Ditton Parish Council
Meeting Minutes, November 2005
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL,
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY, 7th NOVEMBER 2005
[Click here for a downloadable version in Adobe PDF file format.]
PRESENT: CLLRS. J D DAY [Chairman], R G W BAKER, J E DESAVE, A R MULCUCK,
MRS M MULCUCK,
P A THORPE, MRS A THROSSELL
& MRS J F THWAITES
CO. CLLR G ROWE, PC RODDICK AND SGT. HUTTON
MRS S J KAVANAGH [Clerk of the Council], MRS N GREENAWAY [Admin. Assistant].
The Chairman welcomed Anna Bryant
and Carla Mackenzie who had been invited to give a presentation on the
work of the Malling Detached Project and discuss youth provision in Ditton.
Anna explained that the Malling Detached Project is a team of dedicated
and trained youth workers that work alongside young people in the Tonbridge
& Malling area to provide various activities, allowing them to take
responsibility in shaping the programme. They encourage the youth to get
involved in local issues of importance and support them in having a voice
and advocating on their behalf if necessary.
Youth workers have identified Ditton as an area to work in and, having
carried out a series of visits, have identified a number of young people
hanging out in the area.
They have identified an area in Ditton that would make an ideal location
to develop youth provision and would like to bring their motorhome to
Ditton on a Wednesday evening.
They propose to talk to the youth and community, through public consultation,
to ensure that what they want can be delivered to them and publicise the
project throughout the parish.
Discussion took place and Members advised that they would not be against
the project, but were wary after the failure of previous youth projects.
They advised they would be prepared to make a room available in the Community
Centre for a public consultation exercise once the youth workers had completed
their initial assessments.
The Chairman thanked Anna and Carla for the opportunity to hear more about
the project.
*********************************************
350. OPENING OF MEETING
The Chairman opened the meeting at 8.00pm and asked the Members to take
item 359 at this point to enable the police officers to return to their
duties.
PC Roddick informed the Council of the latest crime figures, which have
increased over the past month. He also advised that 4 Quad Bikes have
been stolen from a local garage and asked that anyone seeing Quad bikes
being ridden, to inform the Police immediately to enable them to check
whether they are the stolen bikes.
P.C. Roddick asked that all incidents of crime be reported to the main
police station so that it is recorded. This will assist him in getting
more patrols in Ditton.
Discussion took place between Members and PC Roddick and Sgt. Hutton regarding
the increasing anti-social behaviour of some of the youths in Ditton.
PC Roddick outlined the measures being taken to deal with this issue.
*************************************
ADJOURNMENT
Mr Smith of Gorse Crescent advised Members that he was attending to listen
to the explanation from Kent County Council for the introduction of a
bus lane on the A20 at Preston Hall and the huge cost of the work.
The Chairman advised him of the content of the letter from the County
Council and invited him to put his concerns in a letter to the County
Council. Co. Cllr. Rowe offered to receive his letter and ensure it is
passed to the officer concerned.
**************************************
351. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence, previously NOTIFIED, were received and ACCEPTED
from Cllrs. Mrs A Beadle, J Beadle, Mrs J E DeSave and Mrs J A Thorpe.
352. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllrs. Day, Mulcuck, Mrs Mulcuck and Mrs Thwaites declared a prejudicial
interest in item 356(b) as they are Members of the Bowls Club.
Cllrs. Mrs Mulcuck and Mrs Throssell declared an interest in item 355(f)
as they are Trustees of the Trust.
All Members declared an interest in item 360(a) - TM/05/03178/TNCA as
it is the Council’s own application.
353. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD 3rd OCTOBER 2005
The minutes of the meeting held on 4th October 2005, as circulated, were
CONFIRMED and SIGNED, subject to one amendment, as follows:-
Page 256, Item 295(b) amended to read ‘……….next Ditton Gazette requesting
volunteers’.
354. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising not included elsewhere on the Agenda.
355. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD DURING OCTOBER 2005
(a) Community Centre Committee, 10th October 2005 - Circulated
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. DeSave and CONFIRMED as a correct
record.
(b) Planning, Highways & Transportation Committee, 17th October 2004
- Circulated
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Mulcuck and CONFIRMED as a correct
record.
(c) Open Spaces & Amenities Committee, 17th October 2005 - Circulated
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Baker and CONFIRMED as a correct
record.
(d) Personnel Committee, 24th October 2005 - Circulated
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Baker and CONFIRMED as a correct
record.
