Ditton Parish Council
March 2005 Minutes
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN
THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY 7TH MARCH 2005
[Click here for a downloadable version in Adobe PDF file format.]
PRESENT: CLLRS. J D DAY [Chairman],
M J PORTER [Vice-Chairman], MRS A BEADLE, J BEADLE, MRS J E DESAVE, J
E DESAVE, A R MULCUCK, MRS M MULCUCK, MRS A THROSSELL & MRS J F THWAITES.
MRS S J KAVANAGH [Clerk of the Council] and MRS N GREENAWAY [Administrative
Assistant]
581. OPENING OF MEETING
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.38pm and thanked Webmaster, Clive
Stanley, for attending to give a presentation on the newly refreshed and
updated Parish Council Website.
582. APOLOGIES
Apologies previously notified were RECEIVED and ACCEPTED from Cllrs. Baker,
Mrs J A Petts, P A Thorpe and Co. Cllr. G Rowe.
583. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllrs. Mrs A Beadle and J Beadle declared an interest in item 587(b) as
they are the authors of the letter relating to the broken fence on the
Church boundary.
584. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD
7TH FEBRUARY 2005
The minutes of the above meeting were CONFIRMED and SIGNED as a correct
record.
585. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising which have not been included on the agenda.
586. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD DURING FEBRUARY 2005
(a) Community Centre Committee, 14th February 2005
These minutes were presented by Cllr. DeSave and CONFIRMED as a true record.
(b) Planning Committee, 21st February 2005
These minutes were presented by Cllr. Mrs DeSave and CONFIRMED as a true
record.
Cllr. Day’s report on his recent attendance at the Parish and Town Council’s
Conference 2005, to discuss with Kent County Council the South East England
& Regional Assembly’s ‘A clear vision for the South East Plan’ was
CIRCULATED and READ and NOTED.
RESOLVED Mr Day’s report be placed on a future Agenda, together with the
consultation Document, once all Councillors have had an opportunity to
read through it.
(c) Open Spaces & Amenities Committee, 21st February 2005
These minutes were presented by Cllr. Mrs Thwaites and CONFIRMED as a
true record.
(i) REQUEST TO SLIP FORWARD SURPLUS FUNDS (Page 303, Item 568(b)) -
RESOLVED to RATIFY the above recommendation.
(ii) MAINTENANCE OF SCHOOL GROUNDS (Page 305, Item 571(c))
The Grounds Supervisor’s report of his meeting with the head teacher of
Ditton infants School to discuss the above subject was READ by the Chairman.
It was NOTED that the Grounds Supervisor estimates it will take 3 hours
per week to maintain the whole field and Infant School grounds during
the growing season and 2 hours to maintain just the Infant school grounds.
Discussion took place.
RESOLVED that the charges for the above works would be as follows:-
£1,100.00 for maintenance of the whole field
£720.00 for maintenance of the Infant School grounds only
(d) Finance & Administration Committee, 28th February 2005
These minutes were presented by Cllr. Day and CONFIRMED as a true record.
(i) DONATIONS (Page 308, Item 577((e) - Recommendation
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation
(ii) RISK ASSESSMENTS (Page 309, Item 579) - Recommendation
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation
Cllr. Mulcuck requested that local clubs/organisations be asked if they
wish to publicise their organisation on the website.
RESOLVED that a fee will be applied each time organisations wish to update
their information.
587. CORRESPONDENCE
(a) For Noting
The following correspondence was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
Tonbridge & Malling B C: “Here & Now” Feb/March 2005. No. 1
2005 Guide to Health Walking in Tonbridge & Malling
Annual Report 2004
Food Alert – Contamination of Food with Illegal Colour
KAPC: Parish News No. 306 + Enclosures
Planning Information Day, 19th March 2006
NALC: ‘Local Council Review’ – Volume 56, No. 6 March 2005
KRCC: Rural News No, 64 January 2005 + Encls.
