Ditton Parish Council
Meeting Minutes, June 2007
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL,
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY, 4th JUNE 2007
[Click here for a downloadable version in Adobe PDF file format.]
PRESENT: CLLRS. M J PORTER, (Chairman),
J A BEADLE (Vice-Chairman), R G W BAKER, MRS A R BEADLE, M D BRINE, W
CORDWELL, A R MULCUCK, D H NUNN, B D 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. Assistant).
68. OPENING OF MEETING
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm.
69. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Following advice from KAPC, Members were advised that when they are unable
to attend a meeting they must give the reason for non-attendance which
must be included in the minutes.
Discussion took place and Members were unhappy with this advice as they
felt this could be detrimental to their security and privacy.
RESOLVED not accept this advice and to continue to provide a reason for
non-attendance to the Clerk but not include it in the minutes.
Apologies, previously notified were RECEIVED and APPROVED from Cllr. Lander
and County Cllr. Rowe.
70. DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS & EXPENDITURE
Cllrs. Mrs Beadle, Beadle, Mulcuck and Nunn declared a personal interest
in item 74(b) as they are members of the Twinning Association.
Cllr. Angel declared a personal interest in item 84 as he lives in Ragstone
Court.
The Chairman moved that the Police and Community Warden Reports be taken
next to enable them to return to their duties.
71. REPORTS FROM COMMUNITY POLICE/WARDEN
PC Roddick reported on the crime figures for Ditton over the last month
which totalled 14; two criminal damage, one vehicle theft, one distraction
burglary, and 10 others. For the same period last year the crime figures
for Ditton were twenty six and the previous month’s figures totalled 29.
P C Roddick also advised that Ditton has been allocated a PCSO, Lia Bishop,
who commences work this week.
Community Warden Tom Hawkwood reported on the drop in youth visibility
around the Centre and drop in youth problems in Pear Tree Avenue. He also
advised that he is working with others to set up a youth club/drop in
centre in the parish.
Members of the Council raised the following matters:-
Lack of feed back to residents from Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators
in Pear Tree Avenue
Motorbike seen speeding over Kilnbarn recreation ground and riding around
the village at night without lights.
Parishioners confusion over the roles of Community Wardens and PCSO’s.
RESOLVED to include an item in the next Gazette explaining the different
roles of wardens and PCSO’s.
72. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL
MEETING HELD ON 9th MAY 2007
The minutes of the meeting held on the 9th May, were CONFIRMED and SIGNED
as a true record, subject to one amendment.
73. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising that do not appear elsewhere on the agenda.
74. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD DURING MAY/JUNE 2007
(a) For Confirmation
(i) COMMUNITY CENTRE COMMITTEE, 14th MAY 2007
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Beadle and CONFIRMED and SIGNED
as a correct record.
Cllr. Angel volunteered to assist Cllr. Mrs Beadle with the next cleaning
inspection which will take place on 7th June 2007 at 3.00pm.
Cllr. Mulcuck requested that any decision on a smoking shelter (Page 24,
item 37) should be made in conjunction with the Open Spaces and Amenities
Committee.
(ii) PLANNING COMMITTEE, 21st MAY 2007
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Mulcuck and CONFIRMED and SIGNED
as a correct record.
(iii) OPEN SPACES & AMENITIES COMMITTEE, 21st MAY 2007
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Baker and CONFIRMED and SIGNED
as a correct record.
(iv) EXTRAORDINARY FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE, 1ST JUNE 2007
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Porter and CONFIRMED and SIGNED
as a correct record.
The recommendations from this committee will be dealt with under Item
75, Finance.
(b) For Noting
(i) NOTES OF A MEETING WITH PARTNER AUTHORITIES – RE. PROBLEMS IN PEAR
TREE AVENUE
The above minutes, which had been previously circulated, were READ and
NOTED:-
(ii) DITTON TWINNING ASSOCIATION, 16th MAY 2007
The above minutes, which had been previously circulated, were READ and
NOTED.
75. CORRESPONDENCE
For Noting
The following correspondence was CIRCUATED, READ and NOTED:-
Wildlife Trust: ‘Natural World’, Spring 2007
‘Wild Kent’, Spring 2007
Wildlife Events In Kent June 2007 – September 2007
KAPC: ‘Parish News’ - Issue 324, 30th April 2007
Press Publishing: ‘Local Councils Update’ - May 2007, issue 91
SLCC: ‘The Clerk’ – May 2007, Vol 37. No. 3
ROSPA: ‘Staying Alive’ – May 2007
Kent Police: Neighbourhood Policing Special
Ton. & Malling Boro’ Cncl: Green Lidded Bin Collection Service
For Decision
Kent County Council: KCC Grants
Details of KCC Grants were READ and it was agreed to pass this information
on to each committee.
