March 2007
July 2007
Sept 2007
October 2007

March 2008
April 2008
October 2008

Jan 2009
October 2009
November 2009
December 2009

Feb 2010

PLANNING MEETING: 10 - 05/06
PLANNING MEETING: 11 - 05/06

PCMins July 06

PC Mins Oct 06

Planning Mins 406_07

PlanningMins506_07

PlanningMins606_07

PlanningMins 706_07

PlanningMins806_07

PlanningMins906_07
Annual Parish Minutes 07
 

Planning_Mins_7_08-09
Planning_Mins_8_08-09
Planning_Mins_9_08-09
Planning_Mins_10_08-09
Planning_Mins_11_08-09
Planning_Mins_1_09-10_Final
Planning_Mins_2_09_10
Planning_Mins_3_09_10
PC_AGM_Mins_May_08
PC_AGM_Mins_May_09
Annual_Parish_mins_08
Annual_Parish_mins_09
PC_Mins_July_08
PC_Mins_Sept_08[1]
PC_Mins_Nov_08
PC_Mins_Jan_09
PC_Mins_Mar_09
PC_Mins_July_09
PC_Mins_Sept_09
PC_Mins_Nov_09
PC_Mins_January_2010
Planning_Mins_4_09-10
Planning_Mins_5_09-10
Planning_Mins_6_09-10
Planning_Mins_7_09-10

In a forthcoming issue, we are planning to print a large map of our Parish, showing landscape highlights.  If you have any favourite* buildings, views, trees, large sarsens etc, now is the time to speak up!  Please give me a ring or send an email  - hope to hear from you!      Mary Spender, tel. 861668 or aspen@spender.org,

*My favourites:  Dene Farm, Lockeridge (especially in the Spring) looking down into the valley from the top of Spud Lane and Lockeridge. The chestnut avenue on the Overton road

 Dates of the Parish Council Meetings for the coming year are as follows:

Monday 30 January 2006  -  PC Meeting
Monday 27 March 2006  -  PC Meeting
THURSDAY 25 May 2006   -  PC Annual General Meeting
Monday 31 July 2006   -  PC Meeting
Monday 25 September 2006  -  PC Meeting
Monday 27 November 2006  -  PC Meeting
The Annual Parish meeting will be held on TUESDAY 25 April 2006   

All the meetings are held in the Kennet Valley Hall and start at 7.30pm.  Notices of the agenda can be found on the Parish Notice Boards approximately one week before the meeting.  All members of the public are welcome to attend.

For Planning meetings keep an eye on the Notice Boards as they are held as and when necessary.  If you want to check the date, time and venue of any of the meetings please ring the Clerk (861658).

 back to top

 A NEW SINGLE NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER FOR THE POLICE – 0845 408 7000

The police have introduced this single number to ring for non-emergency matters.  All these calls will be taken by the Police Headquarters in Devizes.  This is the number to use for general enquiries, advice and information, or to report a non-urgent incident or crime.

  DOG FOULING – complaints have been received about dog fouling in the vicinity of the school.  Can all owners have consideration for others and make sure that any dog poo is cleared away, particularly where people congregate and children play.  Free Poop Bags are available in Fyfield from Anstice Baring (861260), in Lockeridge from Susanne Stedman (861658) or Veronica Handover (861253) in West Overton.

  back to top

ANNUAL  PARISH  MEETINGS 

 FOR THE PARISHES OF FYFIELD AND
WEST OVERTON
(inc LOCKERIDGE)

  Will be held together on Tuesday 25th April 2006 in the Kennet Valley Hall at 7.30pm

 THE MEETING IS OPEN FOR ALL RESIDENTS OF THE PARISHES, IT IS YOUR CHANCE TO ASK QUESTIONS, DISCUSS ANY MATTERS OF CONCERN TO OUR VILLAGES AND INFLUENCE FUTURE PLANS FOR THE COMMUNITY.

 CHAIRMAN'S REVIEW OF THE YEAR

 REPORTS  and DISCUSSIONS  ON:
PLANNING,
PLAY AREAS,  HOUSING AFFAIRS ,
TRAFFIC/ROAD SAFETY/POLICE,
FOOTPATHS, FINANCE

 REPORTS FROM - County and District Councillors

 QUESTIONS and GENERAL DISCUSSION

 REFRESHMENTS and a chance to chat to your Parish Councillors

________________________________ 

‘SPLASH’ – During the summer holidays the SPLASH scheme organises a wide range of activities for school children in Wiltshire. Information about the activities and vouchers for subsidised transport to the venues are distributed widely through schools for all children. Each year the Parish Council receives an appeal for money to help towards the cost of running the scheme and it has always responded with a modest donation. However, even though the Council regards the scheme as very worthwhile, they would like to know if any of the local children from our Parishes have participated in the opportunities offered and if so whether they have enjoyed them. So that the Council can gauge how much support they give the scheme in the future. Please could you let us know if you or your children have participated in past years or if you anticipate doing so in the coming summer. Contact Sue Rogers (01672 861374) or Susanne Stedman (01672 861658) email parishclerk@sarsendv.co.uk.

Dog Poo Again: It has been brought to our notice that some people are disposing of dog poo in litter bins. Litter bins are for litter only eg drink cans, sweet wrappers and other small paper rubbish. Yes, it is good that the poo is cleared off the street, but please take it home and put it in your own bin, flush it down the toilet or bury it in your garden. Our litter bins are placed in locations where people gather, usually the bus stops and filling them with dog mess is both smelly and unhygienic for passengers and bin emptiers alike. As President Gerald Ford once said, after his dog pooped in the Oval Office and he stopped an aide clearing it away, “No man should let another clear up after his dog” or words to that effect!

