Parish Council

The Parish Council has submitted a detailed response to radical Government ‘White Paper’ proposals to change the planning system, highlighting some surprising omissions and also challenging ideas which could reduce opportunities for parishioners to comment on plans for new developments. The Parish Council’s response to Government is at the foot of this page.

As with the anniversary of VE Day in May, it was not possible to arrange any sort of gathering in Buriton to mark the 75^th anniversary of VJ Day on 15^th August due to Coronavirus restrictions, but the occasion did not get overlooked or go unmarked.

Thanks to Elaine Bray and Karen White, the recently cleaned and restored war memorial was suitably decorated and flanked by eight silent soldiers, each representing one of the men from this parish who lost their lives during the Second World War.

It has now been possible to re-open the playground after repairs have been done following a thorough RoSPA inspection.

There are now some new signs at the playground providing some important messages for all users in connection with the ongoing COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic.

In particular, it should be noted that it is the responsibility of all users to ensure good hygiene, adhere to Government guidelines and that use of the facility is at their own risk. 

Although delayed by the ‘lockdown’ period, the Parish Council has managed to get the initial phase of the car park improvements undertaken.

The car park is being modified to increase capacity, provide protection for tree roots, retain a porous surface and include cycle parking facilities.

Following completion of the first phase of works, the cycle parking facilities have yet to be installed and some repairs to remaining pot-holes are also due to be addressed.

Although the Government is now permitting playgrounds and community halls to re-open after 4 July, they have issued guidance which in some places is very detailed and onerous for small communities and in other places is very vague.

Parish Councils across the country are worried about the impractical nature of the guidance, about the financial implications and about risks of prosecution if adequate measures are not put in place to manage Covid-19. It will also be important to ensure that existing insurance policies remain valid.

Post Office officials have liaised with the Parish Council to find a way for one of their vans to make a weekly visit to Buriton whilst the church/PO remains closed. The van should be able to offer most PO services, including cash withdrawal, top ups, mail etc. Arrangements have now been agreed and the van will visit every Friday, from 12.30-2pm in the Village Inn car park.

The Parish Council has managed to fulfil its aim of planting a special new tree to mark the 75^th anniversary of VE Day. 

Thanks to Parish Councillor Matt Marriott (and family) there’s now a splendid new Copper Beech tree on the Recreation Ground. The tree is already about ten years old, it’s fenced to keep it safe for a while and it will be tended carefully over the months ahead. 

Sadly some fraudsters are exploiting the current situation with a number of scams trying to take advantage of the crisis. Many instances relate to online shopping scams where people have ordered protective face masks, hand sanitiser, and other products, which have never arrived.

Please be aware of the following scams:

Buriton Parish Council, the Neighbourcare Group and St Mary’s church have combined forces to help our older residents, the vulnerable and those who are self-isolating.

But we have no monopoly on wisdom – and all bright ideas are welcomed.

Buriton Parish Council, the Neighbourcare Group and St Mary’s church have combined forces and can help with:

• Shopping/chemists/urgent supplies
• Posting Mail
• Transport for essential medical appointments   
• A friendly phone call.

Please don’t feel that you are on your own – and please don’t go out against any Government advice.

If you don’t have family or friends who can help, just give us a call via 07769 691919 or 01730 269034 or pillmeadhouse@btinternet.com .