KAPC: Councillors Information Day, 16th June 2007
Details of a councillor training day were READ and NOTED.
Ton. & Malling Boro’ Cncl: Town & Parish Councils Standards Sub-Committee
– Vacancies
Information regarding vacancies on the above committee was READ and a
request for parish councillor nominations NOTED.
RESOLVED TO NOMINATE CLLR. BEADLE.
Rural Kent: Funding for Parish Plans
Details of funding available to councils to assist with the costs of producing
parish plans were READ and it was NOTED that Cllrs. Mulcuck and Mrs Thwaites
will be attending a training seminar on the preparation of parish plans
next month.
Ditton Twinning Association: Funding
A request for funding towards twinning expenses was READ and it was NOTED
that the parish council has previously agreed to put funds aside to assist
the Twinning Association with meeting costs each year. FURTHER NOTED there
is a sum of £1000 for this purpose in this years budget.
RESOLVED THAT, SUBJECT TO FINANCIAL CONTROLS, THE TWINNING ASSOCIATION
BE CREDITED WITH THE SUM SET ASIDE FOR USE TOWARDS TWINNING EXPENSES AND
THIS SUM BE REVIEWED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS.
Kent Highway Services: Parish & Town Council Seminar – 26th June 2007
An invitation to attend the above seminar at the Village Hotel, Aylesford
was READ and it was NOTED that Cllr. Baker will attend.
76. FINANCE
Accounts Received
The following accounts received during May 2007 were READ and NOTED:-
Ditton Minors FC: Line Marking and Pitch Fees 455.00
Ditton Guides: Energy Charges 11.26
Multi Sports: Hire Fees 258.00
Haffenden Skips Ltd Gazette Advert 35.00
Ditton Junior School: Grounds Maintenance 342.57
Ditton Infants School: Grounds Maintenance 112.31
Mr Curtis: Gazette Advert 28.00
Accounts For Payment
Cllr. Mulcuck raised concern at the cost of the work being undertaken
to the path and patio at the Community Centre because the work had not
been properly agreed by the committees concerned.
Discussion took place and Cllr. Mulcuck was advised that the work was
being carried out as a matter of urgency for health and safety reasons.
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Salaries: Gross: 14,561.12 Nett:` 10,842.22
DPC Imprest Account: May 07 Reimbursement 5,113.15
AquaAid Still Water 18.75
Vat 3.28 22.03
Clive Stanley: Webmaster Services 341.00
Ditton Junior School: Library Project – Donation under
LGA 1972, Section 137 250.00
Ditton Electrical: Works to Groundsmans Area 298.49
Vat 52.24 350.73
Gold Star UK: Staff Polo Shirts (Green) 31.20
Vat 5.46 36.66
Haffenden Skip Hire: Path & Patio Repairs 50% CC & OSA 220.00
Vat 38.50 258.50
D C Hudson & Partner: Proposed Cedar Room Replacement 1369.80
Vat 239.71 1,609.51
Land Technics: Beacon Ring Pole 21.95
Vat 3.84 25.79
Kent County Council: Stationery & Sacks 59.75
Fire extinguisher refill and repair 28.95
Vat 15.53 104.23
Kent County Council: Superannuation May 2007 2,732.64
Kent County Council: Internal Audit 5th Visit 250.00
Vat 43.75 293.75
Mid Kent Water Bowls Club 87.20
Cedar Room 28.35
Toilet Block New Road Rec. Grnd 16.55 132.10
Mower Plant Svs: Mower Parts 13.93
Carriage 1.50
Vat 2.70 18.13
Nico Ltd: Toner Cartridges 432.60
Vat 75.71 508.31
Parkfoot Garage Ltd: Diesel for Pick-up 88.27
Vat 15.44 103.71
Mr Pullinger: Play Area Locking 25.00
SSG Emprise: Keyholding & Alarm Response 20.83
Vat 3.65 24.48
Stryker Comms. Ltd: Mobile CCTV Equipment 9032.80
Vat 1580.74 10,613.54
Travis Perkins Ltd: Rotavator, paving slabs, sand, trowel
cement – Path & Patio repairs 50% CC &
OSA Committees 581.82
Hire of Abrasive Saw, Breaker Chisel
& Diamond Blade – for above 76.95
Hire of stump grinder 77.50
Vat 128.87 865.14
Trident Trailers: Trailer Parts 20.53
3.59 24.12
Breakdown of Expenditure from Imprest Account during May 2007
Carried Forward 1st May 2007 2251.17
Add: PC Reimbursement 3748.83
6000.00
Deduct: May Expenses
Voucher Charge 3.25
Inland Revenue 4801.22
Postage Stamps 58.00
OSA Expenses 118.18
CC Expenses 150.50
Stationery 7.00
Gratuity – Work Experience 25.00
5163.15
Less out of date Cheque -50.00 5113.15
886.85
Sum to be drawn on 3rd June 2007 5113.15*
BALANCE 6000.00
*Sum required to restore balance to £6000
(c) Direct Debits - Paid During April 2007
The following direct debits paid during April 2007, were READ, APPROVED
and NOTED:-
[i] DITTON PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNT
02.04.07 Euphony Communications 13.11
