Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
held in Eastling Village Hall on Monday, 14 January 2002
at 8pm
1. Attendance and apologies
for absence
Present: Councillors Peter Parry, John
Payne, Harold Wyld (Chairman) and Parish Clerk Mrs Carol
Butterfield.
Apologies for absence: Cllr Oliver Allen, Cllr Dot Bromley
and County Cllr Jean Newman.
Also present were two members of the public.
Mrs Carol Butterfield was introduced as the new Parish Clerk.
2. Suspension of Standing Orders
Members resolved that Standing Orders
should be suspended to allow questions from the public.
3. Open Forum
No matters were raised by the public.
The Chairman referred to a Silent Auction,
to be held on Friday, 18 January in Faversham Guildhall
to help meet organisational costs of the Faversham Bike
Ride in May. This year the Ride would have a Golden Jubilee
theme and he suggested interested Eastling residents might
wish to participate to raise money for their favourite charities.
4. Resumption of Standing Orders
Members resolved that Standing Orders
should be resumed.
5. Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish
Council held on Monday, 12 November 2001.
Copies had been circulated/e-mailed to
all Members prior to the meeting.
6. Matters Arising and Confirmation
of Minutes
There were no matters arising and the
Minutes were confirmed as correct and signed by the Chairman.
7. Chairman's Report
The Chairman reported on the following
items:
(i) Kent Association of Parish Councils
(Swale Branch) Meeting, Sittingbourne, 3 December 2001.
(ii) New Evening Bus Service: The Chairman
commented that this was a very welcome and worthwhile service
but more usage is needed if the service is to be maintained.
The timetable is on the Parish Noticeboard.
(iii) Parish Council Noticeboard: Currently
under construction. The Chairman proposed that Members agree
that payment and application for grant reimbursement be
delegated to Chairman and Treasurer. The Account to be circulated
with the next Agenda. The proposal was seconded by Cllr
Parry and carried unanimously.
(iv) Millennium Tree: The Harris Estate
had agreed this might be planted near the junction of The
Street and Kettle Hill Road. The Chairman proposed and Members
agreed contacting Len Piles of Stalisfield to arrange planting
and also erection of the noticeboard.
(v) Swale Borough Council Faversham and
Swale East Area Committee, Hernhill, 8 January 2002. Attended
by the Chairman who had drawn attention to the lack of consultation
re: the Faversham Town Centre proposed parking scheme and
the impact of motorists from surrounding villages.
(vi) Resignation of Cllr Oliver Allen:
Cllr Allen, who moved from the village in October 2001,
had advised members by e-mail (on 10 January 2002) of his
intention to resign immediately. The Chairman proposed that
Members formally accept Cllr Allen's resignation and invoke
the normal procedure to declare a casual vacancy. This will
be advertised locally, with two weeks allowed for nominations
and a ballot held at the next meeting of the Council (in
March). If there are no applications, the Council will need
to co-opt. The term of office would be until the next elections
in May 2004. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Payne and
carried unanimously.
(vii) Adult Education: Members noted the
Canterbury College 'Computer Taster Sessions' at Eastling
School on 15 and 22 January 2002. The Chairman had written
to express his appreciation of this innovation which matched
the Parish Council's and local residents' desires for local
adult education.
8. Future Projects
Members considered progress, required
action and possible expenditure by the Parish Council in
relation to the following:
(i) The Queen's Golden Jubilee Celebrations
2002
Village Event: Cllr Parry tabled a
copy of the village's 1977 Silver Jubilee celebrations
programme. He advised that proposals by Village Hall
Trustees for a Barbecue on Saturday, 8 June, 4-8 pm
at Eastling Village Hall were being reconsidered to
take account of this and, if possible, a late-evening
firework display.
Village Entry Signs: The Village Sign
Society had expressed interest and the Chairman had
agreed to keep them informed. The Chairman proposed
a project be prepared to seek designs, suppliers and
potential funding for new entry signs. Seconded by Cllr
Parry and carried unanimously. The Chairman would pursue
the matter and report back to Members. If then agreed,
the project might be submitted for a Swale Council Rural
Community Grant.
