The latest edition of the Lytchett Link is now available for download (paper copies will be delivered to villagers in the next week or so). You can download it here.

Although it's outside our Parish, villagers should note that the recycling banks (which are probably for glass) are being removed from the site that was formerly Goldys.

(the Parish Council continue to work with Purbeck District Council to work out a suitable site for recycling banks for Lytchett Matravers)

Here's a brief outline of some of the key points raised at the February Full Council meeting - you can get the full story in the minutes when they're formally published.

Burger Van
The Council has received a number of pieces of correspondence about the burger van that has appeared in the layby opposite the Rose & Crown. The Clerk responded confirming that the van will need a licence and checks have to be carried out for the use of the layby.

Fish Seller
A member of the public also brought to the council's attention a rather over zealous fish salesman who was operating in the area. It has already been reported to the police, but if anyone else is having problems with him then let Cllr Mark Gracey know as he will raise it at the next PACT meeting with the Police.

Patching up our roads
County Councillor Fred Drane updated us on DCC's plan to "velocity patch" roads which have suffered from the recent bad weather.
   
Primary School Crossing
A few meetings ago we had a plea from our school crossing patrol person about how difficult it is safely crossing children to the school. At our meeting we discussed the options that were available including white lines, temporarily coning the area around the crossing and possibly moving the position of the crossing. We're going to hold a meeting with the school and Police in the next week or so to discuss these options further and work out what we can do to make the school crossing safer.
   
Litter Picking
We discussed some grant options for forming a litter picking group in the village. It was noted that previously the Guides had offered to help and now the Army Cadets have volunteered also. Anyone interested in particpating in a litter pick round the village should get in touch with the E&H Committee.

Ever thought about becoming a Parish Councillor? This year elections will be held to re-elect Lytchett Matravers Parish Council.

Purbeck District Council is holding an introductory session for potential candidates on Monday 1st March. The session will take place in the Council Chamber at 6.30pm and potential candidates will hear about the electoral process and what it means to be a District or Parish Councillor.

To confirm attendance or for further information contact Peter Aston (Deputy Returning Officer) by email or on 01929 557221.

The agenda for the E&H Committee on Monday 1st March is now available

Between 15th February and 8th March, public works down by the Courtyard Centre will mean that Huntick Road will be shut.

Apologies, a little tardy, but here's a brief update on what was discussed at the last Full Council meeting.

We had a discussion about recycling (see seperate blog post on where things are at) in the village and possible options.

In the District Council report, Cllr Colvey provided details of some things going on in Wareham: There will be some maintenance work carried out on the Wareham Walls; the Core Strategy (which appears to have got away with not referring to the Lytchett Minster new town development) sets out some new houses and a supermarket in Wareham.

Cllr Fred Drane's County Council report including details about work on the Twin Sail Bridge in Poole, concerns over the lack of gritting during the snowy period (particularly as some of our salt reserves got sent to Bournemouth rather than used to help get the Manor school open). Fred also commented that its important that the extra bus that has been put on to take pupils from Lytchett Matravers down to Lytchett Minster school gets as much use as possible otherwise there is a risk it will be withdrawn.

We were also informed that Huntick Road down by the Courtyard Centre will be shut between 15th February and 8th March due to public works.

The Parish Council continues to work with PDC on possible options for recycling banks for the village. We have three potential sites: (1) in the layby opposite the Rose & Crown on Huntick Road; (2) in the car park of the Youth Hut; (3) in the car park of the Royal British Legion. There are pros and cons for all possible sites, but we're working on trying to ensure we have at least plastic recycling somewhere locally.

Also, look out for an article in the forthcoming issue of the Lytchett Link.

The agenda for the Full Council meeting being held on the 15th February has been uploaded: Agendas

Dorset County Council, who are keen to encourage people to cycle more, are consulting on possible cycle networks across the county. They need your help to find out where people living in Dorset would like cycle routes.

They have set up an online route mapping tool which you can use to draw a proposed route. You can also submit your ideas via other means. For more information, click on the cyclist in the photo to see DCC's poster or visit their website.