On Wednesday 8th February 2006 commencing 7-45 p.m.
Present Councillors P Ashcroft, J Cowley, J Cox, D Grimes, J O’Hare, R Penfold
D Short, J Wardell and D Neal (Chairman), D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance C Cllr. D Fox
To receive apologies D Cllrs W Batty-Smith and G Carr-Jones
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 comments
Proposed Expenditure
In accordance with S O No. 40 it was proposed by D Grimes and seconded by J Cox that the following expenditure be approved
D J Hine Travelling and additional hours to attend
Meeting with Chief Exec. £40.83
R Sharp Repairs to ring incl. Posts 275.00
Clerk to check Insurance regarding claim for damage to Ring
Sign Cheques
In accordance with S O No.40 it was proposed by D Grimes and seconded by J Cox that the following cheques be signed
D J Hine Salary £479.98
Postage 31.42
Meeting as above 40.83 £552.23
R Sharp 275.00
Direct Office 51.66
British Gas 104.10
The Clerk presented the quarterly comparison of expenditure to budget up to 31st December
Henstridge Airfield Masterplan
The Planning & G P Committee had agreed to send a letter to Sth. Som. D C regarding this item in support of a letter written by Mr R Belsham of Fifehead Magdalen and again emphasising the problems that could be caused in Stalbridge as a result of additional traffic, especially H G Vs. Sth Som. Needed the letter to be part of their report before this meeting.
Pedestrian Crossing – The Way Forward
Two letters received from DCC, one from LTP & Improvements Group which advised that a survey of the site has been requested the results of which will be reported to elected members in November 2006 or thereabouts. The other letter from Traffic Management, S Howard, advised that unless unequivocal support for the project was proved, it would not go ahead. After some discussion, during which C Cllr D Fox pledged his support and offered his assistance, it was agreed to hold an informal meeting in the office on 15th Feb. to discuss the way forward. In the meantime, Clerk to write again to the Treasurer requesting reply to letter of 16th. D Fox will try and arrange a meeting with the DCC Head of Dept. P Ashcroft will try and find out if the School have a Travelplan or “Safe Route to School” scheme.
Proposed addition to S O No. 17
It was proposed by J Cowley and seconded by J Cox that S O No 17, which refers to Resolutions Moved on Notice, that the following be added
“The Clerk having received a proposal or recommendation, may advise the proposed or mover regarding the wording, but the Councillor’s view shall be paramount in all cases”
This item now stands adjourned to the next meeting.
The Ring Beds
It was agreed that some major work needs to be carried out on the Ring beds, either to totally clean them out and start again or to get some advice regarding treatment of the plants there some of which are very overgrown. Mrs Smith of Station Road had been consulted on a preliminary basis and she expressed an interest in assisting with some suggestions regarding the way forward if required. It was proposed by J Cox and seconded by R Penfold that we contact her and formally ask her for her recommendations. All agreed.
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
D Grimes commented regarding the increase in traffic as a result of plans for Henstridge Airfield that he felt double yellow lines around P O Corner would solve some of the High Street problems and with regard to speed of vehicles, there should be a speed limit on Cooks Lane approaching the Thornhill junction.
R Penfold reported that the road surface at the top of Station Road is deteriorating badly as a result of the very large lorries endeavouring to turn on the junction.
J Wardell reported on the meeting held on 6th Feb. regarding proposed “Health Walks” around Stalbridge. Those present were B Heath NDDC, P Gibbs PCT N Brown Footpath Officer, D Neal and J Wardell. Some initial walks were discussed and these will be checked before the next meeting on 13th March. Group walks have also been suggested but training will be needed for volunteer leaders. There will be some recruitment posters put up.
P Ashcroft reported that there have been several complaints regarding dog fouling of JFPA. Dog Warden to be contacted.
J Cox advised that the Service at the Snowdrop Walk had been well attended and a splendid tea was provided by the W I. The charity rep. had been approached regarding the lack of additional snowdrops being planted in spite of several donations being made. She promised that this would be dealt with. Letter of thanks to W I
Clerk to write
J Cox also advised regarding the Hall/Youth Club extension. There is a problem with connecting the old roof to the new one (problem with old roof) and this will cost an additional £10,000.
J Cowley advised that Signpost had repaired the fence between the Hall and Coppern Way properties.
D Neal expressed surprise when he discovered that the CAB Rep. was able to obtain the key to the Office and he will bring this up at the next C Off. meeting
Correspondence
DCC Questionnaire re. Repairs to Cale Bridge.
Sth. Som. D C re. Henstridge Airfield Masterplan. Notes of meeting 26th Jan.
NDDC Copy of Responses to draft Statement of Community Involvement
DCC LTP & Improvements Group.re. Pedestrian Crossing request. Advising that a survey has been requested
DCC Traffic Management re. Pedestrian Crossing. Requesting evidence of unequivocal support for the crossing from all those affected
NDDC re. Landscaped Bund Woodmills. Asking of the TC has any objections to transferring this bund to Stalbridge Timber.
J Cowley proposed and J Cox seconded that a letter be sent to the effect that the T C did not object provided that suitable conditions were imposed regarding upkeep of the land and the fact that it must remain a bund in perpetuity. Agreed.
Clerk to write
NDDC S Hill. Re. Adoption of Open Space/Amenity Land. A schedule of areas relating to Stalbridge is being prepared and when complete he will welcome the opportunity to discuss it with the T C
DAPTC N Dorset Area. Agenda for meeting on 8th Feb. and copy of D Webb’s report
D Fox E-mail re. non consultation regarding A350
N Dorset Rangers up-date on Trailway
NDDC Enforcement. Tel. call re Stalbridge Motors site.
Clerk to progress
Hugh DeIongh e-mail update on his activities on behalf of Stalbridge
NDDC North Dorset (Off Street Parking Places) order 2006 (no change for Stalbridge)
NDDC re. Land off Station Road Car Park asking for TC views on allowing access through the Car Park together with reply
Stur Quest Invitation to Annual Meeting 17th Feb.
Copy of letter from N D Footpath Group (Ramblers Assoc) with objections to diversion of FP49
DAPTC Ch. Exec Newsletter 01 and 02/06
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Query raised regarding the building being erected in the garden of Laburnam House.
Clerk to check
B T to be asked what is happening regarding the telephone kiosks, as the seem to be in a poor state.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-50 p.m.