Tag: #BWGPC

Councillor Simon Christopher’s Report – June 2021

Prior to Cllr. Simon Christopher submitting the following report at last night’s meeting of the Group Parish Council, he requested the Town Clerk “put it on record” that Cllr. Rebecca Knox* (Beaminster Ward), Cabinet Member for Communities, Health & Wellbeing had been extremely helpful with her experience and knowledge of the Broadwindsor Ward.

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of parish councillor Lloyd Curtis.  As Philip Hardwill has stated “We will miss him and the good he did for his local community”.
It is disappointing that we are not meeting face to face as I continue to believe that a face to face meeting is preferable to virtual meeting. However there is still justifiable concern about the spread of the Covid Virus and your caution is perfectly understandable. It will not have escaped the attention of many of you that I have been corresponding with the Highways team including Highway Lead Council member  Councillor Cherry  Brooks to press for resurfacing of local roads. This has been successful in some places but certainly not in relation to the B3165. I have the assurance of the lead member for highways responsible for road surfaces that this will be looked at further. That is to say every metre of the above road within Dorset from the Somerset Border down to the Devon  border. To remind you Councillor Ray Bryan is the Cabinet Member responsible for Highways . Councillor Cherry Brooks as stated is responsible for road surfaces.

Councillor Nocturin Lacey Clark is the lead member responsible for Hedgerows and verges. This leads us to the matter of Common Water Lane and the issues relating  to its use or mis use. Councillor Rebecca Knox also has interest here, as part of Common Water Lane is in her ward. Common Water Lane which appears to have been as issue for many years prior to me becoming a Dorset Councillor,  is the subject of continuing correspondence where we are waiting various responses from Dorset Council . I am not a solicitor or highways expert but I will be seeking a legal opinion at a face to face meeting this week with a specialist solicitor.

You will have noted my concerns over so many months about dogs not being on leads and disturbing and indeed harming livestock. This problem has been highlighted still further with the death of the cow at nearby Eggardon. It is useful to remind all that farmers have the right to shoot dogs in circumstances where dogs are deemed to be loose such that their livestock may be protected.

I have received on Friday 18 June , a lengthy e-mail about the damage to verges banks and road surfaces drains etc. by large vehicles .

I look forward to hearing your thoughts in the future and indeed speaking with you in the days ahead. Suffice it to say that the e-mail is written in what may be termed a legal way quoting the Highways Act and the responsibilities of Dorset Council and the police.

I will be looking to arrange a meeting with the concerned resident shortly.

I am corresponding in the first instance with the Highways Team about this for their view. Such damage to drains is seen as leading to eventual greater damage to road surfaces property etc. This has been a concern across the Marshwood Vale and obviously across the Country for many years.

I have also received a residents e mail expressing concern re the possibility of the creation of  a concrete ramp across Hursey Common amongst other concerns.

Last week Dorset Council received an update from the Cabinet Member for Planning Councillor, David Walsh.  In the update he stressed the amount of officer time being devoted to consideration of the responses  to the consultation to the first draft of the Dorset Local Plan. Councillor Walsh stressed his dedication to making sure that Dorset has a new adopted Local Plan by the end of 2023.

Clearly the Government has previously indicated it wanted to simplify planning within England. I am referring here to the Planning For the Future White Paper last August seen as the largest overhaul of the planning system since the 1947 Town and Country Planning Act. This may or may not ultimately be pursued. In the meanwhile the sensible and appropriate course of action is for the local plan to progress through its various stages.

You may have read that Dorset Council has called for more Government action to bring better broadband to more remote rural areas. Dorset Council is quoting that 96 per cent of Dorset can get super fast broadband. Dorset Council’s deputy leader Peter Wharf said “While we very much welcome the National Project Gigabit funding coming to Dorset we want to ensure that this and any future investments in improving connectivity  are directed at our hardest to reach areas first”.

The Council has also invested £1million to give our residents and businesses in rural areas an additional top up when they apply for government broadband vouchers.

  • “However we get no say on how or where that top is spent and we are urging the Government to enable councils to have more influence on where money is invested locally”.
  • “Crucially we would like to see the Government return to its original commitment of bringing gigabit capable broadband to 100 per cent of premises”.
  • “In this day and age where broadband is essential it is imperative that no home or business is left behind “.

In addition to more funding, Dorset Council would  like to see national subsidy offers improved so that anyone on sub super fast broadband speeds can apply. Currently the offer, called the Universal Service Obligation (USO) is for people whose internet speeds are less than 10 Mbps.

I am meeting the Council Leader Spencer Flower for a one  to one discussions on Wednesday (23rd June). Amongst the discussion topics will be the need to see improvements to bus services.

To remind you earlier this year Sue McGowan Head of Dorset Travel said “We are intending to refresh our public transport strategy in line with the new national strategy ( Bus Back Better). I will be looking for commitment to improve bus services.”