Annual Parish Meeting: Please note that is to be held on Tuesday 25th April in the Kennet Valley Hall at 7.30pm. Every one in the Parish is welcome to attend, it is your chance to raise any topic, ask questions and join in discussions on matters affecting our community. The members of the Parish Council look forward to seeing you and hearing your thoughts.

_________________________________________

FIREWORK ETIQUETTE 

Fireworks have become a year round entertainment at parties, special celebrations and the New Year, but unfortunately some complaints have been received about their thoughtless use. The Parish Council has been asked to remind people that not everyone enjoys fireworks, particularly animals, also they can be a potential fire hazard for thatched properties.  May we suggest a brief Code of Practice:

·         Please inform your neighbours, particularly those with animals, dogs, cats, horses etc if you are proposing to set off fireworks at any time of the year other than close to the 5^th November. 

·         Be considerate about timing, it is not necessary in the winter to let them off late at night, and in the summer remember those not attending the celebration are likely to be heading for bed or asleep by 11.00pm or thereabouts. 

·         Lastly please take care to aim rocket type fireworks away from your neighbours’ house and garden so that the debris does not land and cause damage or possibly ignite thatch.

  back to top

Housing Survey
Back in July of last year a questionnaire was sent to all households in the villages to try and establish the housing need in both parishes.  The response was very good in that 35% of the households replied.  This has allowed the Rural Housing Enabler, Carol Southall of Community First in Devizes to assess the findings and to make some recommendations as to the housing need over the next 3 years.

  The recommendations of the survey established the following need;

 SOCIAL HOUSING

·       2 houses or flats for occupation by a single person / couple

·       2 bungalows for occupation by a couple /elderly couple

·       4 two/three bed houses

  SHARED/LOW COST HOME OWNERSHIP

·     2 flats or houses for single people

·     2 three/four bed houses

  These findings will now be looked at together with information from the Housing Needs Register complied by Kennet District Council and advice from the Allocations Staff of KDC’s Housing Department.  Once all the information is available the Local Authority will then be best able to decide on exactly what development is required.
 Of course any development is dependent upon, amongst other things, land being available.  If there are any landowners who are interested and would like to discuss matters further then please contact the Housing Representative of the Parish Council, Louise Backhouse on 01672 861174.
 Should you want further details or a copy of the survey, please contact
Carol Southall, Rural Housing Enabler on 01380 722475
or email csouthall@communityfirst.org.uk.
  back to top

There was a good attendance to hear a talk from both our local forester Fraser Bradbury and district forester Ben Lennon and comments from Acting Police Superintendent Andy Sexton from Marlborough, at the JOINT ANNUAL PARISH MEETINGS held on the 25th April in the Kennet Valley Hall followed by a glass of wine. A summary of the reports given to the meeting follows and include comments from those attending. Full minutes of the meeting are available on the UKN web site.

CHAIRMAN'S REVIEW OF THE YEAR. Cllr Sue Rogers welcomed all attending, and thanked the members of the Parish Council for their commitment throughout the past year, including those who had retired, Jilly Norton who represented Fyfield and George Robinson of West Overton who spent some years on the council and took on the Chairmanship for several years, we shall miss his sound common sense, his legal knowledge and his cheerful good humour. Veronica Handover too will be stepping down, she served as planning chairman and subsequently as representative for Police, Traffic and Road Safety, a particularly frustrating position. New Councillors for Fyfield, Anstice Baring and Jenny Hartshorn were welcomed and thanked for coming forward.

Following a successful application for a Cleansing Grant from KDC we have been able to equip and employ Mr Oakey to spend time removing litter from our verges and litter hot-spots. The Civil Emergency Civil Response Plan has now been completed, thanks to Mary Spender. The Landscape Group was instrumental in the organisation of a successful weekend of archaeological walks by Professor Peter Fowler last summer, and a SOLVE grant enabled the continuation of articles in the Upper Kennet News. These have now appeared on the website for the Upper Kennet News. The Chairman has continued to attend meetings of the Avebury World Heritage Site Steering Committee, and the Marlborough Community Area Forum and Strategic Partnership. The focus of this is now the changing future of Health and the Primary Care Trusts. Please pass your comments to her, if you cannot go to the consultation meeting on 8th May.

PLANNING: Chairman's review from Cllr Mary Spender
The Planning Committee met 12 times this year and considered 29 different applications. Kennet District Council is firmly applying the planning policies in the Local Plan, adopted in April 2004. Two main principles underlying this document apply to us - sustainability and protection of the countryside:
none of our villages has a sufficient range of facilities (shop/post office, employment opportunities, leisure facilities etc) to qualify as sustainable, which means new dwellings are not encouraged.
we are within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
With other important influences like the AONB Management Plan, River Kennet, the Lockeridge Conservation Area, and various archaeological sites, all protected, you will appreciate that very little new building is allowed in our valley, and that all extensions, stables, garages, even some tree felling are subject to Planning Control. Our job is to comment on the detail of such applications. Only rarely do we have major projects to consider. This year has seen the future of some of the larger sites on the edge of our villages finally settled. The Lockeridge Dairy site has now been converted into a Stud Farm as per the very detailed application handled two years ago and the Fyfield Dairy site is now converted into separate business units.
All application sites are visited by the village reps - Brian Rayment for Lockeridge, Veronica Handover for West Overton and Anstice Baring for Fyfield.
Comments from the meeting were: many complaints about the erection of a fence at the Old Barn, Rhyles Lane, Lockeridge, it is very ugly. It was explained that the Planning Chairman is in contact with Kennet over the conditions relevant to this site, but it was understood that the fence was under the height at which planning permission is required. It was noted that the stables erected by the sewage works in West Overton were being accessed by the lower gateway contrary to the condition in the consent for this development, as it is considered to be dangerous by Wiltshire Highways.

