In attendance 3 electors

To receive apologies C Cllr D Fox, D Cllr G Carr-Jones, Cllrs P Ashcroft, J Cox and K Garland.

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.

Proposed Expenditure

In accordance with S O No. 40 it was proposed by B Alexandre and seconded by D Grimes that the following expenditure be approved

Stalbridge Lighting Group £500.00

Sign Cheques

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

D J Hine Salary £522.82 Postage £33.12 £555.94
R Sharp Ring & Pound £65.30
Bier House remove Ivy £49.70
NDDC Trim trees £50.00 165.00
Playworld Systems replacement panel 206.50
J Singleton (replacement cheque) 450.00
Vale signs JFPA signs 30.00
S & A Builders 433.40
Direct Office 30.76
Lighting Group 500.00

Councillors’ Reports/Questions

The Chairman advised that he had attended a Cross Border meeting with Somerset/Henstridge regarding Henstridge Airfield site in general. Apparently a suggestion for road signage had been made which would result in increased traffic in Station Road, he had objected to this pointing out the DCC had agreed that their lorries would use Landshire Lane to access their site at Gibbs Marsh thus reducing traffic in Station Road. It was agreed that there would be a re-think on the signage

J Wardell reported that there had been some problems with regard access to the Trailway from the Station Road end via a footpath through the Sidings. It was agreed to write to DCC and ask for clarification on where the official route should be.
Clerk to write
With regard to the Nature Reserve off Station Road and the reply from NDDC regarding the new position of the bund, it was agreed to write and request that the bund be lowered as in its present form it reduced the benefit of the path.

J Smith asked if the proposed double yellow lines are as agreed b the Town Council. The reply was in the affirmative.

With regard to the NDDC hedge along the south side of the Grosvenor Road Play Area, the Clerk advised that the majority of the hedge was being “laid” in an endeavour to prevent access through the hedge to the private land beyond, however the last 10m or so belong to Signpost Housing and she was having difficulty getting agreement from them for this to be done at the same time to complete the project. It was agreed that the TC would fund the £50-£70 cost and reclaim this from Signpost in order that the job could be completed.
Clerk to arrange

J Cowley reported that copies of the minutes in the Library are not up to date.
Clerk to deal with

Mr B Spiller asked about progress regarding provision of Allotments. The Clerk advised that a draft lease is awaited from NDDC for the additional land at Pond Close.
Clerk to progress

R Penfold suggested that as the land adjoining the Grosvenor Road Play Area appeared to be derelict enquiries should be made about possible acquisition of this by the Town Council.

J Cowley again asked about the Section 106 funds and the Chairman advised that there is no way that these can be accessed directly by the Stalbridge Town Council except for the £10,000 that was allocated from the Larks Meadow development for highway improvements. Enquiries to be made regarding this.
Clerk to write.

Correspondence

NDDC Notification that the appeal against the enforcement notice in respect of land at Priors Down has been refused
Sturminster Newton TC Letter asking for locations for proposed SIDS – replied advising them that the poles for the SIDs are already in place
NDDC Enforcement. Re. Nature Reserve. Explanation for change of bund site, advising that it is felt this is acceptable
DCC Public Notice regarding installation of double yellow lines and parking area in the High St
S Hill NDDC Draft 08/09 Capital Programme & Developer Contribution progress report
NDDC Invitation to attend meeting of Overview & Scrutiny Ctte re. Capital Programme on 14th February
DCC re. Library. Update on transfer of properties and training
DCC Notification that Durweston Bridge will be closed for 13 days from 25th March
NDDC Introduction to PACT (Partners and Communities Together)
DCC D McCarthy – Advising that DART will be holding a strategic conference in Sturminster on 13th March
DCC Traffic Management Reply to letter re. HGV traffic in Stalbridge Weston
Planning Inspectorate re. FP4 Advising of site visit by the Inspector during w.c. 18.02.08
Wessex Water Advising of improvements to water mains Kings Mill Road which will involve closing the road at certain times between March and June.
Hilary Ritchie, NDDC e-mail re. CPEND
NDDC re. Development off Station Road Car Park. Asking if the TC agree to the name Thornhill Square for this site. It was felt that Badgers’ Court would be more appropriate.
Clerk to write
DAPTC Circular including notification of Planning Training. R Penfold will attend the session at Shaftesbury on the 21st Feb, also possibly J Smith and J Wardell and possible B Alexandre will attend the session in Sturminster on the 26th Feb.
DCC Audit & Scrutiny Report
Dept for Communities & Local Gov. Consultation on Orders & Regulations re. Conduct of LA Members in England

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-15 p.m.