Present:

Cllr L C Ford (Town Mayor)
Cllr N J Chard
Cllr N R G Clarke
Cllr D Cole
Cllr J D Heron
Cllr Mrs G O’Reilly
Cllr W S Rippon-Swaine
Cllr M A Steele
Cllr B H Terry
Cllr Mrs A Wiseman
Cllr Mrs B Woodifield

In Attendance:

Mr T Simpson, Town Clerk
Mrs J Stannard, Deputy Town Clerk
District Cllr C Treleaven

C/4975 Apologies

The Town Clerk reported that apologies for absence had been received from Cllr P Chambers, Cllr Mrs J Terry and Cllr Mrs M Urwin.

C/4976 Declarations of Interest

There were none.

C/4977 Minutes of Previous Meeting

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Meeting held on 28th October 2009, having been circulated, be approved and signed as a correct record.

C/4978 Recreation, Leisure and Opens Spaces Committee

Cllr B Terry presented the minutes of the Recreation, Leisure and Open Spaces Committee meeting held on 4th November 2009.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Recreation, Leisure and Open Spaces Committee meeting held on 4th November 2009 be received.

C/4979 Planning Town and Environment Committee

Cllr Clarke presented the minutes of the Planning, Town & Environment Committee meeting held on 6th November 2009.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Planning, Town & Environment Committee meeting held on 6th November 2009 be received.

C/4980 Policy and Finance Committee

Cllr Heron presented the minutes of the Policy & Finance Committee meeting held on 18th November 2009.

F/4490 Cllr Heron commented on the first draft Council budget for 2010/11. He encouraged Committees to look for savings where possible whilst trying to retain front line services in order to minimise any increase in Council Tax.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Policy & Finance Committee meeting held on 18th November 2009 be received.

C/4981 Communications To Be Received

The Town Mayor reported on the following:

1. She reminded Members that the annual Christmas Civic Service would be held at St Peter & St Paul’s Parish Church at 3pm on Sunday 20th December. Refreshments would be served after the Service.

2. It had been agreed to close the Town Council office for the Christmas Period from Friday 25th December 2009 until Monday 4th January 2010. On Thursday 24th December, Christmas Eve, the office would close at 3pm. The groundsmen would also be on holiday during this period, but would be emptying dog and litter bins regularly.

3. Members and residents who enjoy cycling to the Town Council office would be pleased to hear that there will be a bike rack installed at the front of the office.

4. As this was the last Full Council Meeting of the year, the Town Mayor wished everyone a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

C/4982 Reports From County and District Councillors

County Councillor Rippon-Swaine presented his written report (Annex ‘A’). He also reported on the following:

i) A Speed Indicator Device would be deployed in Castleman Way (eastbound) week commencing 30th November 2009.

ii) The District Council had commenced consultation on proposed cycle routes for the town. This included suggestions for new sites for cycle parking to meet demand.

iii) He had spoken to Hampshire Highways about the replacement of pavers in the High Street. It was noted that contractors were allowed to make temporary repairs until pavers could be sourced and replaced. However, it had been acknowledged that the period of time given for this was too great.

District Councillor Treleaven presented his written report (Annex ‘B’).

District Councillor Heron – was pleased to see that the scaffolding in Christchurch Road had been moved closer to the building in response to concerns raised. He also commented that the new one-way restriction in Kings Arms Lane would result in an increased traffic flow on Christchurch Road.

It was noted that Hampshire Highways had included a scheme in this year’s Traffic Management programme to investigate the feasibility of providing a pedestrian crossing in Christchurch Road.

District Councillor Ford reported that the issue of abandoned trolleys would be discussed at Cabinet on 2nd December 2009.

It was proposed that trolleys be impounded and a charge made for their release. She asked Members to inform the supermarkets directly if they saw abandoned trolleys away from the car parks. In response to a question regarding improved shopping trolley bays in the car parks, it was noted that negotiations were underway.

C/4983 Forthcoming Meetings

There being no further business, the Town Mayor closed the meeting at 7.23pm.

RECEIVED AND ADOPTED
6th January 2010