Minutes of the meeting of Eastling Parish Council held in Eastling Village Hall on Monday, 15th January 2001 at 8.00pm.

Present: Councillors Dot Bromley, Peter Parry, John Payne and Harold Wyld (Chairman) and Parish Clerk, Mrs. Sue Parry. Cllr. Oliver Allen joined the meeting at a later stage. Also in attendance were eight members of the public.

Apologies for absence were received from Borough Councillor Colin Prescott and County Councillor Mrs Jean Newman.

1. Chairman's Introduction

The Chairman welcomed Members to the meeting and thanked members of the public for their interest and attendance.

2. Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on 13th November 2000

Members accepted the minutes as a true record and they were subsequently signed by the Chairman.

3. Chairman's Report

The Chairman submitted a report on his attendance at the Kent Association of Parish Councils (Swale Area) on 4th December 2000, drawing attention to the discussion on electricity failures. Correspondence from the Managing Director of SEEBOARD Power Networks had provided a detailed explanation of the reasons for power failures in October and Cllr. Wyld had taken the opportunity of highlighting Eastling's problems.

The Chairman also reported on a site meeting at Glebe Cottages with officers of Moat Housing Society to discuss the Millennium Tree Planting Project and the proposed bus shelter.

4. Finance

i) Treasurer's Report: Cllr. Payne reported that there had been no change to the situation reported to the last meeting, except that 30p interest had been added to the Parish Council's bank account. Current invoices for payment would be reflected in the next financial report.

ii) Audit: The report of the audit of the Parish Council's accounts by PricewaterhouseCoopers had been received. There were some minor points raised but the overall opinion had been that the summary receipts and payments account presented fairly the receipts and payments for the year ended 31st March 2000.

iii) 2001-2002 Budget: Cllr. Payne submitted his projections for the budget for 2001/2002. He explained that the previous Parish Council had not set a precept for 2000/2001 and therefore the election contribution fund had been used to supplement the current year's expenditure. Projected expenditure items were mainly of a standard nature; £1,500 had been included for the provision of a proposed bus shelter, following advice obtained on a similar project.

Cllr. Payne therefore proposed that the parish precept be set at £8 per Band D, which would yield £1,207.00 precepted income. This was seconded by Cllr. Parry and unanimously agreed. Swale Council's Finance Department would be notified of the precept requirement.

5. Rural Community Grants Projects

The following position was reported in relation to rural community grant projects:

(i) Village Appraisal 2000/01 - As preparation for the production of the village appraisal, 143 survey forms had been circulated, one to each household, of which 81 had been returned representing a 57% response rate. The results were currently being collated and would be reproduced in the village appraisal which would be published in March. The Chairman indicated that a draft of the document would be presented to Members before the next meeting. He emphasised that articles on matters of local interest (such as local history, natural history, farming, geography, local clubs and societies) would be welcome for the document,.

(ii) Millennium Tree Project 2000/01 - This project, which built on the success and the balance of funds remaining from the Horticultural Society's Open Gardens Weekend in June 2000, was aimed at planting up to six oaks or similar trees around the village to mark the Millennium. So far the School, the Village Hall Trustees and Moat Housing (Glebe Cottages) had all agreed to have trees and a response was awaited from the Parochial Church Council in relation to the Church. Each tree would be marked with a plaque and it was hoped to arrange a "planting" ceremony.

(iii) Bus Shelter at Glebe Cottages Project 2001/02 - in the absence of Cllr. Allen there was no report on progress with the preparation of this scheme to submit as a bid for a grant in the 2001/02. The Chairman did report however that Moat Housing were supportive of this proposal and would consult Glebe Cottage residents on receipt of firm plans.

6. Village Meeting

Following the Open Meeting, called by the Parish Council and held on 5th December (the notes of which are published on the Eastling Village Website), progress on the village green project and Eastling Neighbourhood Watch Scheme was reported as follows:

(i) Village Green Project - Five volunteers had kindly agreed, at the Open Meeting, to serve on a working party to investigate options for a village green on the identified site and report in time for the Annual Parish Meeting on Monday 23rd April. An invitation had been extended to the individual volunteers to come together for an initial meeting so that Cllr Wyld could pass on relevant information gathered by the Parish Council and answer any questions, but, in the event, no one had attended nor requested alternative arrangements.

(ii) Neighbourhood Watch Scheme - Following the successful recruitment of additional local co-ordinators at the Open Meeting the Chairman proposed that a suggestion be put to all co-ordinators that a social meeting be called in order to facilitate communications etc. This was seconded by Cllr. Payne and unanimously agreed.

7. Planning

The following position was reported on planning applications previously considered by the Parish Council:

• Plantation House: Listed Building Consent approved for erection of single storey rear extension; erection of grandad annex to replace barn and erection of 2m high close boarded fence refused.
• Eastling Farms Ltd: Application for certificate of Lawful Use - still outstanding.
• Eastling School: Siting of Mobile Classroom approved.
• Telfords, Otterden Road: Change of use (grazing to garden) and new garage and stable block - still outstanding. No new applications had been received.

8. Highways

(i) Footways

(a) Existing works at junction of Kettle Hill Road and The Street and future works on Kettle Hill Road (Carpenters Arms to Hall and School) - Members considered the Chairman's report reviewing all representations received and the outcome of the Site Meeting held on 28th November 2000. Also noted was a letter dated 10th January 2001 from Mr. Allan Payne, a former member of the Parish Council for 31 years, following representations made to him about the recent footway works.

Mr. Payne had set out and clarified the Council's long standing concern about safety of pedestrians on Kettle Hill Road which was supported by the Chairman's review of the minutes indicating that the Council had regularly made representations to the Highways Department about the need for improvements.

The Chairman also made available some preliminary results of the village appraisal survey showing that approximately half the residents of Eastling considered that pedestrian safety should be improved and three-quarters were concerned about the speed of traffic.

Whilst recognising that most of the representations received were not in favour of the footway works with some suggestions that the junction was now more dangerous, the Chairman stressed the independent opinion of the KCC Road Safety Unit that "the works had no adverse effect on safety" and the Highways Manager's statement that "the works conformed with highway design standards". Additionally, the cost of the works was in the region of £1,500 and a similar sum would be involved with their removal.

The Chairman therefore suggested that there were three options open to the Parish Council: to recommend to the Highways Unit (1) the removal of the footway, (2) its modification, or (3) no change.

Cllr. Parry considered that the views obtained from Mrs. Stone, Head of Eastling School, were of prime importance in this matter, given that school children and their parents were the major users of that part of Kettle Hill Road. Based on Mrs. Stone's comments on the school catchment being mainly from the Glebe Cottages area, and concerns expressed to her by parents and others about narrowing of the junction, Cllr. Parry proposed that the footway be removed and this was seconded by Cllr. Payne who considered that the good intentions of the former Parish Council had not been based on current facts.

Whilst acknowledging that most children attending the school currently came from the Glebe Cottages area, the Chairman stressed that this could change in future and that there were pedestrians from the other end of the village who walked to Church or to the Village Hall. He added that should the Parish Council request the removal of the footway, it was unlikely that the Highways Unit would look favourably on any other footway requests relating to Kettle Hill Road in the near future.

Cllr. Bromley expressed her continuing concern about the safety of pedestrians on Kettle Hill Road and suggested that should the village green proposal proceed, then one solution would be to have a footpath running inside its boundary.

The Chairman therefore suggested that Members should consider the overall principle of footway provision on Kettle Hill Road and he proposed that a footway should be provided. This was seconded by Cllr. Bromley. Cllrs. Parry and Payne voted against the proposal and the Chairman therefore used his casting vote and the proposal was carried.

