Ditton Parish Council
Meeting Minutes, February 2006
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL,
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY, 6th FEBRUARY 2006
[Click here for a downloadable version in Adobe PDF file format.]
PRESENT: CLLRS. M J PORTER [Vice-Chairman],
R G W BAKER, MRS J E DESAVE, J E DESAVE, A R MULCUCK, MRS M MULCUCK
MRS S J KAVANAGH [Clerk of the
Council] & MRS N GREENAWAY [Admin. Asst].
499. OPENING OF MEETING
In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman opened the meeting at
7.30pm.
500. APOLOGIES
Apologies previously notified were RECEIVED and ACCEPTED from Cllrs. Mrs
A Beadle, J Beadle, J D Day, Mrs A Throssell & Mrs J F Thwaites.
501. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
There were no declarations of interest.
502. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD
4th JANUARY 2006
The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 4th January 2006, as
circulated, were CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
503. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.
504. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF EXTRAORDINARY PARISH COUNCIL
MEETING HELD 16TH JANUARY 2006
The minutes of the Extraordinary Parish Council meeting held on 16th January
2006, as circulated, were CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
505. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.
506. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD DURING JANUARY 2006
Community Centre Committee, 9th January 2006
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. DeSave and CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
Finance & Administration Committee, 16th January 2006
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Porter and CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
(c) Planning Committee, 23RD January 2006
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Mulcuck and CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
(d) Open Spaces & Amenities Committee, 23RD January 2006 - Herewith
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Baker and CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
(i) LOCK ON BARRIER ALONG TOP TRACK [Page 374, Item 494(a)]
Members were advised that the Bowls Club were unhappy with the suggestion
of a security lock with keys, which members would have to pay a £5.00
deposit for. They felt that if the lock was damaged again they would have
to pay another deposit for new keys.
The Administrative Assistant advised that the type of lock proposed can
be replaced without the need to replace keys, so members of the bowls
club would only need to purchase keys once.
Discussion took place and Members were reminded that the barrier must
be kept locked in accordance with the planning conditions, therefore it
will be necessary to purchase a secure lock as soon as possible.
RESOLVED to purchase the lock as suggested and the Bowls Club asked how
many keys they require and a charge of £5 per key be invoiced to
the club.
507. CORRESPONDENCE
For Noting
The following correspondence was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
Kent Wildlife Trust: ‘Wildlife Matters’
ROSPA: ‘Staying Alive’, Winter 2006
Pop-in-Club (Mrs Dearden): Letter of Thanks
Mrs S Sparks: Letter of Thanks from Heart of Kent Hospice
Nationwide: Awards for Voluntary Endeavour
Kent Can: Notice of Representation Workshop/Conference
Action with Communities in Invitation to Join
Rural Kent:
Ton & Malling Borough Cncl: Standards Committee
Borough Councillor Visits to Parish Council meetings 2006
Kent County Council: Recycle for Kent
Kent Highway Services: Parish Council Liaison
Clerks & Councils: ‘Direct’, January 2006 – Issue 34
KAPC: Minutes of T & M Area Committee meeting held 8/12/2005
NHS: Newsletter, Issue 2 December 2005
Gullands: ‘News’ Issue 5
Kent Police: Appointment of Chief Superintendent Area Commanders and Deputies
St Peters PCC: Yorkstone Footpath Leading to Church Gate
(Copy of communication sent to Borough Cllr. Porter by PCC Secretary)
RESOLVED TO WRITE TO THE BOROUGH COUNCIL ADVISING THAT THE COUNCIL IS
UNHAPPY THAT IT IS NOT BEING INCLUDED IN ANY COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING
THIS MATTER AND THAT THEY WISH TO BE INCLUDED IN ANY DECISION REGARDING
AN ALTERNATIVE SURFACE AT THIS LOCATION.
(b) For Decision
Ton & Malling Borough Cncl: Diversion of Footpath MR100, New Road,
Ditton, Informal Consultation
Information previously circulated was READ and NOTED.
