downsmail.co.uk Bredhurst


Hedges Itwas agreed to enter into a three- year contract with James Carr to undertake hedge-cuing in the village. Playing fieldAmeeting had been held with the land agent representing the landlord, the Diocese of Rochester. Concerns included access to the field and current and possible future boundaries. Itwas agreed to hold over on the existing lease until queries had been answered. The benefit of a long lease was a fixed rent but the commitment to maintain the playground equipment needed to be taken into account. More clarification of the issues surrounding the village hall was needed. Dog bins Maidstone Council had sent a plan of required locations for co-mingled bins based on current usage. The locations had been verbally agreed but would be finalised the followingweek. Implementation would start soon after. Itwas agreed that the wooden bins in the playground would be disposed of as theywere not fit for purpose. Drain maintenance Thiswas discussed last year. The culvert at the boom of The Street needed clearing where it flooded at the junction with Kemsley Street.Aresident had offered to do this and then it could be jet washed by KCC. The resident would be contacted to see if hewas still willing to do the work and the cost. If thiswas no longer possible, the council would get quotes from other sources. The spoil would also need to be disposed of. KCC would collect any large debris and the landowner had said the rest could go on the edge of the field. Trees Therewere some overhanging trees on KH49, the footpath between the church and Kemsley Street, which might need aention. Advice would be sought from the tree officer at Maidstone Council. Planning Itwas agreed to abstain from comment on an application for a single- storey extension at Bredhurst Village Hall as the access routewas subject to discussion with the land agent. The councilwas in favour of an application for the conversion and extension of Channing Farm Barn at Dunn Street Road to a three-bedroom house on condition that therewas space for more than two cars and that preservation orders were considered for the two large trees in the front garden. Public session There had been a rise in the burglaries and aempted break-ins in the village and surrounding area and police presencewas limited. The parish council had publicised contact details for the PCSO. More feedback for residents, particularly those involved in crimes,was requested. The clerk would write to PCSO Mahew Adlington expressing these concerns. Fire hydrants Cllr Nichola Carr had completed the fire hydrant inspection.A hydrantwas sticking up in Forge Lane, there was no longer a sign in The Street and the sign in Fir Tree Grovewas wobbly. The issues had been reported to Kent Fire and Rescue Service. Vegetation Cllr Paul Carter had pledged £350 towards vegetation management.


Downswood


Bus route Cllr Cooke agreed to organise a meeting at County Hall with Arriva and parish council representatives to establish what would work for Downswood. Cllr Cooke hoped he could arrange a bus service


42 Maidstone East February 2017


to the Grove Green Medical Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The surgery agreed to prioritise appointments for Downswood residents on those days. Local plan The inspector had forwarded Cllr Cooke’s leer to Maidstone Borough Council, asking that they accept it as a late submission. Thiswas eventually agreed. Homes plan Cllr Newton asked the clerk to pass on information that new houses had been discussed for land next to St Nicholas’ Church. This could involve up to 10 homes. OlympicnicAdatewas agreed for Saturday, July 15. Itwas suggested that the David Nuall memorial be unveiled at this event. Spring clean This would not now take place in 2017 as itwas being addressed on an ongoing basis by the Downswood Diggers. Numbers would need to be controlled. Damaged fencing Following an inspection of the picket fence on parish council land (next to Murrain Drive) itwas agreed to accept a quotation for repairs from Glebe Fencing for £305 + Vat. Draft budget Following discussion itwas agreed to adopt the draft proposals and set the 2017/18 precept at £27,000. Donation Itwas agreed to make a donation of £100 to Otham Choir. Parking issues Itwas reported that a resident with two young children who had parked his car legally (although it may have had two wheels on the pavement), had had two threatening and aggressive notes left on his car. Information had been passed to the PCSO. Cllr Greenheadwas to provide a copy of his cartoon for distribution. Medical centreAt a meeting itwas decided to take a two-pronged approach to healthcare provision in Downswood. In the longer term the facility would not be suitable for a growing community and it would be more fruitful to put together a case for a new medical facility, which could be on the same site but would have more services. In the interim, away had to be found for patients to get to the alternative surgeries easily and in a cost-effectiveway. Cllr Cooke would look into options.


