Parish Council of Langton Matravers
www.langtonmatravers-pc.org
Minutes of a Meeting of the Council held in the Village Hall on Thursday 10th February 2011 at 7.00pm
Present Cllr P White in the Chair, Cllr M Turner (Vice-Chairman) and Cllrs J Bradford, 
Mrs C Drayson, M Kirby, W Knight, P Loudoun and H Tizard.
There were three members of the public present.
1.	Apologies were received from Cllr. M Lovell.
2.	Declarations of interest: Cllrs Mrs Drayson, Tizard and Turner each declared a personal interest as allotment tenants.  Cllr Kirby declared a personal interest as his Wife has an allotment tenancy.
3.	Public discussion: Cllr Kirby, raised a matter on behalf of a local resident concerning the removal of a street name plate.  The Clerk advised as to name of the appropriate officer that this matter should be reported to at the District Council in the event that a direct attempt fail to persuade the owner of the property to re-fix the name plate to their newly constructed wall.
4.	Planning Matters: 
(1)	6/2011/0049 Submitted by Mrs J Saunders to erect a detached single storey Purbeck Stone dwelling at Arundel Terrace (Land adj. to 8), Langton Matravers.  Observation – No objection.
5.	Reference was made to 6/2010/0720 -The Old Malthouse, High Street, Langton Matravers.  It was reported that the application was believed to have been Refused by reason of the building height being adjudged to be too high.
6.	Minutes of Meeting held 19th January 2011 having been circulated previously the Minutes were agreed as a correct record and signed.
7.	Matters arising from the Minutes:
(1)	Item 7 (3) The Clerk reported that, following a site meeting, the specification of the proposed bus shelter had been reduced from 4m to 3m, the rear panel changed from clear to solid black polycarbonate and the two front panels changed to clear toughened glass.  Cllr Kirby reported that a decision was due 14th February 2011 in respect of the supplementary grant application.
(2)	Item 7 (2) Cllr Kirby enquired as to progress on the sign at Acton. The Clerk confirmed that the sign manufacturer was in the process of producing them.
(3)	Item 3 Cllr Tizard requested an update regarding an offer of a memorial stone seat at Crack Lane Cemetery.  The Chairman reported that the offer had been withdrawn in favour of gifting the seat to a family member.  The Clerk provided confirmation that Lovell Quarries were to provide a seat in line with an original offer.
(4)	Item 9 Cllr Tizard requested an update on the provision of grit bins.  The Clerk provided details of proposals, requiring the approval by Dorset County Council, to provide grit bins free of charge, at locations on the highway where they deemed appropriate and to service these as a priority during adverse weather conditions. Members were invited to submit suggested locations for submission to DCC.  Details were also provided of arrangements for supplying grit for those bins purchased already by Parish Councils and those purchased at a future date.  The proposals for re-establishing the farmer snow-plough scheme arrangements were also reported.
(5)	Item 4 Cllr Kirby requested an update concerning the installation of dog litter bins.  The Clerk provided details of discussions held with officers at Purbeck DC. Cllr Turner reported that one bin was awaiting installation.  It was RESOLVED that the dog litter bin be installed at Steppes Hill with Cllrs Turner and Lovell to liaise with Purbeck DC regarding its installation and emptying.
(6)	Item 15 Cllr Kirby enquired as to progress made in respect of new signs at the Parish Office and car park.  The Clerk provided an update.
8.	The Clerk’s Report for the period 15.1.2011 to 7.2.2011: Report received.
9.	Matters arising from the Clerk’s Report:
Item 17  The Clerk highlighted advice featured in DAPTC circular 02/11 relating to business rates of cemetery property.  The Council’s ‘do nothing’ approach was re-affirmed.
Item 17  Cllr Kirby referred to a request for flood risk information.  Cllr Bradford advised that the information had previously been submitted to the Environment Agency.  The Clerk provided an update regarding flooding caused by the collapsed drain outside 38 High Street, Langton Matravers.
Item 17  Cllr Mrs Drayson referred to the Localism Bill and an event organised by DCC scheduled for Monday 28th February 2011.
Item 8  Purbeck Transport Action Group (PTAG) representative.  AGREED that Cllrs Mrs Drayson and Kirby be nominated to share the position as the PTAG representative.
Item 12  The Clerk highlighted the request for information made by a Mr Birkitt regarding Miss Mary (May) Birkitt.
Item 15 Cllr Bradford referred to the possibility of purchasing Royal Wedding Commemorative Mugs for village school children. AGREED that the cost be determined.
10.	Chairman’s Announcements:  
The Chairman referred to DCC’s replacement galvanised fencing at Leeson House. A Member suggested that the fence may be listed.  AGREED that the Clerk refer the matter to the District Council’s Conservation Officer.
11.	Financial Matters:
(1)	The following additions to Council funds since the last Council Meeting:
£341.00 received from 7 Allotment holders
£170.00 James Smith Funeral Directors for additional inscription Plot V5
£186.00 received from 5 Allotment holders.
(2)	Note the following Payments by Cheque, already authorised, since last Meeting:
£12.00 to Langton Matravers Village Hall Committee for December Council chamber.
£120.00 to Mr P Newell for Cemetery & Play Area Maintenance
£278.64 to AJ Leeson for Clerk’s Salary - January.
£185.20 to HMRC January Payroll
(3)	Payments by Direct Debit:
£31.08 to XLN Telecom for phone and broadband.
(4)	Any other Financial Matters:
(a) Cllr Kirby referred to the Clerk’s contract, a copy of which was signed by the Clerk and Chairman at the Meeting.
12.	Cemetery Matters:
Council Cemetery: The Chairman referred to a number of sunken graves and following a brief discussion it was RESOLVED that the Clerk report on the matter of responsibility at a future meeting.
Reference was made to the condition of the path and the previously agreed action to refer the matter to the tarmac contractor.
A general discussion ensued regarding the tendency for relatives to place a range of objects on graves including solar lights, toys and plastic flowers. RESOLVED that the Clerk seeks to clarify the existing Cemetery rules and conditions before reporting to a subsequent Council meeting.
Cllr Loudoun’s offer to provide cattle grazing in the overgrown section adjacent to the Cemetery was accepted.
Closed Cemetery: It was reported that the Ash Tree had not been removed.
13.	Allotments: There were no matters to report.
14.	Parish Plan:  A meeting of the Working Group was to be convened for 1st March 2011.  After a brief discussion, regarding the date and format of the Parish Assembly, it was RESOLVED that the Clerk provide confirmation of the date and any restrictions on serving alcohol.
15.	Footpath way marker signs for Garfield Lane: Concern was expressed at the lack of use due to the absence of a way marker.  It was reported that the way marker had recently been replaced and placed at a low level.
16.	Health & safety issue – Parking on zig-zags outside school: After a brief discussion it was RESOLVED that the Clerk write to PACT and that Cllr Knight write a letter to the School.
17.	The date of the next Meeting was confirmed as 7pm on Thursday 10th March 2011.  The April monthly meeting is to be held at 7pm on Thursday 14th April 2011.
18.	Additional Items for the Agenda of the next Council Meeting –  i) Preservation of Auxiliary Units – Memorial ii) Parish Assembly iii) Dog litter bins and iv) Cemetery maintenance contract.

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