Ditton Parish Council
Meeting Minutes, December 2007
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL,
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY 3rd DECEMBER 2007
[Click here for a downloadable version in Adobe PDF file format.]
PRESENT: CLLRS. M J PORTER [Chairman], J BEADLE [Vice-Chairman], R ANGEL,
R G W BAKER,
MRS A BEADLE, W CORDWELL, M LANDER, A R MULCUCK, D H NUNN, B D STONE,
MRS A THROSSELL
& MRS J F THWAITES
MRS S J KAVANAGH [Clerk of the Council] AND MRS N GREENAWAY [Admin. Asst.]
409. OPENING OF MEETING
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm.
410. APOLOGIES
Apologies were RECEIVED from Cllr. Brine. The previously notified reason
for absence was ACCEPTED and APPROVED.
411. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllr. Lander declared a personal interest in item 421(a) item as he is
acquainted with the residents concerned.
Cllrs Beadle and Mrs Beadle also declared an interest in item 421(a) as
their daughter works for the firm of solicitors handling the case.
Cllr Mulcuck declared an interest in item 415(b) as he assisted with the
building of the first stable at Leybourne Grange.
Cllr Stone declared a prejudicial interest in item 415(b) as he is on
the planning committee that approved the scheme and he was involved in
the discussions at the Borough Council for the 2008 &-2 Crewe Summer
Scheme.
The Chairman moved that Agenda item 10 be taken next to enable PC Matt
Roddick and Community Warden Steve Cross to return to their duties.
412. REPORT FROM COMMUNITY POLICE OFFICER
PC Roddick reported on the crime figures for November which totaled 10:
5 burglaries
5 others
October crime figures totalled 14. The crime figures for November last
year totalled 22.
PC Roddick also advised that Operation Undergo will be in force soon where
officers are paid overtime to work Friday and Saturday evenings on foot/bike
to try to prevent the usual increase in burglaries that happen at this
time of year.
It was NOTED that PC Roddick will be moving to the office at East Malling.
He asked members if they thought it would be beneficial for him and PCSO
Lia Bishop to work from an office at the Community Centre, subject to
his superior’s approval. Members agreed this would be preferable but at
the moment there was no available space in the Community Centre. Cllr
Stone advised he had discussed with Insp Gian Chahal the possibility of
using the empty shop at Woodlands Parade for a Police Office. The provision
of an office for the police will be considered by the Cedar Room Working
Party.
Community Warden Steve Cross introduced himself as part of the Response
Team and explained that he is covering Ditton and East Malling. He REPORTED
that he had held a successful litter pick and property marking exercise
in East Malling, which had gone down well with the youth and he hoped
to hold similar exercises in Ditton. It was NOTED that he is currently
monitoring the parking problems at the schools in Ditton, in particular
the Infants school.
412. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD 5th NOVEMBER 2007
The minutes of the meeting held on 5th November 2007 were CONFIRMED and
SIGNED.
413. MATTERS ARISING
(a) Accounts for Payment - Popi Account [Page 196, Item 357(b)]
RESOLVED to pay the Popi account for the printing of the last gazette.
The Clerk advised that she was having difficulty finding sufficient copy
for the gazette. Cllr Mulcuck agreed to contact local clubs for input
into future gazettes and Members were asked for their assistance in providing
items.
(b) The Ford [Page 192, Item 354(b)(i)] - Email from Kent Highways
The Chairman READ an e-mail from KHS and it was NOTED that they are looking
to process the traffic order to close the Ford subject to funds being
available.
(c) Bonfire & Fireworks [Page 202, Item 363]
An explanation from the pyrotechnics for the abrupt ending of the firework
display, was READ and NOTED.
414. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD DURING NOVEMBER 2007
(a) For Confirmation
(i) COMMUNITY CENTRE COMMITTEE, 12TH NOVEMBER 2007
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Beadle and CONFIRMED as a correct
record.
1. Resignation of Committee Member
It was NOTED that, due to other commitments, Cllr. Stone feels he is unable
to give sufficient time to the work of the Community Centre Committee
and has decided to step down to enable another Member with more time to
take his place.