The Chairman called for a vote on Cllr. Parry's proposal, seconded by Cllr. Payne, that the footway be removed, and the proposal was carried.

Cllr. Oliver Allen joined the meeting

The Chairman therefore summed up the position. The Parish Council would recommend to the Highways Unit that the existing footway works be removed and that in view of the continuing concern about the need to improve pedestrian safety in Kettle Hill Road, would wish to continue discussions with Highways Officers on options available.

(b) Proposed Works on Faversham Road (Glebe Cottages to Coach House boundary) - Members had before them an outline plan of the proposed footway works and were asked to reaffirm their support for the scheme. Cllr. Parry proposed that the work should proceed and this was seconded by Cllr. Bromley.

Cllr. Allen considered that the major part of the works, from Glebe Cottages to Meesons Close, was an important improvement to pedestrian safety, but suggested that the smaller section nearer The Coach House was an unnecessary addition to the amount of footway in the village. He therefore moved an amendment to the proposal that the smaller section should not be supported, but in the absence of a seconder the amendment was not pursued.

A vote was therefore taken on Cllr. Parry's proposal and, with one abstention, the vote was carried. Cllr. Parry suggested that the proposed footway would be more discrete if the width was reduced to no more than 1.2m and it was agreed that this suggestion be conveyed to the Highways Unit. The Chairman added that the Highways Unit had already been requested to discuss with all landowners involved any requirement for dropped curbs, etc

(c) Proposed maintenance on The Street (Carpenters Arms to Prospect Place) - Improvements to this footway had been included in the current year's programme by the Highways Unit and although there had been some minor tidying, it appeared that some work was still to be done. Members agreed that this be drawn to the attention of the Highways Unit.

(ii) Noted Problems: The list of highways defects, drainage and lighting problems was updated by Members and (at the invitation of the Chairman) the public in attendance for forwarding to the Highways Unit.

9. Correspondence

The following correspondence was noted:

(i) Entries were being sought for the Kent Village of the Year Competition 2002. Members agreed that no entry be made.

(ii) Parishes were being invited to identify local needs and linked community projects that might attract funding under the new LEADER European Funding Programme. It was agreed that the village green project be identified as a potential project.

10. Forthcoming Meetings/Training Events

(i) Swale Borough Council Faversham Area Committee, 27th March 2001 - This would be held in Eastling Village Hall, starting at 7pm with the first 30 minutes open to questions from the public. The Chairman would attend.

(ii) Eastling Parish Council Annual Parish Meeting, 23rd April 2001 - Members agreed that principal invitees should include speakers from The Church, the Village Hall, the School, Borough and County Councillors, the Harris Estate Trustees. This meeting would also receive a report from the Village Green Working Party.

(iii) KAPC Rural White Paper Information Day, 10th March 2001 - Members agreed that the Parish Council would not be represented.

(iv) Kent Libraries Computer and Internet Taster Sessions - Members agreed the Parish Council need not be represented.

(v) KAPC (Swale Area) Meeting, 5th March 2001 - The Chairman agreed he would attend, as usual.

11. Any Other Matters of Urgency

(i) Standing Orders - Cllr. Allen proposed that the number of votes for and against Parish Council motions should be recorded in the minutes. Attention was drawn to Standing Order 9(2) indicating that a Member may require that his/her vote or abstention be recorded in the minutes. It was agreed that Cllr. Allen's proposal constituted an amendment to the Standing Orders and it would therefore need to be submitted for consideration at the Annual General Meeting.

(ii) Minutes - Cllr. Allen sought confirmation that specific comments/discussions would be minuted, when requested by a Councillor. The Chairman indicated that minutes normally recorded decisions made, and any pertinent facts relating to the taking of those decisions with minimal recording of discussions. However, he gave an assurance to Cllr. Allen that, when specifically requested, the identified comments would be recorded in the minutes. Should there be an omission, this could be rectified at the time of confirmation of the minutes at the following meeting, as covered in Standing Orders.

12. Next Agenda

Items for the next agenda were noted as follows:

• Items for Annual General Meeting on 14th May, including any changes in Chairmanship, Clerk, etc.
• Street Lighting at Glebe Cottages - to consider a proposal (by Mr Roger Turner) that the Highways Unit should be asked to replace the existing sodium lighting at Glebe Cottages with more sympathetic white lighting.
• To consider prospects of Mains Drainage in the village (on request from a parishioner)

13. Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Parish Council would be held at 8.00pm. on Monday, 12th March 2001.

Minutes of the meeting of Eastling Parish Council held in Eastling Village Hall on Monday, 12th March 2001 at 8.00pm.

Present: Councillors Dot Bromley, Peter Parry, John Payne and Harold Wyld (Chairman) and Parish Clerk, Mrs. Sue Parry.
Also in attendance were eight members of the public.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Oliver Allen, Borough Councillor Colin Prescott and County Councillor Mrs Jean Newman.

1. Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on 15th January 2001

Members accepted the minutes as a true record and they were signed by the Chairman.

2. Chairman's Report

The Chairman reported on the following matters:

• (i) Kent Association of Parish Councils (Swale Area), 5th March - a presentation had been received from Mrs Carolyn Randall of Southern CrimeStoppers making a strong plea for support of the organisation. Information can be passed to the police anonymously on the CrimeStoppers number 0800 555111. A report had also been received from the Swale Joint Board indicating that there may be flexibility in the future regarding implementation of 20 mph speed limits in rural areas.
• (ii) Eastling Neighbourhood Watch Meeting, 28th February - this had been a useful meeting to exchange views and information and a follow up meeting was being arranged for 9th April.
• (iii) Eastling Millennium Tree Planting, 24th February - this had been an enjoyable occasion. One tree remained to be planted and, subject to agreement, it was hoped this might be on Harris Estate land near the water tank.

3. Rural Community Grants Projects

(i) 2000/2001 Projects - the Chairman reported that the two projects (Parish Appraisal and Millennium Tree Planting) had been successfully completed. Expenditure on the two schemes had been:

• Tree Planting - total cost £489 (£357 grant + £120 Horticultural Society contribution + £12 Parish Council contribution), and
• Parish Appraisal - total cost £469 (£326 + £143 Parish Council contribution).

Recovery of VAT would reduce the actual cost to the Council. Payment of the grants had been agreed and was due to be received by the end of March. Copies of the Appraisal were given to Members and would be delivered to every household in the Parish within the next two weeks.

(ii) 2001/2002 Project - in the absence of sufficient information, it was proposed by Cllr. Parry, seconded by Cllr. Bromley and unanimously agreed to defer consideration of the proposed Glebe Cottages bus shelter project.

4. Finance

(i) Treasurer's Report - Cllr.Payne presented a financial report indicating that the Parish Council held the sum of £13.69 in the bank. Some invoices were outstanding and these would await payment until receipt of the Rural Community Grant monies and the 2001/2002 Precept from Swale Borough Council when the Election Contribution Fund would also be reimbursed.

(ii) Faversham Citizen's Advice Bureau - a request for financial assistance had been received from Faversham CAB and it was proposed by Cllr. Parry, seconded by Cllr. Payne and unanimously agreed that a contribution of £20 be made from the 2001/2002 budget.

5. Local Infrastructure

(i) Mains Drainage - a local resident had requested that the Parish Council consider the possibility of pursuing the installation of mains drainage in the village. The Chairman indicated that this had been raised several times over the last 30 years and on each occasion had not been pursued through lack of funding. The Chairman's understanding was that any scheme would need to be requisitioned by Swale Borough Council who would fund the work and, in the long term, reclaim the expenditure from Southern Water Authority.

