Ditton Parish Council
Meeting Minutes, February 2007
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL,
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY, 5th FEBRUARY 2007
[Click here for a downloadable version in Adobe PDF file format.]
PRESENT: CLLRS. J D DAY [Chairman,
M J PORTER [Vice-Chair], R ANGEL, R G W BAKER, MRS A BEADLE, J BEADLE,
A R MULCUCK, MRS M MULCUCK, B STONE, MRS A THROSSELL & MRS J F THWAITES.
CO. CLLR. G ROWE, PC. M RODDICK & COMMUNITY WARDEN TOM HAWKWOOD
MRS S J KAVANAGH [Clerk of the Council], MRS N GREENAWAY [Admin. Asst.]
461. OPENING OF MEETING
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm.
462. APOLOGIES
Previously notified apologies were RECEIVED and ACCEPTED from Cllrs. Mr
& Mrs DeSave.
463. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllrs. Day, Mulcuck, Mrs Mulcuck & Mrs Thwaites declared an interest
in items 469(b) and 472(b) as they are members of the Bowls Club and members
of the Heritage Centre Committee.
Cllr. Day declared an interest in item 469(b) correspondence item 3, as
Mrs Day is his wife.
Cllr. Angel declared an interest in item 478 as he lives in Ragstone Court.
464. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL
MEETING HELD 3rd JANUARY 2007
The minutes of the meeting held on 3rd January 2007, which had previously
been circulated, were CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
465. MATTERS ARISING
(a) Woodlands Parade – Street Naming [Page 233, item 402(h)
A communication from the Borough Council was READ and it was NOTED that
their principal Legal Officer has written to the local Members to put
the proposal that Woodlands Parade could be renamed Holtwood Parade.
466. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF EXTRAORDINARY PARISH COUNCIL
MEETING HELD 15TH JANUARY 2007
The minutes of the meeting held on 15th January 2007, which had previously
been circulated, were CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
467. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.
468. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD DURING JANUARY 2007
Community Centre Committee, 8th January 2007
Cllr. Porter presented the above minutes which, subject to one amendment,
were CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
The Clerk advised that the grant towards CCTV has been agreed by the Borough
Council.
Cllr. Mrs Beadle advised that as Cllr. Mrs DeSave is away, they will not
be able to undertake the cleaning inspection before the next Community
Centre Meeting.
Finance & Administration Committee, 15th January 2007
Cllr. Day presented the above minutes which were CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
(c) Planning Committee, 22nd January 2007
Cllr. Mulcuck presented the above minutes which were CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
(d) Open Spaces & Amenities Committee, 22nd January 2007
Cllr. Baker presented the above minutes which were CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
RECOMMENDATION: Ditton Court Quarry [Page 260, Item 445(a)]
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation to accept delegated power from the
Borough Council to proceed with the application for LNR status for the
quarry.
(e) Extraordinary Personnel Committee Meeting, 29th January 2007
Cllr. Beadle presented the above minutes which, subject to one amendment,
were CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
469. CORRESPONDENCE
For Noting
The following correspondence was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
K A P C: Minutes of T & M Area Committee Meeting 7/12/06
‘Parish News’, Issue 322 – 22nd January 2007
Jose Collette: New Year Wishes
Ton. & Malling Boro’ Cncl: Minutes of Council, Cabinet & Committee
Meetings 2006 , Vol 5 Sept 26th – Nov 22nd
English Rural Housing Assoc: ‘The Bulletin’, Winter 2006
Plus Publishing: ‘Clerks & Council Direct’, January 2007 Issue 49
Wildlife Trust: ‘Wild Kent’, Winter 2006/2007
‘Natural World, Winter 2006
Wrotham Parish Council: Services at Maidstone Hospital
Kings Hill Parish Council: Services at Maidstone Hospital
SLCC: ‘The Clerk’, Vol. 37 No 1 – January 2007
Kenward Trust: ‘New Life’, Issue 4
Kent Highway Services: ‘News’, January 2007
Kent Co. Council: Notice of T & M Local Board Meetings
Report & Accounts 2006 – Superannuation Fund
Press Release: ‘ Districts and County Sign Major Agreement to Achieve
Enhanced Services and Savings’
ROSPA: ‘Staying Alive’, February 2007
(b) For Decision
Ditton Bowls Club: 21st Anniversary Celebrations – Funding Assistance
A request for financial assistance towards their 21st anniversary celebrations,
was READ & NOTED.
