Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 28th July 2008 at 7.45 pm in Amport School Hall.

1. Present
Mr I. Morrison, (Chairman), Lt Col Stephens, (Vice Chairman), Mr Bill Gore, Mrs Sarah Hammer, Mrs Tanya Garman, Mrs Diana Preston and Mrs Suzanne Hoare (Clerk)
Apologies - Mrs Carolyn Mallam, Mrs Jean Arnell, Mr Nicholas Hoare and Mr Ian Long,
Mr Tim Southern - TVBC Councillor was present
The village correspondent and 8 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 Sarah Hammer.

3. Matters Arising from the last meeting and Declarations of Interest 
All matters arising will be covered at tonight’s meeting.
Charles Stephens declared an interest in a planning application at tonight’s meeting.

The Green and Amport Fen
Bill Gore has agreed to do the work securing the telegraph poles by the parking area with wooden stakes; this will satisfy the recommendation of the Health and Safety report.
The contractors who quoted for this work will be informed Clerk
A tree fell across the brook from Amport Fen onto the Van de Pette’s garden. This needed to be cleared quickly and 3 quotes were obtained for the work. Sandy Geddes was available and cheapest alongside Clive Hutchinson. Mr Geddes completed the work and the Parish Councillors present agreed the cost of £350.
David Horne gave an update on the Green.
The Community service workers again visited the Green/Fen in July doing clearance work; this will allow the grass to be cut closer to the Brook, keeping the nettles under control.
David Horne reported that several trees have fallen on the Fen close to Nether Cottage, if these are not cleared that section of the Fen will become very difficult to maintain, with access a major problem.
After discussion it was agreed that a group of councillors along with David Horne will visit the Fen during the winter to assess what work is needed. This assessment can then form the basis for an ongoing plan of work.
The red phone box on the Green is not currently under threat; however the box at Fyfield Road is to be removed as during the last 12 months it has not been used.
The ditch - Mr Welch is going to cut the sides to control the weeds. HCC have quoted £1800 for the task of clearing out the ditch, this considering it may need doing every year was felt to be far too much. Clive Hutchinson is said to have acquired a mini digger and he may be able to provide a cheaper quote, if not the ditch may have to be left as it is.

Footpaths and Highways
Only 1 extra footpath map set was available from HCC at a cost of £9.00, this will allow Bill Gore to have a set as well as the clerk.
Bill Gore gave a brief history of ‘footpath 6’ leading to its change to a restricted byway. Until 1920 the track was a highway and old maps were displayed for councillors to see. This new status means that HCC are responsible for the route’s surface but not the edges. Police will also have the ability to stop motorcycles and vehicles should they use it. No comments have been received from the public on this matter.
Diana Preston asked Bill Gore to look at the Footpath 42 signpost, which has been knocked down.
2 new pumps have been fitted at East Cholderton Pumping Station along with a reorganised electrical supply, and the road surface has also been improved.

Tesco Application
The Goodman Application will be decided by the TVBC Northern Area Planning Committee on September 1^st at 5.30pm. The meeting will be held at the Light’s and all are urged to attend. Visit the Stop Campaign website for more information.

Weyhill Play Area
Sarah Hammer reported that she has arranged a meeting on site with Rachel Adams from TVBC on August 8^th; the main emphasis will be play equipment for 8-12 year olds.

Several residents adjacent to a new shooting site in Quarley were in attendance at the meeting. Ian Morrison gave a summary of the shooting site activity so far. A Shooting enthusiast has purchased some land in Quarley and has set up some skeet shooting; this anyone can do for up to 28 days a year without planning permission. Adrian Munday the Enforcement Officer at TVBC is fully aware of the situation and as yet a full application for a shooting enterprise has not been made. Until such an application is made the Parish Council cannot comment but the residents from Quarley were able to express their concerns and this situation will be considered again at the September meeting.
The request for tree preservation orders at Thimble Hall will be followed up with Dermot Cox at TVBC Clerk