Tag: #CllrSimonChristopher

Cllr. Simon Christopher’s Report – July 22

Cllr. Simon Christopher has submitted the following report for this evening’s Meeting of Broadwindsor’s Group Parish Council:

Dear Helen and Councillors,

While there has been a certain amount of political disturbance and intrigue in and around the Palace of Westminster political work continues at Dorset Council under our leader Councillor Spencer Flower.

Councillor Flower has in recent times visited the West of the County including Broadwindsor and Thorncombe . I have also welcomed the leader to Charmouth and Lyme Regis. I know Spencer appreciates my direct comments as do our MP and police and Crime Commissioner who I have also  met since the last BGPC meeting at Drimpton .

I believe it is helpful to focus on the Dorset Council Mission Statement under Councillor Flower.and commentary on work to assist Ukrainian Refugees.
The network continues to extend a warm welcome for Ukrainian refugees coming to Dorset. Help & Kindness (a local community interest company) is signposting people to local groups supporting refugees and sharing information.
The council’s role to support Ukrainian refugees ranges from accommodation checks, education provision for children, arranging for payments and job-seeking opportunities. We do not want to get in the way of the great work being done in communities, but contribute through our service delivery, helping to co-ordinate and facilitate activity.

Mission Statement – A two-year plan setting out our priorities for 2022 to 2024

Our Mission Statement isn’t a list of the hundreds of services that the council provides, nor does it detail all the huge progress we have made since the council was created in 2019. Achievement of our initial objectives set out in the LGR prospectus is something to be particularly proud of, because of the huge challenges during the pandemic. This is now our bold and ambitious look forward. It identifies the key priorities we want to focus on during the next two years. It is our commitment to our residents, and our partners.
As advocates for Dorset residents, we must continue to be bold and ambitious to ensure that we achieve the best outcomes for residents. We will continue to lobby Minsters and Dorset Members of Parliament on a regular basis to ensure we can achieve a fairer deal for Dorset from Government.

Our vision for 2022 – 2024

Dorset Local Plan – Take a different approach to Local Plan preparation by being far more strategic, including a two-year extension for having an approved plan. To continue to work with Homes England and the New Communities Team’ to deliver a sustainable garden town within the Dorset area.

Housing for local people– Develop progressive relationships with developing registered providers (such as housing associations) operating in Dorset, working together deliver affordable housing to rent for local people. Build on our investment in council-owned temporary accommodation to substantially reduce the dependence on bed and breakfast for those who are homeless and need our support in the short term.

Adult Social Care – Develop and deliver reform to cope with increased demand at a stable or mitigated cost level.

Children’s Services – Continue radical reforms with the roll out of the £37.5m SEND invest to save programme and commit to the 2020-2023 Children’s Plan and the Strategic Alliance for Children & Young People.

Assets and Property – Drive the disposal and repurposing programme and develop a master plan with services to maximise the potential of the Dorset Centre of Excellence in Shaftesbury.

Working with the Integrated Care System – Getting a better deal for Dorset Council as equal partners by establishing place as the key platform, bringing early intervention to social care. This will ensure the best outcomes for those who need our support and offer the best opportunity for this to come at an affordable cost to the council and the NHS.

Climate and Ecological Strategy – Deliver on our agreed policy and commitments and establish bidding capability to attract Government funding to enable the council to progressively meet its net zero target by 2040.

Community Safety – Working closely with Dorset Police to ensure we achieve the best outcomes when dealing with local crime and anti-social behaviour. Work with the Police and Crime Commissioner to make Dorset the safest county in the country.

County Deal – Working with BCP Council, submit a bid to Government for a County Deal for the whole of the County of Dorset, in collaboration with the Dorset LEP, to enhance and drive economic development and the skills agenda and attract additional Government funding into Dorset.

Digital Innovation – Continue to pioneer new technologies and create the foundations of a longer-term economic development. Work to safeguard and encourage job retention and growth, through direct action and through positive engagement to the private sector.

Turning the mission statement into Council Policy [next steps]

  • Draft refreshed version of Dorset Plan to Place and Resources Overview Committee (7 June) and to People and Health Overview Committee (28 June)
  • Refreshed Dorset Plan to Cabinet for amendment / approval (26 July)
  • Post Cabinet: Scrutiny to review performance or specific priorities

While these timescales are tight, I firmly believe that they are achievable and we can then start to implement our plans for the people of Dorset, truly making it a place to live, work and visit.

