Parish Council of Langton Matravers
www.langtonmatravers-pc.org
Minutes of a Meeting of the Council held in the Village Hall on Thursday 11th August 2011 at 7.00pm
Present: Cllr P White in the Chair, J Bradford, Mrs C Drayson, M Kirby, W Knight, P Loudoun, 
M Lovell, H Tizard and M Turner.
There were two members of the public present.
Prior to the commencement of the meeting, the Chairman extended a warm welcome to Mary Sparks, the newly appointed Clerk.
1.	Apologies: None.
2.	Declarations of interest: Cllr Kirby declared a personal interest as his Wife has an allotment. Cllrs Mrs Drayson, Tizard and Turner each declared a personal interest as allotment tenants. Councillor Loudoun declared a prejudicial interest as the applicant in respect of planning application ref: 6/2011/0456 and all other councillors each declared a personal interest by reason of being known to the applicant. 
3.	Public discussion: Mr Vaughan-Arbuckle outlined details of his role as Footpath Liaison Officer, seeking the Council’s consent to write an explanatory note for inclusion in The Dubber. 
A Member reported the concerns raised by local resident at the erection of a ‘private’ sign in Garfield Lane.  A general discussion ensued with concerns expressed regarding the right of vehicular access for other road users, visitors and any person(s) seeking to gain access to the Council’s allotment.
4.	Matters arising from the Public discussion:
(1)	Footpath Liaison. RESOLVED: That consent be granted to Mr Vaughan-Arbuckle to write an explanatory article for inclusion in The Dubber.
(2)	Garfield Lane. RESOLVED: That the Clerk attempts to establish ownership of the Garfield Lane and report to a future meeting of the Council.
5.	Planning Matters: 
To make comments concerning the following Plans:-
(a)	6/2011/0456 Submitted by Mr Paul Loudoun; Install 80 solar panels on south elevation roof slope of existing barn at Wilkswood Farm, Valley Road, Harmans Cross. Observation – The Parish Council welcomes use of sustainable energy and fully supports the application.
6.	Minutes of Meeting held 14th July 2011: The Minutes, having been circulated previously, were agreed as a correct record and signed.
7.	Matters arising from the Minutes:
(1)	Item 4 (3) Cllr Mrs Drayson reported having received communication from a local resident that the National Trust had changed its position by deferring the decision to introduce a mountain bike trail through West Wood.  Through direct communication with the Trust’s representative an acknowledgement had been given that the National Trust could have carried out more effective consultation with the Parish Council and local residents, seeking to now address the Parish Council at a future meeting. RESOLVED: That the National Trust be invited to make a presentation to the September Meeting. 
(2)	Item 14 Mrs Drayson updated Members on continued concerns at the non-inclusion of the Langton Matravers Parish Plan in the draft Purbeck Core Strategy. RESOLVED: That Cllr Mrs Drayson clarify the position with Steve Dring of Purbeck District Council and that the Parish Plan Working Party convene in an attempt to present an updated Parish Plan at the next Parish Council Meeting.
8.	The Clerk’s Report for the period 10.7.2011 to 7.8.2011: Report received.
9.	Matters arising from the Clerk’s Report:
Item 4  The Clerk updated Members on the proposed Electoral Review of Purbeck by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.
Item 9  The Clerk reported on the matters arising from the public meeting held on 26th July 2011 by Scottish & Southern Energy Contracting regarding proposals for street lighting improvements in Langton Matravers. RESOLVED: That the Clerk seeks confirmation as to the proposals for painting the heritage street lights in the High Street.
Item 30  The Clerk advised of an invitation for the Chairman to attend a networking meeting of town and parish councils being held at Purbeck District Council on 7th September 2011.
Item 34  The Clerk highlighted the receipt of a letter received from Dorset Police giving notice of a review its enquiry desk service.
A general discussion ensued regarding the system for distributing and circulating articles.  RESOLVED: That hard copies of general correspondence be circulated to Cllrs Bradford, Turner and White and electronically to all other councillors.
10.	Chairman’s Announcements:  
(1)	Damage to road reported by a local resident of Durnford Drove, due to the use by large vehicles. RESOLVED:  That the concerns be reported to the National Trust.
(2)	An introductory letter received from the new headmaster of the Old Malthouse School and proposals to meet the Chairman and Cllr Knight. 
11.	Financial Matters:
(1) 	Note the following additions to Council funds since the last Council Meeting:
		£170.00 Interment of Mrs D Whalley Plot Q14.
(2) 	Note the following Payments by Cheque, already authorised, since last Meeting:
	£12.00 Langton Matravers Village Hall Committee for June Council chamber.
	£278.64 Clerk’s Salary - July.
	£120.00 P Newell – Grounds Maintenance.
	£82.75 Stationery – Printer ink cartridges.
(3) 	Payments by Direct Debit:
	£35.51 to XLN Telecom for phone and broadband.
(4) 	Any other Financial Matters:
(i)  The Clerk reported that payments to HMRC were to be made quarterly and that a cheque payment of £486.82 was to be submitted, taking into account an overpayment of £68.78 in respect of 2010/11.
(ii)  In response to a question from a Member, the Clerk reported the continued lack of progress on the application submitted to Lloyds TSB to create a new bank account
12.	Cemetery Matters:
(1)	Council Cemetery: 
Cllr Turner sought an update on the proposed site meeting with the Contractor to resolve remedial problems with the pathways following resurfacing. 
(2)	Closed Cemetery:
Cllr Bradford sought progress on two outstanding matters; (i) overhanging tree situated in the garden of the Old Rectory and (ii) the repair to a broken headstone.
13.	Allotments: 
(1)	Cllr Kirby reported that the pond had now been filled in and that currently one half-plot remained vacant. Concern was expressed at the poor state of the plot.  RESOLVED: That publicity be included in The Dubber and that the cost of purchasing sheeting to cover the plot, be investigated.
14.	Parish Plan: Minute 7 (2) refers.
15.	Bus Shelter: The Clerk provided an update, stating that Queensbury Shelters Ltd had confirmed that the site preparation work was satisfactory and the installation work would commence on Wednesday 17th August 2011. RESOLVED: That Councillor Loudoun be authorised to undertake any further site clearance and preparation work, as deemed appropriate.
16.	Caretaking Contract: The Clerk presented a schedule detailing the tenders submitted. RESOLVED: That Mr Ole Wiste of Complete Landscape Services be appointed with immediate effect, based on 16 visits per annum at a total cost of £1,456.
17.	Recruitment of New Parish Clerk:  The Chairman reported that Mary Sparks had accepted the appointment of Parish Clerk with effect from 1st August 2011. Mr Leeson was thanked for his services and for providing continued support during the handover period.
18.	The date of the next Meeting was confirmed as 7pm on Thursday 8th September 2011. The October monthly meeting was to be held at 7pm on Thursday 13th October 2011.  
19.	Additional Items for the Agenda of the next Council Meeting:
(i)	Cllr Turner to review any amendments required to the artwork for the sign at Acton and report to next meeting.
(ii)	Arrangements for the siting and filling of grit bins in preparation for 2011/12 Winter.

Closed - 8:45pm 

Signed……………………………………… (Chairman)		Date…………………………………..