Cllrs. Parry and Payne were opposed to the introduction of mains drainage, considering that it would be a possible lever for developers to seek planning approval in the village. This opinion was shared in a letter from Mr. Norman Fowler who also suggested that such a scheme could lead to road widening and would incur initial connection costs for individual householders and annual sewerage charges greater than current cesspool emptying fees.

The Chairman drew attention to the results of the village appraisal survey indicating that half of the respondents were in favour of mains drainage, whilst a third were against it and the remainder expressed no opinion.

Cllr. Bromley proposed that, before taking this further, enquiries should be made of both Swale Borough Council and Southern Water Authority to determine the current likelihood of such a scheme being considered. This was seconded by Cllr. Wyld and unanimously agreed. The Chairman added that it was likely that any scheme for Eastling would inevitably have to include Newnham and Doddington.

(ii) Street Lighting at Glebe Cottages - at the request of Mr. and Mrs. Roger Turner at The Coach House, the Parish Council considered making representations about the colour of the street lighting at Glebe Cottages. Mr. and Mrs. Turner suggested that the current sodium lighting was too harsh and not in keeping with the rural area.

Members generally concurred with this view, considering that white lighting would be more sympathetic. However, before recommending any changes to the colour or design of the street lighting, it was agreed that the residents in Glebe Cottages should be consulted for their views via Moat Housing.

6. Highways

(i) Footways

(a) Works at junction of Kettle Hill Road and The Street - following the Parish Council's request that these works be removed, a response had been received from the Highways Unit indicating that the scheme had provided better visibility and made the junction safer. Substantial investment had been made to implement the scheme and funds were not available to remove it. However, they would be happy to carry out the removal should funds be made available by the Parish Council.

At this stage in the meeting, Mr. Nick Wilson made a statement from the floor indicating that he had ascertained through the Parish Clerk that the cost of removal was £2,500 and that he was currently speaking to his neighbours in the immediate vicinity of the works to see if the necessary funds could be raised for its removal. Currently he had received pledges of £600 and he would keep the Parish Council informed of progress.

(b) Works on Faversham Road (Glebe Cottages to Coach House boundary) - although the Highways Unit had hoped to start these works in the current financial year, no detailed proposals had yet been received for consultation. The Highways Manager would be urged to hasten the works and reminded of the need to consult both the Parish Council and the frontagers regarding any special needs.

Members noted the receipt of correspondence from Mr. and Mrs. Roger Turner suggesting inclusion of a grass strip between the path and the road and requesting use of good quality materials and from Mr. Norman Fowler expressing views that the works would not provide a safe route for pedestrians and would cause a problem with traffic.

(c) Proposed maintenance on The Street (Carpenters Arms to Prospect Place) - the Highways Unit had promised to investigate possible improvements in the next financial year.

(ii) Noted Problems - Members agreed the attached updated list of highway defects and drainage problems for notification to the Highways Unit.

The Chairman mentioned receipt of a letter to all Parish Councils from the Chairman of KCC's Strategic Planning Authority indicating that County recognised the concern about the poor condition of highways and flooding following the many months of bad weather and that additional funds would be allocated for road repairs in the next financial year.

(iii) Speed Restriction - the Chairman reported receipt of a copy letter from Mrs. Hanney from The Street to the Engineering Service Manager at Swale Borough Council regarding pedestrian safety and excessive speed of some vehicles through the village. Mrs. Hanney's concern was shared by the majority of villagers, according to the Parish Appraisal survey. Mr. Hanney, from the floor, indicated that his wife had received a standard response to her letter, indicating that the lack of street lighting and development on both sides of The Street currently precluded reduction of the 40 mph limit.

The Chairman reminded Members that it appeared that there would be more flexibility in the future about reducing speed limits in rural areas and suggested that the Parish Council pursue this aspect during the coming year. This was unanimously agreed.

7. Planning

(i) Outcome of Previous Applications - the following was noted:

• Eastling Farms Ltd: Application for certificate of Lawful Use - outstanding.
• Telfords, Otterden Road: Change of Use (Grazing to Garden) and New Garage and Stable Block - approved.

(ii) Circulated Applications - representations made by the Parish Council in respect of the following applications were confirmed:

• Eastling School: construction of car parking for 15 vehicles on land beside Kettle Hill Road - objections raised due to size and visual appearance of proposed car park and intrusion into rural landscape and potential problems to other road users from manoeuvring and turning vehicles. Alternative, less obtrusive solutions, had been suggested, particularly the Village Hall Trustees agreement in principle to allowing parking in the rear section of the Village Hall car park.
• Eastling School: phased development of new and replacement buildings and introduction of pitched roofs at rear of existing main School building - application supported by Parish Council.

(iii) New Applications - no new applications had been received.

8. Future Meetings

(i) Annual Parish Meeting, Monday, 23rd April - proposed invitees were agreed as follows:

• Borough and County Council local Members,
• representatives for the local Church, Primary School, Village Hall Trust, Neighbourhood Watch and Pre-school Playgroup and also
• the Harris Estate.

In relation to the proposed report from the Village Green Working Party, receipt was reported of a letter from the Working Party indicating that, following a poor response to their circulated questionnaire, it was not felt that there was sufficient support to proceed with the project. The Chairman suggested that this view was contrary to the results of two other recent surveys: the Parish Appraisal and the A-level Project Questionnaire by Ben Bromley. Both had shown a clear majority in favour of a village green. He therefore suggested that the way forward be discussed with representatives of the Village Green Working Party following this meeting.

(ii) Annual General Meeting, 14th May - items for the agenda were noted.

(iii) Village Hall Trust AGM, 30th April - In relation to a Parish Council nominee to serve on the Village Hall Trustees, Cllr. Parry said he would be happy to continue in this capacity and this was unanimously agreed. Members of the public present were reminded that two village nominees were required to serve on the Trustees, further details available from the Secretary to the Trust, Mrs. Sue Parry (tel: 01795 890254).

(iv) Swale Borough Council Faversham Area Committee, 27th March - this Committee would be meeting in the Village Hall at 7.00 p.m. on 27th March. There was an open forum at which members of the public may raise questions. The Parish Council agreed to raise the question of proper consultation by the Highways Unit before the start of any highway/footway works.

9. Correspondence

(i) New Political Structures - Consultation letters from both Swale Borough Council and Kent County Council had been received requesting comments on new political structures. The Parish Council had responded in both cases that the favoured option was to have a Leader of the Council with a Cabinet to give better accountability and a fair and democratic system.

(ii) Swale Unified Network - Councillors were delighted to note that Swale Unified Network would shortly be introducing a dial-a-bus/taxi service to the Eastling area, probably in May or June 2001. The bus would operate on Tuesday and Thursday mornings providing a "shoppers" service to and from Faversham. The taxi service would be available on demand. When received, further details would be publicised through the "Good News" parish magazine and the local newspapers.

(iii) Tidy Britain Group - Members noted receipt and circulation between meetings of a letter from Tidy Britain Group promoting various environmental initiatives. It was agreed no further action was required.

(iv) Kent Police Authority - Correspondence was reported from the Chairman of the Police Authority indicating that as a direct result of the recent rural policing survey, funding was to be made available for additional rural police officers.

10. Any Other Matters of Urgency

None were raised.

