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Parish Newsletter Mar 2007
Romsey Extra Parish Council
Extra News
March 2007
Concerns about Speeding Traffic
School Road
There has been concern about traffic in School Road for some time and we have for years considered that the 40 mph speed limit on it is totally unreasonable.
Recently the Borough Council asked our view about closing the School Road/ Braishfield Road Junction. We recognise that this road is used as a shortcut between Braishfield Road and Winchester Road and that this will only get worse in the future with development at Abbotswood. Closure is one solution but there are others. We sought the views of current users to test their opinions. Our survey showed that there are mixed views on this. The results were: For 19 Against 16 Favour Alternatives 16. We will report our findings to the Borough.
Lee Lane
Lee Lane suffers from speeding by through traffic which causes the residents of Lee much concern. The County Council have now acknowledged that there is a problem and added Lee Lane to the Casualty Reduction Programme for 2007/8. They will look at suitable engineering measures to enhance the safety of the road.
The suggestion has been made that a way of stopping the through traffic would be to close the junction of Lee Lane and the A27. This is certainly a difficult junction to turn into from the A27. However, what is important is what the views are of the residents who would need to use other links from the A3057, Romsey Road to access their properties. We will report later on this.
Local Elections on 3 May
On the 3rd May 2007 the local elections for the Borough Council will include elections for this Parish Council. We hope that you will take this opportunity to cast your votes to choose the councillors for the Parish Council. Please lookout for a list of candidates on the Parish Notice Board at Woodley Village Hall in School Road.
A total of seven councillors will be elected to serve on this Parish Council for a period of 4 years up to 2011.
Romsey 2020
A public consultation exhibition on ideas for the future improvement of Romsey and its hinterland up to the year 2020 was held in the Town Hall on 26/27th January. Over 300 people attended and many gave their comments. Main concerns were transport, including public transport, cycleways and footpaths with much concern about signage. Also popular were environmental matters including issues about shop fronts.
Special facilities were available for young people and some of these made valuable contributions regarding clubs and activities.
The Romsey 2020 Committee is now considering these points and seeking funds from SEEDA and others for 6 projects on Marketing, Footpath Improvements, Road Signage and Transport.
Annual Parish Assembly
This will be held at Woodley Village Hall on Wednesday 25th April 2006 at 7.30 pm.
Our speaker this year is Mrs Jo'Anna Black from Victim Support South Western District. She will talk about how Victim Support can help those who are affected by crime. As before the Chairman will present the Annual Report and there will be time for you to raise your views and ask questions.
The evening will aim to close about 9 pm when there will be refreshments and time for you to talk to us informally.
Chairman's Report
Christmas has gone and Spring is now with us. Over the past several months concerns have continued to be expressed to us about the use that is made of many of our minor and country roads. Our front page articles example this. As pressures for development in South Hampshire increase, we see this as one of the challenges for the future. How are the contrasting demands of commuters and residents to be reconciled when, if current trends continue, increased development will only place further demands on road usage?
As a Parish Council we can only seek to influence the respective authorities on specifics as they are brought to our attention. In doing this we rely on our own observations but also on information that you give to us. So please, do continue to inform us of the problems there are in the way our local roads operate.
As Spring passes and tree foliage grows, instances where trees obstruct the views of approaching buses at bus stops will increase. We do receive complaints about this every year but we need to hear where this is occurring as early as possible so that we can press for early action. Please let us know.
Council Meetings
Council Meeting Dates:
The Council meets at 7.15pm in the council chamber at the TVBC Offices, Duttons Road, Romsey. You are always welcome to attend and there is a short section at the start of each meeting which is set aside for public participation.
The dates of our next 6 meetings are:
12th April 10th May 14th June 12th July 9th August 13th September
Our Annual Parish Assembly is at 7.30pm on 25th April at Woodley Village Hall.
