HINTON ST MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting
held at Hinton St Mary Village Hall
on Tuesday May 12th 2026 at 7.20pm
Present:-
Chair Celia Wright (CW)
Councillors Rob Bartlett (RB), Jo Curtis (JC) Ben Cooper (BC)
County Councillor Carole Jones
Clerk Vivian Hitchmough
2026.65 Apologies: Councillor Mark Steggles
2026.66 The minutes of the meeting of February 17th 2026 were agreed as a true record and duly signed.
2026.67 Declarations of interest – none
2026.68 County Councillor’s report
A boundary review is taking place and Marnhull and Stalbridge will now be two separate wards. The Council is carrying out a series of community conversations to inform on double devaluation and changes as to the way Dorset Council works. The new Renters Act has come into force meaning a landlord needs to issue a S8 and four months notice to tenants and only on the basis that s/he needs to sell, move into the property or refurbish extensively. There are areas of Sturminster Newton with considerable anti-social behaviour issues. There is a five year programme for the installation of EV chargers providing on-street charging aimed at those without driveways. Cllr Jones reported she will be joining the shadow cabinet with the children’s and education directorate.
2026.69 Matters Arising.
The issues regarding the state of the road at Nicholsons Cottages was discussed and Cllr Jones said very high sums are being quoted for patching the road. RB suggested that residents in the cottages put together a small sum each year to enable the road to be maintained in good condition, using scalpings.
2026.70 Updates from Officers
Planning JC said there were no new applications.
Roads, drains and potholes
RB reported that car parking on the junction to White Horse Lane requires passing traffic to move over and the pavements are therefore degrading.
CW has reported pavement damage between the Manor House and White Horse Lane with photographs to Highways. CW has reported the speed sign has been laid flat for two months and she has contacted Highways on four occasions to get this situation rectified.
Village Garden
JC reported the garden is looking colourful but there may be badger issue.
Speed Indicator Device
CW said she asked Steve Johnson to show both BC and herself how to move and action the S.I.D . She said this equipment may need to be replaced in the near future and fund raising may be the answer. CW and BC will investigate the cost of a replacement.
Defibrillator
Issues regarding the purchase of pads was discussed at the Annual meeting today and the age of the equipment is now of some concern. RB suggested a donation box at Gardens Open would invite residents to donate for a replacement defibrillator. CW will speak with the organiser of Gardens Open in this regard. CW had recently purchased pads at a cost of £170 but a spare set is required if the equipment is used. RB very kindly offered to sponsor a spare set through his company Bartlett Contractors and Councillors thanked him. CW will try to source another set.
Telephone Box
Working well.
2026.71 Finance
Cheques were signed for a variety of necessary purchases and donations to village groups.
2026.72 Date of next meeting
Tuesday August 11th 2026
The Chair closed the meeting at 8.30pm
