downsmail.co.uk Broomfield and Kingswood
Crime report Criminal damagewas reported in Gravelly Boom Road, plus thefts in Chestnut Drive and Ashford Drive, burglary (non-dwelling) in Elder Close and Bushy Grove, and vehicle interference in Chestnut Drive. Four cases of antisocial behaviourwere reported in Cayser Drive – three of a nuisance vehicle and one of nuisance youths. PCSO Thomas Maybank reported that concerns had been raised of a gang hanging around, particularly in CharlesfordAvenue, and also about thefts of flowers and planters around the village. The PCSO advised that his policing area is changing to include Suon Valence and Langley, which he felt would be beneficial as they were adjacent to Broomfield and Kingswood. Tall Trees Therewas lengthy discussion over the disparity between the valuation of the land at the redundant Tall Trees play area and the offer from the tenants to purchase the land. Itwas mutually agreed not to pursue the sale and that the tenants would continue to lease the space. The clerk would backdate the rent invoices. Local plan The parish council would be prepared to be a witness at the forthcoming examination into Maidstone Council’s local plan. Councillors resolved to contribute to the costs of instructing an adviser to act on behalf of the Joint Parishes Group and Kent Association of Local Councils at the forthcoming inspection. Village maintenance The clerk reported on comments being received regarding the lack of maintenance of the planters around the parish. Despite requests from various sources, only one quote had been received for the grass cuing – from StevenWaring who had quoted £425, plus VAT, to cut and for initial clearance, thereafter to cut and clear three weekly, £120 plus VAT. Councillors requested that he be asked to do the initial cut while other quotes are obtained. Sports field The CCTV only worked for two to three days. The camera had been removed and there were no obvious signs of vandalism. Temporary CCTVwas in place. No further information had been received from the football club about alternative products for line marking. Councillors resolved that commercial weedkillers could not be used due to the potential harm to children and animals. Regarding the damage caused by the Scout group, a leer of apology had been received. Councillors resolved to accept the apology from the Redback Scout leader and would take no further action, but allow natural regrowth of the woodland. The clerk would respond. The annual safety inspection reportwas discussed by councillors who noted that while modest, minor low-risk items needed aention, the play areaswere in good condition. Bridleway The clerk reported very positive feedback to the extension/improvements. With the landowner’s consent, it might be possible to limit vehicular access along the beginning of the bridleway. The clerk would make further inquiries. Village hallA donation to the village hall funds of £50was agreed as there were no councillors available to participate this year because of other commitments. Defibrillator Austin’s Electrical had
46 Maidstone South July 2016
installed the defibrillator.A leer of thanks would be sent to Praba for allowing the installation at his shop in Charlesford Avenue.
Resignation The position of assistant clerk would be advertised.
Chart Suon Police report Plant pots had been stolen
from Marsham Crescent and fish from Chart Hill Road. Cllr Peter Forknall said the wooden gates at Amber Lane had been smashed by a vehicle driving through them, around the field and out again. Two days later aBMWX5was chased around the area by police until it became stuck and was abandoned. The driverwas arrested but the passenger escaped. Shed break-ins were reported in Boughton Monchelsea and fly-tipping reported in Norton Road. Streetlight Cllr Forknall had been unable to source relevant fixings or an electrician willing to carry out the repairs. Borough Cllr Steve Munfordwas to give the clerk details of an electrician who might be willing to do the work. Pavilion Members considered the need for a cleaner at the pavilion. Itwas agreed to advertise for a cleaner for one to two hours aweek at £15 per hour, during the football season. Memorial playing field Itwas noted that the drain cover and framework behind the pavilion had rusted and needed replacing urgently. Cllr StevenWaring arranged for MrA Short to do this work for £100. Parishwebsite Thiswas put on hold as Kent Association of Local Councils (KALC) had expressed concerns to KCC over the timing of the withdrawal of funds because parishes had already set out their budgets for the year. KALCwas also looking into freewebsites. Chairman’s report Cllr Forknall expressed his concern at the state of overgrown verges. The clerkwas asked to contact Kent Highway Services about this. Councillors reports Issues of concern included the lack of repair to the verges on Norton Road; the overgrown bank behind the bus stop at Crossways; poor broadband and teething problems at the shop. There had been an incident between two residents regarding dog fouling, resulting in the dog owner returning to clean up the mess. Shop on the GreenAt an earlier parish council meeting members had agreed to buy the new cabin on behalf of the shop with the intention that it should be donated to the shop commiees. Thiswas agreed.
Coxheath Primary school The parish councilwas to
provide a grant of £4,290 to Coxheath Primary School towards new equipment for the outdoor learning and recreation area. Village hall The parish councilwas to provide a grant of £650 towards upgrading the CCTV coverage. Memorial seat An order had been placed for the CynthiaWebb memorial seat to be sited next to Holy Trinity Church. Installationwas expected to be completed by the autumn. SpeedWatch A grant of £1,600 had been pledged to help the group upgrade its display equipment. Donations Annual donations of £300 and
£200 would be made to the Air Ambulance and the Heart of Kent Hospice respectively. Co-option Cllrs Richard and JanWebb had been co-opted on to the parish council. Therewere still four vacancies to be filled. Anyone interested should contact the clerk, Terry Ketley on 01622 745332 or email
terryketley@btinternet.com.
East Suon Police report Therewas an aempted
burglary, involving damage to a door and lock at a garage in Friday Street; therewere also road accidents in Heniker Lane and East Suon Road. Play area The Tarmacwas very thin and had holes in the surface. Two rubber brackets on the toddler swingwere coming away and the clerk had asked the play equipment company to look into this.
Headcorn Police report PCSO John Boyd reported
there were 11 crimes, four road accidents and 72 calls to the police in the previous month. He asked the council to note that the incident involving the abandoned horse on the Lenham Roadwas subject to an ongoing investigation and stressed that itwas aributed to people from outside the immediate area. The PCSOwas asked to arrange for KCC’s gypsy and traveller liaison officer, Kim White, to come and address the council. Lack of response Concernwas expressed over the lack of response when reporting incidents to 101. PCSO Boyd said that if an incident needed the presence of the police, contact should be made via 999. Shop Safe The council discussed Shop Safe, which is an inter-shop communication method to alert other retailers of potential issues. PCSO Boyd said it had been raised last year with the local traders whowere agreeable to the project until it became clear that they would have to pay aweekly charge for the service. It is operated by a private company and would not be a direct contact to the police, which would have to happen in the normalway. Burial siteA parishioner whowas fundraising to secure land near her property that could be used for a community woodland burial site, had emailed. The council wished to support the project but was unable to make any financial contribution. Vision and value statement Thiswas reviewed and discussed by the council and agreed that it should be adopted immediately. It would be displayed on the website. May Fayre 2017 The Scouts would no longer be organising this event. The clerk would contact a number of organisations, including the church, to see if they would like to take over or be involved. SpeedWatch The equipmentwas becoming unreliable and outdated. New equipment would cost £2,145, plus VAT, and the council could consider selling the existing kit to contribute towards this. The council would be given a demonstration by the manufacturer and would then consider the maer further. Hedges A parishioner had raised concerns about the trimming of hedges at Tong and by the bowls club, whichwere preventing the police from carrying out effective speed
Parish Councils
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