On Wednesday 5th April 2006 commencing 7-30 p.m.
Present Councillors P Ashcroft, W Batty-Smith, J Cowley, J Cox, D Grimes,
R Penfold , J Wardell and D Neal Chairman, D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance C Cllr D Fox. Footpath Officer N Brown
To receive apologies J O’Hare and D Short
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
N Brown the Footpath Officer attended to request the Town Council to contact the Countryside Rangers regarding the proposed Trailway on the old railway line. Volunteers have been working hard over the past months but their work will be wasted unless the contractors work is carried out in the near future. The work was supposed to be done on 2005 but it is now Spring 2006 and nothing appears to be happening. C Cllr D Fox and the Town Council agreed to contact the appropriate people to “chase this up”. The Chairman expressed the thanks of the Town Council to all the volunteers for their work
Proposed Expenditure
In accordance with S O No. 40 it was proposed by J Cox and seconded by D Short that the following expenditure be approved. All agreed
Scout Jamboree Cttee £50.00
Valecraft (Ins. Claim Pavillion) 73.05
Laggan Locks (Ins Claim Flat) 93.00
Sign Cheques
In accordance with S O No.40 it was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by J Cox that the following cheques be signed. All agreed
D J Hine Salary (new rate) 494.10
Inwood Estate 1475.00
Scout Jamboree Cttee 50.00
Direct Office 88.47
Valecraft 73.05
S Electric 73.68
Laggan Locks 93.00
NDDC Rates 862.04
Pedestrian Crossing
The Chairman thanked D Fox and R Penfold for printing the leaflets regarding the crossing. These had been distributed as planned, by the Scouts. J Cowley thanked the Chairman for driving around the outlying areas with the leaflets. It was agreed to publish the result at the Annual Town Meeting on 19th April
Town Plan
The Town Plan will also be publicised at the A T M as Hugh DeIongh will be in attendance. It is planned to have a “Planning for Real” week in the Community Office when residents can come in and detail their wishes for the future of Stalbridge. Stourton Caundle are interested in being kept advised of developments.
Office Entry System
It was agreed to contact Wessex Alarms regarding the possibility of fitting an entry system/intercom so that when the Clerk is in her office on her own she does not have to have the front door unlocked.
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
D Grimes advised that he had again spoken to Mr DePelet re. possible extension of churchyard. Comments awaited from the Estate’s Agent
J Wardell reported that unfortunately there had not been much progress on the Health Walks as funding is now in question. But it is hope to include some reference to these in the Town Plan.
Reports of large lorries using Copse House Lane, but not much can be done abut this.
W Batty-Smith advised that the Development off Station Road Car Park has now been granted outlet planning permission.
J Cox advised that the Youth & Community project is now virtually complete and it is hoped to open after Easter.
J Cowley advised that he had reported problems with the road surface on the A357. C Cllr Fox will take some action and ask questions regarding highway inspection programme.
D Neal advised that he had attended the HACC Meeting on the 15th March and the next meeting should be 18th October. Nothing drastic to report regarding flying activities.
With regard to the Stalbridge Lighting Group. Light up day will be Monday 4th December with late night shopping on Friday 8th December.
He also reported that he had advised some children using mini motor-bikes on Pond Close that this was illegal. They had stopped the activity but he asked that a letter be sent to Signpost advising them of the possible hazard. Also overhanging hedges are a problem in Pond Walk
Clerk to write
Query raised as to who had erected two signs on Lamp Posts regarding burglaries etc., It would appear that the Police have done this.
Correspondence
NDDC Interim Guidance on development of areas of amenity open space
NDDC Private Sector Housing Strategy
DCC Draft Statement of Community Involvement. Minerals and Waste
DCC re Traffic Management in Stalbridge from D Diaz
Scout Group. Invite to St George’s Day Parade
Sth Som Amended version of Henstridge Airfield Masterplan
NDDC Notice of Public Path Order FP No. 49
Sth Somerset DC Notice of intent to adopt Local Plan
Sherborne CAB request for grant
Defra Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act update
RSS Update
DAPTC C Exec Circ.04-06 plus details of Seminars
NDDC Dev. Control. Copy of comments to Sth Som DC re. Henstridge Airfield PA to increase number of resident aircraft
West Dorset DC re. Statement of Community Involvement
Mr N Hann, letter of thanks for street light on footpath between Thornhill Road and Lower Road
Lights Group. Letter of thanks for support also request that the TC ask if Old Rectory trees could be cut back as they obscure the Cross
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-15 p.m.