Those Present: - Mr A Aylott, Mr P Bowler, Mr T Every, Mrs T Hughes, Mr R Protheroe,
Mrs M Penfold (District Councillor), Mrs J Haynes (County Councillor, Three Valleys) and 4 members of the public.

Apologies: - Mrs J Grocott, Mr P Hallett

Proceedings: - Welcome extended to all present.

09/49 Minutes of the last meeting held on 1 September 2009 (previously circulated)
was approved but Cllr T Hughes drew attention to item 09/44(c) to the effect that the waste bin requiring attention is situated on the Playing Field and not the Green.
She also made reference to item 09/40(d) regarding comments made about the distribution of money raised at this year's Summer Fayre.

08/50 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.

09/51 Democratic Period in which members of the public may comment on any matter.
Mrs M Penfold raised the issue of local crime in Sydling St Nicholas and Cllr T Every responded that he was aware of this and would report later in the meeting.

09/52 Comment on agenda items by members of the public
No comments were made on matters arising from the Agenda.

09/53 Matters Arising
a) Speed Indicator Device (Minute 09/34a). Chairman reported that the posts are in position and should be in operation for a temporary period by the first week in December.
b) Bus Stops - Grimstone (Minute 09/38a). Awaiting response from Dorset County Council.
c) Playing Field Committee (Minute 09/38b). Clerk has obtained a price from Dorset Works Organisation in the region of £6,000.00 to provide and erect a 2.700 high chainlink fence around the court with 2no. gates. After discussion it was agreed Cllr
T Hughes would look at the possibility of re-siting the smaller ramp and investigate a grant towards the cost of the tennis court fencing.
d) Trade sign (Minute 09/38c). Clerk has contacted the Enforcement Officer who confirmed that this required planning permission and has contacted the sign owner to request its removal. Councillors also raised the question of a similar sign on the gate of No 42 Dorchester Road and whether this should also be reported to the Enforcement Officer. Clerk to discuss first with resident.
e) Overhanging trees (Minute 09/38d). Clerk has written to the owner of the Rectory who has attended to this matter.
f) Playing Field ditches (Minute 09/38g). Clerk obtained a quotation which following Councillors' approval has been accepted and the work carried out.
g) Footpath 7, Grimstone (Minute 09/44b). Cllr J Grocott was absent from the meeting and will report at a future meeting.
h) Waste bin, Playing Field (Minute 09/44c). Cllr P Hallett was absent from the meeting and will report at a future meeting.
i) Central notice board, lay-by (Minute 09/44d). Chairman reported that this has not yet been dealt with.
j) Hedge around Green (Minute 09/44e). Awaiting price for this work. It was agreed to remove overhanging vegetation adjacent to roads and excessive top growth. In particular, the hawthorn requires attention.
k) Play Area inspection. Clerk confirmed that this has been inspected and minor repairs were recommended:
i) Check one noisy swing pivot and well grease.
ii) Treat / repaint decorative coatings of Pony Rocker.
Cllr T Hughes volunteered to arrange for (i) to be dealt with andClerk to arrange for item (ii).
l) Bonfires (Minute 09/47c). Following a second letter from the resident concerning bonfires it was agreed that the Chairman would respond by letter.
m) Visibility splay, The Rise (Minute 09/47d). This has been carried out.
n) Village Hall booking (Minute 09/47f)). Clerk contacted Village Hall Booking Secretary who confirmed that the Ashley Hall is booked but subject to inclement weather it would be made available for a short period to accommodate the Carols Evening.
09/54 Finance
a) Report given on all income and expenditure since last meeting.

b) Agreed by Councillors that the Bus Shelter Reserve had now fulfilled its purpose and that the small balance held should be transferred to the Contingency Reserve.
c) Donations - Requests received from the following:-
i) Victim Support
ii) Life Education Dorset
iii) Dorset Cruse Bereavement Care
These were discussed as part of the Precept and it was decided not to support these requests.
Cllr R Protheroe requested that the Parish Council supports the local Stroke Association. This was supported and it was agreed that he would obtain further details and inform the Clerk.
d) Discussions took place on setting a Precept for 2010/2011. A budget was set outlining the likely areas of expenditure and income for that year. Precept set at £5,800.00.
e) A letter has been received with regard to transferring funds to the new Summer Fayre Committee. Mr Colin Jackson reported that a Committee of seven members has been formed and a bank account will be opened. As Chairman he requested a sum of £1,000.00 be provided by the Parish Council for the purchase of new equipment,
hall hire, provision of entertainment and general expenses. Cllr T Hughes suggested and it was agreed that the Parish Council would purchase two gazebos from the contingency/marquee fund. This subject to the new group becoming properly constituted and opening a bank account. Other funds are to be provided to the new
group by the Village Hall Committee.

09/55 Crime Prevention
Cllr T Every stated there is very little crime in Stratton. However, there has been
several incidents of crime in neighbouring villages and, therefore, residents should
remain vigilant.

09/56 Planning Matters
1/D/09/001013 - Gatehouse Cottage, Dorchester Road, Grimstone. Boundary
fence. REFUSED.
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). AWAITING DECISION.

09/57 Highways
a) Traffic Speed, A37 (Minute 09.38k). Chairman reported that the result of the traffic survey has been received and it was evident that excessive speeds have been recorded. The results to be studied and if necessary contact made with Dorset Safety Camera Group.
b) Cllr T Hughes raised the question of tree felling alongside the A37 at Ash Hill. It was reported that these trees have been removed to ease the flooding problem from the river.

09/58 General Maintenance
Nothing to report.

09/59 Correspondence
a) A letter has been received from BT inviting the Parish to consider adopting the local telephone kiosk (West Dorset District Council has power to veto this). After discussion, the Parish Council decided not to adopt the kiosk.
b) A poster has been received from Dorchester Town Council regarding Car Boot Charities. It was decided not to apply.
c) A letter has been received from the Environment Agency regarding the Community Flood Archive Project. It was decided to pass this to Mr Colin Jackson who will forward photographs of flooding.

09/60 Date of the next meeting
The date of the next meeting will be held on Tuesday, 12 January 2010 at
7.30 pm.

09/61 Any other business
Cllr T Hughes proposed that a voluntary collection on behalf of Joseph Weld
Hospice be made at the forthcoming Carols Evening.

09/61 Democratic Period in which members of the public may speak or ask questions.
a) Cllr T Hughes reported that Calor has withdrawn their sponsorship from
the Best Community Village of the Year 2010.
b) Allotments (08/31). Mr Colin Jackson reminded the Council that no information has been received and asked if this could be added to the next agenda.

Meeting closed at 9.40 pm