Minutes of the Meeting held at 7.30pm
on Monday 5th March 2007 at Marnhull Village Hall
PRESENT: Chairman J Pett, Cllr Goldsmith, Cllr Fraser,
Cllr Lloyd, Cllr Mrs Locke, Cllr Watson, Cllr Pender-Cudlip, Cllr Mrs Plummer
and Cllr Mrs Russell.
There were seven members of the public in attendance.
PUBLIC
DISCUSSION: Mr McTaggart reported on the signs to
the Village Hall. He felt that the sign at the entrance to the Recreation
Ground was tatty and insufficient. He proposed that we approach DCC regarding
placing a finger post on the verge the opposite side to the entrance. Cllr
Lloyd said that we had had quotes in the past upto £1000 for erecting
and maintaining a new sign from DCC. He felt that they would be reluctant
to let us put one up ourselves. Cllr Lloyd proposed that the old signs
be replaced with some having white writing on a green or brown sign. Cllr
Lloyd and Mr McTaggart to discuss this further.
Mr McTaggart then went on to say that he felt that the dog fouling notices
and the sign the other side requesting people to keep their dog on the
lead are both covering two commemorative plaques on the gates. He also
again felt that these signs were unsuitable and needed refurbishing. He
also noted that the brambles had grown through the gates. Cllr Mrs Russell
put this down as a job for the April clean up. Mr Miller suggested that
the gates be changed to make the entrance wider. The Councillors did not
feel this was a good idea as not only would it involve gaining planning
consent but also it would encourage people to drive faster up the drive.
Mr Plowman then updated Councillors on the Skatepark and said that all
the weekly checks had been carried out satisfactorily. He also noted that
the straining wires had not as yet been fixed. The clerk to contact Townsend
Fencing to request the work to be carried out. Action Item 12/07.
Mr Plowman also said that the Skatepark would need repainting as soon as
the weather improves and he will obtain a quotation for some more paint.
2007/049 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Cllr Mrs Bone, Cllr
Cattaway and Cllr Soul.
2007/050 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS: Those of the
Parish Council Meeting on the 5th of February 2007 and those of a Planning
Meeting on the 24th of February were agreed after some minor amendments to
be a true record and signed.
2007/051 HENSTRIDGE AIRFIELD: Cllr Pender-Cudlip reported that
a new planning application had been received concerning a new bungalow to
be built in place of the existing mobile home that is on site. He said that
it would be well hidden from the road and he saw no reason for the Council
to object. All Councillors were in agreement with this.
He then reported on
a letter sent from Mr Malcolm Shaw of this parish with a complaint about
aircraft noise to the Parish Council. Mr Shaw had been
invited to attend the meeting, but declined.
An unsolicited response has been received by the Chairman from the Airfield
Operator who has also offered to speak at a future Parish Council meeting
to explain air traffic control of aircraft resident or visiting Henstridge
airfield. Subsequent correspondence in the BVM has aired both sides of
the debate with a majority in support of flying pointing out ground based
noise
can be equally intrusive. The traffic control regime for Henstridge Airfield
appears to be robust.
No complaints were received at Henstridge Airfield over the
weekend that particularly concerned Mr Shaw, nor any since September. If
the airfield is not notified about perceived problems it is not possible
to determine whether the aircraft concerned were operating out of Henstridge
and, if they were, to take the appropriate action
The council draws attention
to the recommended procedure for reporting aircraft nuisance to Henstridge
Airfield management. Any report should be made at
the time of nuisance or as soon as possible afterwards and contain as much
of the following information as possible:
- Ring 01963 364231 and give your name and your location.
- Give the date and time of nuisance.
- Describe as best you can the Aircraft type – Monoplane/biplane/helicopter/microlight.
- Include the aircraft colour and distinguishing feature if possible.
- Indicate the direction of travel.
- Explain the type of nuisance – Height/route/noise/manoeuvres/other.
- If writing the address is – Henstridge Airfield, Henstridge,
Somserset, BA8 0TN.
