Ditton Parish Council
Meeting Minutes, October 2005
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL,
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY, 3rd OCTOBER 2005
[Click here for a downloadable version in Adobe PDF file format.]
PRESENT: CLLRS. J D DAY [Chairman], M J PORTER [Vice-Chairman], R G W
BAKER, MRS A BEADLE, J BEADLE, A R MULCUCK, MRS M MULCUCK & MRS J
F THWAITES
MRS S J KAVANAGH [Clerk of the Council] & MRS N GREENAWAY [Admin,
Asst].
289. OPENING OF MEETING
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm.
As P C Roddick was present, the Chairman requested that the meeting be
suspended at this time to enable him to give a report and return to his
duties without unnecessary delay.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
P C Roddick introduced himself as the replacement officer for Ditton,
East Malling and Larkfield and explained that there will now be two local
Community Officers covering the three areas. He then reported on the following
matters:-
* Crime figures for Ditton over the past month
* The importance of reporting all crimes, no matter how trivial
* Speedwatch
Members raised the following matters with P C Roddick:-
* Incident in New Road during the weekend
* Inconsiderate and dangerous parking
* Clinics for residents
* Impending resurfacing works in Kilnbarn Road and New Road
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
290. APOLOGIES
Apologies previously notified were RECEIVED and ACCEPTED from Cllrs Mrs
J E DeSave, J E DeSave, Mrs J A Thorpe, P A Thorpe & Mrs A Throssell.
291. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS & EXPENDITURE
Cllrs. Mrs Beadle, J Beadle & Mulcuck declared an interest in item
294(d) because they are members of the Twinning Association.
Cllrs. Day, Mrs Mulcuck, Mulcuck and Mrs Thwaites declared an interest
in item 294(c)(ii) as they are members of Ditton Bowls Club.
292. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD
5th SEPTEMBER 2005
Minutes of the above meeting held on 5th September 2005 were CONFIRMED
and SIGNED as a correct record.
293. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.
294. MEETINGS HELD DURING SEPTEMBER 2005
(a) Community Centre Committee, 12th September 2005 – Circulated
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Porter and CONFIRMED as a true
record.
(b) Planning, Highways & Transportation Committee, 19th September
2005 - Herewith
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Mulcuck and CONFIRMED as a correct
record.
(i) ONE WAY TRAFFIC SYSTEM – RECOMMENDATION [Page 241, Item 264]
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation to undertake a survey to assess
residents’ support for a one way traffic system in Primrose Drive.
(c) Open Spaces & Amenities Committee, 19th September 2005 - Herewith
These minutes were presented by Cllr. Baker and CONFIRMED as a correct
record.
(i) FOOTPATH CLEARANCE [Page 245, Item 272]
Following a meeting between the Grounds Supervisor, Councillors and Kent
County Council’s Footpaths Officer, it was NOTED that he would be willing
to make a contribution of £572 if the Parish Council wish to undertake
the vegetation clearance of all public footpaths in the parish.
Discussion took place and whilst Members realise that the contribution
on offer would not cover all the costs of undertaking this work, as it
the work would need to be carried out more often than at present, they
felt it was an essential service which the residents would wish them to
provide again.
RESOLVED to accept the offer and enter into a contract with Kent County
Council for vegetation clearance of public footpaths in Ditton.
(ii) Ditton Bowls Club
It was NOTED that the Bowls Club have advised that it would not be possible
to bring the storage container in from the main quarry entrance as the
transporter lorry would not be able to negotiate the steep slopes and
turns. Instead, they have requested that part of the boundary fence adjacent
to Kilnbarn Recreation Ground be removed and it be brought in from there.
Members expressed concern that the transporter would seriously damage
the recreation ground when turning to gain entrance to the quarry through
the fence and also that there would not be sufficient clearance through
the trees at this location.
Considerable discussion took place and it was suggested that a feasibility
study should be undertaken by the Company delivering the storage unit
to ascertain the best method of delivery and installation.
RESOLVED that a feasibility study must be undertaken and the Bowls Club
be requested to arrange a meeting with their supplier, Members of the
Council and two representatives of the Club.
(d) Finance & Administration Committee, 26th September 2005
These minutes were presented by Cllr. Day and CONFIRMED as a true record.