RESOLVED TO REQUEST FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE EVENT INCLUDING A BREAKDOWN
OF COSTS FOR THE DAY, WHO WILL BE ATTENDING, WHAT PERCENTAGE OF MEMBERS
OF THE CLUB RESIDE IN DITTON AND WHETHER THE BOROUGH COUNCIL ARE MAKING
A DONATION.
Tonbridge & Malling Boro’ Cncl: Tonbridge & Malling Access Guide
for the Disabled
A request to nominate a ‘Disability Champion’, who could visit selected
premises in the Parish to carry out a simple access survey was READ and
it was NOTED that training would be offered to this person.
RESOLVED that, in view of her experience, Mrs Day be asked if she would
be willing to undertake this.
Mrs Day (Ditton W I Member): Request to Commemorate the Life of Mrs Doris
Cooper
RESOLVED THAT THE DITTON W I BE GIVEN PERMISSION TO PLANT A TREE IN MEMORY
OF MRS COOPER AND THE LOCATION BE AGREED BY MEMBERS AT THE NEXT MEETING
OF THE OPEN SPACES AND AMENITIES COMMITTEE.
The Chairman MOVED that the Councillor and Police reports be taken next.
470. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
Borough Councillor Geoff Rowe reported on the following matters:-
Protocol between KCC and District and Borough Councils in Kent - KCC held
an Extraordinary Meeting on 23rd January 2007 to debate the acceptance
of a protocol which will see closer working relationships between KCC
and District/Borough Councils in Kent. The protocol was signed by all
13 authorities on the 25th January. The agreement signed was in response
to the Government`s ‘Local Government and Public Involvement in
Health’ Bill. By the same process an agreement was made to have a better
working arrangement with Parish Councils.
Highway Weeds Clearance - one of the first improvements that should be
seen under this new agreement is that an improved highway weeds clearance
scheme will be introduced shortly. In future weeds will be treated and
cleared under the same contract, and not as at present with KCC responsible
for treating the weeds and TMBC for weed clearance (as litter).
Kent Highway Services Leaflets – two leaflets are currently being sent
to parish councils:
(i) ‘Understanding how we will respond to you’.
(ii) ‘Understanding how we make our roads safer in winter’.
Policing Matters - Ditton is scheduled to receive additional police support
within the next 18 months. Ditton is also to be allocated a dedicated
PCSO. The person appointed will hold regular local police surgeries and
work closely with Ditton’s KCC Community Warden.
Future Dates to Note.
(i) Joint Transportation Board 5.03.07
(ii) Parish Partnership Panel 8.03.07
(iii) Public Transport Panel 20.03.07
Any items for these agendas should be sent to TMBC as soon as possible.
Small Capital Grants - Members Community Grants - Members need to start
thinking of projects to submit.
471. REPORT FROM PARISH CONSTABLE/COMMUNITY POLICE
P C Roddick reported on the following:-
January crime figures these totalled 34 for Ditton, which is an increase
of ten over the same period last year.
Vandalism in Pear Tree Avenue – Suggestions for measures to be taken to
curb this anti-social behaviour
Extra Evening Police Patrols have been scheduled for Ditton
Motorcycle Operation An operation to catch off road riders using public
open spaces was carried out on 4th February, including Ditton quarry area
Operation Cubit A further operation ‘cubit’ is to be undertaken shortly,
please report any untaxed vehicles to PC Roddick.
Theft of 700 Trees These have been stolen from the New Road Business Estate.
Please report any new hedge planting to P C Roddick.
Mobile CCTV Unit – PC Roddick asked the Parish Council to consider purchasing
a mobile CCTV unit which can be used around the parish to detect the perpetrators
of anti-social behaviour.
Smashed Window in Kilnbarn Club – the offender has been identified and
will be dealt with.
The Chairman moved that the meeting be adjourned to enable residents to
address the Council.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
ADJOURNMENT
Residents of Pear Tree Avenue advised the Council of the problems they
are experiencing from youths who are vandalising their property and generally
making a nuisance of themselves during the evenings. They also asked when
the broken fence panels will be replaced.
Discussion took place and several suggestions were put forward, including
installing CCTV in Pear Tree Avenue and arranging a meeting with the Police,
Community Warden, Councillors and representatives from Tonbridge &
Malling Borough Council.
