On Wednesday 12th March 2008 commencing 8-00 p.m.
Present Councillors B Alexandre, P Ashcroft, J Cowley, J Cox, K Garland,
D Grimes, R Penfold, J Smith, J Wardell and W Batty-Smith Chairman, D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance D Cllr G Carr-Jones
To receive apologies None
Declarations of Interest None
Co-opt new Councillor
It was proposed by D Grimes and seconded by J Cox that G Carr-Jones be co-opted on to the Town Council. All agreed. G Carr-Jones signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office form
Minutes of last meeting
The minutes of the last meeting having previously been circulated to Councillors were approved and signed by the Chairman.
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
Four County Services. Security Licence £105.75
Blackmore Vale Internet. Web site 108.00
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 £522.82
Four County Services 105.75
Direct Office 11.96
B Telecom 153.19
Wessex Water 366.57
BMV Internet 108.00
H Gatehouse Lay hedge (costs to be passed on
To NDDC & Signpost) 450.00
With regard to the Water Rate Bill it was suggested enquiries be made as to whether or not a water meter should be fitted. D Grimes also pointed out that a saving could be made if no surface water was drained into the sewer.
Proposed walkway from Pound Close to Dike’s Car Park
The Clerk explained that residents are already using the gap by the end of the garages in Pound Close to access the new Dike’s Car Park. Enquiries had been made of Signpost as to whether they would be willing to allow an official footway on their property. Signpost would be willing to grant an easement over the land for a suitable fee. The Clerk has been in touch with Mrs Fraser who is dealing with the adjacent property, as a small piece of the boundary would be required to make the path wide enough, there would appear to be no problem with this. Signpost require an initial cheque for £150 plus VAT to cover their administration fees and the valuation by an independent valuer. It was agreed to progress this matter.
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
P Ashcroft advised that although the DCC advised that the Kings Mill Road was closed from 3rd March and the barriers erected, in fact no work was started until 10th March and she felt a letter should be sent to DCC pointing out the unnecessary problems this had caused.
Clerk to write
P Ashcroft also asked what had happened about the request for additional pavement across the visibility splay at the entrance to Jarvis Way.
Clerk to progress
J Cox suggested that the local bus companies should be advised about the public meeting regarding the parking restrictions in the High Street
J Cowley requested that NDDC be asked for confirmation that the £7,500 grant towards the street sweeping would be increased year on year in the same way that the cost to Stalbridge Town Council will increase
Clerk to write
J Cowley also asked what had happened about the request for a sign indicating the way to Stourton Caundle. The Clerk advised that the owners of Southampton House had demanded a fee from DCC to allow a sign to be put on their wall, which DCC were unwilling to pay.
G Carr-Jones brought 6 copies of the Town Plan for Councillors to look at.
B Alexandre asked who should be contacted regarding the HGVs in Stalbridge Weston. She was recommended to contact NDDC Environmental Health with a complaint of noise pollution.
J Wardell remarked that the now completed new entrance to Keeper’s Cottage, off Copse House Lane, is a great improvement.
Correspondence
Notification from the Planning Inspectorate that the appeal against the proposed new route of FP4 through Pond Close has been turned down
DCC notification that Durweston Bridge is to be closed from 25th March for 13 days
D Cox, Stalbridge Y Club thanking the TC for its support and expressing the hope that this support will continue
J Else, Christmas Lighting Group. Thanking TC for the grant towards their expenses.
S Hill, NDDC re. Local Delivery. In reply to TC letter advising that NDDC are unable to pay the business rates on the Public Toilets once they have been leased to the TC
John Foster-Pegg, re. Purchase of land adjacent Churchyard, advising that the land in question should be marked out this week.
Quotation from Westree for the new fencing and hedging that will be required on this site. It was suggested that enquiries be made as to the availability of grants for this work.
Clerk to action
John Foster-Pegg, various correspondence regarding the SL A in respect of the Street Cleansing and the proposed lease of the Public Toilets
John Foster-Pegg various correspondence, including draft Lease re. Recreational land/Allotment land at Pond Close
Sth.Som.DC advice that the application to allow aerobatic aircraft to use Henstridge Airfield has been withdrawn
Notification from Mr Gardener (maintenance) that the signs recently put up around Jarvis Field Play Area have all been removed and were missing. It was agreed that unless these could be found, they would not be replaced at the moment
NDDC notification that they are proposing to produce an Annual Report
Sherborne CAB request for grant aid
DAPTC Chief Executive’s Circular 02/08
DCC Network Traffic Safety. Copy of letter to Mr M Allen of Stalbridge Primary School advising that Stalbridge did not meet the criteria adopted b DCC for establishing a School Crossing Patrol
Dorset Local Access Forum Annual Report 2006/07
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-20 p.m.