Woodley Village Hall:
The Woodley Village Hall committee, on which two members of the parish council sit, is working hard to prepare a bid to the Big Lottery - Community Buildings Fund for funding to carry out an upgrading and improvement of the Hall facilities. Their architect, Bizzie Blue Design, has prepared options for achieving better accessibility to the rooms and better usage of space with an additional meeting room. The committee unanimously selected the concept of a corridor built outside the existing front and car park side of the building. This will give independent access to all of the rooms and a new look to the Hall exterior.
The committee is keen to see new modernised kitchen facilities and improved toilets with perhaps some shower facilities. Sound proofing between rooms is also an important feature that must be improved.
The consultation carried out from the end of last year provided some useful information on what users would like to see. A problem well known to the committee was the need for a better heating system and this was much commented on. It will be part of the upgrade and the committee is keen to use environmentally friendly energy systems including where possible solar panels, ground source heat recovery and solar water heating. Wind turbines could also be considered. A further feature will be improved natural daylight within the building through use of roof lights and sun tubes as appropriate.
The bid is submitted in several stages. Stage 1 is the main hurdle as this will secure the funding. Whether this will be successful, remains to be seen. If it is not, other sources of funding will have to be investigated.
Romsey Charter Celebrations 1607 - 2007
Romsey kicks off its 400th Anniversary Charter Celebrations this month with a Ceremonial Mulberry Tree Planting on Saturday 24th March and Charter Inaugural Service at Romsey Abbey on Sunday 25th March. This is followed by an exciting programme of events in and around the Town throughout the summer, with many weekend events in Romsey War Memorial Park, until the Closing Civic Service on 30th September.
King James I signed the royal charter on 6th April 1607 at Westminster but later in the year paid a visit to the St Barbe family, owners of Broadlands at the time. As a mark of his visit King James planted mulberry trees in pursuance of his great ambition to start an English silk industry. (Mulberry trees are essential food for silkworms.)
During the Charter Year celebrations a mulberry tree is to be planted in each of Romsey Infra's three wards. A full programme of events is listed on the Romsey Town Council's website:
(www.hantsweb.gov.uk/romseytowncouncil/charter.html)
and in leaflets available from the Romsey Tourist Information and Heritage Centre, in Church Street, and Romsey Town Hall. Make sure you check Romsey out this summer and join in the Celebrations.
Changes to Bus Services
From 18th February, Solent Blue line introduced changes to their Bluestar 4 Romsey/Southampton bus service. The Monday to Saturday evening service was reduced in frequency whilst the Sunday evening service is withdrawn completely.
From Monday to Saturday the evening services from Romsey are hourly from 1805 hrs with the last bus at 2205 hrs. Returning to Romsey, buses leave Southampton hourly from 1920 hrs to 2320 hrs and hourly from 0018 hrs to 0218 hrs with a last bus at 0343 hrs.
On Sundays, the last bus from Romsey leaves at 1810 hrs and the last bus from Southampton leaves at 1820 hrs.
This service is provided commercially by the bus company without subsidy from the County Council. One can therefore see why passenger numbers decide the level of service that is provided. Nevertheless such a reduction in public transport services has to be regretted.
Ashfield Tyre Dump
Ten months ago, we raised concerns about the dump of some 2 million tyres at Ashfield. A solution now seems almost as far away as before.
We have seen an application in the name of Afropa to shred the tyres on site so that they could be recycled. This application to the Borough Council had to be referred to Hampshire County Council as the Minerals and Waste Planning Authority. At the start of this year we were told Afropa were no longer involved and the application was withdrawn.
On the 3rd January our Chairman attended a meeting when the owner of the site, who also runs Flintstone Tyres at Shirley, explained his wish to resolve the problems of the site by importing equipment that will shred the tyres at a rate of 180,000 / year. This would take 15 years to clear the dump and the owner also wants to bring tyres in from his other retail business. The environmental problems with the site are significant. Besides the fire risk, local residents complain about the nuisance in warmer weather from mosquitoes and other insects. Clearly this is a problem that needs to be resolved soon.
So where are we now? The owner was said to be submitting a planning application in February. As we went to press we have seen no signs of this application.
If this issue is not resolved through an application, who could take action? HCC are the responsible planning authority and they could take enforcement action. It is obvious they are reluctant to do this as long as resolution by proper action by the owner is still open. Aside from them the Environment Agency has also a role in this but they are again looking to action by the owner.
