Chideock Parish Council

Clapps Mead Safety Inspection Report to be completed and submitted by the inspecting Councillor First name* Last name* Bridge with Hut: Is the chain condition sound? Bridge with Hut: Are there any sharp edges? Bridge with Hut: Are there any loose bolts? Bridge with Hut: Are the wooden slats sound? Bridge with Hut: Are the timber posts sound? Bridge with Hut: Is the ground condition OK? Double Bay Swing: Are the chains sound? Double Bay Swing: Are the shackles worn? Double Bay Swing: Is the timber sound? Double Bay Swing: Are there any loose nuts / bolts? Double Bay Swing: Are the seats in good condition? Is the ground condition / safety surface ok? Baby Swing: Are the shackles worn? Baby Swing: Are there any loose bolts? Baby Swing: Are the chains sound? Baby Swing: Are there any sharp edges? Baby Swing: Is the seat in good condition? Baby Swing: Is the framework sound? Baby Swing: Is the ground condition ok? Seesaw: Are there any rusty bolts? Seesaw: Are there any loose bolts? Seesaw: Does it operate properly? Seesaw: Is the ground condition ok? Basket Swing: Is there any rope wear? Basket Swing: Is the timber sound? Basket Swing: Are there any loose nuts / bolts? Basket Swing: Is the ground condition / safety surface ok? Chain Bridge: Are there any loose bolts? Chain Bridge: Are the shackles worn? Chain Bridge: Are the chains sound? Chain Bridge: Is the timber frame sound? Chain Bridge: Are there any sharp edges? Chain Bridge: Is the ground condition ok? Sit-in Car Spring Rocker: Are there any loose bolts? Sit-in Car Spring Rocker: Is the spring secure? Sit-in Car Spring Rocker: Is the equipment firmly attached to the ground? Sit-in Car Spring Rocker: Is the ground condition / safety surface ok? Agility Cube: Is there any rope wear? Agility Cube: Is the timber sound? Agility Cube: Are there any loose nuts / bolts / shackles? Agility Cube: Are the shackles worn? Agility Cube: Is the ground condition / safety surface ok? Fenced Area: Is the fencing sound? Fenced Area: Do gates open / close and stay closed? Fenced Area: Does grass need cutting or strimming? Pedestrian Gate into Clapps Mead: Is the latch secure and working? If any specific issues are noticed, specify details here. Date of Inspection* Day Month Year Submit

Clapps Mead Playing Field and Clapps Mead Play Area CLAPPS MEAD FIELD AND PLAY AREA Clapp's Mead Playing Field, Mill Lane, Chideock, was gifted to the Parish Council on 8th February 1938 in memory of Annie C Grafton by her husband Walter P Grafton and their children Eric A Grafton and Rowena Grafton. The bequest conveys Clapp's Mead to the Parish Council to hold in fee simple as public ground under the Recreation Grounds Act 1859 to be used in perpetuity as a Playing Field and Recreation Ground for the benefit of the inhabitants of the parish, subject to a schedule of 23 further trusts and conditions. Conditions specified in the 1938 Conveyance The Parish Council pays for the grass to be cut, with the work being carried out by Bridport Town Council's Lengthsman. The Parish Council also pays Bridport Town Council for clearing the brook on the southern boundary and the ditch on the northern boundary. The equipment in the play area has been purchased by the Parish Council with the aid of grants. Aging equipment is being replaced as funding allows. Further Conditions-&-Obligations-of-the-Grafton-Bequest The most recent report received from Playground Inspections Ltd is attached (Oct 2024), this report has yet to be examined and reviewed by councillors, at which time a plan for rejuvenation will be written and implemented. In Ground Jumper correspondence and Statement ACA Recreation installation inspection report and accompanying images. October 2025 Email correspondence between Chideock PC and Ken Hussey, detailing correspondence with in ground jumper manufacturer. Sept-Nov 2025. Inspection Reports 2024 Mar 2024 Oct 2024 Nov 2024 Inspection Reports 2023 Mar 2023 Jun 2023 Sep 2023 Dec 2023 Statement from Chideock Parish Council regarding the in-ground jumper in Clapps Mead. January 2026.

View Chideock Parish Council Policies and Financial Information POLICIES AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION Key Financial Documents 2024/2025 Notice of public rights AGAR Internal Audit Report AGAR Annual Governance Statement (unaudited) AGAR Accounting Statements (unaudited) Notice of Conclusion of Audit External Auditor Report and Certificate 2024/25 CPC 2024-2025 Financial Statement Key Financial Documents 2023/2024 Exemption Certificate Notice of public rights AGAR Internal Audit Report AGAR Annual Governance Statement AGAR Accounting Statements Notice of Conclusion of Audit - not required BDO LLP - External Auditor Report and Certificate 2023/24 - not required Policies Standing Orders Financial Regulations Code of Conduct Co-option of a new Councillor Data Protection Policy (GDPR) Risk Management Policy and Strategy Memorial Benches and Trees Grievance and Disciplinary Equality and Diversity Communications and Social Media Volunteer Policy and Procedure Press and Media Policy Grants to Third Parties and Grant Request Application Form Zero Tolerance Policy General Powers of Competence

