DownsMail In touch with your parish tored.


Members were informed that


a planning application for a three-floor extension of the roundel and link to the present building at Well Dishes Oast, Redwall Lane, Linton, had been approved on appeal. An appli- cation for tree felling in a con- servation area at The Coach House, Linton Hill, had been approved. Following a brief discussion,


it was strongly agreed that Maidstone Council should take urgent action to produce a pol- icy on polytunnels and trav- ellers. Clerk Mike Stevens reported


that now the new financial year had arrived, he would organise the new notice at the play- ground and arrange to purchase a picnic table. It was reported the area was being well used. The clerk confirmed that he


was proposing to retire in Sep- tember after 20 years in office. The trees felled on the A229/Linton Park boundary would be replaced by the landowner in the near future. Attention was drawn to the


need for the notice board in Wheelers Lane to be re-oiled. The clerk agreed to arrange this.


Loose Council Jubilee ideas


POTENTIAL celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee next year were discussed. It was suggested that the council con- tact community groups about their plans and ideas. Turning the Brooks Field into a QEII Field was suggested. Memberswere asked to get in- volved in Loose Parish Council community fete on September 3 to help make it even more suc- cessful than past events. There had been 307 hits on


the council’s website since the last recording, making a total of 23,388. It was agreed to inspect a wall bordering the cemetery and a private garden, which appeared to be deteriorating. Awall near the Chequers bor- dering Brooks Field would also be inspected. It was confirmed that seven


out of the nine memorial stones which had been repaired were satisfactory and two were still under investigation. This had reduced the risk for people using the cemetery. Cllr Roy Hood was thanked


for the good job he did in put- ting up the sign on the gate to the cemetery. Cllr Hood mentioned the in- creasing number of cars going through the village and also a 40 tonne lorry that got stuck. An issue was raised about cars using the back lanes to get on to the A229 by The Swan public house. Cllr Vianne Gibbons was re-


elected chairman at the coun- cil’s annual meeting with Cllr Charlie Hollister continuing as vice-chairman. Cllr Trevor Bristow had stepped down andwas thanked for his work during the last term.


Gordon Bernard was co-opted


on to the council. Marden Council Rural diversity


IT was reported that Maidstone Council had visited Marden Business Forum among other venues, regarding the local economy, and representatives were very surprised at the di- versity of businesses in rural areas. The funding for Santa’s grotto presents wouldbesenttothe clerk and MBF apologised for the delay. The clerk was now setting


aside at least one hour aweek to update the website. Site visits had been under-


taken by the amenities commit- tee. Southons Field was looking very well kept and picnic tables were due to be installed soon. The sports wall at the playing field was to be repainted. Legal advice was being sought


on plots breaching the rules at the cemetery, which was look- ing very well kept. The trellis was being moved and a rose hedge would be planted next to the cremated remains area. Nest boxes had been ordered


for Rookery Path and were due to be installed in the autumn. Councillors approved an ap- plication from the Marden Med- ical Centre, Church Green, to remove a liquid amber tree on condition that a replacement is planted. An apple or pear was suggested. Marden Horticultural Society


had asked to locate a flower trough in the village, possibly at the front of the library. The clerkwould liaise withMHSre- garding planning permission and insurance. Aresident had raised concern


over the large volume and speed of vehicles using South Road and Stanley Road to by- pass Howland Road. The police would be asked to visit the area and monitor the situation. Borough Cllr John Verrall had


raised the issue of parking at Marden Primary School.Many cars were parked at 3pm on both sides of the B2079, reduc- ing the space available for large lorries to pass. The head teacher and gover-


nors had written to all parents at least once a term and the po- lice/community warden had at- tended to advise drivers, but the problem continued. Cllr Verrall would speak to Kent Highways and keep the clerk informed. Following an item raised about white lines and a Give


Way sign at Maidstone Road, Kent Highways had agreed to rectify these.


Staplehurst Council Green seats


THE caretaker’s inspection re- ports and recommendation that green seats be removed were considered. Councillors noted the damage and rubbish arising from their use. It was consid- ered that removal would be a retrograde step as the seats had originally been requested by the young people who were using them. It was agreed to consult with the police and rural warden and report back. The council agreed to have a


stall at Staplehurst fete.The Lowland Search dogs had been invited, the gazebo repaired and councillors agreed that the street-sweeping vehicle should be on view. Cllr John Kelly confirmed


that the new website would be launched by the end ofMay. It was reported that the tiling


work in the toilets would be completed by June 10. New lamps and a hand drier would be installed in the ladies. A letter about car park im- provements wastobesentto London & South Eastern Rail- way, copied to Helen GrantMP. With regard to bus shelters,


the clerk was to chase the con- tractor for a date to complete the agreed repainting works. It was suggested that the Vine House and Cornforth Close shelters have wind-protective sides added to them. A training event was being


held for Speedwatch volunteers. Staplehurst Emergency Help


Team was nearly ready to go ‘online’. A training day for vol- unteers to organise a rest centre would be held. The ‘telephone tree’ for dissemination of ur- gent messages was nearly com- plete. The chairman Cllr Perry pre- sented certificates of apprecia- tion to the outgoing councillors and a bottle of champagne to Cllr Margaret Arger for her 12 years loyal service. Councillors agreed to adopt


the recommendations of a resi- dent, who is a countrysidewar- den, on the KCC proposed vegetation clearance contracts for the parish. Members recommended ap- proval of a planning applica- tion for a front extension at 17 The Limes.


Yalding Council Weight for it!


IT had been agreed at the recent Joint Transport Board that meetings with all parties would be held to take the weight re- striction issue forward. It was with great sadness that


the chairman advised the coun- cil of the death of Theresa Ebu-


rah, who had helped arrange the campaign and collect signa- tures. The next working party at the


Tatt will be held on July 13. Medway Valley Conservation Partnership will again be pulling up the Himalayan bal- sam. The warning signs about dog fouling at Kintons footpath have been received and arrangements would be made to put them out. Three heifers have been pur- chased for £1,275 and are now on The Fen. A portable toilet would be


sited at The Fen. The street party was a great success with around 1,000 peo- ple attending. Feedback was very positive. The owners of Charltons Farmhouse had resurfaced their access across The Lees without consent of the council who are the landowners. The clerk would write to them to draw this to their attention and ask for their comments. The visibility on The Lees corner was getting difficult due to vegetation. The council’s contractor would be asked to trim the corner of The Lees and the surrounding footways. At the annual parishmeeting, reports were received from Yalding charities and 59 other parish organisations. Discussions took place with members of the public about a new Yalding village sign and a parish welcome pack. Working parties would be set up for both. It was reported that the grant application via KCC for adult/ older children’s exercise equip- ment had been put on hold. A new strategy was proposed with a working party to raise funds and project manage one piece of equipment at a time. The parochial church council would like to hand over the up- keep of the churchyard.The maintenance could be passed to the parish council who could pass it on to the borough coun- cil.


The cricket club pointed out


that the track to The Kintons was in a very bad condition. This road does not belong to the parish council although it had carried out work there a few years ago. Budgets may prevent further work. It was suggested the club could pro- vide the labour for the mainte- nance and this would be investigated. At the annual parish council meeting, Cllrs Geraldine Brown and Vivienne Robinson were elected chairman and vice- chairman respectively. KCC has approved the parish’s application for super fast broadband and £50,000 has been awarded


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