Kent Police: Maidstone & Malling Monthly Newsletter, Jan 2005
Local Councils: ‘Update’ February 2005 Issue 64
HDRA: ‘Welly Week’ – 27th March – 1st April 2005
Kent County Council: Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Important
Changes to the Scheme Rules from 1st April 2005
DEFRA: Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Bill
Mr P Clark: Priory Park, Aylesford – Copy of communication to Mr Martin
Kent Air Ambulance Trust: Letter of Thanks
Mrs W Preskett: Copy of letter to Southern Water re Main Drain Leakage
(b) For Decision
CPRE: South East Plan Meeting, 30th March 2005
Members were asked to advise the Clerk if they wished to attend this event
at the Corn Exchange, Maidstone.
RESOLVED to request a copy of the minutes of the meeting.
Age Concern: Invitation to AGM 16th March 2005
Cllr. Day agreed to attend this meeting.
Executive Officer to the Kent Lieutenancy: Civic Service at Canterbury
Cathedral 29th April 2005
Cllr. Day agreed to attend.
Mr J Beadle: Broken Fence on Church Boundary
Cllr. Beadle advised that, since writing this letter, the fence has been
satisfactorily repaired.
ODPM: Citizen Engagement and Public Services: Why Neighbourhoods Matter
and Vibrant Local Leadership – Cllr. Beadle agreed to read this document
and prepare a report for a future meeting.
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust: Orthopaedic Consultation
Mrs Day’s comments, previously circulated, were READ and NOTED.
RESOLVED that Mrs Day’s comments be adopted and forwarded as this Council’s
response to the consultation.
Offer to visit Parish Council to discuss the above proposals
READ and NOTED.
The Standards Board for England: A Code for the Future. The
above consultation document was READ and it was NOTED that as there are
so many consultation documents circulating at the present, no Member was
able to undertake to read and report on this document.
The Kent Men of Trees: Visit to Highgrove, 9th May 2005
Any Member wishing to attend was asked to advise the Clerk.
588. FINANCE
(a) Accounts Received
The following accounts received were READ and NOTED:-
Ditton Bowls Club: Water Consumption Reimbursement 182.38
Multi Sports: February Income 260.00
Place 2 Place: Advertisement In Ditton Gazette 15.00
Ditton Guides: Guide HQ Rent 19.03
Valentine Dance: Raffle Prize Reimbursement 114.00
(b)Accounts For Payment
RESOLVED the following Accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Salaries: GROSS 12290.59 NETT 9318.37
DPC Imprest Account: Reimbursement February Exps 4519.59
AquAid: Sanitization & Water 38.96
Vat 6.82 45.78
Astra Security Ltd: New Lock for Multi Sport 80.90
Vat 14.15 95.05
Audit Commission: Audit Fees 2002/03 & 2003/04 13299.80
Vat 2327.47 15627.27
B & S Chains: Play Equipment Parts 64.19
Vat 11.24 75.43
P J Callander: Mowing Ditton Quarry 80.00
Clive Stanley Associates: Website Design Services 220.00
Kent Co. Council: Internal Audit Fee for 25.1.05 250.00
Vat 43.75 293.75
Kent Co. Council: Fan Heater, Flash, Stationery, Tennis Nets & Posts,
Litter Picker
571.11
Vat 99.95
671.06
Minus credit – Goods returned 19.95
651.11
Minus vat on Returned Items 3.49 647.62
Kent Men of Trees: Annual Subscription 25.00
Nat. Playing Fields Annual Subscription 25.00
Assoc:
Nico Office Ltd: Konica Magicolour Printer 510.00
89.25 599.25
Nildram Ltd: ADSL Multiple IP 37.00
8/2/05 – 7/3/05 Vat 6.48 43.48
Parkfoot Garage Ltd: January Fuel 74.97
Vat 13.12 88.09
Playground Svs Ltd: 2 x swing seats 160.00
Carriage 16.00
176.00
Vat 30.80 206.80
Plus Publishing Svs: Local Councils’ Update
Subscription 60.00
RBS: Omega Software Maintenance 250.00
Vat 43.75 293.75
ROSPA: Membership 65.00
Vat 11.38 76.38