(ii) Glebe Cottage Bus Shelter Project:
Details of this project had been submitted to Moat Housing
Association. They had agreed to consider financial assistance
and provision of the site and would also consult tenants
on the proposed design. Members noted that potential sources
of funding might be Swale Council (Rural Community Grant),
the Bensted Trust or the Lottery. A site plan from Moat
Housing and planning and highways permissions would be needed.
Cllr Parry agreed to look into all these items. (iii) New Village Green
Ms Sally Watts at Bidwells Property Consultants (the agents
for the Harris/Belmont Estate) had written to clarify various
matters. Copies had been circulated by e-mail to all Members.
The envisaged Lease would be for 25 years and impose constraints
on development of the field. All maintenance would be the
responsibility of the lessees. Any proposals for introducing,
for example, a duck pond or seats for the elderly would
need the Trustees' approval. The Chairman agreed to write
and thank Ms Wafts and emphasise the problem for the Parish
Council if a market rental is required. Members agreed that
the draft budget for providing and maintaining a village
green needed to be re-examined and, when these matters had
been resolved, villagers would be consulted via a survey.
9. Finance
(i) Treasurer's Report
Cllr Payne reported no changes since the last meeting. The
current balance was in the region of £300.
(ii) Budget and Precept for 2002/2003
Members considered the Parish Council's proposed expenditure
and precept requirement for the period 1 April 2002 - 31
March 2003.
Cllr Payne drew Members attention to various
items in the draft budget (circulated with the Agenda).
He anticipated an £11 deficit on the general account
and £400 credit in the election contingency fund for
the current year (2001/2002). For the coming year (2002/2003),
it was assumed the bus shelter and entry signs projects
would attract a 75% grant. £1,000 had been allowed
for the services of a Parish Clerk. The Parish Council's
forecast total expenditure for the year was £5,715.
This would require a precept contribution of £2,601.55
- the equivalent of £17.50 annual Council Tax for
Band D properties (compared to the current year's £8
for Band D properties).
Members discussed the increase and noted
that the proposed precept was generally in line with comparable
parish council's in the Swale area. It was suggested that
potential economies would be to reduce the Council's activities
to an very low level or to combine with a neighbouring parish
council. Neither were felt to present a desirable solution,
although they were matters that might usefully be debated
by villagers at the Annual Parish Meeting.
Members noted the small sum of money allocated
for training and resolved that the first call on this should
be to enable the Clerk, if she so wished, to attend the
KAPC Clerks' Training Day on 14 May 2002.
A proposal by Cllr Payne that the Eastling
Parish Council precept for the year 2002/2003 be £2,601.55
was seconded by the Chairman and carried unanimously. Members
resolved that the precept requirement be notified to Swale
Borough Council's Finance Department by Cllr Payne.
(iii) Countryside Agency Grants
These provide grant aid towards: (a) Parish Transport, (b)
Community Services and (c) Parish and Town Planning. Members
agreed to re-examine (c) at the November 2002 meeting.
10. Rural White Paper and Local Government
Act 2000
(i) Code of Conduct The relevant legislation became effective on 5 November
2001. Locally, a new Swale Council committee will act as
a monitoring body. Advice on wording of the local Code is
awaited. The Code has to be in place and adopted by parish
councils by 5 May 2002. Individual Members must 'sign up'
by 5 July 2002; any who refuse would be barred from office.
The Chairman said the existing arrangements
had seemed adequate and took a view that the new legislation
was "a sledgehammer to crack a nut, unduly bureaucratic
and yet another cost". He sensed that a number of local
parish councils were very upset with the new legislation.
(ii) Quality Parish and Town Councils
(Consultation)
The Chairman suggested that, although the principle of raising
standards was fine, the proposals seemed irrelevant to small
parish councils with limited staff and cash resources. Time
and cost of preparing an application might be better spent
on local matters. Members agreed a proposal by the Chairman,
seconded by Cllr Parry, to forward this viewpoint to the
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
(iii) National Training Strategy
The Chairman said he was all in favour of better training
opportunities but it was vital that they were affordable.
Increasing local precept requirement is not an option. He
proposed to respond formally to the Training Development
Officer of NALC. This was seconded by Peter Parry and carried
unanimously.
11. Appointment of New Parish Clerk
Mrs Carol Butterfield of 12 St Nicholas
Road, Faversham had kindly agreed to act as Parish Clerk
for a 'trial period'.