PLAYING FIELDS: Report from Cllr Sue Rogers.
The Equipment installed at the Kennet Valley Hall two years ago continues to be well used. Inspections are carried out by the chairman, recently some graffiti have appeared on the items in the bike trail but litter has not been a serious problem. Thanks to Judith Woodget for inspecting the swings in Lockeridge, and Jenny Hartshorn in Fyfield play area also to Brian Rayment who continues as first line of call for advice and minor maintenance. The replacement of worn items continues. This is one of the more expensive demands upon the budget. Kennet Direct Services have continued grass cutting, augmented by extra cuts at the West Overton Sports Field, by arrangement with Mr. Maude. The improved condition of the grass and the donation of redundant goalposts from KVH has led to more use of the field. Thanks to Peter Oliver who keeps his eye upon this area.

HOUSING AFFAIRS: Report from Cllr Louise Backhouse
Throughout the last year we have continued to raise and look into issues about local housing for people in the Parish. We have communicated with relevant bodies as well as attending meetings including one with the Housing Manager at KDC. The main issue however has been the Housing Needs Survey, required to assess actual housing need in the Parish. This was facilitated by Carol Southall, the Rural Housing Enabler at Community First. Questionnaires were distributed with the Parish magazine in May of last year, of which 128 were returned, giving a very good response rate of almost 35%. The survey gave people the opportunity to voice their opinions as well as give actual data. The survey analysis recommended: Social Housing: - 2 houses or flats for occupation by a single person / couple - 2 bungalows for occupation by a couple /elderly couple - 4 two/three bed houses. Shared/Low cost ownership: 2 flats or houses for single people - 2 three/four bed houses. In addition the Report showed that a large majority of those who responded indicated they would support a small development of affordable homes but were not in favour of larger estates.
From the outset we must stress that any development is dependent upon, amongst other things, land being available. The next step would be for the Local Authority to establish exactly what type of development is required by looking at the survey findings together with information from Kennet’s Housing Needs Register and advice from the allocations staff of KDC’s Housing Department. The Parish clearly has a need for such housing but unfortunately at the present time the Parish Council is not aware of any land for such development. The possible site previously mentioned has since been sold. We are however keeping the issue in the public eye with a notice being placed in the Parish Magazine asking any interested landowners to get in touch.

POLICE/ROAD SAFETY/TRAFFIC -Report from Cllr Judith Woodget
The changes to the Wiggly Bus service came into operation in January with many concerns in particular the exclusion of the stop in Lockeridge with the shelter, now sorted. We still do not have a date for the renovations to Lockeridge Bridge or resurfacing of Ivy Lane. Concern has been expressed about the damage to the verges and Green in Lockeridge. Dennis Compton is being consulted on this. Traffic calming: the year started with work by Lockeridge Councillors on a plan for increased signage in an attempt to slow traffic down. However, after a meeting with traffic calming consultant Ben Hamilton-Bailie, it was discovered that signs and lines had the contrary effect of speeding traffic up through villages. This philosophy is being taken up by Wiltshire CC, the North Wessex AONB and the CPRE. A field trip to Latton (north of Swindon) where a calming scheme has been put into operation successfully is being planned. The Lockeridge Councillors are now considering and consulting on ideas of how to reclaim the centre of Lockeridge for its residents. A book called ‘Mental Speed Bumps’ is available to borrow.
Comments from the meeting:
After a query JW said she would enquire from Latton how the traffic calming was funded.
It was noted that the white road markings indicating the junction at the bottom of Church Hill Lane in West Overton have not been reinstated after work done on the road. Dennis Compton said they would be redone.
He also said that Ivy Lane should be resurfaced next year, but that in the meantime the potholes would be filled as soon as possible. Also as he is retiring very soon that we should contact Steve Cross on highway matters.
And that the verges on the green can be rebuilt with soil and reseeded and if the Council so wished white plastic marker posts (approx 1m high) put along the edge to deter vehicles from driving over the edge.
In reply to questions about members of the public using speed cameras, the Police said that only they were permitted to do this and as they had limited manpower other priorities took precedence.
It was noted that the new markings on the A4 at Fyfield were an improvement, but that they were disregarded by many drivers. The police said they were unable to apprehend vehicles at this point at the moment because the road signs did not conform to regulations. Andy Sexton said he did not know why, but hoped that the matter would be corrected soon. Chris Humphries said that he was still trying to keep up the pressure for a 50mph limit from Beckampton to Marlborough (letter to MP would help pressure government on this), which would help with the danger at the junction opposite North Farm at West Overton.

