MallingMail 7 Where I live... West Malling Parish Council


The November parish council meeting discussed the continuing problem of unpleasant odours from the Blaise Farm composting facility. Complaints should be made direct to the Environment Agency on 08708 506506.


Councillors expressed concerns about the amount of litter and food waste being dropped in the High Street and noted that the regular contract street cleaner carries out his job with commendable enthusiasm and efficiency. However, the borough council’s Environmental Health team has been notified and may require any responsible shop owner to take action to clear up litter.


West Kent Police issued a weekly summary of local incidents, news and advice on dealing with a variety of issues such as cold calling and e mail scams.


A new forum for older residents, The Tonbridge & Malling Seniors' Forum (TAMS) was launched on 1 November with the first TAMS Forum meeting on November 25.


The condition of snowy roads and pavements was discussed and a salt and sand stock had been provided at the entrance to the Norman Road School for the use of residents. A bin had also been requested by Trudy Dean for the Lavenders Road bridge. The Kent Highway Service (KHS) website gives information about salting routes and which roads have


priority for snow clearance, but it was noted that this information was sometimes incorrect. KHS contact number, 08458 247 800 can be used to report hazardous areas, particularly where public safety is an issue. A snow code advice sheet, "Clearing snow and ice from pavements yourself" is available from the Direct.gov website. Trudy Dean reported that there was no truth in the myth that a householder or business clearing snow from the pavement in front of their property would be liable if anyone fell.


Some of the events and items considered in previous meetings have included:


Remembrance ceremonies inWest Malling: The first was after the 11.00 maroon on Thursday, November 11, when a short dedication ceremony for the magnolia grandiflora tree in the new planter in the High Street was performed by Rev. Pam Rink, from the Pilsdon at Malling Community.


The Remembrance Sunday parade on November 14 was well attended, again despite the pouring rain. The Service of Remembrance, conducted by Rev Jim Brown was followed by a wreath laying ceremony at theWar Memorial.


Parish council meeting: The next full council meetings is on Monday, February 7. Details of other committee meetings are available from the parish clerk on 01732 870872.


East Malling and Larkfield Parish Council public house.


Last year was another busy one for the council with progress made on a number of long-standing projects.


In East Malling the playing field behind the former Millstream School site is being transferred to us. This will protect this "green wedge" and allow a new long-term lease to be granted to the Scouts.


In Larkfield, funds from Barratts development at New Hythe plus a borough council grant are being used to upgrade the play area and provide a modest skateboard area at Larkfield Recreation Ground. Nearby we have just been notified of a Big Lottery Fund grant to provide interpretation boards for the long planned nature trail at Church Farm.


For 2011 we are seeking a grant to restore the war memorial on the green opposite the King & Queen


Meanwhile, day-to-day, we look after purely local facilities such as the allotments, village halls, open spaces, seats and playing fields.


Locally we have four halls but due to the recession a few regular hirers over the last year or so no longer exist. There are therefore some free slots available - for details please ring the Parish Office on 01732 844546.


Lastly, a lot of parish time is spent responding to consultations from Kent County Council and the borough council especially on planning applications.With the Government's "localism" agenda the role of the parish council is to be increased and we hope this means we have a greater say over what happens in the parish.


Parish Council contact details Full council meetings are open to the public and all are welcome to come along.


ADDINGTON Clerk: Louise Goldsmith 01732 367981 Next Meeting: 2nd February


BIRLING Clerk: Mrs Jenny Grimmett 01732 840345 Next Meeting: 8th February


EAST MALLING & LARKFIELD Clerk: Mrs Val Severn 01732 844546 Next Meeting: 2nd February


KINGS HILL Clerk: Helen Munro 01732 870382 Next Meeting: 16th February


LEYBOURNE Clerk: Julie Pilbeam 01732 873722 Next Meeting: 1st February


MEREWORTH Clerk: Gill Kirby 01732 846192 Next Meeting: 22nd February


OFFHAM Clerk: Jo Usher 01732 874172 Next Meeting: 2th February


RYARSH Clerk: Mrs L Mackie 01732 521303 Next Meeting: 14th February


TROTTISCLIFFE Clerk: Mrs F Merryfield-Day 01732 824194 Next Meeting: 3rd February


WEST MALLING Clerk: Carole D'Silva Tel: 01732 870872 Next Meeting: 7th February


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