Present. Mrs Flemming (Chairman) Mr Ritchie, Mr Tory,
Mr Parsons, Mrs D Jones M.B.E. the Clerk
Apologies. Mr Couldwell, M/s Snook, Mrs Cox & Mr Cox.

12/08 Public Participation There was no public participation

13/08 P.C. Mullins Apologies were received from P C Mullins but he had sent a letter of introduction that was past round to the councillors present. He also had sent statistics of the crimes that had been committed in the village for in January 2008 and crime comparisons for 2006/2007. The details were given to those present by the Chairman. It was hoped he would attend the next meeting.

14/08 Minutes. The minutes were confirmed and signed.

15/08 Matters Arising. Work had been started in running the electrics to the VAS signs and the work should be completed by the end of the week. After this has been completed the signs would be ordered. It was hoped that the work would be completed by the end of the month. The SID signs had still not been put up along Chescombe Lane. The clerk said that they were on the list and he
would follow them up. He also confirmed that the Camera Partnership had been in the lay by on Dorchester Hill this year.

There had been an update from DorBAG of a meeting attended by 3 regional managers of the BBC following the cancellation of BBC Radio Dorset. It gave an account of what happened at the meeting and what the plans were for the future.
The clerk said that R Walters had put his signature to the letter sent to the BBC by the local M.P.'s.

The Chairman asked if the Surgery was up and running yet?
The clerk said that the connections had been made and arrangements were being made for the surgery to be opened shortly.

16/08 Planning. There was a revised panning application for Forge Cottage. Mr Ritchie declared an interest regarding the plans. He was asked to give his views regarding the plans. He said that he had reservations regarding the parking arrangements on the site as the part of the parking area would be lost. This matter was discussed fully and it was agreed that the concerns given be mentioned on the application. There was no objection to the plan submitted.

17/08 Playground Nothing to report

18/08 Footpaths. Nothing to report

19/08 Finance. A letter from the Audit Commission had been received confirming the re- appointment of BDO Stoy Hayward LLP as external auditors for the next five years. It also gave a list of appointed officers of the Commission who could take over from BDO Stoy Hayward LLP should they not be able to continue with the appointment. There was also a list of Questions & Answers sent which covered various topics including the list of charges. The fees due for 2007/8 to 2011/12 would be £120.00 + vat.
Mr Chichester would continue as internal auditor of the accounts of the parish.

20/08 Correspondence There was another letter regarding the ‘Mythodrama Development Event' at Bryanston School from NDDC.
None of the councillors at the meeting wanted to attend this event.

There was a flood warning notice from the Environment Agency saying there could be flooding in the village. This was in force until further notice.

A letter giving an introduction to a ‘Safer Neighbourhoods in North Dorset' had been received. This had been sent by John Bartlett, Community Safety Policy Officer, NDDC.It enclosed a document explaining Safer Neighbourhoods and introducing PACT
( Partners and Communities Together). North Dorset area has been split into 10 Safer Neighbourhood Areas each with a dedicated Safer Neighbourhood Team of police officers who would be working closely with other agencies and the community.

A legal briefing regarding Parish Polls that had been sent by NALC.
This gave advice issued by the Audit Commission about unlawful polls on the Euro Treaty/Referendum. Regarding this topic, a letter had been sent regarding a referendum taken by East Stoke Parish Council from Mr I P Kelly. He had contacted all parishes listed by DAPTC to hold a referendum similar to East Stoke.
It was felt that from to advice given by NALC no action should be taken.

An invite had been received for the Chairman to attend a St Georges Day Parade in Blandford on 20th April of the North Dorset District Scout Group. She would be unable to attend this event.

A letter asking for a grant had been received from Life Education Dorset.
It also enclosed there latest newsletter and a list of programs. It was felt that a contribution would not be made to this organisation at this time.

Details of a meeting to be held at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton on Monday, 3rd March 2008 at 2.00pm on behalf of NorDOP( N.Dorset Older People's Forum)
This would be a talk by Mr K Sharpe Customer Contact Manager ,NDDC. about Free Travel in England. A new travel scheme will come into force from the 1st April next.

Dorset C.C. had given an update of Bluetongue Disease saying the Surveillance Zone had been extended into Dorset. Mr Tory said that there had been a case reported outside Poole. There was also an update on Avian Influenza.
A press release sent out by Dorset AONB entitled Rural Reach- Revitalising Rural Access. This was dealing with the realities of rural transport in the Dorset AONB.
This was a pilot project undertaken by AONB, Dorset C.C. and Addison & Associates. There was also a questionnaire to be completed. Mr Ritchie, Mr Parsons
& Mrs Jones would be sent a copy of the questionnaire for completion.
He would also give a questionnaire to M/s Snook to complete.
A consultation paper regarding Orders and Regulations Relating to the Conduct of Local Authority Members in England.

21/08 Any Other Business Mr Tory asked about the lime tree that was blown over into M. Cox land. There is a dispute regarding the ownership of the tree.
As the tree is outside the boundary fence along the main road and the county council maintain the verge and have traffic and street signs.

Mrs Jones mentioned that there was a dispute between 2 councillors from Shaftsbury. Each reported each other of misconduct instead of sorting the problem between themselves. The expense it involved NDDC having to sort the problem out could have been avoided.

She asked if Signpost have given an update regarding Chescombe Court.
The clerk had not heard from them but would get in touch with them.

Mrs Jones said that Milton Abbas council had arranged a meeting with the
Planning dept, NDDC , as they were having problems and would we like to attend. It was felt that we do not have problems therefore we would not need to attend. She also mentioned that if there was any person in the village who would like to move into Chescombe Court they should apply now. There maybe someone up at Lady Bailey that may be interested. The clerk would mention it to Mr Couldwell.

Mr Ritchie said he would put details in the Valley News that P.C.Mullins would be coming to the next parish council meeting on the 19th March.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.45pm

Confirmed 19th March 2008

C. Flemming

The date of the next meeting. 19th March .