RESOLVED THIS COUNCIL HAS NO OBJECTION TO THE DIVERSION
Fourth Week Contribution to 2006 Summer
Playscheme
RESOLVED TO FUND THE FOURTH WEEK OF THE SUMMER 2006 PLAYSCHEME
Heritage Open Days 2006
CLLR MULCUCK ADVISED THAT THEY HAVE NOMINATED DITTON HERITAGE CENTRE
Office of the Deputy Prime Standards of Conduct in English Local
Minister: Government - The Future
CLLR MULCUCK AGREED TO PERUSE THIS DOCUMENT AND DRAFT COMMENTS IF APPROPRIATE
Action with Communities in Kent Village of the Year
Rural Kent:
RESOLVED NOT TO ENTER THIS YEAR AS IT REQUIRES MOST OF THE INPUT TO BE
BY ORGANISATIONS AND RESIDENTS.
The Chairman adjourned the Meeting to enable Mr Stanley, to address the
Council.
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ADJOURNMENT
Clive Stanley, the Council’s webmaster, attended to answer questions relating
to the website.
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The meeting was reconvened.
Clive Stanley Associates: Webmaster Services
It was NOTED that the current contract expires at the end of February
2006.
RESOLVED TO RENEW THE CONTRACT UNDER THE SAME TERMS AND COSTS FOR A FURTHER
YEAR.
Maidstone Weald NHS: Commissioning a Patient-LED NHS
A Copy of Mrs Day’s draft response, previously circulated was READ and
NOTED.
RESOLVED TO ADOPT THE RESPONSE AND THANK MRS DAY FOR HER VALUABLE ASSISTANCE.
508. FINANCE
Accounts Received
The following accounts received were READ and NOTED:-
Multi Sports Users: Income 444.50
Laminating & Copying: Income 12.00
Ditton Junior School: Grounds Maintenance 731.78
Ditton Vets FC Food Preparation 5.00
Warmlake Bathrooms: Gazette Ads 120.00
Accounts For Payment
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Salaries: Gross: £13951.72 Net: 10431.63
DPC Imprest A/C: Reimbursement 5183.33
KCC Superannuation: January 2006 Payment 2369.55
AquAid [Kent]: 12/12/05 – Water 12.50
Vat 2.19 14.69
Chubb Fire Limited: Supply & Fit Redcare to Alarms 149.00
Connect Redcare 365.00
514.00
Vat 89.96 603.96
Ditton Community Hire of Hall Valentines Dance 11/2/06 258.00
Centre:
Ditton Electrical: Changing Light Switch/Mess Rm 269.96
Vat 47.24 317.20
EDF Energy: Fixed Energy Charges 65.30
Street Lighting Vat 3.27 68.57
Glasdon UK Limited: Trimline Bin 48.37
Vat 8.46 56.83
Mrs N Greenaway: Call Out -Restart Heating 10.00
30/12/05
Kent County Council: Vehicle Lease 29/12/05 to 1071.00
28/3/06 Vat 187.43 1258.43
Kent County Council: Pitch Marker & Stationery 135.44
Vat 23.71 159.15
Land Technics Limited: Gear Oil & Grease Nipple Kit 38.16
Vat 3.82 41.98
Mower Plant Services: Honda Generator, Service to Hedge 353.53
Cutter & Honda Spares Vat 61.87 415.40
Nico Office Limited: Toner for Hewlett Packard Printer 75.89
Toner for Minolta Printer 77.85
153.74
Vat 26.90 180.64
Parker Merchanting: Pliers, Boiler Suite, Gas Torch, 89.24
Latex Gloves & Silver Tape Vat 15.62 104.86
Parkfoot Garage Ltd: Vehicle Diesel 40.43
Vat 7.07 47.50
Mr D Pullinger: Locking Play Area at Weekends 25.00
RBS Accounting: Consultancy – 7th December 2005 295.00
Vat 51.62 346.62
Seeboard Energy: Cedar Rooms 207.99
Changing Rooms NRRG 21.70
229.69
Vat 11.49 241.18
John Shaw: Replacement Belts – Toro 231.89
Vat 40.58 272.47
Southern Water: Toilet Block NRRG 20.32
Three Towns Office Stationery 13.78
Equipment: Vat 2.41 16.19
Travis Perkins: New Padlock , Hose & Brackets 67.17
Vat 10.17 71.88
Trident Trailer: Plugs, Light Tester & Bulbs 23.20
Vat 4.06 27.26
Imprest Account – Breakdown of Expenditure during January 2006
