Meeting Report July 2024
Boldre Parish Council met for its monthly council meeting on 8th July.
The summer is upon us. BPC will not meet for a full council meeting in August, the next full meeting will be Monday 9th September at 18.30
Recreation Ground Project
Three companies have been approached for quotes and drawings for the older children’s play area.
The council has started to receive drawings back, and the first of which we were able to show at Boldre Fete. Details of these can also be found on our website.
The equipment wishlist to include a table tennis table, a revamp of the tarmacked court as well as play equipment.
It is anticipated by the end of July, BPC will have three full set of quotes and drawings to be able to pursue the projects in the Autumn.
As well as the new equipment, there will be a new patio under the picnic bench, a fresh coat of paint on the kick wall and15 fruit trees to be planted in November.
Is there anything you would like to see at the recreation ground? Do you have any further fundraising ideas? Please get in touch.
As the future of football is uncertain on the recreation ground, thoughts are being given to how the recreation ground as a whole could have alternative recreation uses. Do you have a group that could use the pavilion for an outside exercise class or use it as a base for some outdoor training? Contact the Clerk with your proposals.
Parish Highways
BPC Highways Group – Report July 2024
The Lengthsman Scheme has funded the refurbishment of three BPC benches: Hills Lane, Boldre Lane and Royden Lane (crossroads) and rebuilding of the Noticeboard at Portmore – which has been re-installed at its traditional location. Thanks to Paul Tanner for his quality work on these projects!
The Shallows have been cleared by the Community Payback Team. The tarmac has been revealed, mud and detritus cleared from the path and the edges strimmed. At least for now the footpath is passable for all – cyclists, pedestrians pushchairs etc. (The rate of growth of the plants in the area will mean that this may only be temporary). But a good job by Community Payback – the Highways Group would like to express our thanks to those involved – it’s not easy work!
The ‘Unsuitable for HGVs’ sign has eventually been installed on the B3854 referring to Hundred Lane – good news. But the promised sign at the other location has not appeared, so will be pursued.
At the request of BPC the Highways Group have written to our HCC Representative – Cllr Dunning seeking to engage with him and enlist his support with an approach to Hampshire Highways regarding Pilley Hill, Boldre Lane and Rope Hill. His reply:
‘Thank you for your email about the state of the roads in Boldre. I do support your comments.
I have forwarded it to HCC Highways for comment.’ (Cllr B Dunning)
The Highways Group received an email from Mr Fielding with news that his daughter is recovering from the fracture she suffered in a cycling accident, caused by a pothole on Pilley Hill in March.
Patching of the road network has continued, but many defects remain unaddressed.
Please, if you notice road signs obscured by vegetation make a note and let the group know.
Please continue to report Road issues to the Highways Authority – Hampshire County Council – search:
Hampshire County Council Report a Problem and select Road Problem
Hampshire also have an App for ‘Phones – OurHants
Parish Emergency Incident Plan
The key areas we need to complete are
- Centre(s) of refuge
- Key people to act as an ‘Emergency contact list’, ideally one from each Boldre, Pilley, Norley Wood and Portmore areas
- Knowledge of available local skills and resources – e.g. Trained first aider, 4x4/tractor driver, chainsaw owner, mechanic, water and food supplies
- Forming a local networks where the community are looking out for and keeping check on the most vulnerable
If you can help with any of these, please get in touch.
An advance message that the Parish Clerk’s office will be closed from Friday 9th August and re-open on Monday 2nd September.
Boldre Parish Clerk – Victoria Thomas