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Cerne Valley Parish Council

Cerne Valley Parish Council is a Group Parish, covering Cerne Abbas, Godmanstone, Nether Cerne and Up Cerne. There are almost 700 people on the electoral role, and the Parish Council administers, on their behalf, Cerne Abbas Burial Ground, the children's playground in Duck Street, and forty-four allotment gardens, all in Cerne Abbas. Separate committees cover each of these services and a Footpath and Environment Committee deals with most other issues. Whilst the Parish Council has no planning powers, it has to be consulted on new proposals in its area. Planning Committees are called, as required, to consider the Council's response to local planning applications, at which, time is set aside to hear the views of applicants, and neighbours may express their views. The Parish Council meets in alternative months, starting in January each year and local residents are encouraged to attend and ask questions or make comments. There are twelve Parish Councillors for the area, and their details are set out in the Annual Report, which also gives information on current issues and achievements. A Parish Council leaflet is also produced, which may be printed by clicking here
In March 2007, Cerne Valley Parish Council was awarded Quality Status, only the third local council in Dorset to achieve this, and the first small Parish Council. This award, which recognises high standards in the way the Parish Council is run and the extent to which it engages with local residents, should help stimulate greater interest and civic pride, and cement good working relationships with the County and District Councils

Presentation of Quality Status certificate to Cerne Valley Parish CouncilPresentation of Quality Status certificate to Cerne Valley Parish Council
Left to Right:
David Jenkins, County Chief Executive
John Lowe, (former) Parish Clerk
Peter Smith, CBE, Council Chairman
David Webb, DAPTC Chief Executive

Chairman Peter Smith comments:"I am proud of the Council's achievements and standards of service. For several years now, the Parish Council has been keeping local people better informed about what it does, and consulting them wherever possible. Our Parish Plan has brought practical benefits to our villages, our excellent working relationship with District and County Council members and officers results in early resolution of many issues of local concern, and this has brought a number of environmental improvements. Besides generating civic pride in what the Parish Council does, the award should ensure that both District and County Councils listen more closely and respond more quickly to our views and requests. Also, legislation currently going through Parliament will create new opportunities to take on more local responsibilities, and should increase the level of grants available to the Parish Council for local projects"
Andrea Schafer is the new Clerk to the Parish Council, following the retirement of John Lowe, and deals with all Council business. Click here to see the most recent Annual Report of the Council. The most recent accounts, balance sheet, minutes, and publication scheme are also available on this site. Andrea will be happy to provide additional information associated with the Parish Council within its Publication Scheme. She may be contacted by email: cernevalley@dorsetparishes.gov.uk or by phone: 01300 341464.