The Chairman had briefly discussed financial
arrangements and, subject to further consideration, had
offered Mrs Butterfield:
the appropriate National Salary Conditions
hourly rate (currently £6.69 per hour). It had
been estimated that average time per month on Eastling
Parish Council duties amounts to eight hours;
reimbursement of car usage (currently
451-999cc: 35.8/mile; 1000-1199cc: 39.9p/mile; 1200-1450cc:
49.1p/mile); and
expenses including stationery, telephone
and postage.
Mrs Butterfield said that she wished to
decline the offer of an hourly rate but would wish to claim
expenses. The Chairman and Members expressed their gratitude
for this generous offer.
The Chairman proposed that he should discuss
formal terms of appointment with Mrs Butterfield and provide
a written copy for mutual agreement. This was carried unanimously.
A proposal by the Chairman to send a letter
of thanks to Mrs Sue Parry for her services as the Parish
Clerk for the past 18 months, accompanied by an appropriate
personal gift from Members, was seconded by Cllr Payne and
carried unanimously.
12. Highways
(i) Noted Problems: Members considered
and agreed items to be included in a revised list of local
highways problems to be submitted to the Highways Manager
for Swale. The Chairman proposed thanking the engineers
for their quick response to the pothole problems on the
Eastling-Faversham road and their investigation and proposed
works for drainage problems outside Goosemeadow, Newnham
Lane, Eastling. This proposal was seconded by Cllr Parry
and carried unanimously.
Cllr Parry proposed that Members seek
a remedy to the unsightly sheet metal repairs to fencing,
opposite Bankside in Newnham Lane. Members agreed that a
letter should be sent to the owner of the fencing and, subject
to the response, a meeting sought with appropriate Swale
Council officers.
(ii) Highways Meeting: The Chairman agreed
he would try to attend the Kent Highways Partnership meeting
on 18 February at Swale House, Sittingbourne.
(iii) KCC Public Rights of Way Unit: Members
noted the appointment of Mr Michael Ellis as the new PROW
Officer for Swale. The Chairman would advise details of
the new Parish Clerk.
13. Planning
Members noted that no new planning applications
nor decisions on outstanding applications had been received
in the period since the last meeting.
14. Correspondence
(i) Around Kent: The first edition
of a new KCC bi-monthly magazine for residents was due in
February. Eastling had been offered a bulk supply. Members
agreed the Chairman should contact Mrs Hilary Harlow to
see if it could be delivered with the "Good News"
parish magazine.
(ii) Mid Kent Downs Steering Group:
The next meeting will be at Wormshill Village Hall on Wednesday,
27 February at 3.00pm. Cllr Parry will consider attending
and may raise the matter of Newnham Lane fencing problem.
15. Any Other Matters of Urgency
Members noted concerns by Eastling resident,
Mr Nick Wilson, in relation to increased aircraft traffic
noise over the village. He suggested anyone experiencing
the problem let him know as he planned to contact local
MP Hugh Robertson. Members asked to be informed of any further
developments.
16. Next Agenda
Members agreed to include the following
items on the Agenda for their next Meeting:
(i) Adoption of new Code of Conduct; (ii) Grant Aid Applications
- bus shelter
- village entry signs
- Jubilee fireworks; (iii) Content of and invitations for Annual Parish
Meeting on Monday, 22 April 2002. One topic had already
been identified — the practicality and the cost of
operating small parish councils.
17. Date of Next Meeting
It was noted and agreed the next scheduled
meeting of the Parish Council is Monday, 11 March 2002 in
Eastling Village Hall at 8.00pm.
The meeting closed at 9.30pm.
Minutes of the Meeting of Eastling Parish
Council held in Eastling Village Hall on Monday, 11 March
2002 at 8pm.
1. Attendance and apologies
for absence
Present: Councillors Dot Bromley, Peter
Parry, John Payne and Harold Wyld (Chairman) and Parish
Clerk Mrs Carol Butterfield.
No Apologies for absence.
In Attendance: Mr Peter Cheeseman.
Also present was one member of the public.
2. Suspension of Standing Orders
Standing orders were suspended to allow
questions from the public.
3. Open Forum
Mr Kevin Hanney drew attention to a recent
problem with litter blowing from the recycling bin at the
Village Hall. Cllr Parry explained this had resulted from
the bin being overturned by an exceptionally strong wind.
