1st April 2008

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
OF OKEFORD FITZPAINE HELD ON TUESDAY 1st APRIL 2008


Present:- Cllr M Burt (Chairman) Cllr E Horton (Vice Chairman)
Cllr R Corben Cllr A Frampton
Cllr B Trowbridge

In attendance: Cllr Mrs A Burch (NDDC), Mrs R Burrows (Clerk), Cllr Mrs H Cox and 4 members of the public.

1) APOLOGIES Cllr S Corben.

2) THE MINUTES OF 3rd APRIL 2007 having been circulated to Cllrs and notice boards were taken as read. It was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr R Corben that the Chairman sign them, this was agreed.

3) MATTERS ARISING
None.

4) CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
As reported at last year’s meeting the Parish Council re-employed Mrs Diane Burt as Parish Clerk, she finished on 31st March this year and Mrs Ruth Burrows has taken up the post. On behalf of the Parish I would like to thank Diane for her efforts and to welcome Ruth to the job.

The Village Hall extension is largely finished but there is still work to do in the car park also the provision of a small garden area in front of the building. Refurbishment of the kitchen is soon to take place.

The Parish Plan is making progress and it is hoped to present its findings later in the year.

The New Cross problem has still not been resolved but the Parish Council is continuing to seek improvement.

Travellers have re-occupied the Conygar tip site and Dorset County Council is dealing with the situation. The Police have also become involved as a result of problems created in the village.

The elections in May 2007 resulted in two vacancies on the council and as a result, two co-options were made.

Once again I would like to thank all the councillors and volunteers who have helped with the numerous projects around the Parish.

5) OPEN SESSION/PUBLIC MATTERS
A member of the public said there was disappointment amongst the villagers who used public transport as the bus services in the county had deteriorated further in the past year.

The chairman invited other members of the public to speak but none were put forward and he closed the meeting at 7:40pm.

The Parish Council meeting followed immediately.