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North Baddesley Parish Council’s Meetings

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council's May 2011 Meeting

Cllr Knight opened the Parish Council's Annual Assembly by presenting Mrs Webster with a silver photograph frame as a memento of her time as Parishioner of the Year 2010. He then announced that Barrie Williams had been chosen as Parishioner of the Year 2011 and gave a short resume of his background. Mr Williams said that he was honoured to received the award and would do his best for the community throughout the coming year.

Reports were then given by the Chairman and by each of the Borough Councillors summing up events that had occurred throughout the past year.

The AGM followed with each member of the newly elected Parish Council signing their Declaration of Office and Declaration of Financial and Other Interests forms. Cllr Knight was then elected as Chairman and Cllr E Cosier as Vice-chairman for the forthcoming year.

It was agreed that a committee needed to be formed to oversee the installation of the children’s play area at the Recreation Ground and this will be one of the top priorities for the forthcoming year. The appeal by Perbury Estates for the application to erect 44 homes off Nutburn Road/Botley Road has been dismissed. The Parish Council agreed to adopt the Model Code of Conduct for the forthcoming year until new legislation due to be published in 2012 is available.

The Clerk has met with a representative of the Parish Council's Insurance Broker to ensure that their Insurance needs are adequately being met and to discuss the implementation of risk assessments.

Network Rail will shortly be commencing a 2 year project to upgrade the rail freight link between Southampton and Basingstoke via Andover. Works will be taking place on the track below the bridge at Baddesley. Further updates will be forthcoming nearer the commencement time. Network Rail's 24 hour helpline number is 08457 11 41 41.

Cllr Mrs Tupper has been liaising with Ray Alborough over parking problems in the village. A roadshow has been proposed for North Baddesley before the school holidays.

Several sporting events are being organised for Village Day including a motobility race involving several elderly residents on motor scooters. Prizes are very kindly being donated by Mark Stevens garage.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council's April 2011 Meeting

Stuart McClosky, the new PCSO covering North Baddesley introduced himself to members of the meeting. Stuart has come from Nursling and Rownhams and is currently covering both areas. House burglaries are down but garage thefts are on the increase with bikes and lead from roofs being the main items stolen. The PCSO's are monitoring certain issues in the village at the moment.

Problems in Emer Close have been resolved.

The Co-op is causing the police concern and also Fleming Avenue and an area of Bracken Woods.

Stuart suggested an article be placed in the Baddesley Beadle requesting residents to report thefts of bicycles to the Police giving details of serial numbers, makes, models, etc.

The possibility of the PCSO's having a stand at the Village Day was discussed. Stuart drew attention to the introduction of crime maps which can be accessed on the internet and show the amount of crime reported for a particular area.

Correspondence has passed between Cllr A Dowden, Tim Deacon, Neighbourhood Warden, and Donna Vernam, a representative of the owners of the shops in Seymour Parade. A request has been made for several improvements to be made in the area to help to deter youths from loitering around the shops and causing damage. Regular updates will be brought to the meetings.

Cllr S Cosier felt that it is worth considering turning off street lighting at certain times to save on the Parish Council's energy bill. Members agreed to give the matter some consideration.

The official opening of the Youth Club and the 2 car parks is due to take place on the forthcoming Saturday. The Parishioner of the Year, Mrs Webster, will be cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council's March 2011 Meeting

Invitations have been sent out for the official opening ceremony of the car parks and youth club to be held on Saturday 16th April 2011. There will also be a presentation to Alan Wiltshire of the Romsey Advertiser to mark his retirement. It was agreed that the Parishioner of the Year 2010, Mrs Muriel Webster, will be asked to perform the official opening by cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

Interviews for the position of cleaner at the pavilion have taken place and the position has been filled.

Despite numerous communications with BT a reply has been received from them that they are not prepared to remove the kiosk at the present time but will clean and repaint it.

With regard to the proposed parking restrictions in North Baddesley, the exhibition at the village hall has taken place and several councillors attended. It was agreed that the Parish Council would write to TVBC in support of the proposals.

Some developer contributions have been released towards the car park at the pavilion. A response to the Parish Council’s request for release of the final amount is still awaited.

Cllr Knight has visited the riding schools to discuss the recent incident captured on CCTV where a horse was ridden across the Recreation Ground damaging the turf. The owner of the riding school has confirmed that the horse-riders are not members of the school. After investigation the culprits have been identified and warned that a repeat of the incident will lead to prosecution.