The litter had been tidied up by members of the public.
Cllr Parry agreed to see if any action was needed to help
avoid a recurrence.
4. Resumption of Standing Orders.
5. Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish
Council held on Monday, 14 January 2002.
The Minute book is not available at present
so members checked their own copies. All the items had been
dealt with and it was agreed that it was a correct record
and could be signed by the Chairman.
6. Matters arising
There were no matters arising.
7. Casual Vacancy for a Parish Council
Member.
Following consideration at the Parish
Council on 14 January 2002, a formal Notice of Vacancy was
published on 9 February. The Parish Clerk had received one
application by the closing date of 12 noon on Thursday,
28 February. Consequently, Members were asked to confirm
the appointment of the sole candidate Mr Peter Cheeseman
of New House Farm, Otterden Road, Eastling, ME13 OBN. This
was agreed and Mr Cheeseman was invited to join the Council.
8. Chairman's Report.
The Chairman referred to the following
items:
(a) Site Meeting at St Mary's Church,
Eastling on Friday, 25 January 2002. This was an exploratory
meeting with members of the Parochial Church Council;
ecclesiastical representatives and council planners. Improvements
to provide a meeting room with kitchen and toilet facilities
were discussed and it was anticipated funding of up to
£120,000 might be required. The project will require
further consideration by the church council and it seemed
unlikely a planning application would be made in the near
future.
(b) Kent Highways Unit (Swale) Meeting
for Parish Council Representatives, Swale House, Sittingbourne
on Monday, 18 February 2002. A formal report of this meeting
has been circulated.
(c) Kent Association of Parish Councils
Swale Area Committee, Swale House,
Sittingbourne on Monday, 4 March 2002. The local police
were represented at this meeting and attempted to defend
their methods of policing the district. The Code of Conduct
caused some heated debate and will be discussed later
on the Agenda this evening.
9. Finance.
Treasurer's Report: Cllr Payne explained
that the account books were still away for auditing. There
was a balance of £80.00 at the end of the year's accounts
for 2001-2002.
The Kent Association of Parish Councils'
subscription is due for renewal at a total cost of £103.53p.
The Chairman proposed this be renewed and Cllr Payne seconded
the proposal. Cllr Payne would make the necessary renewal
arrangements.
It was agreed that the Parish Clerk should
attend the Kent Association of Parish Council's Training
Day for Clerks on 25 May 2002. Mrs Butterfield will complete
the application form and contact Cllr Payne later to arrange
payment of the fee to the Kent Association of Parish Councils.
10. Code of Conduct
Copies of the new mandatory Code of Conduct
had been circulated and a decision on its adoption was required
this evening. The relevant legislation became effective
on 5 November 2001. The Code had to be in place and adopted
by parish councils by 5 May 2002. The Chairman explained
that Central Government felt the new Code and related "Ethical
Framework" would improve the accountability of Parish
Councils. Any Member not signing up would be barred from
office two months after the Code came into effect. There
was some confusion on whether existing Members had to sign
up but they would still be obligated to observe the new
Code.
Members noted the following actions that
had to be taken. Namely, to
(a) formally resolve to adopt the Code
of Conduct for Parishes;
(b) individually sign new Declarations of Acceptance of
Office;
(c) provide information for inclusion in a new Register
of Members Interests to be maintained by the Parish Clerk
(within 28 days of adoption of the Code of Conduct);
(d) notify the Standards Board for England of the Council's
adoption of the Code of Conduct, supplying a dated copy;
(e) send a copy of the Register of Interests to the Swale
Monitoring Officer;
(f) display a copy or details of the adopted Code of Conduct
and how to contact the Standards Board on the parish noticeboard.
(g) publish a public notice in the local press advising
the Council's adoption of the Code of Conduct. (Swale
Council is offering to do this on behalf of parishes at
the end of April.)
Members also noted the following requirements:
(a) to keep the Register of Members
Interests up-to-date, to provide any amendments to the
Swale Monitoring Officer, and to make the Register available
for public inspection and at Meetings.
(b) to maintain a Register of Declarations of Interests
to record any occasion that a Member declares an interest
at a Meeting of the Council - as well as the declaration
being recorded in the normal Minutes of the meeting.
