Held on Friday 19th March 2010 at the Henrietta Barnes Field CentreDonhead St Andrew PC Chairman Ms B Miller chaired the meeting with 15 residents present.
1 The Chairman welcomed those present and hoped that the meeting would be positive.
2 A letter concerning the level of the precept was read aloud that requested an increased precept of £1,000 pa; the additional precept being used for village projects for which there was no allowance in the budget. It had been calculated that this additional £1,000 would equate to an increase of less than £5 pa for a Band D property. The Chairman indicated that an increased precept had been requested for 2010/11 to facilitate works at the cemetery and during the ensuing discussion those present generally agreed that the increase could become permanent. Those present were in favour of a consultation exercise being undertaken prior to the next budget being set to determine what projects might be considered, e.g. finger posts, benches.
3 A discussion on the South Wilts housing allocation from central government, some 12,400 houses, evolved following a query relating to the response of the PC to the LDF/Core Strategy exercise that was reaching a conclusion and currently with the Inspector. The PC had previously responded that they were happy that there should be no infill building in DStA (a split vote with a majority of 1) except for garages, annexes etc, the classification being recommended being that of a secondary village. Some concern was expressed by those residents at the meeting that such a decision should have been taken; it was noted that this decision did not apply to exception sites for affordable housing or site specific proposals approved by the Secretary of State.
4 Those present were asked their view of potentially joining forces with DStM to have a community website for the Donheads as a whole. The fallback position being a link to DStA items from the existing DStM website.
5 It was noted that the PC had already requested additional grit bins around the village where problems had been encountered in the recent bad weather. Nest winter it was hoped to have in place grit bins at the following locations: Bottom of Pigtrough Lane, half way up Barker's Hill, Sands Lane, Milkwell/Ice Lane junction
6 a. Those present were asked to note the following contact details for reporting potholes, blocked grips or any other highway related problems: Clarence - 0800 232323 or Clarence@wiltshire.gov.uk
The Chairman was also happy to pass on reports directly to the Parish Steward scheme.
b. It was noted that the lane running between DStM and DStA was continually running with water from a spring that was particularly hazardous during freezing conditions. The only solution would be to properly construct a culvert.
c. The PC was asked to inform Wiltshire Council of the absence of a 'no through road' sign at the entrance to Mill Lane; the Chairman thought that this would be sensible.
7 Attention was drawn to the Bobby Van scheme that was available to help householders secure their homes following burglary. Local fire-fighters were also available to fit smoke alarms at any residential property at no cost.
8 The church roof was briefly discussed and residents were informed that approval was being sought to use a material other than lead to replace that continually being stolen.
9 The Wiltshire Council speed review was discussed and various options mooted for action. The PC was asked to consider raising a petition to highlight the discontent of the village.
There being no other topics raised, the meeting closed at 7:50 pm.