(i) REQUEST FOR SALARY REVIEW [Page 283, Item 347(c) - RECOMMENDATION
The Clerk advised Members of the information she had obtained regarding
evaluating staff . In view of the possible costs involved, the information
available and the advice given, it was RESOLVED to defer a decision regarding
engaging the services of an independent person to undertake this task,
until the Personnel Committee has had the opportunity to assess the information
obtained.
(ii) RECRUITMENT PROCEDURE FOR CASUAL BAR STAFF [Page 283, Item 347(d)
-
RECOMMENDATION
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation regarding the evaluation of the
current system of bar provision.
(e) Twinning Association, 22nd September 2005 - Circulated
The above minutes were READ and NOTED.
(f) The Mary Ann Tassell Charity, 12th October 2005 - Circulated
The above minutes were READ and the content NOTED. It was understood that
when the committee have concluded their investigations with the Charities
Commission regarding the future of the charity, they will be seeking a
meeting with Members of this Council.
356. CORRESPONDENCE
For Noting
The following correspondence was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
KAPC: ‘Parish News’, Issue 312 – 24th October 2005
Minutes of Meeting held 15th September 2005
Annual Report 2004/2005
Notice of 58th AGM & Supporting Papers
Tonbridge & Malling B.C: 2005 Scrutiny Review – Youth & Play Development
TM Youth Forum – Wednesday 30th November 2005
Minutes of Council, Cabinet
& Committee meetings
‘Here & Now’, Issue 5 Oct/Nov 2005
Local Government Finances
Grants to Voluntary & Community Groups
Parish Partnership Panel – Minutes of meeting held 1/9/05
NALC: ‘Local Council Review’ Vol. 57, No 4. November 2005
The Standards Board for England: ‘Town & Parish Standard: 04 &
05, November 2005
ROSPA: ‘Staying Alive’, Autumn 2005
Notice of AGM 21st October 2005
Mentor Services: ‘Legal Update’, Issue 13 October 2005
Kent County Council: Public Rights of Way Vegetation Clearance
Action with communities in Rural Kent: Annual Meeting & Annual Report
+ enclosures
‘Oast to Coast’, Autumn 2005
CPRE: ‘Countryside Voice’, Autumn 2005
Ditton Twinning Association: Letter of Thanks
Local Councils: ‘Direct’, Issue 72 October 2005
Kent Parishes: Kent Parish Councils ‘News’ Edition 1 September 2005
Southern Water: New Recycling Centre Plans
Kenward Trust: ‘New Life’, Issue 3 2005
Gullands: ‘News’ , Summer 2005
Kent Police: ‘Newsletter for Parish Councils, October 2005
(b) For Decision
Leybourne Grange Riding Centre for the Disabled Invitation to 13th
Anniversary of Annual Christmas Nativity & Blessing
CLLRS MRS THROSSELL AND MRS THWAITES WILL ATTEND IF POSSIBLE.
Ditton Bowls Club: Use of Ditton Bowls Club – response to the Clerk’s
communication of 5th October 2005
Cllrs. Day, Mulcuck, Mrs Mulcuck, Mrs Thwaites, who had previously declared
a prejudicial interest in this item, left the meeting.
Two communications from Ditton Bowls Club responding to advice given by
the Council regarding a potential breach of their Lease ,were READ and
NOTED.
It was FURTHER NOTED that the new Chairman of the Club visited the Clerk
recently to explain the reasons for their actions and expressed the hope
that the good relationship between the Council and Bowls Club will continue.
Discussion took place.
RESOLVED to continue to obtain legal advice regarding the suspected breach
of the Lease.
Kent Police Authority: Restructuring of Police Forces in England and Wales
Information from Kent Police Authority regarding the Government proposals
for a national restructuring of police forces in England and Wales was
READ and the Chief Constable’s statement NOTED.
RESOLVED to endorse the Chief Constable’s statement and support him in
his endeavour to remain as a stand-alone county force when the national
policing structure is reviewed.
