The March issue of the Hamstead Hornet can be seen here.
Points from the parish council meeting 16 January
Concern was expressed at the number of HGVs using Milkhouse Road from the A4 towards Morewood, crossing the canal and river bridges. As the next river and rail crossing west of Newbury the route is a popular rat-run. The prospect of an serious accident on the sharp corner between the church and the river is not remote. A weight limit banning HGV’s from using the road was thought desirable, but probably difficult to obtain, not least as both bridges are graded to take the full current size limit of 44 tonnes. It was pointed out that when gravel extraction from the field above Craven Keep was under consideration, WBC devised a plan for three sets of traffic lights between the church and the railway. This was not thought to be a desirable solution. Steve Masters is investigating the matter further.
The parish council still has two vacancies, but Anne Budd is currently in negotiation with two people. This should not deter anyone else from offering to join. Five councillors is the standard complement, but it is not a maximum. Anyone interested in serving the village in this way should contact the clerk.
No district councillors attended the meeting, nor did a TVP representative.
No new planning applications had been received. It was noted that the Elm View application has been approved.
Speedwatch has not been active during the winter weather, but is planned to restart soon.
Continuing vigilance and online reporting of pot-holes was urged.
The Christmas 2024 parish cafe included a presentation to Sue Watts marking her co-founding of the community market 18 years ago, and her hard work in keeping it going ever since. She has now taken well-earned retirement.
The cafe was also visited by Chris, Jo and Luke from Thames Valley police neighbourhood team. They stayed for tea and cake and met villagers. The team is based jointly at Hungerford Fire Station and Newbury Police Station, and they serve an arc of rural villages spreading from Hungerford, north of (but not including) Newbury, to Calcot.
Elm Farm and White Hart planning applications approved
The White Hart change-of-use application (#24/00582/FUL) to turn the former pub into four housing units has been approved.
The parish council raised no objection to the application, but 27 letters of objection and four of support were submitted.
Also approved was application #23/02550/FULMAJ in which the owners of Elm Farm plan to demolish redundant farmstead buildings and build a new house. The proposal had 23 letters of support as well as commendation from the parish council.
This approval, together with work that has started on the adjoining former White Hart skittle alley site, will bring the total number of potential households on the site to four.
What's on in the village
March
Wed 26 19.30-21.20 E&HM Garden Soc meeting, village hall
Thu 27 14.00-16.00 Community café, village hall
Thu 27 19.30 onwds Telescope workshop, village hall
April
Thu 3 19.00-21.00 Circle of Friends, venue tbc
Thu 24 14.00-16.00 Community café, village hall
May
Thu 1 19.00-21.00 Circle of Friends, venue tbc
Sat 10 10.30 onwds Dark Sky Event, village hall
Thu 29 14.00-16.00 Community café, village hall
June
Thu 5 19.00-21.00 Circle of Friends, venue tbc
Thu 26 14.00-16.00 Community café, village hall
More info:
Community market/Lanie Allen 07775 804143.
Circle of Friends/Sue Watts 07884 004418.
Mobile library/Sandra Edwards 01635 519827.
Parish café/Anne Budd 01488 657022.
Mobile library axed
WBC is to abolish the mobile library service from April, which will affect those who make use of its regular visits to Ash Tree Grove.
Borrowers who are unable to go to the library can join the At Home service, through which books can be delivered to their home every three weeks. Ring Sandra Edwards on 01635 519827 (mornings) for more details.