02.04.07 WPA Health Care 491.80
03.04.07 02 21.47
04.04.07 RBS Mentor 350.13
10.04.07 Nildram 42.82
20.04.07 Pace Petroleum 21.77
30.04.07 Siemens Financial Services 564.00
28.04.07 Nat West Business Card 148.21
[ii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE BAR ACCOUNT
03.04.07 Sky Business 276.13
11.04.07 Post Office Ltd 70.27
20.04.07 Scottish Courage – Stock 4494.54
23.04.07 Waverley TBS 266.91
23.04.07 AMLD - Gaming Machine 156.00
25.04.07 BOC Manchester – Beer Gas 222.08
30.04.07 Walkers Snacks Ltd 350.66
30.04.07 Nat West Account Charge 55 00
[iii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ACCOUNT
16.04.07 BG CGABS (Gas) 3011.67
20.04.07 Tonbridge & Malling BC – Business Rate 1122.98
25.04.07 Seeboard Energy Elec 980.00
30.04.07 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
(d) Internal Audit Report (5th Visit) for 2006/2007
The internal audit report for the 5th visit was READ and it was NOTED
there were no matters of any significance that needed to be brought to
the attention of councillors.
(e) Review of Effectiveness of Internal Control
The above review which included a review of internal audit, undertaken
by the Finance and Administration Committee, was READ and the review findings
and report were APPROVED and SIGNED.
(f) Statement of Internal Control for the Year Ending 31st March 2007
The above statement of internal control, approved by the Finance and Administration
Committee was READ, APPROVED and SIGNED.
(g) Accounts for Financial Year 2006/2007
(i) COMMUNICATION FROM ACCOUNTANTS
A communication from the accountant, which had been previously circulated,
was READ and NOTED.
(ii) STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR 2006/2007
RESOLVED to APPROVE and ADOPT the Statement of Accounts for 2006/2007,
which have been prepared by RBS.
(h) Annual Return for Year Ended 31st March 2007
RESOLVED to CONFIRM, APPROVE and SIGN the Statement of Accounts and CONFIRM,
APPROVE and SIGN the Annual Governance Statement.
(i) Investment
It was NOTED that further information regarding the realisation and treatment
of investment growth is awaited from NALC.
77. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
A report from County Cllr. Rowe was read by the Chairman as follows:-
Parish Partnership Panel - Barry Stone as Ditton’s Borough Councillor
is a member of this panel so this should give Ditton Parish Council a
direct input to both agenda and report.
Community Day on 21st July - I have received Ditton’s grant request for
£355 towards the Community Day (towards provision of 2 bouncy
castles) and I shall be requesting Loic Flory to process your application
and show support.
Tonbridge and Malling Joint Transportation Board - Next meeting is scheduled
to be held on Monday 11th June.
Parking regulations/Highway Matters - A request for parking regulations
in Priory Grove has been considered by officers and no problem has been
either established or verified.
Pavinder Jutte at West Kent Highways is now Ditton’s dedicated named person
for Highway issues.
The following are all to be considered:-
(i) Acorn Grove/Woodlands Road junction - Corner protection
(ii) Bradbourne Lane/A20 Junction - Corner protection
(iii) Cobdown Close/Orchard Grove - Corner protection
(iv) New Road - Parking concern outside no 94 and school crossing patrol
sight lines need to be checked
(v) Scott Close/New Road junction - Corner protection
(vi) Fernleigh Rise - bollards requested reference to KCC
Design plans in both of the following cases are being produced.
(vii) A continuation of bus priority measures is progressing between London
Road Ditton and its junction with New Hythe Lane
(viii) A provision of cycle lane extension from New Hythe Lane, Larkfield
to Bell Lane Ditton is also being progressed
Planning infringements and highway safety issues - The residents of 439
and 441 London Road are still having problems with regards to certain
issues in relation to Pinions Pet Shop. I have taken up the highway issues
and will ask Barry Stone to work with TMBC to resolve planning issues.
Open meeting with partners on Wednesday 6th June - I hope to be able to
attend the meeting. This project has proved extremely productive and I
must congratulate Ditton Parish Council and the Police on the initiative.
Dates to note
(i) The Try Angle Awards 2007, presentation evening, is scheduled to be
held at the River Centre, Tonbridge at 7pm on Thursday 21st June.