The Chairman asked for nominations. Cllr Nunn was NOMINATED by Cllr Mrs
Thwaites and SECONDED by Cllr Porter. Cllr Lander was NOMINATED by Cllr
Cordwell and SECONDED by Cllr Baker. Cllr Lander declined the nomination
therefore Cllr Nunn was duly elected as a member of the Community Centre
Committee.
(ii) PLANNING, HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE, 19TH NOVEMBER
2007
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Mulcuck and CONFIRMED as a true
record.
(iii) OPEN SPACES & AMENITIES COMMITTEE, 19TH NOVEMBER 2007
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Baker and CONFIRMED as a correct
record.
1. Cutting of London Road Grass Verges [Page 220, Item 399] – Recommendation
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation.
(iv) FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE, 26TH NOVEMBER 2007
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Porter and CONFIRMED as a true
record.
Cllr Cordwell asked why the bar price increases were not referred to the
Community Centre Committee. It was NOTED that immediate action was required
following a communication from the Internal Audtior.
(b) For Noting
(i) DITTON TWINNING ASSOCIATION, 31st OCTOBER 2007
Circulated, READ and NOTED.
(ii) DITTON FAMILY DAY COMMITTEE, 7th NOVEMBER 2007
Circulated, READ and NOTED. Cllr Mulcuck said that further clarification
was needed on what clubs are to be involved in the Community Sports Day.
The Clerk advised that Mr Dennison of Ditton Minors will be contacting
the other clubs.
415. CORRESPONDENCE
For Noting
The following correspondence was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED.
CPRE: ‘Countryside Voice’, Autumn 2007
‘Kent Voice’, Autumn 2007
ROSPA: ‘Staying Alive’, November 2007
Tonbridge & Malling Crime Prevention Panel: Minutes of meeting held
17th September 2007
NALC: ‘Local Council Review’, Volume 58, No. 4 Nov. 2007
SLCC: ‘The Clerk’, November 2007
Press Publishing: ‘Local Councils Update’, Nov. 2007 – Issue 97
KAPC: ‘Parish News’, Issue 328 – 5th November 2007
Liberal Democrats: Press Release - Road Signage
Ton. & Malling Borough Cncl: Parish Partnership Panel
‘Here & Now, Winter 2007
Clerks and Councils: ‘Direct’, November 2007 – Issue 54
Marilyn Grantham: Letter of thanks
(b) For Decision
Kent Police Authority: Policing Kent 2008/09 Survey
RESOLVED MEMBERS TO GIVE THEIR RESPONSES TO THE OFFICE BY THE END OF THE
MONTH OR SUBMIT THEM THEMSELVES.
Leybourne Grange Riding Centre For the disabled: Request for support
RESOLVED TO WRITE TO THE PLANNING AUTHORITY COUNCILLORS AND LOCAL MP,
SUPPORTING THE RIDING CENTRE, ADVISING THEM THAT THIS COUNCIL IS VERY
CONCERNED THAT THIS VALUABLE FACILITY MAY BE LOST BECAUSE OF THE PROPOSED
DEVELOPMENT.
Ton. & Malling Borough Cncl: 2008 Y-2 Crewe Summer Scheme
RESOLVED TO SUPPORT THIS SCHEME WITH A DONATION FROM THE CHARITIES ACCOUNT.
CIPFA: Invitation to attend ‘An Introduction to Treasury Management in
Local Government, 24th January 2008
IT WAS NOTED NO MEMBERS ARE AVAILABLE TO ATTEND THIS SEMINAR.
Kent Fire & Rescue Service: Integrated Risk Management Plan 2008/09
RESOLVED CLLR MULCUCK WILL READ THE DOCUMENT. CLLRS ANGEL AND NUNN WILL
COMPLETE THEIR COMMENTS ON LINE.