There were discussions over changes that were happening in the community at the present time with unemployment. Cllr Knight explained that he is involved with several community groups and that the Parish Council is keeping updated with new legislation, ie the Localism Bill. However, he felt that funding might not be forthcoming for several projects and volunteers were needed. Romsey Youth Centre is under threat of closure and the Community Life Centre is now being run from church funds as government funding is no longer forthcoming. The Life Centre currently helps with job applications and CVs and is now involved in debt counselling. There is no longer any funding available for the Rock Solid Youth project which had been running for 13 years.

Notification has been received from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport that the Government are proposing to create a four-day special Jubilee weekend from 2nd to 5th June 2012 and several initiatives are being planned.

Communities are being encouraged to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee in their own way and it was suggested that any street parties currently being planned could all come together at the Recreation Ground. The Parish Council could open up the pavilion for the facilities to be used by members of the public. Notification could be placed in the Baddesley Beadle nearer the time and an information stand set up at the forthcoming Village Day.

Cllr Knight has contributed all of his Chairman’s allowance for 2010/11 to pay for pavilion equipment including a projector and surround sound system for the youth club.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council's February 2011 Meeting

Cllr Knight welcomed Ray Alborough to the Parish Council’s February meeting. Mr Alborough attended to give details of the exhibition on proposed parking restriction measures due to be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 15th February from 2pm until 8pm. Traffic enforcement is now the responsibility of the Borough Council and not the Police because parking offences have been decriminalised. Problem areas have been dealt with in Valley Park, Romsey and Andover and isolated areas have been highlighted in North Baddesley. TVBC have decided to cover all these areas with one traffic regulation order. The purpose of the exhibition is to get feedback from residents and find out where in the village there are issues with parking.

Mr Alborough agreed to liaise with the relevant TVBC department concerning the lack of dropped kerbs on the former Borden site.

Two parent/governors of the Infant and Junior Schools, attended the meeting to address some of the issues regarding parking in Willis Avenue and in the lay-by on Botley Road outside the Infant School. They suggested that the lay-by in Botley Road be removed altogether and railings put up to stop people parking on the pavement. Mr Alborough confirmed that he had consulted the Safety Engineering Team, the Police and public transport at HCC but these suggestions were deemed inadvisable and would actually have an adverse effect on the efficiency of the traffic lights which were in close proximity. It was agreed that the possibility of shortening the lay-by and putting up railings just outside the school could be looked at.

Mr Clive Chatters of The Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust gave a short presentation on the importance of conserving the area at Emer Bog on Baddesley Common as a Nature Reserve. He reiterated the Trust’s support in deterring any future proposals for development. He confirmed that the area is now recognised under European Law as a site of national importance. Mr Chatters stressed the importance of Baddesley Common being incorporated into TVBC's Core Strategy as part of the Local Plan.

TVBC are proposing to dispense with the services of the Neighbourhood Wardens due to cuts in funding. The Parish Council agreed to support Nursling and Rownhams Parish Council in their objections to TVBC over these proposed cuts.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council's January 2011 Meeting

The Parish Council has agreed that the payphone in Ringwood Drive should be removed as there have only been two messages of support reported to the Clerk.

A site visit has been carried out by TVBC to inspect a tree in Firgrove Road. Instructions have been issued for the tree to be removed and also for the adjacent pine to be deadwooded. This work will be carried out in the next 8-10 weeks.

A petition has been organised objecting to the proposed demolition of the Victory Gospel Church and has gained 200 signatures. Cllr Mrs Tupper has taken the petition to TVBC who are sympathetic to the cause. TVBC have indicated their appreciation of the problems in the village and the application has been refused. There is, however, the possibility of an appeal.

The Christmas tree has been vandalised, the lights being ripped off and broken. The incident has been captured on CCTV and reported to the Police.

Confirmation has been received that the grit in the grit bins supplied by HCC is for use on public roads only and not for private use. HCC will remove the bins if the grit is used inappropriately.

Following discussions at a Finance and General Purposes meeting held on Saturday 8th January, Cllr Knight proposed that the Precept remain unchanged from last year at £80,500.

A meeting is to be arranged with TVBC Planning to discuss the land next to Bob Leach Hardware development and its effect on Emer Bog. The Clerk will remind Natural England that a response is required from them for the Appeal in March. Hants and IOW Wildlife Trust will also be contacted.

Information from NALC concerning the Localism Bill has been received. Key points include giving local people the power to make important decisions concerning their community.

TVBC has approved a change of polling district boundary for North Baddesley. This means that in future people living close to the Village Hall can cast their votes there, rather than at the Community Centre.

