Annual Village Meeting
The Hook Village Annual Meeting was held on the 24th May, and more than 80 residents attended. A number of local groups displayed their group’s activities and how to get involved.
As a precursor to the evening, the Hart Draft Local Plan was on display and information on how this impacted on Hook. Also on display were concept designs for the refurbishment of the Wellworth Park Play Area.
The Hart Local Plan was the key focus of discussion. And this led to some lively exchanges with the District Councillors, who were there to answer residents’ concerns and questions.
The Neighbourhood Steering Group gave a very informative presentation, about the progress of the of the Neighbourhood Plan. If you would like to join the group, please contact them via their website http://neighbourhoodplan.hook.gov.uk/contact/ or email: .
The 2017 Hook Community Award was presented to Hook Christmas Cracker. It was accepted by Bernice Wall, David Grant and Mike Morris. The Christmas Cracker has gained in popularity and become a major community event in Hook. This year the event will take place on the 2nd December. If you would like to become involved please contact:
Councillor Vacancy
In June a Notice of Vacancy was published arising from the resignation of Lee Haddock. Lee was co-opted to the Council in November 2016, but has sadly had to step down due to other commitments. We would like to thank him for his time on the council and wish him well for the future.
At the time of writing, it is not known if Hart will receive the required number of letters calling for a formal ballot. If there are sufficient letter, a notice calling for nominations for candidates will be published in early July. Otherwise, the Parish Council will need to fill the vacancy by co-option as soon as possible. In either case, if you are interested in helping to shape the future of your local community and influence how residents’ money is spent, then please contact the Executive Officer to find out more about this rewarding role within our forward thinking team.
If the vacancy is to be filled by co-option, details of deadlines and how to apply will be published in August on our website and noticeboards and also in the September Focus.
Wellworth Park Play Area Refurbishment
Five different designs for the refurbishment of the Wellworth Park Play Area were displayed in the Community Centre foyer during May and June. The consultation has now closed and the comments will be considered by the Environment & Community Committee in order to formulate a final plan, that will go out to tender.
Health and Wellbeing event
The Health and Wellbeing event took place on the 20th May, with over 30 exhibitors several talks and demonstrations. Tesco provided fruit for the Smoothie Bike and savoury snacks in a pop-up refreshment Café. The Base organised activities for children, so adults could attend the talks or browse the exhibition. Over 50 residents and families attend during the course of the day. There was a good response to the free First aid and defibrillator training. Two defibrillators are publicly accessible: one at Grand Parade, by the Mosaic and the other is currently in the Parish Council office, but is due to be installed outside the Community Centre shortly.
Hart Local Plan
Over the past few weeks, Hart District Council (HDC) has been consulting with the community regarding the content of its draft Local Plan. The closing date for responses to this consultation has now passed and HDC are currently digesting the findings. Hart have stated that the publication of a Pre-Submission Document for comments will be made available in the Winter. Hook Parish Council has highlighted several points of objection and the formal response to the consultation can be found on its website at https://hook.gov.uk/hook-parish-councils-formal-response-to-the-harts-draft-local-plan-consultation
Most recently, the Parish Council has been consulted by several developers with interests at Bartley House (Station Road), West of Hook (Owen’s Farm) and Winchfield sites. It is beneficial to all parties if the Parish Council is consulted on any further development in Hook at the earliest possible stage, as this enables the Council to represent the views of the community, whilst endeavouring to secure a favourable outcome where development happens. Planning applications outlining proposals for West of Hook and Winchfield are expected to be submitted to HDC in August and the public are encouraged to comment, via Hart’s website as these applications go live.
Website, Facebook, Social Media and Noticeboards
There are four Parish Council Noticeboards within Hook. These are regularly updated and are located at:
- Hartletts Park (opposite the Community Centre)
- Grand Parade Shops (next to Barista Coffee Shop)
- Wellworth Park (at the entrance from A30)
- Holt Park (on the main road in opposite Doctors Acre, next to the Bus Stop).
The Parish Council can be contacted via www.hook.gov.uk, phone, post, email, Facebook Messenger, or in person at our offices.