Highlights of the Parish Council Meeting January 2026

Key discussions and decisions from the Parish Council meeting, Wednesday, 14 January 2026, are below. Draft minutes can be viewed using this link.

Public Democratic Forum
A resident raised concern about future damage to vehicles because of the deteriorating road edge at a field entrance on Toller Lane, which is being used as a passing place. Although responsibility is unclear, I have logged the issue with Dorset Council.

Congratulations and General Power of Competence
Our clerk, Clare Smith, has qualified as a professional clerk by passing the CiLCA qualification. I'm sure you'll join the council in congratulating Clare on this achievement. A qualified clerk and the fact over two thirds of councillors were elected at the last election mean the council was able to adopt the General Power of Competence (GPC). This enables the council to do anything an adult can legally do without having to find legislation under which to act - basically it makes life a lot easier!

Dorset Council update from Cllr Neil Eysenck
Cllr Eysenck reported on a recent Dorset Council meeting, highlighting a renewed commitment to devolution and the additional funds the process provides in theory. He also provided an update on the ongoing drainage issues at Church Mead, confirming Dorset Council’s responsibility as landlord and that the matter is being actively pursued by him with Dorset Council and no further action is required of Parish Council at this stage.

Finance, budget and precept
The accounts for November and December 2025 were approved, with a bank balance of £16,895.60 at the end of December.

A significant part of the meeting focused on the budget and precept for 2026/27. Councillors reconsidered the budget after concerns were raised that the original figures resulted in an unacceptable Band D council tax increase. Following detailed discussion, changes were made to reduce expenditure in additional hours for the clerk, office equipment and the grant budget although the amount set aside for grants is still a 100% increase on previous years. This resulted in a precept of £10,615.00 which equates to a confirmed Band D increase of £3.72, or 6.75%. The council felt this struck a more reasonable balance between maintaining services and limiting the impact on residents.

Recreation Ground
Plans were discussed to repair fencing along School Lane at the Recreation Ground, using reusable posts if possible. A Nature Recovery Dorset plaque has been received as the Recreation Ground is registered as part of the Nature Recovery Network. The space qualifies due to council's decision to leave a large area uncut during the spring and summer to allow local flora and fauna to thrive. The plaque has already been installed.

Highways
Residents’ requests for community gritting were considered and the council reluctantly accepted there was nothing it could do at present. Investigative works at Powerstock Bridge will be taking place shortly to locate a water main and work to assess the capacity of the bridge on the High Street are taking place.

Community and Ammonite Patient Participation Group
An upcoming “Church for Future Generations” village meeting was highlighted. Cllr Wardle had attended the Patient Participation Group meeting the evening before and provided an update that the practice is performing well and is currently undergoing a visit by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and hoping for a good review. Renovations at the Maiden Newton surgery are due to be completed in February and trainee GPs doing their training at the practice have expressed a desire to return once qualified.

Environment and Rights of Way
Progress continues on the Trailway to Maiden Newton negotiations, with Dorset Council monitoring developments. Dorset Cllr Eysenck has received a draft breakdown of progress along the entire Trailway which he will monitor.

Upcoming meetings
Potential speakers for the Parish Assembly in April (date TBC) were discussed, with invitations to be explored.
The next Parish Council meeting is Wednesday, 11 March 2026, at 7pm at the Village Hall.