It was agreed that an official opening ceremony for the car park needs to be arranged in conjunction with an official opening of the Youth Club, possibly in mid April.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council's October 2010 Meeting

HCC has granted change of use of the cricket field to junior football pitches. Baddesley Park Football Club are applying to the FA for funding and have agreed to produce details of the proposed new drainage system once they are available.

Concern was expressed at the recent notification by Concept Solutions of the proposed submission of a revised planning application for a development of 5 dwellings on the site of the Victory Gospel Church. An exhibition has been held for local residents but most are against the demolition of the building on the grounds that it was donated to the village several years ago.

The Parish Council’s Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2010 have been approved by the External Auditor and certified that the information contained therein is in accordance with the Audit Commission’s requirements and no matters have come to their attention giving cause for concern that relevant legislation and regulatory requirements have not been met.

Residents in Ringwood Drive are requesting the removal of the telephone kiosk which is not being maintained by BT and is in need of cleaning and repair. The Parish Council are in agreement but are consulting with villagers via the Beadle before requesting BT to remove it.

The Youth Club is still well attended but there is a need for more volunteers and a request has been put in the Beadle to this effect.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council's September 2010 Meeting

Kingslake Cars at North Baddesley Service Centre have kindly donated £50 towards the planting of the tubs at the 3 entrances to the village. Negotiations are currently under way for Marques to replant the triangle at the corner of Sandy Lane and the Parish Council are considering filling some of the troughs at the Recreation Ground with winter plants.

The main topic of conversation was the change of use of the cricket field to football pitches. Residents from the cottages in Sandy Lane were present at the meeting to give their views. It was agreed that there were no objections provided the pitches were only for junior team use, that a seat near to the cottages be relocated and that provisions be put in place in the proposed new extended car park to prevent it being used as a racetrack at night.

The Parish Council expressed concern that HCC’s proposed highways improvements, funded by the developer contributions from the former Borden site, are not specifically earmarked for the areas they had requested. It was agreed that further negotiations are necessary.

Problems with the showers at the pavilion, highlighted by the football clubs, will be pointed out to the Architects and the Builders at a meeting to discuss any defects that have arisen over the period since it has been built.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council's July 2010 Meeting

The organisation of Village Day is progressing well. About 40 stands are anticipated, a stage and PA system have been arranged, the Police are having a stand and the Scouts are installing their swing boat. There will not be a beer tent as a license could not be arranged at short notice.

There are now about 12 young people attending the Youth Club and no more trouble has occurred.

Advertisements have been placed for tenders for the Groundsman's contract and for a cleaner for the pavilion to ensure best value for the services provided.

A representative from Hampshire and IOW Trust is treating Councillors to a guided tour of Baddesley Common including Emer Bog in August. It is hoped that a video of the tour will be taken and made available to all those who are interested.

Permission for change of use of the cricket field to football pitches is being sought from HCC. Consultation letters have been sent to residents of the nearby cottages for their views.

Works by HCC to install dragon's teeth on the verges along Hoe Lane have been halted due to complaints from residents who have been parking there for years. Further discussions will take place before a decision can be made on whether or not the works should proceed.

The Chairman reported back on a meeting he had attended with Cllr Mrs Tupper and Hampshire Highways representatives to discuss finalisation of the proposed Highways improvements throughout the village. After discussion it was agreed that a letter will be sent to Hampshire Highways indicating that the Parish Council are still not in agreement with HCC’s interpretation of the consultation with villagers.

Issues regarding use of the pavilion will be raised at a meeting with the Football Clubs in the forthcoming week. The sign outside the pavilion has been badly damaged by footballs being kicked against it, the pitches need a break from football practice to allow for re-seeding and the alarm is frequently being set off unnecessarily. It was agreed that any costs incurred will be referred to those responsible.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council's June 2010 Meeting

PCSO Nathan Green attended the Parish Council’s June meeting to introduce himself and give an overview from a police perspective of events over the last few months. A Beat Report was distributed and Nathan explained the ‘cop swap card’ project which is designed to make the police more approachable by children. Each officer carries several of his own individual cards which young people can collect and swap. There are 250 different ones available and the scheme, which started in Portsmouth, has been very successful.

Nathan reported that there are 3 main areas of concern in North Baddesley. Fleming Avenue where there were recent cases of arson, Ringwood Drive where there have been incidents of rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour in the early hours of the morning and Firgrove Close where there are ongoing problems with the cutway. Patrols will be stepped up in these areas.