416. FINANCE
Accounts Received
The following accounts received were READ and NOTED:-
Allotment Holders: Annual Rents 77.00
Ditton Infants School: Grounds Maintenance 112.31
Ditton Junior School: Grounds Maintenance 342.57
Ditton Minors FC: Water Charges 24.38
Multi Sports: Income 502.00
Short Mat Bowls: Photocopies 9.40
Sale of Glow Items: Firework Night 1218.22
Haslimann Taylor: Donation from Bryant Homes for Fireworks 3685.00
Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Salaries: Gross Pay: 20037.69 Net Pay: 14587.22
DPC Imprest A/C: Reimbursement 628.57
KCC: Superannuation Payment November 3267.73
Age Concern: Donation Under LGA 1972 Sec. 137 250.00
Pop In Club: Donation Under LGA 1972 Sec. 137 125.00
AquAid: Water for Cooler 38.94
Vat 6.82 45.76
Astra Security: Chain for Workshop 15.68
3 Kasp Keyed Alike Padlock 37.05
52.73
Vat 9.22 61.95
Ditton Community Centre: Hire of Hall - Valentines Dance 270.00
Ditton Infant School: Donation to Children’s Party 200.00
Ditton C of E Juniors: Donation to Children’s Party 200.00
Essex Pyrotechnics Ltd: Firework Display – 3rd Nov2007 2625.00
Vat 459.38 3084.38
Farmura Limited: Inline Strainer – Sprayer 13.50
Vat 2.36 15.86
G Haffenden Skip Hire: Allotments 100.00
Bonfire Night 110.00
Community Centre – Flooring 90.00
300.00
Vat 52.50 352.50
Kent County Council: Superwhite Powder 34.00
Stationery 47.50
81.50
Vat 14.26 95.76
MAB Groundscare: Stihl KM 100R – Strimmer and 570.71
Attachments Vat 99.87 670.58
Mid Kent Water: Bowls Club/Allotments 170.72
Kilnbarn Recreation Ground 50.93
New Road Recreation Ground 13.85 235.50
Parker Merchanting: Workforce Hi-Viz Jacket 10.50
Lawn Rakes 58.71
69.21
Vat 12.11 81.32
Parkfoot Garage Limited: Diesel for Parish Vehicle 85.11
Vat 14.89 100.00
Peeks Bournemouth Ltd: Christmas Decorations 289.27
Vat 50.62 339.89
Mr D Pullinger: KBRG Playground Key Holder - November 25.00
Sage [UK] Limited: Payslips 49.00
Vat 8.58 57.58
Sisis Equipment: Spares for Tru Spreader 96.54
Vat 16.89 113.43
David Stephens: Audio Services – Firework Night 593.00
Audio Services - Remembrance Day 179.50 772.50
Travis Perkins: Hire of Rotavator 32.49
Hire of Tower lights/Extension Leads 142.18
Hasp & Staple 2.01
Materials for Allotment Shelter 119.49
Materials for Allotment Shed & Posts 211.59
For Village Green 507.76
Vat 88.88 596.64
Viking Direct: Stationery & Ink Cartridges 71.07
Vat 12.44 83.51
Watling Tyre: Tube & Battery for Toro Mower 110.00
Vat 19.24 129.24
SSG Emprise Limited: November 2007 – Keyholder Fee 20.83
Vat 3.65 24.48
(c) Accounts Paid Between Meetings
There were no accounts paid between Meetings
[d] Ditton Parish Council Promotions Account
Todd Miller & Joe Loss Friday 21st December 2007 1900.00
Orchestra: Vat 332.50 2232.50
Todd Miller & Joe Loss Saturday 22nd December 2007 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 2007
Carried Forward 1st November 2007 1015.41
Add: PC Reimbursement 1484.59
2500.00
Deduct: November 2007 Expenses
Voucher Charge 3.25
Postage Stamps 154.00
Petty Cash 71.69
OSA Expenses 126.58
Bar Wages 16.87
Community Centre Expenses 99.68
Bank Refund – G Sedgwick 100.00
Flowers – M Grantham 25.00
Parish Council - Poppy Wreath 16.50
Toilet Freshners 35.94
Food for Helpers - Fireworks 15.00 664.51
Balance 1835.49
Sum to be drawn on 3rd December 2007 664.51*
2500.00
*Sum required to restore the balance to £2500.00. Inland Revenue
now paid by BACS
(e) Accounts for Payment – Community Centre
Cobra Insurance Brokers: Insurance Cover for CCTV 142.77
Connaught Gasforce Ltd: Thermo Coupling – Kilnbarn Club 23.00
