HINTON ST MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
held at Hinton St Mary Village Hall
on Tuesday November10th 2026 at 7pm
Present:-
Chair Celia Wright (CW)
Councillors Jo Curtis (JC), Mark Steggles (MS)
Clerk Vivian Hitchmough
County Councillor Carole Jones
Members of the public four
2026.83 Apologies:- Rob Bartlett (RB), Ben Cooper (BC)
2026.84 The minutes of the meeting of Tuesday May 11th 2026 and the extraordinary minutes of Wednesday October 14th 2026 were agreed as a true record and duly signed.
2026.85 Declaration of interest – none
2026.86 Matters Arising
Lgbce (Dorset) Proposed ward changes. The Chairman had not received an update .
20mph update
The Chairman reported consultation closed on the 6th November and we await findings and next steps from Dorset Council. As of the 26th October there had been 8 submissions from residents of Hinton St Mary and as of the 2nd November they had increased to 15.
Excessive speeding on B3092
The Chairman said she was happy to brainstorm ideas with residents that were present. It was suggested that people take very little notice of mileage signage on the road. It was agreed that the most important issue is the safety of residents and visitors and a consultation by residents may be a useful tool and Councillor Jones reminded people that reporting incidents and definitely accidents to Dorset Council will give evidence of need. A community speed watch could be organised and this would need volunteers to stand with cameras to record speeds. It was suggested that temporary signs indicating there are speed cameras in the area can act as a deterrent to speeding vehicles. The Chairman said this was now a serious issue and asked everyone to report speeding vehicles or any incident involving pedestrians and drivers. Councillor Jones suggested a survey carried out in the village to ascertain people’s opinions on the speeding problems followed by a speed watch investigation costing between £250-£500. The Chairman was encouraged to contact the police as there have been collisions which have not been reported and their advice on the way forward would be valuable. Horses are particularly vulnerable when crossing the road with rider and it was suggested road signs to warn drivers that horses are using the road. The Chairman will use the power of the Mosaic to bring these issues to the attention of residents.
Littering Veals Lane
The Chairman showed photographs of litter scattered in Veals Lane and culprits have not been found. Councillor Jones said that fines are increasing for fly tipping to £5000 and a reminder in the Mosaic may stop people intend on dropping litter.
2026.87 Updates from Officers
Planning
6 Castleman Lane – erect a single storey extension. Councillors had no objection to this application and the Chairman will contact planning to endorse it.
Roads, drains and potholes
RB was unable to attend the meeting so there was no update report. MS was still concerned about the leaning telegraph pole at Nicholsons Cottages especially with more wet weather. The concerns have not been addressed by Dorset Council nor the bank which is slipping. The Chairman has reported the footpath and pole to Highways as dangerous and Councillors consider the potential for an accident to residents and road users is considerable.
MS reported the road service on the A357 Fiddleford was so uneven to be really dangerous and the Chairman will report to Dorset Council. Councillor Jones will also report this issue.
Village Garden.
JC reported leaves and brambles have been removed by the Estate and there is now Winter pruning to be carried out.
Speed Indication Device
BC was unable to attend the meeting so no report was issued.
Defibrillator
BC was unable to attend the meeting so no report was issued.
Telephone Box
MS reported it was clean and there were a good choice of books for everyone’s enjoyment.
2026 88
Finance
A cheque was signed for the Clerk.
The Clerk reminded Councillors of a need to consider their financial requirements for year 2027/28. The precept is a modest £2300 and Councillors are aware both the Speed Indicator Device and the Defibrillator will need to be replaced over the next two years. This is due to obsolete replacement parts. The precept requirement must be applied for before the end of January 2027.
2026.89 County Councillor’s report
Councillor Carole Jones reported that due to devolution Dorset Council would be part of Wessex and there would be a need for an elected Mayor. This should go to a referendum, but it is controversial so may not come about until 2029.
The cost of educating and housing special needs children are tremendous. Early identifying children who need extra help is essential and it is suggested that main stream school should have inclusion hubs for SEND children but obviously there is a staffing issue.
Parking charges are a serious matter and residents need to have the 30 minute parking available to pop into local shops. It has been suggested to have lower prices on rainy days but this would be more than impossible to put into practice. The idea is to encourage local shopping.
Councillor Jones reported that there are new planning reforms where the majority of applications will be delegated to officers rather than committee. Again she recommended residents contact Dorset Council and give their opinions and views as voices needed to be heard.
2026.90 Any other business
The Chairman reported that she was now in the North Dorset Transport
Forum. She had been trying to increase the frequency of the 3R bus service and will continue to do so. She said people have a right to rely on a good bus service. The continued question of where the bus stop is situated as the stop is not near the timetables as the sign was moved. Bus drivers are not sure either but have assured the public they will stop if they see a hand out.
2026.91 Items for next agenda
The Chairman will ask about the outcome of the reported dangerous footpath.
2026.92 Date of next meeting. Wednesday February 3rd 2027 at 7pm
The Chairman closed the meeting at 8.15pm