Notes from the last Parish Council Meeting held
on 1st March 2010:
Police Report: PC Simon Beecroft, Beat Manager, reported that the three policing priorities
in Houghton will be, speeding, inconsiderate parking and fly-tipping. He reported that so far in 2010 no crimes had been reported
in the village. He reminded parishioners to ring 101 for non-emergencies.
Report from Hampshire County Council, Cllr
Andrew Gibson: the Lengthsman project is to be administrated by Stockbridge Parish Council. Councillors agreed to make a list
of possible tasks for the
Lengthsman.
The area around the Village Hall septic tank had been fully planted and
Cllr Young thanked Lucy Gosse and Cllr Kennesion for their assistance. He also thanked Barry Clarke for all his advice and
for the helpful discount at Hilliers Nursery.
Allotments: Mrs Gosse reported on excellent progress. Cllr Busk had removed
the three tree stumps. The newly formed Houghton Allotment Association had met, and agreed an annual rent of £20 pa
to be paid in advance. Agreements would be drawn up. There would be 10 tenants. The rent payable to the landowner was to be
set at £40 - £50 - to be finally decided when the agreement is complete. The
Hazel at the rear of the site
has been coppiced. It was hoped to acquire and position a shed at the rear
Of the site by the end of the year. Cars
will park outside the site, but there is room for vehicular access. It was estimated that with the very kind and generous
co-operation of Barker and Geary and Bossington Estate the estimated cost of the fencing would be £500 for materials
and £500 for labour. A hand operated pump would be installed at an approx cost of £100. Mrs Gosse would check
out the use of this pump with the EA.
Playground: the Clerk confirmed that the outstanding equipment would be installed
during April. Cllr Boulton was asked if he could arrange for a green waste bin on a stand to be placed near to the new equipment.
Village
Hall: Mr Stanfield reported that the Village Hall had received £500 from Cllr Gibson's HCC Grant Fund and new curtains
and track were on their way.
Mr Stanfield asked if it was possible to install a kerb from the bus stop to Church Lane
to help prevent erosion. Cllr. Kennesion replied that he was on the case with the HCC.
Mrs Gosse asked if there was
any progress with the “Greening Campaign”. Cllr Boulton replied that TVBC Cabinet was due to make a decision whether
to roll out the scheme throughout Test Valley at the next cabinet meeting.
Mrs Gosse asked if it was possible to have
a stand for the green bin next to the bus stop outside the Hall. Cllr Boulton to investigate.
Mr Woodhall asked when
the fishing hut on the Test at Houghton Lodge would be thatched. Chairman would speak to Cllr. Busk in due course.
