Present Councillors P Ashcroft, W Batty-Smith, D Grimes, J O’Hare, R Penfold
D Short, and J Cowley

In the absence of The Chairman, D Neal, J Cowley was unanimously elected Chairman of the meeting.

D J Hine (Clerk)

In attendance C Cllr. D Fox

To receive apologies D Cllr G Carr-Jones, J Cox and D Neal

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 W Batty-Smith and seconded by D Grimes that the following expenditure be approved

Blackmore Vale Internet Domain name and website
Hosting £270.00

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

Blackmore Vale Internet £270.00
D J Hine Salary 479.98
Direct Office Supplies 14.04
John Singleton 437.50
Blackmore Vale Publishing Trafalgar Day 59.34
S & A Builders Maintenance 126.90
Stalbridge RBL Branch (Sect. 137 payment) 20.00

The Clerk advised that Mr R Dare would not be making a charge for constructing the re-usable beacon frame.
Clerk to write

Possible traffic problems in the High Street

The question of how often the Traffic Wardens attend was brought up and it was suggested a letter be written asking for them to come more often, however, as no-one is certain how often they actually attend, C Cllr D Fox said he would check this and let us know.

There would still appear to be no definite figures for additional traffic movements as a result of developments on Henstridge Airfield, however, it is obvious that traffic will increase dramatically.

The TC Chairman and Vice Chairman are to meet Mr S Howard of DCC on Wednesday morning to have an informal discussion regarding the difficulty pedestrian have crossing the road.

Councillor’s reports/questions

D Grimes advised that he had spoken to Count R DePelet re. extending the Churchyard and we should forward a plan of what is required to the Count.
Clerk to arrange

Complaints have been received regarding the sign erected by The Cross indicating the way to Stalbridge Weston is up Gold Street. (Clerk’s note DCC have removed sign)

The Public Toilets were not open on the morning of Sunday 13th November which caused some problems to those mustering for the Remembrance Day march to the Church.
Clerk to ascertain times

P Ashcroft attended a School Governors’ meeting but there is no news regarding a possible new school. The present Head Teacher Mr T Jameson is leaving next April.
Clerk to write

R Penfold attended the Hall Committee meeting. Some problem with the boundary hedge but the Clerk advised that there is no indication on the Council’s deeds that the hedge belongs to the Town Council.

The Clerk advised that she had been contacted by the Youth Offender Officer who has a local youth available for 3 hours community work. Suggested litter picking Jarvis F PA and Grosvenor Road Play area also weeds on footpath by Filling Station

Correspondence

West Dorset D C Draft Statement of Community Involvement
NDDC Revised Road Closure Order re. 2nd December (High Street will not be closed)
DCC Dorset Countryside Plans and Progress
Regional Spatial Strategy for South West Update
DCC Notification of road Closure for part of Copse House Lane 14-18th Nov.
Portland Town Council Invitation to Carol Service. No one wishes to attend
E Mail from S Howard DCC confirming meeting TC Office 08-30 Wed. 30th Nov.
Letter from Ms J Rabbetts thanks for Trafalgar Celebrations also verbal thanks from Mr T R Lee for same event and letter from Mr & Mrs P Gibbs
DAPTC C Exec Circular 15-05 re. Upgrading of bridleways to Byways & C Exec. report
Agenda for Town & Larger Councils meeting 25th November
Copy of letter from R Else to E Williams, Hall Cttee re. monthly markets taking place in Hall
NDDC Roll out plans for Mobile Phone Operators for 2005/6
E Mail from H DeIongh re. Community Lunch and Town Plan
Card from Maj Morton asking what progress on Pedestrian Crossing
Clerk to reply
Verbal complaint from resident of Larks Meadow re. Dangerfrom golf balls being used in Jarvis Field Play area.
Clerk to arrange for signs
Letter from J Lover asking for dog bin in Park Grove to be turned round
Clerk to write to NDDC
DCC Traffic Management re. Request for Speed Limit Changes. It was agreed to request a SID at each end of the Town
Clerk to write
DCC Minerals and Waste Planning. Statement of Community Involvement
Report from Town Clerk on visit by Crime Prevention Officer. Risk assessment to be discussed
Next Agenda
Dorset Community Action. Rural Housing Enabler Evaluation Form

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

It was requested that the possible provision of a Shelter for young people be provided be put on a future Agenda.

Town Plan progress report to be put on next Agenda

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10-00 p.m.