(i) RECOMMENDATIONS
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation to apply for a Members Grant for
a hearing loop for the Centre
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation to place £1000.00 in the estimates
to assist the Twinning Association when entertaining visitors from Rang-Du-Fliers
next year.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * *
ADJOURNMENT
Trevor Walker of 190 Woodlands Road advised the Council that he had found
a cricket club that wished to use the facilities at Ditton next year and
introduced the Secretary of the Club (EDM) to Members.
The Clerk agreed to liaise with the Club regarding booking details and
costs.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * *
295. CORRESPONDENCE
(a) For Noting
The following correspondence for noting was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
Action with Communities
In Rural Kent: Rural News 68
CPRE: Fieldwork, September 2005
Ton & Malling Borough Cncl: 2005 Summer Playscheme
Parish Partnership Panel
Weekend Household Bulky Refuse Service
Maidstone Weald NHS Patient Link, Issue 4
NALC: Local Council Review, Vol 57, No. 31 Sept. 2005
Plus Publishing: ‘Local Council Update’, September 2005, Issue 71
Clerks & Councils Direct, September 2005, Issue 41
KAPC: Finance Information Day, 15th October 2005
’Parish News’ - Issue 311, 12th September 2005
English Rural Housing Assoc: 2005 Report & Review
KCC Notification of new Community Liaison Manager
Agenda and Minutes of KCC Local Board
Mrs P Dowdeswell Best Kept Garden Competition
Mr C Clarke Planning Application at Priory Park
(b) For Decision
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council: Speedwatch
NOTED the Borough Council have advised that the Scheme of Financial Arrangements
has been amended to allow them to assist towards the implementation of
Speedwatch.
RESOLVED TO OBTAIN FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHEME AND AN EDITORIAL
BE DRAFTED FOR THE NEXT DITTON GAZETTE REQUESTING VOLUNTEERS
Medway Valley Countryside Partnership: Cobnutt Platt Project
A request for information regarding any cobnut platts in the parish was
READ and it was NOTED that none have been identified in Ditton.
Mr B Sellick: The Ford
A request for this Council to put pressure on the Highways Authority to
protect the Ford and prevent motorists driving through it was READ and
it was NOTED that closure of the Ford to traffic is currently being considered
by the Highways Authority.
RESOLVED Mr Sellick be advised of the current situation.
Speed Limit
A request for a 20 mph restriction on some of the roads in Ditton was
READ and NOTED.
RESOLVED THAT FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS BE MADE FROM NEIGHBOURNING PARISHES
WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY CAMPAIGNED FOR SPEED RESTRICTIONS, TO ENABLE THIS
REQUEST TO BE CONSIDERED IN MORE DETAIL AT A FUTURE MEETING.
The Chairman asked Members to accept an additional item of correspondence.
Malling Detached Youth Project: A letter of introduction from a youth
worker for KCC’s Youth and Community was READ and the request for the
Parish Council’s help in the development of a youth project in Ditton
NOTED.
RESOLVED the youth worker be invited to outline her proposals to Members
prior to a meeting of the Council or Planning Committee.
