Councillor Tom Threlfall reported on the Itchen Navigation Project and advised that volunteers are being sought to assist with various issues connected with the refurbishment and maintenance of the Itchen Navigation. To this end, Councillor Threlfall will publish an article in the Parish Magazine, giving the details of what is required.
In his written report, Cllr. Tom Threlfall reported that the overgrown vegetation along the Navigation Towpath is on the appropriate "to do" list and will be attended to in due course.
Under the Agenda item concerning Footpaths, the Chairman, Councillor Adrian Walmsley, advised that a letter had been received requesting the Parish Council to support the initiative to have the Footpath from Warners Farm, upgraded to a Bridleway. It was considered that the current state of the footpath would have to be improved significantly by cutting back much of the vegetation and problems are envisaged in respect of horses crossing the bridge. Additionally, it was made clear that the Parish Council does not have the authority to change the status of a Footpath to a Bridleway, such authority lies with Hampshire County Council. However, the Parish Council would have no objection to the requested upgrade, provided that the resultant Footpath/Bridleway is made suitable for horses as well as pedestrians.
Mr Richard Trussler and Mrs Angela Trodd attended the meeting and raised the matter of significant amounts of Horse Droppings regularly being deposited on the Footpath between Hurdle Way and Compton Street. This footpath is not a Bridleway and therorectically should not be used by horses and their riders. This matter is of great concern to many parents of children using this footpath to walk to and from Compton primary School. The state of the footpath is considered to be a threat to the health of the children using it. No notices appear at the beginning or end of the footpath, prohibiting the use of the footpath by horses and their riders and it was requested that such notices be put up.
Councillor Patricia Caffyn had undertaken much research into this issue and found some problems concerning the putting up of notices. The Landowner can give permission for horses to use a footpath crossing his land. In this case the Landowner is unknown. Hampshire County Council disclaim any responsibility and it is therefore believed that the Highways Agency may be the Landowner. If the Parish Council put up the requested signs, legally the Parish Council could be responsible for any subsequent accident that occurred because of those signs. Accordingly, The Parish Council is reluctant to put up signs. However, the Parish Council is pursuing the matter of who owns the Land and at the same time will request the Highways Agency to clean the footpath on a weekly basis. Additionally, "polite" signs, requesting horse riders not to allow their horses to foul the footpath, are being considered. These signs which will not create a liability on the Parish Council could be placed at the beginning and end of the footpath.
County Councillor Charlotte Bailey reported on the proposed South Winchester Park and Ride facility, Compton Down roads and the suggested conversion of Footpaths designated as RUPPS to BOATS. On this last point it was stated that as the applications for conversion were submitted after January 2005, such conversion will not be allowed under the terms of the Government's Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill.
County Councillor Charlotte Bailey reported that the broken stiles and fences along Footpath 18 have been removed. They will be replaced when the farmer resumes the grazing of stock on the adjacent land.
Cllr. Tom Threlfall was charged with endeavouring to arrange for the Department of the Environment to make repairs to the footpath along the Itchen Navigation towpath, which had been reported as falling away into the navigation. Similarly, questions concerning trees falling across the navigation are to be addressed again.
Councillor Mr. Tom Threlfall, having been approached on numerous occasions in the recent past by Parishioners complaining of the lack of water in the Bishops Drain and related waterways, was pleased to report that the Footpath from Compton Lock to Twyford is now flooded.
In a written report, Councillor Tom Threlfall reported that the Department of the Environment will be attending to the repairs of the embankment on the Itchen Navigation, thereby stopping the extensive flooding across the meadows below the Malms.
Cllr. Mr. Tom Threlfall reported on the flooding caused by the collapse of the embankment along the Itchen Navigation, just below the Malms. Currently large amounts of water are flowing out of the Itchen Navigation, across the fields and into the river. The appropriate agencies have been fully informed of this and it is understood that remedial actions are in hand.
