Ditton Parish Council
Meeting Minutes, December 2006
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL,
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY, 4th DECEMBER 2006
[Click here for a downloadable version in Adobe PDF file format.]
PRESENT: CLLRS. J D DAY [Chairman],
M J PORTER [Vice-Chairman], R ANGEL, R G W BAKER, MRS J E DESAVE, J E
DESAVE, A R MULCUCK, MRS MULCUCK, B STONE, MRS A THROSSELL & MRS J
F THWAITES
MRS S J KAVANAGH [Clerk of the Council], MRS M GRANTHAM (Community Centre
Administrator) & MRS N GREENAWAY [Admin, Asst].
380. OPENING OF MEETING
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm
381. APOLOGIES
Apologies, previously notified were RECEIVED and ACCEPTED from Cllr. J
Beadle & Mrs A Beadle and Co. Cllr. G Rowe.
382. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllrs Day, Mulcuck, Mrs Mulcuck and Mrs Thwaites declared a personal interest
in item 390(a) Confirmation from Tarmac re Erection of Building at Bowls
Club, as they are all members of the Bowls Club.
Cllr Stone declared a personal interest in item 386(b) Correspondence
for Decision from Kent Police Authority as he is being interviewed in
April to join the panel of the Kent Police Authority.
Cllr Mrs Throssell declared an interest in item 386(b) Correspondence
for Decision from West Kent NHS Primary Care Trust as she is currently
employed by them.
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ADJOURNMENT
PC Matt Roddick reported on the 22 reported crime figures for November,
which included:
10 x criminal damage
3 x vehicle crime – theft from vehicles
2 x burglaries - 1 “creeper” – took place when residents asleep upstairs
- 1 where thieves posed as bogus waterboard officials
7 x other crimes
It was NOTED that the number of reported crime in Ditton is considerably
less than in adjoining parishes and there is an overall reduction of 34%
compared to the same time last year.
PC Roddick also reported that as part of Operation Cubic two vehicles
were seized for having no road tax and also that there is an ongoing enquiry
at an address where 3 incidents have been reported.
PC Roddick asked members if they would be happy to let him have their
e-mail addresses so that he could notify them of theft and other crimes
where it would be useful to have local people keeping an eye out for information.
Members agreed and will provide PC Roddick with their e-mail addresses.
Members thanked PC Roddick for attending and keeping them up to date on
crime figures for the village.
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383. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS
HELD 6th NOVEMBER 2006
The minutes of the meeting held on 6th November 2006, were CONFIRMED and
SIGNED.
Cllr Mulcuck REPORTED that the Remembrance Day Service went very well
this year and thanked all the helpers, with special thanks to Cllr Mrs
DeSave for the excellent floral displays.
384. MATTERS ARISING
(a) Kentcarshare (Page 179, Item 323(b)] - Further information
It was NOTED that in response to this Council’s queries, KCC have advised
that all administration of the scheme will be undertaken by them. The
idea of the parish council promotion of the scheme is to assist with the
overall marketing of the countywide scheme.
In view of this information Members were advised that details of the scheme
have been placed on this Council’s website and will be put in the next
Gazette.
(b) Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust “ A New Direction for Surgical
and Orthopaedic Care” Consultation [Page 179, Item 323(b)]
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR A PRESENTATION AT DITTON
It was NOTED that no response had been received.
(ii) REQUEST FROM KCC FOR COPY OF THIS COUNCIL’S RESPONSE
It was NOTED that KCC would like to see a copy of this Council’s response
once it had been prepared.
(iii) COPY OF COMMUNICATION FROM THE TRUST TO MR GORDON
This was READ and NOTED.
RESOLVED in view of her valuable knowledge of the NHS, Mrs Liz Day be
asked to prepare an appropriate response from this Council to this Consultation.
(c) Litter in New Road (Page 179 (Adjournment)
A response from the Borough Council’s Street Cleansing Officer, regarding
complaints received from two residents at the last meeting about the amount
of litter in New Road, was READ and NOTED. FURTHER NOTED that although
all residents in New Road were asked to remove their parked cars for a
two hour period to enable the mechanical sweeper to cleanse the channels,
only three residents moved their vehicles that day.
