downsmail.co.uk Bredhurst
Playing fieldAleerwas read out from Savills, the land agent, on behalf of the landowner, the Diocese of Rochester, clarifying the situation and detailing progress to date. Until now, all, parties had been asked to keep discussions confidential. The leer confirmed that discussions had been ongoing since December and that some of the original issues had now been resolved. The gates from Fir Tree Grove would be allowed to remain, with no recourse to the parish council. The church shop could remain and would in future be on land leased by the village hall. The right of pedestrian access from Hurstwood Road would be formalised within the new lease. Some form of fencing along the boundary with the hallwas a sensible conclusion and should the lease not be renewed, the parish council would be required to remove all play equipment prior to its termination.A resident said therewas no need for fencing, therewas no problem with people drinking alcohol in the toddlers’ play area and installing a fence would raise health and safety issues. Itwas proposed to install a close board fence at the rear of the village hall garden instead of the current chain link fencing, to deter inappropriate uses of the field by hall hirers, to maintain a safer environment for residents to enjoy the field and to help reduce the parish council’s liabilities. Three quotes had been received, ranging from £2,500 and £3,600.A contribution of £1,800 towards costs had been offered from a confidential source and a donation had been received from a member of St Peter’s Church congregation. It was agreed to postpone the decision on the lease renewal and undertake a wrien consultation with registered electors. Maintenance The line painting had been scheduled by Kent Highways for the school holidays. There would be no benefit to changing the lights on the beacons. The contractorwas aware the Medway side of the bridge had been painted. Thiswas done to ensure continuity. The remaining work would be done when contractorswere available. Finance The internal audit reportwas reviewed. Thankswere expressed to the clerk for her hard work and diligence. Caravan Cllr Carr had reported the caravan that had been dumped in Yelsted Lane.
Broomfield and Kingswood
Crime report PCSO John Boyd reported the following crimes: plant equipment stolen in a workshop burglary in Gravelly Boom Road; theft of a ride-on lawnmower and the theft of a purse and jewellery from CharlesfordAvenue; criminal damage to fencing and the theft of a caravan in Chartway Street. Therewere also road accidents in Chegworth Road and Gravelly Boom Road. NeighbourhoodWatch The vacant post of coordinator would be included in the Parish News, on the notice boards and on the Swap &Shop Facebook page. Highways The meeting with KCC Highways confirmed therewas no practical way of orchestrating a one-way system in Broomfield Road during other local road closures and similar issues. Should a Leeds/Langley relief road be agreed, it would take 20 years to complete; KCC could
46 Maidstone East August 2017
not be held responsible for repairs to passing places on single track roads as the land is not its responsibility; it would investigate the possibility of advisory signage indicating single/narrow road information be installed on single track roads in the parish. Potholes The possibility of the parish council carrying out some repairs to the worst passing place potholeswas considered, as theywere believed to be dangerous. Following advice the clerk obtained from the insurers, itwas agreed that thiswas not something the parish councilwas able to undertake. Grass cuing The programme indicated that this would take place on September 12. M20 resurfacingAleer had been received fromMPHelen Whately pledging her support for noise mitigation measures between junctions 8 and 9. She advised that Highways England would be inspecting this part of the M20. She asked for a meeting with councillors and parishioners and the clerk would respond. Planters Councillors concluded that they would like this to be a community project if possible. Cllr Friend would speak to the headteacher at KPS to see if the children would be interested in a planting project. If thiswas unsuccessful, Cllr Hoy would approach East Suon Park Prison. Peter Pease Close Cllr Davies had reviewed the S106 agreement and advised councillors that it did not allow for the parish council to participate in anyway with selling or finding tenants for Peter Pease properties and on that basis it would not be for the parish council to “pull out” of the S106 agreement. However, a register of interest would continue to be held as properties become available. Village hall The clerk has liaised with colleagues and obtained details of several architects for the extension project.Aparish undertaking a similar project has recommended a company who will project manage every element. The clerk would ask for a no obligation consultation.
Downswood
Minibus Itwas hoped to extend the minibus service until the end of June. Demand for the service had dropped and itwas likely it would have to be moderated. Bicknor Wood homes The development of 250 houses on land north of Bicknor Wood had been discussed with Kent Highways, which had objected to the proposal. Concernswere raised about the closure of White Horse Lane as itwas believed that emergency services would not be able to get through. Medical centre The practice manager had advised that she had no updates regarding the Downswood building. Consideration would be given to making the building a community
asset.Ameeting had been arranged at the pharmacy with volunteers from the survey group. Bus survey Cllr Cheesman managed to obtain a timetable with some difficulty. It showed huge gaps in the service, with no buses between 1.30pm and 5.30pm. The surveywas now ready on SurveyMonkey but a decisionwas needed on how to print and distribute the hard copy. Itwas agreed to order a black and white version from KCC for delivery with the Olympicnic leaflets. Fireworks display Complaints had been
received following a succession of firework displays at The Orchard. The clerk had askedMBCfor advice and would contact The Orchard. Website The new site had been successfully launched. As the designer would not accept payment itwas agreed that a gesture of £80 be given in vouchers or similar as thanks. Garden competition The clerk would send details of routes to enable councillors to submit a shortlist. Olympicnic MPE football club had offered to organise the barbecue. Cllr Cheesman would buy the medals from AfordAwards. Rev Steve Hughes had agreed to speak at the memorial unveiling at about 1pm. Community association The shed had been put up andwas being used for storage. The fete had been very successful with the parish council donating £130.75 to the DCA. Open spaces The commiee had noted that a section of the gabions at Mallardswas failing. Therewas graffiti on the outdoor gym equipment and the endswere missing from one piece. The oak treewas doingwell. The hedge to the left of the gate could restrict view into the play area from the road. Itwas hoped the steps at the KM80/86 junctions could be carried out soon. Itwas noted therewas no evidence of pesticide spraying at the Kings Acre rear gardens. Consideration would be given to replacing the tree behind the Downswood stone with lavender bushes. Traffic noiseAresident who had recently moved to Foxden Drive complained of traffic noise and suggested that the parish council planted a hedge and trees on the verge ofWillington Street. Thiswas not possible as the areawas not within the parish. Cllr Cooke said Highwayswas unlikely to approve the idea.
Harrietsham
Police report PCSOWaring said there had been four crimes since the last meeting: one criminal damage; a theft from a vehicle; vehicle interference and burglary. Three of these had happened inWest Street. Antisocial incidents included rogues traders, drugs, nuisance youths, poaching and a suspicious event. There had also been a large number of trailer, horse box and aempted plant thefts across Maidstone. He asked that residents be vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles with trailers late at night. Highways Cllr J Sams said she would chase the white lines needed at Harrietsham School as Kent Highways had not made contact. Church Road footpath Cllr T Sams had circulated an email asking that members consider a plan to spend money on drawing up a scheme which would ultimately provide a path from the area just north of the bridge on thewestern side of the road to the furthest point owned by KCC. The parish council would need to talk to residents on Church Road who would be affected. Itwas proposed by Cllr J Sams that a limit of £2,000 be spent on drawings. This was agreed. Glebe Field Use of the field had been requested for the parent and child event. The gates would not need to be unlocked for any parking. This usewas agreed. Fitness club Cllr J Sams said a running club wished to use the field everyWednesday morning and had offered to make a donation to the parish council’s chosen
Parish Councils
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