(ii) The newly formed T&M Joint Local Board is scheduled for
7pm on Thursday 12th July at Kings Hill.
Borough Cllr. Stone reported on the following matters:-
Final Phase of the Green Bins - there is to be a media campaign to promote
awareness
Grants for the Disabled – these are available from T&MBC towards adaptation
and improvement of homes
New Policing Structure
78. REPORT FROM COMMUNITY POLICE/ WARDEN
Dealt with earlier in the meeting under item 71.
79. PLANNING MATTERS
Plans Received for Comment
TM/07/01443/FL Second storey side extension over existing garage
44 Ragstone Court
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION BUT SUGGEST IT INCORPORATES A PITCHED END GABLE
TO PREVENT TERRACING EFFECT.
TM/07/0688/FL Single and two storey rear extension together with loft
conversion and rear dormer
REVISED DESCRIPTION: The previous description read ‘Loft conversion incorporating
rear dormer and alterations to roof and single storey rear extension
565 London Road
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/07/1497/LB Listed Building Application: Creations of two openings to
create a single dwelling
1 & 2 Sheldon Court
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/07/01579/FL Replacement of existing storage facility
431 London Road
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/07/01787/RD Details of surfacing of car park, landscaping and water
drainage submitted pursuant to conditions 2,3 & 4 of TM/06/01699/FL:
Car park extension
E.M. Research Stn, New Road,
EM.
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION, SUBJECT TO ENGINEERS APPROVAL
(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No.
3
The following decisions were READ and NOTED:-
TM/07/0001212/TNCA Prune Lower branches and remove dead wood from 1 no.
large Ash tree and remove 1 no. Hawthorn tree
Land Adjoining 37 The Stream
NO OBJECTION
TM/07/00901/FL Installation of two backup cooling towers above the tertiary
drum filter house
Aylesford Newsprint, New Hythe
Lane
GRANTED
(c) ‘B’ Lists
The following ‘B’ Lists were CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
07/19 - 14.05.2007
(d) Minutes/Notes/etc. of Area 3 Planning Sub-Committee
NOTED these were not available.
80. COMMITTEES
(a) Personnel Committee Meeting 25th June 2007
A request to change the date of meeting to 30th July, because two Members
of this Committee will be unable to attend, was READ and NOTED:-
RESOLVED to accede to this request.
(b) Finance & Administration Committee
It was NOTED that this committee is one member short at present.
RESOLVED to change the membership of the Finance and Administration Committee
to ‘All Committee Chairs, plus one other Member’ to enable Cllr. Nunn,
who is a Chartered Accountant, to be co-opted to this committee.
(c) Precept Meetings
The Clerk suggested that the annual precept meetings, which are normally
held in January, be brought forward to the second week in December. This
would enable more time to complete the estimates and prepare the precept
and accompanying paperwork required by the Borough Council. It will also
avoid the need to move other committee meetings back a week in January
to accommodate the precept meetings.
RESOLVED to move these meetings forward to the second Monday in December.
81. DITTON GAZETTE
A communication from Mr Day was READ and it was NOTED that he no longer
wishes to continue editing the Ditton Gazette.
Discussion took place and Cllr. Brine, who is employed by the Kent Messenger,
offered to undertake the editing of the Gazette, provided the Council
could supply him with a copy of the appropriate software.
RESOLVED to accept Cllr. Brine’s offer to edit the Gazette for a trial
period and Cllrs. Mulcuck and Baker agreed to proof read the magazine
before it is sent to print.
82. PHOTOCOPIER
Members were advised of the malfunction problems being experienced with
the photocopier which is leased from KPS and also of their suggestion
to change this to a colour copier. The additional costs that would be
incurred with changing to a colour copier, were READ and NOTED. FURTHER
NOTED the current lease does not expire until July 2009.
Discussion took place.
RESOLVED this council does not have the funds in the budget to consider
changing the copier for a colour copier and therefore KPS be asked to
repair and maintain the photocopier in proper working order, otherwise
they will be in breach of the contract.
83. COMMUNITY DAY, 21ST JULY 2007
Details of the events included in the Community Day were READ and it was
NOTED that helpers will be needed on the day.
Discussion took place and the Clerk suggested the Council might like to
have a Ditton Parish Council stand.
RESOLVED to have a Parish Council stand, which will be manned by Councillors
on a rota system.
84. DITTON COURT QUARRY/RAGSTONE COURT BOUNDARY
NOTED no further information was available.
RESOLVED that the solicitor be asked for his advice on the legal steps
this Council should now take to progress this matter.
85. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING” [Item 8(a)]
There were no matters arising from correspondence for noting.
86. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 9.35pm
Chairman
2nd July 2007