Police surgeries are starting again from14th June on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 10am in the Community Life Centre.

Nathan attended the coffee morning at All Saints’ Church to meet residents and agreed to visit the Over 60’s Club and the Friendship Circle.

The Football Day is going ahead as planned and the pitches will be cut and marked out beforehand. The Historical Society and the Parish Plan will have stands.

Plans for the Multicultural Village Day are progressing well. There will be at least 35 stalls, a dog show, 2 arenas, a police stall and lots of multicultural events.

The Chairman confirmed that he is again donating his allowance to the parish this year.

Billy Williams attended to report that a grant is being funded by the Football Association which will be used towards the cost of drainage for the cricket field. 2 new football pitches will then be marked out creating a wider range of pitches for the clubs. Outline permission for change of use of the land will be sought from HCC.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council's April 2010 Meeting

Julian Higgins attended the April meeting to update on the Private Finance Initiative.

The contract started on 1st April and routine planned maintenance was under way. Upgrading started in Basingstoke and Gosport and is scheduled to commence in North Baddesley in April 2014 after consultation with the Parish Council.

The principle areas (Rownhams Lane, Rownhams Road and Botley Road) will be re-lit to Modern British Standards and will be completed first to lessen the occurrence of accidents. In all other low-crime residential areas the lights will be replaced on a one to one basis. In some areas columns have been replaced already and so will only need new lanterns. Fleming Avenue , being a high-crime area will be re-lit to Modern British Standards. A letter drop informing residents will take place.

The contractors carrying out the works will be instructed to remove everything from the old columns and replace onto the new. The areas around the lamps being replaced will be reinstated.

Baddesley Park Football Club are holding a Fun Day on 12th June similar to last year and Village Day is planned for 17th July. The Parish Council has agreed to fund a marquee for the occasion.

Requests to local businesses for donations towards the hanging basket scheme have been unsuccessful apart from Rownhams Lane Service Station who have very kindly agreed to fund a tub for the Scragg Hill entrance to the village. The Parish Council will be funding 2 further tubs for the Chilworth and Rownhams entrances to the village.

A decision from the Viridor grant panel on whether or not the Parish Council is to get funding towards the car park for the pavilion is imminent.

Discussions on the location and equipment needed for the children's play area at the Recreation Ground will take place at the next Planning Meeting.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council's March 2010 Meeting

Works are to be put in hand to erect notice boards displaying the Parish Council's by-laws at the Recreation Ground and at Mountbatten Park. These will prohibit riding any vehicles, motorbikes or horses in the area.

Southampton City College has been approached regarding the unfinished carpentry work to the 2 meeting rooms at the pavilion. It is hoped that students might be available to complete the works. The Parish Council are considering the use of solar lights for the outside of the building.

HCC are offering free grit bins to Parish Councils as an extra measure to be put in to cope with severe weather conditions in the future.

Borough Councillor Alan Dowden has confirmed that HCC will fund repairs to grass verges damaged by vehicle parking. The Clerk will be sending Cllr Dowden a list of priority areas.

A Steering Group has been set up to organise a Village Day proposed for the 17th July.

A charity golf tournament, hosted by the South Coast Chinese Society will be taking place in Dummer on 27th April. The President of the Society, Mr Tang of the Mandarin Chef in Romsey, has pledged a donation from the proceeds of the tournament towards a new children's play area at the Recreation Ground.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council’s February 2010 Meeting

There are still concerns over the use of the pavilion by the football clubs who are still not cleaning up after use. Litter, pegs and football tape is being left on the pitches and minor acts of vandalism have occurred. It was agreed that a deposit of £200 will be requested at the beginning of the 2010/11 season.

Another Parish Plan meeting has taken place. The consultation boxes have yielded 80 responses which amount to 3% of the population. A questionnaire will be devised from the replies and sent to every household. Another meeting is schedules to take place in 2 weeks.

HCC are holding an exhibition of proposed highways improvements in the Village Hall on Thursday 11th March 2010. Details of the proposed improvements have been given to the Parish Council.

Planning Concepts and Solutions have notified the Parish Council of their intention to resubmit a planning application to demolish the existing Victory Gospel Church and erect 4 detached dwellings.

There were lengthy discussions concerning health and safety/risk assessment and how to establish procedures to monitor and minimise risks with regard to Parish Council owned land, buildings and employees. It was agreed that a trained authorised person should be assigned to carry out a full Risk Assessment after which procedures could be put in place.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council’s January 2010 Meeting

Cllr Knight is currently seeking a grant from Viridor for funding towards the cost of the car park at the pavilion. If successful, 90% of the cost will be contributed by Viridor, leaving 10% to be paid by the Parish Council.