The current fire risk and environmental dangers to nearby residences are intolerable. The planning background of the site does not help, as it is regarded as a brownfield site having originally been a saw mill. A solution is needed that returns this site to a usage conducive with its countryside location. We will continue to urge all concerned to resolve this issue.
Flashing Speed Sign
Hampshire Highways are operating a new flashing speed sign on sites in this area. The sign warns speeding motorists to slow down when they are travelling above the speed limit. The sign will remain in one location for a number of weeks and then be moved around the selected sites. It was first installed in the 40 mph limit in Braishfield Road close to the School Road junction near the end of last month.
It is understood that Belbins is also one of the selected high priority sites. Belbins, Sandy Lane, and Jermyns Lane is a northern by-pass of Romsey. Braishfield Road is a vital link with the north side of Romsey. Both often attract speeding motorists. We will see how effective this new sign is in reducing excessive speeds on these roads.
Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan
It was disappointing to hear at the start of the year that the Halterworth A and B Sites will be included in the County's Issues and Options Study on Minerals and Waste sites in Test Valley.
The sites lie either side of Highwood Lane and are bounded by the railway, Halterworth Lane, Botley Road and Highwood Lane.
The proximity of both the Romsey Junior School, Stroud School and residential areas is a concern.
Action Teams for Test Valley
The County Council held the first consultative meeting of the new Hampshire Action Team (HAT) for Test Valley on 6th February 2007 at Thruxton.
These teams of County Councillors have been established to enable the Council to be more responsive and visible within local areas. The areas are as defined by the District Council boundaries.
Each HAT will consist of all of the County Councillors within the HAT area. They aim to provide effective scrutiny of the County Council and its services and also priortise local needs and activities in relation to County Services. They will provide an accessible forum for the community to raise local concerns, acting as a link between local communities, District Councils and Parishes and the County Council.
The meeting was chaired by our County Cllr., Roy Perry, and attended by representatives from the Police, Borough Council, Parishes and many of our local voluntary groups. We were represented by our Chairman.
Separate workshops were held on:
Hampshire Safer and more secure for all - develop and support stronger, safer communities by protecting vulnerable people, maximising safety where we live and helping young people to live positive lives.
Maximising Wellbeing - maintain and improve quality of life and ensure everyone has the opportunity to support themselves and have access to the services they need.
Enhancing our quality of place -ensure excellent facilities and plan proactively for the future whilst respecting the County's heritage.
It was the last workshop that our Chairman attended. Much of the discussion was about the manner in which the County maintains our roads. We expressed the need for much greater liaison between the Parish Council and Hampshire Highways on local problems and for far more information to be made available on intended work and how items were being prioritised. It is only when we have this detailed and up to date information that we can respond properly to the complaints that come our way.
History Spot
CENTENARY OF WOMEN IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT 1907 - 2007
This year we celebrate 100 years of women in Local Government and here is a brief history.
The lives of women over the last 100 years have changed dramatically more than at any other time in history. A hundred years ago women were 2nd class citizens with very few rights and limited expectations. A women's place was considered, to be in the home and this attitude extended right across the classes. The poorest women had few work options, many worked in factories or became domestic servants and once they married were expected to give up work.
In 1907 the Government passed a bill, which allowed women the right to be elected to Borough and County positions.
The first women Hampshire County councillors, Miss Marion Seymour (Winch.) and Mrs Rachel Maddocks (Basing), were elected in 1923.
Women wouldn't have achieved this monumental point in time without the actions of the Suffragists and Suffragettes and it took huge courage for these women to take part in marches and chain themselves to railings. Despite the Government's refusal to grant women full citizenship, when World War 1 broke out Mrs Pankhurst, previously public enemy number one, was approached to organise the Suffragettes to volunteer and many quickly responded. In 1918, in recognition of their war efforts the Government passed The Parliamentary Qualification Act, which allowed women over the age of 30 the right to vote and to stand for Parliament. The first female MP Viscountess Astor took her seat in 1919.