The officer further advises that Cleanaway have hand swept the area as
best they can between the unmoved cars and has drawn their attention to
the other areas mentioned in this Council’s communication and will monitor
these areas over the next few weeks.
385. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD DURING NOVEMBER 2006
(a) For Confirmation
(i) COMMUNITY CENTRE COMMITTEE, 13TH NOVEMBER 2006 – Circulated
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. DeSave and accepted and signed
as a correct record.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Signing in of non-members – Change to Kilnbarn Rules (Page 192, Item
341(d)
RESOLVED to RATIFY the RECOMMENDATION
Cllr Porter commented that the gaming machine was still not paying out
very often. The Clerk confirmed that only the percentage payout can be
altered, not the frequency of payouts. It was suggested that a newer machine
with more frequent payouts should be investigated.
(ii) PLANNING, HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE, 20TH NOVEMBER
2006
These minutes were presented by Cllr. Mulcuck and accepted and signed
as a true record.
(iii) OPEN SPACES & AMENITIES COMMITTEE, 20TH NOVEMBER 2006 –
These minutes were presented by Cllr. Baker and accepted and signed as
a correct record.
(iv) FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE, 27TH NOVEMBER 2006 –
These minutes were presented by Cllr. Day and accepted and signed as a
true record
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Associate Member of KENTARA (Page 209, item 375(a)
RESOLVED to RATIFY the RECOMMNDATION
2. Doorman (Page212, Item 378)
RESOLVED to RATIFY the RECOMMNDATION
(b) For Noting
The following minutes were READ and NOTED:-
(i) DITTON TWINNING ASSOCIATION, 21ST NOVEMBER 2006
(ii) DITTON FAMILY DAY COMMITTEE, 21ST NOVEMBER 2006
386. CORRESPONDENCE
For Noting
The following correspondence was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
Clerks & Councils: Local Council ‘Update’ Issue 85, November 2006
‘Direct’ No 48, November 2006
Ton & Malling Borough council: Notice of Retirement from present Post
of Peter Wright, Director of Leisure
Action with Communities in Rural Kent:‘Rural News No. 78, November 2006
CPRE: ‘Voice’ Autumn 2006 + enclosures
Maidstone & T. Wells NHS Trust: Fundraising News November 2006
NALC: ‘Local Council Review’, November 2006
KAPC: Notice of Area Meeting 7th December 2006
Local Government White Paper
SLCC: ‘The Clerk’, Vol. 36 No. 6 – November 2006
Mr & Mrs Martin: Letter of Thanks
Tonbridge & Malling Crime Prevention Panel: Minutes of Meetings held
18th September and 20th
November 2006
Ditton Twinning Association: Letter of thanks
(b) For Decision
Kent Police Authority: Policing Kent 2007/2008 Survey
RESOLVED MEMBERS TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE SURVEYS TO THE CLERK WHO WILL
COLLATE AND SEND THEM OFF.
Rural Kent: Affordable Rural Housing
RESOLVED TO ADVISE THAT THERE IS NO SUITABLE LAND AVAILABLE FOR AFFORDABLE
HOUSING IN THIS PARISH APART FROM THE LAND ALREADY BEING DEVELOPED AT
NEW ROAD.
West Kent NHS Primary Care Trust: Creating an NHS Fit for the Future:
Discussion
Document
RESOLVED TO ASK MRS DAY IF SHE CAN RESPOND TO THIS DISCUSSION DOCUMENT
AND ALSO TO MAKE THE COMMENT THAT MONEY WOULD BE BETTER SPENT ON IMPROVING
OUR HOSPITALS THAN KEEP SENDING OUT SURVEYS ABOUT THEM.
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ADJOURNMENT
Mr Mace of 5 Woodlands Road wished to ask for some advice on a matter
that was affecting him and his neighbours at 7 Woodlands Road. The problem
is that they are receiving mail intended for people living at 5 and 7
Woodlands Parade. It is becoming more worrying because the residents of
no 7 Woodlands Road have received a letter from bailiffs demanding settlement
of a debt which was obviously intended for 7 Woodlands Parade. Could anything
be done to change the addresses at Woodlands Parade to make sure they
are more easily identified. Members suggested that the neighbours should
contact Citizens Advice if anything legal or threatening is received.