Hampshire Highways have confirmed that funding would be available at the start of the new financial year for a footpath to be put in at the back of the sharp bend in Flexford Road, near St John’s Church. A steep ramp has been put in temporarily to alleviate the problem and this will also be improved. Once instructions for the works to proceed have been put in place, they should be completed within 8 weeks.

Cllr Cosier confirmed that TVBC had indicated that the new Borough Plan should be available in July 2010 ready to go out for public consultation taking it into Aug-Sept.

After lengthy discussions over its budget, a precept of £85,000 has been agreed at the Council’s recent Finance and General Purposes meeting. One of the major reasons for its increase was the Parish Council’s decision to sign up to HCC’s Private Finance Initiative for street lighting which undertook to replace all the street lights in the area within the next 5 years and maintain them indefinitely.

Works had been put in hand to erect an outside light and a name board at the pavilion. Other minor repairs had been listed and were passed on to the builders’ site foreman.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council’s December 2009 Meeting

Two representatives from Little Saints’ Pre-School attended the meeting to discuss the possibility of the Pre-School hiring the pavilion. The Pre-School is run as a charity and there are currently 70 children using the facility. The two representatives are unpaid volunteers on the committee. Due to the proposed demolition of All Saints’ Church, the Pre-School are looking for a new venue. Several alternatives are being investigated but the requirements of the Pre-School are making this a difficult task. A secure outside play area is needed along with an extra room for toy storage and an extra toilet. The Parish Council felt that these needs could not be met at the pavilion and suggested that the group look at the Scout Hut at Mountbatten Park and the Victory Gospel Church as possible alternatives. The two representatives of the Pre-school thanked the Parish Council for listening to, and considering their request.

Another Parish Plan meeting took place last week. It was agreed that posters requesting residents to give their views on what they liked and disliked about the village, will be put up around the area. Residents will be asked to put their views in letterboxes to be housed in various different locations, ie the Community Life Centre. The closing date is the end of January 2010. Notes to this effect will be sent home with schoolchildren and given to the guides, scouts etc. for maximum coverage. Once all the views have been gathered a questionnaire will go out around election time.

It was agreed that a Finance and General Purposes meeting will be held on 5th January 2010 to decide the precept for the coming year.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council’s November 2009 Meeting

The Chairman welcomed John O'Reilly to the meeting. John explained that he was the Reserve Officer for Lower Test Valley and had worked as a volunteer for about 9 months before taking up his post. He had attended the meeting to talk about Emer Bog and Baddesley Common and gave a brief background on the structure of the Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust. Several information leaflets were distributed to all those present.

There were 50 Trust Reserves across the 2 Counties and 3 Education Centres with about 7,000 children a year passing through them. There were 80 employees and the Trust worked closely with the Local Authorities and landowners to preserve and maintain the areas of natural beauty within their control.

Emer Bog was owned by the Wildlife Trust and Baddesley Common by Nature England. The area coverage was 53 hectares and Emer Bog was both a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. There was also a known historical interest with over 1,000 years of history on site dating back to King Rufus.

Wildlife comprised of 298 vascular plants, 18 mosses, l liverwort, 1 stonewort, 3 mammals, 97 birds, 4 reptiles, 3 amphibians, 1 fish and 780 invertebrates.

Pressures on the site included nutrient enrichment, hydrological factors and outlying development.

The Chairman produced a plan of all the areas in the village which had been earmarked by TVBC for potential development. He explained that TVBC had approached local landowners and asked where they wanted to see development and the plan had been produced on this basis.

A member of the public pointed out the dangers to pedestrians at the bend in Nutburn Road near St John's Church. The barrier fence erected by HCC prevented people from walking on the verge and a pavement was badly needed. The whole road was very dangerous for pedestrians. It was agreed that HCC should be contacted.

Suggestions for the Parish Plan were discussed and it was agreed that sports competitions culminating in prize givings were a good idea to draw villagers together. The Chairman explained that questionnaires would go out to residets from the Parish Plan Steering Group requesting their views on the future of the village.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council’s October 2009 Meeting

A large number of residents attended to listen to presentations by 2 developers proposing to build on 2 separate sites in the village.