RIGHTS OF WAY- Report from Cllr Paul Burrowbridge
The Parish council is anxious that all rights of way have good access and are used well and responsibly by local people. If access is obstructed, bring this to the council’s attention. During the year the National Trust has agreed to install a new gate at the far end of Lockeridge Dene beside the Lockeridge-Alton road enabling walkers to make local circular routes linking with existing footpaths. Clearing and improved access has taken place on Spud Lane, bridleway 18 and hedges along byway 22 in Lockeridge, stiles along footpaths 17 & 19 (FF/Lock) and disabled access to West Woods. Footpath 16 Lower Fyfield near the Old Dairy is now properly provided as a used route, following extinguishment of the former path. New signage at start of bridleway 22 at entrance to West Woods has been installed. Ongoing: Access still obstructed to bridleway 43 across A4 at Grey Wethers Cottage at WO, marking of bridleway 19 going south from South Farm WO and concerns over general state of rights of way in West Woods. Lastly the saga of footpath 11 (FF) drags on.
Comments from the meeting: a request was made to press for more paths to be made suitable for wheelchairs.

FINANCE - Report from Cllr Sue Rogers
Sadly our Finance Chairman George Robinson resigned, but will be replaced at the Council’s AGM on 25th May. Finance Committee met regularly throughout the year.
Costs: of general administration have risen by £100, but were less than anticipated, maintaining the play areas and open spaces has also been kept within budget’ but the cost of grass cutting is rising due to extra cuts for the West Overton sports field, but this has led to it being used regularly.
Donations: The Council has set aside a small preliminary donation towards the KVH kitchen and toilet refurbishment and will consider the situation further when other avenues have been explored. It is has also earmarked a small sum to support the Upper Kennet News web site.
Expenditure: Although this has been kept within the budget, the level of expenditure is higher than our income. So it was decided to raise the Precept for the year 06/07 by approximately 4% to £7800 to cover the anticipated higher cost of insurance and grass cutting and so that we do not eat further into reserves.
Deposit Account: It was decided to open an interest bearing account to run along side the current account which no longer pays interest.
Summary of Financial position at the year end 31.03.06 (to be approved at next PC meeting)

INCOME RECEIVED
Balance Brought forward             £ 4532.28
Precept                             £7500.00
SOLVE grant (Landscape Group)       £ 500.00
Litter Grant                        £ 200.00
Other income                        £ 612.38
Total Receipts                      £8812.38

                                    £13344.66

PAYMENTS
Administration & wages              £5769.39
Play areas and open spaces          £2061.32
Footpaths, bus shelters and
Village cleansing                   £ 265.19
Donations                           £ 271.00
Screens for KVH                     £ 586.33
Landscape Project                   £ 280.00
Total Payments                      £9233.23

                            £ 4111.43 cash book balance at 31.3.061 *

* This figure includes this includes approximately £1000 set aside for traffic calming measures, plus money allocated to projects being undertaken but not yet paid for, money in reserve for maintenance and replacement of equipment and contingency funds. A detailed breakdown of the above is available on request.

Report from Acting Police Superintendent Andy Sexton from Marlborough: Unfortunately the worst crime to take place in the parish (attack on a horse in West Woods) remains unsolved, but they are pretty sure they have the burglar of the Who’da, he is in prison for similar offences in neighbouring counties and they are hoping to interview and prosecute him soon. He explained that there will soon be changes in Policing and we should see more of the community officer in the villages. It was mentioned that that the speed trap on the A4 beyond the Bell Inn, is regularly manned and vehicles caught speeding.
Question: About ‘mini-mokes’ in unsuitable places. It was explained that they are not allowed to be used on any form of public highway unless they are licensed, insured and the rider has passed a test. The only suitable place for them to be ridden is in a private field. If they are seen anywhere else please inform the police. ‘Trail bikers’ if these are seen off road on footpaths or bridleways, or better still unloading off road, take the registration number and inform the police.

TALK from District Forester Ben Lennon and Local Forester Fraser Bradbury from Forest Enterprise.
A short explanation was given of the History and purpose of the Forestry Commission as a strategic wood reserve and the recent changes in powers to balance the need for a wood reserve and recreational uses, this includes preservation of ‘ancient woodland’ ie areas that have been managed woodland for two to three thousand years, such as West Woods and other conservation projects. The management strategy of woodland is likened to that of growing carrots. The trees are planted and then thinned continuously as they grow, until they reach a size suitable to harvest. In West Woods this means that much of the broad-leafed trees are still in the thinning stage this is done on a sectional ten year rotating basis. Tracks and paths damaged by contractors’ vehicles during extraction are restored to their previous state in the next suitable season after drying and hardening out. Several areas are being fenced off in anticipation of livestock being installed. Thought is being given to the enclosed feeling this creates in certain areas and electric fencing is to be used to prevent this.
Discussion: Many points were raised including:
The increased recreational use by horse riders, mountain bikes and walkers meant that paths were being cut up, eroded and as a consequence gradually widened and new ones created unnecessarily across bluebells. It was mentioned that an equestrian strategy could, with consultation, be put in place as in other woodland areas. Also it was suggested that publicity in schools and local newsletters etc about the Countryside/Woodland Code might help.
It was noted that the contractors were variable, the Foresters were very aware of this.
It was explained that the disabled path on the Clatford side of the wood is no longer signed because it does not meet new government regulations.
It was explained that the Forest regulations said that dogs should be kept under control, ie no chasing of wildlife.
There were complaints about the access to Hursley Bottom being rutted. The policy is to reinstate any damaged rights of way to what they were originally, and that they had no money or requirement to widen or improve them particularly if sensitive wild life areas are close by.
A request was made that a notice at the entrance to the woods indicating ‘Orienteering ‘ events taking place would prevent unexpected confrontations.
The Parish Council was invited to send a representative to the Forestry Advisory Panel.
Fraser Bradbury is available to receive news of any problems by telephone 01672 512502.
  back to top

NEW RUBBISH COLLECTION ARRANGEMENTS as you have most probably heard the arrangements for collecting rubbish are changing at the beginning of July:

FRIDAY 30th JUNE - will be the LAST time black bags will be collected

FRIDAY 7th JULY - will be recycling day as usual – for black recycling boxes and green wheelie bins

FRIDAY 14th JULY - household rubbish will be collected in black wheelie bins

This pattern will be repeated from then on, ie black boxes and garden green wheelies one week and black wheelies the next. Please note that all the rubbish in the black wheelies will go to landfill, space for which is running out and heavily taxed, so please do your best to make sure as much waste as possible is put in the recycling boxes. For more black boxes or particular problems with the wheelies ring 01380 734784.

