In attendance:

P Clark – Parish Clerk and one member of the public

Apologies for Absence

Apologies were received from Cllr Croney (NDDC/DCC) and Cllr Partridge who will arrive late to the meeting

Having been distributed beforehand to Councillors the minutes of the meetings held on the 20^th March 2014 were accepted by all present to be a true and accurate record of proceedings and signed by Cllr Norman as Chair.

Flood Prevention/Planning

The Clerk reported that a submission had been made to NDDC with regard to Flood Damage, Repair and Prevention. Cllr Jespersen highlighted that the responses would be collated by NDDC and then discussed with DCC and other relevant agencies.

It was noted that Mike Coker at NDDC has offered to pay for storage bins to keep sandbags and associated equipment. The Stourpaine Playing Fields Association have been approached requesting permission to site the storage bins on their land – a response is awaited.

DCC are in the process of producing a Flood Risk Assessment Survey that would have input from NDDC and the Environment Agency. No further information is available at this time.

Cllr Norman had produced a report on the recent flooding in the Village that has been sent to Bob Walter MP at his request. Cllr Jespersen asked for a copy to be sent to her.

ACTION – Clerk to arrange for a copy of the report to be sent to Cllr Jespersen

Councillors discussed the lack of co-ordination between the responsible authorities and the communication with the Village that is often not consistent and contradictory.

Cllr Norman reported that the Environment Agency do not appear to be willing to make the capital expenditure needed for a village protection scheme and that the Environment Agency had indicated that a proposed flood relief valve would not work. There also appeared to be little appetite to deal with the issues with the River Stour.

The Environment Agency have released an upgraded scheme that dealing with property level protection. Households could apply for a sum of up to £10,000.00. However if they were accepted for the Environment Agency Scheme, households would not qualify for the NDDC scheme.

There would be a further meeting in the Village on the 6^th May 2014 for affected households to discuss any further measures and seek advice.

Cllr Norman referred to a recently published (Atkins) report that would indicate that the cost of implementing measures could outweigh the monies that can be raised.

It was discussed that a flood prevention scheme was proposed in 1996 but rejected by the village.

Cllr Norman is to have another meeting with Oliver Letwin MP in May/June 2014 and will raise the Parish Councils disappointment with the Environment Agency.

Information has been given that suggests that the River Stour has not been dredged since the 1980’s and that there are only four Environment Agency personnel responsible for works between Stourhead and Christchurch.

The culverts running under the road near the Durweston Bridge were discussed as Cllr Farwell highlighted the fact that these needed attention. The land belongs to Crown Estates, Cllr Norman stated that he would make contact with the relevant Land Agent.

Planning Matters as listed on the schedule

Cllr Norman gave a summary of the recent meeting with Officers from the NDDC Planning Department. The meeting had been attended by Cllr Norman, Mr Simon Elliott, Cllr Croney and NDDC Officers. As previously minuted in March 2014 the planning application for the affordable housing to be built on the site of the existing Village Hall had been approved following a meeting of the Full Development Committee at NDDC. The meeting was held to discuss what could be done to mitigate some of the objections raised to aspects of the application post approval. Cllr Norman and Mr Elliott outlined areas of concern and made some suggestion to NDDC Officers including the design detail, materials, management of the bank to the front of the development and landscaping.

Cllr Norman felt that it had been a useful exercise and that NDDC Officers were due to meet with the architect Barry Coupe shortly to discuss further some aspects of the application.

Concern was expressed by all present that the road on the development would not adopted by DCC and that would impact on refuse collections which could cause health and safety issues.

NDDC Officers had indicated that Raglan Housing could enter into an agreement with the Parish Council to manage the bank at the front of the development, however it was agreed by those present that this was not an option that should be considered further.

Cllr Partridge stated that he was disappointed with the way that the architect had engaged with the Parish Council particularly after the meeting held in January 2014.