The Clerk agreed to make the arrangements and the meeting was reconvened.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
472. FINANCE
The following accounts received were READ and NOTED:-
Accounts Received
City Valeting: Gazette Advertisement 35.00
Ditton Guides: Energy Charges – Guide HQ 24.79
Ditton Minors FC: Pitch Marking – NRRG – December 44.00
EDF Energy: Wayleave 3.45
KMS Limited: Gazette Advertisement 60.00
Photocopying: Casual and Account Holders 42.30
The Vineyard: Gazette Advertisement 28.00
Timber Image: Payment in Advance - Spring Gazette 35.00
Accounts For Payment
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Salaries: Gross: 14607.46 Net: 10858.79
DPC Imprest A/C: Reimbursement 6031.73
KCC Superannuation: January 2006 Payment 2706.21
Astra Security: Additional Keys for SSG Emprise 15.30
Padlocks 34.74
50.04
Vat 8.76 58.80
AqAid [Kent]: December Water Supply 33.75
Vat 5.90 39.65
EDF Energy: Multi Sports, Guides & Cedar Room 247.57
Energy Charges Vat 43.32 290.89
EDF Energy: NRRG Changing Rooms 20.38 Vat 1.08 21.46
Kent County Council: Vehicle Leasing 29/9/06 to 28/12/06 1071.00
Vat 187.43 1258.43
Kent County Council: Internal Audit 3rd Visit of 6 250.00
Vat 43.75 293.75
Kent County Council: Stationery & Tennis Nets 238.50
Vat 41.73 280.23
Local Council Update: Subscription Renewal 65.00
Parker Merchanting: Rigger Boots, Wipes & Gloves 98.69
Vat 17.27 115.96
Parkfoot Garage Ltd: Diesel for Parish Vehicle 25.53
Vat 4.47 30.00
Dean Pullinger: January Play Area Locking 25.00
John Shaw [Machinery] Parts for Toro 14.98
Vat 2.62 17.60
Southern Water: NRRG Toilet Block 22.64
Travis Perkins: General Sundries 23.11
Vat 4.04 27.15
Payments Authorised Under Section 142 of the Local Government Act 1972
Malling Area Volunteer Bureau: Donation 200.00
Citizens Advice Bureau: Donation 100.00
Victim Support Kent: Donation 100.00
Payment Authorised Under Section 144 of the Local Government Act 1972
Ditton Heritage Centre Limited: Donation & 50% of Bucket Collection
750.00
Imprest Account – Breakdown of January Expenses
Carried Forward 1st January 2007 1387.17
Add PC reimbursement 5112.83
Raffle Prize Reimbursement 383.61
6883.61
Deduct: January Expenses
Voucher Charge 3.64
Kent ARA Subs 35.00
OSA Expenses 251.23
Centre Expenses 360.50
KAPC Training 117.50
Postage Stamps 142.00
T&MBC Business Rate 116.04
Petty Cash 70.21
Raffle Prizes – Valentines Dance 57.53
Inland Revenue 5261.69 6415.34
468.27
Sum to be drawn on 5th February 2007 6031.73*
6500.00
*Sum required to restore balance to £6500
(c) Promotions Account
Schools Entertainment: Phil Dando Big Band for Valentines Dance 2000.00
Services:
(d) Direct Debits – Paid During December 2006
The following direct debits paid during December 2006, were READ, APPROVED
and NOTED:-
[i] DITTON PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNT
01.12.06 02 22.38
05.12.06 WPA 380.15
05.12.06 RBS (Mentor) 350.13
08.12.06 Nildram (Broadband) 42.82
18.12.06 Information Commissioners 44.29 (Data Protection Fee)
22.12.06 EBS Direct Debits 40.00
[ii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE BAR ACCOUNT
01.12.06 Sky Business Centre: 266.13
11.12.06 Post Office Ltd 43.89
20.12.06 Scottish Courage: Stock 7,318.46
21.12.06 Waverleys 733.04
22.12.06 AMLD –Gaming Machine 222.08
27.12.06 BOC Manchester: - Beer Gas 229.13
28.12.06 Walkers Snacks Ltd 207.55
29.12.06 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
[iii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ACCOUNT
20.12.06 Tonbridge & Malling BC 1266.00
27.12.06 EDF Energy Elec 700.00
31.12.06 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
(e) Upgrading of the Bankline System – Registration
Information regarding the discontinuation of the current Bankline service,
together with details of the upgrading of the system were READ and it
was NOTED that the Chairman is required to sign a new document to register
for the upgraded service.
RESOLVED this Council registers for the new upgraded service and authorises
the Chairman to sign the mandate.
