downsmail.co.uk Boughton Malherbe
GullyAresident had raised the issue of a blocked gully outside the Homestead. This was apparently on the list to be done but therewas a large backlog. Police report Four crimeswere reported during the month. Thesewere a theft in Headcorn Road, a theft in Woodcock Lane, and two non-dwelling burglaries in Eastwood Road. PCSO John Boyd said patrols had been increased to provide more of a visible presence. Highways The temporary repairs near Blenberry Farm needed
re-repair.Amember of the public had complained about grit on village pavements. Emergency plan Cllr Galtonwas thanked for his noble effort in preparing the latest draft document. Warden’s report Communitywardens Stuart Ellesmere and John Boyd aended the launch of the NeighbourhoodWatch scheme in Liverton Hill. Surgery The communitywardens hoped to start a regular surgery in the village. Itwas suggested that the monthly coffee mornings in Grafty Green Village Hall might be a good venue. The clerk would investigate. History book All free copies of the parish history book had been distributed. Quite a few copies had been sold and therewas a backlog of orders to fulfil. Budget The parish precept and budget for 2015/16were approved.
Bredhurst
Lighting trial The reviewwas due to take place in April with a final decision at the May meeting. Cllr Nichola Carr had made further enquiries with KCC about funding for a swan-necked light at the build-out at Camellia. The light would cost about £1,500 but the electricity connection could be complex. The lighting trial had saved about £500 in running costs and maintenance. Police reportAn aemptwas made to gain entry to the garage of a home in Fir Tree Grove but the offender ran off when
disturbed.Acar bonnetwas stolen from a drive in Forge Lane. Funding request The Bredhurst Woodland Action Group had asked for a donation of £270 to hire the hall for the group’s 10th anniversary celebration. Itwas unanimously agreed to support the event.
Broomfield and Kingswood
Crime report PCSO RyanWaring reported one crime – the burglary of a home in Cayser Drive. Therewere also reports of nuisance youths at the village hall on two occasions. PCSOsWaring and Tom Maybank had spoken to several youths in Kingswood. PCSOWaring asked that parishioners call 101 to report any concerns to help officers distinguish paerns in local issues. Proposed bypass Cllr Jenny While said that despite many reports regarding a Leeds bypass or spur road, no decisions had been made and therewas no funding to support the project. However she believed therewas a real need for answers to the problems of HGVs and the increased traffic on local roads. The clerk had received a leer from Eco Build PartnershipUKshowing the proposal for the route enabling the incorporation of Broomfield Park (a proposal for a development of a rural service
54 Maidstone East April 2015
centre and about 800 homes). The clerkwas asked to arrange a meeting in the village hall on April 27 and invite surrounding parishes. Speed restrictions Cllr Peter Page said enquiries with various organisations including KCC confirmed that itwas unlikely that approval would be given to change the village speed limits to 20mph unless therewas proof of need. Sports field footpath The owner of the property next to the proposed footpath had asked that consideration be given to the footpath having a 2mmargin away from the new fence line. Itwas understood the woodland owner would only consider the footpath on the basis of minimal take-up of his land, also that KCC required there to be a clear view of the footpath that would only occur in the agreed location. Itwas decided that the cost of doing thiswas not an option. Assistant clerk The position would be offered to Stephanie Rossiter. Pensioners’ outing The outing to the Brick Lane Theatre had been booked for June 30.A contribution of £15 would be required from each applicant but the coach, theatre and afternoon teawere all included. Cllr Clark had agreed to aend on behalf of councillors. Rural transport commiee KCC and Arriva were no longer prepared to continue with this group because therewere no other similar groups in Kent. The group continued to oppose the move. Pink RibbonWalk This would take place on June 20 but would not affect the parish other than crossing Broomfield Road to access two parts of a public right ofway. Lier bin Street scene officer John Edwards from Maidstone Councilwas due to visit Kingswood regarding the placement of the bin on CharlesfordAvenue. Election All nomination papers for the parish council election on May 7 had to be submied to the clerk before April 9. However, the clerk had to make an appointment to submit the papers. The election packs had not yet been received.
Detling
Presentation Mahew Morris and Roy Hopkins from Kent Woodland Employment Schme (KWES) gave a presentation on woodchip boilers and the coppicing at Horish Wood. Mr Morris spoke regarding the benefits of having a woodchip/pellet boiler system for heating buildings such as village halls. Itwas agreed that Cllr Denny would raise this at the next village hall management commiee meeting. Aresident raised concerns about the management plan and the amount of work, suggesting that KWES had cut too much in one year. The meeting heard that work had complied with the management plan and had been approved by the Forestry Commission. The resident raised further concerns about the removal of the timber. Thiswas discussed by members whowere satisfied with the arrangements. Boot fair The paperwork had been progressed for dates in May, June, July and August. The Larches Residents voiced concerns about the felling of trees in The Larches to create chalk grassland. They stated that there did not appear to be a management plan and theywere not satisfied following their enquiries to KentWildlife Trust. The parish council would write to Mike Phillips of the
Kent DownsArea of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership and copy in Kent Wildlife Trust and Boxley Parish Council. Rat runAresident raised concerns about the amount of traffic using the village as a rat run and asked whether the closure of the junction from the A249was being progressed. The chairman said this would be discussed at a meeting with KCC Cllr Jenny While in the near future, and also that the A249 Action Group had asked for a reduction in the speed on the road. Communications The chairman spoke regarding village communication andways in which the parish council could improve its communication with villagers. Itwas agreed that a questionnaire would be put together to deliver to all households in the
parish.Aflyer would also be drafted with details of the parish elections due in May.
Downswood
Crime reportAhome in GrampianWay had been burgled; there had been a theft from vehicles in PennineWay and Cotswold Gardens; and therewas a theft by finding in Rhodewood Close. New councillor Two members of public had expressed an interest in the vacancy. After much consideration, Samantha Brookswas co-opted.
Questionnaire The parish councilwas to arrange for extra copies of Maidstone Council’s questionnaire to be printed and delivered to residents on their street lighting routes. Help would be offered to complete the questionnaire, which would be collected later or which could be posted in a box at the Spires Shop. If possible a newsleer should be produced devoted to the local development framework and delivered with the questionnaire. Lighting Lights set in the steps between Ravensdane Close and Deringwood Drive were not working. Dog mess Deposits had been reported on the footpath between Cotswold Gardens and Spot Lane, and between GrampianWay and Cotswold Gardens. Precept review In view of the funding leer from Maidstone Council, itwas unanimously agreed to reduce the precept from £27,000 to £26,500. Kenward Trust itwas agreed to make a donation of £100. Christmas 2015 The clerkwas to request the main hall from 3.30pm-6.30pm on November 29 for the Christmas lights and
carols.Adecision on how to signal when the lights should be switched on would be discussed. Play areas Work in Foxden Drivewas expected to start during the new financial year. Regarding MallardsWay, alternative quotations would be sought as the Wicksteed’s racing car springerwas thought to be very expensive. Annual meeting This would be at 7.30pm on Tuesday, May 5, before the parish council meeting. The annual parish council meeting would be at 7.30pm on Tuesday, May 12. Olympicnic This would run from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, July 18.
Hollingbourne
TwinningAleer had been received from the twinning commiee requesting a donation of £250 from village fete profits for light refreshments for the anticipated 150
Parish Councils
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