“I hope you found this insight helpful and an interesting approach to ensuring we understand and achieve our key priorities during the next two years.”  – Cllr Spencer Flower, Leader of Council

I have met with the Secretary of State at DEFRA Rt hon George Eustace MP.
I will comment further on this at the BGPC meeting.
It is clearly helpful with the Secretary Estate and ministers in the team remain in post despite the disturbances mentioned at the start of the report.
Cabinet members at Dorset Council are working closely with their counterparts at Cornwall’s Council.
Both Cornwall and Dorset have substantial County Farms Estates and we have much to learn from their pilot slurry schemes .
I have set out thoughts on how farmers need extra support in my meeting with him on 8 July 2022.
I am working with Dorset Council and officials in respect of mental health issues.
I actively engage with farming and business organisations and many professionals.
I have met with our Member of Parliament to stress the importance of local businesses and connectivity generally. There is a shared concern re local health care provision.
Further there is every prospect of a change in wider tax and benefit adjustments in the near future.
I have met with  our police and Crime commissioner to discuss his plans for stronger rural policing.
During 2022 we have already seen rapid increase in inflation. Dorset Council is trying to assist residents in financial difficulty. Please see note at the end of this short report.

We are clearly expecting a very busy summer on our roads.
I have met with Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick to discuss road safety and crime concerns. Dorset Police now have additional numbers dedicated to rural policing.
I have chased the lawyer Philip Crowther and ranger Russell Goff for meetings to discuss issues arising re local footpaths.
I have e mailed portfolio holder Councillor Ray Bryan for update re-funding for the Bus Service Improvement Plan.
I will provide update re the withdrawal of area based agricultural subsidies and the move towards environmental based subsidies which will impact farmers whether Dorset Council Farm tenants or otherwise at the parish council meeting. I will also report on other developments for farmers whether financial or environmental, outlined by Secretary of State George Eustace at Devon County Show last Thursday .

Now for details of financial support as a consequence of inflation:

Vulnerable people in the Dorset Council area can apply for new support to help with rising costs. Applications are being taken from pensioners and working age people in receipt of qualifying benefits or in fuel poverty.

Please note, the fund for working age people has now closed. It is still open to pensionable age residents. If you need financial support or advice, please go to the Cost of Living Help webpages to see how else you may be able to get help.

The council has been awarded the funding from the Government’s Household Support Fund to provide short-term financial assistance. The support will be via supermarket vouchers. Vouchers will be issued to residents in the Dorset Council area with savings of less than £10,000 who meet the following criteria:

Either:

  • Pensioner in receipt of Pension Credit;
  • A pensioner or working age resident not in receipt of a means tested benefit who is in fuel poverty**; or
  • Working age and in receipt of a means tested benefit* (this is now closed for working age, please see Cost of Living Help for support and advice).

 *Means tested benefits are Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Rebate, Income-related ESA (Employment and Support Allowance), Income Support, Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit.
**Fuel poverty is defined as spending 10% of household income on energy costs

Vouchers will also be provided during the school holidays to families in receipt of free school meals.

Councillor Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help said “The Household Support Fund is there to help those who need it most. There is a simple online application form, and if you have any difficulties completing it, or do not use the internet, our library-based volunteer Digital Champions can assist you.  Your local Citizens Advice office will also be able to help you.  If you are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, there is a range of support available for you, so please act now.”

Apply HERE.

Residents will need their most recent bank statements, proof of benefits (if applicable), energy bill (if applicable) and identification.
The website also explains how to nominate a family member or friend if assistance is needed, or if the applicant does not have an email address.
Alternatively, applicants can get help to complete their form from a volunteer Dorset Digital Champion at their local library. To book an appointment, telephone 01305 221048 (Monday to Friday, 10am to midday).  See Digital Champion venue opening times. 

Local Citizens Advice offices are also offering assistance. Click HERE to see opening times and locations or call customer services at Dorset Council on 01305 221027 for opening times.