St Peters P.C.C: Donation towards upkeep of
Churchyard 200.00
Donation towards Floodlights 200.00 400.00
Southern Water: Toilet Block NRRG 16.59
Travis Perkins: Design Lever Lock (Centre) 7.32
Infill for Potholes - Track KBRG 55.42
62.74
Vat 10.98 73.72
United Balloon & Balloons for Valentine Dance 23.00
Gas Company Ltd: Vat 4.03 27.03
Donations to be Paid from Charities Account
RESOLVED the following donations be made under Section 142 of the Local
Government Act 1972:-
Victim Support 100.00
Malling Citizen’s Advice Bureau 100.00
RESOLVED the following donations be made under Section 137 of the Local
Government Act 1972:-
Malling Area Volunteer Bureau 200.00
The Heritage Centre 100.00
The Kenward Trust 100.00
PARISH COUNCIL IMPREST ACCOUNT - Expenditure during February 2005
INCOME February 2005
Balance carried forward 1st
February 2005
709.56
Add: PC reimbursement
5290.44
6000.00
EXPENDITURE February 2005
Voucher Charge
3.25
Inland Revenue
3973.66
Insurance Premium
26.25
Postage Stamps
28.00
Reimbursement for Raffle Prizes
84.56
Refund of C.C. Hire Fee (Mr Warner)
170.00
Information Day Fee (Clerk)
47.00
Seminar Fees (Cipfa/Sorp Update)
52.87
Purchase of 8 Gopak Tables from Guides
40.00
Action with Communities In Rural Kent - Subs
45.00
Postage Stamps
49.00
4519.59
Balance
1480.41
*Sum required to restore balance to £6000.00
4519.59
6000.00
*Sum required to restore balance to £6000
(c) Direct Debits - Paid During January 2005
The following Direct Debits were READ, APPROVED and NOTED:-
[i] DITTON PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNT
04.01.05 O2 – Mobile Phone 19.90
05.01.05 WPA Health 351.99
07.01.05 RBS Mentor 284.35
12.01.05 Public Works Loan Board 3170.26
18.01.05 CF Asset Finance - Computers 846.98
25.01.05 Nat West Bank Line 40.00
27.01.05 Euphony 8.61
28.01.05 Siemans Financial Services - Copier 564.00
28.01.05 Nat West Business Card 303.92
[ii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE BAR ACCOUNT
04.01.05 Sky Business 227.95
11.01.05 Post Office Ltd 58.52
20.01.05 Scottish Courage – Stock 13265.63
21.01.05 The Beer Seller 1137.68
24.01.05 HMC&E- Gaming Machine 124.00
25.01.05 BOC Manchester – Beer Gas 199.75
31.01.05 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
[iii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ACCOUNT
20.01.05 Ton & Malling BC – Business Rate 1541.00
31.01.05 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
589. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
A written report from County Councillor Geoff Rowe was READ by the Chairman
as follows:-
The next Parish Partnership Panel will meet at Kings Hill on 20th March
2005, commencing at 7.30pm. The main item will be a presentation on The
Rights of Way Improvement Plan and improvements to the local path network.
Consultation document on Trauma and Orthopaedic Services at Maidstone
Hospital.
Meeting of the T & M Youth advisory Board – Tuesday 8th March 2005,
Teen and Twenty Club, Tonbridge, commencing at 6pm. Attendance by Parish
Councillors would be welcomed.
Next meeting of the Kent T & M Local Board will be held in the Brassey
Centre, Aylesford on Wednesday 9th March 2005 commencing at 7.00pm. Attendance
by Parish Councillors would be welcomed.
Next meeting of the Public Transport Panel is scheduled for Tuesday 22nd
March 2005. Any concerns regarding transport matters should be passed
on the Co. Cllr. Rowe.
Planning Application TM/04/04376/RD (Priory Park, Ditton Court Quarry)
- Co. Cllr.Rowe has received a petition from residents. If Members have
any additional thoughts in respect of this application, would they please
let Borough Councillors Mike Porter or Paul Diment know.