It wasn't until 1928 when The Representation of the People's Act was passed, that women over the age of 21 were finally granted the right to vote on equal terms with men.
At present Hampshire County Council has 78 Councillors of whom 23 are women and Test Valley Borough Council has 13 women Councillors of 47 in total. The first lady Mayor of Test Valley was Doris Bunting who lives in Romsey Extra. The first lady Mayor of Romsey was Aldyth Wellington.
We applaud the bravery of these women who have worked so hard for women's rights and equality. Also we acknowledge those women past and present who have stood for local councils to improve the gender imbalance.
News of Other Organisations
Contact List
Carers Forum & Carers Club -anne@meader.com Diabetes Aware - 01794 515126 Mobile Library 023 80 267393 NOMADS - amateur dramatics - ticket sales 01794 523578 or 02380 348317 Romsey Acorns Out of Schools Clubs - 02380 735744 Romsey Citizens Advice - 01794 516378 Romsey Dial-A-Ride - 01794 521515 Romsey Sea Cadets - 01794 514387 Test Valley Community Services - 01794 519998 Scouts - Romsey District Scout Council - Mr D Sutton 01794 502817 Woodley Village Hall Booking Mrs Garland -01794 523473 Youth in Romsey - 01794 500581
If you're a woman with a business idea & you want help to progress call 08454 58 85 58 or visit www.businesslinkwessex.co.uk/women
Romsey Young Carers
Romsey Young Carers Project supports 20 children and young people who have a caring role within their family. The Project can provide one to one support with a trained volunteer Befriender to take the child or young person out.
A Junior and a Senior club are held fortnightly and extra trips and outings during school holidays. The project is a Registered Charity and all funds raised are spent locally on the children and young people.
If you think you could help, either fundraise, act as a volunteer driver or become a volunteer "Befriender" (all expenses are reimbursed) please contact Mary Ward the Project Coordinator on 01794 515216
Romsey Youth Council
The Youth Council are planning an active year. In April they have plans in place for a Youth Night which will be a fun evening with a DJ, chocolate prizes and possibly a chocolate fountain. The evening will be free of charge.
To come later, the Council are organising group funded trips and events for young people to enjoy. The funding has come from awards made by the ‘Youth Opportunities Fund'. A Rock Band Night featuring local youth rock bands and a London Trip to Camden Market are scheduled for May. A sports event to see a rugby match at Twickenham and another music event are also planned.
The Youth Council's AGM will be on 24th April at 7pm at Youth in Romsey.
For details see: http://www.ryc.org.uk/
A.C.S.O.
The Accredited Community Safety Officers (ACSOs) are provided by HCC. The aim of the service is to help reduce anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime by providing a visible presence, building relationships with the community and through education and enforcement activities.
The ACSOs tackle issues such as graffiti, fly-tipping and fly-posting, abandoned vehicles and the possession of alcohol and cigarettes by those under the legal age. They have the power to demand names and addresses and to issue £50 fixed penalty notices. 0845 6001747 Mark Wilkinson ACSO in Romsey Extra
Woodley & Crampmoor Friendship Club
The club meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month in Woodley Village Hall at 2 pm and is open to members over 55. Interest is provided with slide shows, talks, demonstrations, bingo and some social time (chat) at each meeting.
Meetings for the next three months are:
Apr 4th - My Family - Talk - Mr Carlos Donnarumma
Apr 18th - Maiden Voyage on a Tall Ship - Slides - Sylvia Harrington May 2nd - Bingo May 16th - Talk - TBA - Mr Michael Baker Jun 6th - Hampshire & IOW Air Ambulance - Talk - Maggie Gwinne Jun 20th - Annual Outing
Feedback e-mail: carol_mcfarland@hotmail.com
We welcome any feedback you might have on any issues raised in this newsletter or any other issues that concern you in the local area. Your feedback will help us to confirm that we are representing the general views of the parish as well as identifying particular problems that we are not aware of. We welcome any comments you might have and your participation in our activities. Please send them to the Clerk at the address on Page 1 or e-mail as above.
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