Food vouchers during the holidays and free school meals

In line with previous school holidays, families of children who receive free school meals during term time will be provided with food vouchers over the summer holiday. These are funded by the Household Support Fund, and Dorset schools will share information about the vouchers direct with the families who receive free school meals.

If you do not claim free school meals for your child but think you might qualify, please apply by completing the online form. You can also apply for free activities for your child during the summer holidays.

Click HERE to check whether you can get Free School Meals.

Other support

Click HERE to find out what other support, including council tax support, housing benefit and universal credit, is available

Click HERE to see where you can access food at local foodbanks, community fridges and social supermarkets

Clearly there have been some farmers who delayed the purchasing of fertiliser until after 24 February and who sold part of their cereal crop forward before that date and have had cause to regret this.
The current position is changeable with crude oil prices recently in retreat .
This may not provide reassurance to households in the short term with inflation in the UK broadly at 9 per cent  8.6 per cent in America and 8 .7 per cent in Germany.
Indeed inflation is at 12 per cent in Greece and 20 per cent in Estonia , hence the challenge of moving together in the Eurozone.
Indeed it maybe that that the Euro May hit parity with the dollar shortly reflecting concerns .
Charle Moore writer for the Daily Telegraph and indeed a former editor of the Daily Telegraph has spoken to audiences in West Dorset several times over the last couple of decades.  In  his contribution to the above paper over the weekend on inflation he wrote ( and I give you a shortened version )

” As the Country emerged blinking from the Covid convalescent Ward it faced enormous, partly war driven price rises in energy and food ,growing evidence of underlying inflation well beyond the temporary costs of short supply ”

I look forward to meeting you again.
Best regards

Simon
Councillor Simon Christopher
Dorset Councillor Marshwood Vale

Hawthorne Cottage
Ryall Road
Whitchurch Canonicorum
Bridport, Dorset
DT6 6RH​

Mob: 07798 833715

Email: cllrsimon.christopher@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

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Cllr. Simon Christopher’s Report – Feb 2022

Cllr. Simon Christopher submitted the following report at this evening’s Informal Meeting of Broadwindsor’s Group Parish Council:

Dear Helen and Councillors

It is wonderful thing to note the positivity of people. It has been great to see the Save the White Lion appeal exceed the £30,000 target, Una and I were pleased to support the appeal for funds. There will be work ahead and the need for continued financial backing. I noted with interest elsewhere in the County that, since we last met Dorset Council has allowed an application for a grade 2 listed building to be converted from Pub to residential.

I would like to pay tribute to Kevin, with his all his efforts at Broadwindsor Comminity Stores as manager. Kevin has always conducted matters in such a cheery way and has clearly been hugely instrumental in the Stores being so successful and a crucial community asset.

I continue my work in connection with consistent , sensible speed limits and also pressing for improved pedestrian walkways.

Una and I were pleased to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Melplash Show, again  there was much enthusiasm to  hold a show one again after the difficulties. I know that  amongst the Parish Council there are active supporters of the Show who have enjoyed activities put on by the Melplash Agricultural Society but there is nothing quite like Show day and that is what people have missed so much.

One of my first memories of Melplash Show ( many years ago) was the highlight of seeing the farming toys stand of Frost and Co of Bridport. Maybe others, such as Andrew Frampton will share those memories. Speaking of Andrew I was pleased to hear from him of plans to commemorate the Spitfire Crash on the north side of Lewesdon Hill and the death of Belgian pilot Jean Verdun Marie Aime De Cloet . History matters to me and I am pleased to be a member of the Joint Dorset Council and Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Archives Board.

On Tuesday Dorset Council will have the first face to face Full Council meeting, This will include a discussion and voting on the budget for 2022/2023. We will soon see a new face on Dorset Council  as Daryl Turner, Dorset Councillor for Lyme Regis has, I understand, moved to Wales.

It is good to see so many events at local village halls , I will pick out just one the recent coffee morning and talk on the growing of potatoes at Drimpton Village Hall that was so well attended.Now for some really important thoughts and that concerns mental health and community events. It is I believe, very important to reflect on, and act on, the impact of Covid on mental health.

