Minutes of a meeting held on 16th November 2006 in the Village Hall.

Present:
Bill Reynolds - Chairman
Barbara Allen - Marchwood Village Hall
Steve Bassett - Marchwood Junior School
Margaret Bernard - Marchwood Parish Council
PC Elliot Campbell - Hampshire Police (from Item 6)
Staff Sgt Colin Currie - Mulberry Welfare Unit
Richard Dance - Village Traders Association
Derek Hawkins - MPC Youth Worker
Keith Petty - Marchwood Parish Council
Peter Slade - New Forest Community Church
Alan Stevens - Community Plan Co-ordinator
Penny Velander - New Forest District Council

1. Welcome and Introductions

The Chairman welcomed those present and expressed his thanks to Marchwood Parish Council and New Forest District Council for their determination to find a way forward in providing a plan for the future of the village.

2.  How have we got to where we are now and what have been the most important lessons learned?

Following the process started in 2005 and the problems of insufficient local support, it had been recognised that a different approach was needed. The plan for Marchwood is therefore a hybrid version, combining the process of a parish plan and a market town health check. The key points included in this are environmental, economic, social, community and transport issues.    

3. Review of Community Plan Process and timetable

Alan Stevens outlined the key points for  establishing a vision for Marchwood’s future.

Stage 1 included the establishment of the group to oversee the process and the distribution of a questionnaire, engaging with the community to encourage response wherever possible.  The questionnaires were to be distributed over a six week period, through the Village News, schools and local shops. During December and Stage 2 an assessment of responses would be undertaken. Stage 3 included the establishment of an action-orientated business plan, and engaging with the County and District Councils to ensure involvement and access to appropriate funding.

Suggestions raised by members of the group included a need for regular feedback for those who had participated, with a suggestion for 3-monthly updates. Use of the Village News, Parish Council website and a display board in Alldays and the Mulberry Centre had been agreed. Means of engaging with local businesses and undertaking an industrial survey were also considered, perhaps through a different questionnaire.  Compilation of results were agreed as the spreadsheet example provided. In response to a request for clarification of the District Council’s role, it was advised that a bridging process was in place and funding under consideration. Applications to grant making trusts required proof of need and some projects would involve other organisations such as the Environment Agency, Primary Care Trust, County Council or Local Strategic Partnerships.  The role of the Steering Group was to oversee and ensure the right outcome.

4. Report on progress to date

Members noted with interest the responses to the questionnaire received so far. It was suggested that other key figures/organisations  in the community be invited to contribute their comments, including the County Councillor for Marchwood, Community Safety Officers, Scouts and Guides leaders, Oceanic Estates, Violia (waste management), Marchwood Yacht Club and the Health Centre. The distribution timetable and school exercises were noted, plus links to various websites. £1500 had been provided by NFDC for distribution of the questionnaire and £560 spent to date. It was suggested that the Junior school could offer conference facilities, should these be needed.  The importance of establishing a strong linkage between the Community Plan and the ‘Every Child Matters’ strategy was agreed. It was also agreed that Applemore School be invited to appoint two representatives to serve on the Steering Group. 

It was further noted, with thanks, that £9k for funding had been received, in equal grants, from Marchwood Power and Violia Environmental Trust to meet the costs of employing the Community Plan Coordinator.

5.  Discuss and agree Partnership constitution

The constitution (circulated) was agreed.

6.  Appointment of Chairman

Bill Reynolds was confirmed as Chairman of the Steering Group.

7.   AOB & date and time of next meeting

It was agreed that the quorum for the Steering Group be four members. Next meeting to be held at 4pm on 18th January 2006.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 5.30pm.