Present Councillors P Ashcroft, W Batty-Smith, G Carr-Jones, J Cowley, J Cox, K Garland,
D Grimes, R Penfold, J Smith and J Wardell, D J Hine (Clerk)

To receive apologies B Alexandre

To elect Chairman and Vice-Chairman

J Cowley thanked the retiring Chairman, W Batty-Smith on behalf of the Council for his work over the past 18 months.

It was proposed by J Cowley and seconded by D Grimes that G Carr-Jones be elected Chairman, all agreed.

It was proposed by J Cox and seconded by G Carr-Jones that W Batty-Smith be elected Vice-Chairman, all agreed.

Declarations of Interest None

Minutes of last meeting

The minutes of the meetings of 9th and 23rd April having previously been circulated to Councillors were approved and signed by the Chairman.

J Cowley advised that the pavement retaining wall in Park Grove near the dog bin has not yet been repaired. Clerk to report again
(Reported Ref. 271616)
J Cowley asked that the summary of the collated replies to the Town Plan questionnaire in respect of High Street traffic be sent to Mr A Jowsey of DCC and C Cllr. D Fox Clerk to action

Proposed Expenditure

As a result of a letter received from Mr G Nicholson the Clerk queried whether the £2,000 which is in the Budget for the Trailway, is required at the present time. Mr N Brown the FP Liaison Officer for the Trailway was not sure it was required immediately, he also explained that there are two ways of connecting the extended trailway to the existing bridleway but no official request has yet been made to divert the bridleway from along Pinesway on to the land by the Sidings. The Clerk will check with Mr G Nicholson of the Dorset Rangers before taking the matter further.

Sign Cheques

In accordance with S O No. 40 it was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by J Cox that the following cheques be signed
B Telecom £158.62
Partnership Security (servicing alarm system) 70.50
(The above two cheques signed at the meeting on
The 23rd April)
D J Hine Salary plus £13.26 travelling to Blandford 536.08
R Sharp The Pound and NDDC mowing 568.10
Direct Office Supplies 3.40
British Gas 177.10
Cornwall & Devon Media(BVM) 17.53
Stalbridge Bld Supp. (back door) 30.81
DAPTC Planning Seminar 20.00

To elect Planning and G P Committee

It was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by D Grimes that the following be elected to the Planning and General Purposes Committee. Councillors were reminded that they can all attend the Committee meetings and vote.
P Ashcroft, J Cowley, J Cox, K Garland and J Wardell.
All agreed.

To appoint representatives to various committees.

Community Office Cttee. B Bottomley, Chairman. S Robinson, P Hill C Office Volounteers
D Grimes, proposed by J Cowley, seconded J Cox. All Agreed
R Penfold, proposed by J Cox, seconded D Grimes. All Agreed

Footpath Liaison Officers. J Wardell, Footpaths. N Brown, Trailway, cycleways, bridleways and green lanes.

Tree Officer P Ashcroft

Hall Cttee Rep. R Penfold

Playing Field Rep. J Smith

Youth Club Rep. J Cox

Public Transport Rep. J Rabbetts

Stur. Youth Centre Rep. R Penfold

School Rep. B Alexandre. Clerk to write to the Head Teacher and ask if the TC can help in any way.

Henstridge Airfield C Cttee. R Penfold and J Cowley

Stalbridge Library Support Group. T Lee and K Garland

DAPTC Area. J Cowley

TC Auditors J Wardell and P Ashcroft

Jarvis Field Play Area

With regard to the quoted prices per metre for the chainlink fence, J Cowley requested information as to the distance between the posts. Clerk to ascertain
(Clerk’s note. Standard distance is 2.5 to 3 metres apart)

Public Telephone Boxes

BT are proposing to remove the boxes at the bottom of Church Hill and in Thornhill Road. After some discussion as to whether or not these were the best options J Smith proposed and P Ashcroft seconded that these boxes should be removed. All agreed.

Allotments

The lease of the additional land at Pond Close has now been completed. The Clerk will arrange a meeting of those interested to form an Allotment Society. D Grimes will be the TC Representative. Planning Permission may well have to be obtained for the change of use from agriculture.
(Clerk’s note. Confirmed that planning permissions is required, application will be made. Meeting fixed for Thursday 5th June)

Councillors’ Reports/Questions

D Grimes reported holes in the road in Barrow Hill and Bazel. Report to DCC
J Wardell queried as to whether or not the figure and Boards outside the Charity Shop in Station are causing an obstruction on the pavement. To be checked
P Ashcroft reported from the Lighting Group that the Traders are very pleased with the work of the Town Orderly.
R Penfold reported that the side of the road near King’s Mill has apparently collapsed. Report to DCC. He also attended a meeting of the Sturminster YC Cttee at which is was reported that Tony Baverstock is leaving and the Area Youth Officer is changing.
J Smith commenting on the Town Meeting wondered if the Town Council needed to communicate more with the community.
J Cowley reported that one of the Ring beds is very weedy. Contact Mrs Smith.
With regard to the problem over the Business Rates on the Toilets, he suggested the matter should be taken up with the Valuation Office in Exeter.
He also questioned the Regional Spatial strategy and the fact that there would appear to be plans for a further 7,000 houses in North Dorset. It was pointed out that any such additional development would be spread over a number of years.
W Batty-Smith attended the Scout Parade in Blandford which was a very good event.
He also advised that the Enforcement Officer would be attending at Halletts Farm with the Police and a warrant to enter the premises to check on whether or not it is being used as residential when planning permission has not been granted for such use.
R Penfold attended the Bridport Civic Evening which was very enjoyable. Letter of thanks to be sent.
N Brown advised that his has been appointed Volunteer Ranger for the Trailway and Nature Reserve. He also asked if, in the event of the Trailway being extended towards both Henstridge and Sturminster, the Town Council would consider ownership of the land. To be placed on Agenda

Correspondence

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-30 p.m.