Minutes of the Fittleton cum Haxton Annual Parish Meeting 1900hrs Tuesday 13th May 2025 @ The Phoenix Hall Netheravon

Vice Chairman’s Report

Vice Chairman’s Report delivered by Cllr PC.
I would like to start this report by thanking three Council members who have recently resigned, First of all Greg Morgan who has stood down due to work commitments, Greg was a valued member of the team but will still be available to help with tasks such as the Xmas Lights.

The second member to leave us was Dorothea Georgeson , Dot who has left due to personal reasons. Dot has been a member of the Council as a Parish Clerk, Councillor and Chairman for a number of years, her knowledge and talents will be missed and we thank her for her guidance as our Chairman and for her work on behalf of the Parish.

Finally we said farewell to our Parish Clerk back in June 2024, Stephen O’Grady. Stephen was also a valued member of the team and gave sound advice when needed and also acted as our Finance Officer.

We now have a new Parish Clerk, Laura Turner. who has been an enthusiastic member of the council again providing advice on wider Council matters and of course acting as our Responsible Finance Officer.

Councillors continue to work on behalf of the Parish in various areas which includes planning, highways, footpaths, Area Board meetings, and committees which include The Phoenix Hall, Jubilee and latterly the VE Day Committee.

A number of local residents have contributed to projects within the parish..namely Bob Gowman who has been busy finishing off the Fingerpost that Stephen O’Grady built for the Haxton Crossroad. Herbie who continues to clear drains in Fittleton and Martin Symes who, albeit for numeration, strims and clears our footpaths and allotment area during the summer months, this is because Wiltshire Council no longer provide this service.

Landmarc have also been pro-active in keeping The Droveway clear during the growing season and have been responsible for clearing trees from public footpaths following the Winter storms within our Parish.

The defibrillators continue to provide a reassuring presence in two locations in Fittleton and Haxton. We owe a vote of thanks to the residents of Holmlea and 317 Haxton who provide and pay for the power to enable the devices to function all year round.

A final word of thanks must go to Mr & Mrs Philipps from Fittleton Manor who have allowed us to fit a permanent plug to one of their out buildings in order to provide power for the Christmas Lights, the electric is also provided at no cost to the Parish.

A recent survey carried out by Wiltshire Highways on the Haxton to Everleigh road found that although perceived, a large number of motorists abide by the 30 mph rule. This resulted in a negative response to our request for a Speed Instrument Device. The good news is that this Summer new speed limit signs plus a “gateway’ will be provided to replace the existing 30 mph signs which will highlight to motorists that they are entering a speed restricted zone!

The budget for the Parishes continues to be utilised in many areas. Although relatively small at £7237.60 for this financial year it still takes some big hits that many parishioners are probably not aware of..these include our contribution of £1375 to the Haxton speed limit signage, clerks wages and donations to local groups, details of which can be found on our website or via our Parish Clerk.

That concludes the Parish Report.