Age Uk conducted a survey of what the Charity described as older people being people aged over 60. Some 27 per cent of people said they speak less to their family now. The Charity reports that millions have lost the confidence to go out and 41 per cent described feeling lonely. Memory loss disturbed sleep and anxiety are some of the symptoms being reported by older people in what Age UK has called an “alarming” mental health crisis  The Charity is urging friends and family of older people to what it describes as “reach out for a chat. Good mental health of  residents of Dorset  is good news for the NHS and Dorset Council. It is no wonder that I am a keen supporter of our local halls, community shops , faith groups, clubs and societies. My work also encompasses lobbying for better public transport, road and rail for the benefits that can be derived for the residents of the Marshwood Vale ward. My lobbying also continues for better pavement provision, reduced and indeed consistent speed limits .

In agriculture there are big changes in agriculture policy:

National membership organisations are hosting the Low Carbon Agriculture Show at Stoneleigh, once the home of the Royal Show. This is worthy of mention as the Marshwood Vale ward is rural and we live in a time where farmers prepare their businesses for a future without the Basic Payent Scheme ie a solely area based subsidy.

The first cuts to BPS have been made , by 2024 a typical farming enterprise will have lost 50 per cent of its BPS subsidy and by 2028 the BPS will be removed altogether.

The event is being marketed as an event for forward thinking farmers and landowners to consider practical guidance on issues such as:

  • Sustainable land use
  • Renewable energy generation
  • Emission Control

Farmers will have read in the farming press of changes in farming policy to include:

  • Carbon storage
  • Soil health
  • Natural capital
  • Net zero renewable energy
  • Low emission vehicles
  • Sustainable rural architecture
  • Water health

All of this is very helpful given DEFRA has announced a number of schemes to help farmers move away from reliance on BPS.

Covid-19 update from Public Health Dorset

Following a rise in cases over the past couple of weeks, infection rates have started to fall again across Dorset. Case rates are above the national average for England but below the regional average for the South West. Infection rates remain highest amongst children and lowest amongst over 65s. The number of people in hospital in Dorset with COVID-19 remains similar to last week at 92.

Whilst there are far fewer people needing hospital treatment as a result of COVID-19 compared to last year, our local health and care services are under significant pressure. Alongside exceptional demand and the usual pressures faced every winter, COVID-19 is adding to these. Please continue to play your part by getting your jabs to protect yourself from serious illness, and taking precautions to reduce the spread of the virus.

Exceptional pressures county wide leads to Dorset CCG call for public to use services wisely

NHS and local authority social workers across Dorset are working tirelessly to keep services running to support us all – keeping our loved ones, families, neighbours, and local communities safe and well.

We would like to ask for your support to help us. You can help in the following ways:

  • Support loved ones to leave hospital so that they can be more comfortable and recover more quickly at home. The support of relatives and friends can be important in enabling patients who are medically ready to leave hospital.
  • Use NHS services wisely to get the right treatment, in the right place, at the right time. Our hospital emergency departments are under extreme pressure.  If you’re unwell and are unsure about where to go, visit nhs.uk or call 111. We’ll do our very best to answer your call as quickly as possible though it may take a little longer due to the current demand. Please be patient and kind when you speak to our teams.
  • Contact your local pharmacist or GP practice for ongoing or minor health issues.
  • Only ever call 999 in a medical emergency – this is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
  • Get your jabs – protect yourself and support your local services by getting your first, second, and booster Covid-19 vaccine doses. For a full list of Covid-19 vaccine sites, visit dorsetccg.nhs.uk.

Adult Social Care recruitment

With huge pressures currently within the Adult Social Care directorate one of the ways members can help is to promote the recruitment adverts for roles which are currently vacant.

The pressures, which are being mirrored across the country, include higher demand, people with significant requirements, and a reduction in the number of staff in adult social care sector.

There is particular gap in the number of Social Workers and Occupational Therapists within the workforce for which there is a recruitment drive. However, there are also other roles within the service which residents can apply for.

Unitary council, costs are rising.

Residents often ask us ‘why don’t the savings made through creating Dorset Council in 2019 get put towards lowering our council tax?’.

We have made significant savings, but the rising demand and costs of services, particularly social care, have absorbed this. If a single unitary council hadn’t been set up, Dorset’s financial position would have been much worse.