296. FINANCE
(a) Accounts Received
The following accounts received were READ and NOTED:-
Seekers Trust:
Gazette Advertisement
35.00
Petanque Club:
Food
20.00
DAMARA:
Photocopy Account
48.90
Multi Sports Users:
Income
104.00
Ditton Vets FC:
Food Prep
10.00
Ditton Infant School:
Maintenance to Grounds
106.41
Ditton Bowls Club:
Strimming Car Park
12.80
Ditton Short Mat Bowls: Photocopy
Account
7.50
Ditton Minors FC:
2005/06 Pitch Fees
110.00
Holtwood Rangers FC: 2005/06
Pitch Fees
110.00
(b) Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED the following accounts for payment be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and
PAID:-
Salaries:
September
Gross: 13313.91
Net: 9978.14
DPC Imprest A/C: Reimbursement
of Expenses
4284.21
AquAid (Kent):
August Water Supplies 25.00
Vat 4.38
29.38
British Telecom:
Admin Line
41.21
Clerks Line
41.15
Fax Line
48.45
------
130.81
Vat 22.88
153.69
Craigdene Ltd: Training for OSA Staff f & RP11
340.00
Examination
Vat 59.50
399.50
Ditton C of E Junior School: 50% of Agreed Donation (Under Section
500.00
137 of the Local Government Act) for the
Wildlife Area
Forge Engineering: Supply
& Fit Wall Mounting 330.00
Bracket & Brush
Cutters Vat 57.75
387.75
Initial Fire & Security: Annual Charge for Bar & Office
482.00
Alarm Monitoring
Vat 84.36
566.36
Kent County Council: Key Safe for Mess Room
15.95
Dust Pan & Brush – Office
1.75
Gloves, Superwhite & Stationery
99.90
------
117.60
Vat
20.58
138.18
Kent Wildlife Trust: Annual Membership
38.00
Land Technics:
Air Type Inflator
16.90
Vat 2.96
19.86
Monro South: Polyprop Wire – Football Pitch
12.42
Line Marking
Vat 2.17
14.59
NetBox5: 12 Months Telephone
Support
1000.00
Computers 3/9/05-2/9/06
Vat 175.00
1175.00
Nildram Limited: ADSL Multiple
37.00
Vat 6.48
43.48
Parker Merchanting: Safety Boots – Graeme Sedgwick 13.31
Vat 2.33
15.64
Parkfoot Garages: Vehicle Diesel
70.80
Vat 12.39
83.19
St John, Kent 4 Day First Aid Training
450.00
Gina Annett & Julie Shephard
78.74
528.74
Sisis Equipment: Conveyor Sleeve & Carriage
51.75
Vat 9.05
60.80
Travis Perkins: Office Kitchen Cupboard
62.05
Access Plugs
5.28
67.33
Vat 11.78
79.11
Promotions Account
Jack Sharpe Entertainments: Music for Halloween Dance
700.00
Imprest Account - Expenses during September 2005
Carried Forward
828.52
Add: PC reimbursement
5171.48
---------
6000.00
Deduct: August Expenses
Voucher Charge
3.25
Inland Revenue
3982.88
Postage Stamps
102.00
Best Kept Garden Comp Expenses
47.49
Community Centre Expenses
40.00
Goldstar – Polo’s and Fleece- Graham 45.95
Petty Cash
62.64
4284.21
1715.79
Sum to be drawn on 3rd October 2005
4284.21*
BALANCE 6000.00
*Sum required to restore balance to £6000
(c) Direct Debits Paid During August 2005
The following Direct Debits paid during August 2005 were READ, APPROVED
& NOTED:-
(i) DITTON PARISH COUNCIL GENERAL ACCOUNT
03.08.2005
02
63.57
04.08.2005
Mentor
284.36
04.08.2005
WPA
380.15
22.08.2005
Pace Petroleum
23.51
22.08.2005
EBS Direct Debits
53.00
30.08.2005
Euphony
17.48
(ii) COMMUNITY CENTRE BAR ACCOUT
03.08.2005
Sky Business
227.95
08.08.2005
Post Office Ltd
29.26
22.08.2005
Scottish Courage- stock
5272.31
22.08.2005
The Beer Seller – Stock
1012.05
23.08.2005
HMC&E – Gaming Machine
124.00
25.08.2005
BOC Manchester – Beer Gas
211.50
30.08.2005
Walkers Snacks Ltd
153.50
29.08.2005
Nat West Account Charge
55.00
(iii) COMMUNITY CENTRE ACCOUNT
22.08.2005 T & M BC - Business Rate
1408.00
30.08.2005 Nat West Account Charge
55.00
297. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
County Cllr. Geoff Rowe reported on the following matters:-
* S E Plans – Public meeting scheduled for 4th October 2005 at the University
of Greenwich, Kings Hill commencing at 7.00pm.
* Kent Local Democracy Week – 17th – 23rd October.
* Kent Police Authority – The Chairperson is scheduled to visit the Malling
area on 27th October from 11.30am to look at all aspects of neighbourhood
policing. Ditton may be included in the visit.
* Community Warden – a replacement for Ditton is on schedule for the end
of October.
* New Neighbourhood Police Officer – P C Matt Roddick
* Parish Partnership Panel – next meeting will be on 10th November at
7.30pm.