View the community issues and groups operating within Chideock ESSENTIAL CONTACT INFORMATION FOR VILLAGERS

Council Meetings Calendar 2026 6th January 2026............................7.00pm 27th January 2026..........................7.00pm 24th February 2026........................7.00pm 31st March 2026.............................7.00pm 28th April 2026...............................7.00pm (Annual Parish Meeting, followed by Parish Council Meeting) 28th May 2026................................7.00pm (Annual Meeting of Chideock Parish Council) 30th June 2026..............................7.00pm 28th July 2026...............................7.00pm August - no meeting 29th September 2026....................7.00pm 27th October 2026.........................7.00pm 24th November 2026......................7.00pm December - no meeting Click Here for Agenda & Minutes

Chideock Parish consists of Chideock village together with the hamlet of Seatown and the part of North Chideock to the west of the River Winniford.   ABOUT CHIDEOCK PARISH COUNCIL To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. What areas does Chideock Parish Council cover? Chideock Parish consists of Chideock village together with the hamlet of Seatown and the part of North Chideock to the west of the River Winniford. The Parish is in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is mainly rural in character. The National Trust owns much of the coastline, including Langdon Hill and Golden Cap (which is in the adjoining parish of Stanton St Gabriel). The busy A35 trunk road bisects Chideock village from east to west. The southern part of the Parish area is designated as Dorset Heritage Coast and includes a section of the Jurassic Coast, England's first natural World Heritage Site. Tell me more about the Parish Council? Chideock Parish Council has 7 councillor positions, and at least 3 must be present at a meeting of the full council, a committee or a sub-committee, in order for it to legally take place. What services and powers does the Parish Council provide/have? The Parish Council provide a number of services to the villages of Chideock and Seatown and hold powers to provide and maintain services should they so wish, including powers to: provide and maintain allotments for cultivation (this is currently organised by Bridport Town Council provide and maintain monuments and memorials, including the maintenance of the grounds of the church in the parish. make bye-laws in regard to pleasure grounds, cycle parks and open spaces and burial grounds. provide and equip buildings for use of clubs having athletic, social or educational objectives, including contributing to the upkeep and maintenance of the village hall. spend money on various crime prevention measures. provide defibrillators. deal with rivers, ponds and ditches (via the Lengthsman and/or other contractors). provide entertainment and support of the arts. repair and maintain public footpaths and bridleways (via the Lengthsman and Rangers). allocate grants to help local organisations support community development. acquire land and open spaces for the benefit of the public. prosecute and defend any legal proceedings in the interests of the inhabitants. Power to take part in any public local inquiry. provide litter and dog bins. provide and maintain play equipment. plant and maintain roadside verges. provide and maintain public seats, benches and notice boards. erect signs which warn of dangers or announce a place name, or indicate a bus stop. contribute to, and encourage tourism. contribute financially to traffic calming schemes. spend money on community transport schemes. maintain the village open spaces. maintain, repair, protect and adapt war memorials. issue fixed penalty fines for litter, graffiti, fly posting and dog offences. What about Highways? The Parish Council hold powers to provide and maintain services should they so wish, including powers to: light roads and public places. provide parking places for vehicles, bicycles and motorcycles. enter into agreement as to dedication and widening. provide traffic signs and other notices. plant trees along verges. Consent of the Parish Council is required for ending maintenance of highway at public expense, or for stopping up or diversion of highway. What rights do the Parish Council have in relation to Planning matters? Local councils have a right to be consulted of any planning application affecting their area and to make comments which the planning authority must take into account. What about General Expenditure Powers? In any situation not covered by one of the specific powers described above a council may spend a limited amount of money on any purpose which in its opinion is of direct benefit to its area or to the inhabitants. I see that there's a 'Precept' on my Council Tax bill - what is this? A precept is set annually by the Parish Council being the “local” tax paid by local tax payers. The precept is collected through the Council Tax by Dorset Council. Where can I find more information about the Parish Council's policies and financial information? You can read our policies and see the current published financial information on our Policies & Financial Information page .

Minutes and Agenda for meetings during the year 2023 / 24 MAIN COMMITTEE Minutes and Agendas 2024 AGENDAS 2024 MINUTES 2024 January 2024........................... February 2024......................... March 2024.............................. April 2024................................ May 2024................................. June 2024................................ July 2024.................................. September 2024..................... October 2024.......................... November 2024...................... January 2024........................... February 2024......................... March 2024.............................. April 2024................................ May 2024................................. June 2024................................ July 2024.................................. September 2024..................... October 2024.......................... November 2024...................... FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSE WORKING GROUP ToRs......................................... September 2024..................... October 2024.......................... November 2024...................... December 2024...................... Annual Village Meeting 2024 AGENDAS 2022 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Sep Oct Nov MINUTES 2022 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Sep Oct Nov Annual Meeting 15th May 2022 -Report from Chairman Annual Meeting 21st May 2023 -No report from Chairman WORKING GROUP Minutes 2024 CLAPPS MEAD MANAGEMENT GROUP ToRs Aug AGENDAS 2022 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Sep Oct Nov MINUTES 2022 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Sep Oct Nov Annual Meeting 15th May 2022 -Report from Chairman

Parish Council Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month except for August and December when there is no meeting. COUNCIL MEETINGS - AGENDA AND MINUTES 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Pre-2020 CLICK HERE FOR MEETINGS CALENDAR Agendas for meetings will be published at least 3 days before the meeting. Contact the Clerk for copies.

