At the meeting on 5 January 2006 4 members of the Public were present. County Councillor John Peake answered questions on the current position regarding the Traveller Encampment at White Sheet Quarry. Other issues raised included the path from the Station to Bull Lane and dog fouling.

Dog Fouling

The village is again suffering from this problem. Dog walkers are reminded that they have a statutory responsibility to clear up their dog's faeces. Failure to do so can lead to fines of up to £1000. Anyone witnessing a failure to clear up after a dog is asked to contact the Dog Warden on 01305 252372.

Footpath from Bull Lane to the Station

The Parish Council has written to Mr Pearce asking for a route from Bull Lane to the Station to be reopened as soon as possible. He tells us that all contamination has now been removed from the site but the replacement fill has not yet been stabilised. Until that has been done the path can not be reopened. It is a safety matter.

Flooding at the junction of Bull Lane

Dorset County Council Highways have already let the contract for work to address the problem of surface water at the junction of Bull Lane with the A356. Work should start shortly.

Planning

Since the January edition of the Herald was prepared West Dorset District Council have given planning permission for:

erection of two pairs of double garages at plots 3 and 4 Harveys Close.

a certificate of lawfulness for the existing use of 68 Dorchester Road as a single dwelling to

be issued.

Norden Farm, Norden Lane - conversion to holiday accommodation - minor amendments

Planning permission has been refused for erection of a non-illuminated sign at the Bakery.  The Clerk has written to West Dorset District Council to ask for an explanation of this unexpected decision. District Councillor Mr Patmore is investigating this further.  He is also enquiring about the progress of the application for erection of the Post Office Sign at the Corner Stores.

The Parish Council have passed their comments to the West Dorset District Council on the following applications;

modifications to the plans for erection of 12 affordable homes and starter workshop on land adjacent to Hill View.

Chapelback, Chapel Lane - erect single story extension

Maiden Newton Service Station - resite above ground diesel storage tank

Greenford Farm, Greenford Lane - modification of planning obligation to retain agricultural land under one ownership.

Traffic through Maiden Newton

Following discussions with Oliver Letwin on 9 December 2006, a public meeting with the Traffic Police is being arranged. Please be alert for notices of the date and try to attend.

Travellers' Site at WhiteSheet Quarry

An appeal has been made by the owner against West Dorset District Council's refusal to allow caravans on this site. Maiden Newton Parish Council has written to the Planning Inspectorate in support of West Dorset District Council and drew attention to the site's history and the Public Safety issues. At the time of writing the travellers had left.

War Memorial

The broken post will be replaced after Grassby's have completed their work on the Memorial.

Date of Next Meeting - Thursday 2 February at 19.00

The meeting will be held at the Communal Room, Webbers Piece. All Welcome

There were eight members of the public at the November meeting. These notes cover items from both the October and November meetings as the October Parish Council Meeting took place after the Herald had gone to press.  At the Oetober meeting it was decided to move the Parish Council Meeting from the third Thursday of every month to the first Thursday, starting in January 2006. As a result of the planned change the Council will not meet in December 2005. The next meeting will be held on Thursday 5 January 2006.

Cattistock Road

Following representations made at the November meeting the Parish Council have asked the County Council to reinstate the pavement outside numbers 1 to 5 Cattistock Road, to look again at the junction with Station Road and to consider the problems of surface water drainage. Slow signs are being installed on the road on either side of the bridge over the former Bridport line.

Children's Play Area.

A notice was displayed on the Parish Notice Board concerning tablets found in the Play Area on Saturday 15 October. No one has come forward to admit responsibility. The matter has been discussed with Inspector Fry. The annual safety inspection has taken place.

An easement of 6 metres width at the station end of the area has been agreed with RPA Building to protect playground users during the installation of the foul drainage pipes on the adjacent site.

Planning

During the two months comments on the following applications have been passed to West Dorset:

• Extensions to no 52 Dorchester Road
• Erection of 12 affordable homes and starter workshop on land adjacent to Frome View

• Morrish Builders to take down and rebuild one of the outbuildings at Manor Farm as a
• house and to modify existing vehicular and pedestrian access.
• Erection of double garages for plots 5, 6, and 7 Harvey^s Close.
• Modification of vehicular access and garage plot 15 Harvey s Close

Although the signal box is a listed building, NetWork Rail have little interest in making repairs. Their Community Affairs Officer has indicated that he would be interested in receiving any suggestions lor community use. Please discuss your ideas with Sally Falkingham in the first instance.