WEST WOODS – Our local forester is keen to introduce some grazing animals into some areas of West Woods, which historically were grazing grounds. This will help increase the biodiversity within the woods, which has been lost since grazing ceased. If anyone is interested in exploring the possibilities of grazing animals in the woods please contact Fraser Bradbury on 01672 512520.

NEW COUNCILLORS – Matthew Waite and Liz Roberts were co-opted on to the Parish Council at the last Parish Council meeting in May. They will represent West Overton in the place of George Robinson and Veronica Handover who have resigned recently after a number of years service.

NEW GATE in the DENE – At the request of the Parish Council the National Trust have installed a gate at the far southern end of the Dene. The road can now be accessed at that point providing a closer connection with bridleway 19 from West Overton over Wymans Hill and which crosses the Alton Barns road up to West Woods, allowing a wider variety of circular walks without having to use the road so much.

back to top

PARISH PLAN – Marion Raynor from Community First has been invited to the to give a talk on Parish Plans. These are produced by the people living in the Parish and give everyone a chance for to have a say on what to them are the most important aspects of the villages now and what they would like to see for their future development. This can mean anything from protecting what we already have, to the improvement of existing facilities or the provision of new ones and much more. When we have a Plan, this gives everyone including all village organisations such as the Kennet Valley Hall, clubs and the Parish Council, more power to raise funding for identified projects, to prevent unwanted developments and generally enhance life for all as prioritised in the Plan.
Anyone interested is invited to attend and hear how this can be accomplished on Monday 27th November at 7.0pm at the Kennet Valley Hall. Refreshments will be served and the talk is expected to last approximately 45 minutes with time for questions.
   A CALL FOR A NEWSHOUND – is there someone who would like to act as a gatherer of local news, events and happenings in the Kennet Valley to send to the Gazette in order to maintain our place in the ‘Local News’ column. For further details contact Susanne Stedman tel 861658.
   ‘POO CORNER’ – Complaints have been received of poo, of a larger variety this time, being left by horses on the pavement that runs along the A4 between Upper and Lower Fyfield. Could riders please take the appropriate action to prevent this, remembering that pavements are used by both wheelchair and pushchair owners who find it very difficult or impossible to avoid such obstacles. Thank You.

The National Trust have installed a new gate at the far end of Lockeridge Dene, so that you can now walk the length of the Dene and continue via road and bridleway to West Overton or West Woods, or the reverse, of course!
Three very important things to remember, if you do this:
You have to walk along the road for about 500 metres (there is a verge, but at present the grass is long), and the speed of some vehicles on this country lane can be too fast.
The gateway itself opens almost straight onto the road, so again watch out for vehicles!
Please do close the gate-the Dene is often used by grazing sheep and cattle.

Enjoy your walking – and stay safe!
Parish Council Rights of Way Rep.
Paul Burrowbridge
 

back to top

‘Mental Speedbumps’
a Traffic Initiative in our Villages

I am the Traffic and Road Safety Representative on the West Overton and Fyfield Parish Council. Historically there are two issues that arise again and again within our Parish.
The first is the Speed on the A4 and the danger we encounter every time we turn into that traffic from our respective villages. There is a debate within the villages about which is the most dangerous, but we all take our life in our hands when we do it. Today as I turned right onto the A4 at Upper Fyfield a car came flying over the hill at about 80mph. An experience which I share with most of you, I’m sure. My predecessor, Veronica Handover, worked long and hard with the Highways Department to get the new Sign and Road Markings on the A4. Things are better now, and at present we have as much as they are prepared to give. There is a possibility that central government will introduce legislation to reduce the speed limit to 50mph on all such main roads, but since the 60mph limit is so often disregarded, don't hold your breath for any improvement!
The second issue - and where your Parish Council wants to try and make a difference - is the inappropriate speed of the traffic within our villages, and the increase in the number of HGVs negotiating our roads. We all want the cars to slow down, especially outside the school and by our playgrounds. We don’t want to take our life in our hands when we come out of our gate. We want the drivers to respect that we have as much right to use this village as them. AM I RIGHT? So how do we achieve this? We are going to try a two-fold approach: one, we will again try to change our 30mph limits to be a lot more logically placed. Two, we want to be more innovative! Some of you may have noticed a bench on the verge outside my house. The idea was that people could sit and socialise on the village street, let the motorists know that we live here and they share it with us. I listened to Traffic Engineer Ben Hamilton-Bailliie talk about the theory behind this, and I hope in the summer he will come and speak to all of us about his very logical ideas and proposals. He recommended a book entitled ‘Mental Speed Bumps’ from which I have paraphrased the following (I hope you find it interesting):
There are a number of factors that determine the risk of death or injury that people expose themselves to when driving:
FSS factor (False Sense of Security ).
PN factor (the Propensity to take risks multiplied by the Need to take risk). We all have a different propensity to take risk, depending on our temperament, mood, and socialisation. The amount of risk we take at any one moment is a combination of propensity and need.
IR factor (Imposed Risk). This is the risk imposed by others for which we cannot compensate.
Speed factor. While this is determined to some extent by the above, it is also determined by the design of the driving environment and of the vehicle.

