Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Electors
Held Thursday 10th April 2014 in the Village Hall, Sixpenny Handley.
Item / 01Attendance – Total 50 present
Parish Councillors:
Cllr David Lockyer (Chairman of the Parish Council)
Cllr Richard Ferguson (Vice-Chairman)
Cllr David Chick
Cllr Stephanie Court
Cllr Simon Meaden
Cllr James Reed
Cllr Tim Reynolds
Cllr Colin Taylor
Guests:
Cllr Mrs Lucy Clark – East Dorset District Council
Tim Davis – Housing Development Manager Christchurch Borough & East Dorset District Council
Steve Watson – Affordable Housing Advisor for Wessex Community Land Trust
County Councillor Steve Butler (Cranborne Chase Ward)
District Councillor Simon Tong (Handley Vale Ward)
PC Lucy Syme – East Dorset Safer Neighbourhood Team
Dr Elizabeth Nodder – Sixpenny Handley Surgery
Jenny Gordon – Handley Waistcoat Festival Events Committee
Also in Attendance:
Mrs Lisa Goodwin (Clerk)
Mrs Gill Martin (Assistant Clerk)
Apologies received from:
Cllr Tony Gibb
Cllr Dr Judith Gillespie-Smith
Inspector Wayne Nock
Tim Palmer
01 / Welcome & Introduction
The Chairman welcomed those present.
02 / Confirm the minutes of the last Annual Parish Meeting held 11th April 2013.
It was proposed by Cllr Simon Meaden and seconded by Chris Wadge that the minutes were a true and accurate record of the meeting. Resolved that the minutes be signed by the Chairman.
03 / Matters arising from the last Annual Parish Meeting.
There were no matters arising.
04 / Annual Report of the Parish Council presented by Cllr Tim Reynolds
The Parish Council has had another very busy year. One matter that has taken centre stage during the last four months being the excessive rainfall and subsequent flooding and damage that was caused along the course of the River Allen throughout the bottom half of Handley. There were massive problems, and apart from the excellent support from our District Council, there was very little help or understanding forthcoming to begin with from other responsible agencies. It was thanks to the Flood Warden and other councillors that appropriate action was taken and that other influential representatives were encouraged to accept invitations to come and view at first hand the unacceptable scenes that inhabitants of Handley were having to endure.
Our Member of Parliament, Robert Walter, came, listened observed and went away to lobby the appropriate departments at Whitehall; the Leader of Dorset County Council, Spencer Flower was suitably horrified by the situation, in the company of your Chairman and our County and District Representatives, Councillors Steve Butler and Simon Tong.
02
A Dorset Highways Engineer came to inspect the C65 Handley/Bowerchalke road (that skirts part of Garston Wood) and stated that he considered it to be one of the worst-damaged roads in the county. Thankfully, quick and extensive repair and relaying work took place there – in Dean Lane and also in Frogmore Lane/Manor Farm area.
In Dean Lane the foul water pipe was cleared, several blockages being caused by silt and fine shingle, but not until the groundwater level had dropped off – much to the relief of those with downstairs loos. However, failure of the sewer pumps to cope, causing a back up of significant egress of raw sewerage continues to cause concern from Dean Lane to Manor Farm.
The closing of the B3081 at Tollard Royal – not in our parish, but vitally affecting it, compelled your parish council to make critical comment; eventually as a result of pressure from Dorset County Council, a part-solution gave some relief, though the matter is still cause for concern.
So now things have settled down to a more normal level of reasonable activity, the water gone, sandbags disappeared, no more craters, and the Parish awaits a visit from a high level Wessex Water Risk Manager to establish a plan for the future. Your Chairman attended a meeting with Oliver Letwin, the Cabinet Minister responsible for Government Policy, who has been appointed by the Prime Minister to investigate Dorset’s response to, and recovery from, the recent floods. There will be a follow up meeting next month.
Another matter which has engaged the attention of your Parish Council is the subject of Affordable Housing and with it, Community Land Trusts.