11. Dates of Next Meetings

Members noted that:

(i) the next ordinary meeting of the Parish Council will be on Monday, 14th May 2001 in the Village Hall at 8.00pm; and

(ii) the Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Monday, 23rd April 2001 in the Village Hall at 7.30pm - 30 minutes earlier than originally suggested, in view of the potential length of the agenda.

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held in Eastling Village Hall on Monday, 23rd April 2001 at 7.30pm.

Present: Councillors Oliver Allen, Dot Bromley, Peter Parry, John Payne and Harold Wyld (Chairman) and Parish Clerk Mrs. Sue Parry.
Also present: County Councillor Mrs. Jean Newman; Borough Councillor Colin Prescott; Mrs. Chon Wilson (Neighbourhood Watch); Mrs. Alison Stone (Eastling School); Rev. Penny Fenton (Parochial Church Council); Mr. Rob Farmer (Harris Estate Administrator)
In attendance were 13 members of the public.

1. Chairman's Introduction

The Chairman welcomed all present to the meeting.

2. Minutes of Annual Parish Meeting held on 26th April 2000

The minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 26th April 2000 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

3. Chairman's Report

The Chairman began his report by describing the year as very busy and one of change. Three new Councillors had joined the Council at the beginning of the year and there had been a change in Clerk. The Council had met on eight occasions falling into a pattern of bi-monthly meetings on the second Monday, and there had been a special village meeting in December.

The main points in the Chairman's report were as follows:

• Various appointments had been made: Cllr. John Payne as Parish Council Treasurer; Cllr. Peter Parry as Village Hall Trustee; Mr. Mike Palmer as Village Tree Warden; Mrs. Tricia Payne as School Governor.
• Membership had been taken up of the Kent Association of Parish Councils which was proving most useful. Membership of the Kent Rural Community Council had been taken over by the Village Hall Trustees.
• Standing Orders had been adopted as a framework for the Council's activities. These were displayed on the Website.
• 11 planning applications had been considered during the year and comments passed to the appropriate planning authority.
• Much attention was given to highway matters and an updated list of defects was sent to the Highways Unit following each Parish Council meeting. This had met with a good level of success but there were on-going problems/defects which would be pursued.
• Reduction of village speed limits and improved pedestrian safety would also be a focus for the new year.
• Two rural community project grants had been received: £326 to carry out a Parish Appraisal and £357 towards the Millennium Tree Planting in association with the Horticultural Society. Copies of the Parish Appraisal had been delivered free to every household and additional copies were available from the Parish Clerk at a cost of £2.50.
• The feasibility of providing a village green was being investigated, following a positive reaction to the proposal at the special Village Meeting in December. A working party had been established and would report later in this agenda.
• The Parish Council had been consulted on bus services by the Swale Unified Network and an announcement would be made shortly regarding a new "dial a ride" service.
• The former local co-ordinator for the Neighbourhood Watch, Mr. Norman Neaves, had retired after many years service. At the special Village Meeting in December it had been possible to recruit link people to fill all vacancies in the village. The Parish Council would encourage all residents to support the efforts of Neighbourhood Watch.
• Both Swale Borough Council and Kent County Council had consulted the Parish Council on options for new political structures and the option for a leader and cabinet had been supported in both cases. KCC had also consulted on Community Safety issues and the Parish Council had recommended greater police visibility and improved youth services.
• Representations had been made about long and inconvenient power cuts during Winter storms and, following a request from a village resident, the position regarding main drainage provision to the village would be investigated although the Parish Council did not yet have a stance on this issue.
• On communication and involvement, meetings of the Parish Council were now attracting members of the public for the first time in 20 years. The minutes of meetings were displayed on the Website and reports of Parish Council activities were included in Good News and the local press. The Parish Council would encourage all residents to keep up to date with the activities of the Parish Council, to attend meetings and to seek any further information from any Councillor or the Parish Clerk.
• A future project for the Parish Council was to provide a bus shelter at Glebe Cottages.

The Chairman summed up his report by thanking his fellow Councillors and Clerk for their hard work and support during the last year and reassured residents that the Parish Council had great concern for the well-being of Eastling , its residents and environs.

4. Treasurer's Report

Cllr. Payne tabled a report of the accounts for the financial year 1st April 1999 to 31st March 2000 together with the favourable Auditor's report dated 4th December 2000.

Accounts for the financial year 1st April 2000 to 31st March 2001 were tabled showing an opening balance of £644.21 and a closing balance of £36.23. Cllr. Payne explained that, regrettably, a precept had not been set for that year and that consequently expenses had been met from the reserves held in the Election Contribution Fund.

As regards the budget for the current year, Cllr. Payne reported that a precept had been set at £8 per Band D property producing a sum of £1,207.00. Following anticipated expenditure and the reinstatement of the Election Contribution Fund, the projected year end position was a balance of £415.23.

In response to a question regarding Auditors' fees of £151.58, it was explained that an audit of the accounts was carried out every three years and that the appointment of Auditors was imposed by the Audit Commission. It was hoped that new audit arrangements being considered by the Audit Commission would result in a slight reduction of the three-yearly fee. The accounts were adopted and signed by the Treasurer and Chairman.

5. Reports from Local Organisations

(i) Neighbourhood Watch - Mrs. Chon Wilson reported that following the recruitment of new representatives in December, a meeting to exchange ideas had been held in February. The co-ordination role had been jointly taken on by herself and Stephen Edmed who were hoping to hold a further meeting in May.

In the meantime, they would represent the local Neighbourhood Watch at a police liaison meeting on 30th May. All representatives were receiving and disseminating messages received from the police and all residents were urged to liaise with their local NhW representative and the police to report anything suspicious.

(ii) Eastling School - Mrs. Alison Stone gave a report on activities at Eastling School over the last year. 109 pupils currently attended, with four full-time, one part-time and 14 ancillary staff including 8 learning support assistants.

The staff attended many courses to support the curriculum and the School participated fully in teacher training schemes. The children and staff enjoyed a residential trip to Hardelot in France last Summer and would be visiting Brighton this year. A new initiative to designate a School Governor to each year group was working well. The Parent Teacher and Friends Association was very active in raising funds and organising social events.

Extensive re-building projects were taking place as a result of DfE funding and fund raising which would result in the School being under one roof. A proposal for additional car parking had met with planning refusal, but alternative options would be pursued.

(iii) Parochial Church Council - Rev. Penny Fenton reported that she had been appointed to Priest-in-Charge in December and although this was technically a half-time post she assured Parishioners that she was available on a full-time basis.

The PCC had met on six occasions over the past year. The Church offers a variety of styles of service, and two fund raising concerts, a wine and wisdom evening and a flower festival had all met with great success. Mrs Angela Cheeseman had taken over as one of the two Church Wardens from Mrs Hilary Harlow, the second being Mr Norman Fowler.

The possibility of providing toilet and kitchen facilities in the Church was being investigated and would be subject to extensive discussion and consultation. During the year a bench had been installed in the Churchyard in memory of Mrs Rene Coultrip. Rev. Fenton continues to be involved with the School, taking some assemblies and attending other activities.

(iv) Eastling Play Group - no representative of the Play Group could be in attendance. The Play Group continued to suffer difficulty in recruiting qualified staff. Grant funding was being sought to supplement the Hall hire charges. Space was available on some sessions.

(v) The Harris Estate - Mr. Rob Farmer reported on extensive planting of new orchards and hedgerows and reinstatement of grass margins around field boundaries to encourage flora and fauna. Woodland management had been improved and a number of bridleways were being reopened. The farmhouse at North Court Farm and the former kitchen garden at Belmont House were being renovated and additional rooms in the House were to be opened to the public. Additionally, the Trustees were looking at reinstating the cricket pitch at Belmont House for the use of local teams. Mr. Farmer summed up by saying that the Trustees were working hard at balancing commercial aspects with the demands of the countryside and environment.