Total Danger = [(FSS x PN) + IR] x Speed

This means that in terms of safety an authority can take specific steps to reduce each of these risk factors.
Reduce FSS by making the design of the signal the driver encounters (ie the way ahead) unpredictable. The greater the level of unpredictability, the more the confusion and the slower the speed.
Promote high levels of human activity which will intrigue and cause such uncertainty that these will overpower any contrary design signals (I am sure the recent parade of friends and family at the funeral of Mr Lockey achieved just this).
Reduce the propensity for people to take risks through education and social programmes. Add new risk factors and increase perception of ‘risks’. This may be as simple as the risk of social censure ‘people will think I am antisocial if I drive fast’ (we must all know someone who does this!).
Teach people how to compensate for the risks imposed by others (e.g. Defensive Driving Courses, Cycling Classes etc)
Bring Speeds down by adding new elements of intrigue and uncertainty and by reducing the design speed of the environment (for example, the cars parked outside the school slow down the traffic, in the evening and at weekends when this mobile chicane has moved on, the traffic speeds up! Surely we can think of other ways of introducing uncertainty.)
I would be interested in any feedback - the Parish Council want to fund such a traffic initiative but also want confirmation of interest from you! We will let you know as soon as we have a date for a public meeting, where we can all listen to Ben, air our views and make positive suggestions.

back to top

“TRAFFIC" PUBLIC MEETING - JUNE 20th

Speeding Traffic - we CAN do something about it
World- renowned traffic guru, Ben Hamilton Baillie, came to a crowded village hall in Lockeridge on Wednesday June 20th, and explained his radical ideas for slowing traffic in rural areas.
Segregation of traffic and humans, first introduced by urban traffic engineers and town planners in the sixties, has led to streets being “no-go” areas for pedestrians, cyclists etc, as traffic speeded up. It has also led to far too much instruction/signage as the Authorities try in vain to anticipate every hazard, treating all motorists as mindless idiots. On the main Highway system - motorways, dual carriage ways - then it is clearly the traffic that rules, and no pedestrian would attempt to argue otherwise. Segregation is clearly the right policy there. But what about a busy road that passes through the heart of a village?
Illustrating his talk with many examples, Ben showed how we must treat our villages as “shared space”, where drivers realise that the road is always liable to have human activity on or around it. We can only achieve this by returning to our village streets, walking in them, playing in them, and not leaping into the hedge every time a car comes towards us! We must try to blur the boundary between road and village life. The aim should be that traffic goes no faster than 20mph - a much safer, more “human” speed.
Consider a holiday camp-site, he said. Do they have a multitude of signs or some yellow-coated official trying to control the flow? No. People work out protocols, take care, and expect to see children running around. Think of roads in the fifties - crowded streets in market towns, children playing in the slums, cars and vans there too - “shared space” in action.
These ideas have been put to the test in Holland for some years now, and the results so far have been spectacular. Traffic has slowed down, and speeds remain slower, thus producing streets safe for children to play in, and for all residents to walk, cycle or just to stroll about. Here, government is beginning to consider such schemes in fully residential areas, but not much thought has yet been given to rural areas like ours where through traffic and village life often has to mix. Ben advised us not to expect a County Council to solve this problem for us: they do not know the village as we do, and they rarely have any money (nor is money thrown at the problem going to improve things). It is up to us to inhabit all our village, not to cower in the ditch!
Answering many questions at the end of the evening, Ben made some more points:
His measures are far less costly than Highway signs, lines, ramps etc, yet more effective.
“Gateways”, showing a distinctive entrance to a village, are particularly good. They can be as simple as well-placed tree-planting, or sarsen stone arrangements. The village speed limit signs should be placed there too.
Local drivers can help tremendously by agreeing amongst themselves to keep under 20mph as much as possible, thus showing the intent of the community to take responsibility.
Afterwards, Judith Woodget, the traffic representative, and her fellow members of Fyfield and West Overton Parish Council (which includes Lockeridge village), said how pleased they were with the evening. “It was hard work arranging and publicising the meeting”, said Judith, “but we all contributed to making it a success, and now we are determined to continue our Traffic Initiative. Over 90 villagers “signed on” at the meeting and left contact details, and we are planning to phone each one in order to use this enthusiastic support to make progress. From this “telethon”, we will draw up a list of possible ideas to implement. Then we shall arrange workshops, walk the villages, take photos, and agree an action plan. We are keen to involve the School, of course, and the pubs and other distinctive village areas which we were told are so important. Ben was terrific - very friendly and approachable - and we are so grateful to him for “kick-starting” our campaign.”