- If you wish, also inform the Parish Clerk that you have made a complaint.
Airfield management will log the call, investigate and report back to complainant.
All reports of complaint and the outcome of the investigation are reviewed
twice a year by the Henstridge Airfield Consultative Committee, which includes
a representative of Marnhull Parish Council.
2007/052 POLICE MATTERS: PC Phil Sugrue from Sturminster Newton Police came
to speak and answer any questions the Council had as Inspector Chalkley had
been called away on another matter. He reported that the resources in Sturminster
have doubled and there are always four officers on duty. The Polices Station
is now open to the public on Saturday between 10am-2pm and on a Monday between
10am –2pm. The enquiry centre number for non-emergencies is 01202 222222.
Cllr Goldsmith noted that we had been very frustrated over the last six months
at the lack of Police attendance at our meetings especially at the time when
we were having repeated vandalism at the Village Hall. PC Surgrue assured
the Council that they would continue their patrolling around the Recreation
Ground especially with the lighter evenings approaching and that they would
do whatever they could to help.
The Chairman noted that the Police presence outside St Gregory’s School
had helped with the parking problems and seemed to have improved the situation.
Cllr Watson noted that it would be a good idea for the police to have contact
points through the area where they dropped in from time to time to reinforce
the fact that the Police are around. Unfortunately PC Sugrue explained that
as resources are limited that would not be possible. The Chairman thanked
PC Sugrue for being so informative and attending our meeting.
2007/053 MATTERS ARISING: Action Items – Each was discussed and either
completed or ongoing.
Action Item 31/06 Cllr Mrs Russell said that she had been turned down by
Signpost for a grant as they only deal with bigger amounts. She was going
to try elsewhere and will report back at the next meeting.
Action Item 10/07 Mr Miller spoke regarding the fire assembly points and
that he would consult with the Fire Officer where the best position is.
Action Item 11/07 Again Mr Miller noted that he had applied for a grant but
for some storage in the Village Hall rather than curtains as someone had
very kindly already donated them.
2007/054 AGENDA ITEMS Tennis Club Fees – This again was discussed
and the clerk reported that at present the Council pay £8.39 per annum
to insure the tennis court surface for upto £2,500 worth of damage.
It was suggested that it might be more beneficial for the Tennis Club to
cover the insurance rather than the Parish Council. Mr Godwin is to look
into this and report back at the next meeting where a final decision on the
fees will be made.
At this point Mr Miller spoke regarding the insurance and said that an insurance
broker had moved into the village and is willing to look into all the clubs
and societies insurance including the Parish Council to see if money could
be saved. Cllr Lloyd is to liase with Mr Miller over this.
Village Design Statement – Cllr Fraser has agreed to look further into
this matter.
Potential New Councillors Evening – This is to be on Thursday 22nd
March at the Blackmore Vale Inn. Cllr Lloyd is preparing some posters to
advertise the event.
2007/055 DORSET COUNTY COUNCIL: Cllr Lloyd reported that
Cllr Cattaway had given him some information to pass onto the Council.
He said that there
has been no decision on the pathfinder status as yet, but Dorset is well
placed.
2007/056 NORTH DORSET DISTRICT COUNCIL: Cllr Bone passed a report to the
clerk as follows:
The main business of the Council this month was the approval of the budget
for the coming year. The meeting of 22 February 2007 approved an increase
of 5% over last year. This assumes that capping by the Government will not
occur again this year. The minutes of that meeting record that ‘the
early part of the next year would be used to establish which services should
be devolved in totality to some combination of towns and parishes, when and
how this would happen’. This would be subsequent to the implementation
of the Tough Choices Programme. In the meantime it appears that the Service
Level Agreements regarding this. Programmes are not yet in place and Cllr
Bone is currently in correspondence with Mrs Goodall regarding these matters.
2007/057 PLANNING:
All were circulated in the file.
2007/058 CORRESPONDENCE:
The correspondence file was circulated to all Councillors.
