DRAFT - Minutes of the Meeting held in the Phoenix Hall On Thursday, 13 February 2025 at 7p.m.
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| Parish Councillors Present: | Cllr. R. Ayling | Chairman |
| Cllr. D. Burke | Vice-Chairman | |
| Cllr. S. Perry | ||
| Cllr. P. Perry | ||
| Cllr. C. Coslett | ||
| Cllr. B. Covill | ||
| Cllr. P. Mackay | ||
| Cllr. S. O Grady | ||
| Cllr. A. Brown | ||
| Mrs D.A. Corbett | Parish Clerk | |
| In Attendance: | Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling | Wiltshire Councilor |
WELCOME BY CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and apologised for being ill and unable to attend the Council Christmas meal, He thanked the Clerk for organising it, he had heard a good evening was had by all able to attend.
POLICE REPORT
Report received and sent out before the meeting, our local police were in attendance and van and garage break ins were discussed as well as poaching on the plain. The Police Officer asked if we could ask people if they have CCTV, as this helps when trying to catch perpetrators.
REPORT BY WILTSHIRE COUNCILLOR
Report was received and emailed out before the meeting. Cllr Blair-Pilling also made the meeting to see if there was anything he could help with. His report is at Annex A
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
No residents in attendance
25/79
APOLOGIES
Apologies received and accepted from:
Cllr A Bridewell
25/80
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr Burke, book filled in
25/81
MINUTES
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 9th January be accepted as a true record.
25/82
FINANCE
a. Bank Reconciliation
It was resolved to approve the payments for January 2025
b. Cemetery Notice Board –Handyman has priced up the parts, a lot cheaper than purchasing a new one. Approx £40.00, council gave the go ahead to repair.
c. It was agreed that Clerk was to donate to the Phoenix Hall Booking Clerk and also Netheravon Day Centre.
25/83
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1 . Planning
Since the last Parish Council meeting there have been one new item for the planning committee to consider. Trees being cut at The Stables, all approved.
2 . Flooding and Adverse Weather
There has been a problem with the Stream at Lower St being blocked with wood after trees/bushes were cut in December and the wood allowed to fall into the stream that has now caused a dam with a risk to flood. It was reported to MOD in December, January and again at the beginning of the month. We were finally advised to report to Landmarc, which was done and an urgent job has been put in, so due to be sorted by the end of the week. A list of Gullies that need to be sorted out was also passed on to Wiltshire County council.
3 . Highways and Parish Steward
A list of dates was given to Cllr Covill on when the Steward will be round, Councilor’s mentioned some pot holes that have recently appeared that need to be dealt with. Clr Covill to pass on.
4 . Cemetery/Enhancement/Netheravon in Bloom
Too early for Netheravon in bloom yet, Cemetery notice board will be repaired
5 . Recreation
Old School Close park – solicitors employed; no objections received from the recent public consultation. Just waiting for handover to go through with Wiltshire Council and Parish Council. Then Parish Council will consult with the village over future use.
6 . Allotments
No progress on swap, fees are due on the 1st April 2025.
7 . Community Allotment and Community Larder
We have had fly tipping of mulched up trees dumped on the allotment. We need to confirm with an allotment holder it isn’t theirs and then decide what to do with it. We need to get the ground rotovated and then order the fruit trees. Cllr O’Grady to get a quote for us. There was discussion on what varieties and when to plant etc. clerk to speak to the keeper of the Larder to see if it is going ok.
8 . Rights of Way
Nothing to report.
25/84
REPORT FROM REPRESENTATIVES OF OTHER GROUPS
a . Phoenix Hall
CHAIR PERSON REPORT FOR PHOENIX HALL JANUARY 2025
With 2 months still to go till end of financial year we have already exceeded last years hire total by £2246.14
Expenditure will increase over the next few months as some maintenance is required.
Maintenance and Improvements
The dishwasher in the main kitchen has been replaced.
The fire exit signs have been repaired at no cost.
We have excepted an estimate for the re-polishing of the hall floor and will be closing the main hall the week of 18th August.
Looking ahead
Pam has been busy this month with some good news.
We have had a church book the main hall every Sunday morning for the rest of the year. They are also booking the hall each Friday evening for their youth club.
A new band is now using the hall to practice in.
