Chairman’s Monthly Report

From The Parish Council.

Highways issues continue to be a major concern for all of us. First, what hopefully is good news. At a recent meeting with the M3 Junction 9 Improvement Scheme Contractors we were told that an application has been made for a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) “closing” Chapel Lane Easton to mitigate satnav and cut through traffic. Once in place there will be signs closing the road to through traffic and those using satnav will see that the road is closed. Access for residents should still be possible but care will have to be taken when entering and exiting the Lane. As Boom Town will be taking place in mid August and following the practice of recent years the ends of the “cut through” roads will be manned to prevent their misuse. This may help get those who have been using Chapel Lane as a “rat-run” to make a permanent change. Also important to note is that the north bound slip road onto the M3 will be closed from 31^st July to sometime in the latter half of 2027. The official diversion route will be via the A34 and the A303. Valley residents may prefer to use the A33 but please be careful when turning right at the Cart and Horses junction.

As a number of residents have observed, not surprisingly, traffic volumes have increased through the Valley on the B3047. Unfortunately that has led to an increase in the number of vehicles speeding, which is a serious safety issue for all road users including pedestrians and especially for children walking to school; a practice which should be encouraged over the alternative of being driven. All residents can help by seeing they keep to the speed limits, which will help slow down those wishing to speed through the Valley. The Parish Council has also sent a request for an increase in the frequency of visits by the speed enforcement van. It has also been suggested that if sufficient volunteers can be found to carry out speed monitoring as happened in Itchen Stoke. If you are interested in volunteering for this work please contact our Clerk on:clerk@itchenvalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Sadly David Wolfe is leaving the Parish Council at the end of July to concentrate on his other commitments. As many will know David has worked tirelessly as Parish Council Lead on Highways and Transport issues, often having to push hard against those in positions of authority to take some action. Although it might not look like a significant success, getting the white line and the Stop signs at The Cart and Horses Junction was a major step forward and safety improvement. The TTRO for Chapel Lane, as mentioned above, is due to his efforts. One day we may get a better bus service; a cause for which David has worked hard. On top of that as our Webmaster he was responsible for getting our new Website along with our current cllr addresses. We all have to thank him for the time, energy and effort he has put in as a Parish Councillor. That means that there are two vacancies on the Parish Council. Ideally it would be best if they were filled by residents from Easton, however, any resident over eighteen and living in the Civil Parish, interested in joining us can be considered for co-option. If you are approached please consider it and anyone can come to see what our meetings are like. We are a friendly group, with most of us retiring to the Pub afterwards. I will be happy to meet anyone interested in joining us and explain more. If you have not been approached but are interested please let any Parish Councillor or our Clerk know.

The Ambulance Service has told us that they need access, in case of emergency, to the playing fields at Couch Green and therefore have been given the codes to the gate locks. It also means that cars can no longer be parked in front of the northwest vehicle access gate near the playground. Although this will be an inconvenient change for those who have parked in the entrance in the past, it is a safety issue and there is no choice in the matter. The entrance has to be kept clear.

Patrick Appleby, (IVPC Chairman).