𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 in the Village Hall. No members of the public were present, but we were pleased to welcome Vikki Slade MP. Members of the press and public are welcome and there is a period for public participation at the start. If you are unable to attend but wish to submit a comment or question, please contact the Clerk or any member of the Parish Council.
Due to the high level of public engagement, the 𝗗𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 consultation will now remain open until 31 October. As posted previously, you may now email a response to:
planningpolicyconsult@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
More information is available https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/…/dorset-council-local…
Bus Services
Cllr Slade highlighted the fact that, during her tour of the ward in 2024, almost everyone complained about the lack of bus services. It is hoped that the current weekday service to Dorchester will be extended to include Saturdays and there are discussions regarding the summer campsite bus service. This service currently ceases in Wareham Forest but it may be possible to extend the service to terminate at Bere Regis. This would then provide the possibility of access to Wareham by bus. Further information will be provided as it is received.
Grants
The Parish Council was pleased to confirm a grant for up to £900 to the Bere Regis Village Hall to assist with repairs to the fire escape.
Play Park Update
Cllr Hazell continues to meet with local groups to discuss what they would like to see in the new play park. Grant applications are in the process of being completed and several groups have kindly offered to hold events to help raise money for this important local asset. A Crowd Funding page will be set up shortly and full details will be provided via Facebook. Please feel free to contact Cllr Kevin Hazell by email – k.hazell@bereregisparishcouncil.gov.uk – if you have any questions, ways to help or would like to get involved in any way.
Christmas Trees
The cost of the Christmas trees has now been confirmed as £15.60 for a 4’ tree. If you would like to reserve a tree, please contact the Clerk and forward payment by bank transfer – details available by emailing the Clerk.
Parking
Complaints are being received about non-electric vehicles parking in the EV bays. It is appreciated that parking is limited but we would ask residents to be considerate and not use the electric charging bays. The car park is the responsibility of the Parish Council and we have to pay business rates on it. The small amount of income taken from the EV bays is the only way some of this cost can be offset.
In addition, parking during school drop off and pick up times is also causing issues. Once again, could we please ask that you park considerately, making sure you are not blocking driveways or access points.
Calendars
The Bere Regis 2026 calendar is now on sale from the Nisa shop, priced at £5. Profits from calendar sales this year will be donated to the Weldmar Hospice in Dorchester, which specialises in adult end of life care.
For anyone who would like to have a photograph included in the 2027 calendar, now is the time to start thinking about it. Please forward photographs of the up and coming events and seasons to the Clerk for consideration.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Thursday 13th November 2025 commencing 7pm at the Village Hall. If you wish to have an item added to the agenda for discussion, please contact the Clerk or a member of the Parish Council. A full copy of the minutes is available on the Parish Council website.