Allington Parish Council

Meeting Minutes 2008: January February March April May June July September October November December
Minutes of the meeting of Allington Parish Council held at Cherry Tree Communal Room, Bridport on 8 July 2008

PRESENT: Cllr. P. Lathey, Cllr. M. Wrighton, Cllr. D. Hitt, Cllr. K. Hitt, Cllr. I. Gay, Cllr. P. Bowditch (Woodland Trust Play Area Supervisor), 4 members of the public. Miss A Hull recorded the minutes.

1. APOLOGIES
Don McAllister (Cherry Tree Play Area Supervisor)

2. TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS INTERESTS
None were expressed.

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 that the minutes were a true record. The minutes were duly signed and dated.

4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THOSE MINUTES
The ongoing problem of the trees at Longhayes Avenue was discussed. The Chairman had tried on three occasions to contact Mr & Mrs Tett regarding this but to no avail. Stuart Martindale from Magna had suggested that his legal team would be able to come onboard and help us. Clerk to contact Stuart Martindale to see how this was progressing. Andrew Dyke from Symondsbury Estates had confirmed that the statutory footpaths around Allington were now open. However, it was brought to the attention of the meeting that one of these footpaths (up to Mead Lane) is overgrown. Clerk to inform Andrew Dyke.

5. RESIGNATION OF COUNCILLOR
We have received a resignation letter from Councillor Christine Stansfield who feels she is no longer able to continue due to ill health. It is great regret that we accept her resignation as she has been a valued member of the Council. Clerk has advertised the vacancy but no-one as yet has responded. Council will be able to co-opt a new Councillor on if they wish. Clerk to write to Mrs Stansfield to thank her for all her hard work.

6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
57 Cherry Tree is still empty, boarded up and in a general state. West Dorset District Council has approached the owner but he does not wish to sell. As long as it is not causing a nuisance or danger then there is nothing that can be done. Clerk to contact WDDC to request an update.

Bus stop and area around it (Hospital Lane) is becoming overgrown. Clerk has already contacted Highways about this and they have confirmed that it is on their list of jobs.

Clerk was asked to hassle Highways again regarding the path to the left of Allington Hill which is becoming dangerously overgrown. Clerk also to remind Woodland Trust about washed out footpaths.

Council were asked if there are any allotments available. Allington Parish Council do not own any land and therefore do not have any allotments. Bridport Town Council allocate theirs and have allocated all the new ones at Skilling and are hoping to gain more at some point.

The junction with St Swithins and North Allington is causing problems as vehicles are not stopping due to the fact that the white lines are not as visible and need to be repainted. Clerk to inform Highways and Bridport Town Council. Also to inform Highways of broken curb on corner near to the former Boot Inn.

Although not within Allington Parish it was brought to the attention of the Council that the traffic lights at the Town Hall are causing problems, especially with the introduction of two pedestrian crossing right next to the traffic lights. Clerk to inform Bridport Town Council.

7. 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 £5,329.79. The savings at £15,202.82. Money paid in is £8.79 in Interest on Current Account.
b) The following cheques was authorised by the council: Clerk's wages (for past month) £202, Clerks mileage from May to July as per paperwork tabled £36.80,Woodland Trust for annual rent of Cooper's Wood £125, ROSPA Playsafety bill £141, Viking for new laminator and paper £100.37

8. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
1/D/08/000751- Former Boot Inn - GRANTED

9. ROSPA PLAY AREA REPORT
This was presented to the Council. There were no remedial works to be done at this time. We are planning to refurbish Cherry Tree play area within the next year anyway.

10. CHERRY TREE PLAY AREA REFURBISHMENT
Various catologues were presented to the Council to look at. It was decided that all we need is to replace the swings and have one more springy toy, as well as new rubberised tarmac flooring. Clerk was asked to get a quote from Wicksteed. Will also get a quote from Haggs.

11. CHERRY TREE PLAY AREA REPORT
Mr McAllister was not present at the meeting but had informed Clerk that all was fine.

12. WOODLAND TRUST PLAY AREA
Cllr. P. Bowditch said the play area itself was fine and that the grass had been cut today.

13. CORRESPONDENCE
Various which were all available to read including thank you letter from those we had donated money to.

14. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The date of the next meeting is Tuesday 9 September at 7.30pm

Meeting closed at 8.28pm