I am struck by the cheerful nature of those who work in our local schools and those who run businesses.  The children of today may be the workers of tomorrow.

I thought I would mention that I was invited by one of our neighbouring Members  of Parliament to attend a question and answer session with local businesses . The main key difficulty that the emplyers quoted was that of difficulty in hiring skilled staff.

I have subsequently been invited it attend another event to be hosted by our own MP for those who run businesses and I also will be interested to hear his comments.

Chris Loder MP has written of his concern about the state of class rooms in Dorset , in particular classrooms which were installed decades ago on a temporary basis, which are still being used. This is an issue that I will continue to discuss with Andrew Parry the Dorset Councillor portfolio holder for education and children’s services.

Many of you  will recall that a couple of years ago Dorset Councillor Andrew Parry attended a Broadwindsor Group Parish Council meeting and is portfolio holder for children education and skills, vulnerable  families in Dorset are benefitting from a Government grant. Dorset Council will be receiving funds from the Governments Supporting Families Programme which will assist with this.
I would like to quote Andrew’s words:

“The Supporting Families funded work in Dorset has helped us transform the lives of some of our most vulnerable children , young people and their families.”

Best regards to you all

Simon
Councillor Simon Christopher
Dorset Councillor Marshwood Vale
077988 33715

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Bus Back Better – Take Part On Wed 19th & Thurs 20th Jan 22

In October Dorset Council submitted their Bus Service Improvement Plan on time to the Department for Transport. Since that time they have been working on the next stage – the Enhanced Partnership.

As part of the ongoing process they would like to invite Town and Parish Councils to a stakeholder briefing session to be held via Teams to explain the Enhanced Partnership process, their plans for governance and bus user representation, the work conducted to get them to the stage and the timeline for completing the process by the end of March 2022.

Cllr. Simon Christopher did report on the Enhanced Partnership Plan but made no mention of this invitation for you to be heard.  You are invited to attend either of the sessions being held on Wednesday 19 January at 10am and Thursday 20 January at 2pm. 

To attend either briefing session, you need to have Microsoft Teams installed.  Microsoft Teams is free – you can download it HERE. Please then click on the appropriate button below.

  • Wednesday at 10am – click HERE.
  • Thursday at 2pm – click HERE.

Comments, suggestions, and ideas can also be emailed to busbackbetter@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

The Bus Service Improvement Plan will be further developed and updated annually.

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An Incredible Evening

Approximately 500 people flocked to Broadwindsor’s Cricket Club Pavilion last night to watch Broadwindsor Fun Group’s organised Firework display led by village resident & member of Broadwindsor Fun Group,  Andrew Hookings.

Stewards were in place and worked ‘flat out’ for 3 hours, continually guiding people and their families safely in and out of the grounds.

The Fun Group’s Food stall had some people queuing for 50 minutes before completely selling out of burgers and hot dogs, almost exclusively cooked by Vice-chairman, Martin Burt with his trusty meat thermomenter! Delicious hot soups and mulled wine also sold very well.
The Cricket Club’s bar sold out too, with a quick trip to the Co-op required to stock up!

All those involved under estimated the crowd who attended and this has been attributed to local advertising; no other local organised displays taking place; the forecast of dry weather and admission was free 🙂

Special thanks must go to Margery Hookings who raised an astonishing  £743.07 in her special family collection bucket!

“Incredible. I can’t recall ever seeing that many people in the village” was one local comment made.  David Leader, who worked with the BFG Core group on the food stall stated “I don’t think I have ever been involved in catering for so many people in such a short period of time.” Cars parking on the verges at Cross Keys and on the grass area at the front of Redlands Lane was not appreciated but thankfully were there for just one hour.

Broadwindsor House have posted lovely videos on their Facebook page – Click HERE & HERE.

A huge thank you to all involved and all who came along to support the event!

Following the success of this event, Broadwindsor Fun Group and Broadwindsor Cricket Club will have a debrief meeting with a view to holding the event next year.

Don’t forget…

This Tuesday evening at 7.30pm – Broadwindsor Fun Group are holding their Open Planning meeting to discuss 2022’s Jubilee’s celebrations and more fundraising dates.
All are welcome.  For more information and the Agenda – Click HERE.