View Councillors attendance at Main Committee Meetings Councillor Attendance - 2024

Clapps Mead Playing Field and Clapps Mead Play Area Community Community is at the heart of Chideock, and villagers benefit from various facilities in the village such as Clapp's Mead Playing Field (a playing field and recreation ground gifted in memory of Annie C Grafton by her husband and children, for the benefit of villagers) which the Parish Council maintains; as well as activities held in the Village Hall (independently managed and run). There are lots of activities organised and various clubs that you can participate in - from Short Mat Bowls to Film Club, Tai Chi to Table Tennis, and of course the ever popular monthly Community Cafe! The Parish Council also owns and maintains Foss Orchard Car Park (DT6 6JQ). Daytime charges are displayed on the ticket machine, and a limited number of season tickets are also available (email the Parish Clerk at chideockparishcouncil@gmail.com for more info). The car park also benefits from an electric car charging point, which is part of the PoGo network. For more info about Clapp's Mead, click here . To find out more about the Village Hall, click here . For more info about Foss Orchard Car Park, click here . Community Links, click here . The Parish is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Chideock, Seatown and North Chideock also have Conservation areas. Conservation Areas are areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance, and Chideock contains a number of listed properties (including a Grade 1 medieval Parish church) and buildings of character. For more info about the Conservation area, including maps and the latest Appraisal document, click here .

Information on other organisations within the Chideock area Community Links Bridport Town Council Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau Bridport Leisure Centre Dorset Council Bridport Community Orchard Parish Plan Link (Awaited)

Latest News Flooding Significant rainfall fell across the Wessex area overnight, with some locations recording over 50mm. This follows two weeks of prolonged heavy rainfall and a succession of three named Storms – Goretti, Ingrid and Chandra. River levels are high across Wessex, and the impacts are being felt widely. We have included links to Dorset Council in our 'Essential Contact Information for Villagers ' page if you need to report flooded gullies/drains/roads, as well as a link to reporting a flooded property. The Environment Agency staff are working closely with emergency services and councils to respond. You can stay up to date on the latest flood warnings here: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/ . See the attached Environment Agency 'Flood Recovery Guide' with actions that anyone affected can take. Reporting Flooding Report flooding to the Environment Agency as soon as you can if your home or business has flooded. We understand it is a difficult time when people are affected by flooding however, we would encourage those affected to report property flooding as close to the event as possible: https://www.gov.uk/report-flood-cause Environment Agency Incident Hotline 0800 80 70 60. Thank you to the villagers that have been out and about this morning helping remove debris from drains and providing assistance. A35 National Highways Strategy 2026 National Highways have provided the Parish Council with an update about the A35 strategy for 2026, including changes to speed limits. The attached document provides some additional information for you which may be useful if you need to travel to Dorchester, Charmouth, Honiton etc, as you may need to allow additional journey time. 26/January/2026 Parish Council Vacancies We currently have vacancies on the Parish Council for the following roles: Parish Councillor Parish Clerk (closing date 1st March 2026) If you are passionate about making a positive difference in your local community and have time, skills and experience to offer, then we want to hear from you. Take a look at our Vacancies page for more info! 22/January/2026 Temporary Closure of North Road, Chideock - 27th January 2026. The Parish Council have received notice from Dorset Council, under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, of the temporary closure of North Road, Chideock, to enable safe access for Wessex Water to replace a pipe. The notice is in force for 5 days from 27th January 2026 (0900-1700) however it is anticipated that works will be completed same day. See attached notice for more information. A35 overnight closures - 19th January - 24th January. The Parish Council have received notification from National Highways of the following overnight closures impacting Chideock, due to "signing, lining and civils improvements": Full overnight closures (8pm – 6am) between Crown Roundabout, Bridport and Charmouth Roundabout in both directions. A signed diversion route will be in place during the closures. Local access to properties within the closure extent will remain. Our gate crews are briefed on this and access will be from the Charmouth Roundabout side. If accessing from the East you will need to follow the diversion route to Charmouth Roundabout before using the A35 Eastbound. Other A35 roadworks that may affect journeys: January 2026 19 January – 28 January (24/7): From 8am on Monday 19 January 4 Way Traffic lights will be in place in Winterbourne Abbas to allow for improvements to the footway, pedestrian crossing and kerbs. Week Commencing 26 January: Daytime working - 8am start - Traffic signals & lane closures between Kingston Russell Dips and Winterbourne AbbasTraffic signals & lane closures between Charmouth Roundabout and Chideock. 24/7 Traffic Management (removed on 28 January, subject to the usual caveats) - 4 Way Traffic lights in Winterbourne Abbas to allow for improvements to the footway, crossing and kerbs.