357. FINANCE
Accounts Received
The following accounts RECEIVED were READ and NOTED:-
Ditton Veterans FC: Food Prep 10.00
Ditton Veterans FC: Pitch Fees 2005/06 125.00
Ditton United FC: Pitch Fees 2005/06 250.00
Ditton Infants School: Maintenance August & September 176.91
David Workman: Gazette Advertisement: 28.00
Pasquales Hairdressers: Gazette Advertisement: 28.00
SR Interiors: Gazette Advertisement: 60.00
Ditton Guides & Brownies: Energy Charges – Guide HQ 27.54
HM Customs & Excise: VAT Refund 97.75
Multi Sports Income: Multi Sports Users 269.00
Ditton Petanque Club: Food and Hall Hire 36.00
Photocopy Users: Photocopies 10.00
(b) Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Salaries: Gross: 13376.02 Net: 10051.43
Kent County Council: Superannuation – October 2005 2318.00
DPC Imprest Account: Reimbursement 5170.36 *
AquAid (Kent): Sanitization 15.00
Vat 2.62 17.62
Astra Security: Top Track Lock 15.31
Vat 2.68 17.99
D.K. Skips: Allotment Skip 70.00
Vat 12.25 82.25
Ditton Community Centre: Christmas Dances 504.00
EDF Energy: Un Metered Energy PL’S 41.81
(Not Adopted) Vat 2.09 43.90
Essex Pyrotechnics Ltd: Firework Display – 5th November 2005 2600.00
Vat 455.00 3055.00
G.B. Sport & Leisure: Spares for Swings 41.00
Vat 7.18 48.18
Kent County Council: Stationery, Pitch Marker & 2197.44
6 months Rental on PC Vehicle Vat 384.56 2582.00
Land Technics Limited: Locktite Stick 5.04
Vat 0.88 5.92
Lawrence Insurance: Motor Vehicle Renewal 670.95
Mowers & Tractor Insurance 777.03 1447.98
Mower Plant Services: Honda Spares 70.10
Vat 12.26 82.36
Parkfoot Garages Limited: Vehicle Fuel 69.50
Vat 12.16 81.66
Rigby Taylor Limited: Surrey Loam 237.60
Vat 37.80 275.40
Sage (UK) Limited: Laser Payslips & Laser Invoices 94.60
Vat 16.56 111.16
Seeboard Energy: Changing Rooms – NRRG 13.22
Cedar Room , Multi Sports & 196.83
Mess Room 210.05
Vat 10.50 220.55
John Shaw: Spring & Belt for Toro Mower 27.03
Vat 4.73 31.76
Three Towns Office Equip: Laser Labels & Raffle Tickets 71.46
Vat 12.50 83.96
Travis Perkins: Ballast Bulk – Junior School 49.09
Vat 8.59 57.68
Payments to be Approved Under Section 137 of the Local Government Act
1972
RESOLVED the following payments be made under Section 137 of the Local
Government Act 1972.
Ditton Junior School: Donation towards Christmas Party 200.00
Ditton Infants School: Donation towards Christmas Party 200.00
IMPREST ACCOUNT
Carried Forward 1ST October 2005 1715.79
Add: PC reimbursement 4284.21
Band Fee – Halloween Dance 700.00
Raffle Prize Reimbursement 19.00
6719.00
Deduct: October Expenses
Voucher Charge 3.25
Inland Revenue 4349.60
Postage Stamps 102.00
Community Centre Expenses 430.50
Delivery Gazette 97.32
Sign Writing – Parish Vehicle 117.50
Costco Membership 37.60
Petty Cash 51.59
Cash – Acts for Halloween Dance 700.00 5889.36
829.64
Sum to be drawn on 7th November 2005 5170.36
BALANCE 6000.00
*Sum required to restore balance to £6000
(c) Cheque Drawn between Meetings
There were no cheques drawn between meetings.
(d) Direct Debits - Paid During September 2005
The following direct debits paid during September 2005, were READ, APPROVED
and ACCEPTED:-
(i) DITTON PARISH COUNCIL GENERAL ACCOUNT
01.09.2005 O2 27.32
06.09.2005 WPA 380.15
07.09.2005 Mentor RBIS Ltd 284.35
22.09.2005 EBS Direct Debits 54.75
27.09.2005 Euphony 27.48
28.09.2005 Business Card 686.05
(ii) COMMUNITY CENTRE BAR ACCOUT
01.09.2005 Sky Business 246.75
20.09.2005 Scottish Courage- stock 6506.35
21.09.2005 The Beer Seller – Stock 460.83
22.09.2005 HMC&E – Gaming Machine 121.75
26.09.2005 BOC Manchester – Beer Gas 229.13
28.09.2005 Walkers Snacks 197.93
30.09.2005 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
(iii) COMMUNITY CENTRE ACCOUNT
20.09.2005 T & M BC - Business Rate 1408.00
30.09.2005 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
(e) Seasonal Donations
RESOLVED the following seasonal donations be approved under Section 137
of the Local Government Act 1972:
Pop-In-Club £125.00
Age Concern £250.00
The cheques will be drawn at the next meeting of the Parish Council in
December.
