downsmail.co.uk Staplehurst
Camera Investigation of the cause ofwater damage to the Jubilee Field CCTV camera aributed the problem to a small hole and crack consistent with that arising from a physical shock such as an air gun pellet or similar projectile. Members agreed to pursue the insurance claim, noting the repair quote from Digital Barrierswas £936 and the insurance excesswas £250. NicholsonWalk Councillors agreed to accept the quote of £285 from Forestry First Ltd to cut back and raise the canopy of one oak tree and one ash tree and to accept with thanks a resident’s offer of a contribution towards the cost, subject to planning formalities. Neighbourhood plan Feria Urbanismwas working on recording consultation responses.Aproductive meeting had been held with Kent Highways and itwas hoped they would provide comments on the dra plan. Caretaker Maidstone Council had agreed to provide training to the caretaker on safe use of strimmer equipment. Chairman Cllr John Perry confirmed he would be standing down as chairman. He was thanked for his contribution to the council and for continuing to lead its finance group. Cllr Rory Silkinwas elected as the new chairman. Seafood Stop Maidstone Council had granted a trading licence to Seafood Stop to operate in the grounds of the Village Centre at permied times. Borough report Borough Cllr Paulina Watson introduced herself to the meeting. FloodingAresident discussed a longstanding problem with flooding at his property in Offens Drive and his aempts to find a solution with different parties. It was suggested that advice could be sought from Citizens Advice, then perhaps from the Local Government Ombudsman and/or lawyers.
Cracking down on rural crime
SECURITY cameras have gone up in Marden as part of an initiative to tackle rural crime in theWeald. Kent is the fourthworst-affected county in
theUKfor rural crime, costing businesses and residents about £1.8m per year. Heating oil, diesel, and power tools are among favourites for thieves, while criminal damage is another cause for concern. Nine carswere damaged in sixweeks in Marden, prompting residents to call for tougher security
measures.Acamera has now been installed at the junction of the High Street and Maidstone Road. With 70% of Kent being classed as rural,
the county police force has announced it is to launch a rural crime task force this year. In addition, the Government has announced it is to give almost £40,000 to the National Rural Crime Network (NCRN) which researches and promotes bestways to reduce rural crime. Deputy chief constable Paul Brandon said:
“AKent Police Rural Task Force is being launched to prevent and detect crime in rural communities. Dedicated officers will target those who commit crime and listen to the concerns of people living in rural Kent.”
Suon Valence
Local plan petitionWordingwas agreed for a petition objecting to the designation of Suon Valence as a larger village. Tennis plan An email had been received from S E Tennis requesting a meeting to discuss the proposal of either the school courts or the parish council courts being covered and used by S E Tennis for training and matches. Itwas agreed to request a business plan and feasibility study in advance of the meeting. War memorial recreation ground Itwas noted that the bin was always full and another bin was needed. Tennis club The risk assessment had been
completed.Asignwas needed showing the address of the club for emergencies and contact details, and to confirm that players used the site at their own risk. Hazard tape should be placed on the threshold of the hut by the handyman. Play areas Allworks had been completed at theWar Memorial play area with the exception of shortening the swing chains. It was resolved to leave these as they were as the current chains could not be shortened. The rope and chainwalk shackle pinwas 35%worn – the clerkwas to ask for a quote. Rabbit holeswere said to be an issue and itwas decided to obtain quotes for rabbit fencing. Simon Fowle, from Suon Valence School, had agreed to cut back the trees overhanging the park area. Pavilion An issue with the gueringwas reported. Cllrs Gordon Dent and John Daviswere to repair this. Fire extinguishers Thesewere due to be serviced in October and the clerkwas to contact the contractor. Sports fees Itwas agreed that there would be no increase in fees for football and lacrosse and friendly gameswould be charged at £20 if the pavilionwas needed. Lacrosse The pitchwould be needed for the forthcoming season. Therewere now two teams, but there were fewer games per
team, so theywould still fall within the terms of the contract for one team. Itwas agreed to charge for one team. Harbour play area The monthly checkwas all satisfactory or low risk. Peter Coleman was completing theweekly checks and the Maidstone Council play area sign had been removed. Roads Overgrown vegetation had been reported at the boom of the wall to Lambes Garden and a drain coverwas missing in South Lane. Therewas a pot hole in High Street. Proposed crossing Cllr Hotson’s response was discussed. Itwas agreed to accept the proposal for the first scheme at a cost of £97,500, not including land or tree and hedge planting. Funding would be sought. Lighting Lights had been repaired in Captains Close and Maidstone Road. Parts were awaited for a light in Rectory Lane. The dead supply to a light in Chartway Street had been reported to UK Power and repaired. Jubilee commiee The summer fair had been booked for June 6, 2015. Queen’s Head Oddfellows Cllr Ian Robinson said the summer ball had been well aended. Demelza and the Heart of Kent Hospicewere each presented with £1,500 from the proceeds. Path blockedAparishioner objected to the school blocking the entrance on to its field from behind the tennis courts and the fence recently erected behind the tennis courts. Allotments Following a recent inspection it was agreed to write to four allotment holders. An email had been received from a Bowhalls allotment holder whowas laying her allotment to grass. Following a request from a holder to keep chickens on an allotment on a commercial basis, itwas reported that other allotment holders might be using their plots commercially basis. Itwas agreed to write to holders reminding them that thiswas not permied.
NeighbourhoodWatch Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police
AGREEN Land Rover Defender, registration N581 UNT,was stolen from a driveway in Laurel Grove, Kingswood. An external meter cupboardwas forced
open at a home in Crispin Court, Coxheath. Therewas an aempted burglary at a property in Benover Road, Yalding. Two Panasonic drills and a child’s motorcyclewere stolen from a garage in Dean Street, East Farleigh. Therewas an aempted burglary at a property in Hunt Street, Yalding. Toolswere stolen from a VWCaddy van
in Station Road, Headcorn. Therewas an aempted burglary at a house in Rectory Lane, SuonValence.
Find stolen swag
STOLEN items, from jewellery to car parts, could be reunited with their rightful owners with the launch of a Kent Police initiative. Victims of crime will be able to look through a gallery of images of items on a page called Is It Yours on the appeals section of the Kent Policewebsite.
Jewellerywas stolen in a burglary at a
home in Maidstone Road, Marden. An intruderwas disturbed during an aempted burglary at a home in South Lane, SuonValence. Garden equipment, power tools and golf equipmentwas stolen from the garage of a property in Bow Bridge,Wateringbury. Therewas an aempted burglary at a
house in Chapel Coages, Laddingford. AnApple Ipad,wallet, cash and bank
cardswere stolen from a VWCaddy van parked in Kingsland Grove, Headcorn. The enginewas stolen from a boat tender
at Medway Wharf Marine, Bow Road, Wateringbury.
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Maidstone South April 2014 47
Parish Councils
Crime Reports
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