When you think of all the "nasties" there are in the countryside, it can make you wonder how you ever got through a stroll up that leafy lane unscathed! Because we tend to spend more time outside in the summer, it could be useful to know what dangers are lurking in the undergrowth.
The Borrelia burghdorfia, isn't a boat studded with the northern lights, it is in fact the micro-organism more commonly known as the wood tick, a blood-sucking parasite which normally lives on deer. This nasty little creature can cause Lyme disease, which is an infection that derives from its bite. The wood tick is found in many areas, particularly in forests where deer are common, but also in gardens visited by deer. The ticks cling to ends of vegetation and wave their legs around like a drunken madman, hoping to latch on to a passing animal or person. When the tick has found a suitable place on the body, it sticks in its probe to draw up blood, exposing the host to the risk of infection. What a fun little creature to have around! More next month .
(Useful tip from the editor - if you have an irritating "bite" with a little black tick in the middle, paint it with a blob of nail varnish and leave for about 12 hours. The varnish will asphyxiate the tick, which can then be peeled off. It you try to remove it by pulling, you will probably leave the head in, risking infection. It works for dogs too.)
This report covers the July meeting. Minutes are on the website.
The council unanimously recorded its thanks to Barry Sterndale-Bennett for all the service he has given to the village over many years, particularly by distributing Hill & Valley and as a Neighbourhood Watch coordinator.
There was no objection to a two-storey side extension at 6 The Mount, Forton.
The Inspector gave a fair hearing to all parties of Mr Jackson's appeal against TVBC refusal of his application to build an agricultural worker's house. (Stop press - the refusal has been upheld by the Inspector.)
A visit is being arranged to Pimperne and Shillingstone so members of the council and the parish plan housing group can see good examples of social housing set in the context of a mixed development.
The Ashburn Rest was formally opened by the Mayor of Test Valley, our own Jim Neal on 3 July and blessed by our Parish Priest, Nona Harrison. It looks lovely and should last for many decades. It reproduces the old one faithfully except for subtle changes designed to make it more comfortable. Thanks go to David Scott for his excellent craftsmanship and to the Vitacress Charitable Fund and TVBC who helped with the cost. There are pictures on the village website. The remains of the old seat will be photographed for posterity and offered to the Andover Museum.
Messrs Harris and Cooper kindly volunteered to install another picnic bench at the playground.
Landowners are responsible for maintaining established gates and stiles in a safe condition for public use and for keeping paths free from obstructions and side and overhanging vegetation. The point was raised by a parishioner in the context of footpath 12. Mr Johnson will speak with the landowners concerned and Mr Harris has volunteered to maintain the surface once the overhanging vegetation is cleared.
The Council welcomed proposals by Mr Tacchi to reorganise footpaths in both Longparish and Hurstbourne Priors, particularly on the grounds of the additional countryside access provided by the new paths, the linking of Longparish and Hurstbourne Priors with Whitchurch via a pedestrian route and the creation of a circular route linking Longparish and Hurstbourne Priors. Whilst we regretted the extinction of the footpath through Paper Mill Farm it was our unanimous feeling that the overall benefit to the village and its inhabitants makes this worthwhile. A map of the proposed route is on the website.
If you can spare some time to help keep our paths in good order or would like to adopt a path please contact Martin Lampard (tel 720529). Training can be given if necessary.
The council was concerned by the way the recent tarring and chipping had simply gone over potholes, especially at the Hurstbourne end of the village, instead of filling them first;
the resultant raising of the road surface which makes the dips for manhole covers worse; and
the lack of progress on the pavement on the route from the village hall car park to the school.and will write to the Highway Authority.
The bridges at Upper Mill will be closed for about six months for refurbishment (see separate article). The design has been modified to accommodate the Council's concerns about the original proposals.
The Council does not meet in August. A committee will meet to consider planning applications if necessary. The next Council meeting is at 7.30 on Monday 11 September in the Community Hall. Meetings are public and all parishioners are welcome to come and can speak.Jeremy Barber Chairman. email jeremy.barber@longparish.org.uk