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three more sessions to go. WebsiteAlot of modifications had been needed to make thewebsite suitable for use. Both the clerk and the assistant clerk had completed their training and the deputy clerkwas due to receive training. Councillor recruitment Loose Views would be posted to residents showing the new advertisement for councillors.An advertisement would also be sent to Involve Maidstone. Antisocial behaviour The bin in the KGV playing field had been used to damage car park fencing. KCC Stay and Play had been advised to lock the bin after use and the caretaker had now chained it to prevent it being wheeled across the car park.


Marden


Police report There had been four crimes since the last meeting: one non-domestic burglary; one case of drug possession with intent to supply; one theft and a burglary. There had been reports of motorbikes on the playing fields and a man in his 30s drinking and chasing youths. Communitywarden Thewarden had been to the primary school to give a talk on winter safety. Therewere ongoing issues with parking.Aresident had been reported driving across the grassed area of The Cockpit. Golding Homeswas aware. Housing Golding Homeswas looking to start development in Maidstone Road in the spring.


Neighbourhood plan Cllr Turner reported that the final amendment had been made and the document had been forwarded to RichardWells. Preliminary dates had been proposed for sending to the Independent Referral Service and Maidstone Borough Council for their informal review. Itwas hoped that by the March full council meeting the neighbourhood plan group would have all the comments necessary to present the draft to parish council. Cllr Mannington spoke about Community Land Trusts and asked whether this should be included in the plan. ParkingAleer had been received from a resident – the clerk would respond saying that the parish councilwas talking with South Eastern and Network Rail regarding the parking at the station. Speeding Several emails had been received about speeding in the village. The clerk would inform them that the details would be considered when drafting the final report on the parking survey. Public transport CllrAdam said schoolchildrenwere stillwaiting at the boom of Church Hill and parentswere still parking in the station approach and on the hill, resulting in backing up of vehicles trying to get past.


Nelestead


KGVField The field had been cut and the clerk had forwarded an email from All Seasons Grounds maintenance with all the cuts for 2016. Itwas agreed to extend the contract for 12 months. The clerk would ask the contractor for a price for the grounds maintenance for 2017. The members said they would like to see a book placed in the churchyard which is to be signed by the contractor each time the churchyardwas strimmed. The clerk would order new nets for the goalposts and had submied the


loery application for the replacement of the safety surface. Dog bins Two new co-mingle bins had been installed, one at the entrance to the recreation ground in Maidstone Road and the other in Bishops Close. The parish- owned bin on the KGV field would not be replaced. Thiswas overflowing. Itwas resolved to send a strongly-worded leer to Maidstone Borough Council asking that a bin is placed in the KGV field. Highways CllrWatson spoke on the parking problems in Bishops Close andwaswaiting on a date for a meeting with KCC and Cllr Stockell.


Defibrillator Cllr Van Hensbergen said a resident had asked whether a defibrillator could be installed in the village. Itwas agreed that the old phone box would be the best place. Flood group Cllr Meredith had been in touch with a resident whowas interested in representing the parish council at the Joint Parish Flood Group.


Staplehurst


Parish surgery Items raised included trees felled at Parisfield due to roing; a planning application for land south of Marden Road; the closure of NatWest in Staplehurst; poor drainage near the High Street chemist; and poor quality block paving in The Parade. Workingweek Therewas a report on proposed amended working hours for the parish office. Itwas agreed to change to a Monday to Thursday workingweek for the parish office from February 1, noting that these days would be covered by the clerk and assistant clerk. Caretaker The clerk reported that temporary cover would be needed for the village caretaker for a two-month period in early spring. Bank closure The clerk had been liaising with various parties to set up a meeting with NatWest to discuss the closure of the branch. Drainage area plan Representatives from SouthernWater had given an presentation to members of the parish council about the plan and a copy of the presented informationwas awaited. Housing needs reportAcopy of the report was available from the parish office for consultation. Solar farm Cllr Buller reported on the appeal hearing regarding Great Pagehurst. She felt itwas difficulty to gauge the inspector’s thoughts.


Ulcombe


Police report Five crimes had been reported in the month before the meeting. Ditch clearanceAsite meetingwas to be arranged with Kent Highways to discuss ditch clearance near Neverend Farm and under road drainage clearance from Pye Corner to Neverend Farm. Local plan Cllr Titchener had aended the recent examination hearings on gypsies, travellers and travelling show people and one on the environment. Jubilee Corner Itwas felt that the KHS’s proposal of laid tree trunks would offer the best protection for this area. Itwas agreed to try to source some locally. Recreation area Itwas agreed to get quotes to strengthen fences and plant hedging on the boundary fence. The clerk would check land ownership and remove of the


basketball pole and hoop in the village car park.


West Farleigh


Police report PCSO Day said there had been one crime, a case of criminal damage, since the last meeting. Borough Cllr Mortimer said a police presencewas needed to issue tickets at East Farleigh and Teston bridges. Cllr Martin said therewere now tri-axle lorries crossing Teston bridge. Co-option Cllr Martin proposed that Chris Stockewell be co-opted back on to the parish council. Thiswas agreed. Road closure The Ewell Lane closurewas causing chaos although nothing appeared to be happening since the tarmac had been replaced. The road closure signswere not across the road and there had not been a bus service since the closure commenced. Leaves dangerAlorry has slid out of Hunt Street onwet leaves that had accumulated. This would be reported. Fly-tipping Cllr Merri had reported a case of fly-tipping in Ewell Lane but it had not been removed. It seemed to be a van load of buildingwaste. Fingerpost The post on Lower Road pointing up Charlton Lanewas now pointing towards the Tickled Trout. Cllr Martin would see if it could be tightened. Speed bumpsAresident had asked if speed bumps could be installed in Charlton Lane. However, due to cutbacks, KCC Highways would only complete works if therewas a history of serious accidents or fatalities. Teston Lane There had been meetings to discuss the issues regarding Teston and East Farleigh bridges. It had been suggested that cameras that automatically issued fineswere considered, but KCC did not seem keen to progress this. East Farleigh Parish Council was working on a survey withDHA Planning. Cllr Mortimer said a survey last year had come up with solutions that had not been particularly helpful (cuing back vegetation) and would not resolve the issue. KCC had no plans for dealing with the issue. Speedwatch Details of a new co-ordinator had been sent out to clerks and this informationwas passed to Cllr Stockwell. Cllr Swan suggested a flashing indicator or 30mphwarning light might be more beneficial. Roundabout The Rota Bounce had been ordered for the play area andwas due to be installed.Agenerator and heavy breaker would have to be hired to break the concrete. This would cost £100 but the people whowere going to take the roundabout away had offered £200 for it. Grounds maintenance The clerk had circulated a list of work to be included in the next contract. Cllr Merri said the brambles by Paynes landwere very bad. Therewere concerns that some residents might not be happy to pay for work that should be completed by others. The clerkwas asked to find out the owner of the land at the junction of Charlton Lane. Lambing day Cllr Martin said thiswas likely to be on March 12 and a parish council banner would be required. Defibrillator Cllr Morgan asked if the work on the signs would be completed soon (to include the postcode for the pub). Men of Trees competition Although the village did not win last year, itwas praised by the judges and awarded £25 towards a new tree.


Maidstone Weald February 2017 43


Parish Councils


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