Parish Council Election – At the closing date for nominations, Hook had eight candidates standing for the twelve seats. As a result there will be four vacancies remaining. The first meeting of the new Council will take place on Wednesday 13th May at Hook Community Centre. The agenda will be posted in the usual places on 7th May. An updated Calendar of Meetings has already been published.
Vacant Seats – I am advised by Hart District Council that because the four seats still vacant have arisen following the full election and not from a casual vacancy, the Parish Council will need to co-opt the additional members. When the new Council meets it will agree the terms of co-option. Although the information on how to apply will not be published until later in May, we would welcome enquiries from anyone who may be interested in joining the Council by contacting the Parish Clerk for a chat about what is involved.
Local Plan – As we went to press, the April meeting of the Hart District Association of Local Parish and Town Councils was held. Representatives from Hart District Council informed the meeting that the expected additional requirement from Surrey Heath and Rushmore is 3000 dwellings. The impact of this will be considered by the joint Parish Council and Neighbourhood Plan Group who will be monitoring the progress of the Local Plan.
Hook Neighbourhood Plan – Please see Neighbourhood Plan Website for the latest progress update.
Hook Annual Village Meeting – Notices were posted early in April, rescheduling the meeting to Wednesday 27th May at 8.00 pm at Hook Community Centre. As the Annual Village Meeting is a community meeting, not a Parish Council meeting, the new date offers the opportunity for a more informative and constructive meeting because:
- It is expected the revised housing numbers for Hook will be available from Hart during May.
- The results of all the Neighbourhood Plan surveys will be available. The site selection, key themes and objectives will be further progressed.
- The new Parish Council will have taken office.
- There will be four remaining vacant seats on the Council and residents can find out about the role of Councillors and process for filling the vacancies.
Community Centre – The move back into the building began with the nursery, followed shortly afterwards by the Parish Council, HVHCA (who are managing the building) and the Café. We look forward to welcoming residents who visit our new office.
Transport – The Hampshire older persons bus pass (blue stripe) will now give free travel from 9.30am to 11pm, Monday to Friday from 1 April 2015. Weekend and public holiday travel is free all day for pass holders. In the case of a community bus operating between 9am and 9.29am and then no further departure before 10.31am, older persons passes will be valid from 9am on that specific journey.
This change will only currently affect Hook residents on the 65X bus to Alton College via Hartley Wintney, Fleet and Farnham. The Hartley Wintney Community Bus also comes to Hook on certain days and would give some opportunities for travel to Hartley Wintney and The Meadows. Please consult the timetables at the bus stops and the HCC website for details of the current timetable.
Anne Atkins – Clerk