THE December meeting of Thruxton Parish Council was chaired by Cllr Charles Milner-Williams, with Cllrs Ross Mallock, John Davis, Kate Phillipson and Hampshire County Cllr Pat West in attendance.

The following topics were discussed: Complaints: These were raised concerning potholes badly needing attention and the untidiness of the pavement at Mullenspond following hedge cutting there.

The Green: Regarding the registering of The Green, the chairman reported that he was waiting to hear back from one of the covenant holders.

Affordable housing: The chairman of Monxton Parish Council, Cllr Katrina Saville, had been due to attend the meeting to describe their experiences with the affordable housing concept.

This presentation is now postponed until the February council meeting, when it is hoped that Cllr Tony Seddon of Grateley Parish Council will also attend and give input from that parish too.

The council is determined not to go any further until they are fully informed on this potentially difficult subject.

Road matters: On the advice of Pat West the council will seek higher level support in the attempt to get Hampshire Highways finally to deal with outstanding road matters, and, in particular, the stream bank near the phone box. This is considered to be dangerous and worthy of high priority.

The stolen manhole covers have been replaced.

Freedom of Information Act: The council debated the ramifications of this act. In order to ensure basic compliance, the name, address, and phone numbers of the chairman and the clerk would be publicised, so that those seeking information would know where to apply.

County councillor’s report: In her report, Pat West expressed her regret, dismay and disappointment about the Andover Airfield development decision.

She reported on ongoing improvements at Andover hospital, and that the county adult services had just been given a three star rating.

New car park: Further complications were reported regarding the new car park at the sports field. One condition imposed was the removal of the ancient hedgerow, which runs along the westerly edge. This seemed to be incorrect for several reasons so a site meeting with a planning officer will be sought. Help from nature organisations may be needed.

Bike track: The council is considering a bike track and to create this from the soil removed when the car park is built. This is still some way off final decision stage.

Test Valley Association of Parish Councils (TVAPC): John Davis reported on a meeting of the TVAPC, and, in particular, that boundaries of villages are to be looked at in 2009, possibly with a view to development.

Hampshire Playing Fields Association (HPFA): Kate Phillipson had attended the HPFA annual meeting and confirmed that they were encouraging grant applications and offering advice.

Kimpton, Thruxton and Fyfield CE School: The safety of parents and children going to the school is an ongoing issue, highlighted by a recent letter from a parent. Ideas were expressed, and Pat West agreed to look into this and report back.

Hand bells: There was a plea that the village's fine set of hand bells, which had not been seen for some considerable time, might make an appearance at some of their seasonal festivities.

Next meeting: There being no January meeting, the next council meeting will be on 4 February.