Minutes of the Bothenhampton and Walditch Parish Council Meeting held in the Village Hall, Bothenhampton on Monday 11 November 2002.

Those present for the monthly meeting were: - Mrs.Regan Chair person, Professor Eastham, Mr.Matthews, Mrs.Sawyer, Mrs.England, Mr.Harrsion, in attendance M.C.Farnham [Clerk] Rear Admiral Pritchard

1 APOLOGIES

Mr.Coatsworth

2 MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the previous meeting held on the 14 October 2002 having been circulated to all members was accepted as a true record of the meeting and duly signed.

3 MATTERS ARISING

Mrs.Regan informed the meeting that the Bothenhampton Residents’ Association had agreed to pay for the installation of the Jubilee seat, she also confirmed that she had purchased materials to re-stain and preserve the existing seat outside the Bothenhampton Church.

4. RESIGNATION OF PARISH COUNCILLOR

The Clerk informed the meeting that Mrs.Clements had resigned from the Parish Council. This had been reported to the District Council and as this had occurred within 6 months of the end of the current Council it was not necessary to replace any of the three current vacancies. However, the Clerk had asked from the required notices from the District Council and it was agreed that this should be put up with a note for anyone who was interested in being co-opted onto the Parish Council, should write to the Clerk by the 6 December 2002.

5. REPORT BY DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REAR ADMIRAL PRITCHARD

Rear Admiral Pritchard confirmed that they are currently carrying out a Housing Needs Survey in order to help obtain future finance for affordable housing in the South West. Central Government has indicated that they should share in any profit form the sale of old council houses as they provided the funding in the first place. The value of this profit for WDDC is about ¾ million pounds, which could be handed back with Central Government deciding how this should be spent or re-distributed.

6. REPORT BY COUNTY COUNCILLOR Mr.COATSWORTH

As Mr.Coatsworth was unable to attend no report was made.

7. DEMOCRATIC HALF HOUR

At this point the meeting was adjourned to enable members of the public to air their views on matters of local interest. The meeting then re-convened to complete the Council’s agenda.

8. WEST DORSET DISTRICT COUNCIL LOCAL PLAN REVIEW

The Clerk referred to the letter received from WDDC dated 18 October 2002, copy of which was sent out with the agenda, concerning the review of the Local Plan, the contents of which was noted. The Clerk also informed the meeting that a further letter dated 8 November 2002 had been received inviting a members of the Parish Council to a preview meeting of the First Deposit Plan on the 9 January 2003. Following a short discussion on this matter it was agreed that 3 Parish Councillors should attend this evening meeting in Dorchester.

Action; the clerk to complete and return form to WDDC

9. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000

The Clerk asked if all Parish Councillors had now had the chance to review the documents that were being circulated? However, as these documents had still not been seen by all Councillors it was agreed that this matter would be held over to the next meeting.

10. PERIODIC ELECTORAL REVIEW OF WEST DORSET AREA – PUBLICATION OF THE 2003 REGISTER OF ELECTORS

The Clerk referred to the letter received from WDDC dated 29 October 2002, copy of which was sent out with the agenda, concerning the revised procedures for the publication of the 2003 Register, the contents of which were noted.

11. WEST DORSET HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY

The Clerk referred to the letter received from WDDC dated 30 October 2002, copy of which was sent out with the agenda, concerning the Housing Needs Survey, the contents of which were noted.

12. COUNTRYSIDE AGENCY PUBLICATIONS

The Clerk referred to the Letter received from The Countryside Agency dated October 2002, copy of which was sent out with the agenda. It was agreed that the 3 publications on Vital Villages Update 2, Step by Step Guide to the Parish Transport Grant and Local Heritage Initiative Poster would be of interest to the Vital Villages Committee. They were therefore given to Mrs.Regan to pass on to the committee.

13. PLANNING

  1. Applications received from WDDC;
    Applications received from DCC; None

  2. Decisions by WDDC;
    Decisions by DCC; None

14. FINANCE

  1. The Clerk informed the meeting of the current situation, i.e. Capital Account £16,579.27 Current Account £28,589.21
  2. The following accounts were approved for payment.
      [1] M.C.Farnham Salary for November 2002, £203.54
      [2] Mrs.Regan towards expenses for October 2002 £3.80 plus materials to repair seat £17.48
      [3] Bridport Town Council letting of Skilling Allotments to 30 Sept 2003 £32.55
      [4] Stadia Surfaces Ltd. £8,904.16
    Mr.Matthews proposed that these accounts are paid, this was seconded by Professor Eastham and agreed by all the other Councillors.