(vi) County Councillor Mrs. Jean Newman - Mrs. Newman explained that there were 16 parishes within the Swale East Ward that she covered. She described the main preoccupations of the KCC over the last year as flooding and refugees, and latterly the foot-and-mouth crisis. Other initiatives had been an Identity Card scheme for teenagers which would be extended into Swale and a Bill, successfully carried through Parliament, to ensure that previous owners of second hand goods over £100 sold through auctions, boot fairs etc. were traceable. Mrs. Newman also outlined the work she had been doing in her capacity as Chairman of the Personnel Committee on the Kent Fire Brigade.

(vii) Borough Councillor Colin Prescott - Mr. Prescott covered nine villages within his Ward and advised that the major issues raised were regarding flooding and highways. As regards community safety, following a meeting with the new Area Police Commander he was hopeful that a police officer would be dedicated to cover Eastling and six other villages. Mr. Prescott mentioned that as a result of the new political arrangements within the Borough Council, it was likely that he would have more time to devote to Ward matters and to visit Parish Council meetings. The Chairman thanked all speakers for their most informative reports.

6. Village Green Project

Mrs. Suzie Lister presented a report on behalf of the Village Green Working Party on the feasibility of a village green. The report was aimed at enabling the village to make a more informed decision on whether to proceed with the proposed project.

The report covered the following areas:

• Location - two possible sites had been identified: opposite the Carpenters Arms or between the Eastling Centre and Cheriton.
• Feasibility Phase 1 - including costs of grass seeding and options for maintenance and fencing
• Feasibility Phase 2 - ideas for the village green including a wild flower area, cherry orchard, hedgerows and children's play area
• Funding - details of eight possible sources of grant funding had been provided by the External Funding Officer of Swale Borough Council. The village would inevitably need to do its own additional fund raising.

From the floor, Mr. Hanney and Mr. Wilson, whose properties overlooked the site option opposite the Carpenters Arms, both indicated that they would prefer to see the field retained as farmland and that they would have concerns about the control and use of a village green on that site. As far as the alternative site option was concerned, the proprietors of The Eastling Centre said they would welcome the development of a green adjacent to the Centre.

Mrs. Abell pointed out the difficulties that might be experienced in finding volunteers to maintain a green. The Chairman suggested that a formal maintenance agreement should be built into the costings.

Mr. Farmer reported on the approval in principle by the Trustees Estate to lease land for a green although there would be conditions attached in that no permanent structure, e.g. pavilion, play equipment, should be included. In this connection it was commented from the floor that there was a lack of children's play equipment in the village and if it was not possible to include such facilities on the green, then consideration should be given to an alternative site.

In summing up, the Chairman thanked Mrs. Lister for her well-researched report and indicated that the village green proposal was still in its infancy. He suggested it would be the subject of further consideration at future meetings of the Parish Council before calling another public consultation meeting. In the meantime there was the opportunity to take account of any further views or comments villagers may have. Copies of Mrs. Lister's report would be available from the Parish Clerk.

7. Chairman's Closing Remarks

In closing the meeting, the Chairman thanked all for attending and drew attention to the forthcoming Annual General Meeting of the Village Hall Trustees.

8. Next Meeting of Parish Council

The next meeting of the Parish Council would be held at 8.00 p.m. on Monday, 14th May 2001 in the Village Hall.

Meetings of EASTLING PARISH COUNCIL held in Eastling Village Hall on Monday, 14th May 2001 at 8pm.

Present: Councillors Dot Bromley, Peter Parry, John Payne and Harold Wyld and Parish Clerk Mrs. Sue Parry. Also present were two members of the public.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr. Oliver Allen, Borough Councillor Colin Prescott and County Councillor Mrs. Jean Newman.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

1. Appointment of Chairman

The Parish Clerk reported that Cllr. Allen had intimated that he would support Cllr. Harold Wyld remaining as Chairman for a further year. Cllr. Bromley therefore proposed that Cllr. Wyld be appointed Chairman for the ensuing year and this was second by Cllr. Parry and unanimously agreed.

2. Appointment of Parish Clerk

Mrs. Parry reminded Councillors that when she had taken on the role as Parish Clerk in June 2000 she had indicated that this would be for a temporary period until alternative arrangements had been made. She now offered to continue in the role temporarily but for no longer than the end of the calendar year. Councillors gratefully accepted Mrs. Parry's offer and would make efforts to find a replacement Clerk as soon as possible.

3. Appointment of Treasurer

It was proposed by Cllr. Parry and seconded by Cllr. Bromley that Cllr. Payne be appointed Treasurer for a further year. This was unanimously agreed.

4. Appointment of Village Hall Trust Representative

The Chairman advised that Cllr. Parry had expressed his willingness to continue as Village Hall Trust representative for a further year, and this was unanimously endorsed.

5. Appointment of Tree Warden

The Chairman advised that following his enquiry, Mr. Mike Palmer had agreed to act as voluntary Tree Warden for Eastling for a further year. This was unanimously endorsed.

6. Dates of Future Meetings

The following dates of future meetings were agreed: 9th July 2001, 10th September 2001, 12th November 2001, 14th January 2002, 11th March 2002, 22nd April 2002, (Annual Parish Meeting), 13th May 2002 (Parish Council AGM), 8th July 2002, 9th September 2002, 11th November 2002.

ORDINARY MEETING

1. Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 12th March 2001

The minutes of the meeting held on 12th March were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

2. Chairman's Report

The Chairman reported on the following matters:

(i) Attendance at Swale Borough Council's Faversham Area Committee held on 27th March 2001 in Eastling Village Hall - the concern of the Parish Council about lack of consultation from SBC officers on occasions had been raised, particularly in relation to the Engineers/Highways sections. In a subsequent meeting with SBC's Best Value Officer the Chairman had been assured that consultation and response rates were being improved under the Best Value regime. SBC Councillors had been impressed by the Village Appraisal.

(ii) Attendance at Eastling Village Hall Trust AGM on 30th April 2001 - the main messages emerging from the meeting were that the Trust was doing well and the Hall was solvent. Trustees had requested more participation and help from villagers in the operation of the Hall.

3. Finance

(i) Cllr. Payne reported receipt of the first half of the precept which had enabled the Electoral Contribution Fund to be reinstated, leaving £242 in the bank. Two items of expenditure remained to be settled, i.e. the subscription to the Kent Association of Parish Councils in the sum of £100.82 and the public liability insurance premium in the sum of £121. Councillors unanimously agreed that this expenditure be met.

(ii) Receipt was noted of a letter dated 10th April from the Audit Commission regarding progress with new arrangements for appointment of external auditors and inviting comments on the options for appointing either the District Auditor or a top performing firm. Members considered the options in the light of further advice received from the Audit Commission and also the Kent Association of Parish Councils and agreed the preference was for a local top performing firm. The Parish Clerk to convey this view to the Audit Commission together with confirmation that an audit of the Parish Council's accounts was not required for a further two years.

4. Main Drainage

Following the request received from a local resident, enquiries had been made of Southern Water and Swale Borough Council on the likelihood of the provision of main drainage in the village. The Chairman reported on responses received indicating that a scheme to bring main drainage from Painters Forstal would cost in excess of £1m with each householder having to meet connection charges of between £3,000 and £4,000. Neither Southern Water nor Swale Borough Council were able to fund such a scheme and would look to the Parish Council to meet the cost.