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Details Of Tonight’s Fireworks Event

A favourable sky is expected for Broadwindsor Fun Group’s Fireworks event this evening, held in cooperation with Broadwindsor Cricket Club and sponsorship received from Cllr. Simon Christopher.

  • Admission is FREE. Donation buckets will be rattled 🙂
  • Pedestrian access from 5.30pm.
  • Redlands Yard (formerly the Craft Centre) are kindly allowing the use of their car park for those driving.
  • Stewards will be in place to guide you safely into and from the Cricket Club’s Pavilion Spectators area.
  • Please dispose of your rubbish sensibly and do not leave any behind.
  • Sorry – no Sparklers allowed!

A bar* will be available and the following will also be on sale from 5.30pm…

  • Burgers @ £3 each
  • Hot dogs @ £2 each
  • Cup of Soup @ £1 each
    – Curried Lentil
    – Roasted Butternut Squash
    – Potato & Vegetable
  • Mulled wine* @ £3 each
  • Glo Sticks @ 2 for 50p

*Please drink responsibily. You are advised not to drink alcohol if you are driving.

Thank you to Andrew Hookings and his team for organising the fireworks. Enjoy!

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Broadwindsor Fun Group Planning Meeting – 7.30pm Tuesday, 9th November

Fireworks this Friday – please come along!
Redlands Yard have made their car park available and there will be stewards on the road to guide you to the Cricket Ground. Hot soup, burgers, hot dogs, mulled wine and a bar too! Sorry no sparklers allowed but Glow Sticks will be on sale: 2 for 50p.

Aristotle

Please also come along to the Broadwindsor Fun Group’s Open Planning Meeting next week.

7.30pm Tuesday, 9th November – Comrades Hall

We would like to crystalise plans for the Jubilee weekend and have also started pencilling in dates for some fund raisers to enable a fun and varied selection of events to be held next year.

The Agenda is as follows:

  1. Welcome by Chairman.
  2. Fireworks event debrief. (Held in conjunction with Broadwindsor Cricket Club)
  3. Christmas Party night – Saturday, 18th December.
    A festive night of Christmas music classics to dance to from The Silver Lining Band. £8 for adults & £5 for under 18s (Price includes a plate of nibbles). Numbers are strictly limited for this fun festive event – so get your tickets, which will be available after this meeting at Broadwindsor Community Stores or ordered online via Broadwindsor.org.
  4. Jubilee weekend 2022
  • Thursday evening – Beacon lighting at the allotments.
  • Friday – free.
  • Saturday – Family fun day & of music & children’s activities in Bernard’s Place until late.
  • Sunday – Reuse Bernard’s place for a lunchtime BYO picnic & early evening band, culminating with the announcement of scarecrow prizes & a big raffle draw.
  1. Potential fundraisers in Comrades Hall– thoughts on events/dates & volunteers please to help us run so many events.
  • Beetle drive afternoon – Saturday, 29th January.
  • Bingo night – Saturday, 19th February, first weekend of half term.
  • Quiz night – Saturday, 26th March
  • Easter buns/ afternoon event – Saturday 16th April
  • Big breakfast – Saturday, 7th May
  • Curry night – Saturday, 21st May – combined mini fundraiser & final planning session for everyone involved in the Jubilee Weekend.
  • Any other suggestions
  1. Other events
  • Classic Cars Display – August 2022
  • Any other suggestions
  1. Risk assessments & insurances
  2. Any other business
  3. Date of Next Full Meeting. Early March 2022? – afternoon or evening?

Please come along and bring your ideas
and say what you can do to help!

7.30pm Tuesday, 9th November – Comrades Hall

Broadwindsor Fun Group

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Re-register With Dorset Housing By 1st December

A new deadline of 1st December 2021 has been set to help ensure everyone who wishes to remain on the register for social housing has time to re-register.

Existing applicants were contacted over the summer about the changes and interim arrangements have been put in place to support people who have a change in circumstances or an urgent housing need.

For anyone with the ‘local connection‘ criteria who is interested in applying for the Broadwindsor Group Parish Community Land Trust development in Drimpton, they should note on their application that they are applying for CLT housing. (broadwindsorgroupparishclt.org)

To re-register, click HERE.

