with Ted Holland, the allotment holders’ representative. The al- lotments were said to be in good order, and the issue of ownership of the sheds was progressing. The play areas hadbeenin- spected and all safety surfacing was said to be satisfactory. Some issues with the junior swings had been rectified. The clerk had arranged for an urgent repair on the multiplay equipment after two struts had been removed on the high plat- form next to the slide. Plane & Simple attended within an hour and made it safe. A piece of the exercise equip-


DownsMail In touch with your parish Neighbourhood plan


BROOMFIELD and Kingswood Parish Council has decided to prepare a neighbourhood plan which could help to shape the fu- ture of the area. Introduced by the Localism Act, neighbourhood plans cover a


range of issues such as community facilities that are needed and green spaces that should be protected. Following a public meeting, the council has formed a steering


group and has applied to Maidstone Council to define the area that the parish wants the plan to cover. A map of the proposed neighbourhood area is included with


the application, which can be viewed on the borough and parish councils’ websites and on the village noticeboard. More detailed planswill be drawn up after consultation during


ment had been found lying on the grass. The clerk was towrite to Fresh Air Fitness with con- cerns that the equipment was not fit for purpose. In themean- time she was to arrange reme- dial action by Plane & Simple. The clerk provided quotes for


new posts for the car park rail- ings. It was agreed to proceed with Hop Engineering’s quote of £2,445 plus VAT and the clerk was to investigate the possibil- ity of help from KCC. It was agreed that KCC under-


take the maintenance of the playing field. Clerk Nicola Dawkins said


she wished to resign with two months’ notice. The vacancy will be advertised, and Ms Dawkins was thanked for her hard work and dedication.


Help available COMMUNITY warden Liz Lo- vatt reported on support for families facing difficulties, in- cluding financial help.She askedtobeinformedofany families that may need support. Apony had got trapped in the kissing gate at Brooks Field. The chairman thanked Cllr Roy Hood for fixing the gate. An incident relating to youths placing sofas at the rear of the King GeorgeVPlaying Field was discussed and the warden asked if the fir tree branches could be raised. The tree warden would check and report back. Four SmartWater signswould


Loose Council


be bought at £25 each. A swing at the playing field


was missing and Maidstone Council would be asked if they had removed it, otherwise the police would be contacted. Damage to a shed in North-


leigh Close was reported. A resident had written to Maidstone Council about the overgrown path between Old Loose Hill and Valley Drive/Bray Gardens. Thematter had been taken up by ward Cllr Sue Grigg and the borough council was arranging the work. A phone call had been re- ceived about buying part of Brooks Field. It was agreed this was not an option. It was confirmed that the


the coming months. Comments must be received by September 18.


Water and Wildlife Brooks Field Project committee had now completed its main aims. However, the field still needs to be managed and co-opted mem- bers still wished to be involved. A meeting of the full council would be held to discuss a merger of the committee with the environment committee. Cllr Jim Andrew reported on


the informal meeting about Neighbourhood Planning.The meeting heard 21 members were needed to set up a steering committee of parish councillors and residents. An item would be placed in Loose Views to gauge local interest. Maidstone Council officer


Sarah Anderton would be in- vited to the parish council meeting to explain the process, and to furnish any details on the gypsy/traveller issue.Ithad been reported that a borough council officer was writing to landowners about possible gypsy and traveller sites in the parish. The parish website had received 36,286 hits – around 137 a week. KCC had been asked to deal


with a fallen tree on the “29 steps” footpath opposite the old Kings Arms.


Staplehurst Council Rubbish cleared


THE clerk said the caretaker had cleared rubbish including an abandoned tent and a sleep- ing bag from the Jubilee Field. There was also evidence of mo- torcycle use, which had been re- ported to the police. Cllr Paul Butcher said he had


been in discussion with KCC about savings on library serv- ices. It was agreed that a meet- ing of interested parties should be held. Cllrs John Perry and Barrett Manning said a resident had raised the issue of parking on Headcorn Road. Councillors noted the importance of dis- playing the A-board to draw at- tention to the surgery. Cllr Perry said he had been in


touch with Headcorn and Mar- den councils about plans for funding discussions about the


Parish Services Scheme. The Staplehurst Society had


asked the parish office about the possibility of moving their of- fice within the village centre. The request had been forwarded to the Village Centre Trust. Cllr Peter Spearink had re- ceived a request for funding to support youth martial arts ac- tivities. It was agreed the re- quest should be considered by the finance group. Cllr Kelly said roadside bins


on The Parade were being emp- tied by the borough council, but it was not yet known who was attending to the other ones. Cllr Butcher said the planning committee had received a retro- spective planning application for Huntsman’s Stables and had recommended refusal. The clerk said Play Place rep- resentatives had undertaken promotional activity at the school and bookings were pro- gressing at a good level. Cllr Tom Burnham said he


had obtained a quote of £175 for a plan and levels assessment of the corner of Surrenden Field.. Cllr Spearink said he had ob- tained quotes for new salt bins and salt. It was agreed that the VE group should produce a plan with proposed locations and recommendations for con- sideration by the finance group and the council. A quote had been received for double-glazed windows and trickle vents to the Bell Lane toilets. Itwas suggested that two more quotations were obtained. PCSO Gardner said there had


been 12 crimes – five of crimi- nal damage, one of going equipped for theft, two of theft, one theft of a vehicle and one arson. Three arrests had been made. Two warnings had been made in respect of nuisance bikes.


New councillor


Sutton Valence Council


IT WAS decided that Peter Coleman be co-opted on to the council, and he was welcomed by chairman Cllr Eileen Riden.


The meeting heard that one allotment holder at Bowhalls had not paid rent and was not responding to emails. Cllr Phil Taylor was to investigate. One parishioner had not paid at the Harbour allotments. The clerk had contacted them and a cheque was on its way. An email had been received regarding


motorcycles in


Abbey Wood. The clerk was to contact neighbouring parishes to see if they had had any com- plaints. The Stables in South Lane


had confirmed they wished to continue renting the field. TheWarMemorial play area


had been inspected and a trip hazard had been noted. The clerk had asked for a quote for missing fence posts. The King’s Head presented a cheque for £1,615 for the play area. The frame of the toddler


swing at the Harbour play area wassaidtobebent. An email had been received from a parishioner regarding dogs’ mess. The clerk was to contact the warden. A local firm had offered to re-


pair the car park barrier free. Rubbish left after a football tournament had to be taken to the tip by the hall caretaker at a cost of approximately £10. Itwas decided to reimburse the care- taker and bill the Maidstone Stars. The clerk was to get quotes


for broken glass in the notice- board on the A274. Several parishioners had re- quested a path along the A274. The clerk was to contact Kent Highways to request that the verge be cut and was to place an article in the newsletter to establish interest in a footpath. A letter of complaint had


been received about parking at the harbour.


Yalding Council Communication


Village organisations are in- vitedtosendtheir events and notices to the council for inclu- sion on the parish website. The website is a goodway of getting your events known outside of the parish as the press often search these for news. The council keeps a database


of email addresses in order to send out news and details of road closures, severe weather conditions and neighbourhood watch items. If you wish to be added, please email your name and address (phone number op- tional). There is no meeting in Au-


gust. The next meeting is on Tuesday, September 4, at 7.30pm in the village hall. Members of the public are wel- come to attend but if you wish to speak, please contact the clerk on 01622 814134 at least 24 hours in advance.


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