Members agreed that however environmentally desirable a main drainage scheme would be, in practical terms it was beyond the scope of the Parish Council to raise the necessary funding. Copies of the correspondence and of this minute would be conveyed to the resident concerned.

5. Village Green Project

Amended copies of Mrs. Suzie Lister's report on the village green proposal were before Members who now discussed the way forward with the project. Cllr. Allen's views were noted in that he would support the development of a green opposite the Carpenters Arms although he would favour carrying out a village referendum to ensure support for detailed proposals. Cllr. Payne agreed that it was essential to confirm that villagers were behind the proposal and this view was generally supported by Parish Councillors.

It was agreed that a small working party take forward the proposals to a detailed stage. Cllr. Payne and Mrs. Lister agreed to form the working party and to seek a further representative from the village. The remit of the working party was to formulate detailed, costed proposals for both site options, with advantages and disadvantages of each, and to draw up a draft referendum questionnaire for further consideration by the Parish Council. Should the result of the referendum prove positive, it would be at that stage that the detailed proposal would be submitted to the Harris Estate.

6. Rural Community Grant Bus Shelter Project

Several design options had been circulated to Councillors in connection with the bus shelter project, the cheapest being in the sum of £3,259 with one further price awaited. However, a rural community grant, should it prove successful, would only meet three-quarters of the cost which put all options thus far outside the Parish Council's budgeted contribution of £375. Additionally the deadline for submission of grant applications was 1st June and meeting that date was now going to prove problematical.

After full discussion, Members agreed that a budget limit of £2,500 be set for the scheme. Cllr. Parry offered to prepare a further design option for a bus shelter which was more likely to meet the budget. This was agreed, Cllr. Parry to circulate the alternative design option and to seek builders' estimates for its construction. Should it be possible to proceed with a grant application by the deadline, the Chairman would take the necessary action. Should the deadline be missed, then consideration would be given to seeking alternative grant funding.

7. New Funding Sources

The following new funding sources were reported:

(i) "Leader +" Funding - European funding for innovative rural business enterprises and projects to enhance quality of life etc. Members agreed that this might be a source of funding for the village green project, should it proceed.

(ii) Countryside Agency Grants - two types of grants ranging from £500 to £25,000 to support innovative ideas from local communities for projects to improve or support services, especially those enhancing quality of life for elderly or young. Again, the village green project seemed appropriate to Members for this type of grant and the Countryside Agency would be advised accordingly, pending any definitive bid.

8. Eastling School

Mrs. Patricia Payne's report, in her capacity as Minor Authorities' representative, on her attendance at the Eastling School Governors' meeting on 14th May was received and noted. Copies of the report would be sent to Ospringe, Otterden and Stalisfield Parish Councils. Thanks were expressed to Mrs. Payne for her report.

9. Highways

(i) Footways:
Proposed Works on Faversham Road (Glebe Cottages to Coach House Boundary) - the Chairman had met with Highway Engineers to discuss the scheme which would consist of a black-top footpath, 1.5m in width, with concrete curbing. It was not possible to include a grass verge. The Highways Engineers would be discussing any special requirements with frontagers who would also be given one week's notice of start of work, probably in August and lasting two weeks. Further detailed plans with drawings would be sent to the Parish Council.
Proposed maintenance on The Street (Carpenters Arms - Prospect Place) - no further information available.

(ii) Noted Problems - the updated list of highways defects, drainage the lighting problems for notification to the Highways Unit was agreed. The Chairman reported on discussions with Highways Engineers, indicating that they would be further investigating the regular flooding on the Faversham/Eastling Road and that they were confident that the flooding near Wingfield Farm had been resolved.

10. Planning

(i) Outcome of Previous Applications:
Eastling Farms Ltd: Application for Certificate of Lawful Use - Approved.
Eastling School: Proposed Car Parking - Refused.
Eastling School: Phased development to include replacement mobile classroom and hall, room for information technology and over-roofing to classroom 4 and toilet block - Approved.

(ii) Circulated Applications:
Members confirmed their decision to raise no objection to the following two applications:
Forge Cottage, The Street: enlarged replacement garage - decision awaited.
The White House, Faversham Road: enlarged replacement garage - Approved.

11. Correspondence

(i) Periodical Electoral Review - receipt was noted of the final recommendations of the Local Government Commission for England for the periodical electoral review. There were no immediate implications for Eastling.

(ii) Contaminated Land - officers at Swale Borough Council had requested assistance in seeking details of any streams, springs and other watercourses which may have appeared as a result of the exceptionally wet weather. Publicity would be given to the request through Good News and the local press.

12. Forthcoming Meetings/Training Events

(i) KAPC Rural White Paper Information Day, 30th May - no representative.

(ii) KAPC Treasurers' Training Day, 20th October - agreed that Cllr. Payne should attend this event costing £32.25.

(iii) KAPC Councillors' Training Day, 21st July - no representative.

(iv) Swale Police Liaison Meeting, 30th May - Stephen Edmed and Chon Wilson from the local Neighbourhood Watch would attend together with Cllr. Wyld.

(v) KAPC (Swale Area) Meeting, 4th June - the Chairman to attend. (vi) Swale Borough Council's Faversham Area Committee, 22nd May - the Chairman to attend if possible.

(vii) Faversham Citizen's Advice Bureau AGM, 6th June - no representative. As previously agreed, donation in the sum of £20 to be forwarded to the CAB by the Treasurer.

13. Items for Next Agenda

Items for next agenda were noted as village green project and bus shelter project.

14. Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Parish Council would be held on Monday, 8th July at 8.00 p.m. in the Village Hall.

Minutes of the Meeting of Eastling Parish Council held in Eastling Village Hall on Monday, 9th July 2001 at 8pm.

Present: Councillors Oliver Allen, Peter Parry, John Payne and Harold Wyld (Chairman) and Parish Clerk Mrs. Sue Parry. Also present was one member of the public.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr. Dot Bromley, Borough Councillor Colin Prescott and County Councillor Mrs. Jean Newman.

1. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 14th May 2001 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

2. Matters arising

There were no matters arising which were not covered by the agenda.

3. Village Green Project

Mrs. Suzie Lister was in attendance to report the progress of the Village Green Working Party which now comprised herself, Cllr. Oliver Allen, Mr. Paul Muddle, Ms. Julia Bayley and Mrs. Philippa Amos. The Working Party had designed a set of simple questions to form the basis of a village referendum and these were placed before Councillors.

In relation to the additional site option (Churchfields), Mrs. Lister had contacted Sally Watts at Bidwells, land agents for the Trustees of the Harris Estate, who had indicated that she would place the matter together with the referendum paper before the Trustees at their meeting on 26th July to seek approval in principle to making that site available. No firm approval was likely until the Trustees had been given the opportunity to consider the detailed scheme for a village green.

It was proposed by Cllr. Allen, seconded by Cllr. Parry and unanimously agreed that the draft referendum be approved. The Working Party intended to issue the referendum and allocate a day in September for villagers to post their ballot papers into a ballot box at the Village Hall; suitable publicity and signage to be arranged. Mrs. Lister was thanked for progressing the village green proposal with the Working Party and she then left the meeting.

4. Chairman's Report

(i) Swale Police/Parish Councils Liaison Meeting 30th May - the Chairman had attended this meeting with the Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators, Mrs. Wilson and Mr. Edmed. The police had explained about shortage of resources and the targets they had set. It was hoped however, subject to funding being made available, to establish a rural task force to provide faster response in rural areas.

