HINTON ST MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
held at Hinton St Mary Village Hall
on Tuesday August 11th 2026 at 7pm
Present:-
Chair Celia Wright (CW)
Councillors Rob Bartlett (RB), Jo Curtis (JC), Ben Cooper (BC) Mark Steggles (MS)
Clerk Vivian Hitchmough
Members of the public one
2026.73 Apologies:- County Councillor Carole Jones
2026.74 The minutes of the meeting of Tuesday May 12th 2026 were agreed as a true record and duly signed.
2026.75 Declaration of interest – none
2026.76 The Chairman wished to give tribute to Mary Andrews who passed away in June in her 95th year. Mary had been very active as a Parish Councillor and Chairman of the Village Hall.
The Chairman welcomed Mr Freddie Douch who was representing the residents of Nicholsons Cottages and had an interest in the discussions on the agenda.
2026.77 Matters Arising
Road repairs.
The Chairman was pleased to report that repairs had been carried out to Veals Lane successfully. She reported that Ridgeway will be closed from 8th October to 4th November for extensive repairs.
Wessex Pumping Station.
The Chairman and Councillors agreed that Bartlett Contractors had done a superb job , but Wessex Water have faced some considerable challenges. Residents had reported an unpleasant smell in the area. RB suggested it could be gases rising and the Chairman was assured that Wessex Water were dealing with the issues.
Pavement update NIcholsons Cottages.
MS said the pavement was far worse and was now a safety issue. He provided photographs to show how deep and wide the cracks were and how the situation had worsened. The Chairman had approached Dorset Council on several occasions regarding this issue and had been told it was a trip hazard. Mr Douch was extremely concerned as the gaps were expanding and he worried there could a land slip with the bank collapsing and the telegraph pole which is now leaning. MS and BC asked the Chairman to contact Dorset Council again in her capacity as Chair regarding the concerns of the residents of Nicholsons Cottages. She will register these concerns as a hazard to health and safety and it is their duty to monitor the ground as it is unstable. RB said heavy rains could cause a landslip. Councillors agreed that the problem appears to have been cosmetically sorted but certainly not solved.
Bath Road/Marnhull Road
The Chairman congratulated BC for providing a photograph of dangling wires which resulted in the work being carried out the same day.
2026.77 Updates from Officers
Planning
JC mentioned Nicholsons Farmhouse conversions – no comment
Roads, drains and potholes
RB nothing to report, but he did congratulate Dorset Council on filling potholes promptly.
MS had concerns regarding overhanging bushes in the lay-by by Nicholsons Cottages. Vans parked in the lay-by making it impossible for pedestrians who were forced to walk in the road.
Village Garden.
JC reported that due to the hot weather there were not so many apples on the tree so easier to clear up. She was concerned that crisp packets and glasses from the White Horse had been left in the garden.
It was intended that a notice be placed on the picnic table to advise people to take rubbish home and return glasses to the public house. The Chairman will mention this to the White Horse.
Speed Indication Device
BC had moved the equipment and he reported that it was working well.
Defibrillator
BC has carried out regular checks and all was working well.
Telephone Box
MS reported it was clean and there were a good choice of books for everyone’s enjoyment.
2026 78 Finance
A cheque was signed for the Clerk.
2026.79 County Councillor’s report
Due to family issues Councillor Carole Jones was unable to provide an update at this time.
2026.80 Any other business
The Chairman reported she had attended a North Dorset transport meeting.
MS asked if there was any progress on the speed limit in the village. The Chairman said no news at present
JC was concerned about overhanging shrubs and bushes in Veals Lane and Lower Cross and she said it was a danger to motorists and pedestrians.
2026.81 Items for next agenda
The Chairman asked for speeding through village to be added to the next agenda.
2026.82 Date of next meeting. Tuesday November 10th 2026 at 7pm
The Chairman closed the meeting at 8.05pm