Mike Dear and Associates have given a presentation to the Parish Council to explain their system of gaining youth grants. Three youth grants could be applied for, two of which were conditional upon Police involvement. PCSO Stuart McClosky and PC Rob Volpe wholeheartedly gave their support to the application.

Councillor Mrs Celia Dowden had now taken over as chief contact dealing with issues over Co-op articulated lorries which have been using Firgrove Road as a short cut.

Councillor Thompson has agreed to contact Dave Collins of HCC Arboricultural Department to arrange a meeting to inspect the trees along Hoe Lane which need to be dead wooded.

Parishioner Ray Cobern has provided the Christian names and brief details of the lives of the serviceman who died in the First and Second World Wars in order that their names and details can be read out at the war memorial on Remembrance Sunday..

The Parish Council is considering seeking permission from HCC Highways for permission to install seats along popular routes in the village.

The sequence and timings of the Nutburn Road traffic lights are being investigated as they are only allowing four cars through before changing.

October

£30,000 worth of equipment is currently being sought by the Parish Council via a Youth Grant. Mike Dear, who is working on behalf of the Parish Council to secure grants, has suggested seeking funding for much larger projects such as an extension to the building. Other suggestions include a stage and a soundproofed room to be used as a music studio. It is also hoped to gain 10 laptops for an Internet Cafe. Mr Dear has located over 100 possible sources of funding.

Councillor Knight reported that he has applied for funding via the Small Grants Scheme to provide a path around Mountbatten Park. Three quotations from different companies have been obtained. The path would be composed of scalpings and there could be some left over to build up the entrance to the allotments where the ground had subsided.

TVBC have confirmed that changing the traffic light sequence at Botley Road/Nutburn Road junction has been carried out in an attempt to control the other junction at Castle Lane. The sequence has been interspersed with long and short intervals to minimise the waiting time by drivers.

TVBC have also instigated an investigation into the need for road markings near the bus stop outside of McColls in the Fleming Avenue precinct as parked vehicles are obstructing the view of pedestrians crossing the road.

Japanese Knotweed which has been growing at Mountbatten Park is to be treated by a specialist local company in an attempt to eradicate it. The situation will be closely monitored by the Parish Council’s groundsman.

Perbury Developments Ltd have again submitted outline application for residential development for 44 dwellings with vehicular access from Nutburn Road and pedestrian access to Botley Road on the land off Nutburn Road and Botley Road.

HCC’s proposed cuts to the library service are based on figures which show that fewer than 10% of the population of the village are registered with the library and over the last 6 years there has been a 30% reduction in its use. However, the Parish Council are against the proposed cuts and will be formally objecting to HCC and organising a petition.