every meeting with her 'booking diary' so is fully informed on the provisional dates set for the various events.
PLAYING FIELDS MANAGEMENT SUB-COMMITTEE. Cllr Wilmshurst reported that the Parish Council are fortunate in having two excellent playing fields but unfortunately suffer from the problem of dog excreta, which is a health problem not only for sports people but for everybody using the facilities provided. The Parish Council takes great care of our playing fields and this past year have carried out a maintenance programme on the trees surrounding the Memorial Playing Field, and will replace those removed. We are weedkilling the playing field and grass cutting is contracted out to Artel Services Ltd who we feel do an excellent job. We are extending safety surfacing under the seesaw at the Memorial Playing Field and installing safety surfacing under the slide and seesaw at the childrens playing field, Compton Street. The Parish Council's pavilion on the MPF has been given a cosmetic painting but the main structure is fast deteriorating. This building is a major asset to the village and should be rebuilt as soon as possible. He reported that a parishioner had suggested that bowling be provided on the MPF and your Councils' response had suggested that if a club and committee could be formed and provided the Council with its proposals regarding financing etc it would be considered. From this suggestion it was understood that short mat bowling in the Parish Hall would be investigated. Cllr Wilmshurst concluded his report by advising that new prohibition signs will soon be erected on Field Way verge. Thanks were expressed to the Chairman and to fellow members of the sub-committee.
HIGHWAYS, BYWAYS. RIGHTS OF WAY AND ENVIRONMENT SUB-CTTEE.
In the absence of Cllr Mrs JP Appleton, the report of this sub-committee was read by Cllr HR Peake, which stated the last year has seen the sub-committee involved in the tidying-up activities associated with completion of the M3, also, involved members in the HCC Hearing into the future of the Otterbourne Incinerator site. The report further stated that over the year the sub-committee has successfully made representations to the appropriate authorities to cut verges, keep footpaths clear and accessible, trim back hedgerows, ensure regular maintenance of street lighting and cleaning of subways. The report also detailed events concerning a tour of Shawford Down with local residents and HCC Maintenance Team to explain management and routine maintenance; re-alignment of footpath and provision of new steps between Shawford Down and Station Yard; attendance before HCC Roads and Development Sub-Committee to present the case against the continued use of Otterbourne Incinerator; traffic direction signs; speed limits within the parish; and provision of bus lay-bys.
BUS SHELTERS. Cllr Wilmshurst reported:
Compton North Bound. New shelter supplied and repositioned by Tarmac Construction Ltd under M3 contract.
Compton South Bound. Block work rebuilt by Tarmac Construction Ltd. Alleged damaged by contractors. Order placed for roof to be refelted.
Southdown North Bound Damaged by M3 contractors and now out of position due to re-alignment of road. The Council have claimed for damage and have received £1000.00 from Tarmac Construction and £1300.00 from our insurers. The replacement bus shelter will match the new one at Compton and the contract for associated works has been awarded to a small contractor. Hampshire County Council will not accept any contractor who has not got continuous £2 million insurance cover. We now have again to seek tenders from larger contractors who have the necessary cover. We hope to have the new shelter repositioned by the end of September.
PLANNING SUB-COMMITTEE. Cllr Mrs JM Millar reported that the sub-committee have been especially grateful to George Beckett for all his help to the PC on many questions in this field. It is hoped that the new Local Plan will be fully adopted and implemented as it has many advantages for our lovely village and its environs. Thanks are due to City Cllr Audrey Hobbs who has kindly looked after our interests since George Beckett resigned. She also reported that the sub-committee continue to monitor the orange site notices posted to alert neighbours and passers-by to building applications and we supplement them when necessary, Our thanks are due to parishioners who have contacted the PC with comments. While trying to reinforce genuine causes for objection the PC try in general to take an overview for the whole Parish's good which includes protecting our precious countryside around the village. Mrs Millar gave a quick update on the "Affordable Housing Scheme in ComptonVillage" survey we circulated for the Hampshire Voluntary Housing Association. She reported that there had been 14 responses from:- 5 single people, 1 pensioner, 1 couple with no children, 7 couples with one or more children. The Housing Assn will now investigate further as this response is likely to prove sufficient need for approximately 6 homes to be built. We await further news and will keep you informed.
Parish Hall Development Site. On the matter of the parish hall development site, Cllr Mrs Millar reported that acoustic and arboricultural surveys have been made and 3 tentative alternative ideas for the site are available as a basis for ongoing discussions. She advised that the PC would also be happy to pursue options of some play facilities such as boule, badminton, volley bail and man sized chess, which could be incorporated in the extended car parking areas which would only be full for occasional large bookings of the hall. Hampshire Gardens Trust and Mr Merrick Denton Thompson have both recently given talks to local bodies, and have really exciting ideas on landscaping for the local publics' enjoyment particularly for school children to learn about and appreciate their surroundings.