Cllr Jespersen highlighted the fact that she felt that the village had lost an opportunity to influence future development with this application.

Cllr Norman said that he had made it clear to planners that the Parish Council had been disappointed with the way that concerns had been handled.

2611/CA/SLS/14 – Tree works to be carried out at the Laurels, South Holme, Stourpaine, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8TG

Details of this application had been circulated to Councillors prior to the meeting. The application for works was discussed which are unanimously supported by Councillors.

Electoral Review of North Dorset

It was discussed that following a review carried out by the Boundary Commission that Stourpaine would remain in the Hill Forts Ward as per the submission submitted by the Parish Council.

Cllr Jespersen stated that NDDC had made a Freedom of Information Request to find out the rationale for the decision however there were no plans for the decision to be challenged with an appeal by NDDC.

Farm and Commercial Vehicles using village

It had been reported to the Parish Council that contractors working for Mark Pearson (who farms land in the Village) had been observed travelling at a speed through the Village that might prove dangerous to other road users. It had also been observed that contractors had been spotted driving through the Village whilst on their mobile phones.

However it was also reported at a recent North Dorset Trailway Group meeting that Mr Pearson had requested his employees and contractor to re-route farm traffic through his land rather than through the Village and on the Trailway.

After discussion it was decided that the Parish Council should write to Mr Pearson to thank him for re-routing his vehicles but that some employees/contractors using the Village roads were not always driving at speed conducive to the size of the roads and their vehicles.

ACTION – Clerk to write to Mr Pearson as above

As received and circulated to Councillors – Cllr Jespersen added that there had been a number of staff changes at NDDC with responsibilities being reorganised.

Cllr Jespersen asked if Stourpaine would be marking the start of the First World War. Cllr Norman outlined a proposal that had been discussed with the Parish Church. Details of events planned by other Villages were outlined by Cllr Jespersen.

After further discussion Cllr Norman asked Cllr Webb to investigate further ideas for the Village.

b. County Councillor

As received and circulated to Councillors

c. Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator

It was acknowledged that there had been further thefts and burglaries in the village over recent weeks as advised by Dorset Police.

The Clerk reported that a representative from Dorset Police had been invited to the Annual Parish Meeting in May 2014 to make a presentation.

Cllr Norman requested that the use of the Dorset Police Ringmaster messaging system be reviewed to see how the information could be best communicated to the Village

ACTION – Clerk to speak with Dorset Police on the use of Ringmaster

d. Village Hall/Stourpaine Playing Fields Association

Cllr Yarwood reported that a budget/forecasts had now been prepared and that a business plan was being considered to assist with approaches for grant funding and that Julie Wigg was assisting with fundraising.

Some inspections have taken place with respect to the required ground works.

It was noted that Tony Whiteland from SSE had assisted in dealing with a number of tree issues near to the Sports Pavilion and that the area appeared much improved. The services of SSE were offered as part of a community project.

e. DT11 Forum/CPEND

As previously circulated to Councillors.

f. Trailway

It was reported that there were works pending on the surface of the Trailway and the path from Stourpaine to Hod Hill.

A new leaflet on the Trailway was pending.

Cllr Norman reported that in 2015 grant funding might be available for the Trailway, Applications would need to focus on the economic/employment benefits that the Trailway brings. This funding could be used to extend the Trailway from Sturminster Newton to Stalbridge.

There is a proposal to link up with other Trailway Groups.

It was discussed by Councillors that the Trailway had a positive effect on the Village and the surrounding area.

g. Rights of Way Officer 

It was noted that DCC Rangers may have to re-route a bridle path permanently following its collapse in recent weeks. Notices warning the public had been placed in the village. Further contact/advice is awaited from DCC Rangers.

h. Allotments

The Clerk reported that he had met with the Committee Members of the Allotment Association and that this had been a positive meeting. New tenancy agreements were being obtained from plot holders and that the outstanding rents for 2012/13 had now been paid to the Parish Council.

