Reportsa. District Councillor As previously circulated to Councillors.b. County Councillor
As previously circulated to Councillors.
Cllr Croney added that a Community Impact Group was to be set up with involvement from the District and County Council, Environment Agency to recent flooding in Dorset with a view to deciding what action is required now and what action will be required to mitigate future risks.
Following the flooding in North Dorset in December 2013 it was noted that NDDC were at times receiving rumours and speculations on instances of flooding but were not in receipt of definitive information that would have been useful in helping co-ordinate the response of services.
Cllr Croney reported that she would be visiting some of the at-risk areas in the locality with Roland Skeats – DCC in an effort to look at problem drains/gullies.
With regard to Council Tax Support and the issue that NDDC have decided that they will not pass on any grant to Parish Councils in 2014/15, Cllr Croney reported that the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) state they have set aside a grant to billing authorities included in the Revenue Support Grant but this had not been received by NDDC or not clearly highlighted by DCLG.
During a workshop in 2012 those Parish Clerks in attendance were informed that Parishes should not expect a grant in future years and that budgets should be prepared to allow for this.
Cllr Croney further reported that Blandford Town Council had not allowed for the removal of grant monies and that there were concerns over the finances and the effect on services.
Cllr Croney further stated that if grant monies had or would be paid to NDDC that she would advocate for this to be passed on to Parish/Town Councils.
The issues with Spectrum Housing and the management of the Hod View Estate were then highlighted. Cllr Croney stated that she is happy to continue to be involved in supporting the residents and Parish Council in dealing with Spectrum Housing and asked that the Parish Council advise of any action taken/required.
Copies of correspondence between Cllr Croney and Spectrum Housing has been circulated to Councillors by the Clerk.
The Clerk reminded Councillors that Spectrum Housing were holding a residents forum on the 19th February 2014 to which the Parish Council had an invite to attend.
Concern was expressed by the Parish Council that many of initiatives detailed in the Hod View Estate Strategy did not deal with the fundamental issues of property management and condition.
c. Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator
None
d. Village Hall/Stourpaine Playing Fields Association
Cllr Yarwood reported that Electoral Services at NDDC has asked to book the Village Hall for May 2014 and May 2015, but they had been made aware of the proposals to redevelop the site.
The exchange of contracts for the sale of the Village Hall to Raglan Housing was expected to take place on the 4th February 2014. A reduced purchase price of £500,000 had been offered for the site based on the sale price and number of units planned for the site, however if a higher price for the market sale units could be achieved then the amount of funds received for the sale could be expected to increase.
The Sports Pavilion did flood in December 2013 and that this would be subject to an insurance claim. Cllr Norman reported that he had received a letter from a resident with regard to the flooding and the impact on the new village hall.
e. DT11 Forum/CPEND
Cllr Norman as Chair of the DT11 Forum reported NDDC were currently preparing budgets for 2014/15 and the financial support provided to community groups. A meeting had recently been held with officers of NDDC and that this had been a difficult meeting with the inference given that NDDC have will have limited financial resources to fund such groups and that Town Councils should take a role in providing support. Cllr Norman highlighted that it was unlikely that Town Councils could afford to do this, and although NDDC proposal would have a limited impact in 2014/15 and changes to funding would have a significant effect in 2015/16.
A planning application had been submitted to NDDC in respect of the Fording Point, Cultural Centre in Blandford. If approved this would provide theatre and cinema facilities to the area.
f. Trailway
Cllr Norman stated that 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 weather improved.
A response from DCC Rangers with regard to a number of issued raised by the Parish Council had been circulated to Councillors and that a further updated would be provided by the Clerk in due course.
g. Rights of Way Officer
Cllr Williams as Rights of Way Officer stated that whilst he would be stepping down from his role as Parish Councillor during 2014 he would continue in his role as Snow Officer.
h. Allotments
The Clerk reported that despite efforts no meaningful contact had been made with the Stourpaine Allotments Association and that it was likely that the person in the role of Treasurer had changed once again. Continued efforts would be made to engage with the Allotments Association.
Cllr Norman reported that a resident of the village who leased land from the Parish Council was selling their property and that once sold if the Parish Council/householder wished to continue the lease agreement this would require renegotiation.
i. Unauthorised Travellers Encampment – Update
It was reported that Dorset Police recently raided the site concerning an investigation into the possession and sale of illegal drugs however no further action could be taken.
Cllr Farwell noted that it was the practice of the Traveller to let their dogs loose to roam around the area which could have an impact on wildlife and road safety.
The Clerk reported that he had been contact by representatives from Twyford Parish Council who have offered to discuss the issues and action taken to deal with the same group of Travellers who set up an illegal encampment in their Parish. It was agreed by Councillors that a meeting be arranged as soon as practical. |
You must be logged in to post a comment.