Harrietsham


Communitywarden Martin Sherwood spoke about the KeepWarm KeepWell campaign run by KCC. He had information on subjects including flu vaccinations, heating your home and norovirus. He said if anyone had concerns about fire safety they could contact a home safety advisor on 0800 923 7000 or email home@kent.fire-uk.org. Alternatively, call Martin on 07977 981993. Police report PCSO Boyd said there had been five crimes since the last meeting: three thefts; one criminal damage; and one damage other than a dwelling. There had been 35 incidents reported to police. Burial ground Cllr Dean reported that the gates to the new burial ground and the concrete fence post in WoodlandsWalkwere to be repaired. Itwas hoped that the vandalised gates would also be repaired shortly. The cornus and ribes on the green had now been cut back. Grants Itwas agreed to offer the following grants: Harrietsham History Society £500; Harrietsham Fish Scheme £500; St John the Baptist Church £450; Messy church £100; Friday Coffee morning – council will pay for hall hire; Harrietsham in Bloom £500; Harrietsham Tennis Club £200. The Big Lunch 2017 had requested a grant of £500.


However, the clerk pointed out that the council usually approved a grant of £150 and suggested the same be given in 2017. Highways Cllr J Sams said the potholes were being repaired around the village. Therewere several road closures. Trees had been removed on the Church Road development site and the clerk had asked for a site visit to check the trees on the Ashford side of the site, some of whichwere leaning. Play equipment Workwas required to the play equipment on the Glebe Field and the use of S106 money would be investigated. If thiswas not possible the work should go ahead using parish council funds. Road nameAresident had contacted the council to ask if former councillor Dennis Clifton, whowas moving from the village, could be recognised for his work. Itwas proposed that Clifton House could be used in the parish council address or that a future development include the name Clifton Close or Crescent. Thiswas agreed. West Street Itwas noted that although parking issues had reduced, therewere pinch points by the school, the Wheelwrights, Station Road, the post office and the green. Itwas suggested that the traffic calming measures at the school be removed while the white lineswere extended. Kent Fire and Rescue and the bus companywere aware of congestion inWest Street and said a permanent solutionwas needed. Residentswere encouraged to submit photographs of congestion in support of any complaints. Running event Cllr Sams suggested a park style event on the field once a month. Cllr Moore suggested that funding might be available for a women’s event. Itwas agreed to permit use of the field for the run.


Hollingbourne


Correspondence Cllr Cobbe had received a leer from a resident asking that the parish council do not contact him, or he will instruct his solicitor to take action alleging harassment. He also insisted that the shop owners and others do not contact him either. The leerwas noted. Dangerous parking One vehicle still remained parked on the junction 8 roundabout, which could cause a distraction to other road users. Maidstone Borough Council would be informed. Road sign Residents in Culpeper Close said the road signwas in disrepair, and asked that it be repaired or replaced. The clerk would investigate. Railway station Bearsted railway station had been promoted as the station for Leeds Castle, although Hollingbournewas the closest and pubs in the villagewanted to promote that fact. Cllr Cobbe advised that Bearsted had more trains and taxi services. Pavilion Cardwell Pavilion needed a carbon monoxide detector. The clerk would obtain one. Drainage works had been carried out and plant roots had penetrated the joints within the drains and a glass bole had blocked the pipe work. Shed break-in There had been a break-in at the sheds and container behind the Cardwell Pavilion but nothingwas stolen. However, the locks needed to be replaced. ResignationAformal leer of resignation was received from Cllr Mrs Benne. Crime report Golf equipment had been stolen from a vehicle at the motorway services, there had been a theft in Eyhorne


Parish Councils


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