A discussion had also been held with Wendy Gredley who had expressed an interest in renting a piece of unused land for grazing horses.

After discussion by Councillors it was agreed to give first refusal to Mr David Scott to rent the land as it had been taken back from him in 2011/12 to allow for new allotment plots that did not materialise. If David Scott did not wish to rent the land then it would be offered to Mrs Gredley on terms to be agreed.

Concern was expressed that the size of the land may not be sufficient to accommodate the number of horses proposed by Mrs Gredley.

ACTION – Clerk to offer first refusal to lease the land to David Scott.

i. Unauthorised Travellers Encampment – Update

The Clerk reported that no further contact had been forthcoming from Dorset County Council on the removal of the Traveller occupying the site of the DCC Chipping Store in Bushes Road. The matter however would be followed.

j. Spectrum Housing – Hod View Estate Strategy

Cllr Norman reported that he had attended the recent Hod View resident’s event organised by Spectrum Housing. Around 9 people attended who were involved in clearing litter in Hod View.

An issue was raised over Asbestos in the flats in Hod View, it was agreed that Spectrum Housing be contacted for further information.

ACTION – Clerk to contact Spectrum Housing

The Clerk reported that Health & Safety inspections of the site continued to be carried out on a weekly basis.

b. Grace Upward Under 12s, Bottom Road

Cllr Partridge reported no issues, however it was clear that a number of pieces of equipment would require replacement in the medium term. It was agreed that Spectrum Housing be contacted with a request to assist with a consultation of Young People living on the Hod View/Orchard Close side of the Village as to the type of equipment that might be purchased (consultation with Young People over the play areas is highlighted in the Parish Plan Update).

It was agreed by Councillors that all payments, bill and invoices listed on the schedule be paid. The payments were then authorised by Cllrs Norman and Yarwood.

ACTION – Clerk to respond to the consultation.

In attendance:

P Clark – Parish Clerk, Louise Webb – prospective Parish Councillor

Apologies for Absence

None Received

Co-option of new Parish Councillor

After discussion it was agreed unanimously by Councillors to co-opt Mrs Louise Webb as a Parish Councillor to Stourpaine Parish Council.

The Clerk arranged for Cllr Webb to complete the relevant Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

Having been distributed beforehand to Councillors the minutes of the meetings held on the 16^th February 2014 were accepted by all present to be a true and accurate record of proceedings and signed by Cllr Norman as Chair.

Cllr Norman will report progress in due course.

Flood Prevention Measures

A discussion took place on the issue of flood prevention and planning:

It was noted that the promised Problem Identification Study prepared by the Environment Agency is still awaited. Cllr Norman has chased Steve Malpass from the Environment Agency several times with no success to date. Both Cllr Croney (NDDC & DCC) and Bob Walter MP have been made aware of the frustration of the Parish Council on this issue.

Cllr Norman reported that he had been invited to meet with Oliver Letwin MP on the 21^st March 2013 to discuss the experiences of Stourpaine in dealing with flooding.

As yet there had been no advice from DCC/NDDC regarding the proposed public seminars on the issue of flooding.

Derek Gardiner was taking the lead in the Havelins in trying to assist residents in liaising with recent initiatives by Government to fund property level protection, however it was acknowledged that the information available was scant and often confusing. This would be reported by Cllr Norman to Oliver Letwin MP when they meet. In addition technical surveys are required to assist however it was not clear who was responsible for commissioning/arranging them.

Further invites are to be extended to both Guy Parker and Brian Richards to present to the wider village at the Annual parish Meeting in May 2014..

The Parish Council is in the process of producing a folder for residents in Havelins detailing household protection measures and important contact points. It was discussed that these would be delivered to households in person with a signature being requested as proof of receipt.

Cllrs discussed the proposal that plastic grit/storage bins be purchased to store sandbags and other equipment to assist in flood prevention. It was agreed by Councillors that the Stourpaine Playing Field Association be contacted requesting permission for the items to be sited in the playing field car park.

