Minutes of the Meeting of Stratton Parish Council held on 23rd October 2007 at Stratton Village Hall.

Present:- Mr A Aylott, Mr A Cameron, Mr P Hallett, Mrs T Hughes,
Mr R Protheroe & 3 members of the public including WPC S Redford.

Apologies:- Mr P Bowler, Mr T Every

Proceedings & Action

Welcome extended to all present.

07/43 Minutes of the last meeting held on 25 September 2007 (previously circulated) were approved.

07/44 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.

07/45 Democratic Period in which members of the public may comment on any matters arising from the Agenda.

07/46 Comment on agenda items by members of the public
No comments were made.

07/47 Matters Arising

a) Footpath 7 Grimstone (Minute 07/37a). It has been confirmed that the obstruction across Footpath 7 has been removed with the exception of the posts. These are to be removed.

b) Calor Dorset Village of the Year Competition 2008 (Minute 07/33d).
The Clerk has received responses from four residents wishing to be part of the Sub-Committee. Cllr A Cameron also volunteered.

c) Stratton By Pass (Minute 07/18j). Chairman reported that there was a change to the original proposals. Due to the state of the existing road it proved necessary to undertake more extensive repairs than originally planned.

d) Visibility at The Rise and unfinished road kerbs(07/39bii)(07/39c).
Chairman has written to Morrish Builders and we await a reply.

e) Street Lighting (07/18k). Chairman has written a reminder to Morrish Builders.

f) Play Area Inspection (Minute 07/32i). Chairman confirmed that Clerk has arranged for the 'No Dog' sign to be erected. Cllr T Hughes confirmed rope has been removed from tree. Notice still to be placed. TH

07/48 Finance

a) Report given on all income and expenditure since last meeting.
Receipts and payments Summary for meeting - 23 October 2007

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

b) Discussions took place on setting a Precept for 2008/09. A budget was set outlining the likely areas of expenditure and income for that year. Precept set at £5,600.00. Form to be returned to WDDC confirming this amount. AN Although a budget was set it was appreciated that no direct allowance was made for the proposed new Notice Board or for identified Parish Plan improvements on the Playing Field. Balances held might have to be used
to meet these areas of expenditure.

07/49 Bus Shelter

Discussion took place regarding a new 'bus shelter. The question of land ownership and siting was discussed and Chairman to investigate. AA

07/39 Correspondence

Councillors were informed that an amount of correspondence was being circulated. Chairman had received an invitation to a meeting for the Campaign to Protect Rural England and invited a councillor attend.

07/40 Date of next Meeting

The date of the next meeting will be held on Tuesday,15 January 2008 at 7.30 pm.

07/41 Any Other Business

a) WPC S Redford gave a brief update on crime issues in her area. Points included quad bike thefts especially in farming areas and opportunist burglaries from elderly people. Most crime was of a mediocre nature.

b) Playing Field ditches - these have not been cleared for two years and it was agreed that the Clerk would obtain prices for this to be carried out. AN

07/42 Democratic period in which members of the public may speak or ask questions.

The meeting closed at 8.45 pm.