We would like to thank the following sponsors of
"Up-the-Pole" planters in 2007
Busbys Builders
Butler & Co. - Accountants
Dutton Gregory - Solicitors
Exclusive Windows
Merry-Matthews Land Services
Michael Wiltshire & Partners
Middleton Builders
Roger Pearson
J Ramshaw - Bed & Breakfast
Village Furniture Factory
Mr & Mrs Perry
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.
Local Development Framework
One of the key issues facing the Town today that could affect all of us is the Local Development Framework. The Town Council set up a working party, including The Alresford Society, The Town Partnership and The Chamber of Commerce to prepare proposals in response to the Issues and Options outlined in Winchester City Council’s (WCC) outline document. The working party took your input from the workshop held at Perins on the 17 January and this has been incorporated into our response.
The response was submitted to the Town Council meeting on 7 February for approval and has now been submitted to Winchester City Council.
In summary the NATC’s response was as follows and the full report is here:
“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. This report demonstrates that Winchester City Council’s desire to provide 300 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 and it calls upon WCC to undertake a full and complete infrastructure and Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment as a matter of urgency. The Council believes that such a survey will endorse our position that the necessary development potential can be released, without building houses on greenfield sites, whilst at the same time improving the infrastructure, services and recreational potential of the town.”
2008/9 Precept
The precept for the current year was set at £180,000 against an expenditure of £194,300 the difference being made up from income received. This year’s expenditure looked to be well in excess of budget as no provision had been made, when setting the budget, for utilities (electricity, gas and water), increased rates and building maintenance. The budget was also hit, although this could not have been foreseen, by the financial problems with Arlebury Park Sports and Social Club (APSSC) who have paid no rent during the course of this current year.
As a result of a number of financial exposures (full details) there will be no alternative but to significantly increase the precept in the next financial year. Hopefully most of this increase will be a one time hit, essentially to pay for the costs of the Stevens case (£69,000), and this Council will be able to return to a level of precept similar to last year. At the 17th January meeting the precept for the next financial year was set at £250,000.
Hanging Baskets
The colourful Hanging Baskets in the centre of Alresford will be hung again this year during the week of 6 May, in time for the Watercress Festival. They 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 out dedicated team of waterers, Andrew Black, Ian Cornick and Roy Wyeth who braved all weathers, as well as water browser breakdowns, to ensure that the baskets were fed and watered.
If any resident, in the Town Centre has not been asked or received a flyer and wish to have a basket thay should contact the Town Office on 01962 732079 - the cost is again £35.00 which includes watering and feeding for the whole season.
Last year the Town Council was able to obtain sponsorship from Geest, Keats, Marshall Bendall and Warwick Trailers towards the cost of the watering and we are hoping they will be as generous this year
For the first time last year every lamp post in Broad Street was adorned with an "Up-the-Pole" planter and three of the lamp posts in West Street were also 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 2008.
Improvements to road for cyclists and walkers
The Town Council has been in discussion with HCC regarding the improvements to the road between the Itchen Abbas and Tichborne road junction and the A31 roundabout/Ovington road junction on the Winchester side of the town. It was proposed to provide a combined cycle track and footpath on the Tichborne side of the road between the cross roads and the Ovington Road. It now looks as though these proposals will be abandonded as they have not found favour with cycling organisations and there is insufficient money available without drawing on the Developer Fund. NATC and other local Councillors are now saying that there are better uses for Developer Funds than this scheme. Full details including map.
Allotments
The Council has managed to obtain a lease on land adjoining the existing allotments to satisfy the waiting list for more plots. The land will be sufficient to satisfy all those on the waiting list albeit each will be limited to half a plot. It is hoped that the preliminary work will be completed shortly ready for the new planting season in April.
Petanque
The Council has agreed to the provision of a Petanque terrain, suitable for team and match play, to be provided at Arlebury Park. The cost will be funded from the Open Spaces Fund (a pot of money provided by developers) and hopefully a grant from Hampshire Playing Fields Association. The terrain, which will be open to all members of the community, should be completed in the Spring.
Arlebury Park Facility
Subject to a satisfactory financial agreement it is expected that the Town Council will take over the running of this facility from Arlebury Park Sports and Social Club in April. It is intended to continue to provide facilities for the existing sports and social clubs and it is also hoped to make the venue available for the use of the wider community.
Grants Awarded from the 2006/7 Budget
The General & Policy Committee have awarded the following grants.
- Alresford Society - £500 - towards the restoration of the Eel House
- St. John's Church - £250 - towards clock repairs
- Don Perin's Tennis - £763 - towards Tennis Kit
- Alresford Christmas Tree - £600 - towards Christmas Event
- Burial Ground - £1100
- Football Association - £50
At the Town Council Meeting on 6 March it was agreed that the following additional grants would be made this Financial Year
- Eel House Restoration - £2000
- Town Trust Mini-bus appeal - £1000
- Communuty Centre - £3500
Discharge of Sewage into The Itchen
The Town Council has written a letter of objection to the Environment Agency regarding the discharge of sewage into the River Itchen. We now understand that the Environment Agency has delayed making a decision on this matter until well into the summer. The delay has been caused as Natural England, one of the statutory consultees, has asked for ecological assessments to be made.
Design Statement
In consultation with residents New Alresford Town Council has over the last two years been preparing a Design Statement for the town. A design statement is a supplementary planning document that is produced with the residents and reflects what they would like to see considered in future planning applications. The Design Statement is in its final draft form and has been submitted for public comment. The public consultation lasted for six weeks and closed last year. The final document will be published shortly and will be available for inspection here at that time.
Forthcoming Meetings
Town Council 10 April
Recreation 19 March
Environment 26 March
Tourism 23 April
Planning
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.
Minutes of Annual Town Meeting 22 March 2007
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