Allington Parish Council

PRESENT
Cllr. M.A. Wrighton (Vice-Chairman), Cllr. D. Hitt, Cllr. K. Hitt, Cllr. C Stansfield, Cllr. I. Gay, Cllr. P. Bowditch (Woodland Trust Play Area Supervisor), Don McAlister (Cherry Tree Play Area Supervisor), District Cllr. A. Alford, 15 members of the public. Miss A Hull recorded the minutes.

1. APOLOGIES
Cllr. P. Lathey (Chairman). Vice-Chairman M. Wrighton took over the position of Chairman in his absence.

2. TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS INTERESTS
There were none to declare.

3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The Chairman asked if everyone had both received and read the minutes of the last meeting, if so, were they a true record. ALL AGREED. The minutes were duly signed and dated.

4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THOSE MINUTES
Regarding the dog barking excessively, the Dog Warden has informed the Clerk that those directly affected must inform the Dog Warden themselves. She can be contacted on 01305 251010.

With regards to 57 Cherry Tree (the empty property), West Dorset District Council has informed the Clerk that this has not been forgotten and is the number one property on the District's list. Council Tax is being paid on it so this therefore limits the options that they have. They plan to serve another Section 16 to the owner but by hand this time. If this fails then they will process an interim empty dwelling order. Highways have informed Clerk that they will investigate and sort out the traffic signals that are not left visible due to overgrown hedges on the approach to Colfox School. They will also deal with the overgrown pavement in West Road. We have received a reply letter from Magna Housing Association regarding the gentleman feeding the seagulls. They have informed us that they have sent him a letter asking him to stop. It was brought to the Clerk's attention that despite this letter Mr Issacs continues to feed the seagulls. Clerk to inform Magna again.

5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Jane Dibdin spoke to BMX rider who were mucking around on Allignton Hill. Shortly after this some tools were stolen from her garden. Andrew Dyke has been informed. Councillors and the public were asked if they knew who these boys were. Unfortunately they didn't. Cllr. P. Lathey will be attending a Strategy Meeting for Flaxhayes Paddock this Thuraday.

Most members of the public were in attendance due to the proposal by Magna Housing Association to replace some of the garages in Cherry Tree with houses. Residents were extremely concerned and the Parish Council echoed this. However, plans have not been put in for this yet so there is still time to try and get together with Magna to discuss this. It was suggested that Clerk arrange for a representative from Magna to attend the next meeting to discuss this issue with the council and members of the public present.

This next issue was brought up later in the meeting but should have come under this section. Conifer trees in Longhayes Avenue have grown so high that they are blocking light from houses in Cherry Tree. It seems to be a mystery as to who these trees actually belong to. Clerk to investigate and se what she can find out.

6. FINANCE REPORT
The account balance was read out to Councillors and as usual all books were on the table for any member of the public to read. a) The balance of the ordinary account now stands at £6,944.53. The savings at £7,048.81. Money paid out since the last meeting is a cheque for the grasscutting at £367.78, ROSPA £141, Connecting Dorset £980.01 (this will be reimbursed), 2 cheques for my wages for the past 2 months at £188 each, my mileage claim of £44.80. Any cheques signed tonight will also come out of account.

b) The following cheques were authorised by the council: Clerk's wages (for past month) £188, Clerk's homeworking allowance for the past year £250, Renewal of Allington Parish Council Hosting Internet Account £56.39.

c) The budget was tabled and all agreed that the budget should remain the same. Cllr. Lathey had sent his comments which were that we have a good reserve and we only need to keep up with the rising costs but dont need to add more burden to the residents. Cllr. I. Gay proposed the budget and Cllr. C. Stansfield seconded the proposal. Cllr. C. Stansfield suggested that money should be put away for the Clerk's gratuity, however the Clerk later found out that the Gratuity no longer exists.

d) Donation requests were received and it was then that Cllr. M. Wrighton and Cllr. C. Stansfield reaslied they had an interest ine one of them, which was the Axe Valley Ring & Ride Service. They formally declared their interest. It was agreed that the following requests would receive a donation. WRVS - £500 (Cllr. Stansfield proposed & Cllr. Bowditch seconded) Axe Valley - £250 (Cllr. Gay proposed & Cllr. K. Hitt seconded) Bridport House Club - £250 (Cllr. Wrighton proposed & Cllr. Stansfield seconded) Weldmar Hospice Care - £250 (Cllr. Gay proposed & Cllr. Bowditch seconded) It was agreed not to donate to First Dorset Credit Union as they had not proved that they support members of our parish.

7. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
1/W/07/000719 - 3 Pond End, Pymore - This has been REFUSED.
TP/07/00219 - 11 West Mead, Pymore - This has been GRANTED.
1/D/07/001274 - Part of Car Park, Bridport Foundry Comments were needed prior to this meeting therefore views were sought and it was the general consensus that this should be refused due to increased traffic, bad access etc. Members of the public that were present at the meeting echoed this and also said they were concerned as to the possible future use of this building should it get granted.
1/D/07/001500 - 8 Laurel Close All agreed that this should be granted.
1/D/07/001592 - 3 Pond End, Pymore This is a re-submission therefore it was agreed that our comments should be as before.
1/D/07/001622 - 3 Pond End, Pymore Although in principal this looks to be a good proposal, once you look closely you see that part of this extension is on land that is currently agricultural. They have re-submitted plans to change the use of the agricultural land but it was on the understanding that it would be used for garden only. This is clearly not the case therefore it was agreed that this should be refused and our comments should be as stated.

8. ROSPA INSPECTION REPORT
This was tabled and had previously been read by Cllr. Lathey who had informed all that the comments in it were as we have had previously and were therefore nothing to worry about. All agreed.

9. CHERRY TREE PLAY AREA REPORT
Mr McAlister informed that it is still well used despite some dog mess and general litter.

10. WOODLAND TRUST PLAY AREA
Mr Bowditch said all was fine. He has noticed that there are badly overgrown brambles in Cherry Lane. Clerk to inform Bridport Hospital and Dorset County Council.

11. CORRESPONDENCE
Various which were all available to read. These included: Dog Control Orders Planning Enforcement Policy WDDC Corporate Performance WDDC Local Plan

12. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The date of the next meeting will be 9th October 2007. Meeting closed at 8.28pm.