Parish Council Meeting November 2024

The Parish Council last met on Wednesday 13 November 20024. The key issues debated, discussed and agreed were as follows:

Democratic Forum - a resident spoke in favor of a grant application to be considered in the meeting. They went on to ask if medicine blister packs can be recycled for metal at the tip and were advised the village Post Office has a collection point for these. They also asked how much Dorset Council spends clearing fly tipping as they felt charges at tips would lead to an increase of this crime. Another resident asked who was responsible for clearing discarded hedge cuttings after hedges have been cut. They also asked if a community litter pick could be started.

The Clerk will investigate the matters raised. If residents would like to join a community litter pick, please email the clerk: [email protected].

Report from Dorset Council Councillor - Dorset Council has a deficit of £13 million for this financial year, not £10 million as previously reported, due to increased costs of adult social care. Dorset Council receives £300 million in council tax plus income from various fees and has an annual turnover of £1 billion. The new administration is trying to get back on track and it is hoped proposed efficiency savings will close the funding gap.

Dorset Council recognise that winter preparedness is of great concern, particularly flooding. The Council’s Flood Team has advised groundwater levels are very high and there are worries that springs that usually surface in late winter will do so much earlier. Sandbags are available for residents from the side of the Post Office, the side and the front of the Village Hall. All grit bins around the village have been checked and all are currently full except the one in School Lane, which Dorset Council will be asked to top up.

Finance - as of 6 November 2024 the Council had £18,400 in reserves before working payments of £2,350, which included the cost of a replacement laptop for the Clerk, a grant to the Church towards grounds maintenance costs and the Post Office towards operational costs.

A budget of £9,850 for 2025/26 was approved - an increase of £900 on the current financial year. The increase relates to additional costs due to the Recreation Ground, the need to increase working reserves and increases in salary and pension costs. Financial reports can be found in the November meeting section of this website. If you wish to express a view about the budget either email the clerk, speak to one of your Parish Councillors, or attend the next Parish meeting.

Highways - two Councillors and the Clerk met with representatives of Dorset Council and Highways England to discuss the future of Powerstock Bridge. All agreed action had to be taken to reduce the flooding incidents. Both agencies agreed to work together to draw up plans to remove the bridge, raise the road level and seek all necessary permissions.

Defibrillator and Resuscitation Training - all Councillors and the Clerk are to take training (date to be arranged). If any residents are interested in joining in please email the Clerk.

Living Parish Christmas tree - Council agreed to contribute to a Christmas tree to be planted at the High Street side of the Village Hall, in conjunction with the Community Land Trust.

Environment including Rights of Way - discussions leading to a plan of action to potentially open the trailway to Maiden Newton were gaining traction within Dorset Council.

Dates of Future Meetings - the next Parish Council meeting is Wednesday 15 January 2025 at 7pm in the Village Hall. The date of the Annual Parish Assembly is set for Wednesday 9 April 2025 in the Village Hall. It is hoped that Steve Oliver, from the Dorset Wild Life Trust, will attend with an update on the Toller Whelme Beaver Project, now in its third year.

And Finally... on behalf of all your Councillors and the Clerk may I wish all residents a joyful Christmas and Happy New Year and a good cry over the John Lewis Christmas commercial!

"Don we now our ugly sweaters…"