Mary Spender
01672 861668
mary@spender.org

Letter received from Wiltshire CountyCouncil
Dear Mrs. Woodget
I refer to an e-mail sent to you by my colleague Spencer Drinkwater eliciting a response from myself regarding issues relating to the use of the lanes through Lockeridge by heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Please accept my apologies for the lateness of this response.
The County Council, through its Local Transport Plan, is seeking to achieve a more sustainable pattern of freight distribution that balances the needs of the economy, environment, and society. To this end, we have established a freight quality partnership (FQP), and have a strategy that seeks to manage freight movements in the County. A key component of this strategy is the establishment of a two-tier system of lorry movements comprising of strategic routes (such as the M4 & A34), and a supporting network of local lorry routes (such as the A4). The route through Lockeridge to Alton Barnes does not form part of the designated freight network, and as such is not identified for through HGV traffic.
The County Council is currently progressing freight management measures in three areas of the county and has a number of outstanding similar local freight issues in other locations. As a result, we are currently developing an assessment methodology to enable us to prioritise where we should next focus our limited resources. It is envisaged that this will be finished later in 2007, and can confirm that your request regarding HGVs passing through Lockeridge will be included as part of the assessment process for development during the 2008/09 financial year.
Should the appraisal method referred to above recommend that HGV issues in the Lockeridge warrant further investigation, then the County Council will typically follow a phased approach used in dealing with local HGV issues. This process first seeks to establish the nature and significance of the problem, and if warranted, discussions are then undertaken with haulage operators and appropriate signage changes are implemented. Only after these actions have been undertaken would the County Council explore the use of traffic management measures, such as the imposition of weight restrictions.
Both the County Council and the Freight Quality Partnership have recognised the increasing problem caused by HGV drivers using satellite navigation systems to direct them onto less suitable routes, such as the route through Lockeridge to Alton Barnes. This issue has been discussed at recent meetings of the Freight Quality Partnership, and the County Council has responded to the Government's recent public consultation on its 'Review of In-Vehicle Information Systems Legislation'. Note this is a preliminary consultation stage and any proposals will be subject to further consultation as part of the statutory process.
I hope that the above is helpful.
Yours sincerely

Chris Sperring
Senior Transport Planner
Environmental Services Department
Wiltshire County Council
Bythesea Road
Trowbridge
Wiltshire, BA14 8JD
01225 713484

back to top

Fyfield, Lockeridge & West Overton Landscape Group

Some time ago this group got together to celebrate our parish landscape, to learn its history, and write about it in the Parish Magazine. You may remember our articles throughout last year. Now the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is encouraging local groups to write a Community Landscape Character Assessment. This will take the form of a six to twelve page booklet to be adopted by Kennet District Council as supplementary planning guidance. We will be looking for grant aided funding which is usually available for this kind of project.
Kennet District Council has already produced an excellent Character Assessment to cover the landscape of their whole area but its application to each separate parish is necessarily broad brush. Our objective will be to “zoom in” on our own beautiful area and fill out the details.
We want to know what you value.
What is it that you would always remember if you moved away?
For me it is the dark sky and the constellations that drift across it with the seasons and the way the weather blows down the dene from the west, sculpting the white poplar by the roadside opposite. From his childhood, Peter Oliver remembers the micro-world of insects in the chalk grasses of Overton down and the thud of his heart when he started a hare. Others go with their cameras to catch the light on the flooded water meadows or take a detour for the sake of a view over the downs. What catches your heart? When you are coming home what makes you think “nearly there now”? Some special tree? Some wildflower by the verge? These may seem like small things but they add up and we would miss them if they were gone.
Here are some headings that might be useful:
Particular views, changing landuse, river and meadows, woods, archaeology, sky, wildlife, footpaths and boundaries, landmarks, trees, sarsens and anything else you like.
Let us know.
Please take a few minutes to think about it and email
lizneild@madasafish.com
or ring Liz on 861168 or send a post card to Liz Neild, 41 Lockeridge SN8 4EQ. Better still come and join our community group. Everyone is welcome. The more the merrier. This promises to be an interesting project and fun as well.
Further info:
www.kennet.gov.uk
www.cpre.org.uk
www.upperkennetnews.co.uk

R.S.V.P.

back to top

Notes on Workshop

 held on Saturday 18th August 2007 in the Kennet Valley Hall at 10.30am – 3.30pm

 Present: Judith Woodget (PC Traffic Committee Chairman), Susanne Stedman (Parish Clerk), Mary Spender (Lockeridge Parish Councillor), Pauline Ball, Andrew Byatt, Liz Neild, Fay & Nigel Ross-Magenty, Nick Stedman, Chris Ward, Mike Smith, Geoff & Sheila Clark, Gill MacKican, Bruce Thomas, Jane Davies-Deane, Neil Goodwood, Kate O’Connor  - all Lockeridge residents

  Apologies: Paul Burrowbridge (Lockeridge Parish Coucillor), Carolyn Stimpson, Brian Rayment ( Lock PCllr passed through!).

 The following general issues were discussed:

·          These are largely types of traffic using the village streets: locals,  commuters who regular pass through, delivery vehicles, people misdirected by satellite  navigation systems and occasional visitors.

·          There are 2 modes of driving: “I must get there as quickly as possible” and the “take care and notice the surroundings” mode.

·          It was understood that it was not the intention to create situations whereby inattentive drivers would cause any danger.

·          That due regard would be taken of any legal implications.

·          It was explained and understood that creating ‘uncertainty’ underlined the ‘take care’ mode of driving.

·          Finance: It was understood that the Parish Council had limited opportunity to raise large sums of money and that Wiltshire County Council were unlikely to fund anything that came within their remit (eg moving speed limits, textured surfaces to roads etc) as Lockeridge was low on their priority as a danger spot.  However, they are prepared for some things to ‘share’ costs eg moving speed signs.  Those present felt that, if asked, many of the residents of Lockeridge would be prepared to contribute personally to a ‘Fighting Fund’ and that events to raise funds and awareness should be held.

