The next meeting of our group is on Thursday August 12 th at 7.00 pm it is our annual BBQ at Lower Mill. It is an opportunity for members to bring their husbands, partners and family to a social evening in the calm and beautiful gardens of Lower Mill. Please bring your own eating implements, chair and drink. If you missed the last meeting and would like to come to the BBQ please let Gloria know on 720425. If you would like a lift please ring the same number and a lift will be arranged.
This report covers the July council meeting. If you'd like to know more, the minutes are published on our village website www.longparish.org.uk .
Vacancy Jane Rowland has left the Council as she is moving from the village. So we have a vacancy. If you are interested please contact any councillor to find out more. The Council recorded its thanks to Jane for her contribution, particularly as footpaths co-ordinator
Planning After careful consideration the Council decided to support conservation plans proposed by Middleton Estate. The plans are supported by English Nature, DEFRA and the Environment Agency. The work involves removal of poplar trees which were planted as a commercial crop and have now reached maturity. A management scheme will then be introduced to encourage a habitat more typical of the Test Valley with the aim of increasing the population of wading birds and making more traditional use of water meadows. Removing the trees will be difficult and will inevitably cause mess and inconvenience but the Council felt that the long-term benefits would outweigh these disadvantages.
The Council had no objection to
• A rear extension at Vine Cottage
• A house to replace Meadow Cottage in Forton which was destroyed by fire. This application led to considerable discussion as the new house will form a prominent part of the street scene.
• Modest alterations at Meadow Farm Cottage (not to be confused with Meadow Cottage; it is in East Aston)
• A conservatory at 110 North Acre
Open Spaces Rabbits remain a problem on the football field . If you would be able to help control them please contact Cllr Ricky Bourne (tel 720500) who is co-ordinating this work.
Thanks go to Martin Hulme and Jerry Flynn-Williams who removed the rusted handrails on the slide and replaced them after they were repaired.
Footpaths Martin Lampard volunteered to take over as co-ordinator. The HCC footpaths team have not done the promised clearance work on the footpath North from North Acre and will be pressed to do so.
Finance The draft accounts for the year to March 04 were approved. They are on the village website if you'd like to see them.
The next Council meeting is on Monday 13 September at 7.30 in the Village Hall committee room. The Planning Committee will meet on Monday 2 August. Our meetings are public and all parishioners are welcome to come and can speak.
Jeremy Barber Chairman
Tel 720459 email jeremy.barber@longparish.org.uk
Thanks very much to the two people, one from Forton and one from Middleton who have volunteered to join the Adopt a Road Scheme. The Magnificent Seven are now the Magnificent Eight. More volunteers are always welcome.
A note last month explained how to report noise nuisance to TVBC. You should report problems to TVBC Environment and Health Department (tel 368000) at the time so they can visit to assess the situation. Outside normal business hours you can speak to the duty Environment and Health Officer on the same number. Do not be put off by the recorded message. You should follow the instructions to report an emergency.