downsmail.co.uk Bredhurst
Lighting Regarding the possible swan- necked light at the build-out near Camellia, a report detailing three optionswas discussed. This stated that KCC did not deem a light at the build-out to be necessary, nor would it supply any funding towards it. Itwas agreed to adopt option two – to purchase and install larger reflector plates on the wooden bollards on the build-out. The reflectors would be provided free by Kent Highway Services. Police briefing No crime report had been received from the police The clerk had made an enquiry about lack of monthly police reports andwas awaiting a response from the PCSO. Planning No comment on a planning application for Manor Farm Barn, Dunn Street, was submied because the parish council had insufficient members at the planning meeting for a quorum. The cancellation of the planning meeting on May 20 had highlighted the urgent need for more councillors to be recruited. FinanceA reduced price of £1,587.80 (original quote £2,800) had been negotiated for the disconnection of the four street lights, with an exemption certificate being issued to absolve the parish council of any further responsibility. Equine crossing The equine crossing near Arran Bank Stables in Dunn Street would go ahead at a cost of £380, including £190 match funding agreed by Maidstone Council. As this section of road falls within Boxley Parish Council, it had consulted and approved the plan but declined to make a financial contribution.A local landowner had agreed to contribute £95. Bredhurst Parish Council’s contribution would therefore be £95. This crossing would be the first of its kind in Kent. The chairman thanked Cllr Carr for organising its installation.
Broomfield and
Kingswood Co-option Mike Darlingwas co-opted on to the parish council andwelcomed to the team. Crime report Two crimeswere reported: a case of criminal damage in Gravelly Boom Road and a theft in Broomfield Road. Four cases of anti-social behaviour had been reported – three of them in CharlesfordAvenue and one in Cayser Drive. Relief roadA group of councillors met for the second time to discuss the Leeds- Langley relief road and how they could determine the best option for all parishes. Itwas agreed that funding of the administration should be shared between participating parishes. Neighbourhood plan The plan had had to go back to public consultation. The parish news formatwas used to publish the updated plan details and copies had been delivered to every house in the parish. Sports field Councillors resolved that up to £25,000 could be transferred from the contingency fund to the sports field commiee for an extension of the play area and the purchase of additional equipment. Gate closure The clerk had received a complaint about the permanent closure of the sports field gates due to criminal damage in recentweeks. The complainant
54 Maidstone East July 2015
felt that the closure created a potential danger with cars being parked in the Lenham Road. Councillors explained that there was no other choice at this time and the maer would be discussed again soon. Football team An under 12s football team had asked to use the sports field for matches on Sunday mornings. Memorial benchA resident had applied to site a memorial bench at the sports field. There had been extensive damage to the seating in the field and some bencheswere beyond repair. The clerk had reported the damage to police. Police call The Scouts had asked the clerk to request a police presence on the evenings when Scout groups met at the field due to some youngsters using catapults and allegedly drugs. There had also been swearing and intimidating behaviours directed at the Scout leaders. The clerk asked them to report the incidents by calling 101. Footpath Mr Morgan now required the footpath to the sports field to be moved one metre away from the boundary fence. The trees that would have to be removed to accommodate thiswere covered by a tree preservation order so permission would have to be sought for their removal. Revised quotes for the work would have to be sought. Itwas agreed that the clerk should make the TPO application before any further work took place. Scout sign Councillors resolved to accept the quote from JRT Signs for a Scout group sign and to donate the sign to the Scout group. Village planting Itwas unanimously resolved that up to £300 should be spent on spring and summer bedding plants for the village planters. Fair The village hall fairwas to take place on Saturday, July 4, and the parish council had been asked to participate. Tall Trees The clerk had contacted the owners of the leased land to ascertain whether they would be interested in buying the land. Both tenants had expressed an interest in doing so. The clerk was to write to them and ask them to make a reasonable offer that could be discussed at the next meeting.
Detling
Rat trapWard Cllr Nick deWiggondene reported the problem with rats on Queensway, saying that a collective approach by residentswas needed to deal with the problem. Open land Concernwas expressed about land at Church Lane being vulnerable to travellers and fly-tippers. The chairman said rubbish on the landwas there following a village clean-up, but it had taken Maidstone Council a month to collect. He confirmed that logs had been put across the area to prevent vehicles from accessing it. The clerkwas asked to liaise with KCC to see if permanent posts could be put along the layby. Chairman Cllr Mark Houston is the new chairman of Detling Parish Council. White Horse Cllr Kennard reported that she had aended a Mid Kent Downs Countryside Partnership meeting, at which KCC confirmed that the Woodland Burial proposal for the White Horse Woodswas no longer viable. However, those aending heard that other plans for the woodland
were now being considered. Village shop The questionnaire for the community shopwas due to be put out again to all parishioners, with a date for a public meeting at the small hall. Cllr Kennard said shewas looking into possible grants for a shop.
Downswood
Steps Conflicting information had been received from KCC in respect of lighting the steps in the alleyway between Deringwood Drive and Ravens Dane Close. KCC had now agreed responsibility andwas currently undertaking repairs. Jubilee Cllr Butler had submied a personal complaint to Maidstone Council regarding the work undertaken at the Jubilee tablet. Neles Itwas requested that a maintenance programme be established for Old Church Lane as it often became impassable with neles etc during summer months. Cllr Cooke requested the clerk email details to him. Cheque The £50 cheque from the 2014 garden competition had not been cashed as the winner had mislaid it. It had now been found andwas expected to be presented to the bank. Planning Contact had been made by a representative of Countryside – the developers looking to build to the south of Suon Road – requesting a meeting to discuss their proposal.A meeting would be considered in future as more information becomes available. Police maers One crimewas reported - criminal damage to Halt the Housing banner at Deringwood Drive. Anti-social behaviour callswere: nuisance vehicle (off- road bike), MallardsWay; nuisance youths at park, MallardsWay. PCSO Timmon Gurrwas informed that suspicious-looking people had been seen examining the lock on the gates to the park. The PCSOwas made aware that a tent had been erected in White Horse Lane. Further to the chairman’s enquiry regarding nuisance calls, PCSO Gurr suggested blocking the caller or contacting Action Fraud, if appropriate. MallardsWay KCC Cllr Gary Cooke reported that nothing could be done about the condition of the road surface at MallardsWay. BypassA meeting had been held at Kingswood to discuss a bypass. Further meaningful consultationwas expected to take place to discuss a route. Spring clean Cllr Cookewas thanked for the work undertaken during the recent spring clean. The alleyways had been cleared, with the steps at Cotswold Gardens noted as particularly clean. Fete The chairman would check prizes for the Downswood Community Association fete and order any additional items. Cllr Greenhead offered to draw caricatures again this year at a slightly increased cost of £5. Traffic calming Following a meeting with representatives of Otham Parish Council and KCC, itwas suggested a traffic survey be carried out as a first step to establish what traffic calming measureswere required. Cllr Cooke agreed to fund 50% of the cost from his member’s fund. The balance would need to be paid by the parishes. The costwas unconfirmed but
Parish Councils
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