Following discussion in which Members
indicated their considerable antipathy to the imposition
of what they regarded as unduly bureaucratic and intrusive
legislation, a vote was taken on whether to formally adopt
the Code in the form prescribed by The Parish Councils (Model
Code of Conduct) Order 2001 (Statutory Instrument 2001 no:
3576). Its adoption was carried with Cllrs Payne, Bromley,
Wyld and Cheeseman in agreement and Cllr Parry abstaining.
The Chairman agreed to seek clarification
on Members Declarations in respect of the new Code and also
notify the Monitoring Officer at Swale Borough Council that
Eastling PC will abide by the Code and would like to be
included in their advertisement. Members agreed that there
was no objection to attention being drawn to their disquiet.
Members noted a "training opportunity"
on the "Ethical Framework" and new Code being
held at Swale House on 26 March at 7.00 pm, but considered
it unlikely they would attend.
11. Local Projects
(a) Bus Shelter, Glebe Cottages. Cllr
Parry reported that planning permission would be required;
the fee for this would be £95 but halved if the Parish
Council made the application. The Highways Unit needed to
know the shelter specification and is prepared to attend
the site for a meeting. Members noted that an approach to
Moat Housing (made in December) asking for its views and
possible support for the project had not been answered.
The Chairman agreed to raise the matter again. He would
also once again seek their views on the prospect of changing
the colour of the street lighting at Glebe Cottages, although
the informal advice from the Highways Unit was that any
cost was likely to fall on the parish.
(b) Parish Noticeboard. A payment for
£339.75 in grant aid had been received from Swale
Borough Council.
(c) Village Entry Signs. The Chairman
has written to two companies: Leander and Grandsons. The
cost could be around £1,000 per depending on the design.
Cllr Cheeseman thought this was a lot of money to spend
but was told that the signs were part of a Village Jubilee
Project and 75% of the costs would be provided by a grant.
Cllr Parry thought it would be worth doing and it was agreed
to pursue the project but to obtain more quotes for the
price. Ideas are needed for the design and it was suggested
that villagers be asked to participate.
12. Annual Parish Meeting
This is to be held on Monday, 22 April
2002 in Eastling Village Hall starting at 7.30pm. It was
agreed that the main theme will be "The Future of Parish
Councils". It was decided to invite the following:
Allan Payne, Chairman of the Village
Hall Trust;
David Walsh, Headteacher of Eastling Primary School;
Revd Penny Fenton, Parochial Church Council Chairman;
Chon Wilson/Steve Edmed, Joint Co-ordinators, Neighbourhood
Watch;
Sally Watts, Belmont Estates Management
Norman Fowler, Secretary, Eastling Short Mat Bowls Club;
County Cllr Jean Newnham;
Borough Cllr Colin Prescott.
13. Highways
(i) Newnham Lane: Members noted arrangements
notified by Kent Highways (Swale) for temporary closure
of Newnham Lane for repair works for up to two weeks from
Monday, 8 April 2002.
(ii) Noted Problems: Members updated the
list of highways defects, drainage and lighting problems
for notification to the Highways Unit to include a new entry
– Kettle Hill road bank subsidence.
Cllr Parry mentioned that potholes outside
the Rectory had still not been attended to. The Chairman
said he will ask that they be dealt with when the repairs
to Newnham Lane are carried out. He will write to the Highways
Dept about this and also the Goose Meadow drainage problem.
(iii) Footpath Z344: The section of this
footpath where it joins the Faversham-Eastling Road immediately
to the north of the Pumping Station had been seriously damaged
following its use (thought to be in early February 2002)
as an access route for heavy plant into adjoining land.
The Chairman had reported the matter to the KCC Public Rights
of Way Unit who are investigating. Similar damage occurred
in February 2001 and was also reported then. Cllr Cheeseman
thought that this damage had been caused by timber-cutting.
The Chairman commented that it is an offence to churn up
a footpath and make it unwalkable.
14. Planning
(a) Circulated Applications: Members confirmed
their decisions on the following planning applications circulated
prior to the meeting:
Eastling Water Supply Works, Eastling
Road, Eastling - construction of a building for plumbosolvency
plant (SW/02/0093, case 18820) - no objection.
Tong Cottage, Pig Green, Eastling
- Listed building consent for alterations to form a
single residential unit (SW/02/0083, case 18569) - no
objection.