Cllr Mrs Millar concluded her report as follows "The development of this whole piece of Parish land in a complimentary fashion, incorporating as many improvements, particularly from the point of view of immediate neighbours, so that all work is done in one fell swoop and that the site can be of benefit to us all for the next 100 years"
SPORTS CLUB LEASE NEGOTIATIONS. Cllr NJ Campbell-White reported that negotiations are proceeding and an 'in principle decision' has been made to grant the Sports Club a 25 years lease when the Tennis Club lease will be altered as required to be compatible and coterminous with the Sports Club lease. He reported that the PC have agreed to purchase the surplus M3 land adjoining the Memorial Playing Field for £2750.00 which will provide for an extended MPF where we can form a new access from Shepherds Lane direct without having to access the current pavilion via a residential lane. It is now proposed to build a new pavilion on the edge of the old field, extending into the new land with parking thereon. The covenant placed on the new land is the same as for the original playing field except with a penal clause were the land in the future be considered for development. Outline planning permission for a new pavilion is to be submitted. Cllr Campbell-White continued his report by advising that the PC agreed in March to contribute, if necessary, apprx £30,000.00 from the sale of the surplus land adjacent to the parish hall towards a new pavilion and might probably be prepared to contribute more money subject to all safeguards re management, control, overall design and contributions from the Sports Club. It is broadly envisaged that the PC would be responsible for the building and fabric and the Sports Club for furnishings and fittings. The Sports Club have drawn up initial sketch layout plans, to cater for each section's needs, and at the last joint meeting with PC, were left with the task of hardening up likely architect's costs, building costs and fitting out costs, together with initial professional sketch designs and elevations. He further reported that it is the intention of the Sports Club, with the backing of the PC, to apply to the Sports Council for Lottery funding for cash help for a replacement pavilion and facilities to cater for any other new sports that may in the future be proved to be required. The application would most likely include additional two tennis courts required by the Tennis Club but the position is yet undecided. Cllr Campbell-White additionally reported that a new constitution is being drawn up, for approval by all Sports Club Sections and the PC; and that a specimen lease for a recently formed golf club, together with the existing leases for the Sports Club and the Tennis Club are now being circulated to decide whether a completely new lease should be drawn up or the existing lease be adopted. A fresh lease will ensure that all existing facilities are covered, but these will not exclude any future sports that may be required by parishioners. There is to be a meeting on 24 May, to explore the formation of either or both a bowls club or a short mat bowls club. Cllr Campbell-White's report concluded with advice that the National Sports Council have advised that team sports, and general sports activities will change quite significantly over the next 15 years and that flexibility will be required in any future use of playing fields or clubs. The PC as owner of the Memorial Playing Field and Pavilion will be mindful of this when drawing up a lease.
SCHOOL GOVERNORS' REPORT. Cllr R Wilmshurst reported as follows:
Compton School remains a very popular school and has a strict admissions policy.
I serve on the Admissions Sub-Committee and am a strong believer that Compton School is for Compton children first. The government is continually interfering with the educational policy causing frustration to the teaching staff and making the task and responsibilities for Governors most complicated. A trial of the new Voucher System is in process for 4-5 year olds and is the cause of problems as a parent can spend their vouchers at a play group and still put their child down for a place at Compton School to enter at 5 years old. Not only does the school lose the value of the voucher but the space cannot be filled in the reception group. The voucher system has been given to a firm like Camelot and you can see this is a costly process. (a diagram of 'The Voucher Trail' of 9 stages from Child Benefit Agency to School was displayed). Since the last Annual Parish Meeting there has been quite a turnover of staff and the school has employed Jane Harding for 10 hours a week to teach pupils with special needs. With all the staff changes the school, children and staff have coped very well and education has not been unduly affected. The school will be subject to Ofsted Government inspection during 1996/97. After a period of regular break-ins, a security system is now installed in the school and should any passing parishioner hear the alarm sounding please 'phone the police. The average class size is 30 and the conditions are accepted as not ideal with the temporary buildings. The County Architect's Department are looking into ways of building in the future to replace the temporary classrooms but finance will be the problem when the plans are drawn up. Tarmac Construction, the M3 contractors, resurfaced the hard play area in the school free of charge as a sign of their appreciation of how the school, parents and children coped with all the disruption during their contract. Compton School Association give great support to the school with help and finance. The report concluded with the statement that we have an excellent village school and long may we keep it that way.