590. REPORT FROM PARISH CONSTABLE/COMMUNITY POLICE
There was no Police representative present.
591. PLANNING MATTERS
(a) Plans Received for Comment
TM/05/00454/FL Conservatory 74 Station Road
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/05/00566/FL Single Storey side/rear and First floor side extension
18 Orchard Grove
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No.
3
NOTED no decisions were notified during the past fourteen days.
(c) ‘B’ Lists
The following ‘B’ Lists were CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
05/06 - 14.2.2005; 05/07 - 21.02.2005
(d) Agenda, Minutes, Notes Area 3 Sub-Committee
READ and NOTED.
(e) Kent & Medway Structure Plan Examination in Public: Panel Report
READ and NOTED
(f) Notice of Local Inquiry - TM/03/03415/FL – Erection of 370 Dwellings
including 30% Affordable Housing, with Associated Parking, Landscaping
& Highways, following the Demolition of the Existing Buildings
Notice of the above Local Inquiry was READ and NOTED:-
592. THE LICENSING ACT 2003
(a) Report from Clerk
The Clerk’s report on her attendance at a local workshop (organised by
T&MBC), on The Licensing Act 2003, which had been previously circulated
to all Members, was READ and NOTED:-
(b) Childrens’ Certificate for Kilnbarn Club – Proposed Change to Permit
Children up to 9.00pm
RESOLVED to apply for the above one hour extension to the Kilnbarn Club
Childrens’ Certificate.
Discussion took place and it was suggested that the Community Centre Committee
take the opportunity to look at any other amendments it may wish to make,
so that they can all be applied for at the same time.
(c) Legal Assistance
RESOLVED to engage the services of the Council’s Licensing Solicitor,
to assist with the applications for a premises licence, personal licenses
for the three Licensees and any agreed Licence amendments.
593. TWINNING MATTERS
(a) Proposed visit by French Guests, 19 & 20th March 2005
Details, which had been previously circulated, of the above visit and
opportunities for Members to take part in the events planned for the 19th
& 20th March were READ and NOTED.
(b) Agenda for Meeting to be held 10th March 2005 - Copy herewith
The Agenda for the next meeting to be held on 10th March 2005 which had
been previously circulated, was READ and NOTED.
(c) Chairman’s Visit on 9th March 2005
RESOLVED the Chairman’s travelling expenses for the above official visit
will be met from the Twinning Budget.
594. PARISH VEHICLE
The Chairman’s report on the condition of the steering and poor performance
of the parish vehicle, was READ and his concerns NOTED.
Details of expenditure on repairs to the vehicle over the past five years
were also READ and it was NOTED that repairs to the steering were carried
out only in January this year.
RESOLVED that the continuing steering faults be taken up with the garage
where the repairs were carried out.
RESOLVED that all future repairs to the Toyota be reported to the Finance
and Administration Committee.
The Clerk was asked to obtain details of suitable replacement vehicles
and leasing schemes.
595. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING”
The Clerk confirmed that she has passed a copy of the letter from Kent
Air Ambulance Trust to the Kilnbarn Residents Club, thanking them for
their fantastic fundraising efforts.
There were no other matters arising from correspondence for noting.
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Chairman moved that in view of the confidential nature of the following
items on the agenda, the press and public are excluded from the remainder
of the meeting in accordance with Standing Orders 27.& 50.
596. PERSONNEL MATTER
Members were advised that, due to other commitments, Ian Tucker can no
longer continue to work as a Senior member of bar staff. It was NOTED
that a replacement will have to be appointed as soon as possible.
597. LAND AT BELL LANE
NOTED the Council’s Solicitor has been chasing the prospective purchasers
for an update. It appears that the purchasers Solicitors have now received
replies to enquiries from the second vendor and once there has been further
discussion between agents, they should be in a position to amend the draft
Contract for approval.
598. CONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM BOOK
NOTED there were no entries in the confidential memorandum book during
February 2005
599. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 9.15pm.
Chairman
4th April 2005