downsmail.co.uk Boughton Malherbe
White linesAmember of the public raised the issue of white lines which used to be on the road from the Pig and Whistle to Headcorn before it was rebuilt. These had not been reinstated and in some places, particularly Crumps Corner, cars dried to the wrong side of the road, causing a very dangerous situation. Speedwatch Three sessions had been carried out with 60% of those booked travelling at more than 40mph and one lorry at 54mph. Fire service ChrisWheal of Kent Fire and Rescue Service gave a brief report. The water companywas required to sort out the leak associated with Crumps Lane/Gray Garden Centre. The leak had been present for at least three months. Aparish hydrant checkwould be carried out to clearweeds and ensure visibility. The defibrillator was up and running and registered with the ambulance service. Emergency plan Permission had been given for publication. Copieswere distributed to councillors for comment. Once published, the councilwould review it on a regular basis. Neighbourhood plan There had been limited progress and it was suggested that the councilwatches other parishes in the short term. History Cllr Galton gave an update on progress and costs associated with the parish history book. The history society had available funds of £2,200 which included grants from Allen Grove and KCC of £500 each. It would be looking to the parish council to provide £5,500
temporarily.Aswith the first book all householdswould receive a free copy. This was agreed in principle but could not be voted on as it was not on the agenda. It would be on the agenda for formal agreement at the next meeting on November 11.
Broomsfield and
Kingswood New councillor Patrik Garten was co- opted to the vacancy on the parish council. Stepping down Borough Cllr Peter Parvin announced his intention to step down at the next election inMay 2015 and reported there were already three candidates intending to contest the Leedsward. Fete The clerk advised that the village hall did not require a donation but would be pleased to receive the £34 made from the competition to guess the sweets in the jar. Planning Residents continued to report to the clerk the concerns over Maidstone Council’s handling of complaints lodged about breach of building regulations and out-of-hours service. Cllr Parvin had agreed to make further enquiries. The clerk had received further updates regarding the changes to the planning system at Maidstone Council and the difficulties that had been experienced. It was hoped that all teething problems had now been resolved. ApplicationAre-submission of MA/13/1536, erection of two detached six- bedroom houses and ancillary building, had been received byMaidstone Council but it appeared that the parish councilwas not invited to make a consultation. The clerkwas asked to contact the the planning
54 Maidstone East September 2014
officer concerned and request the opportunity to comment on the application. Sports field The annual safety inspection had been received and there were several areas that required a
ention.Aquote had been received from Playdale for the remedialwork for £1,690.76 plus VAT, of which £480 plus VATwas installation costs. Councillors discussed the work required and asked the clerk to obtain a re-quote for replacement posts, ropes and sanding work. Therewere several low risk areas of concern at the Levercrest play area. Councillors discussed and asked the clerk to ask for a re-quote for the removal of the equipment, rubber tiles and fencing. Bin The price of the bin agreed for purchase at the last meeting had increased by £120. Councillors agreed to an alternative supplier. Rubbish Cllr Mike Lovell had expressed concern over the increased volume of rubbish he has had to deal with at the sports field. The clerkwas asked to make enquiries about additionalwaste bins to be supplied to Cllr Lovell and/or the waste removal service. Handyman Mark Reynolds had carried out many of the minor repairs requested at the sports field. It was resolved that the clerk should deal with the minor details of maintenance in the parish without the need towait for the monthly council meeting. Pensioners outing The pensioners’ outing to the Bluebell Railway was fraught with difficulties this year due to the coach breaking down short of its destination. The vast majority of peoplewere able to catch local public transport to East Grinstead where they were able to meet the train at halfway point and still enjoy their cream teas. While the clerk had received one leer of thanks, the point was made once again that it was felt a member of the parish council should aend. It was agreed to return deposits to those who had to cancel their participation, due to health reasons. Website Councillors agreed to a request from IT services at KCC to use the parish website as an example for other parish sites.
Facebook Itwas decided not to include a Facebook page on the website as there would be no control of items included. Training Itwas agreed to host a councillor training evening at the village hall on October 20. Other parish councils had expressed an interest. Path Despite all the personal statements completed by local people who had used a path from Lenham Road towards Ulcombe, the public rights ofway officer found there was not enough evidence to require it to be included on the definitive map. Cllr Garten would review the decision and recommend whether the parish council should appeal. MilestoneAleer had been received from the Milestone Society asking if the parish councilwould like to become involved in restoring amilestone in the parish. Crop spraying The clerk received a phone call from farmer Guy Eckersley aer reports to the parish council of crop spraying that had been carried out on Leeds Castle farmland that had affected people and gardens that backed onto the land. The farmerwould be writing to the council in due course. Well blessing The roadsidewell at Broomfieldwas in its annual finery for St
Margaret’s patronal festival. Songswere ledwith gusto at the well and the church by the Rev Nigel Fry and the children, many of whom had brought their own flower baskets, whichwere made by them and their friends that morning. Thanks went to Peter Roberts for the guitar accompaniment and especially to Derek Hadlow for his vision of the outbreak of WorldWar I, also to the Poultons for helping with the flowers and with a lovely field of “poppies in Picardy”.
Downswood
Play area The clerkwould request re- delivery of bark for beneath the tractor at Mallards play area. The previous delivery of which the parish councilwas unaware, had “disappeared”. Police report Groceries had been stolen from a store in Deringwood Drive.A description of a man had been provided but he had not been
found.Anecklacewas taken from a bathroom in Ravens Dane Close. Interference to a vehicle in Foxden Drive with damage to grille, bonnet and wires underneath, was being investigated. Fete Thankswere given to the councillors and clerk for their help. While all activities proved successful, it was noted that Cllr Greenhead did a brilliant job as hewas kept particularly busy producing caricatures. All parish council takings were donated to Downswood Community Association. The Scrabble prize of a bole of wine would be delivered to Richard Young. Clerk’s report It was reported that phase two of the Foxden Drive project might be slightly delayed as there was a new cabinet member for leisure. However,Maidstone Councilwas hoping the orderwould be agreed and placed during
September.As refurbishment of the swingswas being undertaken as part of the same order, it would not be possible to bring this forward. Planning While the backlog of processing new applications continued, the borough council reported that progresswas being made with the new system. Olympicnic It was agreed to purchase two Downswood Parish Council banners for £24 each and two folding tables. The price of gazeboswould be checked at the end of the season. Garden competition The chairmanwould accompany the judges. Consideration would be given before next year’s competition about whether a separate prize should be awarded for hanging baskets. Tidy-up Caxtons had agreed to do something about the garden in front of the shops and it would be tidied up in the near future.
Harrietsham
Vacancy The parish council had a vacancy for a councillor. Anyone interested in applying for this role must be able to aend daytime meetings as required and the successful candidatewould become a member of the planning commiee which meets two Friday mornings amonth. Detailswere available from the parish clerk. Hedges The parish council will be arranging the hedge-cuing service again this year in October. Anyone who wished
Parish Councils
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