Station Yard Development.

The * Rights of Way' order for the footpath from Bull Lane to the Station has been published but the path is presently closed for safety reasons. The Council have asked for it to be reopened as soon as possible. The Council want suggestions for the use of the money awarded for community facilities.

Travelers' Site on Whitesheet Quarry, Toller Fratrum

Maiden Newton Parish Council have written to West Dorset District Council for information regarding the Travelers' Site. Consultations are also taking place with County and District Councillors.

War Memorial

The Parish Council has finally received permission to carry out the repairs to the War Memorial. The contract has been let to Grassbys. The cost will be covered by the residents of Maiden Newton.

The Parish Council met on Thursday 15 September. Nine members of the public were present.

Thank you

A letter has been sent to Mrs Johns to thank her for her years of service to our Community as the Post Mistress and to wish her a happy retirement.

Allotments

The annual rent will rise to £8 in 2006. No reply has yet been received from the new owners of Manor Farm about the water supply.

Affordable Housing

Helen Martland of Signpost Housing Association gave outline details of the development Signpost hope to provide at Maiden Newton in response to the 2003 Survey of Housing Need. Further details were provided at the exhibition and public consultation held on Monday 19 September at the Village Hall.  As this will be an "exception development" the future residents will have to either be people already living in the village, working here or wishing to return here.

Children's Play Area

Thank you to all those who helped to clear up the broken glass and rubbish left in the area on Saturday 27 / Sunday 28 August. The large swings and the springer are being repainted.

Car Park

Councillors met an officer from West Dorset District Council on Friday 9 September to again discuss increasing the number of parking spaces. An investigation is now under way.

Planning

During the month comments on the following applications have been passed to West Dorset:

• To take down and rebuild one of the outbuildings at Manor Farm as a house and to modify
• existing vehicular and pedestrian access.
• Erection of extensions to 14B Cattistock Road
• Erection of double garages for plots 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5, 6,7 and 8, 11,12 and 13 Harvey's

• Erection of replacement building and conversion of farm buildings to Bl Business use and
• B8 Storage at Lower Maiden Newton Farm
• Amendments to the previously approved scheme at 5 Kingsley Paddock
• Erection and of extension and new outbuildings at the LoftHouse, Greenford Lane

• Conversion of barns at Mill Cottage, Notton, to holiday cottages

The Parish Council is still waiting to receive 'listed buildings permission' to carry out the repairs.

Next Parish Meeting - Thursday 20 October

The Meeting will be held at 19.00 at the Communal Room, Webbers Piece.

The Parish Council met on Thursday 18 August. Six members of the public were present. Mrs Johns announced that the new Postmistress will be Ms Julia Pomeroy and that the Post Office will move to The Stores.

Buses

Thank you to all who contacted Peter Impett, Principal Public Transport Co-ordinator Dorset County Council, with your comments on Sureline's proposed timetable for the 212 route. In response the last bus from Dorchester will be retimed, probably leaving Dorchester at 17.50.

Car Park

Councillors are due to meet officers from West Dorset District Council on Friday 9 September to again discuss increasing the number of parking spaces.

Children's Play Area

The Council made an insurance claim for the replacement of the damaged 'baby swing' but the policy requires the Council to pay the first £100 of any such claim. This money has now been recovered from the person responsible for the damage last May.

Planning

• During the month comments on the following applications have been passed to West Dorset:
• Listed buildings consent to demolish and rebuilt one of the outbuildings at Manor Farm Erection of replacement building and conversion of farm buildings to Bl Business use and B8 Storage at Lower Maiden Newton Farm Conversion of barns at Mill Cottage, Notton, to holiday cottages Amendments to the previously approved scheme at 5 Kingsley Paddock Erection and of extension and new outbuildings at the LoftHouse, Greenford Lane Conversion of the Post Office 7 Church Road into two houses. Erection of extensions to 14B Cattistock Road.