Councillor Threlfall also advised that the state of the footpath from Hurdle Way to Compton Street had been advised to Mrs. Giles, Rights of Way Area Officer South, with a view to getting it refurbished. Due to pressure of other work, it is uncertain as to when this footpath will be attended to.
Cllr. Tom Threlfall reported on Footpaths and advised the meeting that Mrs. Liz Giles, Hampshire County Council Rights of Way Officer, had informed him that a work-plan for repairs to Footpaths in the Parish was in hand.
Cllr. Mr. T. Threlfall reported that Hampshire County Council have committed to undertake repair work to the eastern towpath of the Itchen Navigation and parts of Compton Lock. Such work is due to commence on 3rd September and is expected to take approximately three weeks.
With the relaxation of the restrictions, due to potential Foot and Mouth disease, on Public access to footpaths within the Parish, Cllr. Jennings was able to report that all Footpaths in the Parish were now re-opened. Similarly, Cllr. Threlfall confirmed that the Towpath along the Itchen is now open for walkers, the water levels having now subsided.
Cllr. S.Jennings reported on the strategy of Hampshire County Council in the process of re-opening some of the Footpaths, which have been closed due to potential Foot and Mouth disease. H.C.C. are requesting Parish Councils to suggest Footpaths for re-opening.
With the restrictions on use of Public Footpaths [because of Foot & Mouth - Ed], the problem of Dog Fouling on the roads and verges around the Parish has become more apparent. Further notices are to be put up informing dog owners that it is their responsibility to clear any mess their dogs make.
The major issue with regard to Footpaths is the potential outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease. Cllr. Stuart Jennings advised the Hampshire County Council had printed and distributed Footpath Closure Notices, which he had arranged to put up. The Downs and car parks had been barrier taped. Farmer Venn had telephoned to express his thanks that the public had heeded the notices by keeping away from his land.
With the closure of Footpaths and some open spaces, a problem had arisen with the dog-walking community. With limited areas where dogs can be exercised, a concentration of Dog Fouling has been evidenced around the Parish. This is particularly so in Compton Street in the area of the Primary School. Various initiatives are to be pursued to encourage Dog Owners to clear up any mess their dogs make, with notices put up near the School and around the playing fields.
With regard to the Parish Trees, Footpaths and Compton Lock, there was nothing specific to report. The only matter worth mentioning was the Flooding along the Towpath, this is now receding. Walkers, wear your wellington boots.
Councillor Jennings said that as the function of this particular sub-committee is largely one of re-action rather than pro-action there was little in general to report. However, there was one concern and that was the roots of the poplar trees in the corner of the Memorial Playing Field through which a footpath runs. There is a danger that a walker, if not careful, could trip on the roots resulting in injury. The question posed is whether the Parish Council is liable? Putting down soil will only allow a temporary solution and the soil will soon erode exposing the roots. As the laying of soil would cost several hundred pounds this would seem a needless waste of the Parish's scarce resources. Legal advice is being sought and in the mean time please be careful.
Footpath 23 (between the railway and M3) This path was impassable on 19 April due to its being deep in mud and cattle excrement. The matter had been the subject of a strongly worded letter to the Parish Paths Officer, HCC.
Cllr Threlfall reported that despite the recent high winds, all footpaths are clear.
City Councillor Mrs. M Campbell-White reported that Hockley Viaduct may become a public amenity providing a walkway and viewing area.
Yew trees on the path through Yew Walk have been cut. Without admitting ownership or responsibility, the County Council has agreed to do a one-time cut of brambles overhanging the footpath near Kynance, Compton Street.
The Parish Footpaths Representative advised that obstructions had been removed and that all footpaths were open.
Reported that all were passable and that there had been no recent complaints. ClIr. Threlfall was congratulated on his completion of guide 'The Shawford Serendipity Trail' which freely stated that he had relied upon much original research by the late Barrie Hazlitt.
The footpaths representative reported all footpaths now open. The grass has been cut on footpath 37, between Hurdle Way and Clease Way.
last updated 9 April 2003 by Adrian Walmsley