2007/059 ACCOUNTS:
Accounts to Date
| |
Total Budget Actual to Date |
Actual + Future |
| Payments |
20575 |
16691 |
18489 |
| Receipts |
21355 |
22784 |
23434 |
The Payment Schedule was approved by Councillors.
2007/060 RECREATION GROUND: (Skatepark, Playarea):
Tree Report – Mrs Sturges gave a report on the work that had
been carried out in the Recreation Ground.
She chose Mr Heenan from a list of contractors she was supplied with
from NDDC’s Environment Officer. Whilst viewing the work that
needed doing he suggested that she invite NDDC Tree Officers to inspect
the large Beech Trees in the far corner of the rec. She subsequently
met Mr Byron Harris who spent some time looking at all the trees. Mrs
Sturges has made a careful note of his recommendations for future years.
However, after his close inspection of the beech trees he said that
they were suffering from an attack of two different kinds of fungis.
His report on these trees was that they should be felled, although
these trees are covered by a tree preservation order.
These trees may be part of the adjoining field, which runs between
Nash Court and the rec. It is their close proximity to Nash Lane, which
adds extra cause for concern.
Mr Harris made several different comments which included asking Mrs
Sturges to ask the Parish Council to make sure that the mowers did
not cut too close to the trees. He also asked that no strimming be
carried out around the trees as this was damaging the roots. Mr Harris
also suggested that the small chestnut trees between the village hall
and the playarea be felled next year. Other work that is necessary
is the clearing of the epicormic growth in the two lime trees adjoining
this chestnut.
Mr Heenan has now carried out most of the work but Mrs Sturges noticed
two items which were missed. He is going to return to do this work
when he comes to remove the tree stump. This will be after the daffodils
have finished.
Mrs Sturges also reported that she had discussed the tree planting
with the senior tree officer at NDDC and he said that they could help
us. In particular, if we could find a place to plant a village orchard
then NDDC would fund all the planting. He gave Mrs Sturges details
of an orchard that started this scheme. Mrs Sturges asked the Parish
Council if anyone had any ideas of places to please let her know.
The Chairman thanked Mrs Sturges for all her continued hardwork.
Cllr Mrs Locke noted that the horse chestnut in Burton Street was over
hanging into the road and hitting the buses as they went past. She
will ask the owners of the field if they can get the tree looked at
to see what could be done. Action Item 12/07.
Mr Miller also noted that there was an oak tree along Sodom lane that
leans across the road. He believed that the tree was in a field owned
by Ashley Farm. The clerk to request that the tree be cut back to prevent
debris falling into the road. Action Item 13/07.
2007/061 MARNHULL MESSENGER: Nothing to Report.
2007/062 GRASS CUTTING: Unfortunately James Chant can no longer cut
the grass in the playarea and driveway of the Recreation Ground. The
Cricket Club are still happy to continue their agreement with the Council
for this next coming season. The Chairman asking Cllr Mrs Plummer whether
her husband who already cut the cemetery would be prepared to take
on the other areas. She said that she would let the clerk know.
2007/063 PARISH PLAN: Nothing to Report.
2007/064 HENSTRIDGE AIRFIELD:
As Above.
2007/065 FOOTPATHS: The clerk noted how popular the new footpath
maps had been and how many requests for more she had had.
2007/066
ALLOTMENTS: The plans for the new allotments are still ongoing.
2007/067
DAPTC: No Report.
2007/068 TOUGH CHOICES: Local Delivery of Discretionary
Services.
Cllr Lloyd reported that he had attended a meeting of the Local Delivery
Working Group at NDDC (20 Feb) where the Service Level Agreement (between
NDDC and parishes who supported the Tough Choices precept increment)
were effectively finalised. That meeting and those he attended at Sturminster
Newton Town Council (27 Feb) and at Gillingham (1 Mar) sought to draw
out the co-ordination of the parishes / towns requirements for local
services, and considered possible ways in which the services could
be implemented. A considerable amount of work needs to be done in these
matters, and arrangements must be chilled by September this year in
order to prevent redundancy action by NDDC on those who previously
worked in these areas.