Carried Forward 1st January 2006 185.22
Add: PC reimbursement 5814.78
6000.00
Deduct: January Expenses
Voucher Charge 3.25
Inland Revenue 4955.19
Post Office 102.00
Petty Cash 75.39
Framing PC Photograph 10.00
Locking Play Area 37.50 5183.33
816.67
Sum to be drawn on 6th February 2006 5183.33*
BALANCE 6000.00
*Sum required to restore balance to £6000
(c) Promotions Account
Schools Entertainment Phil Dando Big Band for Valentines Dance
Services: 1800.00
(d) Direct Debits – Paid During December 2005
The following Direct Debits were READ, NOTED and APPROVED:-
[i] DITTON PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNT
01.12.05 02 18.08
06.12.05 WPA 380.15
02.12.05 RBS (Mentor) 284.34
08.12.05 Nildram (Broadband) 42.82
08.12.05 Information Commissioners 35.00 (Data Protection Fee)
20.12.05 Pace Petroleum 24.00
22.12.05 Nat West Bank Line 56.25
22.12.05 EBS Direct Debits 40.00
28.12.05 Euphony 21.00
20.12.05 Nat West Business Card 143.06
[ii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE BAR ACCOUNT
01.12.05 Sky Business Centre: 246.75
12.12.05 Post Office Ltd 58.51
20.12.05 Scottish Courage: Stock 6,191.10
21.12.05 The Beer Seller 367.01
22.12.05 HMC&E –Gaming Machine 124.00
23.12.05 BOC Manchester: - Beer Gas 229.13
28.12.05 Walkers Snacks Ltd 255.19
31.12.05 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
[iii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ACCOUNT
20.12.04 Tonbridge & Malling BC 1541.00
31.12.04 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
(f) Notice of Certification of Completion of the Audit of Accounts for
2004/2005
Notice of Certification of completion of the 2004/2005 Audit was READ
and it was NOTED that in the Auditor’s opinion the statements of accounts
present fairly the financial position of the Council at the 31st March
2005 and its Income and Expenditure for the year then ended.
(g) Internal Auditors Report on visit 4th January 2006
The internal Auditor’s Report which had been previously circulated, was
READ and his comments and queries regarding investments were NOTED.
509. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
Borough Councillor Mike Porter reported on misinformation in the Liberal
Publication ‘Focus’.
The Vice-Chairman read a report from County Councillor Geoff Rowe as follows:-
Parish Partnership Panel: Next meeting will be held on Thursday 9th March
at Kings Hill commencing at 7.30pm.
M20 Noise Reduction: Work is scheduled to commence on the next phase during
April 2006. It is proposed to install a barrier on the coast bound carriageway
east of Station Road to west of Hall Road.
Kent Highway Services General Fault Line: The telephone number is 08458
247 800. Each area has been allocated a liaison officer for queries. Lyn
Smith is the named officer for Tonbridge & Malling.
The Disability Working Party: The meeting scheduled for last week has
been postponed and will now be held on Friday 10th February 2006. The
presentation will be “Disability Go”. Anyone interested in attending the
meeting at Kings Hill will be welcome.
T & M Youth Advisory Board: Next meeting on Thursday 9th March at
Ightham Village Hall commencing at 5.00pm. This will be followed by the
KCC Local Board Meeting at 7.30pm. Some grant funding is still available.
Salt Bin, Primrose Drive: This bin has still not been filled with salt.
Dog Waste Bin, Kilnbarn Recreation Ground: This is only emptied about
every two months and there is a large amount to dog waste on the recreation
ground.