The Parish Council has re-housed itself in new premises, adjacent to the previous offices. They offer much better facilities for meetings and parish administration and are available for use by other parties at certain times. Three parish council meetings per month have usually taken place dealing with the following matters:
· Speeding and the setting up of a community Speedwatch scheme.
· The retention of the 184 bus service.
· The condition of hedges, roads and footpaths.
· The Sports Association and continual concern of costs versus income.
· The Village Hall & Sports Pavilion, both undergoing some serious maintenance work programmes.
· Recreation Area & Sports Facilities, the Parish Council is disappointed that not enough use is made, especially by children of an amenity which is the envy of many outside the parish.
· Play Area, where a watchful eye is kept on the state of the equipment, an improvement initiated by Sarah Styles for which we are all most appreciative, not least the children themselves.
· The Bowls Club, with their new Clubhouse and freshly laid mat.
· Financial Commitments including the setting of the 2014/15 Precept.
· Contribution toward the sound system in St Marys Church.
· Dorset Waste Partnership and improved collection services.
· Allotments.
· Grass Cutting of public spaces and play area.
· Risk Assessments, Asset Register.
· Community Fund Committee.
· Handley Waistcoat Working Group support to the organisers for event on 17th May.
· Monitoring the occasional dog mess problem (thanks to Rob Jesse for the not very pleasant, self-imposed responsibility of collecting the public rubbish bags).
· 18 Planning Applications considered.
· Deanland Telephone Box refurbishment.
· Letter of thanks to the First School Eco Club for litter picking around the village.
· Regard Partnership from Town Farm Workshops for play area inspections.
All these are really important contributions to our community and we very much appreciate the efforts of all concerned.
And finally, after many years of service on the Parish Council, Judith Gillespie-Smith feels that she should step down. She has been a stalwart rep for Pentridge and an immense help on planning matters. We shall miss her wisdom.
Also, having been the Assistant Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer to the Council for 11 years, Mrs Gill Martin has decided enough is enough. She also has served the community with uncomplaining cheerfulness, but retires at the end of April. However, if you have been reading your Downsman, you will have read about the appointment of Mrs Ciona Nicholson as replacement; a Sixpenny Handley resident and is welcomed as makes up the duo of our Clerks together with Mrs Lisa Goodwin, without whose skilled professionalism – and patience – the Parish would not have a Council as active and dedicated as it is.
All the activities of the Parish Council are open to inspection and for information from various sources;
· On the website at www.sixpennyhandleyparishcouncil.btck.co.uk
· On the ‘Clerks Corner’ page of The Downsman
· On Noticeboards in our villages
· At the two surgeries in the week , held in the Parish Office (Tues mornings & Thursday evenings)
· By attending Parish Council meetings which members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend.
03
Audited Accounts for year ending 31st March 2013.
The Audited Accounts for 2013 can be seen on the display board. These have been available for scrutiny on the Parish Council website and on the noticeboard at the Parish Office.
The Chairman of the Parish Council took this opportunity to award Cllr Colin Taylor with the trophy for the best attendance record over the past year to meetings of the Parish Council.
The Chairman also presented Gill Martin with flowers and gift from the Parish Council on her retirement.
05 / Handley Waistcoat Festival
Jenny Gordon provided an update on the Waistcoat Festival on 17th May 2014. Funding has been secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund. See www.sixpennyhandley.com for more details.
06 / County Council Annual Review
Cllr Steve Butler provided a report on various matters dealt with by the County Council including:
· Dorset Waste Partnership & Recycling
· Adult Social Care
· Children’s Services
· Highways
· Flood Relief
· Rural Broadband
· Public Health
Matters raised by those present:
· Further repairs still required to the C65 past Garston Wood
· Care in the home in Sixpenny Handley is an issue.
· Road Sweeping to remove sand and shingle following flooding.
07 / District Council Annual Review
Cllr Simon Tong reported on the Local Plan which sets out development of East Dorset over the next 15 years. Christchurch & East Dorset District Council are likely to approve the document which has been inspected for soundness on 28th April. The document identifies significant changes to housing stock in the district. The balance between integrity and vibrancy is problematic and needs to be addressed with care. The Parish Council has been working closely with East Dorset District Council to consider more housing in Sixpenny Handley.