New deadline gives more time:

Originally customers were advised they needed to re-register by 1st October 2021, but a new deadline of 1st December 2021 has been set to help ensure everyone who wishes to remain on the register for social housing has time to re-register.

Bidding for properties

Existing applicants will be able to continue to bid for properties that become available on the current system until the end of November 2021.

What about new applicants?

They are also opening the new register for people who want to apply for the first time from 1st October 2021. They will be updating their website where applicants can create a new customer account and submit a new application.

They will prioritise the assessment of all customers who are carrying out a re-registration process in the first instance but submitting your application and required documents early will mean new applicants can benefit from an earlier effective date.

These applicants will be able to bid for properties from 1st December 2021.

To re-register, click HERE.

If you have concerns, please contact our current Dorset Councillor – Simon Christopher:

Address: Hawthorne Cottage, Ryall Road, Whitchurch Canonicorum, Dorset, DT6 6RH
Home: 01297 489582
Mobile: 07798 833715
Email: cllrsimon.christopher@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

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Calming Spooked Pets On Fireworks Night

Loud bangs, explosions, unexpected noises and darker nights can all contribute to making your pet dog or cat feel extremely stressed and anxious.  The RSPCA estimate that 45% of dogs in the UK show signs of fear when they hear fireworks.

This year Broadwindsor Fun Group are holding a firework display at Broadwindsor’s Cricket Ground at 7pm on Friday, 5th November. Both Councillor Simon Christopher and Broadwindsor House have sponsored this event.

You may already know that your pet is scared of fireworks from previous years or you may have a new pet and this could be their first experience of fireworks.

Tips to calm dogs:

  • Walk them during daylight hours to avoid times when fireworks are likely to be set off.
  • Close windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks.
  • Put on some music or tv to mask the firework sounds.
  • Create a quiet space where your dog can feel in control.
  • Create some hiding places around your home.

Cats:

  • Provide hiding places in your home.
  • Cats can become more stressed if they’re outside during fireworks.
  • Make sure your cats are microchipped in case they’re startled and escape outside.

There are medications (Pheromone diffusers, sprays and collars ) that can be prescribed and purchased, but they don’t have an immediate effect. Talk to your vet as far in advance of Fireworks Night as you can.

The morning after a nearby fireworks display, check your garden for any fallout or shrapnel which may pose a risk. Fireworks contain highly toxic ingredients that can be fatal to your pet if accidentally eaten, so remember to stay extra vigilant during fireworks season.

It’s not just animals in the home that can be scared of fireworks – horses can be too.

  • For top tips on keeping your horse safe and secure during the firework season – please follow the advice from the British Horse Society – Click HERE.

Please don’t let off fireworks in your garden – go to an organised display 🙂

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#AONB,#Fireworks,#AnimalSafety,#BFG,#BWCC,#RememberRemember,#CllrSimonChristopher,#BroadwindsorHouse,#Dogs,#Cats,#Horses,#Display,#RSPCA,#BHS,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

A Byway Open to All Traffic Along Lewesdon?

Dorset Council has received an application to modify the definitive map and statement of rights of way. The effect of the application, if successful, will be to alter Dorset Council’s record of public rights of way by adding a Byway Open to All Traffic along Lewesdon.  A register of Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO) applications is kept to help increase knowledge among landowners, users of rights of way and the general public about applications which could result or have resulted in changes to the definitive map and/or statement.

Hill Lane from the eastern end of Bridleway W26/16, eastwards to the public road at Stoke Knapp in Stoke Abbott Parish.

The applicant has based the claim entirely on historic documentary evidence but in due course user evidence will also be considered. Although the investigation into this application has not yet begun, parishioners can submit any relevant evidence that can be included in the Council’s report, after investigation by officers.
Please contact: anne.brown@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
Click HERE for the DMMO Register where you can find more details about the application using the reference T650.

Information advising on what evidence is relevant & irrelevant are:

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#WestDorset,#DorsetCouncil,#2021,#BWGPC,#LewesdonHill,#StokeAbbott,#ByeWay,#Footpath,#CllrSimonChristopher,#BeSafe,#StaySafe,

Cllr. Simon Christopher’s Report On Common Water Lane – Sept 21

At Monday night’s Group Parish Council meeting, Cllr. Simon Christopher delivered 3 separate reports: a general one, one on Waste Management (Click HERE) and this one – on Common Water Lane:

Dear Councillors and Helen

I thought I would send you a separate report in respect of Common Water Lane for Helen to distribute please.

