Present:- Mr A Aylott, Mr P Bowler, Mr T Every, Mrs J Grocott, Mrs T Hughes,
Mr R Protheroe, Mrs M Penfold (District Councillor), Mrs J Haynes (County Councillor) and 2 members of the public.

Apologies:- Mr P Hallett

Proceedings

Welcome extended to all present.

01 Comment on Agenda items by members of the public.
No comments were made.

02 Minutes of the last Annual Meeting held on 05 May 2009 (previously circulated) were
approved.

03 Matters Arising
There were no matters arising.

04 Chairman's Report 2009/2010
This is the third report of the Parish Council elected in May 2007. Although the past
year has been relatively quiet the Council has worked hard to protect and improve
facilities for parishioners. Many items have, as to be expected, only been achieved
through discussion with the District Council and County Council. I can report that the Council maintained its full compliment of seven Councillors during the past year and I would like to thank all Councillors for their work and the assistance they have given me. We have held several long and lengthy debates with differing views, but at the end have resolved matters for the benefit of the majority of parishioners. Various plans have been discussed on potential improvements in the parish, mostly based on the flood plain/playing field area, with the possibility of netting being erected around the tennis court. The cost of this, however, is high and means that we have to find grants to assist with the cost. Two easily erectable gazebos have been purchased for use at the annual village fayre and by any village group who wishes to use them. We thank the Village Hall Committee for allowing these to be stored in the Village Hall. The third main matter we have been working on is the potential provision of allotments in the parish. To date, this has been approached on an informal basis to try and reach agreement with a local landowner on a suitable and practical piece of land which can be used. Progress has been made, although this has been slow, as many problems have to be overcome and differing considerations taken into account. Representations have been made to the Dorset Safety Camera Group about the speed of traffic on the Stratton bypass (A37) and through the hamlet of Grimstone. Some success has been achieved in that SID's (Speed Indicator Devices) have now been erected and used on several occasions, warning and advising drivers of their speed within a designated 30mph area. Discussions have been held with the Highways Authority at Dorset County Council over road conditions under the Ash Hill railway bridge. Providing photographs and historic data by the Wrackle. It is pleasing to note that following advice about removing vegetation overgrowing the river, that we have no further flooding of the A37,
despite long periods of rain. The Parish Council has continued to support the Stratton Herald and the Parish website and we thank Colin Jackson for his independent editorial role in looking after these excellent lines of communication. The broadband connection used by the Parish Clerk has continued and a wide variety of information is now distributed to Councillors by this electronic means. When setting the Precept for 2009/10 we looked to achieve a slightly increased balanced position. As you will see when the accounts for the year are explained this has not been achieved, as interest due to be received has been much lower than expected. This follows the world-wide economic crisis. We can see that even funds held by a Parish Council can be easily become involved in a world-wide event. We must carefully review our expenditure over the coming year and how we compile our next budget in 2010 or else our reserves will quickly disappear. I would finally like to thank Alan and Anne Newton for all their work and assistance to me by covering the Parish Clerk's role. Thanks also go to Wayne Hughes who has acted our internal auditor.
A J Aylott
Chairman of Stratton Parish Council

05 Councillors' address
a) Cllr J Haynes read her report following her first year as Dorset County Councillor. She stated that 10,500 people are employed in Dorset County Council which has the lowest grant in the country. Dorset has the highest proportion of elderly people which results in the ageing population being of great concern. She then stated there will be substantial spending cuts over the next four years. Cllr Haynes is a member of the Planning Committee and attends at least three parish council meetings per week.
b) Cllr M Penfold followed with her address in which she stated that she has been a District Councillor for 23 years and over that time has served on most committees.
Her responsibilities include enabling, tourism and shore line management given the importance of coastal protection. Cllr Penfold is Chairman of Relate and a Magistrate. She also deals with grants for village halls and works with the Environment Agency regarding flooding in villages.
c) Cllr A Aylott (Chairman) outlined his role as co-ordinator and has been busy during the past year despite parish activities being quiet. He has held meetings and discussions with the Parish Clerk on approximately twenty occasions during the year. He has met in an official capacity with District and County officers and has been involved with passing information and data to County Highways officers. As such, much work is done behind the scenes to ensure that the Parish Council is run correctly and efficiently and that the Parish's position is clearly expressed to others
to ensure that our position and wishes are recognised.
d) Cllr T Hughes (Vice-Chairman) reported that she regularly clears litter and empties bins and takes the opportunity to inspect items requiring attention around the village. She also regularly inspects the Play Area.
e) Cllr A Aylott reported that very little had changed in transport activities and no complaints or comments had been received from parishioners in respect of public transport services.
f) Cllr J Grocott reported that signage issues are raised when they require replacing and has walked the footpaths during the year.
g) Cllr P Bowler stated that the last year has been devoted to 'information gathering' and a survey of all trees is now available indicating which have Tree Preservation Orders. His role has been to ensure that trees are not abused and is in contact with the Landscape Officer at West Dorset District Council.
h) Cllr R Protheroe continues to be responsible for any problems raised between any parishioners and the Housing Association. He proposed that contact numbers be made available on the Stratton website and noticeboards.
i) Cllr T Every (Unofficial Homewatch) reported that he circulates any crime information to various contact points. He complimented those concerned for the quick response to the recent problem in the village.

06 Accounts for 2009/2010
Chairman gave a summary of Receipts and Payments, Balance Sheets, Bank
Reconciliation and Loan Account and reported that the finances of the Parish remain sound.

07 Any Questions
No questions were raised.