The Clerk said she would speak to Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council
to see if it is possible to have Woodlands Parade renamed. Cllr Porter
said it may be something that can be undertaken along with the proposed
enhancement of that area. Mr Mace thanked members for their advice.
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387. FINANCE
Accounts Received
The following accounts received were READ and NOTED:-
Allotment Holders: Rents 149.50
Bucket Collection: Firework Night 04.11.06 1295.13
Ditton Vets FC: Food Prep 10.00
Donation to School Clock: Ditton Resident 400.00
Sale of Glow Products : Income from 04.11.06 850.50
Maidstone United FC: Pitch Fees 60.00
Multi Sports: Income 528.50
Millenium Book: Purchase 2.00
Pasquales: Gazette Advertisement 28.00
SR Interiors: Gazette Advertisement 35.00
Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Salaries: Gross Pay: 17684.94 Net Pay: 12830.62
DPC Imprest A/C: Reimbursement of Expenses 6282.46*
KCC: Superannuation Payment November 3321.97
Age Concern: Donation 250.00
Pop In Club: Donation 125.00
AquAid: Water for Cooler 18.75
Vat 3.28 22.03
Cooks Garden Machinery: Protective Clothing for Chain Saw 149.04
Course Vat 21.28 170.32
M. Davis: Cost of Eye Test and Contribution
for Comfort Trans VF 93.00
Mr G Cooper Rabbit Control – Ditton Court Quarry 120.00
Ditton Electrical: Replace Vandalised Lantern outside 217.50
Scout HQ Vat 38.06 255.56
Fuelcare: Red Diesel for Tractor & Mowers 308.39
Vat 15.42 323.81
G Haffenden Skip Hire: Skips for Allotment & Bonfire 190.00
Vat 33.25 223.25
Kent County Council: Internal Audit 2nd of 6th Visit 250.00
Vat 43.75 293.75
Kent County Council: Stationery, Brooms & Line Marker 112.34
Vat 19.66 132.00
M.B. Tree Care: Reduction to Conifers & Smaller Trees 1220.00
Mid Kent Water: Water Bowls Club 386.62
Toilet Block New Road 12.30
Kilnbarn Road Recreation Ground 25.80 424.72
National Association of Shaping Communities Conference 220.00
Local Councils: Vat 38.50 258.50
Parkfoot Garages Limited: Vehicle Fuel 34.89
Vat 6.11 41.00
Popi: Printing Newsletter 490.00
Encapsulating 22.00
512.00
Vat 3.85 515.85
Mr D Pullinger: Keyholder 25.00
J Riddle: Training – Chainsaw 170.00
Society Of Local Clerks: Membership Renewal for 2007 170.00
Clive Stanley Associates: Webmaster Services 30/8/06 to 24/11/06 363.00
David Stephens: Electrical Services for 4th November
2006 Annual Bonfire Night 590.00
Audio Services Remembrance Day 175.00 765.00
Tom Stewart: Preparation and Delivery of Access Course 600.00
Three Towns Office Sasco Wall Planners 37.70
Equipment: Vat 6.59 44.29
Travis Perkins: Hire of Angle Grinder, Lighting Tower
& Turf Cutter 4/11/06 158.58
Oil, Discs etc. for Workshop 17.23
Vat 30.76 206.57
United Balloon: Balloons for Hallowe’en Decorations 29.00
Vat 5.08 34.08
(c) Accounts Paid Between Meetings
There were no accounts paid between Meetings
[d] Ditton Parish Council Promotions Account
Todd Miller & Joe Loss Friday 22nd December 2006 1900.00
Orchestra: Vat 332.50 2232.50
Todd Miller & Joe Loss Saturday 23rd December 2006 2050.00
Orchestra: Vat 358.75 2408.75
DPC Imprest A/C: Peter Elligate New Years Eve 1400.00
DITTON PARISH COUNCIL IMPREST ACCOUNT - Expenditure November 2006
Carried Forward 1st November 2006 248.33
Add: PC reimbursement 5751.67
6000.00
Emergency Transfer from Capital Reserve 500.00