(ii) Kent Association of Parish Councils (Swale) Committee Meeting, 4th June - no major issues had been raised. KCC planning documents had been made available which would be placed on circulation for Parish Councillors.

(iii) KCC: Increased Rural Bus Grant - following the extension of the Rural Bus Grant to March 2004, the Parish Council had been consulted on suggestions for the future. In view of the short deadline, the Chairman had responded requesting that consideration be given to improving the bus service to Eastling, possibly introducing evening and weekend services and suggesting a survey of residents would identify potential demand. A response from KCC was awaited.

(iv) Faversham Town Centre Management: Rural Communities Survey: the Parish Council had been invited to express views on the needs of its community and on the services and facilities which should be provided to sustain it. The Chairman had responded, highlighting previously discussed requirements for improved public transport and more visible community policing.

5. Finance

Cllr. Payne tabled a report on the current financial position, indicating that payments had been made since the last meeting in respect of membership of the KAPC (£100.82), public liability insurance (£121.35) and to the Faversham CAB (£20 grant). Receipt of the second half of the precept was now awaited. The Chairman advised that there would be some costs to be met in relation to his temporary repair of the village notice board, to be confirmed at the next meeting.

6. Rural Community Grants

(i) Bus Shelter Project

Councillors discussed the various design options which had been obtained for the proposed bus shelter at Glebe Cottages, noting that this had now missed the deadline for Swale Rural Community Grants. Two quotations had been received in the region of £5,000 to £6,000 and an estimate was still awaited on Cllr. Parry's design option although this was anticipated to be considerably cheaper that previous quotations.

Following discussion, it was agreed to proceed with obtaining quotations for the Cllr Parry's design this being more economical and in keeping with the style of Glebe Cottages. Cllr. Parry agreed to pursue builders' estimates and there would be further discussion at the next meeting, particularly in relation to grant applications and funding for the scheme. In this connection, it was possible that Moat Housing may contribute to the scheme, following consultation with Glebe Cottage residents.

(ii) Parish Noticeboard

Following vandalism of the parish notice board, the Chairman had effected temporary repairs and, after consultation with Parish Councillors, a Rural Community Grant application had been made to Swale Borough Council for a new notice board, expected to cost around £500. The outcome of the grant application was awaited. Regarding the style of a new notice board, Councillors agreed that a wooden construction would be more in-keeping with the location in the Conservation area. The Chairman and Cllr. Parry would contact local carpenters.

7. Highways

(i) Proposed Footway Works on Faversham Road (Glebe Cottages to Coach House boundary) - the Chairman reported that despite assurances, the Highways Engineers had not yet provided further details of these footway works which were due to commence in August. The Chairman would seek the Highway Engineers' urgent attention to this matter

(ii) Temporary Signage, Junction of The Street and School Lane - the temporary "new junction layout" signs had still to be removed. The Chairman to hasten Highway Engineers' action.

(iii) Noted Problems - the highways defects, drainage and lighting problems list was updated for submission to the Highways Unit.

8. Planning

It was noted that the planning application to replace and extend the existing garage at Forge Cottage, Eastling had now been approved. No new planning applications had been received.

9. Correspondence

A report was tabled from Mrs. Patricia Payne on her attendance at Eastling School Governors' meeting on 2nd July. It was noted that the School were going to appeal against the planning refusal to construct a parking area on School Lane.

Councillors asked that their thanks be conveyed to Mrs. Payne for her report, copies of which would be sent to Otterden, Stalisfield and Ospringe Parish Councils.

10. Parish Clerk

It was noted that no volunteers had yet come forward to replace Mrs. Parry as Parish Clerk, despite some publicity given to the forthcoming vacancy. Councillors considered that in the absence of volunteers, it may be necessary to consider offering a salary in order to attract applications. It was noted that the minimum salary for a parish clerk was in the region of £7.00 per hour and, in order that the Parish Council may consider making budgetary provision for this eventuality, Mrs. Parry was asked to provide the Treasurer with an estimate of time spent on Parish business.

The matter to be discussed further at the next meeting and in the meantime all Councillors were urged to seek out potential candidates.

11. Items for next agenda

Items for inclusion on the agenda for the next meeting were identified as follows:

• Attendance of Parish/Police Liaison Officer - Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators to be invited.
• Parish Clerk Forthcoming Vacancy.
• Bus Shelter Scheme.
• Village Green Project. Noticeboard Project.

12. Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Parish Council would be held at 8.00 p.m. on Monday, 10th September 2001 in Eastling Village Hall.

Minutes of a Meeting of Eastling Parish Council held in Eastling Village Hall on Monday, 10th September 2001 at 8.00 p.m.

Present: Councillors Oliver Allen, Peter Parry and Harold Wyld (Chairman) and Parish Clerk Mrs. Sue Parry. In attendance for the first item were Mrs. Leslie Hunt, Parish/Police Liaison Officer, and Mrs. Sylvia Everest, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator for Swale.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs. Dot Bromley and John Payne. Also present were 10 members of the public.

1. Suspension of Standing Orders

The Chairman proposed, and it was seconded by Cllr. Parry and unanimously agreed, that Standing Orders be suspended to allow the public to participate in the following discussion.

2. Parish/Police Liaison

The Chairman introduced Mrs. Leslie Hunt, Parish/Police Liaison Officer, and Mrs. Sylvia Everest, Local Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator for Swale.

Mrs. Hunt described her role as a link between the community/parish councils and the police to address any concerns and to relieve the local police officers of this task, thereby allowing them to get on with their beat duties. She stressed that manpower was a problem for the police and that they relied heavily on the flow of information coming from the public and also from local Neighbourhood Watch in order to identify target areas.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:

• There had been a recent spate of vandalism in the village, noticeboards and the school suffering damage. Mrs. Hunt mentioned that the newly formed Rural Task Force had been very active in the area in recent weeks and had been successful in their endeavours in addressing issues such as vandalism.
• Following this vandalism, Cllr. Allen had found the police reluctant to offer advice about temporary close circuit television equipment. Mrs. Hunt suggested that such advice would be available from PC Cliff Holroyd, the Crime Reduction Officer. She also advised that the police had been successful in receiving Home Office funding for a number of mobile CC-TV cameras which would enable "high-tech" surveillance in problem areas. Further information would be forthcoming when the new cameras were in operation.
• It was likely that Faversham Police Station would close, but a police desk presence would be retained in the town, possibly through a similar arrangement to that operating in Sittingbourne where the police and Council operated a joint reception area in the Council offices. The nearest 24 hour police station remained at Sittingbourne.
• Crime Stoppers provided a valuable channel for passing information anonymously to the police, such information sometimes leading to an award. Crime Stoppers may be contacted on 0800 555 111.
• A new centralised control room had been launched at Police Headquarters entitled CC21. This provided state of the art technology and would progressively take over all police calls from police divisions across Kent, Swale's calls transferring there in October/November and control room becoming fully operational by January 2002. Callers requiring police attendance within Swale should still dial the local number 01795 477055. The Community Unit, Rural Task Force and Neighbourhood Watch could be contacted on 01795 584034. All emergency callers should still dial 999.
• All households in Eastling would be provided with a Datalink capsule. This capsule, the size of a 35mm film capsule, was designed to contain vital personal details, i.e. next of kin, medical history, medications etc. and would remain in the household fridge. Stickers near the front door and on the fridge door would alert emergency services to the presence of the capsule and would save valuable time in ensuring the necessary action was taken.
• Mrs. Everest operated a Neighbourhood Watch Surgery every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning in Swale House, the Council's offices in Sittingbourne.