Martin Hawthorn confirmed that Burton Property Group were submitting a planning application for 50 dwellings on land to the rear of Baddesley Close. He gave a brief summary of the history of the site and said that the Group were looking to consult residents on upgrading the roads, putting in a play area, supplementing trees and providing affordable houses, cycle routes and connections to local schools and businesses. The properties would be built for Housing Association allocation which could be rental or shared ownership. Residents expressed concerns over traffic issues, removal of trees, boundary lines and the character of the area being spoilt, but the greatest concern was sustainability. Extra housing would put further strain on the schools and health centre which were already to maximum capacity and the drainage system which was already overloaded and at breaking point.

Jim Tarzey confirmed that Pegasus Planning Group proposed to submit a Planning Application for 40 dwellings on land off Nutburn Road . Residents again raised concerns over traffic issues and sustainability and Mr Tarzey confirmed that a public consultation was to be held in the Village Hall on Friday 16th October to invite residents’ views. He concluded by saying that, should planning permission be granted, the properties could be built within a year.

Following substantial works to the allotments site by the Parish Contractor to bring the area back to a higher standard, all the plots had now been let.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council’s September 2009 Meeting

A public meeting was arranged in October to discuss the setting up of a Steering Group to work on a Parish Plan.

Hannah Baker and Kevin Fuller of HCC Transport Department attended to discuss the progress being made with the consultation on how best to use the developer contribution from the former Borden site. Rownhams Lane, Rownhams Road, Fleming Avenue and Botley Road had all been looked at with a view to making improvements. Proposals included traffic calming measures, pedestrian crossings, improved access to schools and shops and completing the missing link in the Botley Road cycleway.

Several members of the public attended to voice their strong objections to the Planning Application for the proposed demolition of the Victory Gospel Church and replacement with 4 3-bedroomed dwellings. There were implications over ownership and instructions left in the will of the original owner who had left the building to the community as a place of worship.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council's July 2009 Meeting

A public consultation will be held via the Beadle to seek residents' views on flood lighting for the tennis courts, basketball cage and skatepark. Comments were also requested on where to site an artificial training pitch.

Cllr Knight was actively seeking sponsors from local businesses for their support in planting the flower boxes during the winter months. Local residents were appealing against an application by Rownhams Service Station to remove a condition limiting the number of vehicles which could be parked on the premises.

Concerns were expressed by a member of the public regarding flooding on the corner of Nutburn Road and Botley Road at the traffic lights. The Parish Council undertook to contact HCC to try to resolve the problem.

A pre-application has been submitted to the Parish Council concerning the demolition of the Victory Gospel Church and the erection residential accommodation.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council's June 2009 Meeting

The Official Opening Ceremony for the new sports pavilion which is now up and running will be held on Saturday 27th June at 1pm to co-incide with the Fun Day being hosted by Baddesley Park Football Club from 11am to 5pm. The building will be officially named on the day from proposals put forward by children from the 2 local schools. Booking enquiries will be dealt with by the Parish Clerk. Problems with Internet start-up were being dealt with by the Chairman and a planning application for the car park has been submitted to TVBC.

A meeting has been arranged betwen the Chairman and Baddesley Park Football Club to discuss applying for grants for the proposed artifical training pitch.

Mr. and Mrs. Callow have been appointed to represent the allotment holders and Mrs Callow attended the meeting to report on various plots which needed attention. The Clerk agreed to write to the appropriate plotholders expressing concern.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council’s April 2009 Meeting in the new Pavillion

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the Parish Council at their new venue, the Pavilion at the Recreation Ground. Tony Luck of Househam Henderson, Architects, was thanked for all his hard work in creating a “fantastic building” and he replied that it had been a pleasure working with the Parish Council. Mr Luck then officially handed over the keys for the building to the Chairman on the terrace outside the meeting room and photographs were taken to commemorate the occasion.

Drapers have offered to provide funding for a CCTV camera system, lighting and gaming equipment.

There was no objection to Baddesley Park Football Club using the facilities at the pavilion for their Fun Day scheduled for 27^th June, provided they adhered to the rules which would be provided by the Steering Group.

It was agreed that the Infant and Junior Schools should be involved in putting forward proposals for a name for the new sports pavilion by way of a competition. The winner will unveil a plaque at an official ceremony to commemorate the occasion.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council’s March 2009 Meeting

The Parish Council confirmed that, although they are not providing funding this year, a PCSO is still be available and patrolling the area but is allocated to other areas as well. TVBC Wardens are still assigned to the area along with HCC Safety Officers.

The old pavilion is due to be demolished this week and information has been obtained on installing a BT line, Broadband and alarm system.