Forge Cottage, The Street, Eastling
- replacement of fence on top of front and side boundary
wall (SW/02/0156, case 04819) - no objection except
that care be taken with the design of the fence.
(b) New Applications: None received.
(c) Planning Decisions: None notified.
Planning Green Paper Consultation. Parish
Councils have been invited to comment on the Government's
proposed changes to planning legislation in its Planning
Green Paper. Details have been circulated to Members. The
KCC and Council for the Protection of Rural England have
expressed concern, particularly at proposals to transfer
much strategic planning from counties to regional bodies.
Members agreed that their own opposition
to any removal of planning from local control should be
referred to the Kent Association of Parish Councils and
the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions.
The Chairman would write to that effect.
15. Correspondence
The following had been received:
(i) Mid Kent Downs Project. Correspondence
(dated 29 January 2002) explaining the activities of the
Mid Kent Downs Project in its first year of operation
and seeking funding from parish councils had been circulated
to Members. Members regretted they were unable to make
a contribution.
(ii) Eastling Village Hall Trust. The
Secretary to the Trust had written to invite the Parish
Council's nomination for its representative on the Trust
for the coming 12 months. Cllr Parry agreed to to stand
again for the coming year. The Trust would be informed
before its AGM on 29 April 2002.
(iii) Faversham Area Website Board -
A letter had been received and the Chairman asked members
if they would like Eastling to have a page included in
this website. It was agreed to do this and the Chairman
will keep members informed of progress.
16. Any Other Matters of Urgency
No matters were raised.
17. Next Agenda
It was agreed that items to be included
in the next Agenda would be:
Modification of Standing Orders to
incorporate the Public Forum/Question Time; and
Application/s for Swale Council Rural
Community Grants.
18. Dates of Next Meetings
The next scheduled Meetings of the Parish
Council are:
Annual Parish Meeting on Monday, 22
April 2002, in Eastling Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.
Annual General Meeting and Ordinary
Meeting of the Council in Eastling Village Hall at 8.00
pm.
The meeting was closed by the Chairman
at 9.30 pm.
Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held
in Eastling Village Hall on Monday, 22 April 2002 at 7.30pm.
Present: Harold Wyld (Chairman),
Cllr Dot Bromley, Cllr John Payne and Parish Clerk Mrs Carol
Butterfield.
Also present: Rev Penny Fenton (Parochial
Church Council), Mr Rob Farmer (Harris Estate Administrator),
Mr Roy Piles (Eastling Cherries Short Mat Bowls Club), Mr
David Walsh (Headmaster, Eastling Primary School) and 11
members of the public.
1. Apologies
Cllr Peter Cheeseman, Cllr Colin Prescott,
Ms Sally Watts, Mr Allan Payne, Mrs Chon Wilson and Mr Steve
Edmed.
2. Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting
held on 23 April 2001
The Minutes were agreed as a correct record
and signed by the Chairman.
3. Chairman's Report
In a report covering the period from April
2002 to March 2002, the Chairman said it had been another
busy year with much work involving local issues and projects
and a substantial increase in "initiatives" from
Central Government.
The year had seen some changes in the
make up of the Council. Cllr Allen resigned in January 2002
and Cllr Peter Cheeseman was appointed in March 2002. Mrs
Sue Parry retired as Parish Clerk: in December 2002 (having
agreed to take on the role on a "temporary" basis
18 months earlier) and Mrs Carol Butterfield was appointed
in January 2002.
The Parish Council had held six ordinary
meetings, one AGM and one Annual Parish Meeting. An "Open
Forum" period had been introduced at the November 2001
meeting. Ms Leslie Hunt (Swale Police) and Mrs Sylvia Everest
(Swale NhW) were guest speakers at the September 2001 meeting.
A number of issues raised by local people
had been dealt with by the Parish Council. These included:
Main Drainage - where the capital cost would be £1
million with a connection charge of £3,000 to £4,000
per household; Glebe Cottages Street Lighting - where the
views of Moat Housing on the colour of the lighting was
still awaited; Debris in Newnham Lane - which had been cleared;
Littering - where strong winds had blown over a paper skip
at the Village Hall. The local MP had investigated a complaint
about Increased Aircraft Noise, heard by some but not others,
but no official explanation could be established.