It was agreed that subject to consultation with the Parish Council insurers that a number of other items of equipment be purchased to assist in the management of flooding. A list of equipment and costings had been prepared by the Clerk and circulated to Councillors.

The presentation by Guy Parker from the Environment Agency on the 26^th February 2014 was discussed and agreed to have been worthwhile particularly in putting recent events in context.

Parish Plan Update Action Plan

The Clerk reported that he had spoken with Sue Mitchell from the Dorset AONB Partnership further contact is awaited with regard to the management of traffic passing through the village on the A350 Shaston Road.

The Clerk reported that on advice from NDDC the Parish Council could expect a full planning application in due course for discussion.

2. 2/2014/0169/PLNG – Bushes Farm, Bushes Road, Stourpaine, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8SU – Awaiting decision

After discussion it was unanimously agreed by Councillors to support the application as submitted to NDDC.

3. 2/2013/1266/PLNG – Stourpaine Playing Fields Association, Havelins, Stourpaine, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8TH – Permission Granted by NDDC with conditions

Following the approval of the application at a meeting of the NDDC Full Development Committee it was reported by Cllr Norman that he had been invited to a meeting with Planning Officers at NDDC to discuss a number of concerns raised by the Parish Council.

Confirmation of the approval to the associated application 2/2013/1261/PLNG is awaited.

ACTION – Clerk to chase up the Boundary Commission for a decision

No new report received as at the date of the meeting

b. County Councillor

No new report received as at the date of the meeting

c. Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator

It was acknowledged that there had been a number of thefts and burglaries in the village over recent weeks as advised by Dorset Police.

Cllr Partridge reported that two new PCSO’s had been recruited for the Blandford Area.

It was requested by Councillors that a representative from Dorset Police be invited to the Annual Parish Meeting in May 2014 to make a presentation.

ACTION – Clerk to invite Dorset Police to the Annual Parish Meeting in May 2014

d. Village Hall/Stourpaine Playing Fields Association

See item 14/03/09 (3.) – Cllr Yarwood reported that building contractors have been interviewed and quotations obtained for the construction of the new village hall.

Solicitors are in the process of helping the Village Hall Committee and Stourpaine Playing Fields Association create a new joint legal entity.

Cllr Norman offered the services of Julie Wigg from the DT11 Forum Partnership to assist with making any grant applications to assist in funding the new village hall development.

As yet the start date for construction for either the new village hall or the affordable housing to be built on the site of the old village hall has yet to be agreed.

e. DT11 Forum/CPEND

As previously circulated to Councillors.

Cllr Norman reported that a final meeting with Bob Walter MP, DT11 Partnership Forum and BDUK is scheduled with regard to the Trailway Broadband Project.

f. Trailway

The clerk reported that he had recently spoken with Graham Stanley – DCC Rangers who had advised the surface of the Trailway in Havelins will be scraped and repaired in the new financial year to improve its condition.

A request has been made by DCC Rangers for the Parish Council to request that Mark Pearson re-route his farm vehicles in an effort to protect surface once repaired. It was discussed by Councillors that the Parish Council had made similar requests of Mark Pearson in the past with limited success. However a further attempt would be made to engage Mark Pearson on this issue.

ACTION – Clerk to make contact with Mark Pearson on this issue

The Clerk reported that he had asked Graham Stanley to obtain a quote to replace to metal gate on the Trailway near the Church with a wooden gate. Further contact is awaited.

ACTION – Clerk to follow

Cllr Yarwood reported that he had been made aware that a number of items of signage had been left on the Trailway by contractors who had recently been working to repair the railway bridge on the A350.

ACTION – Clerk to contact DCC Highways to arrange removal.

It was also noted that a caravan had been placed on a piece of privately owned land adjacent to the River Stour. The Clerk was asked to check the legality of this with NDDC.