Representatives from Baddesley Park Football Club attended the meeting to ask if they could work alongside the Parish Council to obtain funding to improve the sporting facilities at the recreation ground. The Club could apply for grants through the Football Foundation to improve the surfaces of the multi use games court but only in partnership with the Parish Council. A business plan needs to be produced. Discussions took place over the layout of the pitches and where the children could train. A timetable of events needs to be compiled by the Steering Group.

A meeting is due to be arranged with a representative from Hampshire Highways to discuss installing dropped kerbs at the Fleming Avenue Precinct to facilitate wheelchair access.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council’s February 2009 Meeting

The Steering Group for the Youth Group have compiled a list of items they would like from Connexions which is closing down. A table top pool table has very kindly been donated by a resident from Woodley in Romsey.

There are still problems with vandalism at the Borden cutway. Cllr Mrs Ann Tupper has contacted the Police, TVBC Community Safety Manager, Wimpeys and the Planning Department, none of whom has offered any positive advice. Cllr Mrs Tupper is looking at getting in some Hampshire Wardens to try to resolve the problem.

A meeting held by a group of Broughton residents who are aiming to create a Parish Plan proved to be very informative. Cllr Mrs Tupper will be writing to local organisations and businesses to gain their support in creating a Parish Plan for North Baddesley.

Concerns about the Core Strategy were raised by a resident who felt that inadequate measures were in place to fight the cause of the green gap. Comparisons were made with Nursling and Rownhams Parish Council who had raised their precept to fund legal representation in their quest to preserve their green gap. It was suggested that enquiries be made with TVBC to see whether the precept could be raised once it had been determined for the year.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council’s January 2009 Meeting

Cllr Dowden attended the January meeting to present the Parish Council with a cheque for £2,000 towards youth facilities in the village. The money will be put towards the cost of refurbishing the surface of the basketball courts.

Marianne Piggin and Jo Dixon of TVBC Community Action Hampshire attended to offer advice on the creation of Parish Plans. A Steering Group would need to be formed consisting of a maximum of 2 Parish Councillors and representatives from local groups, businesses and residents in the village. The group would then set about consulting with local people on their vision of the future of the village with the aim of creating a plan to take forward this vision.

Work was progressing well at the new Sports Pavilion and the Chairman would be meeting with the Architects later in the week to discuss timescales.

Another Open Day was planned for the Community Life Centre to attract volunteers.

A request from the Parish Council to be considered for funding for a new Children’s Play Area at the Recreation Ground had been rejected by TVBC on the grounds that play equipment was available in the area near the Community Centre. Funding would only be given to those parishes that had no play equipment at all. However the Parish Council were encouraged to apply again next year.

A decision to request a precept of £70,000 from TVBC was unanimously agreed. Budgets had been considered and compared at a special Finance and General Purposes meeting held in December to determine the figure.

The Planning Application to fence off the cutway at Borden Way had been refused by TVBC after strong representations from the village and the Parish Council. Measures to put in staggered gates to deter quad bikes and scooters were being considered. Extra lights and CCTV had also been request to deter vandals.

There would be no more hanging baskets and troughs throughout the village during the summer months unless funding could be obtained from local businesses. The scheme was proving to be too costly and could no longer be considered as a priority from the Parish Council’s budget.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council’s November 2008 Meeting

Hannah Baker updated the meeting on progress made by HCC on the various local access improvements for the village which would be funded by the contribution from the Borden site.

Several area of improvement had been identified including 2 crossing points in Rownhams Lane, one in Rownhams Road and one at the Junior School. Also considered were speeding signs in Rownhams Road encouraging traffic to slow down, improvements to parking bays at Fleming Avenue precinct, increased capacity at the Nutburn Road entrance to the traffic lights on Botley Road and extra cycle path links to Romsey and Chilworth from Castle Lane. All of these proposals would be under consideration by HCC until the summer of 2009 at which point a local exhibition would be held.

Issues around the proposed closing off of Borden Way were discussed. 4 members of the public had attended to object stating that it was a vital link for children walking to school and for general access. The Parish Council confirmed that they had objected to the application and encouraged the residents to send their objections to TVBC. Various parking problems were highlighted in Borden Way, Fulford Road and Thomas Road.

A Steering Group was formed to outline and set in motion the aims and proposals for the new Youth Wing of the Sports Pavilion ready for its opening in February 2009.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council’s October 2008 Meeting

There was a long discussion on the Core Strategy and the last minute changes that had put in jeopardy the plans for North Baddesley.

Discussions took place over the proposed closing off of Borden Way following recent occurrences of anti-social behaviour after pub closing times.