(f) Internal Audit Report
The Internal Auditor’s report of his first visit in 2005/2006 was READ
and it was NOTED that he concentrated on testing the various elements
of the Council’s expenditure and found no matters arising that would need
to be reported to the Council.
(g) Audit
(i) REVISED ACCOUNTS
NOTED that the revised Accounts which have been audited, were subject
to a few minor changes none of which were material. It was also NOTED
that there is one outstanding issue relating to FRS 17 (Pensions liability),
which has come to light recently and affects all councils who subscribe
to the KCC Pension fund. There is a question over whether the Actuary,
Hymans Robertson, have used the correct discount rate. The Audit Commission
is seeking clarification and there is nothing this Council is required
to do.
(ii) STATEMENT OF AUDIT STANDARDS (SAS) 610
The above communication which had been previously circulated, was READ
and it was NOTED.
(h) Hallowe’en Dance – Balance Sheet
The balance sheet for the Hallowe’en Dance which had been previously circulated,
was READ and the profit from ticket sales was NOTED as £878.71 and
the profit from the sale of raffle tickets NOTED as £155.00.
Members advised that they had received comments about the cost of tickets
for this years Hallowe’en Dance and why they had to pay the same price
for a 4 piece band as they do for a big band.
Discussion took place and Members were advised that because of the low
ticket sales any reduction in tickets would have a very adverse effect
on profit and could result in an overall loss.
Details of a 16 piece Big Band were given by the Clerk and an invitation
to hear them play at Gillingham, was NOTED.
RESOLVED to hold a Halloween Dance in 2006, but not with the same band
as this year.
358. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
County Cllr. Geoff Rowe gave a report on the following matters:-
Public Transport Panel next meeting on Tuesday 8th November 2005 at the
offices of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, commencing at 7.30pm.
Parish Partnership Panel – next meeting Thursday 10th November 2005 at
the offices of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council
KCC Local Members Board - will meet on Tuesday 6th December 2005 at Samays
Youth Centre in Snodland at 7.30pm. This will be preceded by T & M
Youth Advisory Board at 5.30pm.
Member Grant - a grant towards a hearing loop for Ditton Community Centre
has been approved.
Medway Croquet Club - who use Cobdown Sports and Social Club have submitted
a second grant application for £4800 towards levelling of the Croquet
Pitch.
Highway Issues - Following several complaints from Parish Councils and
individuals regarding the service being provided, Kent Highway’s has agreed
to investigate all inaction and invites Clerk’s to resubmit all outstanding
concerns/inactions to a dedicated officer.
Police Restructuring - Proposals to reduce 9BCU’s to 6 are progressing
and are due for implementation by April 2006. It is proposed that West
Kent BCU will take over the operation of policing in Ditton. At present
Ditton and the Malling service is operated from the Maidstone & Malling
BCU. New Chief Superintendents are to be appointed by January 2006 and
then roles and responsibilities evolved shortly afterwards. The neighbourhood
model of policing should not be affected.
Youth Work - It must be fully delivered for the long term. Would be eligible
for Members Grant.
Crime Statistics - Importance of reporting all crime. The increase in
violent crime is largely due to the increase of 62% in domestic violence.
359. REPORT FROM PARISH CONSTABLE/COMMUNITY POLICE
Dealt with earlier in the meeting.
360. PLANNING MATTERS
(a) Plans Received for Comment
TM/05/03111/LB Change of use of existing third bedroom
On first floor to bathroom and toilet 578 London Road
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/05/03102/FL Conversion of garage to enlarged bathroom , new utility
room & dining room 1 Cobdown Close
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION, SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE WITH PARKING STANDARDS FOR
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
TM/05/03178/TNCA Reduce crown of two limes by one third and trim branches
of Cedar tree
Land Fronting St Peter’s Church
AS THIS IS THE COUNCILS OWN APPLICATION IT CANNOT COMMENT
TM/05/03210/FL Conservatory 12 Streamside
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No.
3
NOTED no decisions have been notified during the past fourteen days.
