January 2015 Meeting
Your Parish Council met for its monthly meeting on Thursday 8th January 2015.
Our next meeting will be on Thursday 12th February 2015, at the Drax Hall, starting at 7pm.
All parishioners are very welcome to attend and to take the opportunity to raise any matters or concerns.
Public Participation
We were very pleased to be joined by 21 members of the public, by Colin Eversden, the Project Manager for the new school and by our PCSO, Luke Taylor.
Colin Eversden gave an update on the progress towards a new school, focusing particularly on the problems around the re-design of the Southbrook junction to allow the access drive to be built for construction traffic.
At December’s meeting he had been asked to initiate a survey of the lime tree at the Southbrook junction to see if the tree could be moved.
He quoted extensively from the report that had been produced on 29th December 2014 by Steve Maros MA; BSc (Hons) Arb a professionally qualified tree inspector.
Mr Maros’s report (which is available to be seen by contacting the clerk) categorises the condition of the tree as ‘fair’ which is defined as ‘generally healthy, some defects, limited life expectancy’.
He states that the tree has a Safe Useful Life Expectancy of ‘10-20 years (tree has obvious structural or cultural problems that cannot be rectified and decline is likely to continue)’.
He states that ‘The tree is too large to be moved and replanted’.
A discussion then ensued on the topic of the removal of the tree.
A number of members of the public spoke of the need to move swiftly to ensure that the new school proceeds to plan, in order not only to provide better facilities for our children, but also to overcome the potentially dangerous traffic issues of Rye Hill, and that, regrettably, the lime tree would need to be removed.
One member of the public suggested, that if it was possible, the timber from the tree could be used to create a something for the school, perhaps a bench for the playground, as an enduring memorial.
It was re-iterated that the council should look to plant a replacement tree on council, or school land in due course.
Other matters raised by members of the public included mention of another incident involving an aggressive dog, some comments on the Council’s budget, parking in West Street and the appropriateness of Facebook as a medium of discussion on Council matters.
Neighbourhood Plan Update
The council received an update from the steering group that:
The Council’s analysis of responses to the Neighbourhood plan questionnaire is in final draft form and would go out to all households in the parish shortly.
We are awaiting guidance from PDC on the implications of the change in policy announced in the Autumn about sites of fewer than 10 dwellings without a requirement for affordable homes.
We will be engaging again with the landowners of the potential housing sites, particularly the Drax estate, to obtain agreement in principle to our proposals.
The New School and the Southbrook Junction
Following the contributions made by members of the public to the debate about the re-design of the Southbrook junction, the council agreed that it stood by its difficult decision to support DCC’s request to remove the Lime Tree.
The suggestions to try to use the timber from the tree and to plant a replacement were enthusiastically endorsed.
Lengthsman’s Contract
The Lengthsman’s contract is presently up for review.
Full details have been advertised and are available from the clerk.
Wessex Water Grant
We are delighted to announce that Wessex Water have given us a ‘Watermark’ award of £350 towards the provision of a water supply for grazing on Souls Moor.
Play Park
The children of the parish will, I hope, be pleased to know that the new slide was installed at the end of December.
Grants
The Council was please to give a grant of £150 towards a defibrillator to be installed at the Sports Club.
Parish Council Vacancy
As has been advertised, we have a vacancy for one councillor and we would urge everybody who is enthusiastic about working for the good of the parish to put their names forward.
If we have more than one applicant there will be a simple and informal selection process leading to co-option.
Everyone who comes forward is guaranteed a place, if not on the council itself, then on one of our many sub-groups where your contribution will be just as valued.
Ian Ventham
Chairman
February 2015 Meeting
The Parish Council met on Thursday 12th February 2015 at the Drax Hall.
The next meeting will be on Thursday 12th March at the Drax Hall, starting at 7pm.
All parishioners are very welcome to attend and to take the opportunity to raise any matters or concerns.
Public Participation
We were very pleased to be joined by 34 members of the public, by Colin Eversden, the Project Manager for the new school and by our PCSO Jake Williams.
There was discussion about a recent incident of unruly behaviour by a number of young people outside the Royal Oak pub.
Margo Kirk then spoke about extending the Bus2Go scheme to Bere Regis (please see the advert in the Parish Mag).
We were pleased to welcome Mr Rob Asprey of Hastoe Housing Association who outlined a possible affordable housing development that might be brought forward for planning consent on a rural exception site at the end of Shitterton.
Numbers of residents were able to raise queries about the proposal.
Neighbourhood Plan Update
The council received an update from the steering group that:
The council’s response to the returned questionnaires had been sent to every household in the village.
Various individuals who had raised specific queries had been invited to contact members of the steering group. None had done so to date.
A further letter had been sent to the representatives of the Drax Estate.
Lengthsman’s Contract
Two applicants had applied to take on the Lengthsman’s role.
Interviews will be held in March.
Grants
The Council was pleased to give a grant of £250 towards the Bere Regis Show and Scarecrow Festival
Parish Council Vacancy
There are now two vacancies on the Parish Council and three people had so far put themselves forward. The deadline for the submitting yourself for election is 28th February, so we urge all who would like to serve our community to put their names forward by then.
After that the vacancy will be filled by co-option.
A selection process will be put in place in March.
Elder Road Open Space
The second work party arranged to open up the overgrown woodland area along the stream by the streamside walk took place on 7th February.
About 40 metres have been cleared and selected willow trees pollarded.
It was found that they were only 20-24 years old and had rotten centres.
This has shown how important this management is.
They will re-grow after this treatment.
We were joined by two conservation officers from DWT and at their advice some areas close to the stream are being left to allow some partial shading of the stream.
This will allow variations in the light level on the stream to provide a better diversity of habitat. Another work party is arranged for the 7th March.
