ASHMORE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held at Ashmore Village Hall on Thursday January 15th 2026 at 7.30pm
Present:-
Chairman – Richard Coplan (RC)
Councillors – Philippa Kelway-Bamber (PKB) Gilly Forge (GF) Angie Newnham (AN) Colin Elford (CE) John Ball (JB) James Grazebrook (JG)
Vivian Hitchmough - Clerk
There were 6 members of the public
2026.01 Apologies :- Dorset Councillor Jane Somper
2026.02 Minutes of the meeting of Thursday September 4th 2025 were agreed as a true record and duly signed.
2026.03 Declarations of interest. The Chairman reminded Councillors they should declare an interest whether personal, via a trust or a company in any item on the agenda and take no part in any discussion or decision regarding that interest.
2026.04 Matters arising.
Update on road and fingerpost signs.
The fingerpost sign for Woodley Lane has been very successfully completed. The other posts will be covered by National Landscape.
Thank you to Barnaby Hunter for the refurbishment of the 1950 sign, Michael
Moody for painting it, Carl Wills for setting the posts, and Steve Green who
reconstructed the fixings. This was certainly a village effort.
2026.05 Updates from Officers.
Planning
AN reported there were no new applications to discuss. Dinahs Hollow is currently in process.
DAPTC
The Chairman and JB attended a meeting in October which they found to be very insightful. The Leader of the Council advised that Parish Councils could be taking on services and assets. Ashmore Parish Council will discuss the implications and decide what as a Parish they are able to take on.
Trees
GF advised there had been one application to fell a willow in The Barn, Green Lane and this had been carried out.
Footpaths
CE was pleased to report that local landowners were keeping the footpaths open and well cleared on their land. He reminded everyone of the importance of keeping gates shut where appropriate and having respect whilst using the footpaths. He recommended taking snips to cut back brambles on a walk .
Pond
JE reported that due to the hard work clearing weed and silt from the pond its beauty will be apparent from April onwards.
Playground
JB and Paul reported that the playground was in good order and they both have been keeping an eye on the equipment throughout the bad weather.
Defibrillator/telephone box
The defibrillator is in good working order and is regularly checked.
Airfield
The Chairman attended a meeting on November 12th at Compton Abbas Airfield. The Gore Clump road alterations were discussed fully, It was confirmed that there would be no Air Show this year
2026.06 Finance
A decision had been made to raise the precept for the coming year by £2000. £1000 would be ring fenced for Playground Equipment replacement and £1000 held in reserve. The clerk will apply to Dorset Council for a precept of £6000.
2026.07 Update from the Mast Working Group
JB will continue to hold a watching brief, but at the present time the scheme has not moved forward.
2026.08 Dorset Councillor’s report
No report
2026.09
Any other business
JG suggested the Parish Council contact Dorset Council regarding the redesign of Gore Clump as he considered it to have been well executed. AN agreed and they will communicate with the Council to compliment on this project.
Woodley Lane potholes were mentioned and Paul believed they had been marked and the Chairman will check this and contact Dorset/Wiltshire Councils
The Chairman intends to contact Patrick Carpenter on the flooding issues near PKB’s property.
2025.46 Date of next meeting
Tuesday 12th May 7pm 2026. (this date to be confirmed)
The Chairman closed the meeting at 8.00pm