You may recall that only local transport authorities who commit to establishing an Enhanced Partnership across the whole of the LTA area by 30th June 2021 and to have published by 31st October 2021 a bus improvement plan will continue to receive the Covid 19 Bus Services Improvement Grant or any new sources of funding from Central Government.

I look forward to working with the new Police and Crime Commissioner Mr. David Sidwick. I have started to make him aware of issues within the Marshwood Vale Dorset Council Ward.

It is excellent to see the desire within the community to maintain the existence of a shop in Broadwindsor . It will also be interesting  to hear the thoughts of people on the viability having a community run pub at the heart of the village.

With the planned improvements to the Broadwindsor Comrades Hall  (including air source heat pumps and photovoltaic roof panels), the recent repairs to planned improvements to Bernards’ Place by way of installation of new equipment and the the continued progress of the Broadwindsor Cricket Club these are encouraging times.

Best regards

Simon”
Councillor Simon Christopher.
Dorset Councillor Marshwood Vale
07798 833 715

Aristotle

*Cllr. Rebecca Knox:

Committee appointments:

Her other appointed positions include:

Contact:

Scroll#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#BWGPC,#SimonChristopher,#DorsetCouncil,#SpencerFlower,#RebeccaKnox,#ComradesHall,#DavidSidwick,#PeterWharf,#NSA,#DavidWalsh,#Covid19,#2021,#Palmers,#WearYourMask,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Final Night At The White Lion – Friday 25th June

The White Lion will be open this evening from 6pm – 10pm.  It will then only be open for one final night next Friday, 25th June.  After months of rumours and uncertainty, Vikki announced their departure on social media last night stating: “Those of you who have supported us, day in and day out, we apologise for letting you down and cannot thank you enough for your support“.
The New Inn, Blagdon
Vikki and Spike are returning to Wadworth brewery and are moving to The New Inn, Blagdon, in North Somerset near Bristol.  They will be opening this country pub in a couple of weeks.
For those wishing to visit them in their future venture, The New Inn is a dog friendly pub with beautiful views of Blagdon Lake.
The New Inn, Park Lane Off Church Street Blagdon Bristol BS40 7SB.
Aristotle

With regards to the White Lion’s future . . .

and whether it would be viable as a Community Pub, this is to be discussed at Monday’s Group Parish Council meeting (item 11 on their agenda). Anyone can attend and the meeting will now be on Zoom for Covid-19 reasons but also enabling more to take part.

Starting at 7.30pm,
To access the meeting, please click HERE.
Meeting ID: 925 993 0185

❤ Spike & Vikki – We all wish you both happiness and prosperity in your new location ❤

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#BGPCLT,#FMRTrust,#SocialDistancing,#Tribute,#Community,#DorsetPolice,#Farmers,#PlanningApplication,#BroadwindsorCC,#ParishCouncil,#Covid19,#CommunityPub,#PalmersBrewery,#Wadworth,#Coronavirus,#ClimateChange,#Zoom,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Stop Press: Monday’s Council Meeting Now On Zoom

Monday’s Group Parish Council meeting, initially planned for Drimpton Village Hall will now take place online. This will enable more to take part to hear the Council’s discussions, particularly with regard to the future of the White Lion pub.
The Town Clerk issued the following this morning:

“In light of the rising number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalisations and deaths and the subsequent delay in the lifting of remaining social distancing requirements, the Chairman and Vice Chairman have today discussed the potential risks to Councillors, employees and members of the public in holding next week’s meeting in-person. Also taking into consideration the fact that Dorset Council is continuing to hold committee meetings remotely, a decision has been taken to hold Monday’s meeting on Zoom once again.”

Starting at 7.30pm
To access the meeting click HERE.
The Meeting ID: 925 993 0185
Zoom is Free! – Sign Up and get it HERE.

The Broadwindsor Community Pub Proposal is item 11 on their agenda.
The full agenda is available to download HERE.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#BGPCLT,#FMRTrust,#SocialDistancing,#Tribute,#Community,#DorsetPolice,#Farmers,#PlanningApplication,#BroadwindsorCC,#ParishCouncil,#CommunityPub,#PalmersBrewery,#Coronavirus,#ClimateChange,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Proposed Development At Bernards’ Place

The first illustration details the planned development for Bernards’ Place play area in Broadwindsor. The application being made by the Comrades Hall Management Committee is a very large project involving installation of a new state of the art low carbon heating system in air source heating and installing solar panels onto the roof.
As well as this, an overhaul of the play equipment is planned as shown in the second illustration below.

All of this transformation is subject to getting funding, applications have been made to National Lottery and Low Carbon Dorset.

