This report covers the January meeting. The Finance and Communications committees also met. Minutes of meetings are on the village website www.longparish.org.uk .
Richard Maloney has a new job and will be leaving the village. So we have a vacancy on the Council. If you are interested please contact Jeremy Barber (details below) or any councillor.
A speaker from the Environment and Health Department explained the new collection arrangements. Ordinary rubbish will be collected on alternate weeks and recyclables on the other weeks. There will be new bins and arrangements will be made to help people who have any problems with the new system. The new system will save money and help TVBC reach recycling targets. We will not be affected for at least six months and there will be extensive publicity nearer the time.
The council decided to hold the precept (the amount parishioners pay as part of the council tax) at the same amount as for the last three years.
• The cemetery paths will be re-surfaced.
• At the same time the council plans to get some of the potholes around the village hall filled.
• The Ashburn Rest will be thoroughly refurbished in the next few months provided the council can get some grants towards the cost.
• The council will continue to pay for a copy of Hill & Valley to go to each household
• The website will be re-launched in the next couple of months with better navigation and a new search facility.
• This year's welcome event for new villagers will be on 8 March at 8pm in the Community Hall. Please do come along if you came to the village in the last year or so and would like to meet people and find out what goes on.
• The village handbook will be revised and re-issued in the next year and the Directory soonr. Any proposed changes to Mary Jo Darrah please.
The opening weekend showed that the new community facilities will be an excellent asset for the village. Once some minor snags have been sorted out the hall will be available for bookings. Gloria Goodliffe tel.720425 has kindly agreed to take bookings for the time being.
There were no planning applications.
• By the time you read this, the inaugural meeting of the Community Association will have taken place. The council has budgeted to support the association in the year to come.
• The open day showed that there is sufficient interest to take forward the idea of a Youth Club. We expect that the Community Association will do this.
The next Council meeting is at 7.30 on Monday 13 February in the Village Hall. Meetings are public and all parishioners are welcome to come and can speak.
Jeremy Barber Chairman. Tel 720459
email jeremy.barber@longparish.org.uk
___________________________________________
Community Encouragement
Real Help to Clubs and groups in Test Valley
Do you run a group or club in Test Valley? Or have you ever had a good idea for running a new group or club? There is now help, information and maybe money to support groups and clubs to expand, set up or just keep going.
Thanks to a grant of £102,270 over three years from The Big Lottery, Test Valley Community Services will be working across Test Valley endeavouring to provide all or most of what you may need to make your group stronger and be on hand to help when required.
Who can we help : Older People's and Carers groups, Disability groups, Youth groups, Playgroups and Pre-Schools, Village Hall Committees, General Community groups and any voluntary group working in the community not for profit.
Where we work : Our project extends throughout Test Valley. We are keen to work in villages and parishes. We know this is where many groups provide valuable services to local people and often need help, advice and support.
How can we help : by publicising your group so that you find more members and volunteers, provide information on grants, signposting you to other groups with similar aims, finding information and contacts that you need and by providing training for you and your volunteers. Since November 2002 we have helped local groups to find over £600,000 in grants which has enabled many groups to either start, expand or deliver more important services at local level.
Why are we doing this : To reduce the isolation felt by many people in the community and to make our groups and clubs stronger and better able to support the people they care about.
If you would like more information or a visit to your group or club please contact:
Greg Alexander or Dawn Elson at TVCS on 01264 362600 or email greg.Alexander@tvcs.org.uk