The Chairman thanked Mrs. Hunt and Mrs. Everest for their attendance and reminded all present that much of the above information was contained on the Eastling Website.

3. Resumption of Standing Orders

It was unanimously agreed that Standing Orders be resumed.

4. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 9th July 2001 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

5. Matters arising

There were no matters arising which were not covered by the agenda.

6. Chairman's Report

Councillors noted the tabled Chairman's report on the following matters:

• Attendance at Faversham Town Council/Local Parish Councils' Liaison Meeting on the Rural White Paper, 14th August 2001;
• Attendance at Kent Association of Parish Councils (Swale) Committee Meeting, 3rd September 2001 - arising therefrom, the Chairman requested that any comments on the increasingly expensive charges for cesspool emptying be conveyed either to himself or to the Parish Clerk.

7. Finance

In the absence of Cllr. Payne, the Parish Clerk indicated that he had reported that there had been no financial transactions since his last report to the July meeting.

8. Village Green Project

Cllr. Allen reported that Bidwells, acting as agents for the Belmont estate, had now indicated that the second site option, i.e. the field adjacent Eastling Centre, would not be available, but they would be happy to see a green developed on the site opposite the Carpenters Arms, provided this was limited to meadow and/or tree planting and on payment of a rental, yet to be determined. No permanent fixtures/play equipment may be included.

Councillors therefore considered whether this proposal should now be placed before villagers and it was proposed by Cllr. Allen, seconded by Cllr. Parry and unanimously agreed that a village referendum should proceed.

Following discussion on the mechanics of a referendum, the Chairman indicated that there were several documents for delivery to every household in the coming weeks and proposed that a referendum form on the village green be included in this distribution for return by a specific date. This was seconded by Cllr. Parry and unanimously agreed. Regarding the content of the referendum form, the Chairman agreed that contributions may be made from the floor and the following matters were raised:

• Mr. Risdon contended that it was possible that at the open meeting in December 2000, the overall majority of villagers in attendance had been in favour of the village green on the basis that it would incorporate play equipment for children.
• Mr. Wilson asked that the questions on the referendum form be clear and concise and that it be made clear that there was a rental to be met. He also enquired how a village green would be "policed".
• Mrs. Harlow enquired whether planning permission for change of use would be required.
• Mrs. Wood enquired whether the green would be used for sports, e.g. football.
• Mrs. Jolliffe asked if Bidwells would in the future be likely to give permission for footpaths across the land in question.
• It was also asked whether the hedges on The Street and School Lane would necessarily be removed.

Cllr. Allen agreed to draft a referendum form taking account, as far as possible, of the above comments/questions. The draft would be circulated to all Councillors for urgent approval and distribution.

9. Bus Shelter Project

Cllr. Parry reported that he had sought quotations from three builders for the proposed bus shelter, two of whom were local and one from the Medway Towns. One quotation had been received in the sum of £2,485 from the Medway builder; regrettably neither of the local builders had submitted a quote.

With regards to the bus shelter design, Cllr. Allen considered that it should be keeping with the village surroundings. Cllr. Parry responded that the design he had prepared had been deliberately basic in an effort to minimise costs and that it could be enhanced if funding permitted.

In considering the way forward, Councillors agreed that Cllr. Parry should enhance the design and circulate it for final confirmation by Members prior to submission to Moate Housing Association for consultation with residents in Glebe Cottages. Following support from Moate Housing, investigation would take place into sources of funding with a view to proceeding with the bus shelter in 2002.

10. Rural Community Grand Project - Replacement Parish Noticeboard

It was hoped that the Faversham Area Committee of Swale Borough Council would be making a decision the following day on the Parish Council's application for grant funding towards the replacement of the parish noticeboard. In the meantime, the Chairman had produced a design and efforts were being made to obtain quotations from local carpenters. The Chairman was authorised to progress this matter should the application for grant funding prove successful.

11. Appointment of Parish Clerk

The Chairman indicated that no-one had come forward to express an interest in the post of Parish Clerk on a voluntary basis, despite publicity and Councillors therefore agreed that the post be advertised on a paid basis. The Treasurer had advised that the recommended Parish Clerk salary for a parish the size of Eastling equated to £8 per hour and provision would therefore have to be made in the budget, not only for the salary but also for advertising costs. The Chairman would draft an advertisement and appointment procedure and circulate to all Councillors.

12. Highways

(i) Footway works on Eastling/Faversham Road (Glebe Cottages to Coach House) - although the Highways Unit had not consulted with frontagers as previously promised, these works appeared to be progressing satisfactorily. Should frontagers have any concerns, they were requested to raise them either with the Highways Unit or the Parish Council.

(ii) Meesons Close - the Chairman had requested that the name signs for Meesons Close be replaced and the Highways Unit had agreed to consider this at the end of the financial year. This move was supported.

(iii) Noted Problems - the list of noted problems was updated for referral to the Highways Unit.

13. Planning

The following was noted in relation to Planning Applications which had been previously circulated:

• The Old Rectory: new conservatory and replacement window - the Parish Council's support for this application had been conveyed to the Council; outcome awaited.
• Porch House: removal of yew tree - the Parish Council, whilst regretting the removal of an old and established tree, felt it was justified in this case and supported the application which has since been approved.
• Forge House: removal of Leylandii - the Parish Council had supported this application - outcome awaited.
• Plantation House: new two-storey building for storage, study and guest accommodation - the majority view of the Parish Council was to object to this application because it would result in an over large building at the rear of the Carpenters' Arms, visible from the Street; there would be a loss of rear access to garaging and parking for Plantation House and there was no guarantee on future re-development into a separate dwelling. This view would be conveyed to the Borough Council.

14. The Queen's Golden Jubilee Celebrations 2002

It was agreed to seek the views of the village through the newspapers and Good News in relation to any possible celebrations to mark The Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002 and discuss the matter further at the next Parish Council meeting.

15. Correspondence

(i) Iwade Parish Council had written to seek support to their opposition to the proposed municipal waste incinerator at Ridham Dock, Iwade. Councillors agreed that whilst they would not wish to express an opinion on this matter, the letter would be publicised in order for individuals to consider whether they wished to voice their support direct to the Parish Clerk at Iwade.

(ii) Kent Police Authority was seeking the Parish Council's views on the overall priorities for allocating resources to combat crime in Kent and had circulated a questionnaire. These had been copied to all Councillors who were requested to complete the questionnaire and return to the Parish Clerk for consolidation into a Parish Council response.

(iii) Council for Voluntary Service had invited the Parish Council to send a representative to the Annual General Meeting on 24th September. It was agreed that the Parish Council would not be represented at this meeting.

(iv) KCC Transport Representative - it was agreed that Cllr. Wyld would continue to serve as the Parish Council's transport representative for the Kent County Council.

16. Any Other Business

Cllr. Allen proposed that now that more members of the public were attending meetings of the Parish Council, there should be a short period at the beginning of each meeting when questions or issues may be raised by the public. This was seconded by Cllr. Parry and it was unanimously agreed that this be instigated with effect from the November meeting. The Chairman added that it would be most helpful if advance notice be given to himself or the Parish Clerk of questions to be raised.

17. Next Agenda

Items for the agenda for the next meeting were agreed as follows:

• Proposals for Council projects for the year 2002/2003
• Agreement of Parish Council Budget for year 2002/2003
• Village Green Project
• Bus Shelter Project
• Parish Clerk Appointment