(f) Parish Council Dances – Review of Ticket Prices
Discussion took place on the current ticket price and whether an increase
should be applied. It was NOTED that there has been no increase in ticket
costs since 2000.
RESOLVED to refer this to the next meeting of the Finance and Administration
Committee.
(g) Purchase of Portrait of The Queen
Cllr. Beadle reported that it is not possible to obtain a copy of the
Annigoni portrait of the Queen and showed Members a copy of an alternative
portrait which would cost in the region of £90 - £100 to purchase
complete with frame.
RESOLVED to purchase the alternative portrait as seen.
(h) Estimate for Purchase of CCTV for Kilnbarn Foyer
An estimate of £340.00 to install CCTV in the Kilnbarn Club Foyer
was READ and it was NOTED this includes the switch connection to enable
it to be monitored from the Caretakers office.
RESOLVED this be purchased from central funds
473. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting.
474. REPORT FROM PARISH CONSTABLE/COMMUNITY POLICE
This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting.
475. PLANNING MATTERS
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 and consider them solely on the basis of evidence placed
before him at that meeting
TM/06/02023/AT Fascia Signs Broadmead House
New Hythe Bus. Park
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No.
3
The following decisions were READ and NOTED:-
TM/06/03896/ORM Minor amendment of TM/03/03415/FL Apartment Block ‘W’
(Erection of 370 Dwellings etc) Former Frantschach Site
GRANTED
TM/06/04007/RD Details of foundations submitted pursuant to Condition
7 of TM/06/00615/FL (New Dwelling
32 Ditton Place
APPROVED
TM/06/03988/RD Details of external materials submitted pursuant to Condition
7 of TM/06/00615/FL (New Dwelling
32 Ditton Place
APPROVED
TM/06/03581/FL Demolition of single storey rear addition and building
of replacement
toilet extension
Ditton Heritage Centre
APPROVED
(c) ‘B’ Lists
The following ‘B’ Lists were CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
07/02 - 15.01.2007; 07/03 - 22.01.2007
(d) TM/06/2288/FL, New Road Business Estate
Additional information regarding the proposed elevational treatment of
the sub-station, linking to wall to rear of parking places fronting Plot
11, was READ and NOTED.
476. ANNUAL PARISH MEETING, 23rd APRIL 2007
(a) Format
RESOLVED the format will remain the same as last year.
(b) Speaker/s
Discussion took place.
RESOLVED to invite the Community Warden to give a presentation on the
duties of a Community Warden.
477. DITTON ALLOTMENTS
(a) Information from NALC
It was NOTED that a response to this Council’s query has not yet been
received.
(b) Communication from Cllr. Baker
A letter from Cllr. Baker, regarding remarks made by an allotment tenant
at a recent meeting with representatives of the allotment tenants, was
READ and it was NOTED that it had previously been agreed to await the
response from NALC before considering whether to take any action.
478. RAGSTONE COURT/DITTON QUARRY BOUNDARY
It was NOTED that the resident concerned has requested a formal request
from this Council’s Solicitor to ask for permission to go onto his land
to measure the distance between the front and rear of his property. FURTHER
NOTED that since receiving this request he has advised that he will be
away for two weeks and will be taking legal advice before responding to
the request.
This Council’s solicitor will send a further letter upon the residents
return. If there is no progress after that, he feels the matter will need
to be passed on to the litigation department.
RESOLVED that, if the matter goes to litigation, this Council will ask
for costs to be awarded.
479. DITTON GAZETTE – COPY DEADLINE
Cllr. Day advised Members of the copy received to date and it was suggested
that the following items be included in the next edition, subject to space:-
Equipment Marking Scheme – Cllr. Mulcuck will obtain the details
Response from NALC regarding Finance
Installation of new village clock
480. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE
FOR NOTING”
Cllr. Mulcuck pointed out the campaign details for ‘End Operation Stack’.
Members can sign up to the ‘End Stack Now’ petition on KCC’s website at
WWW.kent.gov.uk.
481. INVESTMENT
Cllr. Beadle gave a summary of the progress of the investment, a report
and details of which had previously been circulated.
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- - -
The Chairman moved that in view of the employment issues to be discussed,
the press and public will be temporarily excluded from the meeting and
instructed to withdraw in accordance with Standing Orders 27 & 50.
482. CONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM BOOK REF: CM 338
The above confidential memorandum detailing staff salaries for financial
year 2007/2008 was READ and ACCEPTED as a correct record.
483. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 9.58pm.
Chairman
5th March 2007
