HINTON ST MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
held at Hinton St Mary Village Hall
on Tuesday August 19th 2025 at 7pm

Present:-
Chairman Celia Wright (CW)
Councillors Jo Curtis (JC) Mark Steggles (MS)
Clerk Vivian Hitchmough (VH)
County Cllr Carole Jones
Potential councillor candidate Benjamin Cooper
No members of the public were present

2025.29 Apologies:- Robbie Bartlett (RB)

2025.30 Minutes of the meeting of Tuesday May 27th 2025 were agreed as a true record and duly signed.
2025.31 Declarations of interest – none

2025.32 Matters Arising
The Chairman welcomed Ben Cooper to the meeting. Ben had put forward his personal statement and his wish to join the Council. Councillors had unanimously agreed he would be a suitable asset to the Council .
Parking
The Chairman reported there were challenges with parking at the White Horse. The Estate had moved the cones and although there is adequate parking some people continue to ignore the signposts and park in an irresponsible manner. It was requested that any inconsiderable parking is reported to Mel at the White Horse as she is very helpful in resolving any issues

Wessex Water Project
RB was not in attendance so unable to report on the project. Disruption still seems to be mainly due to the increase of heavy traffic which is inevitable to proceed with the project.
The Chairman was concerned regarding volume of traffic post Wessex work as Veals Lane is very narrow in places. It was considered that large vehicles will move later to the tarmac road. The Chair will contact RB in this regard. JC asked the Chair to speak with RB regarding Ridgeway Road traffic.

Communication Preferences
The Parish Council What’s App group is working well and councillors are able to make contact immediately should the need arise. The Council noted that JC requested communication to her should be via Email only.

2025.33 Updates from Officers
Planning No planning applications have been made although Cllr Carol Jones advised that an application for tree work had been posted today.
Roads, drains and potholes The Chairman was pleased to report that damage to the raised pavement by a Ford Fuels vehicle had been repaired by the company straight away and the Chair has written to thank them for carrying out the repairs .
Telephone Box Working well

Village Garden JC reported the planting was in place and unfortunately a branch which was being felled from an adjoining property landed on the plants. Karen has been mowing and this was a welcome addition, but it was difficult to keep up with the watering.
Speed Indicator Device
There is a problem with the equipment which could be battery issues. JC said she thought a new battery had been purchased and the Chairman will make enquiries.
The new Councillor is very willing to help with the movement of the equipment. MS advised there was a considerable increase in vehicle speeds along the main road particularly in the early morning . The 20mph signs had been applied for in April but there appeared to be no time scale. The Chairman will make contact and report at the next meeting. Cllr Jones suggested asking the police for a speed check or consider an addition to the Mosaic asking for volunteers for a speed watch.
Defibrillator CW reported the equipment was ready and good. She will show the new Councillor how to care for and operate the defibrillator. Cllr Carole Jones asked if there was any training in place for new volunteers. MC said he may know someone suitable to carry out training and will be in touch with him.

2025.34 Finance
The necessary cheque for administration was signed and the clerk circulated a bank reconciliation statement.

2025.35 County Councillor’s report
Cllr Carole Jones explained comprehensively the contents of the Local Plan with government asking land owners to sell land for housing. A poster will be on the notice board and she suggested that everyone take part in the consultation in order to ascertain resident’s feelings on the plan. Cllr Jones reminded the councillors that with small pepperpot developments in lots of areas the general rule is that no infrastructure such as doctors surgeries or any facilities will be included and this is a worrying situation in our area. She said it is so important to encourage our young people to stay in the area with affordable housing and job opportunities. When asked about a banking hub Cllr Jones advised that this had been declined due to lack of residents. The Chairman said the post office is a useful banking means. Cllr Jones advised there was to be an application for a Solar Farm/Carbon Capture on farm land near Glue Hill and this could be very contentious for local people.

2025.36 Any Other Business
The Chairman asked for a Councillor to propose Ben.
Proposed by MS Seconded by CW
The Clerk issued Ben with an acceptance of office which he duly signed in her presence and she will advise Dorset Council who will contact Cllr Ben Cooper for his completion of a register of interests form. The Clerk will also advise Councillor training through DAPTC and suggest Cllr Ben Cooper become the representative for the council to DAPTC. Councillors welcomed BC to the Council .

2025.37 Date of next meeting
Tuesday November 11th 2025.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 8.20