* Health Service Review – 6 Options for Primary Care Trusts; 2 Options
for Kent Ambulance Service; 2 Options for Strategic Health Authority
* Leader of KCC - Sir Sandy Bruce-Lockhart has tendered his resignation
and a successor will be elected at a special Council meeting on 12th October.
* Bus Lane, London Road - as yet no response to queries raised.
* One Way System, Primrose Drive – He has asked for this to be considered
as part of a Capital Plan Review to ensure funds are available if the
residents wish it to go ahead.
* LDP Conference – this will be held on Tuesday 13th October 2005 in the
Council Chamber at the Borough Council offices commencing at 7.30pm.
298. REPORT FROM COMMUNITY POLICE OFFICER
Dealt with earlier in the meeting.
299. PLANNING, TRANSPORTATION & HIGHWAY MATTERS
(a) Plans Received for Comment
NOTED no plans for comment have been received in the past 14 days.
(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No.
3.
The following decision was READ and NOTED:-
TM/05/02351/AT Two freestanding non-illuminated Site 2 & Former DPC
Signs facing motorway Allotments, Bellingham Way
GRANTED CONSENT
(c) ‘B’ Lists
The following ‘B’ Lists were circulated, READ and NOTED:-
05/36 - 12.09.2005; 05/37 - 19.09.2005;
(d) Minutes, Notes, Agenda for Area 3 Planning Committee
NOTED these were not available.
(e) Future Planning Policies and Proposals: The Preferred Options Report
Cllr. Mulcuck agreed to peruse this document and report back to the next
Planning meeting.
(f) Consultation on the South East Plan: Employment, Housing and Infrastructure
in Kent
Cllrs. Baker & Mulcuck advised that they had read these documents
and were surprised to read that, despite noting that the rapid growth
of freight through Kent’s ports which is road-based and adds to congestion
on the M20, there are no plans to widen the M20 between junctions 3-5
(Wrotham to Maidstone) and junctions 7 – 8 (Maidstone A249 – Hollingbourne).
It was also NOTED that forecasts assume an increase in efficiency in the
use of water in new dwellings (compared to existing homes) of 8% or 21%.
An average 8% saving is thought possible from the review of Building Regulations
and savings of 21% are thought to be practical.
Cllrs. Baker, Mulcuck and Mrs Thwaites completed the comments leaflet
for return to Kent County Council.
300. BONFIRE & FIREWORKS EVENING
Suggestions from Essex Pyrotechnics Ltd regarding the 400th Anniversary
Finale were READ and the two options NOTED.
RESOLVED to accept option 2 for a lancework Guy Fawkes, followed by a
large fireball at a cost of £215.00
301. REMEMBRANCE DAY
Cllr. Mulcuck advised that at a recent meeting with the Rev. Ross Terranova
and ex Service Man Len Mace, the final details were agreed.
Temporary staging will be placed in the body of the Hall for the Service
and chairs arranged in two semi-circles facing the stage. There will be
3 traditional hymns and one modern and the Lesson based on remembrance.
Regretfully it has not been possible to get a band for the Service, but
Pauline Fisher has once again agreed to play the trumpet.
Cllr. Mrs Beadle agreed to read the Lesson.
302. APPLICATION FOR NEW PREMISES LICENCE & VARIATION
The Clerk advised that the Council’s application for a variation to the
Kilnbarn Club Licence has been granted.
It was NOTED that the Walnut Tree has been granted a Licence to remain
open until 1.00am.
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The Chairman moved that in view of the confidential nature of the following
items, the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting
in accordance with Standing Orders 27 & 50.
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303. LAND AT BELL LANE
Members were advised that the period for objection has now elapsed and
it is understood that nothing further has been received from the Highways
Authority. The application should now be passed to an officer for determination
and a decision given within the next few weeks.
304. CONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM BOOK
(a) Appointment of Groundsman [Ref. CM327]
(b) Communication from Members of Casual Bar Staff [Ref. CM 328]
(c) Senior Member of Bar Staff [Ref. CM329]
The above confidential memoranda were READ, CONFIRMED and SIGNED as a
true records.
305. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 9.46pm.
Chairman
7th November 2005