Each ward councillor has been awarded £2000 to be spent at their discretion for community benefit. Cllr Simon Tong will be discussing different ways to share the sum with Chairman of the Parish Councils in the ward in the first instance.
The Parish Council’s response to the winter groundwater flooding was exemplary enabling East Dorset District Council to give full support to the community. Robert Walter MP was invited to see for himself the effect and damage of the flooding. Flood mitigation is now of prime concern before next winter. Meetings with the Environment Agency and Oliver Letwin MP to change Government Policy are the priority.
The closure of the B3081 at Tollard Royal affected trade to Sixpenny Handley but following negotiation between your County, District and Parish Council with Wiltshire County Council, traffic lights have been installed to get the road opened.
Cllr Tong congratulated the Parish Council on behalf of its electors for its commendable work and would like to see it replicated across the county.
Do not hesitate to contact Cllr Simon Tong at any time for assistance.
04
08 / Report by Dr Elizabeth Nodder
Dr Nodder provided a report on changes within the Healthcare system and how they will affect patients.
09 / Police & Crime Review by PC Lucy Syme
PC Lucy Syme has recently joined the Safer Neighbourhood Team, working with PCSO Andy Flanagan, PCSO Steve Willis and PCSO Louise Hamilton.
The Police assessment checks have been completed on volunteers for the Community Speedwatch and training dates to be arranged and exact locations to be confirmed.
Very low number of reported crimes in the area but burglaries from sheds and cars being most common. Enhanced foot patrols and unmarked police car patrols in the early hours have been introduced where necessary.
The Safer Neighbourhood Team produces a monthly newsletter which is very informative.
The PCSO’s will have use of a vehicle shortly as it is difficult to cover the whole area with a bicycle.
Rural Crime is a priority for Inspector Nock.
09 / Affordable Housing & Community Land Trust
Tim Davis, Housing Enabling Manager presented the results of the Housing Needs Survey which has identified a need for additional affordable homes in the Parish.
Steve Watson from Wessex Community Land Trust explained how the establishment of a CLT will not only help provide affordable housing with the control of the local community but also protect other assets that may be lost i.e. Pub, shop, post office.
PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS THE FORMATION OF A COMMUNITY LAND TRUST ON MAY 7TH, 7PM AT SIXPENNY HANDLEY VILLAGE HALL
10 / Questions/Comments
· Road Markings in High Street need renewing.
· Width restriction at Tollard Royal has deterred large vehicles from going through Sixpenny Handley.
· Grateful to the Parish Council for support to residents during flooding.
· Suggestion to place ‘white gates’ on approaches to Sixpenny Handley to emphasise speed limit and village boundary.
· Superfast Broadband – independent service provider wessexinternet.com can already provide internet to some properties in Sixpenny Handley and would extend the service if enough people expressed an interest. Contact them for more details.
· Not everyone has access to a computer for information.
· Grass Triangle area at junction of Frogmore Lane and Back Lane suggested planting.
11 / Closing Remarks
Parish Council Chairman: The Way Ahead. We do not live in a rural theme park. We live in a picturesque but heavy industrial landscape with residential settlements inhabited by a lot of enterprising people. I’m sure you can all think of a lot more but these are some ideas for you to take away think about, discuss and act on. –
· The maintenance and development of our resources and services.
· The impact of population increase–15% in Dorset next 15-20 years
· Encourage and support more employment opportunities.
· The need to develop a lot more self help.
· 2015 Council Elections in which 40% will not be standing for re-election.
· Casual vacancy occurring shortly that will require a new Cllr for the last 12 months of our present Council.
Final words from Cllr Lucy Clarke to draw the meeting to a close at 9:28pm
These minutes are to be signed by the Chairman after approval at the next Annual Parish Meeting
Signed;…………………………………………………………………………………………… Date: ………………………………
C:\Files\Sixpenny Handley\Minutes\Minutes Annual Parish Assembly 100414.doc