Minutes of Town Council Meeting held in the Town Council Office
On Wednesday 10 th March 2004 commencing 7-45 p.m.
Present Councillors P Ashcroft, W Batty-Smith, M Butterworth, J Cox, D Grimes, R Penfold,
D Neal (Chairman)
D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance 4 members of the public
To receive apologies D Cllr G Carr-Jones, Cllr J Cowley.
Co-opt two Councillors
It was proposed by D Grimes and seconded by W Batty-Smith that Matthew James and Jim O’Hare be co-opted to the Town Council. All agreed. They both duly signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.
Declarations of Interest None
Minutes of last meeting
The minutes of the last meeting having previously been circulated to Councillors were approved and signed by the Chairman.
OPEN FORUM No matters reported
Proposed Expenditure
In accordance with S O No. 40 it was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by D Grimes that the following expenditure be approved
T C Comm Office A/c VAT refund 33.68
W Water 242.88
Bob Jones Htg. Eng. Repair to Boiler 23.50
Sign Cheques
In accordance with S O No.40 it was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by D Grimes that the following cheques be signed
D J Hine salary 390.53
D J Hine Postage 27.60
R Sharp NDDC Grass 240.00
BMV Pubs 14.71
Comm. Office 33.68
Wessex Water 242.88
Bob Jones 23.50
B Telecom 169.70
Heavy lorries in Stalbridge Weston
The on-going problem of large lorries visiting the Chicken Farm at all times of the day and night was again discussed. The possibility of applying for a ban on these vehicles during certain hours at night was discussed. As this may inconvenience the running of Manor Farm it was decided to write to Mr Doggrell and ask if there was a period during the night time when a ban on lorries using the roads in Stalbridge Weston would not adversely affect him.
Clerk to write
Parking in Duck Lane
Copy of letter from DCC to Residents of Duck Lane regarding parking received. It is noted that Parking Services have been asked to increase enforcement of current restrictions. A letter to be written to Parking Services requesting them to increase enforcement throughout Stalbridge, not just in Duck Lane. Letter received from School Bus Driver asking that something be done regarding illegal parking on the Barrow Hill/High Street/Station Road junction as there are times when he is unable to turn from the A357 into Station Road because of obstructing vehicles. Copy of this letter to be sent to Parking Services.
Clerk to write
Request for Grant Sherborne CAB
It was felt that by making the Town Council office available free of charge for the CAB use that this is sufficient contribution to their work.
Maintenance Worker
It was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by J Cox that we appoint Mr S Gardener as the Town Council maintenance worker as per his quotation. When writing, Clerk to ask him to look at the Spring Animals in the Jubilee Play Area on an urgent basis.
Clerk to write
Possible purchase of Computer for Clerk’s office
It was agreed in principle that a suitable Computer should be purchased for use by the Town Clerk. The Clerk will obtain quotations M James will assist regarding specification
Next Agenda
Possible subsidy for Bus to Blandford S. Pool
There was very little Information on this proposal. Apparently it is something to do with Helen Reed of NORDCAT. Await further information
Councillors’ questions/reports
The Signpost on the Ring appears to be rather loose
There have been some reports of irregular postal deliveries. Any instances of this should be reported to W Batty-Smith who is a member of Postwatch.
Correspondence
Letter from NDDC re. North Dorset Older People’s Strategy Group requesting comments on draft strategy
Letter from NDDC enclosing Open Space Strategy and Supplementary Planning Guidance on Areas of Amenity Open Space, Play Areas and Commuted Sums
Letter from NDDC enclosing Draft Tourism Strategy for North Dorset 2004-07
Letter from NDDC enclosing Urban Potential Study
Letter from Mrs C Parsons resigning from Town Council Write and thank her for her work
Clerk to write
Letter from Dorset Police in reply to ours re. Police Surgery advising that an officer will be replacing PC Cannon
Reply from Devon & Dorset Regiment advising that our offer will be discussed on 12 th March
Notification from NDDC of Tree Works at The Old Rectory Fell one Larch
Reply from DCC re. Footway Larks Meadow to Jarvis Way. The link was approved, designed and constructed as a footway and as such the barriers are correct, however these will allow wheelchairs, bicycles etc., through. The absence of a specific ban will allow cyclist to ride on his footway but pedestrians do take precedence.
Reply from DCC re. Station Road near West Mill Lane. The area has been inspected and as a result a request for the warning signs to be renewed has been made, also the fact that water collects on the bend and that hedgecutting around the signs needs doing has been reported. Unfortunately no other work can be carried out at the present time.
Letter from NDDC advising of names for two new build properties in Woodmill Close.
Invitation from Chairman of NDDC to Civic Service and Reception on 31 st March
Application for Grant from Marie Curie Cancer Care. Agreed no at present time.
Notification from DCC of the withdrawal of some bus subsidies.
Request from The North Dorset Green Party to discuss GM Foods
DAPTC Chief Exec. Circulars including details of various Seminars
Crimes Statistics since 11 th Nov. 2003 together with a sample “message in a bottle” for emergency contact numbers
Invitation from Bridport TC to attend Mayor’s Civic Night on 29 th April.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-55 p.m.