15. REQUESTS FOR GRANTS

NONE

16. VITAL VILLAGES

Mr.Harrison reported that the 2 open meeting had now been held and that they had provided valuable and constructive views on improvements to the 2 parish areas. A total of 75 residents attended the 2 meetings. Through small in number compared to a possible total of over 2,000.

Their views have provided added points which will be incorporated in the final questionnaire which will distributed to all households by the end of November 2002. A stamped addressed envelope will be provided for the return of the questionnaires, which will be confidential as no names or addresses will be required. Mr.Harrison also confirmed that a Mr.G.Deakin had jointed the committee and the next committee meeting will be held on the 13 November 2002.

17. FOOTPATHS & ROADS

[1] The current state of Boscombe Lane, Walditch means that it is unusable by pedestrians.
[2] The footpath sign for footpath 25 from the A35 has been removed.
[3] The Clerk confirmed that he had written to DCC concerning footpath No14 Bothenhampton in support of the letter sent by Mr.Bird. He also confirmed that he had received a copy of the reply sent to Mr.Bird on the matter, which stated that the change from footpath to Byway was “simply a question of what colour to paint a line on a map”.

18. STREET LIGHTING

Nothing to report.

19. NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Mr.Harrison agreed to take over this area following the resignation of Mrs.Clements.

20. CONSERVATION & OPEN SPACES.

The Clerk informed the meeting that he had received a letter dated 21 October 2002 from the Valley View Residents Society concerning proposed improvements to the open space area within the lower Walditch Development using the interest earned i.e. over £3,00 of the sum the levied of £20,000. The Clerk confirmed that from the sum of just over £3,000 will have to be deducted the Parish Council Solicitors fees of over £600, therefore a sum of £2,400 is currently available for some improvements plus ongoing maintenance of the area. Professor Eastham also confirmed that a meeting was to be held between himself, Mrs.Sawyers and members of the Valley View Residents Society to discuss the way forward and hopefully he will be able to report back to the Parish CounciI at the next monthly meeting.
Action Professor Eastham to arrange meeting with Residents Society

21. PLAY AREAS

[1] John Holt Play Area; The Clerk confirmed that he has asked the grass cutting contractor to cut the grass one more time. He also confirmed that he would write asking for a quotation for the removal of the ivy.
Action Clerk to request quotation

[2] Play Area Walditch; Mr.Matthews reported that he was awaiting details of the depth of trench and its reinstatement from the electricity company Western Power Distribution [WPD] before he could get an up to date costing for this work. In the meantime he would contact the Chairperson of the newly formed Walditch Residents Association concerning the holding of a public meeting to obtain views on the use of the this area.
Action Mr.Matthews to contact Walditch Residents Association

[3] Possible Play Area Lower Walditch; The Clerk reported that all the required forms had been completed and returned to the Diocesan of Salisbury Registrar in relation to the “Petition for Faculty”. The a period of 28 days to allow time for people to object end on the 15 November 2002 at which time a copy of the notice has to be returned to the Registrar and we then have to wait to see it this is approved before we can meet with the Town Council to confirm the terms of the lease of the area.
Action the Clerk to return forms to Registrar

22. BRIDPORT REGENERATION AREA PARTNERSHIP MEETINGS

The Clerk reported that the next meeting is to be held on the 26 November 2002. Professor Eastham confirmed that he would be attending the November meeting.

23. DORSET ASSOCIATION OF PARISH AND TOWN COUNCILS

The Clerk informed the meeting that a regional meeting had been arranged for the 19 November 2002 to discuss a number of recent legislation and its impact on Local Councils. Following a short discussion Mrs.England said she could attend if required. The Clerk undertook to see if any places were still available.
Action Clerk to find out if any places are still available

24. CORRESPONDANCE RECEIVED

[a] From DCC; None
[b] From WDDC; Letter dated 1 November 2002 removal of Cypress tree at the Old Rectory Bothenhampton
[c] From; Letter dated 17 October 2002 from Mr.P.J.Copland concerning the provision of bin by the seat half way up Walditch Lane.

It was also agreed that the next monthly meeting at Walditch Village Hall on the 9 December 2002 would start at 7.00pm

There being no further business for discussion the meeting closed at 9.15m.

MATTERS RAISED IN THE DEMOCRATIC HALF HOUR

Open space Lower Walditch Development.
Play area Lower Walditch Development
Footpath No14 possible change from footpath to Byway
Vital Villages
Waste Disposal site
Seat at Bothenhampton Church
Provision for fishing at West Bay