& Parish Office Boiler Vat 4.03 27.03
Lloyds TSB Commercial Peter Dorrell – Sportsclean 43.50
Finance: Vat 7.61 51.11
Edwardes Bros [Dulwich]: GLS 40w Lamps 5.00
Vat 0.87 5.87
Initial Fire & Security: Carman Hall Alarm – Annual Charge 93.94
Vat 16.44 110.38
Kent County Council: Cleaning Materials & Vacuum Part 129.12
Vat 22.59 151.71
Mid Kent Water Ltd: Water Consumption to 23.10.07 599.89
Standing Charge to 31.03.08 18.90 618.79
Tonbridge & Malling BC: Premises Licence – Ditton Community Centre
180.00
United Flooring Limited: Lay Polyflor FX Carman Hall/Corridor 3121.10
Less Skip Hire -90.00
3031.10
Vat 530.44 3561.54
United Flooring Limited: Lay Polyfor FX to Side of Stage 305.04
Repairs to Oaken Hall Floor 190.00
495.04
Vat 86.63 581.67
Veolia Environmental: October Refuse Disposal 179.32
Vat 31.38 210.70
Yell Limited: Advert Yellow Pages – Maidstone 122.40
Vat 21.42 143.82
Deposit Refunds
Oaken Hall Don Carman Hall
15.11.07 100.00 17.11.07 50.00
23.11.07 100.00 24.11.07 50.00
24.11.07 50.00 01.12.07 50.00
24.11.07 60.00
25.11.07 50.00
29.11.07 50.00
01.12.07* 50.00
01.12.07* 70.00
02.12.07* 50.00 * Subject to inspection
(f) Accounts for Payment - Bar
Joe Lee: Till Rolls 51.00
R J Hunt: Cleaning Trap & Urinals - Kilnbarn 97.50
Club Gents Toilets Vat 17.06 114.56
Kent County Council: Cleaning Materials 31.00
Vat 5.43 36.43
Adrian Mecklenburgh: Post Mix Syrup & Wine 213.83
Vat 37.43 251.26
Silver Springs Mineral Water: Soft Drinks 18.75
Vat 3.28 22.03
SSG Emprise Limited: Key Holder Service – November 2007 30.00
Vat 5.25 35.25
Tonbridge & Malling BC: Premises Licence – Kilnbarn Club 180.00
(g) Direct Debits - Paid During October 2007
The following direct debit payments made during October, were READ, APPROVED
and NOTED:-
[i] DITTON PARISH COUNCIL GENERAL ACCOUNT
01.10.2007 WPA Health 491.80
03.10.2007 Mentor 350.13
03.10.2007 O2 27.82
03.10.2007 Sky Business 306.68
04.10.2007 BT Direct Debits 51.10
04.10.2007 BT Direct Debits 278.52
05.10.2007 Nildram 42.82
08.10.2007 Post Office Ltd 52.70
22.10.2007 Pace Petroleum 15.00
22.10.2007 EBS Direct Debits 43.25
22.10.2007 Euphony 11.53
22.10.2007 EDF Energy 68.57
22.10.2007 S & N UK Ltd 3453.60
22.10.2007 Tonbridge & Malling BC 1118.00
22.10.2007 AMLD – Gaming Machine Licence 156.00
23.10.2007 Siemens Financial Services 564.00
25.10.2007 BOC Manchester 235.00
29.10.2007 Nat. West Business Account 117.88
29.10.2007 Walkers Snacks Ltd 215.44
31.10.2007 Nat. West Account Charge (Bar) 55.00
31.10.2007 Nat. West Account Charge (CC) 55.00
(h) Cheque Signing at Meetings
It was NOTED that members find it difficult to concentrate when signing
cheques during meetings.
RESOLVED three members will sign the cheques at the end of each meeting.
If not enough signatories are available on the night, then Councillors
that are available during the day will sign them on the following day.
(i) Internal Audit Report – 2nd Visit of Annual Programme
The report was READ and it was NOTED that he concentrated on the various
aspects of purchasing and there were no matters arising that needed to
be brought to the Council’s attention.
417. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
Borough Councillor Stone gave a report on the following items:-
Parish Partnership - A presentation on Neighbourhood policing was given
by Kent Police. It was noted that crime is down by 6% across the Borough
and all Neighbourhood policing vacancies have now been filled.
Parking on Pavements – this is a policing matter and not a Borough Council
matter.