The full Planning Application, P/FUL/2021/01358 can be accessed by clicking HERE and is included in the Group Parish’s Agenda for their meeting on Monday evening.

Please direct any enquiries to Cllr. David Leader: 01308 868275 or 07867 608652.

Scroll#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#BWGPC,#Community,#Village,#BernardsPlace,#NationalLottery,#LowCarbonDorset,#ComradesHall,#Charity,#COVID19,#Covid19#SocialDistancing,#LetTheChildrenPlay,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Broadwindsor Parish Group Council Meeting – Monday 21st June

Not since March 2020, have the BWGPC met face to face, conducting all their meetings, including their A.G.M. on Zoom.  This month they shall meet at Drimpton Village Hall at 7.30pm.  All are welcome to attend but social distancing remains in force.

The full agenda is available to download HERE. Minutes of previous Group Parish Council meetings can be found online HERE

This month, councillors will make a tribute to their fellow councillor, Lloyd Curtis who was laid to rest yesterday at St. Andrew’s Church in Burstock.

This month’s accounts include approval of a payment of £8,953 for Dorset Council to fix and install 2 x Speed Indicator Devices for Broadwindsor and Drimpton.

There are two Planning Applications under consideration:

  • P/HOU/2021/01724, Forge Cottage, Chard Road, Drimpton, DT8 3RF.
  • P/FUL/2021/01358, Comrades Hall Management Committee, Broadwindsor.

The Broadwindsor Community Pub Proposal is item 11 on their agenda.

Item 13, Highways focuses on the following:

  • Report from the Footpaths Officer.
  • Verge Management in the Grouped Parish Area.
  • Common Water Lane Update.

Residents are invited to give their views and ask questions of the Parish Council on any outstanding issues on this Agenda or raise issues for future consideration.

The date of the next meeting will then be arranged. The meeting will then close.

The press and public are invited to attend.  Under the Openess of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014, members of the public may now film, photograph and make audio recordings of the proceedings of the formal Council meeting, though not, under current legislation, of the Public Participation session, as this is not part of the formal agenda of the meeting. Recording activity should be respectful to the conduct of the meeting and behavious that disrupts the meeting (such as oral commentary) will not be permitted.  Any member of the public shall not speak for more than five minutes.  A question asked by a member of the public during Public Participation shall not require a response or debate during the meeting though the Chairman may direct that a written response will be provided subsequent to the meeting.

There are 15 Elected Councillors – Click HERE to identify them.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#BGPCLT,#FMRTrust,#SocialDistancing,#Tribute,#Community,#DorsetPolice,#Farmers,#PlanningApplication,#BroadwindsorCC,#ParishCouncil,#CommunityPub,#PalmersBrewery,#Coronavirus,#ClimateChange,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Gladis’s Law

Cameron Farquharson is gathering a wealth of support for Gladis’s Law, Protecting livestock, informing dog owners: a campaign for a change in law to make it mandatory to keep dogs on a lead when walking near livestock. “We want to educate dog owners about the importance of using a lead.”

Yesterday Cameron received the 2021 Sheep worrying by dogs survey from The National Sheep Association.  He shared the following on social media:

“I am currently sat reading through it and the causes of the livestock incidents jumped out at me. People could select multiple answers.
  • 70% selected that the cause was not putting their dog(s)on a lead.
  • 66% believed that their dog(s) won’t attack livestock or won’t do damage if they do.
  • 49% Was down to a lack of regard or concern on the issue.
  • 39% had assumed their dog(s) would respond to commands off the lead.
  • 47% was down to allowing dog(s) to roam unaccompanied or escaped from gardens or kennels.
  • 5% Worrying on purpose/linked to poaching.
The NSA then asked farmers what was the outcome of them asking people to put their dogs on lead. Again people could select multiple answers.
  • 51% reported receiving Verbal abuse.
  • 48% were ignored by the dog owner.
  • 21% received Intimidation by the dog owner.
  • 16% Other (no understanding, land ownership).
  • 15% Polite refusal to use a lead.
  • 8% Retribution (vandalism).
  • 3% received physical abuse.

I will post more once I’ve read and understood. But I think we can all agree that the statistics from this survey are shocking. We need to change things for the better.”

Gladis’s Law, Protecting livestock, informing dog owners.

To keep up to date on the Gladis’s Law Facebook page – Click HERE.
#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#DorsetLife,#Farmers,#BWGPC,#Livestock,#Sheep,#Cows,HighlandCoo,#Gladis,#BBC,#ChrisLoderMP,#PCSO6386,#TakeTheLead,#LivestockWorrying,#NSA,#LivestockAttacks,#RespectProtectEnjoy,#KeepYourDogOnALead,#GladissLaw,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Astronomy Session Cancelled

This afternoon’s Astronomy session on Zoom  has been cancelled due to ill health. Apologies to those who have registered.
It will be postponed until 14th July.
#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Somerset,#MagnaHousing,#2021,#DorsetCouncil,#BWGPC,#Astronomy,#LookUp,#Stars,#Planets,#Space,#Time,#Gravity,#Time,#LightYears,#Zoom,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

A Community Pub In Broadwindsor?