We hope more volunteers will join us then.
NeighbourCar Scheme
This scheme is proving itself to be of huge value to our less mobile residents.
In the 3 months of November and December 2014, and January 2015, there were 74 journeys undertaken to Dorchester, Poole, Wareham, Salisbury and elsewhere.
Drivers are still badly needed.
If you are able to offer help as a driver, or if you want more information, please call Brenda House on 01929 471 255.
Ian Ventham
Chairman
March 2015 Meeting
The Parish Council met on Thursday 12th March 2015 at the Drax Hall.
The next meeting will be on Thursday 9th April at the Drax Hall, starting at 7pm.
All parishioners are very welcome to attend and to take the opportunity to raise any matters or concerns.
NeighbourCar
Although the scheme itself is running incredibly well and proving to be very popular, more drivers are still needed, particularly as we look to introduce free trips within the village for residents unable to get to the shop, doctors, post office etc.
If you’re at home during the week, with a car, and could spare a couple of hours per week then please do contact Brenda House on 01929 472155.
Lengthsman
After interviewing applicants for the role, it was decided that the next contract would be awarded to the current lengthsman, Tony King.
We will be introducing a quarterly report detailing the valued work carried out by Tony throughout the parish.
Grants
The Council was pleased to give a grant of £200 to Autumn Leaves towards the costs of speakers at their upcoming calendar of events.
Parish Council Vacancy
The Parish Council was delighted to offer Bere Regis resident Matthew Richter, one of the vacant spaces on the council.
Due to other applicants being unable to attend, the other vacancy will be carried forward to a vote at the next meeting.
Notice Boards
Councillor Bates gave a brief presentation on the proposed information boards which will be positioned around the village, most notably in the village centre, boardwalk area, Souls Moor and Hyde.
Design concepts were discussed and it was agreed that the materials for the signs would be ordered.
Any villagers who want to share thoughts or ideas for the signs are more than welcome to contact either Cllr Bates or Cllr Pitcher.
Dog Mess
This has again cropped up as an ongoing problem.
There is little we can do to stop this other than plead with residents to bag it up and bin it when you’re on a walk.
A small effort such as this makes a huge difference to the enjoyment of others walking in the area.
Cemetery Charges
Having stayed stationery for at least 3 years, it was agreed that all costs related to the cemetery for interments, monuments or rights, be increased by 10% across the board.
The new charges will take effect from 1st April 2015 and can be obtained by contacting the clerk and will be posted on the Parish Council web site.
Play Park Fencing
Following on from the new fence along the Elder Road side of the Play Park,
it was agreed that the remainder of the fence should also be replaced.
Anybody wishing to submit a quote should contact Cllr Bennett, on 07812 991166 in the first instance to receive the specification.
Christmas Trees
These are now available to order for Christmas 2015 from the Clerk!
Please return your green slips to the Clerk, together with your £5 to avoid disappointment.
Ian Ventham
Chairman
April 2015 Meeting
The Parish Council met on Thursday 9th April 2015 at the Drax Hall.
The next meeting will be on Thursday 14th May at the Drax Hall, starting at 7pm.
All parishioners are very welcome to attend and to take the opportunity to raise any matters or concerns.
NeighbourCar
Following last month’s plea for new drivers, we are delighted that there were 4 enquiries, but could always do with more.
If you’re at home during the week, with a car, and could spare a couple of hours per week then please do contact Brenda House on 01929 472155.
Lengthsman
Lengthsman Tony King has now been formally appointed as the new Bere Regis Lengthsman for the coming 3 years.
He has, with the assistance of Tim Sadd, been working in the role for some time and they are both now well known around the village.
The Lengthsman is contracted by the Parish Council for 26 hours a week.
His key responsibilities are the maintenance of the cemetery, the upkeep of the play park, and ensuring the Elder Road area is kept neat and tidy.
Alongside this, he is responsible for maintaining and repairing finger posts, street signs, and benches to name but a few functions of his role.
One of the not so pleasant responsibilities is that of clearing up the litter and dog mess from the paths and play areas.
In the first 3 months of this year, Tony and Tim spent more than 18 hours on this job alone.
With the limited hours they have, their time could be better spent on more important tasks so, please, pick up your litter and clean up after your dog.
The Lengthsman’s top 4 for the last quarter was: 100hrs working on the Elder Road site, 70.75 hours working at the cemetery, 18.75 hours picking up litter and clearing dog mess, 9 hours making and repairing finger posts and signs.
Lime Tree Wood
There is a small amount of wood available from the Lime Tree that was removed from Southbrook, if anybody wishes to have some for remembrance or carving purposes. Please contact the clerk, on the contact details above if you would like to have some. This will be issued on a first come, first served basis until it has all been used. There has already been some set aside for the school to make a memento from.
Parish Council Vacancy
Following a very close vote between the 2 applicants for the remaining Parish Council vacancy, Suzie Hamilton was duly elected onto the council.
The other applicant, Dominic Bishop, has been asked to assist the council with various sub-committees and in other areas.
Parish Council Monthly Minutes
From this month, a full set of minutes from each meeting will be available to read in both the Post Office and the Doctors’ Surgery.
If anybody requires a copy of a set of minutes then please contact the Clerk.
World War One Talk
The next in our series of World War One talks will be on Thursday 16th May at the Drax Hall and is titled “Courage without Glory: The British Army on the Western Front 1915”.
Tickets are £2.50 again with under 16s free and are available now from the Clerk.
Christmas Trees
Christmas in May? Bonkers!
However, trees for outside decoration only are now available to order for Christmas 2015 from the Clerk! Please return your green slips to the Clerk, together with your £5 to avoid disappointment.
Bryan Benjafield