To receive apologies C Cllr D Fox, D Cllr G Carr-Jones, Cllrs D Neal 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 with the following alterations

Re. Report on DAPTC meeting. P Ashcroft also attended.

OPEN FORUM

Mr Patch a resident on the High Street complained about the flouting of parking regulations in respect of the yellow line restrictions in the High Street. Some cars are being left all day. He suggested double yellow lines should be installed by The Cross and at the top of Station Road. It was suggested that he write and complain the DCC Highways Division.

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 £105.75
R Sharp Ring/Pound for Snowdrop Service 65.00

Review of cost of grass cutting for Jarvis Field Play Area and also The Ring/Pound. It was agreed that the cost of mowing the Ring/Pound would be increased to £64 which is in line with the 3% increase agreed by NDDC for their mowing. Further quote to be obtained re. Jarvis Field from Julian Shave of Wincanton
Clerk to obtain

Sign Cheques

In accordance with S O No.40 it was proposed by D Grimes and seconded by J Wardell that the following cheques be signed

D J Hine Salary £494.10
Blackmore Vale Internet 54.00
Four County Services 105.75
R Sharp as above, also NDDC mowing 165.00
S & A Builders 478.23
B Telecom 157.55
Wessex Water 333.52

Library up-date

Mr T Lee has agreed to head the campaign against the closure of the Stalbridge Library and he produced a paper on the present situation. W Batty-Smith proposed the setting up of a Library Sub-Committee comprising D Neal, Chairman, J Cowley and T Lee, P Ashcroft seconded the proposal, all agreed. T Lee pointed out that the Big Lottery Fund had sums available for Community Libraries and he proposed asking P Lievers of DCC if money had been applied for. The Chairman thanked Mr Lee for his efforts to date.

Proposed new Standing Orders

(a) When confirmed by the whole Council, the General Purpose Committee’s recommendations on planning matters shall be minuted and sent to the relevant District Council without alteration. Proposed by J Cowley, seconded by J Cox. Carried on a vote of 6 in favour 2 against

(b) Letters as authorised by the council must be despatched within two calendar weeks, unless an extension has been authorised by the Council. Proposed by P Ashcroft, seconded by D Grimes. Passed 4 in favour, 3 against, 1 abstention.

Property Maintenance

The Clerk reported that there had been a problem with the electricity supply to the Flat in respect of the central heating and that the tenant had been without heating for nearly two weeks. She suggested that it would be a good idea to have the electrical wiring system checked properly. This was agreed. She also suggested a rebate on the rent for the tenant for the lack of heating. £35 was proposed by J O’Hare and seconded by W Batty-Smith. All agreed.

Councillors’ Reports/Questions

D Grimes asked if there could be an additional sign at Waterlake so that traffic approaching from either direction could see the name of the road.

The Stalbridge Close seat is in need of attention.

R Penfold has now been appointed Vice Chairman of the Sturminster Newton Youth Centre Management Cttee

B Booth asked if the agendas could be sent to her, for Stalbridge Weston, by post as her e-mail system has a problem at present

P Ashcroft advised that there is a School Governors’ meeting on 21st March. D Grimes will go.

J Cox re. J F P Area. What is the current position. The clerk advised that she understood that the Probation Service workers were returning but had heard nothing lately. However, topsoil is required to fill in under the swings etc. Prices for supply of same to be obtained.
More holes in the road in Copse House Hill and also the new entrance to Keeper’s Cottage in Copse House Lane is again causing problems.
Clerk to write
With regard to the unused land adjacent the Grosvenor Road Play Area, it would appear that this does still belong to a Richard Hanson although his whereabouts are totally unknown

A further meeting had been held with S Hill and Hugh DeIongh regarding Phase 2 of the Tough Choices programme. A meeting to be arranged with Mike Coker of NDDC to check condition of Toilets etc., and agree any work that is required before a possible handover of the facilities. It was agreed to leave his until after the elections.

Corresondence

Howard Shreeves & Turnbull. Re. Pond Walk. Statutory Notice and Plans
Copy letter from D Neal to Signpost re. Pond Walk development
S & A Builders. Notification that Notice Board again damaged. What do we want to do It was agreed to ask Mr Gardener to remove this notice board and to enquire if T C Notices can be put on the board in the Solicitor’s Office
Clerk to arrange
Details of Post Office Network Consultation and Response Form. Completed
Copy letter from M Cridge to DCC re. alternative road proposals
Invitation to NDDC Civic Reception on 18th April (date of Annual Parish Meeting)
DCC Western Highways. Re. Copse House Hill. Holes now filled. More to be reported.
Clerk to write
Reply from H Powell, P Off. NDDC re. Land off Car Park. Reply to Clerk’s e-mail, confirming Conditon re. Road Works will still apply and that road will transfer to DCC
Notification of closure of Durweston Bridge end March
E_mail from H DeIongh requesting permission to pay for co-ordination of replies to questionnaire. Clerk replied in affirmative, will be paid from grant
Julian Shave introductory letter re. Grass Cutting (see above)
Dorset Rangers details of Trailway Supporters
CPRE details Seminar 8th May
Blandford T C invitation to Charity Hoedown
NDDC details of Stakeholder Consultation on Parish Planning
Details of Bridport TC Walkabout (Chairman and J Cowley)
DAPTC re. Royal Garden Party
NDDC Review of Local Development Scheme
Wimborne TC Invitation to Civic Service
N D Scout invitation to Presentation Evening
DCC Rights of Way Improvement Plan

With regard to the TC request for a Pedestrian Crossing, the Chairman suggested a further letter be sent to The Ch. Exec and also the Leader of DCC pointing out the it is up to the Town Council to decide whether or not the matter is closed, not employees of DCC
Clerk to write

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