Minutes of the Meeting of Stratton Parish Council held on 25th September 2007 at Stratton Village Hall.

Present:- Mr A Aylott, Mr P Bowler, Mr A Cameron, Mr T Every,
Mr P Hallett, Mrs T Hughes, Mr R Protheroe, and six members of the public.

Apologies:- Mrs M Penfold (District Councillor)

Proceedings & Action

Welcome extended to all present.

07/29 Minutes of the last meeting held on 17th July 2007 (previously circulated) were approved.

07/30 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.

07/31 Comment on agenda items by members of the public.
No comments were made.

07/32 Matters Arising

a) Dog Fouling (Minute 07/18f). It was agreed this has remained a problem and is difficult to police. Cllr T Every will arrange for another notice to be placed in the Chalk Stream and Stratton Herald.

b) Playing Field Working Group (Minute 07/18h). A meeting was held on 20 August 2007 with volunteers. Process now commenced to review possible improvements. Chairman confirmed that another meeting had been arranged for 24th October 2007.

c) Bus Shelter (Minute 07/18i). 'No Smoking' signs have been fixed in the bus shelters.

d) Street Lighting (Minute 07/18k). Chairman reported that two street lights near the Saxon Arms are still not working and will write to Mr Stephen Morrish. - AA

e) Traffic Speeding (Minute 07/18l). Dorset Safety Camera Partnership has not responded to letter requesting speed checks but it was reported that checks had been carried out week commencing 13th August.

f) Litter bin (Minute 07/18o). Confirmation that lid has been fixed.

g) Litter bin on Playing Field (Minute 07/24b). Clerk has obtained a new litter bin to replace existing. Thanks to Cllr P Hallett for fixing.

h) Bus Shelter roof (Minute 07/24a). Cllr P Hallett has inspected the roof and has confirmed that it is satisfactory.

i) Play Area Inspection (Minute 07/27c). Clerk reported inspection has been carried out. There were no defects in respect of the play equipment, access, fences and gate. It was recommended that a
'No Dogs' sign be erected adjacent to Play Area entrance. Clerk to arrange. - AN

It was also recommended that the rope hanging from the nearby tree branch should be removed. This was carried by a vote of four to three. Cllr T Hughes will erect a sign explaining reason for removal. - TH

j) Speed Indicator Device (Minute 07/27a). Chairman has investigated the possibility of having a Speed Indicator Device in Grimstone and Dorset County Council responded that as the site is a camera site, the visit from SID once a year is unlikely to help matters.

07/33 Parish Plan Appraisal

a) Cllr T Hughes stated that the Parish Plan recommended that a new notice board be placed at the western end of the village. A letter received from the Village Hall Committee also requested this facility. Councillors agreed to this subject to a suitable location being found. Chairman will investigate location. - AA

b) The selling of basic groceries in the Saxon Arms has been investigated but was found to be unacceptable.

c) Cllr A Cameron has explored the possibility of having a shop in Stratton but it was agreed that it was not viable.

d) Calor Dorset Village of the Year Competition 2008 - Discussion took place and it was decided that anyone who wishes to be part of a sub-committee promoting Stratton should contact the Clerk. It was agreed to place a notice in the Stratton Herald.