(c) ‘B’ Lists
The following ‘B’ Lists were CIRCULATED and NOTED:-
05/40 - 10.10.2005; 05/41 - 17.10.2005; 05/42 - 24.10.2005
(d) Agenda, Minutes, Notes etc. of Area 3 Sub-Committee
The above document was READ and NOTED:-
(e) Kent Highway Services – Agenda for Parish Council Seminar 17.11.2005
An invitation and Agenda for the above meeting was READ and NOTED. Cllr.
Day will try to attend.
(f) South East Plan
A copy of a communication to Maidstone Borough Council from East Malling
& Larkfield Parish Council was READ. Members NOTED their concern that
Maidstone Borough Council is seeking to have a larger allocation of houses
to its Borough by transferring a 1,000 homes proposal for the Tunbridge
Wells area to theirs.
Discussion took place.
RESOLVED to endorse the views of East Malling and Larkfield Parish Council.
(g) Future Planning Policies and Proposals: The Preferred Options Consultation
The above Document which had been previously circulated, together with
Cllr. Day’s comments, were READ and NOTED.
RESOLVED all comments be forwarded to the Clerk by 11th November 2005
to ensure they are collated and received by the Borough Council no later
than 18th November 2005.
(h) Bus Lanes
An explanation from Kent Highways regarding the installation of the London
Road, Aylesford Bus Lane, was READ and NOTED.
(i) 20 mph Speed Restriction
It was NOTED that the Clerk has received information from West Malling
Parish Council, as requested, but is waiting for Aylesford Parish Council
to respond. The information received so far from West Malling is that
it is not a speed restriction and it not Police enforceable. It is a 20mph
Speed Zone and must be self-enforcing, which means that physical means
of enforcement have to be introduced such as speed humps, speed cushions
or chicanes.
RESOLVED to await further information before considering this further.
Members were advised that it may be possible to seek the installation
of traffic calming in the vicinity of the proposed development at New
Road Business Site, especially because of its close proximity to the Junior
School. It was felt that this could be included as a planning condition
imposed on the developer.
RESOLVED to express this Council’s concerns regarding safety at the proposed
entrance to this site and request that any permission be subject to the
developer installing traffic calming and a 20mph speed limit in Kilnbarn
Road and New Road.
(j) Minutes of the Joint Transportation Board Meeting 12th September 2005
The above document was READ and NOTED.
361. DITTON REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES
Cllr. Mulcuck advised that there had been a rehearsal on Sunday 6th November
2005 which enabled them to address any unforeseen problems. Members were
reminded of the Service to be held at the War Memorial on 11th November
2005 at 11.00am.
362. BONFIRE & FIREWORKS
(a) Report of Event
Cllr. Mulcuck reported on a very successful event which he felt was the
best ever. Lots of helpers turned up on Saturday and Sunday morning.
The bucket collection raised £1229.20 which will be split between
Ditton charities and the Heritage Centre.
It was requested that next year the floodlights should remain on until
the guys have been placed on the bonfire, as this year they had to try
to do this in complete darkness. It was also suggested that the bonfire
be lit at four points to ensure it lights quickly.
Cllr. Mulcuck extended thanks to all who helped with the event.
(b) Arrangements for 2006
RESOLVED that the event be booked again for 2006.
Discussion took place regarding a suggestion to charge for car parking
next year because so many of those present this year were from outside
the village, however, Members felt that this would encourage parking in
nearby roads and verges and therefore they would not be in favour of this.
363. Local Government Pension Scheme – revocation of changes made to the
regulations in April 2005
NOTED that the changes made to the LGPS Regulations in April 2005 have
been revoked and the Council’s policy amended accordingly.
364. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING”
There were no matters arising.
365. LAND AT BELL LANE
(a) Signing and Sealing of Land Transfer Document
RESOLVED that the Parish Seal be affixed to the Land Transfer document
in respect of the former allotment land at Bell Lane.
RESOLVED that the Parish Seal be affixed to the Deed of Release document
in respect of the conditional agreement between Ditton Parish Council
and Wrenbridge regarding the former allotment land at Bell Lane
Members were advised that the sale of the land should be concluded in
the very near future.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
In view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted,
the Chairman moved that the press and public be excluded from this part
of the meeting in accordance with Standing Orders 27 & 50.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
366. CONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM BOOK
(a) Request for Salary Review: CM 330
The above Confidential Memorandum was READ and, subject to one amendment,
CONFIRMED as a correct record.
(b) Spinal Point Increases 2005/2006: CM331
The above Confidential Memorandum was READ and CONFIRMED as a correct
record.
367. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 10.02pm.
Chairman
5th December 2005