Parish Councils
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reported: aempted burglary of a dwelling in Eyhorne Street, burglary of a dwelling in Culpeper Close, criminal damage in Eyhorne Street, thefts from two dwellings in Eyhorne Street and theft on PilgrimsWay. Pavilion Roof repairs at the Cardwell Pavilionwere agreed at a cost of £265.50 plus Vat. Itwas agreed to buy a larger fridge for use by both of the regular hirers. It would belong to the parish council which would arrange for the cleaner to defrost it
monthly.Arequest from the pre-school to obtain artificial grass for the outside play areawas approved. Godfrey Meadow The parish council confirmed toWealden Homes and Maidstone Council that Godfrey Meadow would be a suitable name for the development next to 103 Eyhorne Street. Borough councillor’s report Itwas unlikely that Cllr Daphne Parvin would stand for re- election next year and Patrick Garten would be the Conservative candidate for theward at the borough council elections in May. The parish council would miss her very much as she had worked tirelessly and loyally for the local people for many years. Tribute Sadly, former parish councillor Laurie Hack, whowas chairman in the 1990s, had died following a long illness. The rabbi who conducted the funeral had made everyone feel verywelcome, regardless of their faith. Mr Hack would be greatly missed by his family, friends and the local organisations he supported. The parish council appreciated all his hard work. Pollution Concern overwater pollution had been expressed by residents in River Farm House and adjoining houses where the bourne flows through the gardens before going under Eyhorne Street via some small tunnels. The Environment Agency had taken the maer up withWealden Homes and the pollution had now stopped. Fireworks The parking in the village on the fireworks night had caused problems. Residents could not drive in or out of Culpeper Close, which could have caused problems if emergency vehicles had needed access.Aparishioner had contacted the police but had been told that the event would have finished before officers could visit the scene. On a positive note, the event raised a commendable £1,089 for the school and village good causes. However the parish council would in future firmly request that parking marshals be present and that PCSOs aend.
Leeds
Highways Residentswere asked to report sightings ofHGVs to the clerk or on the parishwebsite. Ian Bowles had been working with trading standards aswell as the police with some success. Relief road Momentumwas building with the Leeds/Langley relief road petition in place. Volunteerswere needed to help swell the list so as to present ameaningful outcome toMaidstone Council and KCC. Details could be found on the village notice board, Leedswebsite or contact Cllr Lesley Martin (
lesleyannmartin@gmail.com)who is co-ordinating the petition. LorryWatch Of the 42HGVs spoed during the month, 43%were of the 44,000kg class, 36%were of the 18,000 kg class and the final 21%were between the 21,000 and 32,000kg classes. Itwas also noticeable that some of the previously more difficult companies had
been seen using the correct routes. The messagewas geing there but therewas still work to
do.Anumber of the companies contactedwere very much in support of the proposed relief road and would do what they could to support the campaign. MaintenanceAmeeting had been held with KCC to ascertain its responsibilities for parish maintenance. The parish council would be formulating a plan for the areas not covered by KCC and this should be discussed at the next parish council meeting. Aresident in Wykeham Grovewas concerned about parked vehicles close to the junction of the B2163 making it difficult when turning into the grove. Concernwas also expressed about overgrown vegetation in George Lane blocking sunlight from houses in the grove. The parish council would look into both these maers. Community police officer The volunteer earmarked for the village had moved away so the parish councilwas back in consultation with the police on how to proceed. Church car park The holes in the car park had been filled and the lier bin relocated alongside the bench outside the car park.
Lenham
Public forumAparishioner reported a street light in need of repair and requested that the gents’ public toilets have both cubicles in working
order.Aquote would be sought for repair/
replacement.Aresident raised concerns relating to speeding traffic, particularly from OldAshford Road to The Square. Cllr Scrivens confirmed that works were in hand to address several traffic issues throughout the parish. Glebe Gardens The proposed increased housing at Glebe Gardenswas discussed as a parishioner highlighted the need to protect the pond and surrounding area from development. Tricksters The communitywarden reported on recent incidences concerning tricksters offering to carry out free home safety checks and then charging for unnecessary work. He provided information on the availability of home security marking tools and a device from Maidstone Council which monitors room temperatures and sends text alerts to warn of temperature changes. Planning Concernswere raised about the noise level relating to the proposed installation of air conditioning units on the retail building at the former ironmonger’s on Faversham Road. The planning committee would monitor the situation on behalf of residents close to the site. HighwaysAmeeting with the Kent Highway Services steward had proved useful. The junction at Sandway would have vegetation cut back and the road markings repainted. The use of the narrow lanes by HGVs could not be stopped as local businesses and farmers need to access their
sites.Ameeting with Maidstone Council would be organised to discuss parking restrictions on OldAshford Road. Itwas resolved to buy traffic cones to close off the car park during repair works. Loxton Ltd would be instructed to replace the floodlights in Maidstone Road car park as soon as possible, for health and safety
reasons.Aseparate quote would be sought for replacing lamps at the community centre. Law and order Cllr Culverwas organising a meeting with Rev Venn to discuss the option
of placing an aerial on the church tower for CCTV coverage of the square and surrounding area.
Otham
Public forum The main concernwas the situation regarding the local plan and what was being done to oppose future development. Annual return The external auditor had approved the 2014/15 annual return. Parish questionnaire/neighbourhood plan Cllr Trench had completed additional work with the questionnaire, which comprised 36 pages. Cllr Gandotra would assist Cllr Trench in preparing the presentation for the residents’ meeting which would be held as soon as possible at St Nicholas’s Church. PlanningAmeetingwas heldwith Bellway/DHA at Downswood Community Centre to listen to development proposals regarding Bicknor Green. Football ground The invitation to attend the official opening of the floodlights arrived too late for members to
attend.Ameeting with the clubwas being planned. Otham/Langley 2016 competition Langley’s clerk had agreed to approach councillors for ideas. Commentswere awaited. White Horse Lane ditchAnew quotewas being prepared as the length of the ditchwas greater than originally estimated. Itwas anticipated that the work might be carried out under KCC Cllr Garry Cooke’s offer for an autumn clean. Clean for the Queen Itwas suggested that Otham’s spring clean should be tied in with the official Clean for the Queenweekend on March 4, 5 and 6. Councillorswere asked about specific projects they would like to be undertaken in 2016. Suggestions included the village hall, village green, roads and bus shelter.
Ulcombe
Police report Twelve calls had been received during the previous month, including theft from a van, criminal damage and theft of a motorbike. Four arrestswere made at Martins Gardens. Communitywarden Dawn Riach-Brown reported on damage to a resident’s grass at Pye Corner. She had informed the PCSO and advised the resident to report it to the police. Tree works There had been a preservation order on the metasequoia tree in the building plot next to the school. Councillors agreed they would like the order to be restored as the treewas planted by the school 40 years ago to show children how trees looked in the age of the dinosaurs. CCTVAnew camera had been installed on the pavilion. PlaqueAn event had been organised to celebrate the installation of the plaque in the village hall to honour the Tassels. FootpathsAn email from Katie Cullen at KCC had been received regarding the public right ofway next to the school. The developers planned to build on the legal line of the path, which meant theywere able to apply directly to Maidstone Council to divert the footpath under the Town and Country Planning Act. Maidstone Council would administer the diversion application and KCCwere simply consulted. The clerk would contact Maidstone Council to confirm if a diversion application had been made to ensure the parish council is consulted.
Maidstone East February 2016 43
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