This will enable a record of flooding incidents to be built up and will highlight any main areas which can then be used to back up any requests for maintenance in the future.

Bus Services

Following last month’s meeting, the Wool Parish Council were contacted to see if they would be willing to include Bere Regis in their emerging community transport initiative. Unfortunately, it was felt that this would not be viable. A subsequent email had been sent to Dorset Community Transport but no response has been forthcoming. However, it was noted that there is already a service running to Poole every Tuesday and to Wareham and it is hoped that the CR9 service to Dorchester and Blandford will be expanded to cover Saturdays. Vikki Slade MP will be contacted to see if there is any further news regarding this.

Neighbourhood Plan Review Consultation

The consultation dates for the review will begin on the 5th January and run until the 22nd February 2026. A village meeting will then be held at the end of February/beginning of March to cover both the Neighbourhood Plan review and the future of the play park.

The Review document and supporting evidence will be available on the Parish Council website from the start of the consultation.

Central car park and gullies around the parish

The car park will now be monitored by a councillor, following notification that there are a number of vehicles currently parked there with no tax or MOT. Notes will be attached to the relevant vehicles and, if not acted upon, they will be reported to the Police and DVLA.

Gullies – As we go into the winter period, it is important that any blocked gullies are reported as quickly as possible to prevent possible flooding. Cllr Walker is already doing this and will take on the role on a more formal basis. Dorset Council no longer operates a system of regular maintenance of the gullies but acts upon any that are reported. Anyone can report a blocked gully or drain via the Dorset Council website on: Drainage and manhole covers – Dorset Council

Budget 2026/2027

The budget for the coming year was discussed. The key increases set out were:

– Postage; this is increased to £2,000 to cover the potential cost of delivery of the proposed quarterly newsletters

– Subscriptions were increased by £400 following the increase in subscriptions from DAPTC

– Software support is increased by £2,200. However, this was offset by the reduction in the computer costs budget by £1,800 and the difference of £400 represents the slight increase in the support package fees

– Neighbourhood Plan review costs have been increased by £1,000 to cover any final fees incurred as the funding for the initiative was withdrawn during the year

– Treeworks and planting has been increased by £2,500 to cover the cost of the additional tree work needed during the coming year and to cover the purchase of slightly maturer trees to replace those that have had to be removed

– All other costs have either been kept the same or been increased by 3% in line with inflation

It was agreed that the precept is set at £91,000. Following the release of the Tax Band figures by Dorset Council, this will result in a Band D property increase of £16.98 for the year; from £113.63 to £130.62.

Quarterly Newsletter

It was generally felt that this would be a good idea. However, content was discussed, together with whether or not other groups should be invited to contribute. A draft newsletter will be created and brought to the January meeting.

Facebook

It was agreed that the Parish Council will reduce the amount of information posted on the village Facebook page and concentrate on the Parish Council Facebook page. We will continue to post road traffic announcements and other urgent items on the village page. More useful links will be added to the PC Facebook page, including Neighbourhood Alerts, etc. The community police officer will be asked to provide something about the use of CCTV and this will be posted to the Facebook page.

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 in front of the shop continues to be highlighted. Whilst it is accepted that shoppers will park on the double yellow lines, some extremely inconsiderate drivers are parking in such a way that they are preventing other drivers from exiting Snow Hill on to West Street. The village roads are narrow and it is accepted that parking, and the lack of it, is a problem but there is no need to deliberately block other road entrances and exits. Please put yourself in that position and park considerately.

Parish Councillor Vacancies

There are now three vacancies for councillors on the Parish Council. Bere Regis is a very active Council with a great deal going on. If you would like to be a part of this and represent the community in which you live, please contact the Clerk for further information.

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 8th January 2026 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.

All that remains is to wish all parishioners a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.