Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Stratton Parish Council held on Tuesday 15th July 2008 in Stratton Village Hall.

Present:- Mr A Aylott, Mr P Bowler, Mr T Every, Mr P Hallett,
Mr P Protheroe, Mrs M Penfold (District Councillor) and 3 members
of the public.

Apologies:- Mrs T Hughes

Welcome extended to all present.

08/18 Minutes of the last meeting held on 15 January 2008 (previously circulated) were approved, but attention was drawn by the Chairman to item 08/05a of the previous Minutes that although Cllr T Every deals with the Homewatch aspect, this is not an official Parish Council duty.

08/19 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 when the items as defined in the Code and to indicate the action they will be taking when the item is considered.

08/20 Democratic Period in which members of the public may comment on any matters arising from the Agenda. A member of the public raised the problem of cyclists approaching pedestrians on
the cycle/footpaths without warning. It was suggested that a notice should be placed in both the Stratton Herald and Chalk Stream. The problem of speeding through Grimstone was raised again and after discussion it was decided to write to the Transportation Department suggesting that a 40 mph deceleration sign be erected on the A37 north of the Frampton turning. AN

08/21 Comment on agenda items by members of the public
No comments were made.

08/22 Matters Arising

a) Bus Shelter (Minute 08/08d). Chairman advised that as no further estimates have been obtained the Council is proceeding with the original quotation received from Queensbury Shelters Ltd and a planning application has been submitted. Cllr T Every expressed his concern regarding the cost of the quotation but it was pointed out that at the last Parish Council Meeting if 'no further estimates were obtained by 1 June 2008 the Council would reconsider the original quotation'. It was agreed to proceed.

b) Existing 'Bus Shelter (Minute 08/13a). Clerk met Mr B Turner, Dorset County Council who agreed to arrange for an area of 5.5 x 1.1 metres to be planed off and reformed to overcome the problem of puddling. Work to be carried out during the Summer months.

c) Olympics 2012 (Minute 08/16b). Clerk has written to the Village Hall
Committee regarding this matter who responded by deciding not to offer the facility after considering the impact that the arrival of the media would have to the village.

d) 1 Dorchester Road (Minute 08/16c). Clerk contacted the West Dorset District Council and it confirmed that the Planning Authority has no powers to enforce a completion on a building under construction.

08/23 Finance
a) Report given on all income and expenditure since last meeting.

b) The Annual Audit forms for the year 2007/2008 have been received, and the content was agreed by the meeting. Chairman and Clerk had completed all the appropriate certifications and the accounts have now been presented to and signed off by the Internal Auditor. Details now to be returned to the Auditors.

c) Risk Assessment to be reviewed at next meeting pending circulation to AN all Councillors.

08/24 Crime Prevention
Cllr T Every stated there was very little to report but reminded the Parish the need to be aware of opportunist crime.

08/25 Planning Matters
a) 1/D/08/001072 - Replace existing Sawyers Lane perimeter fence with 2m high close board fencing. Reduce Dorchester Road fencing to 1.8m. Erect timber garage (Part Retrospective Application). St Georges Cottage, 48 Dorchester Road, Stratton. AWAITING DECISION

b) 1/D/08/001179 - Erect bus shelter. Land adjacent to 33 Dorchester Road, Stratton. AWAITING DECISION

08/26 Highways
a) It was reported that the Stratton sign on the eastern entrance to the village has been stolen. Chairman has reported this to the Highways Department.

b) Cllr T Every requested 30 mph to be painted on the Dorchester Road at each end of the village. Letter to be sent to the Transportation Department. AN

08/27 General Maintenance
a) Clerk to arrange for the annual inspection of the Play Area equipment by a Structural Engineer. AN

b) The Chairman drew attention for the need to clear ditches along the southern and western boundaries of the Playing Field. A price of £150.00 has been obtained and it was agreed to proceed.

08/28 Correspondence
Councillors were informed that an amount of correspondence was about to be circulated.

08/29 Date of next meeting
The date of the next meeting will be held on Tuesday, 16 September 2008 at 7.30 pm.

08/30 Any other business
a) Clerk attended meeting updating the use of Connecting Dorset. An important item was raised regarding electronic planning applications which at some point will only be received on line. Visual demonstration was given at the updating meeting and Clerk will be able to provide assistance to Councillors if needed. Handouts were distributed to Councillors with appropriate information.

b) Chairman stated the Electoral Services Officer has written confirming that we can now co-opt a Councillor to replace the vacancy. If any person was interested, could they be encouraged to write to the Clerk confirming their interest.

c) Councillor R Protheroe raised the question regarding reopening Stratton Railway Halt in an attempt to reduce the number of cars on roads and the eco- friendly aspect. Chairman responded that this was reviewed several years ago but was dismissed at that time. It was agreed to write to the local MP asking if he is aware of any plans to reopen small stations.

08/31 Democratic Period in which members of the public may speak or ask questions. A member of the public asked if any progress had been made on the provision of allotments. Chairman advised that informal discussions were being held.


Meeting closed at 8.45 pm