HIGHWAYS chiefs will be in Otterbourne next week to discuss plans for smart motorway works on the M3.

The meeting is due to take place on Tuesday, February 19 at 7.15pm in the Bianchi Room of the village hall.

Work is set to get under way this year to upgrade the motorway between junction nine for Winnall and junction 14 for the M27.

Highways England representatives will be at the meeting to discuss the potential impact on Otterbourne residents, with Main Road and Otterbourne Road being the designated diversion route for the M3 between junctions 11 and 12.

As previously reported, concerns have been raised in the past about late-night traffic driving through the village when closures have been in place on the M3.

PLANS to build a ‘granny annex’ in Colden Common will be decided today after parish councillors objected.

The retrospective proposals, at Orchard Gate, in Lordswood, Highbridge, would see an existing outbuilding that is allowed to be used as an arts studio, games room and workshop converted into additional family accommodation.

The plans, which are due to be debated by Winchester City Council’s planning committee today, have been recommended for approval by planners, although Colden Common Parish Council has objected.

They say the proposals amount to development within the countryside.

COLDEN Common Parish Council is on the look out for volunteers to help with tree planting in the village.

The council is looking to plant more than 40 this month to replace trees lost over the past few years.

However, the council advises it would be “quite physical work” due to the time of year and the size of the trees being planted.

Volunteers will also need to bring their own spade or fork.

Anyone willing to help on a weekend as part of a working party is asked to email clerk@coldencommon-pc.gov.uk.

A WEEKLY table tennis club has been set up in Colden Common Community Centre.

The sessions started last Friday and run between 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

They cost £2 and include a cup of tea or coffee. No booking is required.

A TALK will take place next week on Ethiopia, with funds raised going towards a Twyford church.

Tickets cost £10 for the illustrated talk by Andrew Brooks and Juliet Hawkes, following their travels to the country.

It will be held at St Mary’s Church on Friday, February 22, starting at 7.30pm, although drinks will be available from 7pm.

The proceeds will be spent by the church on improving the heating system and seating.

For more information, contact Juliet Hawkes on julietahawkes@aol.com, or call Andrew Brooks on 07710281496.

RESIDENTS are being invited to a coffee and cake morning taking place each month in Colden Common.

The event is held at the Holy Trinity Church Rooms, in Main Road, on the first Thursday of each month between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

It costs £1.50 for which visitors will get a hot drink and a piece of homemade cake. The next event is due to take place on March 7.

l THE Hampshire Chronicle is always keen to hear local news from Compton/ Shawford, Twyford, Otterbourne and Colden Common. Send details to The Hampshire Chronicle at 5 Upper Brook Street, Winchester, SO23 8AL, call 01962 860836 or email news@hampshirechronicle.co.uk.