April 2026 Parish Council Newletter

Corscombe, Halstock & District Parish Council – Newsletter Update

From the meeting held on 8th April 2026

 

👋 Council Changes & Vacancies

• Two councillors have stepped down:

◦ John White-Hamilton (West Chelborough)

◦ Mark Caddick (Corscombe)

• The Parish Council thanks them both for their years of service.

• Vacancies are now open – if you’re interested in getting involved in your community, please get in touch with the Clerk.

 

💷 Finance & Governance

• Council finances and recent payments were reviewed and approved unanimously.

• The Assets Register, Risk Assessment, and key site licences (Primrose Corner & Roman Villa) were all approved.

• Rosie Darkin Miller has been appointed as the Internal Auditor.

• The Council confirmed it will not require an external audit this year (under £25,000 threshold).

• A new IT & Cyber Security Policy and Planning Policy has been adopted.

 

🚧 Highways & Rights of Way

• Common Lane inspected – no major issues, though vegetation will be cut back.

• Fingerpost repairs completed at:

◦ Fox Inn

◦ Halstock Triangle

• Next year’s repairs identified (with £3,000 approved funding):

◦ Grexy Cross

◦ Higher Halstock Leigh

◦ Old Mill

• Potholes: Repairs have been made, but concerns remain about quality and durability.

• Road signage damage and horse warning signs are still being chased with Dorset Highways.

 

🚗 Speed Limits & Road Safety

• 20mph zones were discussed:

◦ Could be feasible with suitable traffic calming.

◦ Would require community support and consultation.

• This will be discussed further at the Annual Parish Meetings in May.

 

🐕 Dog Poo Bin Decision

• Proposal for a bin near the Fox Inn was not approved due to:

◦ Ongoing maintenance costs

◦ Concerns about misuse

 

🪧 Community Updates

• ✅ New Parish noticeboard installed at the Fox Inn – thanks to all involved.

• ✅ Damaged salt bin in West Chelborough replaced.

• 💧 Wessex Water sewage works upgrade nearing completion (expected Winter 2026).

 

🏗️ Planning Matters

The Council considered several applications:

• P/FUL/2026/01239 – Objected

◦ Concerns over inaccurate water supply details

◦ Lack of clarity on usage and environmental impact

• P/LBC/2026/01426 – No objection

• P/FUL/2026/01046 – Objected

◦ Misrepresentation of building use

◦ Potential unauthorised waste storage

◦ Request for enforcement investigation

 

🛝 Recreation & Facilities

• Playground and outdoor gym inspected – no major issues.

• Repairs to fencing completed – thanks to Cllr. Lovegrove.

 

🚑 Community & Training

• First Aid initiative expanding:

◦ Strong uptake in Halstock

◦ More volunteers needed in Corscombe

• Further training sessions planned for 2026.

 

🚌 Transport

• The Wriggle Valley PlusBus is now running and being used.

• The Parish Council has agreed a £300 donation to support the service.

 

🌱 Climate & Environment

• Residents encouraged to attend a local eco meeting in Beaminster (24th April).

• Climate awareness materials have been shared.

 

📅 What’s Next?

• Annual Parish Meetings (May) – dates to be confirmed

• Next Parish Council Meeting:

📍 Corscombe Village Hall

📅 18th May 2026 (includes AGM)

 

📞 Get in Touch

Clerk: Tessa Safadi

📧clerk@chd-pc.gov.uk

📞 07595 598995

🌐 chdpc.org.uk

 

Appendices and full minutes available on request.