ACTION – Clerk to follow

g. Rights of Way Officer 

It was noted that DCC Rangers may have to re-route a bridle path permanently following its collapse in recent weeks. Notices warning the public had been placed in the village. Further contact/advice is awaited from DCC Rangers.

h. Allotments

The Clerk reported that contact had been made with both the Chairman and Treasurer of the Stourpaine Allotment Association and that a meeting was pending to discuss issues.

Cllr Yarwood had recently been contacted by a resident in the village asking to rent a piece of land unused by the allotment association to graze horses. It was agreed by Councillors that the Clerk and Cllr Yarwood should manage this request.

i. Unauthorised Travellers Encampment – Update

The Clerk reported that he had been advised by Paula Clover – DCC Gypsy & Traveller Liaison Officer that it was the intention on DCC to remove the unauthorised encampment in Bushes Road by May 2014. Further advice is to follow.

The Clerk reported on a useful meeting held with Twyford Parish Council who had been very candid and helpful in their advice on handling the same group of Travellers in their Parish. It was acknowledged that the Parish Council would need to push DCC for information/action.

j. Spectrum Housing – Hod View Estate Strategy

It was noted that a meeting is to be held with Spectrum Housing on the 11^th April 2014 to discuss the Hod View Estate Strategy.

With regard to the report from residents on the issue of a loose dog fouling the communal areas of the flats in Hod View the Clerk reported that he had discussed the matter with the Dog Warden at NDDC who had given advice on the management of the issue and that NDDC were aware of the owner having dealt with the owner on similar issues in the past. Residents should be encouraged to contact NDDC when the dog is loose. It was discussed that the Parish Council should contact the owner to raise its concerns.

ACTION – Parish Clerk to follow

The Clerk reported that Health & Safety inspections of the site continued to be carried out on a weekly basis.

The Clerk had obtained quotations for grass cutting/strimming at the site, after discussion it was agreed unanimously that the Parish Council would accept the quotation from Iwerne Valley Garden Services of £650.00 for a service for the next twelve months.

b. Grace Upward Under 12s, Bottom Road

Cllr Partridge reported no issues and that following work undertaken by Phil Wigg the area was in a good state of repair.

It was agreed by Councillors that all payments, bill and invoices listed on the schedule be paid. The payments were then authorised by Cllrs Norman and Yarwood.

ACTION – Clerk to write to NDDC and follow for any response

• Deb Appleby from Locality – re Neighbourhood Planning
• Guy Parker from the Environment Agency – re Flood Prevention
• Brain Richards from DCC – re Flood Prevention
• Dorset Police – re Home Security

In attendance:

P Clark – Parish Clerk, Louise Webb – prospective Parish Councillor

Apologies for Absence

Cllr Peter Partridge, Cllr Keith Yarwood, Cllr Deborah Croney (NDDC & DCC)

 Having been distributed beforehand to Councillors the minutes of the meetings held on the 16^th January 2014 were accepted by all present to be a true and accurate record of proceedings and signed by Cllr Norman as Chair.

Flood Prevention Measures

The promised Problem Identification Study prepared by the Environment Agency is still awaited.

There has been offer from Guy Parker a Hydrologist from the Environment Agency and Brian Richards – Dorset County Council, Dorset Highways, Flood Risk Manager to talk with the Parish Council about flood prevention in the village. A meeting with Guy Parker – Environment Agency, has been scheduled for the 26^th February 2014.

Further invites are to be extended to both Guy Parker and Brian Richards to present to the wider village at the Annual parish Meeting in May 2014.

Cllr Norman stated that North Dorset County Council/Dorset County Council were planning to hold a number of events in the area to highlight the issue of flooding and prevention measures, where it is expected that commercial suppliers would be on hand to demonstrate products available.

The Parish Council is to produce a folder for residents in Havelins detailing household protection measures and important contact points.