510. REPORT FROM PARISH CONSTABLE/COMMUNITY POLICE
A written report from Community Warden Tom Hawkwood which was circulated
at the meeting, was READ and NOTED.
RESOLVED to accede to the following requests:-
(a) to make the Acorn Room available for the Youth Workers to meet with
the youth on one Wednesday each month, for a trial period.
(b) the formation of a ‘Ditton Focus Group’.
Members suggested an article is placed in the next Ditton Gazette requesting
interested people to join the group.
(c) for the Community Warden to hold a coffee morning surgery, aimed mainly
at the elderly age group, in a room in the Centre on a twice-monthly basis.
The request for the provision of a Youth Shelter will be passed to the
Open Spaces & Amenities Committee for consideration
Members asked that the Warden be thanked for his report.
511. PLANNING MATTERS
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.
Plans Received for Comment
TM/06/00192/ORM
Minor amendment of permission
TM/03/03415/FL (Erection of 370 Dwellings including 30% affordable
housing with associated parking, landscaping & highways following
demolition of existing buildings
CHANGE IN HOUSE TYPE OF PLOT 192
Former Frantschacht Site New
Hythe Lane
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/06/00214/ORM
Minor Amendment to increase number of units to 18 resiting of buildings to bring them closer together and increase in floor area of units 5 & 18 by 10sq metres
Site & Former DPC Allots
Bellingham Way
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No.
3
NOTED no decisions have been notified during the past 14 days
(c) ‘B’ Lists
The following ‘B’ Lists were CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
06/02 - 16.01.2006; 06/03 - 23.01.2006
(d) Maidstone Local Development Framework Café Conversations –
Consultation Events for the Core Strategy
RESOLVED that this Council would wish to see the open land between Barming
Station to the M20 Motorway retained as a buffer and not eroded to expand
Maidstone into the villages.
(e) Priory Park Industrial Estate: Planning Application TM/04/04376/FL
A copy of a resident’s communication to Tonbridge & Malling Planning
Office regarding noise pollution at the above site was READ and NOTED.
RESOLVED to endorse the resident’s comments and concerns.
(f) Licences for Tables & Chairs on the Public Highway
Information regarding the issue of licences and permits for tables, chairs
and A-boards placed on the public highway, was READ and NOTED.
Members requested that the Clerk clarify whether village seats require
licences and/or permits.
512. ANNUAL PARISH MEETING, 24th APRIL 2006
(a) Format
RESOLVED the format remain the same as last year.
(b) Speaker/s
RESOLVED to invite the Rev. Priscilla Payne and Len Mace as guest speakers
this year.
513. DITTON GAZETTE – COPY DEADLINE
Members were advised that it is hoped to have the Gazette ready for printing
by the beginning of March. A few more articles are needed and Members
are asked to submit any items for inclusion as soon as possible.
The Clerk requested that a working party be set up to approve the content
and proof read the Gazette before it is printed.
Members acceded to the request and Cllrs. Baker, Mulcuck & Mrs Mulcuck
agreed to serve on the working party.
514. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING”
(a) Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council: Recycle for Kent
Cllr. Mulcuck requested that Waste Exhibition Unit be brought to Ditton.
It was suggested that the Local Schools be contacted to ascertain whether
they would be willing to accommodate it at their Summer Fete.
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The Vice-Chairman moved that in view of the confidential nature of the
business about to be transacted, the press and public be excluded from
the remainder of the meeting in accordance with Standing Orders 27 &
50.
515. CONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM BOOK REF: CM 333
Details of individual staff salaries for financial year 2006/2007 were
READ and CONFIRMED.
The Chairman asked Members to take an urgent item relating to a staff
matter.
Staff Matter
Members were advised of a matter relating to a member of bar staff, details
of which are recorded in the Confidential Memorandum Book Ref. CM 334.
RESOLVED to act in accordance with the advice given by the Council’s Personnel
Advisors, Mentor, which is set out in the confidential Memorandum Book
Ref. CM 334.
516. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 9.10pm.
Chairman
6th March 2006