6500.00
Deduct: November Expenses
Voucher Charge 3.25
Inland Revenue 4899.41
Postage Stamps 55.00
Community Centre Expenses 235.00
Purchase of Raffle Prizes 429.91
RBL Poppy Appeal Wreaths 31.50
Mrs DeSave – Flower Purchase 54.03
Purchase of Leaf Blower 370.12
OSA Expenses 46.96
Gazette Deliveries 106.86
Petty Cash 50.42
6282.46
Sum to be drawn on 4th December 2006 6282.46*
217.54
BALANCE 6500.00
*Sum required to restore balance to £6500
(e) Accounts for Payment – Community Centre
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Edwardes Bros Light Bulbs 3.00
(Dulwich) Ltd: Vat 0.52 3.52
GasForce Ltd: Replacement Thermocouple on 100.98
Oaken Hall Oven Vat 17.68 118.66
Initial Washroom December Towel Rental 58.50
Solutions: Vat 10.24 68.74
Kent County Council: Cleaning materials 175.35
Stationery 17.75
193.10
Vat 33.79 226.89
Mid Kent Water: Estimated Reading 31/10/06 992.18
Peter Dorrell & Company 1 x 5lLtr Sportsclean 16.13
Vat 2.82 18.95
Top 2 Bottom: Emergency repairs 120.00
Repairs to office roof 1295.00
Repairs to corridor roof 540.00
1955.00
Vat 342.12 2297.12
Deposit Refunds
Oaken Hall The Don Carman Hall
16.11.06 50.00 02.12.06* 50.00
18.11.06 115.00 03.12.06* 50.00
19.11.06 50.00
25.11.06 50.00
02.12.06* 50.00
(f) Accounts for Payment Bar Account
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Adrian Mecklenburgh: Post Mix 369.16
Vat 64.61 433.77
Nivek Catering Supplies: Coffee, creams, napkins 28.29
Dart mat, coffee, creamers, sugar 79.08
Vat 11.11 118.48
Kent County Council: Filing Cabinet, envelopes 85.58
Vat 14.98 100.56
SSG Emprise: Monthly Keyholding & alarm response 30.00
Vat 5.25 35.25
(g) Direct Debits - Paid During October 2006
The following direct debits paid during October 2006 were READ, NOTED
and APPROVED:-
[i] DITTON PARISH COUNCIL GENERAL ACCOUNT
03.10.2006 O2 17.06
02.10.2006 WPA Health 418.18
04.10.2006 Mentor 284.34
09.10.2006 Nildram 42.82
20.10.2006 Pace Petroleum 26.87
23.10.2006 EBS Direct Debits 49.75
27.10.2006 Euphony 9.58
30.10.2006 Siemens Financial Services 564.00
30.10.2006 Nat. West Business Account (Advert) 97.88
[ii] COMMUNITY CENTRE BAR ACCOUNT
03.10.2006 Sky Business 276.13
09.10.2006 Post Office Limited 58.52
23.10.2006 Waverleys 701.94
23.10.2006 AMLD– Gaming Machine 156.00
25.10.2006 BOC Manchester 229.13
30.10.2006 Walkers Snacks Ltd 269.19
31.10.2006 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
[iii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ACCOUNT
10.10.2006 BG CGABS 1205.20
20.10.2006 T & M B C – Business Rate 1266.00
25.10.2006 EDF Energy 700.00
31.10.2004 Nat West Account Charges 55.00
(h) Security – Purchase of Camera & Quotation for Window Film
It was NOTED that in response to the recent disturbances at the Community
Centre from youths, quotations had been obtained to install a CCTV camera
inside the main entrance at a cost of £300.00 and to put a film
over the outer door panels to prevent people seeing in at a cost of £290.00.
RESOLVED to proceed with having the camera and window film installed as
soon as
possible and the cost be met from the Community Centre’s repairs and
replacement budget.
388. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
The Chairman read a report from Co. Cllr. Rowe as follows:-
Improved Cycle route from Ditton to Larkfield – KCC is considering putting
£40,000 towards this improvement scheme.