The Chairman had represented the Parish
at various Outside Meetings including: Swale Council's Faversham
Area Committee (two); Kent Association of Parish Councils
AGM (one);
KAPC Swale Committee (four); Swale Police/Parish Liaison
Meeting (one); and Faversham Town Council/Parish Liaison
Meeting (one).
The Parish Council had been consulted
on 11 planning applications during the year. They included
two domestic garages; three schemes at listed buildings;
a small building at the waterworks; a replacement fence
and three tree-felling requests in the Conservation area.
On highways matters, a new pavement had been built to serve
Glebe Cottages and Meesons Close. It was of good construction
with benefits for pedestrian safety. The Parish Council's
bi-monthly reports to Swale Highways Unit had achieved some
good results, but there was a need to maintain pressure
on works outstanding. Serious damage to footpath ZR344 (near
the Waterworks) had been reported to the Kent Public Rights
of Way Unit.
A bus service to Faversham on Friday and
Saturday evenings had been introduced in November 2001 as
a six-month trial. Unfortunately, the number of passengers
only averaged four per evening and needed to improve if
the service is to be kept.
Local Projects by the Parish Council included:
a Bus Shelter at Glebe Cottages where
the the result of a Moat Housing consultation with tenants
was awaited. It was hoped to submit a bid for Swale Council
funding by June 2002;
a Parish Noticeboard to be erected
on the Church path before the end of April;
Village Entry Signs as a Golden Jubilee
Year Project. Work to agree a design, the cost and obtain
grants was in progress. Villagers had been invited to
submit design ideas.
Village Green - Further discussion
had taken place with the Harris Trustees. The Parish Council
expected to be in a position to consider the options at
its May or July meeting, following which villagers would
be further consulted.
Local issues on which the Parish Council
had been consulted included:
Kent Police priorities and allocation
of resources;
Educational provision in Swale;
Swale Local Plan; and
Kent and Medway Structure Plan.
Central Government initiatives had included:
Planning Green Paper Consultation;
Councillors' Allowances Consultation;
Quality Town and Parish Councils;
National Training Strategy for Parish
and Town Councils;
New Audit Arrangements for Parish
Councils; and
The New Ethical Framework and Code
of Conduct for Parish and Town Councils.
The latter mandatory Code from Central
Government was considered unduly bureaucratic, unnecessary
and intrusive. It was greatly disliked and has resulted
in one Eastling councillor resigning because he was offended
by its intrusiveness.
The Chairman summed up by reminding the
Meeting that the Parish Council functioned because people
were prepared to give their time and skills to benefit the
local community. The village was indebted to Councillors
and the two Clerks for their hard work during the past year.
4. Treasurer's Report
The Treasurer, Cllr John Payne, tabled
copies of the Draft Accounts for the year ending 31 March
2002. He explained that, although the provisional balance
for the year was shown as £1,147.37, some items of
expenditure had yet to be settled. The official report on
the Audit of the 2000-2001 Accounts was awaited.
5. Public Comments and Questions on
items 3 and 4
It was asked if there were to be any Golden
Jubilee celebrations in the village. The Chairman replied
that there had been no response from villagers regarding
this, apart from a barbecue planned at the village hall
on Saturday, 8 June. The Parish Council was considering
new entry village signs as a permanent commemoration of
the Jubilee.
6. Reports by Representatives of Local
Organisations
Representatives of organisations serving,
or active in, the parish were invited to report on their
activities.
Elected Local Representatives: Swale Borough
Councillor Colin Prescott had regretted he was unable to
attend and Kent County Councillor Mrs Jean Newman, although
intending to be present, appeared to have been delayed.
The Chairman mentioned that recently when Cllr Prescott
was canvassing in Eastling he had been attacked in the road
by an unaccompanied dog. He urged owners to keep pets under
control, especially in view of the local potential for sheep
worrying.
Eastling Neighbourhood Watch: A report
by local Watch coordinators Chon Wilson and Steve Edmed
was read by Mr Nick Wilson. He cited the incidences of crimes
and limited use of the Ringmaster system within Eastling
over the past 12 months. Watch representatives were liaising
with the School to help resolve problems involving vandalism
and misuse of the School grounds. Data Link capsules had
been distributed to all households in Eastling to help provide
information for emergency services in the event of an accident
or sudden illness. Attention was drawn to the need for more
feedback from local residents on crimes and suspicious activity
and also for new link persons for Tong Lane and, shortly,
School Lane. It was hoped the existing Watch signs would
be refurbished later this year.
