FOCUS - April Online Version 2020 - web

site north of the Town but it has to be viable and what
members want. The push has to come from members
of the indoor bowling club because that is the key to
attracting funding from Sport England.
Recycling and general household waste: In answer to
a comment from the floor, SD said all black and clear
sacks were sometimes put on the same wagon but
then the recycle sacks were offloaded and collected
later along the route.
Council donations to Charities: SD said that there is a
Community Grants group within New Forest District
Council. Apply online for a grant to be considered in
October - November.
Hemlock on Long Meadow/Barton Common: GB
responded that notices have been put up in both
areas. Dog owners have to be vigilant as there are
over 100 problem plants occurring naturally across the
area. Pictures have been made available to identify
specific plants.
Bus routes and disability: There needs to be coordination
between Hampshire and Dorset in terms of
disabled people having to pay to return from Dorset to
Hampshire. SD said that he would approach Yellow
Buses, who are keen to support disabled people, and
ask if they will honour the disabled scheme.
Alan Watson thanked everyone for coming to the AGM
including the Councillors. He reminded everyone
about the 'We’ll Meet Again' concert (Covid-19 willing)
and the 8th May street party on Barton Cliff Top. Alvin
Reid reminded everyone about the Mayor’s Charity
Ball and NMRA's support for his charity.
The AGM closed at 12 noon.
FROM OUR TOWN COUNCIL
CLIFF FAILURE AND EROSION - BARTON ON SEA
I am often asked the question, what action is being
taken following the recent cliff falls at Barton on Sea?
The situation is closely monitored by NFDC and below
is an update from the Coastal Projects Engineer
following a site visit at the end of February.
I visited the site of the recent cliff failure (opposite
Marine Drive West) where I observed that a 2.5m to
3.5m wide section of the cliff top edge has been lost
along a 70-metre section. The failed section of cliff has
now dropped by approximately 4m (vertically), which
means it no longer presents an ‘increased’ hazard for
users of the area. However, the distance to the clifftop
bench (located immediately opposite) is now only
about 5m, so this will need to be closely monitored.
I paced out the distance from the line of the new cliff
edge to the edge of the road and this is now about
47m. Putting this in context, the historical average
erosion rate at Barton-on-Sea is about 1m / year. It is
very possible that the future rate may change (i.e.
possibly increase due to climate change) and this is
considered in the Poole and Christchurch Bays Shoreline
Management Plan (SMP) Review http://twobays.net/,
with predictions for the future cliff position over the
next 100 years.
The cliffs at this location are undefended, so the
underlying geology combined with the effect of
groundwater (through precipitation) and erosion of the
cliff top (by the sea) are the two active processes which
drive cliff instability. This section appears to be
particularly active at present, which is evidenced with
mass movement (landslides and mudslides) and with
large amounts of ponding water in the cliff. As a result, it
is not surprising that some cliff top loss has occurred
here with the high levels of rainfall which have occurred
this winter. It is also very likely that further cliff loss will
occur at this location over the next few months, as well
as along other sections of the cliff. As a result we will
aim to keep the areas regularly monitored and close
areas as necessary for public safety.
Looking ahead, NFDC are proposing to shortly undertake
a drainage trial at Barton on Sea, funded by the
Environment Agency. Whilst the trial will not be in this
exact location, it will start to investigate the possibility
of managing groundwater levels at this site and what
the effect will be on the stability of the cliff. This will all
be subject to assent from Natural England, due to the
environmental designation (SSSI) of the cliffs.
Cllr Geoffrey Blunden : Barton & Becton Ward
PLANT A TREE POLICY
Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change
Action Plan
Trees do so much for us every day : They give us
oxygen, store carbon, improve air quality, conserve
water, preserve soil, support wildlife and are a key
solution to climate change. They also make our
communities more beautiful and improve our wellbeing.
In addition to the Council tree planting policy, and part
of our environmental sustainability and climate change
action plan, we would like to give the opportunity for
local residents and visitors to plant a tree in New Milton.
Where can trees be planted? On some of our open
spaces within New Milton, suitable for planting trees.
There are a few restrictions on where we can plant
trees, depending on the location and species. Our tree
experts can guide you on this. We don't offer
commemorative trees for cemeteries, but we can help
you find an alternative location. Please get in touch with
our team and we can help you to find the best tree for
the location and time of year it can be planted to suit
you.
Type of tree you can choose : The species and type of
tree you can plant depends on the location. We keep to
species that are in line with our management plans and
landscape designs. We're always happy to work with
you to find something suitable.
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