Parish Council Meeting March 2025

Key discussions and decisions from the Parish Council meeting, Wednesday, 12 March 2025, are below. Draft minutes can be viewed using this link.

Public Democratic Forum

The resident who volunteered to lead a village litter pick asked there be no deadline for volunteers. The Council agreed to publicise the volunteer’s contact details and noted that litter picks are not an official Parish Council activity. To volunteer contact Patrick Ennals direct: 01300 320696.

A hedge cutting contractor confirmed to a resident that clearing debris is outside their contract. Residents were reminded that any damage due to debris should be addressed with the landowner.

It was asked if the increase to the precept was 16%. This was confirmed and equates to an annual increase of £7.69 for a Band D property.

As some routes into the village are unsuitable for HGVs a resident suggested this be included in responses to planning applications. Council agreed.

Adding a public forum at the end of meetings was raised and the Clerk will investigate legal implications.

Matters Arising

Frustrations were raised over unfilled grit bins and no progress on road markings. The Clerk will follow up with Dorset Council.

Dorset Council Report

Dorset Councillor Neil Eysenck provided updates on:

• New Chief Executive Recruitment: Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health, was appointed interim Chief Executive. A permanent replacement is expected after a rigorous selection process.
• Dorset Council’s 2025-26 budget of £417.2 million was approved, with an almost 5% council tax increase to support frontline services. A revised council tax reduction scheme is in place for low-income households.
• Financial Audits: Audits for 2022/23 and 2023/24 were completed, revealing procurement weaknesses that Dorset Council is addressing.
• Highways Issues: Challenges persist and efforts are ongoing to secure a meeting with the Head of Highways Operations.

Finance

As of 2 March 2025, Parish Council reserves and balances total just over £14,000.

Annual Parish Assembly, 9 April 2025

The Assembly will be held in the Village Hall with refreshments from 6:45pm with the meeting starting at 7pm. There will be a presentation on the Dorset Beaver Project, an annual review by the Chair and more – look out for posters advertising the event.

Recreation Ground

Cllr Steve Hodson was congratulated on securing 10 apple trees to start a community orchard. Steve thanked all those who helped with the planting.

Feedback from a Toller Times article to keep some areas wild and install gym equipment are being investigated.

Highways

Dorset Council have acknowledged that the surface laid last year on Barrowland Lane is unsuitable and needs to be replaced. There is no date for this work as of yet.

All parties involved in the removal of Powerstock Bridge are working well together. All documentation is complete, pending ministerial approval and work is likely to start 2026-27.

Planning

The Council has objected to an application to remove the public payphone from the telephone box on the grounds the phone has been broken for some time. If the application goes ahead the Council aims to acquire the telephone box for the community.

Community

The Council have agreed a supplier to deliver Defibrillator and CPR Training to the village. A date is being arranged and there will be 12 places available for residents, free of charge.

The Emergency Response Plan has been updated and the new version is available on this website (use this link) and will be distributed accordingly.

The Ammonite Patient Participation Group met 11 March. Changes to answering the phone seem to be effective and delayed building work in reception is due to start in two weeks. The AGM of the PPG is to take place at our Village Hall, 15 May 2025, time TBC.

Next Meeting

Annual Parish Assembly, Wednesday 9 April 2025, 6:45pm for 7pm at the Village Hall - all are welcome.

The next Parish Council meeting: Wednesday, 14 May 2025, at 7pm at the Village Hall.