NEW ALRESFORD TOWN
MEETING
Held in the
Thursday 12th March
2009
Present: Town Councillors: Ken
Yeldham (Chair),
Winchester District
Councillor: Ernie Jeffs, Simon Cook, George Beckett
Electors: 20
Press: 2
Town Council Staff:
3
Councillor Yeldham
opened the meeting advising the electors;
a) that this was
their meeting for the Councillors to report back to them.
b) any items to be
considered were to be related only to
Councillor Yeldham
informed the meeting of the sad loss of Cllr Cattle’s wife who died recently
and extended condolences on behalf of all.
The meeting began
1. Apologies: Cllr M Luckham, Cllr M Phillips.
2. Minutes of the 2008
Proposed:
3. Chair advised he would report directly on behalf of all Committees (Agenda Item 4). Chair’s report attached
5. Address by Mrs J Bernard Headteacher and Mrs S Bissett
Assistant Headteacher Perins
Mrs Bernard thanked NATC for invitation. Expressed pleasure in improving relationship between Perin’s and NATC she and her colleague pleased to attend. Apologies on behalf of Clive Surrey, Perin’s Community Manager.
A slide show presentation was made to the meeting. (Presentation attached)
Cllr Yeldham thanked Mrs Bernard and Mrs Bissett for presentation and attendance. Asked were there any questions from the floor – none made
6. Public Participation
Cllr Yeldham
reminded the floor that matters raised were to relate to New Alresford
Mr R Atkins as co-Chair of NATT
Mini bus and Garage
Referred to the matter of NATC grants in relation to their application for a grant for the new minibus. Expressed his concern, as he had done at the time, that the grant system was wrong and that it jeopardised the purchase of a replacement minibus. However with the grants from NATC and WCC for which he extended thanks and Cllr Beckett’s input a new bus was purchased. In addition an extension to the Garage is being built due for completion by the end of May. An invitation to the opening would follow.
Eel House – NATC supported with grant of £2,500 and WCC £3,000 asked for additional for internal works in April of £1,000 from NATC. Thanks to the Alresford Society
The Avenue, Perins – Advised that Cllr Gentry had taken this over. NATT will ensure footpath and fence are properly done. Mentioned 1869 Conveyance that sets out the ownership rights. Advised that the Land Registry Title is wrong and NATT hold the correct information.
Dog Bins
Solution over the location of the recently erected dog bins would be resolved over the next few days as advised by B Gray (NATC Asst Clerk). Need to look more carefully at locations in the future
Cllr Yeldham Gave further explanation to the reason for the value of NATC Grant saying previous minibus, 5 or 6 years ago money was sitting in NATT coffers including £55,000 in kitty that is why NATC supported the Community Grant. Felt that NATT also had resale value of old bus.
Mr Atkins advised that previous treasurer P Middleton held £20,000 reserve at any stage. Running costs were £4-5,000 a year. Having bought it needed reserves for running. Acknowledged Cllr Yeldham’s figures as referred to were correct. £27,000 now in Capital Reserves.
Cllr Gentry Acknowledged error and apologised for
Mr D Goodman Thanked NATC for turning LDF into a more practical programme. Expressed concerns that the District Council is still thinking about pouring money into housing – nothing being done about jobs. Understood that District Council gave a promise for insight into programme – however nothing available. Asks for NATC to put pressure on City and forward Planners to produce a valid economic plan
1 Police response is poor – any help or advice?
2 CCTV –definition improve
3 WCC Cost up-grade to system a worth while investment – Alresford Conservation area
4 Private individual advantage
Windows are being smashed and Alresford Traders feel it is not worth reporting minor misdemeanours. Night walking in Alresford – residents are afraid of the abuse they receive.
Due to an upgrade of CCTV in
Cllr Evans Chamber of Commerce has investigated the cost of modern system for 2 cameras and estimates it to be £40,000 to set up.
Q What is cost to watch?
A CCTV is just watching you depends on what you want.
Cllr Yeldham advised that Bishops Waltham have one that is in Police Station
Police Sgt Wayne Curzon To put into context in relation to damage. Local police team rely on WCC Police and Alresford reports do not back up need. Must report all incidents to support CCTV. Anything to assist in detecting offenders. Not necessary to monitor just hand to Police recording around time of incident. Alresford is not a mammoth crime area although one is still too many. Little can be done without witnesses.
Cllr Gentry Has sympathy with situation but cannot subscribe to NATC Finance to ask Alresford Residents to pay money to support CCTV. NATC do not get contribution from Business Rates. However will not get in way of shop keepers, Chamber of Commerce. Notes that Moda Rosa has CCTV and if that is what traders want they do not have impact on Conservation area.
Cllr Yeldham asked for any other items from floor – none came. Thanked all for their attendance and invited the electors to join in some refreshments
The meeting closed at 8.40pm.