We would like to thank the following sponsors of
"Up-the-Pole" planters in
2009
Alresford Salads
Warwick Trailers
Busbys Builders
Dutton Gregory - Solicitors
Merry-Matthews Land
Services
Michael
Wiltshire & Partners
Middleton Builders
The Alresford &
District Horticultural Society
The Alresford Society
The Alresford Chamber
of Commerce
The Town
Trustees
New Alresford Town Council implemented this web site in 2007 and it will continue to grow and increase its content. Its primary purpose is to improve the communication between the residents of Alresford and the Council. It now incorporates details of forthcoming meetings, where possible agenda, and minutes of meetings which, we hope, will encourage people to attend the meetings and participate in the affairs of the town.
JOB VACANCY
A vacany has arisen at the Council for a Part time Committee Clerk . The post is up to 20 hours 5 mornings a week. We are seeking a person with adeptness in Word and Excel who is organised and a good communicator. Must be prepared to take Committee minutes at evening meetings held once, occassionally twice a month.Applicants should apply in writing to:
Stevie Kavanagh, Town Clerk, New Alresford Town Council, Alresford Recreation Centre, The Avenue, Alresford SO24 9EP. Tel No.01962 732079. Closing Date: 6th April 2010.
POST OFFICE RELOCATION
PUBLIC MEETING HELD ON 19TH MARCH
The meeting was attended by approximately 80 members of the public. Brief presentations were given by representatives of the Post Office and Co-op. The word "consultation" was used by the Post Office represntative but members of the public were vociferous in pointing out that the transfer of the post office to the Co-op was in their opinion a "done deal" and that nothing said at the meeing would change anything.
With the retirement of the franchise holder post office business will cease to be conducted from the existing building on 23rd March. The Co-op has taken over the franchise and to adapt their building for post office custom will refurbish the store. Over 100 Co-op stores in the country currently contains Post Office counters. The store's post office counter, with three windows, will be situated at the rear right hand corner of the Co-op premises. One window will have a low level chip and pin machine for the ease of wheelchair users. Post Office staff wil be employed by the Co-op and the Cheriton outreach service would continue,under the control of Droxford, but each session may be reduced from four to three hours depending on demand and usage. It is anticipated that there would be three mail vehicle deliveries/collections a day to the store.
Residents of Hankin's Court have major concerns with Co-op vehicles, waste and storeage trespassing onto their properties and forsee this problem being acerbated with the incorporation of the Post Office. With the store's current customer level quoted between 800 to 1200 it was envisaged an increase in foot-fall, especially at seasonal times, would result in Post Office queues hindering food store customers.
Other concerns were the extra vehicle movements close to the Jacklyn's Lane/Dean junction. Also the venture highlighted the need to improve the pedestrian/traffic conflict in front of the store. The installation of bollards outside the store, along the white lines, would be required to protect pedestrians. Residents living in the eastern section of the town considered that this relocation would necessitate a Post Box being located at the junction of Broad and West Streets.
COUNCIL TAX REDUCED FOR SECOND YEAR RUNNING
The precept for 2010/11 has been set at £245,000 which is a small reduction for the second year running.GRIT BINS
The recent snow has resulted in a large number of requests for more Grit Bins throughout the town. We will be reviewing all locations. If you think a bin is required near you please advise us so that it may be added to the list. The list will be reviewed on the 24th February and it may be that we will have to spreasd the provision over two years. Bins will only be supplied where the site has been predetermined and agreed by all surrounding neighbours. HCC will take responsibility for the replenisment of the bins and it will be for the community to take responsibility for the spreading of the grit. When clearing footpaths or spreading grit please remember you have duty of care to ensure that you make things better and not worse.
STRATTON BATES PAVILLION
The time has come to renovate and possibly improve the Stratton Bates Pavillion. Currently the building is used by the Alresford Youth Football teams, housing changing and shower facilities, and this feature will remain.
When the Council initially contemplated this project they became aware that Alresford needed a pre-school facility, which conformed to new government legislation the most important part of which is to provide dedicated open space for play.
We are investigating the availability of funding for pre-schools and community buildings and whether this is a requirement of the Alresford community.It has been determined that sole use by a pre-school would be a disadvantage to the longevity of the building and we are looking at other community needs.We want to avoid a costly renovation and the facility not being used to its full potential.
Whilst we are keen to find new uses for the pavilion which may involve substantial extension of the building this will not be undertaken unless 80% of the overall project cost can be found from external grants. The new facility would have to be available to more than one section of the community, not just a single user.
We would appreciate your views and ideas on what other community needs this building could meet.
