downsmail.co.uk Boughton Malherbe
Crime report There had been one crime during the month – the theft of trees in pots in Headcorn Road. The parish is covered by PCSOs John Boyd and Siobhan de Burca Ousby, plus the community policing team. Highways Thewater problem continued at Liverton Hill and a ridgewas being made in the road. Regarding HGV signage, KCC Cllr Jenny While would arrange a meeting with Lenham and Boughton Malherbe parish councils. There appeared to be no reason why some potholes in Coldbridge Lanewere marked for repair and some not. The road edge at Three Chimneyswas in a very poor state.
Bredhurst
Crime report Cllr Malcolm Greer queried why a crime in Blind Lanewas not given as a crime report and the PCSO Ma Adlington said he would look into this. Gibraltar Farm An objection would be sent to Medway Council regarding an outline application for 450 homes with open space at Gibraltar Farm, Ham Lane, Hempstead. Stables Maidstone Council had approved an application for replacement stables, hay barn menage and hardstanding for a gypsy family at Cherry Orchard Stables, Dunn Street Road. Maintenance Planswere being drawn up to keep the village neat and tidy. KCC Cllr Paul Carter had agreed a £1,000 grant. Weed spraying This would be done three times next year and twice in 2017. All roads in the village would be included. The mechanical road sweeper would visit once this year after theweed spraying.
Broomfield and Kingswood
Crime report There had been two burglaries in Cayser Drive, theft of a vehicle in Gravelly Boom Road; and theft from a vehicle in Cayser Drive. One incident of anti-social behaviour had been reported in Cayser Drive. Cllr Annee Friend said she had received positive feedback about the effectiveness of a police presence in the parish. Sports field The clerk had contacted Sovereign Play Systems about the safety chains on the basket swing that were not connected at installation. Concernwas expressed about the two sets of musical instruments that had had to be repaired already. No reply had been received. Itwas agreed that the clerk should write to the head office and the directors of the company by recorded delivery. Pedestrian crossing Cllr Friend had asked KCC about the possibility of a pedestrian crossing near the village hall but as there had been no serious accidents or fatalities this would not be considered. Itwas agreed to seek a meeting with KCC Cllr Jenny While to discuss options. Pre-school The meeting heard that the pre- schoolwas struggling financially as it could only meet four mornings aweek. Following discussions with the village hall commiee it was agreed to extend this to five mornings aweek, term-time, from January. However the pre-school would need to provide a business plan. Tall Trees Tenants had said the valuation figure was unrealistic. Mr Coles, who had
46 Maidstone East January 2016
carried out the valuation, had agreed to act as a negotiator.
Downswood
Bin The lier bin at the top of Church Road was regularly overflowing. Overgrown Vegetation was overhanging the footpath from both sides of Church Road/Deringwood Drive. Police report There had been a theft from a vehicle in Bournewood Drive. There had also been a complaint of anti-social behaviour outside the shops in Deringwood Drive. The PCSO had spoken to shopkeepers and youths. Play areas Itwas understood that Maidstone Council had put out the tender for the first year of play area works across the borough. Foxden Drovewas on the list for the first year of works but was shown as not available due to arrangements already taking place. Itwas agreed to ask StevenWaring to carry out the hedge cuing (alternative quotation had not been received). Carbon neutral project Itwas noted that the double glazing in the hallwas no longer to the required standard and itwas not clear if the cavitywallswere insulated. Aemptswere still being made to set up a meeting with the parish council and Downswood Community Association working group and KCC’s sustainability projects manager.
Harrietsham
Police report The PCSO said there had been five crimes in the previous month. Court Lodge The appeal had now been heard and the outcomewas expected soon. Design policy This had been circulated in the village. Some feedback had been received. The council agreed to adopt the policy.
Communications Cllr Przystupa said there had been a good report from the survey with a total of 350 residents responding. The social media policywas raised, with Cllr Eddie Powell commenting on the prompt and useful nature of the information on thewebsite. The policywas agreed, with all in favour. Environment It had been agreed to let the new open spaces as one, hoping that would aract larger companies and avoid the potential for contractors not performing in the event of staff issues. He said they would be seeking to appoint an amenity manager to oversee the contract, either from the commiee by recruiting a volunteer or by employing someone. Work on Teers Meadow still needed definition. It was hoped to circulate a draft contract shortly. On the question of the Glebe Field it had been decided to leave the dressing of the earth mounds until the spring. Defibrillator Cllr Janea Sams had spoken to the school about a defibrillator but there could be an issue over location. She had also spoken to a first-aid professional who might be able to supply one more cheaply. Highways The safety audit had been done. The issue of Goddington Lane had been raised, but unfortunately therewas no budget for any work and KCC felt that the work requiredwas the landowners’ responsibility. Cllr Sams said there had been a number of complaints about the A20/The Hollies boundary landscaping
and that a meeting with the builderswas planned. Cllr MikeWilliams said the local company which had placed about 40 advertising boards along the A20 through the villagewas to be served with a KCC notice requiring their removal. WoodlandsWalk gate Cllr Glenda Dean said she had spoken to a resident in WoodlandsWalk whowas happy to lock and unlock the gates in the evenings and mornings.
Lenham
Thanks The chairman thanked Andrew Barr who recently resigned as a parish councillor after many years of sterling service to the community. Eight members remained and five new members were required. Police maers PCSO John Boyd reported that patrols were covering theWilliam Pi Field, toilets and BT exchange site, all of which had been vandalised. The PCSO and community warden were raising awareness of telephone fraud scams and urged caution when bank details were requested. Public forumA parishioner reported concerns about the narrow path at the bus stop in Old Ashford Road and the light not working on the footpath leading from the road.A plea for a speed indicator for the parish would be investigated by KCC Cllr Jenny While. The handyman would be asked to repair loose cobblestones in The Square.A resident requested a lier/dog waste bin at the picnic site. The chairman suggested volunteers could be stewards for the picnic site.A resident offered to help Cllr Greenwood take a tree survey. Cllr While was to meet with KCC Highways to discuss road repairs throughout the parish. Lenham Square Improvements were being undertaken as well as general village maintenance including weed spraying, bench repairs, planter relocation and church lights repairs. Neing Cllr Greenwood was pursuing a meeting with developers of the URC site to determine the section 106 agreement in relation to the provision of neing between the cricket field and development site. Several issues needed further clarification. Salt Salt bags would be delivered to the community centre; Sandway and Lenham Heath Planning It was resolved to employ Designscape to help submit the parish council’s responses to applications at Ham Lane (appeal), Loder Close, and the Maidstone Council local plan consultation. BinA lier bin would be purchased for Maidstone Road car park. CCTV The cameras atWilliam Pi Field and Ham Lane were fixed and operational with the software loaded on to the parish council laptop. The village square choice of cameras and systems was ongoing. Three quotes had been obtained. Cllr Culver would meet with the vicar to discuss the option of using the church tower for the sender/receiver equipment. Cemetery Hedge-cuing would be done at the cemetery in preparation for rabbit- proof fencing. Village hall The successful bid for a solar panel installation on the village hall was reported.
Parish Councils
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48