Notices

VACANCIES FOR PARISH COUNCILLORS

The Parish Council currently has three vacancies which can be filled by co-option.  Please contact the Clerk if you are interested in finding out about how you can make your voice heard by becoming a Councillor.

A35 VERGE MANAGEMENT - UPDATE

We have recently been informed of a revised programme entailing ‘cut and collect’ in May on the roundabout at the entrance to Charmouth. This will remove the docks and other vegetation. In the summer and autumn there will be two visits to apply spot treatment of a herbicide designed to eliminate the undesirable weeds, notably docks, ragwort, hemlock and nettles.

The Parish Council will retain regular contact with officers of National Highways so that we are aware of any variations to the programme, we can give relevant feedback from the community and let you know the results of the annual surveys.

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iNATURALIST APP AND WEBSITE

The iNaturalist app and website (https://uk.inaturalist.org/) has a global reach and a local focus for monitoring wildlife. 

The Parish Council would like to encourage as many as possible to use it to record sightings of wildlife in Charmouth.  This important information could then build up a picture of what is here, which would be useful to both residents and visitors.

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HEDGEHOGS

Hedgehogs are in decline….can you help?

Did you know that hedgehogs can travel up to 2 miles a night? Gaps in fences and walls link gardens and allow hedgehogs to forage. Charmouth Parish Council has a number of Hedgehogs R Us Highway Surrounds which are available free to Charmouth residents to help raise awareness and frame a fence gap.

Please contact the Parish Council office to arrange to collect yours today and create your own hedgehog highway!

https://hedgehogsrus.co.uk/hedgehog-highway-project

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PLANNING PERMISSION OR BUILDING REGULATIONS?

Are you converting or extending an existing property?

Confused on whether you need planning permission or building regulations advice?

The difference between the two is explained if you click the link below. Dorset Council’s dedicated Building Control surveyors can often visit your site on the same day. 

The difference between Planning and Building Control - Dorset Council

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AVIAN FLU

Advice on Avian Flu is available on the DEFRA website - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu.

COST OF LIVING HELP FOR RESIDENTS

Dorset Council is circulating leaflets to libraries, leisure centres, children’s centres, food banks and community larders to try and direct residents to the correct agency for help with the current cost of living crisis.

We have displayed the poster (https://dorsetcouncil.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c39535cf4f9d1ca66af8d2b44&id=c8490e1a7e&e=1a941ded80) and leaflet (https://dorsetcouncil.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c39535cf4f9d1ca66af8d2b44&id=3c4bae90e5&e=1a941ded80) on our website and on the main noticeboard as well as the information board inside the Elms foyer.
Please download or share the information or visit Dorset Council’s website for more cost of living help (https://dorsetcouncil.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c39535cf4f9d1ca66af8d2b44&id=fdddc7b804&e=1a941ded80).

DOG RELATED PSPO - POLITE NOTICE

Do you walk at Charmouth Foreshore with your dog?  Are you aware that the whole area is part of the Dorset Council Dog Related Public Space Protection Order?  This means that in line with this map (https://www.charmouthparishcouncil.gov.uk/file/dog-notice-may-2021.pdf), although dogs are allowed to be off leads on both beaches during the winter, they should still be on leads all year round when in the car parks and surrounding footpaths (yellow areas).  This is for the safety of the dogs as well as for hygiene purposes. 

Unfortunately, people are not following these rules and this is causing Parish Council staff to suffer abuse when they try to enforce them as well as a big increase in dog fouling.  Parish Council staff are able to enforce the rules by the issue of a fixed penalty notice and although this is the last resort, and none have yet to be issued in Charmouth, we will have no choice for this to be the next course of action with repeat offenders.