NDDC has included £25000 in its budget this year (from reserves)
sufficient to retain the community workers in the district. These workers
are an essential resource in enabling parishes & towns to progress
their community projects to fruition (Village Hall refurbishment, Parish
Plan, and currently Play Area renewal are Marnhull projects in which
they have been involved).
2007/069 VILLAGE HALL MATTERS: Mr Miller reported that the roof had
now been repaired. The next thing that they would like to get done
is the painting and decorating. They have been in contact with the
Chairman who has given them the number for the Dorset Probation Board
to see if it is something that they would consider doing. Mr Miller
also spoke regarding the Marnhull Book and that he felt that all monies
from the sale of the book were supposed to go to the Village Hall.
Cllr Goldsmith then spoke regarding the Marnhull book and said that
that was not his understanding of the arrangement. And that the monies
were to be split between the Parish Council and the Village Hall as
had been happening in the past. Cllr Watson also said that he had spoken
to the editor of the book and that was also what he confirmed. The
remaining books are assets owned by the Parish Council and so the Parish
Council should be able to do with the money as they see fit.
Mr Miller also noted that the Mississippi evening had now been sold
out and that the quiz in the Crown on the 9th April is coming up all
in aid of village hall funds.
2007/070 YOUTH ACTIVITIES: Cllr Mrs Locke spoke regarding the
playarea and that she had spoken with the police architectural liaison
officer
and he had offered her lots of useful advice regarding the new teenage
seating area. His main point was that to make the teenage area a success
then you need to have the youth involved from the beginning. As the
disco is arranged for the 20th of April the idea is to put up some
information in the hall. And also to have a break in the middle to
discuss the ideas with the teenagers and get some feed back. Cllr Mrs
Locke asked the Parish Council as to whether they would be prepared
to subsidise the disco as they were unlikely to cover costs. All councillors
were in agreement up to a figure of £200.
2007/071 SCHOOLS: Nothing
to Report.
2007/072 DATE OF NEXT MEETING: Monday 2nd April at 7.30pm.
New Councillors Evening 22nd March 2007 at 7.30pm.
Annual Parish Assembly April 24th 7.30pm.
2007/073 ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA:
2007/074 PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
The subject of the dog fouling in the rec was again brought up and
what could be done to reduce it. Mrs Sturges noted that the only
way is to educate people. The Chairman said that he would again bring
it up at the Annual Parish Meeting.
The meeting was closed at 10.10pm.
ACTION LIST:
| Action No |
Action |
Action by |
| 22/06 |
The Clerk to get some quotations for carrying out the work at
the allotments. |
Clerk - ongoing. |
| 26/06 |
To follow up the idea in 2007 of St Gregory's pool opening to
the public. |
On hold - Cllr Locke. |
| 30/06 |
Repair of the small football pitch. |
Cllr Soul - on hold. |
| 31/06 |
To obtain some quotations for a few large containers to be purchased. |
Cllr Mrs Russell - onhold March 07. |
| 32/06 |
Tenancy agreement to be drawn up in good time for the new allotments
in September. |
Clerk. |
| 34/06 |
To find out more information on putting some more signs to St
Mary's School. |
Cllr Plummer |
| 39/06 |
The Clerk to get NDDC to remove the tarmac behind the phone box
in Burton Street. |
Clerk. |
| 43/06 |
Cllr Mrs Locke to find out from the Tennis Club some more information
regarding the practice wall in the Rec. |
Clerk. |
| 12/07 |
Cllr Mrs Locke to ask the owners of the field in Burton Street
if they could get some advice on cutting back the tree. |
Cllr Mrs Locke |
| 13/07 |
The clerk to approach Ashley Farm regarding the oak tree leaning
into Sodom lane. |
Clerk. |
| 14/07 |
Cllr Lloyd to liaise with Mr Miller to obtain / quotation for
the council's insurance from a Marnhull insurance broker. |
Cllr Lloyd. |
Chairman …………………………
