Newsletter for Corscombe, Halstock and District Parish Council
The Dorset Council elections in May 2024 provided four new parish councillors, two from Corscombe and two from Halstock, once again giving us a full complement of twelve councillors. The Parish Council voted to accept Power of Competence at the Parish Council meeting on 21 May 2024. The Power of Competence allows the Parish Council greater freedom, it allows them to do anything that an individual can do, as long as it’s not prohibited by law. This means they can engage in a wide range of activities, including supporting community initiatives, without needing specific statutory powers.
Celebrating Success
We’re proud to announce that the Parish Council received the STAR AWARD for Councillor Development from the Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils.
Meeting You at Local Events
We loved meeting many of you at the Corscombe and Halstock Fetes and the Big Breakfast. Thank you for stopping by to share your ideas, ask questions, and learn more about the Parish Council’s work.
Connecting People & Places
This year we’ve installed new self-closing gates, upgraded the notice board in Halstock, built a sandbag store in Corscombe, and added two new grit bins. A special thank you to Cllr Nigel Clarke for restoring one of our historic Red Finger Posts!
Health & Safety Initiatives
We have purchased a Speed Indicator Device that will shortly be available for use at two locations within Halstock to help alleviate speeding.
Defibrillator Network Expansion
We have increased the number of defibrillator sites by providing one at the Fox Inn at Corscombe. This now gives us a total of six across the parish – three in Corscombe, two in Halstock, and one in West Chelborough. Many thanks to Friends of First Responders and a matched grant from the Department of Health and Social Care.
Digital Upgrades & Transparency
Our Clerk has been attending networking events and conferences, and is currently trialing new SCRIBE accounting software to help streamline our financial reporting. We’re committed to transparency and accountability in all our operations.
Ongoing Community Support
We continue to support residents with issues related to planning, potholes, gritting, internet, and road signage. We’ve also been working closely with Wessex Water and Wessex Internet to address infrastructure concerns and improve local services. We have provided a grant towards the upkeep of the Sticklands School swimming pool in Evershot where a number of our children attend. Most recently, we have assisted with the service and repair of the Halstock Church Organ to enable it to again be used for church services and musical fundraising.
Looking Ahead
Plans are ongoing to create a new playground in Halstock. We are also continuing our work on climate and ecology initiatives, including hedge surveys and local green efforts. Your feedback is always welcome – please get in touch with the Clerk or one of your councillors with any suggestions.
Contact Us
Clerk – Tessa Safadi
Email – chparishclerk@gmail.com
07595 598995
Website chdpc.org.uk
Upcoming Parish Council Meeting Dates
These are your Councillors
Richard James – Chairman
Roger Hallett – Vice Chairman
Grant Prior, Richard Fry, Nigel Clark, Helen Sherwood,
David Hallett, John White-Hamilton, Henry Lovegrove,
Deborah Childs, Mark Caddick, Gary Arnold