West Dorset District Council Planning Department have given permission for: the extension at 7 Bull Lane.

Erection of 20 dwellings, estaate road and footpaths together with Bl employment use building on land adjoining Maiden Newton Station.

Maiden Parish Council would like to thank Councillor Patmore and the members of the Public who spoke, at the Planning Meeting, against the use of Bull Lane for the access to this development. Maiden Newton Parish Council have now asked Dorset County Council to look again at the highways management of traffic in Bull Lane and at the junction of the A356 and Bull Lane.

Playing Field

A working party has been set up with the Frome Valley Lions Rugby Club to explore ways of improving the changing facilities. The Parish Council representatives are Councillors Falkingham, Watts and Wood.

War Memorial

The Parish Council is still waiting to receive 'listed buildings permission' to carry out the repairs.

Suggestion Box - a Reminder

A suggestion box is available at Posnetft’s. This is emptied by the Clerk prior to each meeting.

Next Parish Meeting - Thursday 15 September

The Meeting will be held at 19.00 at the Communal Room, Webbers Piece

Maiden Newton Parish Council Meeting July 2005

The Parish Council met on Thursday 21 July. Two members of the public were present.
Mrs Johns informed the Council that the Post Office at 7 Church Road will close on 9 September
2005. The move to new premises in the village is now being organised by the  Post Office Limited.

Buses - News received on the afternoon of 21 July

'Sureline' will operate the 212 service from 5 September 2005. Details of timetable changes will be published on the Parish Notice Board as soon as they are received.

Children's Play Area

The frame for the “baby swings' has been tested. The reported creaks are only due to shrinkage of the wood during this very dry weather.

Greater Western Rail Franchise

The Parish Council have responded to the proposals made by the Strategic Rail Authority requesting a better service on the Bristol - Weymouth line.

Litter and the Car Park

Photographs of the rubbish found on the morning of Friday 15 July have been displayed. The culprits were young people from our Community. Despite the provision of a litter bin this is still an on-going problem which must be resolved. Active co-operation is needed from those using the area. Thank you to all the residents who have yet again cleared up the mess.

Councillors are due to meet officers from West Dorset District Council to again discuss the enlargement of the car parking area.

Playing Field

Litter is also becoming a problem here. If any of your family use the Playing Field during the Summer Holidays please make sure they either bring their rubbish home or make use of one of the bins. The 'Action Van' team will on the field on Wednesday afternoons between 14.00 and 16.00.

Planning

During the month comments on the following applications have been passed to West Dorset:

development of 20 dwellings at the former Station Goods Yard

(the Council has learnt that national guidelines allow up to 300 premises to be served by Bull Lane)

replacement of industrial buildings at Lower Maiden Newton Farm.

extensions at 7 Bull Lane

amendments to the accepted plans for 5 Kingsley Paddock (plot 20 Harvey's Close)

Conversion of barns at Mill Cottage, Notton into 2 holidays cottages

West Dorset District Council Planning Department have given permission for:

the extension at 13 Bull Lane

the extensions at the Fire Station

War Memorial

The Parish Council is still waiting to receive permission to carry out the recommended works.

West Dorset Broadcasting Action Group Questionnaire

Thank you to everyone who completed and returned the questionnaires. These have been sent on.

Next Parish Meeting - Thursday 18 August

The Meeting will be held at 19.00 at the Communal Room, Webbers Piece

Maiden Newton Parish Council

The Parish Council met on Thursday 16 June.  Three members of the Public were present.

Affordable Housing

Andy Lloyd, Rural Housing Enabler for West Dorset, asks that anyone who is in need of affordable housing, but who did not fill in the November 2003 survey forms, contact him on 01305 252447 as a matter of urgency.  He also needs updates from all who completed the survey forms.

Children's Play Area

By the time you read this the replacement swing should be in place. Thank you to members of the Dorset Fire and Rescue service for their help. The person concerned has been asked to refund the cost.

