Present - Mr A Aylott, Mr P Bowler, Mr T Every, Mrs J Grocott, Mrs T Hughes, Mr R Protheroe, Mrs M Penfold (District Councillor), and 5 members of the public.

Apologies - Mrs J Haynes (County Councillor, Three Valleys)

Proceedings

09/63 Minutes of the last meeting held on 20 October 2009 (previously circulated)
was approved.

08/64 Code of Conduct
In accordance with the Code of Conduct, members are reminded to declare the
existence and the nature of any personal or prejudicial interest in the following
agenda where items are defined in the Code and to indicate the action they will be taking when the item is considered.

09/65 Democratic Period in which members of the public may comment on any matter.

09/66 Comment on agenda items by members of the public No comments were made on matters arising from the Agenda.

09/67 Matters Arising
a) Plastic Bottle Recycling Bank (Minute 09/38h). Clerk reported that West Dorset District Council have withdrawn the offer of this facility.
b) Speed Indicator Device (Minute 09/53a). It was noted that one speed indicator device was installed at Grimstone for a short period. Chairman will investigate the situation.
c) Playing Field Committee (Minute 09/53c). Cllr T Hughes reported that she is still investigating the possibility of obtaining a Grant for the tennis court fencing.
d) Trade sign (Minute 09/53d). These signs have now been removed.
e) Footpath 7, Grimstone (Minute 09/53g). Cllr J Grocott has made several calls to Dorset County Council and was informed that the matter will be dealt with. She will make contact again.
f) Waste bin, Playing Field (Minute 09/53h). Still to be carried out.
g) Central notice board, lay-by (Minute 09/53i). Chairman reported that a new post is required and will arrange.
h) Hedge around Green (Minute 09/53j). Still to be carried out.
i) Play Area inspection (09/53k).
i) Swing pivot has been oiled.
ii) Treat / repaint decorative coatings of Pony Rocker still to be carried out.
j) Allotments (09/61b). A member of the public enquired about progress with landowner. Chairman confirmed that contact has been made regarding two areas of land. The first area was unsuitable due to potential flooding and the second is still being investigated. Concern was expressed regarding the time scale and it is anticipated that we will have a response from the landowner by the end of January.

09/68 Finance
a) Report given on all income and expenditure since last meeting.

b) Confirmed that the transfer of the Bus Shelter Reserve, as previously
agreed, had been made to the Contingency Reserve.
c) New Gazebos (Minute 09/54e). The Chairman of the Summer Fayre Committee confirmed that it is properly constituted and has opened a bank account. Funds have been provided to the new group by the Village Hall Committee. Gazebos can now be purchased which are to remain the property of the Parish Council and can be loaned to
village groups only.

09/69 Crime Prevention
Cllr T Every reported a crime free year in Stratton but mentioned there have been
some burglaries in surrounding villages. He urged that residents remain vigilant
at all times.

09/70 Planning Matters
1/D/09/001154 - The Old Mill, Dorchester Road, Grimstone. Change of use and
erect extensions and carry out internal alterations. AWAITING DECISION.
1/D/09/001426 - The Old Manor, 7 Manor Close, Stratton.
Internal alterations. (Listed Building Consent). APPROVED.
1/D/09/001638 - 11 Bull Close, Stratton. Propose new entrance porch. APPROVED.
1/D/09/001691 - Watercress Farm, Lower Magiston, Sydling St Nicholas. Replace
damaged roof with single pitched roof. AWAITING DECISION.
1/D/09/001620 - Small Acre Farm, Giles Cross, Bradford Peverell. Proposed
(contd) tractor and machinery shed, workshop maintenance shed, feed store, hay and
straw cover and poly tunnel. AWAITING DECISION.
1/D/09/001701 - Langford Farm, Sydling St Nicholas. Proposed single storey
extension. APPROVED.
1/D/09/001753 - Watercress Farm, Lower Magsiton, Sydling St Nicholas. Form 4
new watercress beds, wild life pond and re-align stream. AWAITING DECISION.

09/71 Highways
a) Grit bins - A discussion took place regarding the provision of grit bins. It was agreed to purchase 3 new bins, one to be placed at each end of the village and one at Ash Hill. It was also agreed to supply more grit to the Locks Lane bin.
b) Traffic speed (Minute 09/57a). Following the results of the recent traffic survey, Cllr P Bowler requested we now proceed further. Chairman confirmed that we should write to the Dorset Safety Camera Partnership with the results of the survey.

09/72 General Maintenance
Clerk reported that the glass to the notice board at Grimstone is cracked and
moisture is affecting everything inside. Cllr T Every proposed and it was agreed that the notice board should be removed.

09/73 Correspondence
a) An amount of correspondence was circulated at the meeting.
b) A letter has been received from a resident of Stratton regarding bonfires in the village. After discussion it was agreed that the Clerk should reply to the resident.

09/74 Date of the next meeting
Discussion was held on future dates. It was agreed to combine the Annual Meeting and Annual General Meeting. Future dates agreed -
Tuesday, 16 March 2010 at 7.30 pm
Tuesday, 4 May 2010 at 7.00 pm (Annual and Annual General Meeting)
Tuesday, 6 July 2010 at 7.30 pm
Tuesday, 31 August 2010 at 7.30 pm
Tuesday, 19 October 2010 at 7.30 pm (Precept)
Tuesday, 11 January 2011 at 7.30 pm

09/75 Any other business
a) Cllr T Hughes announced that £121.03 was collected in aide of Weldmar Hospicecare Trust during the annual community carols event held on 11 December.
A discussion took place over the future of this event and it was agreed to continue. Clerk to contact Durnovaria Silver Band to arrange a booking for 10 December 2010
at 7.00 pm.
b) Cllr T Every requested that the bridges on the footpath between A37 and Bradford Peverell be covered with wire netting to prevent slipping. Cllr J Grocott to arrange.
c) Cllr T Hughes reported that despite our dog signs on the Village Green, dog fouling is still an issue and she requested a reminder be placed in the Chalk Stream.
d) Cllr T Hughes reported that children have been swinging from small trees on the village green which is causing damage. A request was made to the Editor that a notice be placed in the Stratton Herald.

09/76 Democratic Period in which members of the public may speak or ask questions.
A member of the public asked if the Parish Council has a policy on footpaths or do
they raise issues when necessary. Cllr J Grocott replied that as Footpaths and
Rights of Way Officer she regularly walks the footpaths and passes on any points
she observes. Otherwise action is taken when comments are raised.

Meeting closed at 9.00 pm