A Year in the life of Stalbridge Town Council

​TOWN COUNCIL CHAIRMAN’S SUMMARY OF
THE COUNCIL YEAR 2016/17
The past year has seen a great deal of activity from some members of council. Members have helped to set up a Community run Youth Club when funding for Youth services funding was withdrawn by the County Council and in partnership with Stalbright, the Town Council put new lights on the lime tree. The freehold transfer of ownership from North Dorset District Council of Station Road car park, adjacent open land and the allotments land adjacent to Pond Walk is very near to completion.
The Hub is fulfilling the objective of its creation as a multi-purpose centre for the town. The facilities were used for 600 hours during 2016/17 marking a 35% increase on 15/16. The Hub facility has hosted library book talks, the Sunday Funday, Stalbright spotlight on commerce event, the Information Office 20th Anniversary celebration, Church fund raising coffee morning, the launch of the White Hart Link and history presentations including the very successful exhibition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the close of Somerset and Dorset railway line, where for one day only steam came back to Stalbridge. On a regular basis it is used for meetings of local groups and organisation, North Dorset Clerks’ meetings and liaison meetings with NDDC officers. Along with adult education, counselling, support and advice agencies, BVM Lions, and local support groups including a Mindful café.
This year we have been consulted on 40 Planning Applications. These have been considered by council and recommendations made to the local planning authority. This marks a reduction on previous years, due to the changes in planning regulations regarding permitted development rights.