Finally, we have a new yoga class starting at the end of April.
b. Jubilee Committee
A meeting was held on the 4th February. It was agreed to purchase a flag for the memorial, a short service will be carried out and the last post played at 11am.
The flags would be put up by the council working party ( 26th April). On the day we will be having a high tea in the Phoenix Hall run by cheerful cuppa. Next meeting at the Working mans club Tuesday 25th February.
c. Stonehenge Community Area Board
The next meeting will be on Thursday 27th February at Antrobus House. Chair, Vice and Clerk not available that evening, a councillor to go in their place is needed.
d. All Saints School Liaison
Cllr Bridewell reported that he had met the head, it is hoped they will get involved in VE day commemoration.
e. Netheravon Speed Watch Group
Still waiting for the report on the 40 mph speed trial that finished in November. It is currently with Cabinet Minister to get signed off. The team has been out 4 times in the last week and one person caught speeding. Our Speedwatch team have been recognised for their volunteering and have been invited to an evening at Durrington Village Hall on the 20th February. Chair to attend.
f. Newsletter
Meeting planned for March 5th at 7 pm to discuss the future.
25/85
REPORT BY CLERK
Our village Handyman has handed in his resignation, and the way forward was discussed. It was decided to contract out the litter bin emptying and get a couple of people to litter pick. A job advert will be put together and advertised shortly. Clerk to put together a list of jobs/ roads that need litter picking including Millenium Park, Court Farm Road, Corfe BMX Track and in future Old School close Park area.
25/86
CORRESPONDENCE
Quote for litter bin emptying,
Best Kept village – it was agreed that we wouldn’t do this year due to so many other commitments, we will do our own Netheravon in Bloom later in the year
Email regarding the village clock that is not working properly. It was agreed to let a village handyman look at it.
25/87
GENERAL PARISH MATTERS
April meeting Clerk asked if it can be moved to the 17th April all agreed. We need to sort out the dates for our AGM etc.
25/88
CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS
It was RESOLVED that in the interest of the public, the next item of business be dealt with as Confidential Business, and the press and public be excluded.
25/89
DATE OF NEXT COUNCIL MEETING
The next meeting of the Netheravon Parish Council will be on Thursday 13th March 2025 at 7pm
Annex A
Report from our Wiltshire Councillor
A345 45mph Trial
This is not yet fully over the line, but I expect it to be so in the next few days rather than weeks. I understand that the evidence shows that the SIDs did have the predicted effect of influencing drivers to slow to the intended speed range. I would expect that our speed awareness team has also served to reinforce the effect.
The report is in its final stages with officers and will very shortly go to the Cabinet member. I understand it will include some areas of residual concern and need for supplementary measures, but I do not see that holding up the main decision to leave the 40mph limit in place.
Recognition for your Speed Watch Team, Durrington Village Hall 7pm Thurs 20 Feb. update on our A345 40mph trial and input on your local road maintenance.
Budget
We are now in the final stages of setting the budget for FY 25-26. We are proposing to contain the necessary increase to 4.5% rather than the 4.99% the Government would appear to prefer, and that this includes the maintenance of all services and continuing investments. This will go to Council on 25 Feb for a final decision. Two amendments have been submitted which would bring the rise to 4.99%. I can assure you that I intend to oppose that on the basis that we should not be taking in any more of your money than is absolutely needed to deliver our service responsibilities.
There is much more to be said about the Council’s continuing delivery and improvement of services while those around us face cuts, asset fire sales and tax rises well beyond 4.99% along with service reductions, which I would happily detail and explain should you wish.
Devolution
As Government asked ,we submitted a proposal in collaboration with Somerset, Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils for the formation of a regional mayoral authority – Heart of Wessex. Swindon did not want to join us.. We did not think the mayoral aspect was best for such rural communities, but we did see the need for greater delegation of decision making and funding – Note that this would not have changed our responsibilities as Wiltshire Council and, contrary to what is being suggested by some, it would not have delayed our elections on 1 May. Regrettably, the Government has not accepted our submission. Ask me separately why.
Elections
We shall be holding Wiltshire Council and Parish Council elections on 1 May. Purdah is due to kick in on 11 Mar.
Best wishes
Ian Blair-Pilling
Cllr for Avon Valley
Cabinet Member for Public Health Communities, Leisure and Libraries.