Highlights of the Parish Council Meeting July 2026

Key discussions and decisions from the Parish Council meeting, Wednesday, 8 July 2026, are below. Draft minutes can be viewed using this link.

Dorset Council update from Cllr Neil Eysenck

Cllr Eysenck reported that a government grant has delayed the proposed closure of eight Dorset and Wiltshire fire stations, including Maiden Newton, for at least 12 months. While this provides some breathing space, the long-term future of the stations remains uncertain. Work is now underway to explore options for securing their future, including possible changes to council tax funding.

Dorset Council is carrying out a flood review at Maiden Newton. Any action taken must guarantee no detriment to locations upstream and there is £1.3m available for specific projects for these areas.

The Trailway features in Dorset Council's Rights of Way Improvement Plan and consultation later in the year. Councillors expressed their frustration and disappointment over the lack of progress on the Trailway between Toller Porcorum and Maiden Newton despite widespread support for reopening it.

Finance

The council's bank balance stood at £17,284.90 at the end of June. Councillors reviewed how the council's reserves are managed and decided to open higher-interest savings accounts with Unity Trust Bank to make better use of public funds.

The council also considered whether to apply for a Public Works Loan Board loan to support the Church for Future Generations projects. After discussion, councillors agreed not to pursue borrowing this financial year. Instead, a small delegation will meet representatives from the church to discuss future plans before reporting back to the council.

Armed Forces Covenant

The council remains supportive of the Armed Forces Covenant but agreed to defer signing it until outstanding questions submitted to the Ministry of Defence have been answered. Councillors felt it was important to fully understand the commitments involved before formally signing the covenant.

Planning

One planning application for a single-storey extension at Dairy House Farm, Kingcombe Road, was considered. The council supported the proposal, concluding that it would be in keeping with both the existing property and the surrounding area.

Environment and Rights of Way

A resident's request for Toller Porcorum to become an hedgehog-friendly village was considered. The council agreed it supports residents to follow hedgehog friendly practices throughout village where possible.

Councillors also reiterated their disappointment at the continuing lack of progress on reopening the Trailway between Toller Porcorum and Maiden Newton.

Recreation Ground

Cllrs Steve Hodson and Peter Crabbe met with Peggy Denty's family to discuss the placement of a memorial bench at the Recreation Ground. The council agreed to use Peggy's generous donation to the Recreation Ground to plant a plum tree as a lasting tribute.

Highways

The news that several potholes and blocked gullies have been repaired was welcomed. However, further work is still needed to repair the road edge near Grey's Farm on Barrowland Lane, while vegetation at the junction of Toller Lane and the A356 requires cutting back again.

Community

The church has secured a grant from the Dorset Historic Churches Trust towards architectural drawings for its new roof, while fundraising events continue throughout the year for the Church for Future Generations project

Residents are invited to attend the Village Hall Music Extravaganza on 24 July.

Ammonite Patient Participation Group (PPG)

The PPG AGM had to be cancelled at short notice due to the recent heatwave and had not been rearranged at the time of the meeting. The next PPG meeting is scheduled for 14 July.

Next meeting

The next Parish Councill meeting will take place Wednesday 9 September 2026 at 7pm in the Village Hall.