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


THIS is a brief summary of topics from the full parish council meetings held in March and April.


A major area of discussion at recent parish council meetings was Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s car parking review for West Malling, now out for consultation. TMBC listed several areas for new and revised parking spaces. Parish councillors were unhappy that the consultation period, with a response date of April 15, 2012, was relatively short, particularly as it included the Easter holiday. It noted that there was no Freepost or on-line response facility and there was concern that the information in the leaflet was not always clear or precise, e.g proposed new parking spaces were shown as approximate without identification points. The parish council is arranging a public meeting to gather local opinion.


A response has been sent to KCC’S consultation on its proposed Creating Quality Places Framework. This describes how KCC intends to radically update the existing guide for developers to recognise the need for a flexible approach to providing housing and infrastructure over the next 20 years or so. While the parish council supports the overall objectives of the framework, it noted its disappointment that the document makes no mention of parish or community councils in the consultations, despite the Localism Act, 2011, which offers local people the chance to have more influence on decisions such as new housing in their community.


The parish council owns and maintains over 100 street lights in West Malling. These have been surveyed to assess the general condition of the lights and supporting columns and to identify any mercury lamps. Due to their poor efficiency and possible toxic content, mercury vapour street lamps are to become obsolete and will lose their European Conformity marking in 2015. The survey also recommended installing capacitors to reduce power consumption. This work will be done over the next few years, with the oldest units being refurbished and upgraded first.


West Malling Village Hall, at the rural end of Norman Road, was established in the mid 1970s to provide a facility for recreational activities. Although owned by the Parish Council, the hall is a registered charity and is managed by volunteers. The hall has been improved and upgraded over the years and remains a very popular venue for parties, weddings, meetings and other events. The management team is looking to increase the number of team members and would like to hear from interested residents, particularly those with experience in the roles of treasurer and secretary. Please contact Mrs. Ann Turner on 01732 844 824 for further information.


Finally, some short reports on what’s happening in West Malling.


The Malling Action Partnership will participate in the Listening Project, an ambitious partnership between BBC Radio 4, BBC local and national radio stations and the British Library. The aim is to capture the nation in conversation and build a unique picture of our lives today. Selected conversations will be broadcast by the BBC and archived by the British Library. If you would like to suggest a local person to be interviewed, please contact parish clerk.


The Malling Society will be opening the doors to the Twitch Heritage Centre in Douces Manor from 11.00 to 16.00 on Sunday May 27 2012. On display will be an exhibition titled Local Inns & Beerhouses as well as the permanent display on West Malling Airfield.


The website www.westmallingpc.kentparishes.gov.uk has been revised and updated. Up to date agendas, as well as minutes from the parish council meetings are now available on line. The next full council meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 14 2012, in the Village Hall, Norman Road, starting at 19.30. Residents are welcome to come along to this and future meetings. Please contact the parish clerk on 01732 870872 if you would like further information.


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