Broken glass in Play Area Sometime between the afternoon of Saturday 21 May and the morning of Tuesday 24 May someone emptied all the sacks of rubbish left outside the Village Hall, following an event, over the Play Area, the Car Park and the Cemetery. That thrown around the Play Area included five broken bottles. On this occasion the Play Area was not closed but it took two persons over one and a half hours to clear up and to pick up all the fragments of glass. Fortunately the present safety surfaces can be swept. The grass has since been cut and the area re-checked to try to ensure the safety of the children. Thank you to Hannah's grandmother for all her help. For the sake of the children, please use the litter bin provided for rubbish and do not take glass into the Play Area.  Please alert the Parish Council of any problems.

Playing Field

Motorized vehicles, including motor bicycles of any size, are not allowed on the Playing Field without the permission of Maiden Newton Parish Council. Neither are dogs allowed in this play area. Anyone wishing to use the Playing Field for an organized event is asked to contact Mrs. Wright, the Clerk to Maiden Newton Parish Council.

The Council has given permission for the 'Action Van' team to use the field on Wednesday afternoons throughout the summer holidays.

Planning

During the month comments on the following planning applications have been passed to West Dorset District Council:

• Land to rear of 3 - 6 Frome View. Housing development by Magna Housing Association.
• Fire Station - extension
• Loft House, Greenford Lane - extension and outhouse.

War Memorial

At the request of Dorset County Council's Conservation Officer, the War Memorial has been inspected by stone conservators. The Parish Council is now seeking permission to carry out the recommended works. Funding remains a problem.

West Dorset Broadcasting Action Group Questionnaire

Have you completed and returned your copy of the questionnaire distributed on behalf of 'WEDBAG' ? Please fill in and return if you have any problems with television or radio reception or issues about local news.

Next Parish Meeting - 21 July 2005

The Meeting will be held at 19.15 at the Communal Room, Webbers Piece

Maiden Newton Parish Council

The Parish Council met on Thursday 19 May.   One member of the Public were present.

Peter Impett of the Dorset Community Transport Team answered questions about the bus services

serving Maiden Newton. Details are given in the Transport Report.

Officers for 2005 - 2006

Councillor Mrs Falkingham was elected as Chair and Councillor Wood as Vice Chair.
The following appointments and representatives were agreed:
Allotments Councillor Williams
Ancient Monuments Officer                                      Councillor Wood
Dorchester Community Partnership                           Councillor Falkingham
Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils         Councillor Charman
Emergency Officer                                                  Councillor Watts
Fire House Trust                                                     Councillor Wood
Footpaths                                                              Mr Schofield
Maiden Newton Village Hall                                     Councillor Wood
Youth & Community Centre                                     Councillor Falkingham
Transport Officer                                                    Concillor Falkingham

Children's Play Area

On Sunday 1 May a teenager became stuck in one of the 'baby' swings and had to be cut free by the Dorset Fire and Rescue Service. Parents are reminded that the equipment is only suitable for children under the age of twelve.

Dog Fouling

The West Dorset District Council's Dog Warden can not solve the problem of dog fouling of footpaths unless the persons responsible are reported to her. Any member of the public is welcome to contacted her on 01305 252372. Dog walkers are reminded that they have a statutory responsibility to clear up their dog's faeces. Failure to do so can lead to a fine of up to £1000.

Highway Matters

Road markings have been repainted on the approaches to the Cattistock Road junction and the new Maiden Newton signs which incorporate the 30 limit should be in place by now. Please report pot holes and blocked drains to directly to CLARENCE on 0800 23 23 23.

Planning

During the month comments on the following planning applications have been passed to West Dorset District Council :

• Greenford Farm - changes to agricultural ties
• 5 Chapel Lane - conservatory and new garage with studio over
• 7 Bull Lane - extension
• 13 Bull Lane   - extension

West Dorset Broadcasting Action Group Questionnaire

The Parish Council is distributing the questionnaire on behalf of 'WEDBAG' . Please fill in and return if you have any problems with television or radio reception or issues about local news.

Next Parish Meeting - 16 June 2005

The Meeting will be held at 19.15 at the Communal Room, Webbers Piece

Thursday 21 April 2005

The Parish Council met on Thursday 21 April following the Annual Parish Meeting at which the Council reported on the activities of the last year. Eight members of the Public were present. PC Redfern reported that, since the beginning of 2005, there had been eight reported crimes in the area: four domestics, two burglaries, the theft of 103 ewes and one motoring matter. There had also been nine calls recorded concerning nuisance behaviour by young people. Incidents at the Station are handled by the British Transport Police who can be contacted on 01202 557735.