   It was noted that the centre of the village is a conservation area andthat any proposals  should take into account the contents of the Conservation Statement and that a proliferation of signs would not enhance the village.

   All the ideas and suggestions gathered from Lockeridge residents that attended Ben Hamilton-Baillie’s meeting were then discussed and prioritised as to their feasibility both financially and whether within the short, long or medium term. These were further refined on the village walk taken during the day, as follows:

THINGS TO BE DONE:

 Village Entrance/Gateway:

This was the most frequently suggested idea.  To create a point at which drivers would feel they were entering an inhabited space.  Ben stressed this in his talk, if signs are positioned too early (when all that can be seen are fields) people may increase their speed.

1.         Most importantly at the southern entrance near the point where the Spud Lane bridle way starts before the road splits into two.  The agreed idea was to use a gate construction painted (off white) and have the village sign at the same place.  At the same time to keep the grass and hedges at that point neat to denote the change from rural road to inhabited space.  Also to incorporate into the scenario the triangle of grass at the end of the green by placing a Sarsen pillar/stone, behind the existing sign post (this would be sufficiently far from the road edge not to be dangerous and help create the entrance feel.

2.         At the northern entrance it was felt the ideal place would be by the style leading to the sewage farm and the field gate to the west, just by Castle Cottage.  Again with gates and signs, the area to be kept neat, including painting the bridge railings (in same colour).

3.         At western entrance, the obvious place is the Kennet Valley Hall, where it was felt a higher profile presence through a notice board near the road, flag flying on pole, banners/bunting from time to time advertising events. This will need the involvement of the Hall Committee.

4.         It was agreed to tackle the north and south first and see the effects before proceeding with the expensive option of moving the speed limits, which can be incorporated at a later date.  This also applies to the eastern entrance where hand made animals (sheep, deer) have been suggested.

Periodically attach ballons to the Lockeridge signs and speed markers. If we could have some made with 20 on that would be even better!

  Who D’A Thought It:  This is an important part of  Lockeridge.

 It needs to be made  more obvious, inviting and busier. To achieve this the Pub sign could be moved away from where there are lots of signs, to the northern edge of the car park( together with the litter bin from the Green) to make it more noticeable. Table with umbrellas and tubs of flowers at he entrance to the car park and in front of the pub  would also help

 School: The school is not obvious, however you travel through the village. We need to bring attention to it. A large School sign is need (preferably of individual design possibly with child input) outside railings on corner by junction and at other end of railings (we were told that money was available to the school to do this) . The school should be encouraged  to use banners/bunting across road or on railings and between the pollarded trees to advertising events throughout the school year. Hang pupils art on the railing, to show this is a school. Scarecrow figures dressed as children in school playground. Naturalize small bulbs on the verge outside the school . We could do with donations of aconites, snowdrops etc at an appropriate time.

 Scarecrows:  A competition to be held in the Spring April/May, combined with a Picnic (fund raising) on the Green, scarecrows to be placed at various points round village (eg looking over Pipers Plot kitchen garden wall and school).

 Animal cut outs:  Encourage these to be moved around to suitable places for short duration. Also position children’s toys and bikes carefully in the village, to create the feeling that a child might suddenly appear.

  Hedges: cutback and neaten to make the village look loved.

  Playground sign: Investigate what happened to the sign just up Hillside from the playground on the Green.

  Task force: Have a rota of people who are prepared to keep all signs clean and noticeable and tidy up verges etc to show this is a village and not open countryside. This team could also paint the bridge railings as recommended by Ben Hamilton-Baillie

  IDEAS TO ‘EDUCATE’:

  20mph stickers:  Sell stickers at 50p (so self funding) to as many villagers as possible at as many village events as possible saying “ 20mph A safe speed for villages”.

  Large vehicles/lorries:

·          circulate lorry using establishments with their school ‘rush hour times’

·          To let the lorry using establishments know when their lorries are causing a problem.

Sell them stickers too.

  Walking: Encourage people to walk in the middle of the road – do not cower in the hedge – by having occasional village or dog walks – especially at busy times.

  Car Parking: Encourage villagers to park in High Street chicane pattern.

  LONG TERM IDEALS:

·          To seek to have the speed signs moved to entrance/gateways should this be felt to be beneficial.

·          Changes of  texture(bricks) on road at crucial points eg by school gate, entrance of footpath by Old Chapel (Selkly Cabin) etc.

·          Remove all lines at junctions.

·          Encourage blurring of road/property edges with grass verges, gravel etc

·          Restore Duck Pond in Dene

·          Alter school railings by entrance.

·          Lobby for Sat Navs to have unsuitable roads/weight limits plumbed into their software

Lobby for 20mph speed limit for villages.

  ACTION PLAN

 Costings and sourcing of stickers and gateways to be looked into and any expenditure or underwriting of expenditure requests to Parish Council to be submitted by Traffic Committee for PC agreement.

·          Working Party for strimming and tidying of gateway sites, painting of bridge railings to be set up.  NB Parish Clerk to be notified of timing of painting to let WCC Highway know that it is being done.

·          Arrangements to be made by Traffic committee for Scarecrow Competition.

·          A summary of decisions and actions to be written for Parish Magazine.

·          Traffic committee to organise communications with School, Kennet Valley Hall and Pub re the above ideas.

Advertise the Best Kept Village Competition, seeking someone to take a lead for Lockeridge – early in New Year (application time is usually 1st April).

 Meeting closed around 3.45pm

back to top