Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 16th June 2008 at 7.45 pm in Amport School Hall.

1. Present
Mr I. Morrison, (Chairman), Lt Col Stephens, (Vice Chairman), Mr Bill Gore, Mr Ian Long, Mrs Jean Arnell , Mrs Tanya Garman, Mrs Carolyn Mallam, Mr Nicholas Hoare, Mrs Diana Preston and Mrs Suzanne Hoare (Clerk)
Apologies - Mr Tim Southern, Mrs Sarah Hammer
The village correspondent was present.
3 members of the public were present.

2. Minutes of the Previous Meeting.
The minutes were agreed and signed after, having been proposed by Diana Preston and seconded by Jean Arnell.

3. Matters Arising from the last meeting and Declarations of Interest
Ian Long confirmed he would accept the post of Officer for the Green.
Replacing the wooden sign post at the bottom of Furzedown lane was considered, a quote of about £150 plus installation has been received for a metal post. Further quotes will be obtained for the next meeting. IM /Clerk/ Rose Wareham /Bill Gore
No interests were declared at tonight’s meeting.

The Green and Amport Fen
The ROSPA report did not highlight any major problems; a copy of the report was passed to Ian Long for any further comment.
The telegraph poles used to control parking on the Green have been inappropriately fixed by the Community workers, metal posts have been used. A Health and Safety report suggests that they need removing.
2 quotes have been obtained for this work;
Chappell Builders quoted £468 + VAT to remove metal spikes drill poles and sink pegs into the ground through poles.
Tony Darbyshire has quoted £300+VAT but no details of this quote are yet available.
The Community Workers are returning next month and perhaps they would be able to change the metal spikes for wooden pegs.
The next meeting in July will clarify the options and a decision will then be taken.
A quote has been obtained from Chappell builders to clear the ditch by the Green; this was £845 + VAT. The job requires the use of a digger; again more investigation is required into this task before a decision is taken.
2 more telegraph poles have been delivered and these can act as spares.
Due to David Horne being absent from the meeting no formal update was available, it is hoped that one may become available in the next week or so, if this is the case it will be distributed to Parish Councillors by e-mail.

Footpaths and Highways
Bill Gore reported on this item stating that Clive Hutchinson was asked to commence cutting the footpaths a couple of weeks ago; unfortunately it took a while due to the weather. The majority of the paths are now cut. Rose Wareham stated that she was concerned about the state of the footpaths and felt they have been too long for a while.
Ian Morrison reported that Patrick Langdown has cut the footpaths on his land and it was the long term goal of the Parish for all landowners to cut their footpaths. The Parish Council was under no legal obligation to do so; the public only have a right of way over the land, no rights on the quality of the paths. However the Parish Council will still regard the Footpaths as a priority and will cut them where necessary.
The steps down from the Millennium footpath to Sarson lane have been reported as slippery, Bill Gore will investigate, perhaps some wire netting is needed.
The section of Footpath 6 over the river is still eroding; opinion differed as to how much effort should be put in to keep the path maintained. Bill Gore, Charles Stephens and Ian Morrison will meet Caroline Unwin at the site.
More copies of the definitive footpath map will be obtained Clerk
The 30mph signs need exposing on Sarson lane as HCC have yet to cut the verges. IM to trim.
The hedge on the eastern side of Sarson Lane at the bottom is overgrown; the people looking after the property will be informed and asked to cut it back. Charles Stephens

Tesco Application
A letter will be written to the editor of the Andover Advertiser expressing the dismay of the Parish Council at the editorial balance or lack of it in last week’s paper. The impression of a done deal was disturbing to all who have campaigned against this development. IM by e-mail
Rose Wareham reported that Sir George Young MP will be writing to the Andover Advertiser expressing his concerns.
The planning committee is likely to consider the application in July

Weyhill Play Area
No report as Sarah Hammer was absent.

8. AOB and Correspondence
Hampshire Police Authority are seeking volunteers to join a committee -no volunteers
8th July – Dream Night at Hawk Conservancy - the planned young drink servers are not able to attend, hence volunteers are needed – if you can help for a few hours please let Ian Morrison know.
Diana Preston commented on the bad visibility at the junction immediately as you leave the A303 east bound to travel to East Cholderton IM/Highways
The recently dug out ditch by Waterloo Bridge cannot cope with heavy rainfall and a more radical approach is needed.
Bill Gore was asked to contact Tim Southern with regard to the damaged footpath at East Cholderton. The continuing problem with the effluent is unacceptable and any support the Parish Council can give to the campaign to install new pumps at the site will readily be given.

The Meeting closed at 9.25 pm.
The date of the next meeting is scheduled for July 21st at Amport School at 7.45pm