Annual Spring Clean

The Annual Spring Clean took place on Sunday 24 April. Thank you to all who took part.

Car Park

Councillor Patmore (West Dorset District Council) announced that he has a meeting on Monday 25 April to discuss the possible extension of the Car Park.

Dog Fouling

Please clear up after your dog. Any one witnessing dog fouling should contact the Dog Warden on 01305 252372.

Facilities for Young People

Preparations are underway for the construction of the BMX track. A suggested site for the Youth Shelter on the Playing Field is under investigation.

Highway Matters

Please report pot holes and blocked drains to CLARENCE on 0800 23 23 23 and let the Clerk have the reference number.

Playing Field

Draft regulations were approved. Anyone interested in holding an event on the Field is asked to contact the Clerk.

Planning

During the past month planning consent has been given by West Dorset District Council to:

• 8 Dorchester Road- alterations and extension.

• Development of sixteen houses and four flats on the site of the former Goods Yard,
• Alterations and extension to 5 Chapel Lane
• Changes to the agricultural tie at Greenford Farm

A sealed suggestions / comments box is now available at Posnett's. It's contents will be passed to the Clerk 3 days before the next Council meeting. The issues raised will be considered during the Public Time prior to the start of the formal meeting.

Next ParishCouncil Meeting

Thursday 19 May 2005 at 19.00 at the Communal Room Webbers Piece. A representative from Dorset County Council's Public Transport Section will be talking about the new bus service to Bridport.

The Parish Council met on Thursday 17 March. Three members of the Public were present.

Allotments

At the time of writing there are one and a half allotments available for the year 2005 - 2006.

The rent is £7 for the year. Any resident of Maiden Newton Parish interested in having an allotment

should apply to the Clerk, Mrs Wright at 56 Dorchester Road, Maiden Newton.

Annual Spring Clean

The Annual Spring Clean will take place on Sunday 24 April. Volunteers are asked to meet at the War Memorial at 11.00am. Rubbish bags and gloves will be available. Thank you to Mr and Mrs Posnett who have offered to clean the Dorchester Road bus shelter prior to that date.

Facilities for Young People

Preparations are under way for the construction of the BMX track. A suggested site for the Youth Shelter on the Playing Field is under investigation.

Highway Matters

The replacement Maiden Newton signs are due in the very near future. The County Council has been asked to renew the road markings at the Bull Lane junction and to provide directional signs to the Fire Station and to the Industrial Estate.  Please report pot holes and blocked drains to CLARENCE on 0800 23 23 23 and let the Clerk have the reference number.

New Seats

The two new seats, first discussed in February 2003 and purchased some time ago, have finally been installed for the Parish by Dorset County Council. The sites were chosen in response to requests from older members of the Community for somewhere to rest when walking to and from the village shops: one seat is between the garage and Newton Road and the other is as near as possible to the centre of the village. The selected site by the Mill Stream bridge is the only one near the shops which met the criteria laid down by the Highways Authority.

At their meeting on 17 March the Council reviewed the position, particularly in light of recent events, but voted to continue with the arranged installations for a trial period. They hope that the young people will not try to intimidate the older members of the Community and seek the co-operation of parents in preventing misuse of these facilities. A litter bin has been ordered from W.D.D.C..

Planning

• During the past month planning consent has been given by West Dorset District Council to: 8 Bull Lane - alterations and extension. ALTRO Resin Systems, Station Road Industrial Estate -installation of an extractor system.

At the time Pound Piece was built, the W.I. obtained a licence from Dorset County Council Highways Department to plant and maintain shrubs on this site. This area is now neglected and overgrown and restricts visibility for drivers turning into Station Road. The Parish Council have accepted the County's offer to clear and grass the area. This does not preclude any future decision or offer to redevelop the area with low planting.

Annual Parish Meeting - 21 April 2005

The Annual Parish Meeting will be held at 19.00 at the Communal Room, Webbers Piece. It will be followed by the April Parish Council meeting. A sealed box for suggestions/comments/questions is available at Posnetts'. It will be passed to the Clerk before the meeting. Do try to come along.