Stratton Bates Play Area
The repairs needed to make the Stratton Bates play equipment safe has now been completed and the area is now open for use, with the exception of the spiral slide. This item of equipment remains closed awaiting the manufacturers replacement slide. Notices have been put up and the area warden off to signify the danager.
Local Development Framework
Winchester City Council has accepted the recommendations put forward by the Town Council following the meetings on 16 January and 16 September 2008. The essence of the report was:
Based on the figures contained in this report the Town Council would support a development plan of up to 450 houses, including new build since April 2006 and current proposals, within a redefined settlement boundary as outlined.
View summary report.View full report.
The Council considers that the concept of development on either of the identified greenfield sites at the extremities of the town is seriously flawed and has been suggested without any consideration of the uniqueness of this market town and the problems it faces today and in the future. The report demonstrates that Winchester City Council's desire to provide 300 plus units of accommodation in New Alresford can be more than adequately met over the next 20 years by using existing brownfield sites within the boundaries of the town. Provided the necessary infrastructure improvements and service improvements are made prior to development this will reduce the problems faced by the town and not increase them as would the proposals outlined in WCC's Issues and Options.
The report demonstrates that the required level of development can be achieved within the town without resorting to housing development to the east of Sun Lane or north-west of Arlebury Park.
Perins Car Park Footpath
The new car park and footpath are now open and we would like to remind everybody that there will now be an increased Parking Attendant presence in the Town Centre
Speed Limit Reminders
The Speed Limit Reminders are now up and working. The SLR will be moved to different locations throughout the town. Further sites can be added to the list in the future if required. It is anticipated that the SLR will go a long way towards reducing speeding on Alresford roads. Please remember the signs are 'reminder signs' not enforcement cameras.
Hanging Baskets
The colourful Hanging Baskets in the centre of Alresford have been a feature of the Town for over forty years. Originally introduced by the Chamber of Commerce all those years ago the number of baskets hung peaked at well over hundred in the mid-nineties. Over the years the baskets have survived everything that an English summer can throw at them and it is one of the things that visitors to the Town remember. After all those years the Chamber of Commerce decided that they would no longer organise the hanging of the baskets and the responsibility was taken over by New Alresford Town Council in 2007.
Everybody agreed that last years display was excellent and it was mainly due to our dedicated team of waterers, Ian Cornick aand Gerry who braved all weathers, as well as water browser breakdowns, to ensure that the baskets were fed and watered.
There will be 105 baskets hung this year and once again every lamp post in Broad Street will be adorned with an "Up-the-Pole" planter and five of the lamp posts in West Street will be decorated together with the sole lamp post in East Street. We are very grateful to the sponsors, listed left and we would be pleased to here from anybody who is prepared to sponsor an "Up the Pole", for £60.00 in 2009.
Alresford Recreation Centre
It is now one year since The ARC was re-opened for community use and we are pleased to report increasing use of the buildings with the bar and refreshment facilities making a significant contribution to running costs. Thank you all for your support.
We have responded to your suggestions regarding signage for the Alresford Recreation Centre and an external sign, visible from the Avenue, has been installed.
This facility is available for use by the whole community. Meeting rooms are avaialable free of charge to organisations and clubs in Alresford and the large function room is avaialable at very competitive rates. More information is available here.
Standards Board Investigation
A Standards Board complaint was made against Councillor Roy Gentry and the investigation found there to be 'No Breach' on any of the complainant's issues.
This investigation has cost just under £10,000, the cost of which will be borne by the tax payers.
Grants Awarded from the 2009/10 Budget
All grant applications for over £1,000 that wish to be taken into consideration for 2011/12 must reach the Town Offices by 31st October, 2010.
The Town Council have awarded the following grants during 2009/10.
- Alresford District Community Centre - £1800
- Burial Ground - £1100
- Citizen Advice Bureau - £1000
- Town Trust Eel House - £1000
- Alresford Xmas Tree Fund - £660
- Perins Fun Camp - £600
- Alresford Bowls Club - £300
- Victim Support - £250
- Hants County Youth Band - £100
Forthcoming 2010 Meetings
Town Council 11 March
Tourism 24 March
Recreation 21 April
Environment 26 May
Agenda are published
approximately 7 days prior to the meeting and can be accessed, once published,
by clicking on the meeting.
Minutes of previous meetings can be accessed from the relevant Committee page.
All meetings are open to the public and we welcome your attendance at meetings
Public Access Computing
If you know somebody who would like to have access to this web site but does not have a computer they can use the Public Access Computer in the Town Council Offices. Available Monday to Friday 11am - 1pm. This service gives access to many Winchester City Council and Hampshire County Council services. A public access computer is also available at the Public Library