Minutes of the Meeting of Stratton Parish Council held on 15th January 2008 at Stratton Village Hall.

Present:- Mr A Aylott, Mr P Bowler, Mr A Cameron, Mr T Every,
Mr P Hallett, Mrs T Hughes, Mrs M Penfold (District Councillor)
and 5 members of the public.

Apologies:-

Proceedings & Action

Welcome extended to all present.

07/54 Minutes of the last meeting held on 23 October 2007 (previously circulated) were approved.

07/55 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 items as defined in the Code and to indicate the action they will be taking when the item is considered.

07/56 Democratic Period in which members of the public may comment on any matters arising from the Agenda. Mrs M Penfold drew attention to problems arising outside the village with respect to people calling on elderly residents regarding repainting of windows and claims of past damage being caused to vehicles. This has been reported to the police. Mr H Baungaard raised a question on trees which was covered under Matters Arising.

07/57 Comment on agenda items by members of the public.
No comments were made.

07/58 Matters Arising

a) New notice board (Minute 07/33(a). Morrish Builders have not agreed to the location of the notice board and pointed out that the suggested area of land forms highway verge which will be adopted by the County Council. Chairman contacted the New Streets Officer who has agreed that it would be acceptable when the road has been adopted. After agreement letter to be sent to nearby residents advising of proposal.

b) Overhanging Trees (Minute 07/37c). Cllr P Bowler reported on the present situation of tree pruning. There still remains some trees requiring attention and it was agreed that a letter be sent to relevant residents. Chairman reported that a start has been on Parish Council trees and will be completed before Spring. PB

c) Connecting Dorset (Minute 07/41c). This is still awaited.

d) Visibility at The Rise (Minute 07/47d). This has now been carried out.

e) Bus Shelter (Minute 07/49). Following a meeting between the Chairman and a Technical Officer from the County Council a letter has been sent to the Western Highways Office requesting a 'bus shelter to be sited on the grass verge at the junction of Manor Close and Dorchester Road. Awaiting reply.

f) Footpath 7, Grimstone (Minute 07/47a). The posts have not yet been removed. Clerk to write to Dorset County Council. AN

g) Playing Field ditches Minute 07/52b). Clerk has accepted quotation for work to be carried out to the ditch on the southern boundary. This has been completed.

07/59 Finance
a) Report given on all income and expenditure since last meeting.
Receipts and payments Summary for meeting - 15 January 2008

Money in the Village Green Account cannot be used for any other purpose.

b) Precept - Form has been returned to West Dorset District Council.

c) Audit Papers - Chairman read out the External Auditors' Report at the meeting. The Report was accepted and comments noted.

d) Revised Asset Register created in accordance with recommendation from BDO Stoy Hayward.

07/60 Crime Prevention - Cllr T Every reported that virtually no crime has taken place in the village but keep vigilant.

07/61 Planning Matters

1/D/07/002213 - Erect single storey extension. 11 Penn Hill View, Stratton. AWAITING DECISION.

1/D/07/002052 - Erect single storey extension and carry out loft conversion. 28 Magiston Street, Stratton. PERMISSION GRANTED.

TP/07/00325 - 1 No Lime Tree at 7 Locks Lane, Stratton. Consent granted to remove tree.

07/62 Highways
a) Chairman to contact Dorset County Council regarding secure fixing of the temporary barrier on the A37. AA
b) Cllr A Cameron expressed concern regarding onstreet parking in Dorchester Road.
c) Cllr T Every also commented on the poor visibility at the junction of Wrackle Close and Dorchester Road and parking on the left hand side of The Rise.
d) Dorset County Council has advised that due to budgetary and
programming restrictions the proposed structural maintenance between Stratton and the Dorchester Bypass planned for the next financial year 2008/2009 is now unlikely to take place.

07/63 General Maintenance
a) Dorset Village of the Year Competition 2008 (Minute 07/47b).
Application forms have been received which must be completed and returned to the Organisers by Monday, 31 March 2008. A meeting has been arranged for 14 February at 7.00 pm in the Aylott Room.
b) It was decided to replace the warning sign on the approach to the Saxon Arms. AN
c) Cllr A Cameron asked when the Stratton sign at the western end of the village will be painted. Chairman confirmed that paint has been obtained and permission given by Dorset County Council.

07/64 Correspondence
a) Letters have been received from two residents with regard to the progress on the pruning of trees in the village. One letter included a Freedom of Information request.
b) Councillors were informed that an amount of correspondence was being circulated at the meeting.

07/65 Dates of next Meetings
Discussion was held on future dates. It was agreed to combine the Annual Meeting and the Annual General Meeting. Future dates agreed -

Tuesday, 11 March 2008 from 7.30 pm
Tuesday, 6 May 2008 from 7.00pm (Annual & Annual General Meeting)
Tuesday, 15 July 2008 from 7.30 pm
Tuesday, 16 Sept 2008 from 7.30 pm
Tuesday, 21 Oct 2008 from 7.30 pm (Precept)
Tuesday, 13 Jan 2009 from 7.30 pm

07/66 Any Other Business
a) A new bus timetable has been issued and placed on all notice boards.
b) Cllr T Every stated that due to ill health he was unable to walk the footpaths and Councillors accepted that he shares the duties with Jan Grocot who will act in an advisory capacity only and will report when necessary to the Parish Council.
c) Cllr A Cameron expressed concern over the names of properties.
d) Colin Jackson reported that there had been 1800 hits on the Stratton web site in the last four months.

07/67 Democractic period in which members of the public may speak or ask questions. There were no questions.

The meeting closed at 8.45 pm