From the meeting of 17 February 2005

Deputation of Young People

The deputation, as representatives of the younger members of the community, was welcomed. They came to ask the Parish Council to support their request for a 'teen age shelter'. Kate Park and Charlotte Wells spoke of the lack of a place within the village for young people to meet without upsetting other sections of the community.

The problems caused by noise, swearing and litter were recognised and an undertaking was given to try to bring about a reduction. They asked for more litter bins: this will be explored. The Council supported the idea of a youth shelter, in principle, and have asked the young people to explore possible sites and to report back at the March Council Meeting. Possible ways of raising the necessary funds will also be investigated.

On March 11 the Chairman and Mrs Posnett are to attend an information day on the provision of leisure facilities for children and young people arranged by the Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils.

Highway Matters

Comments were made about the progress of the Church Road rebuilding. When finished, the result will be a most welcome improvement to the amenities of the village. The undertakings given by the County Highways West Engineer at the December meeting had all been implemented.  Pedestrian access to the Post Office and Corner Shop has been maintained and all the requested notices put in place. The Chairman reported that she had yesterday spoken to the Highways West Engineer and was assured that the road will be reopened to through traffic by Monday 7 March at the latest. Beyond the War Memorial the road is wide enough for two way working. There have been a number of unexpected finds, the largest of which were the remains of the 1939-45 war tank traps. The Council wish to thank everyone who has supported the Post Office and Shops throughout this difficult time for them.

The Clerk was asked to remind the Highways Department that nothing has yet been done about the state of the pavements in Newton Road and Hill View and to enquire whether the plans for the provision of deceleration lanes for the Sydling and Maiden Newton left hand turn-offs from the A3 7 have been carried forward into the next County Transport plan. If not, when will the promised work take place? To report potholes and blocked drains please ring CLARENCE on 0800 232323.

Planning Permission

Manor Farm House - Morrish Builders have received permission to replace two of the three roof dormers

with conservation roof lights whilst repairing the roof and to remove the two porches on the north side of

the building. They can also develop the outbuildings into two houses and to re-site the driveway.

Norden Farm - conversion of the farm buildings into holiday accommodation. Permission granted.

Hog Cliff Farm - Permission for conversion to holiday accommodation has been refused.

Former Goods Yard - A revised planning application for development of the site to provide sixteen

houses and four flats has been submitted. Comments are required by 10 March.

Full details can be viewed at West Dorset District Council offices and are published on their web site.

Dog Fouling

There appears to be an increase in dog fouling in the village. Dog owners are reminded that they are legally required to clean up if their dog fouls a roadway or footpath and this includes the 'Bridport line' path. Please report incidents to the Dog Warden on 01305 252372.

Next Meeting

The next meeting will take place at 19.00 on Thursday 17 March in the Communal Room, Webbers Piece.

January 2005

Freedom of Information Act.

These notes are written after each Parish Council meeting to provide information about the issues considered at that meeting. These may include matters raised by members of the Public.

At the next meeting the full minutes have to be agreed and signed before publication is allowed. Anyone, on request, can then read the full minutes. Paper copies of the minutes and of the accounts, at a charge of 10p per page, can be ordered from the Clerk. The minutes are also published on the Maiden Newton Parish website (www.mnpc.co.uk) after they have been agreed and signed. The Council would like to thank John Wright and Hedley Haward for all their help in organising and maintaining the website.

Footpath from Bull Lane to the Station

At their meeting on Monday 17 January 2005 the Dorset County Council Committee, which considers applications for new 'Rights of Way', recommended that ours be accepted. The County Council will now publish the necessary 'Order'. This then has to go to public consultation. If there are no objections, the Order will be confirmed. If there are objections, which are not withdrawn, the matter will then have to go before a Public Enquiry.

Road Works

The repairs to Church Road are now under way. If you have any problems please read the information on the Parish Notice Board or contact the Dorset County Council Engineer for the works on 01305 225356. The Parish Council trust that everyone is continuing to use the Post Office and shops as usual. Maintenance of roads and pavements are the responsibility of the County Council, provided that the road has been 'adopted'.  Church Road is not the only road in Maiden Newton which needed repair. Please let the Parish Council know of problems with your road or pavement or write directly to our County Councillor, Mr John Peake, at County Hall.