Medway Valley Partnership – gave a presentation at the Parish Partnership
meeting and highlighted the work it is undertaking with Ditton Court Quarry
and the quest to have it designated as a Local Nature Reserve.
KCC Footpath (Public Rights of Way) Grants Funding of up to £5,000
is available for works to public footpaths and bridleways.
Climate Control Consultation – Feedback deadline is 11th January 2008.
Planning Briefing - The Borough Council is planning to hold a briefing
for Councillors and this is expected to take place in January 2008.
Bus Pass - Kent County Council will be rolling out a new 5 year bus pass
for over 60’s next April which will allow them to travel free within the
County after 9.30am.
Polytunnels – A ruling on planning approval for polytunnels was considered
by the Borough Council and it was agreed that each one will be judged
on its own merits.
Neighbourhood Watch - There are now 6 schemes operating in Ditton
Ditton Parade Enhancements - A meeting is soon to take place with the
owner.
Re-Naming of Woodlands Parade - Cllr. Stone advised that he is supporting
the requests to re-name it Holtwood Parade. Residents will now be consulted.
418. REPORTS FROM COMMUNITY POLICE/WARDEN
This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting.
419. PLANNING MATTERS
Cllr. Stone 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.
(a) Plans Received for Comment
It was NOTED that no plans for comment have been received during the last
fourteen days.
(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No.
3
The following decisions were READ and NOTED:-
TM/07/00727/FL First floor rear extension & conservatory to side
23 Ditton Place
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS
TM/07/03473/FL Proposed two storey side extension to create garage and
first floor bathroom
67 Primrose Drive
REFUSED
(c) ‘B’ Lists
The following ‘B’ Lists were CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
07/45 - 12.11.2007; 07/46 - 19.11.2007
(d) Update on South East Plan – Inspectors Report
The Chairman advised that he had READ this report and NOTED that it is
recommended that the overall rate of house building for the South East
be increased from 28,900 to 32,000 per year.
(e) Kent Highway Services - Invitation to Presentation and Demonstration
of the new Assessment Model PIPKIN (Prioritising Investments Programmes
for Kent’s Integrated Network)
Cllr Mrs Beadle will attend this presentation.
(f) Agenda for Joint Transportation Board Meeting
It was NOTED that there were not matters relating to Ditton.
(g) Proposed Extinguishment of Public Footpath MR493 (part) Ditton and
Proposed Diversion of Public Footpath MR493 (Part) Ditton
Cllr. Mulcuck advised that this diversion is not now going ahead.
Cllr Mulcuck advised that he, along with other members of the Open Spaces
Committee, will inspect this footpath and if any work is needed he will
refer it back to the Committee for them to consider obtaining one of the
KCC PROW grants.
420. REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE, 11TH NOVEMBER 2007
A communication from Sqn Ldr E J Bates CEng MIEE Branch Chairman, Royal
Air Forces Association regarding the Remembrance Day Service was READ
and NOTED.
RESOLVED to pass a copy of this letter to the Rev. Ross Terranova and
Mr Mace and to call a sub-committee meeting where the content of the service
can be discussed.
421. DITTON COURT QUARRY
(a) Ragstone Court Boundary
NOTED, no further information was available for the meeting.
(b) Rear Access from Ragstone Court onto the Quarry Land
The Solicitor has advised that having examined the title deeds and plans,
there does not appear to be any legal right of way for the owners and
occupiers of the properties which abut Ditton Court Quarry to access the
quarry land. The solicitor advises that this Council should investigate
the current situation with regard to the access that is currently being
enjoyed without express permission and consider whether the Council should
be taking steps now to stop any claims of prescriptive rights of way being
claimed in the future.
It was NOTED that several options are available to the Council as to how
they may stop prescriptive rights from being acquired. Discussion took
place.
RESOLVED to ask the solicitor what costs would be incurred for a legal
letter to be sent to the residents and if it would be acceptable, in the
meantime, for the Council to write to the residents to advise that they
do not have a legal right of access into the quarry from their properties.
422. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING”
Cllr Baker suggested it would be beneficial for the item in the RoSPA
Staying Alive publication, about CO2 alarms to be relayed in the next
gazette.
423. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 9.00pm.
Chairman
7th January 2008