The tractor had been stolen, joy ridden to Southampton and smashed up. The tracker unit had enabled the police to locate it fairly quickly and it was hoped arrests would be made.

Works at the pavilion were on target for completion in February 2009.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council’s
July 2008 Meeting

The official opening of the tennis courts took place on Tuesday 1st July. The courts had been cleaned and painted and the basketball courts were due to be painted as soon as the weather permitted.

A meeting had taken place with the police, residents, TVBC Highways Engineers, County Councillor Alan Dowden, the Crime Prevention Officer, the PCSO and the Contracts and Site Managers from Taylor Woodrow to discuss vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the cutway between Firgrove Road and Borden Way. A planning application was to be submitted to close the access, provided Taylor Woodrow were in agreement.

Vandalism had also occurred at the Junior School and the Police had been called on several occasions but had failed to attend. Councillors Knight and Tupper had both been in contact with Inspector Smith to express their concerns.

A meeting had been arranged with TVBC to inspect the roads and pavements throughout the village and compile a list of outstanding repair works.

The official opening of the new Community Life Centre was scheduled for the 15th July from 3 – 5pm. Facilities and events were to be arranged to enhance the afternoon.

Numerous complaints about rats, both in North Baddesley and Valley Park, were being received by County Councillor Alan Dowden. He had challenged TVBC’s policy claiming that it was discriminatory and that rats could breed at will creating a real health concern. A letter will be sent to the Leader of TVBC expressing the Parish Council’s concerns.

Excavation works for the balancing pond at the Draper site had commenced. An archaeologist was present on site every day but appeared to be only interested in ancient items and not modern. Councillor Knight confirmed that several artefacts had been found which could prove to be very interesting.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council’s June 2008 Meeting

Future development at the Great Covert site was discussed and members were aware that a planning application was imminent. TVBC Development Control had suggested that proposed new development in the area might be reduced to 500. The Princes’ Trust Foundation was keen to promote the use of agricultural land for home grown produce to sell in local farm shops.

Planning permission had finally been granted for the new sports pavilion which had been revised to incorporate a Youth Club Wing. Works were due to commence within the next 2 weeks.

A meeting had taken place with residents of Borden Close to discuss issues with vandalism and anti-social behaviour occurring in the cutway which linked with Firgrove Road. Negotiations were ongoing with the Police and TVBC Highways Department to take preventative measures.

Concerns were expressed over the state of the roads and pavement in the village. It was agreed that HCC Highways would be requested to make an inspection.

The new Community Life Centre was open and currently manned by volunteers from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Works to the surgery room were still to be completed before the relevant agencies could fulfil their allocated time slots.

Details concerning the Church’s use of the Recreation Ground for the Historical Pageant in July were discussed and finalised. Sally Kerson, the Parish Administrator, would liaise with the contractor for keys to the barrier gate and for advice on parking.

Summary of North Baddesley Parish Council’s
May 2008 Meeting

Around 40 members of the public gathered to see Dennis Peckham awarded the Parishioner of the Year 2008 trophy at the Parish Council’s May meeting. A popular member of the Over 60’s club, Dennis engaged his audience in song after his acceptance speech. Keith Henser was presented with a memento for his time as last year’s winner.

The Annual Assembly followed and reports were read out by Cllrs David Knight, Alan Dowden and Mrs Celia Dowden. The Chairman read out a report on behalf of Borough Cllr Mrs Ann Tupper who had given her apologies. Cllr Dowden was seeking a grant on behalf of the Football Clubs of North Baddesley from the Leader of the County Council and had promised to support this from his own budget with a further 20% of the sum gained.

The new Community Life Centre had opened although the official opening would not be for several weeks. Features would include an internet café and advice and information on a range of subjects.

The AGM followed with Cllr David Knight being re-elected as Chairman and Cllr Eric Cosier as Vice-Chairman. All Committees would remain the same as the previous year.

At the Full Council meeting which followed, Cllr Knight reported that an arrest had been made following a spate of graffiti incidents in the village and a further arrest was imminent.

Floodlights for the skatepark were being considered and it was agreed that, as the planning application for the floodlights to the tennis courts had to be resubmitted due to a technicality, they would be included in the new application.

Discussions took place over plans by TVBC for future development in Romsey and North Baddesley and Cllr Knight had attended the Princes Foundation workshops in this respect.

Cllr Knight reported that, following a visit to an historical event at Weyhill, it appeared that there had been proposals for an Archive Centre in Romsey. Information had also been received from HCC concerning a lottery grant for villages to compile their own archives.