Police Matters

Inspector Fry, section commander for the Dorchester area, attended the meeting on 20 January and reported that, during the past six months, twenty two crimes had been recorded in the Maiden Newton area. Nine detections had followed. He answered questions from the members of the Public. By the time you read this, a special meeting arranged to consider ' Anti Social Behaviour' in the village will have taken place. Inspector Matt Butler of the Traffic Section reported, by letter, that four convictions for speeding have been made in Higher Frome Vauchurch and warnings have been given at the Dorchester end of the village. The Police will continue to monitor traffic speeds.

Hedley Haward Memorial Playing Field

The grass cutting contract for 2005 has been awarded to Jess Carver. The hedges have been trimmed and undergrowth cut back. The field is currently used by the Frome Valley Lions Rugby Club for training and by the Junior Football Club. Anyone interested in organising other sports activities on the field is asked to contact the Clerk, Mrs Wright.

Planning

Planning applications are the responsibility of West Dorset District Council but the Parish Council is consulted as are the neighbours of the adjoining properties. We should like to thank all those who have supplied us with copies of their comments, particularly those concerning the Manor Farm House development. Copies of planning applications are displayed on the Parish Notice Board.

Date of next meeting Thursday 17 February at the Communal Room, Webbers Piece at 7.15.

There were eight members of the public present at the meeting on 4 May 2006, the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council.

Councillor Mrs Falkingham was elected as Chairman for the year 2006 -2007 and Councillor Wood as Vice Chairman. The meeting received the resignation of Councillor Williams. The Chairman thanked Mr Williams for his service to the Community. The Clerk was asked to start the formal process to find a replacement councillor.

Affordable Housing

Signpost Housing Association have been successful in obtaining the money for the planned development on land adjacent to Hill View. Planning permission has been received but the formal agreements which will ensure that the future tenants are Maiden Newton people and that the houses can not be sold on, are not yet in place. It is hoped that the houses will be built during 2007. The development will be dedicated as a memorial to Neil Marsh.

Development at the former Goods Yard by Bellway Homes Bellway Homes have not yet received planning permission for their revised plans. The groundworks now underway are taking place under the permission given last year. The Council have signed the easement allowing the sewer to be laid on land adjacent to the Playground.

Planning

Since the May edition of the Herald was prepared West Dorset District Council have given planning permission for;

Land adjacent to Frome View, Dorchester Road - revised application to erect 12 affordable homes and starter workshop unit.

Reconstruction of outbuilding at 1 Frome Lane.

The Parish Council have passed their comments to the West Dorset District Council on the following applications;

Erection of 20 buildings (14 houses and 6 flats) and one B1 Employment use building on land adjacent to Station Road.

5 Cattistock Road - erect two storey extension and conservatory.

5 Cattistock Road - demolish garage and outbuildings and erect a dwelling and car park.

2 Pound Piece - erect PVCU conservatory

4A Station Road - erect a wooden shed

38 Dorchester Road - erect a PVCU lean-to conservatory

Greenford Farm Greenford Lane - develop land by erection of an agricultural dwelling and double garage.

Multi User Games Area (MUGA)

The Parish Council are applying for the necessary planning permission. The full application has to be submitted by 25 May 2006. The Council thank Mr Valinski for all the work he is doing, on behalf of the Council, to complete the application form.

Telephone Box in Church Road

The fact that the box was not working and that there were loose wires was first reported on March 30th. It was finally repaired on 3 May 2006. Please look after our facilities if you want to keep them.

Dog Control Orders

From 6 April 2006, Dog Control Orders, made under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act replace byelaws relating to dogs. There are five offences for which dog control orders can be made;

failing to remove dog faeces;

not keeping a dog on a lead;

not putting and keeping a dog on a lead when directed to do so;

permitting a dog to enter land from which it is excluded;

and taking more than a specified number of dogs onto land. Failure to comply with dog control orders may lead to a fine of up to £1000. Please contact the Dog Warden on 01305 252372 to report any problems.

Information Wanted Who owns the red "FLAMVAULT PORTASTORE" now on the Playing Field?

Date of next meeting - Thursday 1 June at 19.00 at the Communal Room, Webbers Piece