LOCAL POLICING. PC Clive Barham introduced himself to the assembly and explained the nature of his duties and the extent of his beat, and followed with a review of recent crimes committed in the area.
QUESTION TIME FOR PARISH COUNCILLORS AND COUNTY COUNCILLOR.
Mr AJ Cory-Wright raised the matter of the serious accident to his au pair girl after alighting from a bus and from the badly lit refuge island on the main road at the end of Compton Street and strongly condemned the inadequate lighting by reflective bollards and pressed for street lighting to be installed. The girl tripped due to poor lighting.
Mr PD Bayless (Asst County Surveyor) responded that this was the only accident reported this year and that the Compton location does not qualify for expenditure on lighting the island area. Money goes to lighting sites where there is a record of 7 accidents or more in a 3 year period. There are different ways of providing lighting and he will look at possibilities.
Mr RE Jordan stated that problems have arisen since completion of the M3 due to DoTp road designs and competition for funds. He also stated that damage only accidents are not reported to the police.
Mr R Thomas asked if HCC could put pressure on the DoTp regarding design layouts. Mr PD Bayless responded 'no' - matter for HCC.
Mrs G Coleman confirmed the general consensus that the area of the island refuge is dark and dangerous due to bad lighting.
Mrs A Gilman, former Chairman of the Parish Council, advised that she tried to get the junction modified, which was promised after completion of the M3. She also emphasised that there is poor vision/sight lines at the junction.
Cllr AD Walmsley stated that he will enquire if HCC would fund a safety survey possibly by the Parish Council.
Mrs A Gilman asked if the Parish Council could press for traffic calming measures at a later date with the object of slowing traffic through the village.
PARISH HALL DEVELOPMENT LAND. The Chairman, Cllr AD Walmsley, gave the history of the matter to the assembly, and read letters from Mr EJ Boundy and Mr PJ Gorrod.
A statement of 'Parish Hall Development Options' had been distributed with the Notice of Meeting and Agenda to Parishioners.
Mr M Hegan of opinion that the Parish Council had resolved to sell the land without consultation with parishioners.
Mrs VJ Roberts stated that we are lucky to have two playing fields, also, that it is a pity to build on the hall land which could be a public garden or play area. The land should remain 'undeveloped' in case of future need to enlarge the hall.
Mr K Staunton of opinion that something should be done to ensure that the land does not remain an eyesore.
Lady Parishioner - land in a Victorian area and part of a 'Victorian Housing Estate'.
Mrs A Gilman asked who would want to buy a house next to a railway.
Gentleman Parishioner - PC should apply to the Lottery Fund for development money. Response Cllr Walmsley - Lottery money not available at present.
Mr RE Jordan. Is the PC going to honour past commitments to hold a Poll? Response Cllr Walmsley. This is the first stage of the consultation process and PC would welcome Shawford Village Residents' Association into a Poll.
Mrs ME Boundy expressed opinion that the PC has already reached a decision in the matter. Response Cllr Walmsley. The Sub-Committee had recommended that the PC sell the land.
Parishioner. Is the proposed sale of land to enable rebuilding of the sports pavilion. Cllr Walmsley. No. Parishioner - would not object to a new pavilion.
Mrs J Lockett. Attendance at Tennis Club AGM would have revealed agreement to rebuild the pavilion of similar size.
Mr M Hegan. In view of the PC holdings and growth of the investment money is there any need to sell the land?
Parishioner asked if it is essential to sell the land.
Mr HWS Ree. About 100 not in favour of sale of the land but 1189 on Electoral Roll.
Parishioner. Are we to have a referendum?
Cllr Walmsley. We will have a 'poll', 'referendum' or 'consultation'.
Mrs L Brace. Raise the money to enhance the village.
Mr JMA Gilman. PC should have consulted before resolution to sell. Possibility of Lottery money, grants etc. More thought needed.
Mr EJ Boundy. Not against the provision of a new pavilion, which will need good management. Parishioners want to be asked if they want anything at all. He expressed willingness to assist with a referendum.
Cllr R Wilmshurst. The distributed Shawford leaflet contained some untrue statements.
ClIr AB Hazlitt reported that the Shawford Village Residents' Association regularly discussed the parish hall land matter with him.
Thanks were expressed to Mr and Mrs Gilman, Mr Beckett and Cllr Walmsley.
Thank were also expressed to Cllr AD Walmsley for chairing the meeting so patiently.
The meeting was closed.
updated 14 June 1997 by Adrian Walmsley to correct a transcription error - see Parish Magazine report