Minutes of Town Council Meeting held in the Town Council Office
On Wednesday 30th June 2004 commencing 7-55 p.m.
Present Councillors P Ashcroft, W Batty-Smith, M James, D Neal, J O’Hare, R Penfold, D Short and J Cowley Chairman
D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance C Cllr Mrs R Ash and 4 residents.
To receive apologies Cllrs M Butterworth, J Cox and D Grimes
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
C Cllr Mrs R Ash congratulated J O’Hare on being appointed a Justice of the Peace which comment was endorsed by all those present.
With regard to possible traffic signals in the High Street mentioned during a site meeting on Monday C Cllr Ash had received a letter from Miss Selway of DCC confirming her message to the Clerk that any such request should be made in writing. On the subject of the HG vehicles in Stalbridge Weston, she had received an E Mail from the Owner of the Chicken Farm, a copy of which she provided to the TC. She suggested that a further letter be written to the DCC addressed to Miles Butler, requesting a time restriction on HGVs using the Stalbridge Weston road.
C Cllr Ash also advised that the DCC are no longer considering the site in Landshire Lane as a suitable place for Travellers
Mrs I Tanner, Community Office Chairman, advised that the CO has purchased further shelving to match existing for displaying leaflets.
Residents of Larks Meadow complained about the condition of the open area and also the hedge alongside the footpath and the dirty condition of the re-cycling area. The complaints regarding the open area have already been passed to NDDC and W Batty-Smith advised that the area in question is the subject of a 106 Agreement which has not been finalised yet. He suggested the Clerk write regarding the dirty state of the re-cycling area.
Proposed ExpenditureIn accordance with S O No. 40 it was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by J O’Hare that the following expenditure be approved
P J Watts Audit fee 35.00
M Fagg re. Town Clerks Liaison Group 7.50
Sign Cheques
In accordance with S O No.40 it was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by D Neal that the following cheques be signed
D J Hine salary part June 195.26
Postage 52.28
P J Watts 35.00
Vaughtons T C Insignia 45.99
R Sharp NDDC Grass 250.00
The Pound 55.00
S Electric 43.87
BMV Pubs advert re Web site 28.56
D Office 114.16
S & A Builders 56.40
M Fagg 7.50
The Clerk produced the Annual Return to the Auditors for signature by The Chairman and it was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by D Neal that this be done. All agreed.
Disabled access to 8 Ring Street
J Cowley reported that he had met Mr F Simpson of DCC on site and discussed the problems, Mr Simpson will be contacting us with the costings regarding the provision of a guard rail to prevent anyone leaving the office and stepping straight into the road. Until a reply is received the matter will be held in abeyance.
Appoint representative to Liveability Fund appraisal panel.
R Penfold agreed to be the Town Council’s representative
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
J Cowley reported on a meeting at Stalbridge Weston with Mr S Howard of DCC, C Cllr, Mrs R Ash, Mrs Garton and Mrs Smith and the Owner/Manager of the Chicken Farm re HG vehicles (as previously mentioned by C Cllr Ash). It was agreed to write to Mr M Butler of DCC and request a time restriction of HGVs using the road.
Clerk to write
D Neal reported on a meeting held in Sherborne regarding possible trailway/cycleways in the Yeovil/Sherborne/Milborne Port area. It was not really much to do with Stalbridge, but we will be kept informed of any developments.
D Neal reported on the Community Lunch held in Stalbridge School. This went very well and was well attended. It was also suggested that another event be held but in the early evening. Hugh DeIongh pointed out that this was how Community Partnerships begin and advised that he will be visiting various smaller parishes in the area to establish if they are willing to join with Stalbridge and suggested that a member of the Council accompany him. D Neal agreed to do so.
D Neal reminded members of the NORDOP Open Meeting in Blandford on 16 th July from 2-30 to 7-30
D Short and J Cowley reported on the meeting held on Monday morning with Miss E Selway of DCC and some of the Traders regarding possible pedestrian crossing in the High Street. It was agreed to write to Mr Hopper of the Traffic Signal Unit requesting some form of pedestrian operated signals to facilitate pedestrians and powered chair users crossing the road.
Clerk to write
Floodlighting The Cross has again been mentioned and it was decided to write to English Heritage and ask if this would be permitted.
Clerk to write
R Penfold expressed his concern that access to the limited time parking bay in Station Road had been blocked for some hours on 9 th June to allow the Age Concern Van to park there. The Van was only there for a short time but the area was blocked off for a long time. He felt that this in fact encouraged people to ignore the parking restriction in the High Street. He also felt that the Town Council should have been told of this plan beforehand.
Risk Management
Councillors agreed to check all the property owned by the Council i.e. buildings, seats etc., in accordance with the Inventory and also the Insurance Schedule on Wednesday 7 th July and report to the next Planning meeting
Correspondence
Letter from DCC Traffic Management with suggestions for dealing with parking problems in Duck Lane. The Planning & GP Committee had visited the area and it was proposed by P Ashcroft and seconded by R Penfold that the 30 minute parking bay be moved a short distance down Duck Lane to ensure that the dropped kerb area is kept free. That there be double yellow lines on the corner down as far as the door to Rectory Cottage and that from beyond the entrance to the Old Rectory as far as the entrance to the drive of Home Farm there be a time limit of 20 minutes on parking. All agreed.
Clerk to write
FAX from DCC Roads, Blandford, advising that the visibility splays at Bagber Crossroads were cut on Monday 7 th June. Although this has been done the visibility when approaching from Stalbridge is very limited and is is dangerous to emerge. Write to DCC and ask for improvement.
Clerk to write
Letter from NDDC re Liveability Fund advising that this will be launched at Durweston on 2 nd July after which application packs will be available.
Letter from Allianze Cornhill re. Insurance of cycle tracks
Letter from Rev. Ridding regarding maintenance of churchyard. It was agreed to pay the C Yard grant of £2,000 at next meeting.
Clerk to action
Invitation to Wimborne Civic Walkabout. No one wishes to attend.
Copy of Community Strategy for Dorset from DCC
NDDC letter re. dates for Town & Parish Liaison Meetings
Clerk to action
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The Ring beds are looking rather untidy. Clerk to contact Garden Society.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 10-10 p.m.