Earlier this Summer I met with a solicitor at a practice that I have worked with for almost 30 years. The solicitor in question is a specialist in public rights of way and access to land.

I took this decision as I am clearly not the font of all knowledge on these matters and would be beneficial in an attempt to move matters forward and the meeting and written advice to me would not involve a cost to the parish council. It was said of him in the Chambers UK solicitors guide that: “His knowledge on public rights of way is vast“.

His is also honorary adviser to the Green Lane Environmental Action Group  (Until April of this year Prince Philip was Patron of this organisation). Within the legal directory , the Legal 500 he is considered “an industry leader in his own area of expertise public and private rights of way and access to land and leaving no stone unturned”.

I was advised by the solicitor that the power to  a Traffic Regulation Order exists under the Road Traffic Act 1984 and Regulations made under Statutory Instrument 1996/2489.

The question arose as to whether it would be appropriate to make a TRO while allowing private access. The power exists to do so if Dorset Council accept that any one or mor of the of the specific powers listed in as 1(1) of the 1984 Act applies to the Lane. From the explanations that I gave he concluded that those powers or at least those first six powers listed in section 1(1) of the 1984 Act do apply there should it his opinion be no issue that a TRO would be appropriate.

I have to say at this point that as a Dorset Councillor I commented that the present position is in my opinion unsustainable and needs urgent control. We concluded that for the same reason that it is both appropriate and a priority there can be no doubt about necessity.  We then went on to discuss the physical possibility of installing barriers , which prevent unauthorised use but which allow private access to land and property served by the Lane but also public non vehicular use, principally on horseback and on foot.  The solicitor after considerable comment about the benefits to adjoining land owners and local residents, horse riders and walkers  then examined what the thoughts of more learned persons at Dorset Council might be if the struggle is continued!!!

His opinion was that Dorset Council would no doubt want/ need to make 3 specific assessments as to:

  1. What is precisely the current highway status of the Lane?
  2. As to what is its true legal width?
  3. What private rights can be shown to exists?

With respect to the first assessment it was the opinion of the solicitor that “the likely answer  was that the status of the Lane is an Unclassified Road (UCR)“ – probably no surprises for the reader there it may he said have been a RUPP (Road Used as a Public Path) in 1949, but others may be able shed light on this.

One of the more interesting points to observe is that the solicitor did point out that even if the Lane is a Unclassified Road there is, in his opinion , “no guarantee that public vehicular access exists in a UCR. It depends upon an assessment of all the available evidence of status , as to what the public status is.“  Further he added “One needs to be absolutely sure about this question of status before proceeding.

That research would need to include research of such things as The Object Names Book, The Finance Act 1910, map and book entries, the Handover Map 1929 , the list of streets and the Definitive Map and parish survey . It may also be necessary to go back further , to tithe records and inclosure records “

With respect to the second assessment he added: “The width of a highway is  a notoriously difficult question to be sure of. Put simply , the width will encompass not only the metalled strip down the middle but also the verges wall to wall as it were, BUT the latter point is not certain and depends upon whether the boundary features in question which bound the Lane were put in by reference to the highway or for other purposes”

With respect to the third assessment:  “Private rights will normally benefit all properties and fields having access off the Lane.  The rights will either be expressly contained in the deeds of the property or field and or have arisen by long use . If the latter the purposes will be only be for the purpose for which it was exercised during the long use period . Thus for houses the private right will normally be for residential purposes only; for agricultural property normally for  agricultural purposes only”.

He essentially finished his advice by adding that the spending of public money will be a key factor in Dorset Councils decision making process!

I look forward to meeting with, perhaps, a working party of parish councillors to discuss further if you decide this is appropriate.  Clearly to arrive at a satisfactory position in respect to the Lane is even more difficult than I might have thought!

Best regards

Simon

Simon Christopher
Dorset Councillor Marshwood Vale
077988 33715
cllrsimon.christopher@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Edited by: Wendy Shields.

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