Allington Parish Council

Present: Cllrs G. Stansfield, K & D Hitt, P Lathey [Chairman] M Wrighton, I Gay. Mr Adam Georgiou Play Area Supervisor and 6 members of the public

The Chairman began the meeting by welcoming everyone.

1. Apologies. Apologies for absence had been received from Cllr Gruitt [on holiday]

2. Declarations of members interests. Cllrs D & K Hitt declared an interest in item 6b.

3. Approval of minutes. The Chairman asked all councillors if they had received and read the minutes, and were they a true record. If so was it their wish that he sign the minutes book as a true record. ALL AGREED. The Chairman duly signed and dated the minute book.

4. Matters Arising. The barrier at the Fry’s development was in situ due to safety reasons. No access to the pavement was barred by the installation. Mr Ian Curry of Gladedale has telephoned me to say that the notice board they are providing will be in situ near the pack bridge shortly. With regards to the water wheel at Pymore local historian Keith Alner has told council after investigations this was removed in the mid/late 1950’s. All other items have their own heading.

5. Public Participation. The Chairman told the members they could if they wish either voice their concerns now, if it was something that was not on the agenda or wait until the matter came up.

6. Financial Report.
[a]The account balance stood at – ordinary Account £4447.62. Included in this figure is the interest for the month of £2.96. Play Area account is £811.88p.
[b] We have an invoice in for TMH Fencing given at the meeting. The figure quoted is inclusive of the £1,000 already paid. Clerk to ask TMH Fencing to give us the account in full denoting that the £1,000 has already been paid in order to satisfy the auditor. Otherwise it looks as though we have paid only the lower amount. Edwards Sports Equipment [goal posts]£211.50p County Sign Shop £161.46p.
[c] We had our Internal Audit carried out in June and the Internal Auditor has signed the Internal Audit report copies of which were handed out to each councillor. Everything was correct and the Internal Auditor also filled in his part of the Annual Return.
[d] External Audit. We had now received our Annual Return and the chairman read out the entire form. The auditors the clerk pointed out to council had changed their name once more, this is the third time since they took over as External Auditors. They requested the clerk notify council of this change of name. Our audit dates for this year are as follows. Exercise of Electors rights to be displayed from 26th July to 19th August. Audit Date August 26th 2005. The clerk asked if she had councils permission to have the items available for inspection for 1 hour per day Monday to Friday 2pm to 3pm permission granted. The statement of assurance was filled out by the chairman. These minutes show this as a true record.

7. Planning Applications. 1/W/05/000785 78 Meadfields erect car port [single storey extension. After duly looking at the plans the council had no objection but wished the following concerns to be noted by District Council. That drainage was adequate. Full details given on copy in file. Adjoining parish council consultation Bridport Medical Centre 1/W/05/000950. These plans were looked at and council agreed the new design was a vast improvement on the original one. The main points of concern were the fact that the bus service was inadequate and a shuttle bus going into the medical centre was needed. A bus layby for the larger buses unable to get into the medical centre area. A coned crossing. Again all these comments are on the file for reference. In Essence the council had no objection to the medical centre being built at North Allington.

8. Magna Housing Association Lease for Communal Room. The Chairman read out the lease Magna had sent us. The lease was signed by Glen Bengough who had left Magna’s employment several years previously. There was nowhere on the lease that detailed the public liability nor how often the cleaning would be carried out. Nowhere on the lease did it give any provision for insurance. The Clerk had asked about the increase and was told they do their budget increase in November so around 10% the council felt they should add onto our budget in addition to the now proposed by Magna of £8 per hour rent. The council proposed to pay quarterly, but councillors felt that the clerk should contact Magna again to ascertain the correct lease.

9. Woodland Trust Play Area. This play is now used It was decided to have an official opening ceremony in the presence of the Mayor of Bridport Cllr Sandra Brown and former Mayor Geoffrey Ackerman. Miss Valerie Staley of the Woodland Trust and Mr Hitt of TMH Fencing also to be invited. Date of the opening to be July 4th 2005 at 7.30pm Press to be invited. Cllr Stansfield asked could the council donate a shield for a 5 a side competition amongst the youngsters. Councillors all agreed this would be a good idea. A member of the public Mr Irvine Beer offered to make the shield. The road warning signs are on order from the department at the council.

10. Cherry Tree Play Area. Rospa had inspected the play area but at the time of the meeting we had not received the Inspectors report back. New seats for the swings maybe needed. Mr Georgiou said there was play on the bushes and new parts maybe required. A question was raised regarding the old wooden sign that was removed by Tom Hitt when he replaced the fencing. He was going to keep it safe and it was to be re-varnished and the letters enhanced and then returned to the play area fencing. Cllrs D & K Hitt to enquire as to the whereabouts of the sign.

11. Bridport Town Plan. This report was available for anyone to view

12. Flaxhayes Paddock West Dorset District Council Local Area Plan. The Chairman read out the letter and also the list of objections. The Inspector had come out in favour of Allington Parish Council putting 100% affordable housing on the site. The Governments proposal begins in 2006. A discussion ensued and question and Answer session took place. The Chairman told enquirers that ‘local people’ meant someone who had lived in the area for 10 years and in a radius of 6 miles. There would always be a key worker element. Clerk to arrange a meeting with Tim Crabtree as soon as possible.

13. Dorset Vision. The Chairman read out the brochure and the letter and again stressed to everyone if they wished to read the document it was available.

14. Clerks Report. The clerk reported that the Way Ahead Group who were doing the Parish Plan were on schedule. The stage had now been reached of sorting out the questionnaire. Several people had ticked instead of numbering the boxes and many hours work would be needed. Our next meeting had to be cancelled and the Way Ahead Group would now meet on June 20th. The Bridport Area Partnership where the clerk represents Allington Parish meet on June 23rd the clerk to attend the meeting.

15. Correspondence. The Chairman read out the leaflets, brochures and all items from the Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils.

16.Date of next meeting JULY 12TH 2005.

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