Broadwindsor Group Parish Council has been approached by Palmers Brewery to see if the Community is interested in opening a Community Pub.

The issue is on the agenda for the next Parish Council meeting on the 21st June. In the meantime a small group of residents, including Parish Councillors, are undertaking some initial investigative work to assess the feasibility of such a project.  At the appropriate time a public meeting will be held to report the findings and canvas the views of residents.

Initial responses to the Council’s announcement on Facebook think it is a good idea.  However, being restricted to Palmer‘s products has quickly been highlighted as a cause for concern.  So much so that a Community Pub could be sited at the Comrades Hall.  This happened previously when the pub was closed and worked very well.

The Council have yet to name anyone in their investigative group, therefore please address your comments to Helen Cudmore, The Town Clerk: hello@broadwindsorgroup.gov.uk.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#DorsetLife,#PalmersBrewery,#BWGPC,#CommunityPub,#TheWhiteLion,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Farmers! Please Submit Your Evidence

Cameron Farquharson’s cow Gladis made the national news last week, sadly for tragic reasons.  Her death has highlighted the need for farmers to have more say in taking care of their livestock in dealing with dogs off their leads.

When Cameron announced the very sad news on Facebook the following day, he begged, as all our local farmers repeatedly do to “please please please adhere to the notice on the gate and KEEP YOUR DOGS ON A LEAD!” He added ” We cannot afford in financial terms and for mine and my children’s mental well-being to continuously deal with these distressing losses.”  His post was shared over 10,000 times and made the BBC news.

Cameron and his family, who run Redlands Coppice, are now working with a group of farmers, farming related businesses and an MP to bring about a change in the law to give livestock more protection which they are calling Gladis’s Law.  They are trying to make contact with as many local farmers, smallholders holders and general livestock owners who have experienced dog attacks or worrying on their livestock in order to collate as much evidence of the problem as possible. Gladis’s Law would make it an offence for dogs to be off lead on farm land or land with animals grazing.

Sign up to be kept up to date of their progress on Gladis’s Law HERE.

Please message/submit your evidence through Facebook to: Cameron Farquharson HERE or Rachel Hayball HERE at your earliest convenience. Thank you.

Cameron’s family were “overwhelmed by the kindness shown” to them, as a family…. “so many we are not able to respond personally to each individual person as we would like. We have made this short video to introduce you to our hairy coos and say a personal thank you.“

 

Gladis died on 27th May on Eggardon Hill when dogs (reportedly Labradors) chased her to death killing both her and her full term unborn calf. R.I.P. Gladis x

Dorset Police Rural Crime Team also released a two and a half minute video on Facebook on Saturday about putting dogs on a lead which you can view HERE.

If you are a farmer needing livestock worrying signage, please send their team an email: ruralcrimeteam@dorset.pnn.police.uk with the best name and address to send to and the quantity that’s required. Maximum of 4 signs per address.

Cameron has now launched a special Facebook page HERE to gather support.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#DorsetLife,#Farmers,#BWGPC,#Livestock,#Sheep,#Cows,HighlandCoo,#Gladis,#BBC,#ChrisLoderMP,#PCSO6386,#TakeTheLead,#LivestockWorrying,#LivestockAttacks,#RespectProtectEnjoy,#KeepYourDogOnALead,#GladissLaw,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Astronomy – 3pm, Wednesday 9th June

Village resident Peter Davies will present his 3rd session for those with an interest in Astronomy this Wednesday at 3pm on Zoom.

This month there will be a recap on previous content and then move onto the subject of Time.

The sessions are 90 minutes each and there will be a 5-10 min break for tea after 40 mins.  Peter does recommend having a notepad and pen to take any notes. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions and/or discussion.

Magna HousingTo listen/participate – you must first email: Lori.Lee@magna.org.uk to register your interest for Data Protection reasons. If you do not receive an invitation to join from Lori Lee, please email Peter directly: pdavies1812@gmail.com.

Zoom is Free! – Sign Up and get it HERE.

This event is sponsored by Magna Housing and Broadwindsor.org.

On the morning of Thursday 1oth June, there is a partial solar eclipse. The disc of the Sun will appear as a crescent as the Moon partially obscures it. A greater solar eclipse will not be seen until 2025.

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Somerset,#MagnaHousing,#2021,#DorsetCouncil,#BWGPC,#Astronomy,#LookUp,#Stars,#Planets,#Space,#Time,#Gravity,#Time,#LightYears,#Zoom,#BeSafe,#StaySafe