December Newsletter

🌟 Maiden Newton & Frome Vauchurch Parish Council Newsletter

December 2025

🪴 Chair’s Comments

Thanks to everyone involved in preparing the Skips Field consultation paper (closing December 15th).
🎄 A special thank-you to all who helped install the Christmas tree and light up the Cross — it looks wonderful!
🏀 We’re also delighted to report that the new MUGA fence has now been installed.

 

🌊 Flood Update

📘 A geomorphologist’s report confirms the river channel is stable. Removing gravel bars would damage our precious chalk stream habitat without reducing flood risk.
🚰 Residents are kindly encouraged to help by keeping drains clear and reporting any blockages.
🌳 The Countryside team will clear grips, and Dorset Council has reported the tree trunk in the River Frome to the Environment Agency for action.

🏡 Council Property & Maintenance

🌿 Allotments: Annual hedge maintenance will take place December 15–17.
🛠️ Bus Shelters: Repairs have been approved for Dorchester Road and Webber’s Piece.
🎠 Play Area: Works approved include filling safety-surface gaps, removing broken equipment, and treating the area for moss.

📊 Skips Field Survey – Early Results

So far, 32 out of 42 respondents support the Parish Council acquiring Skips Field — showing strong community enthusiasm for local ownership!
💚 Ways residents are willing to help: financial support, fundraising, planning input, and practical/professional expertise.
🤔 Concerns raised: cost, maintenance, management, and limited use.
🌼 Key priorities emerging:
• Wildlife & conservation
• Benches and quiet space
• Children’s play
• Improved access
• Tackling vandalism & dog mess

🗓️ The survey closes December 15th, and results will be considered further in February.

📁 Planning & Finance

🏡 Planning: No objections were raised regarding the proposed extension at 3 Back Lane, Frome Vauchurch.
💷 Council funds currently total: £119,815.88.
💻 To support smoother operations, the Council agreed to purchase Microsoft Office Premium via Cloudy IT.

🚶 Highways & Rights of Way

🚏 The sign location on Chapel Lane has been reported for improvement.

🛣️ Dorset Council Update

👷 New County Highways Officers will be starting soon, alongside a refreshed management system planned for 2026.
📑 Asset transfers were discussed — with reassurance that no assets will be imposed on parishes.
📅 The Dorset Local Plan is now expected around 2028–29.

🏘️ Community Updates

🗓️ Next Parish Council meeting: February 6th, 2026
👶 The preschool/after-school committee welcomes new members, including grandparents.
🌐 Residents are encouraged to register interest with Wessex Internet to support fibre rollout in the village.

🎁 The Parish Council wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy & Healthy New Year!