The Parish Council met on Thursday 9th April 2026 in the Village Hall. Six members of the public were present, together Daisy Meadowcroft from Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT). 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.

Joint events with DWT
Daisy Meadowcroft, Ranger for Dorset Wildlife Trust at Wild Woodbury, put forward the idea of DWT working more collaboratively with the parish and, perhaps, opening the site for parish events. If anyone has an event they are looking to put on in the coming year and are considering possible venues, perhaps it could be done with the help of DWT. If anyone has any ideas, please contact Daisy.

New Parish Councillor
We were very pleased to welcome Dominic Bishop back onto the Council after stepping down in December 2018. This leaves one remaining vacancy. If anyone would like to put their name forward, please contact the Clerk.

Sewer Issues
Wessex Water have confirmed that they will be carrying out essential repairs of the sewers in Bere Regis after their investigations of the condition of the sewer network revealed a number of faults. Their statement is below:

Relining and sealing sewers in this way helps protect the environment, preventing foul water escaping and groundwater entering sewers, which can lead to flooding or storm overflows automatically discharging into rivers or the sea if the system becomes overwhelmed.

You can read more about the work we’re carrying out to protect the environment at wessexwater.co.uk/overflows

This work will be carried out between Monday 11 May and Friday 22 May 2026, using ‘no-dig’ techniques, which are quicker and less intrusive than replacing the pipe in a conventional manner.

• Monday 11 – Friday 15 May 2026 – A road closure will be in place on Southbrook, at the junction with Elder Road between 8pm and 6am each day.

• Monday 18 – Friday 22 May 2026 – Three-way traffic lights will be in operation on Southbrook, at the junction leading to Egdon Close. Access will be maintained for residents, although it may be delayed at times and our on-site team will work with customers with regard to any specific access requirements.

There may be some noise disruption while this work, some of which will be completed at night, is carried out but every effort will be made to keep this to a minimum.

Water and sewerage services can be used as normal unless we advise otherwise.

We will shortly be writing to local customers to advise them about this work.

— end of Wessex Water statement

Grants Given
A grant of £2,175 was made to the Village Hall in order to be able to undertake essential roof repairs. A grant of £500 was paid to the Bere Regis School for the purchase of non-fiction books.

Citizens Advice Bus
CA will be bringing their Advice Bus to the central car park on Friday 24th April, 1st May and 8th May. No appointment is needed and there will be advisers on board to help with a range of issues including benefits, debt and money, employment, energy, water schemes, family, housing, legal and more. The bus will be on site from 1pm to 3pm on each of the Fridays listed.

Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Thursday 14th May 2026 commencing 7pm at the Village Hall. The Annual Parish Meeting will be held before the start of the Annual Parish Council Meeting. If you wish to have an item added to the agenda for discussion, please contact the Clerk or a member of the Parish Council.