Minutes of Town Council Meeting held in the Town Council Office
On Wednesday 4th April 2007 commencing 8-10 p.m.

Present Councillors B Booth, J Cowley, J Cox, D Grimes, J O’Hare, D Neal,
J Wardell and W Batty-Smith Chairman, D J Hine (Clerk)

In attendance D Cllr G Carr-Jones

To receive apologies C Cllr D Fox, P Ashcroft, R Penfold, 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 addition of J Wardell to members of the Library Committee

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

AKH Building Repairs flat £58.02
Youth & Community Project 995.00

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 & Postage (£12.12) £506.22
AKH Building Services 58.02
Southern Electric 92.49
NDDC Rates with rebate 981.44
Stalbridge Land Settlement PF Rent 1,670.00
Ray Sharp (T C £128 NDDC £375) 503.00
Youth & Community Project 995.00

Bus shelter painting

It was proposed by D Grimes and seconded by B Booth that the Scout Group be given a donation of £100 for painting the Bus Shelter on The Ring. All agreed

Library Up-date
Mr T Lee gave a report on the present position regarding the proposed Library Closures emphasising the need to form a “Friendship Group” (see attached) There will be a meeting in the Town Council Office on Thursday 10th May for further discussions.

Councillors Reports/questions

The Clerk advised that she was trying to contact the Agent for the Stalbridge Estate with regard to the extension to the Churchyard

J Cox asked for an up-date on Jarvis Field. The Clerk advised that she was trying to get an additional quote for the mowing and it was agreed that if she was un-successful within 7 days to offer the existing contractor an addition 3% for this year. Proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by B Booth. All agreed. The clerk also advised that she was endeavouring to get some topsoil for under the play equipment.

J Cowley asked that a letter be sent to Mrs Smith congratulating her on the condition of The Ring beds and also asking for suggestions as to treatment of/replacement of the rather large yellow conifers in one of the beds. All agreed
Clerk to write

W Batty-Smith reported on the Bridport T C Walkabout visiting Palmers Brewery, a net makers and also West Bay. He had also visited Stalbridge School and was most impressed, he noted that they have a small Library but was assured that the pupils also used the public library and the computers therein. He also confirmed that the proposed additional housing should not cause any problems with pupil numbers.

A query was raised as to how often the County Council cleaned out the storm water drains. The Clerk will endeavour to find out
Clerk to enquire

Correspondence

NDDC Notification of application for Footpath Diversion. FP 4 Pond Close
NDDC acknowledgement of letter re. Pond Walk development from C. Exec
DCC C Exec reply to letter re. Pedestrian Crossing
Henstridge Airfield C Cttee Interim Report
Copy of letter from R Walter MP to Mrs Pike re. Pedestrian Safety
Planning Inspectorate. Notification of dismissal of appeal by Mr J Harris
E Mail from S. Werro requesting a grant to assist with starting up Brownie Pack
DCC Notification that Kings Mill Bridge needs repairing and that the road will be closed for some 8 weeks
SturQuest Notification of Community Lunch in Sturminster16th May
NDDC Copy of latest Local Development Scheme for N Dorset
West Dorset DC Statement of Community Involvement
E Mail from DAPTC asking if anyone interested in Dorset Health Scrutiny Ctte meeting 5th April

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-25 p.m.