Councillors then discussed a comment made by Derek Gardiner, that although the Parish Council had worked hard to address the problem of flooding in the village and had been responsible for co-ordinating many of the actions taken over the past few weeks, that much of the village remained unaware.

In order to address this,  it was proposed that the Parish Council submit a report to be included in the next Benefice Magazine outlining actions to date.

ACTION – Clerk to investigate further

Parish Plan Update Action Plan

The Action Points from the Stourpaine Parish Plan Update were reviewed by Councillors, it was noted that a number of actions that were the responsibility of the Parish Council had been completed or were in hand.

Particular reference was made the conversations held with Sue Mitchell of the Dorset AONB partnership regarding the flow of traffic through the village. It was noted that whilst there could be a number of actions that the Parish Council could consider to manage traffic through the village, that it was unlikely that Dorset County Council would provide such funding and that the Parish Council may have to fund any proposals.

ACTION – Clerk to chase up the promised review from the Dorset AONB Partnership

The Action Plan makes reference to preparing a Neighbourhood Plan, after discussion it was agreed that for the time being the progress made by Shillingstone and Pimperne in preparation of their Neighbourhood Plans would be monitored with interest.

The Clerk mentioned that an invite had been extended to Locality to come and present to the village on the subject of Neighbourhood Planning. This would need a wide audience to ensure that the village understood the principle and remit of the plan.

ACTION – Clerk to make arrangement for Locality to present to the village on the subject of Neighbourhood Planning

Plans to introduce a Welcome Pack for new residents were discussed. Spectrum Housing had indicated that they issued a pack to their residents, a copy of this has been requested by the Parish Council.

ACTION – Clerk to ensure that this is an item to be discussed at future meetings.

At the meeting in January 2014 It was reported by the Clerk that NDDC had refused permission to this application despite the support of the Parish Council. Refusal had been made on the grounds that planners were of the opinion that the premises remained a valuable village asset. It was suggested by Cllr Croney that information should be obtained from NDDC to substantiate the decision with economic evidence. The Clerk reported that he had made contact with James Lytton-Trevers – Planning Officer North Dorset District Council, however the response given did not answer the concerns of the Parish Council over the decision.

After discussion it was agreed that the Parish Council should request the economic evidence used in the decision making process by Planning Officers.

ACTION – Clerk to contact North Dorset District Planning Officer to request further information.

2. 2/2013/1330/PLNG – Hill View, Coach Road, Stourpaine, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8TL – Erect garage, log store and cart shed. Permission granted by NDDC subject to conditions.

The Clerk notified the Parish Council that planning applications 2/2013/1261/PLNG and 2/2013/1266/PLNG would be discussed at a meeting of the Full Development Committee at North Dorset District Council – 10.00am on the 4^th March 2014 at Nordon. Cllr Norman stated that he had received a letter from Mr Simon Elliot for forwarding to North Dorset District Council on the proposed applications.

As previously circulated to Councillors.

b. County Councillor

As previously circulated to Councillors.

c. Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator

None

d. Village Hall/Stourpaine Playing Fields Association

The Clerk reported that he had reported to the Stourpaine Playing Fields Association that the equipment store was insecure.

e. DT11 Forum/CPEND

As previously circulated to Councillors

f. Trailway

At a recent meeting of the North Dorset Trailway Group there had been agreement for the stretch of Trailway near the sewage station to be scraped and resurfaced, but works would have to wait until the new financial year and an improvement in the weather.

An update was given by Cllr Norman on the replacement of a gate on the Trailway near to the Church. It would appear that the gate supplied by the British Horse Society would not fit the lower entrance, therefore it had been fitted at the top entrance to the field.