Coldharbour Roundabout Traffic Signal Work Cllr. Rowe has been asked to
comment on the work recently completed with regards to the
Coldharbour Roundabout Traffic Signal Work. If any member of the Parish
Council is able to comment on the following statements he would appreciate
a response.
i)- How satisfied was the Council with information provided, throughout
about the roadworks?
ii)- How satisfied was the Council with the speed of completion of project?
iii)- How satisfied is the Council with the quality of the finished roadworks?
Discussion took place on the above statements.
RESOLVED to advise Co Cllr Rowe that this Council thinks that the lanes
should be dedicated and clearly signed as to which direction they are
for and that the traffic lights should only be operational at peak times.
Ditton School Clock - Cllr. Rowe has received this Council’s completed
application for his local members grant towards the Ditton School
Village Clock. He is arranging for the Council to receive the £920
requested as soon as possible, in order that the project can be progressed
as quickly as possible. Cllr. Rowe would like to thank all the partners
involved in supporting this project.
RESOLVED to place the order for the clock to be installed as soon as possible
and to have a plaque made, thanking those that contributed towards the
project.
Ditton Heritage Centre – Cllr, Rowe has received an initial approach from
Liz Day asking him to consider supporting a grant towards the Ditton Heritage
Centre, both from the Members Grant and Small Community Capital Grant.
This is being investigated further.
Cllr. Rowe’s report finished by wishing all members of the Council the
very best for Christmas and the New Year.
Borough Councillor Porter READ a letter regarding the forthcoming report
to cabinet on the progress made to acquire land as part of the enhancement
scheme of Woodlands Parade. He will give this Council’s comments and also
pass on the suggestion of renaming the properties in Woodlands Parade
as just The Parade, Woodlands Road.
389. PLANNING MATTERS
(a) Plans Received for Comment
Cllr. Porter requested it be NOTED that his comments and decisions on
planning applications at this meeting are a preliminary view and, in accordance
with the Code of Conduct, he will look at all applications afresh at Borough
Council level.
TM/06/03735/FL Proposed ground floor extension to form Ground floor cloak
room
26 Primrose Drive
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION PROVIDED THAT THE PROPOSAL WILL NOT
AFFECT THE SITE LINE OF THE ROAD
TM/06/02288/FL Alternative scheme of residential development comprising
of 9no 2 bedroom flats, 20no 2 bedroom houses, 66no, 3 bedroom houses
and 1no four bedroom house (96 dwellings in total) together with
the re-alignment of the public right of way (alternative dwelling mix
to that approved under planning permission New Road Bus. Est
New Road
TM/05/01013/FL
RESOLVED THIS COUNCIL OBJECTS TO THIS APPLICATION
BECAUSE THE POSITIONING OF THE SUB-STATION
(ALTHOUGH WILL LOOK LIKE A GARAGE) WILL SPOIL
THE VISTA FROM THE OAST HOUSE DOWN THROUGH
THE AVENUE OF TREES.
(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No.
3
NOTED no decisions have been notified during the past fourteen days.
(c) ‘B’ Lists
The following ‘B’ List was CIRULATED, READ and NOTED:-
06/45 - 13.11.2006
(d) Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council Local Development Framework:
Core Strategy, Development Land Allocations & Tonbridge Central Area
Action Plan (the Documents): Regulation 32 Site Allocation Representations
- Consultation
The Chairman has READ this consultation document and NOTED that provision
had been made for a possible roundabout in the lane leading to Gallaghers
from Hermitage Lane. Apart from this there was nothing of concern to this
Parish and therefore no need to make any comment.
(e) Joint Transportation Board – Agenda and Reports
READ and NOTED.
390. DITTON COURT QUARRY
(a) Confirmation from Tarmac re Erection of Building at Bowls Club
It was NOTED that Tarmac have confirmed that they have no objection to
the erection of a new changing room at the Bowls Club.
(b) Ragstone Court Boundaries
Members were advised that the services of a surveyor have been engaged
to confirm the boundaries, so that this matter can be progressed.
391. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING”
There were no matters arising.
392. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 9.18pm.
