Devolution has been a big topic over the last few months with Hampshire’s council system facing the biggest upheaval in decades.

But a smaller version could also take place in East Hampshire as a village bordering Alton could have a breakaway of its own.

A proposal to form a Holybourne Parish Council will be discussed next Tuesday (October 14) when the Village Association holds its Annual General Meeting.

It’s the sixth item that will be discussed by the HVA at the informal gathering with the meeting beginning at 7.30pm in the village hall.

Holybourne currently falls within the Alton parish with the town council overseeing roles like park, play area and bus shelter maintenance among many more.

Ratepayers in the village help fund these services through a precept, so a future Holybourne Parish Council would have to make its own claim and provide certain services unless agreements are made with ATC.

Suggestions to create a HPC are nothing new as there were murmurs around a decade ago when Sheet broke away from Petersfield.

But the process wasn’t quick as everything from boundary confirmations, contracts and asset transfers needed sorting in a long process with mediation from EHDC.

Also on the HVA agenda is the election of committee members and a chance to discuss any other issues relating to matters in the village.

“The AGM is a fairly formal, albeit short, meeting but there will be an opportunity after that for you to have your say about how you would like HVA to represent you,” said a spokesperson for the group.

“We would really welcome your views – it is important to us that we represent as many villagers as possible.

The Holybourne Cup will also be presented by the HVA at their AGM in recognition of someone who has worked hard for the community.