It was agreed that DCC Rangers be approached to provide a quotation for the replacement of the lower gate to be made of wood. Depending on the quotation the Parish Council would look to fund the replacement,

g. Rights of Way Officer 

Cllr Williams as Rights of Way Officer provided an update on the replacement of concrete “sandbag” that were beginning to disintegrate by a stream on a right of way. Following discussions with DCC Rangers it was likely that these would be replaced in due course subject to funding.

h. Allotments

None

The Clerk reported that contact was still to be made with both the Chairman and Treasurer of the Stourpaine Allotment Association.

i. Unauthorised Travellers Encampment – Update

Although no official notification had been received from Dorset County Council it was reported that action was being take to remove the unauthorised traveller’s encampment at the DCC Chipping Store on Bushes Road.

Cllr Farwell highlighted information that it was the usual practice of the occupants of the site to let their dogs loose to roam around the area.

j. Spectrum Housing – Hod View Estate Strategy

Cllr Norman and Cllr Williams provided a report to Councillors on their attendance at a recent residents meeting for Hod View.

• It was clear that not all residents were reporting issues of disrepair and that some residents were not aware of the process to be followed.
• The Parish Council still has concerns over the management of the estate in that some of the fundamental problems with the fabric and services of the buildings are not being addressed effectively.
• It is recommended that a further meeting be requested with more senior management from Spectrum Housing to outline some of the concerns held.
• It had been highlighted by residents that a dog owned by a resident on the opposite side of the A350 from Hod View had been found loose in the communal areas of the Hod View flats and had been fouling the area.

Action – Clerk to write to the identified owner to raise the matter and seek agreement to ensure that the dog is kept under control

The Clerk reported that Health & Safety inspections of the site continued to be carried out on a weekly basis.

Following the recent flooding in the Havelins it was reported that the play area was waterlogged still not useable at present.

Following work to the area carried out by Phil Wigg it had been reported that the picket fence between the tennis courts and play area is in poor condition. At present responsibility for the fence was not clear however the Clerk is to follow this issue.

ACTION – Clerk to verify the responsibility for the maintenance of the fence.

It is also apparent that whilst the Stourpaine Playing field Association cut the grass around the play equipment they do not strim close to the equipment. This has the result of the area looking untidy. It was agreed that a quotation for these works be obtained from the current contractor who looks after the Grace Upward Under 12’s Play Area in Bottom Road.

ACTION – Clerk to speak with Iwerne Valley Garden Services to arrange for a quotation

b. Grace Upward Under 12s, Bottom Road

No report in the absence of Cllr Partridge

It was agreed by Councillors that all payments, bill and invoices listed on the schedule be paid. The payments were then authorised by Cllrs Norman and Williams.

b. Budget 2014/15

The Clerk presented a draft budget to the Parish Council. It was highlighted that the budget showed little increase on that for 2013/14 however the impact of the removal of the Council Tax Support Grant will be reflected in an increase in Council Tax for those residents liable for payment. Papers had been circulated prior to the meeting to Councillors showing the detailed draft budget for 2014/15 along with supporting paperwork.

There being no further questions or discussion the draft budget for 2014/15 was approved by those Councillors present.

c. Precept request 2014/15

The Clerk presented to Councillors details of the request for the payment of the 2014/15 Precept from North Dorset District Council as the billing authority.

This was duly authorised for the sum of £16450.00 and signed by Cllr Norman as Chair

d. Remaining Grants and Section 137 payments to be allocated for 2013/14

After discussion it was unanimously agreed that Parish Council would make the following Grants and Section 137 payments from the budgeted expenditure for 2013/14:

Section 137 payments

£100.00 – Dorset Air Ambulance

£150.00 – Holy Trinity Church Babies & Toddlers Group

Grants

£100.00 Blandford Leisure Centre

£100.00 Blandford Town Council re Public WC’s

£100.00 North Dorset Citizens Advice Bureau

£150.00 Stourpaine Village Hall

A further £200.00 would be allocated as a possible grants to Dorset County Council in respect of the Trailway and would be used to contribute to the replacement wooden gate required near the Parish Church.

ACTION – Clerk to report the issue to NDDC/DCC and obtain advice on further action.