Eastling Primary School: Acting Headteacher
Mr David Walsh spoke of recent developments at the School.
These included an impressive mural, a new playground and
a new website. The new computer suite provided training
for the pupils and also the local community. Mr Walsh was
keen to enhance links with the local community with, by
way of example, an event for pre-school children. Vandalism
was a problem at the school with damage virtually every
night.
Eastling Parochial Church Council: The
Rev Penny Fenton reported that there had been six PCC meetings
during the past year and all the usual church services.
The Church Council was having to comply with the Disability
Discrimination Act by providing better access to the church.
A hearing loop system had just been installed thanks to
fundraising led by Mrs Hilary Harlow plus a number of generous
donations. Mr Steve Youle had been appointed Church Warden
on the retirement of Mr Norman Fowler; Mrs Angela Cheeseman
remained the second warden. In January 2002, there had been
a site meeting with English Heritage, the Victorian Society,
the PCC and others to discuss the possibility of providing
new facilities at the church. Options considered were: (i)
converting the Vestry; (ii) a North Side extension; and
(iii) modifying the West end of the church. Following more
thorough investigation, there would be the usual public
consultation process.
Eastling Village Hall Trust: The Chairman
said that Mr Allan Payne, Chairman of the Hall Trustees,
had asked to be excused making a report as the Hall's AGM
would be next Monday. He hoped villagers would attend and,
in particular, elect their two village representatives.
Mr Peter Parry had been nominated as the Parish Council's
representative.
Eastling Cherries Bowls Club: Chairman
and Captain Mr Roy Piles reported that his club would be
promoted to the second division of the Swale League next
year, a good achievement. The club currently had 30 members
but only four came from Eastling. However, it contributes
the most in hire fees to the Village Hall. There were plans
to encourage young people to join by starting a youth section
for 8- to 15-year-olds in mid-May. These new sessions would
be on Fridays, 5pm-7pm, and initially free.
Harris/Belmont Trust: Mr Rob Farmer, the
Administrator of the Belmont Trust, said he had been in
the post for a year now. As part of the Government's Countryside
Stewardship Scheme, a number of the estate's arable fields
had been returned to natural meadowland, fenced for grazing.
Some 3,000 metres of hedging had been planted during the
year and, at Belmont, 200 shrubs and trees around the House
and 280 traditional fruit trees planted in the old Town
Place orchard. Restoration of North Court farmhouse at Eastling
was nearing completion with new tenants due in May 2002.
Mr Farmer said the Estate was aware of its responsibilities
to keep footpaths clearly marked and accessible but urged
people to respect and keep off the new six metre wildlife
margins around the edge of some fields.
7. Public Comments and Questions on
Item 6
Mr Farmer was asked about the mantrap
in the tree at Arnolds Oak and whether the site could be
made more accessible. He said he would look into this.
There were concerns about the ease of
negotiating the stiles in the new fencing around some meadow
land, especially at the "Big Valley" field near
Kettle Hill. Mr Farmer explained that diverting the footpath
or alternative locations for the fencing were not practical
options. There were limited funds for creating and maintaining
fences and stiles. The Chairman wondered if an alternative
stile, more accessible for the elderly and people walking
large dogs, was nevertheless possible and Mr Farmer said
he would give it some thought.
The Chairman asked about the possibility
of introducing a wildlife corridor on the fields on the
Eastling-Faversham road to the north of the village. Recent
ploughing had come very close to the road. Mr Farmer agreed
to investigate. Reference was made to debris around the
pit on the double-bends watertank on the Eastling-Faversham
road. Mr Farmer said there had been problems with flytipping
but the latest materials could be connected with works at
North Court and would be dealt with.
It was asked whether an evening entertainment
was possible on the Jubilee weekend. The Chairman replied
that, apart from a barbecue at the Village Hall, there had
been no response to the Parish Council's earlier request
for ideas for local celebrations. However, there was no
reason why anyone who wanted to couldn't arrange something.
If appropriate, the Village Hall might be available and
the Parish Council may be able to help towards funding.
8. The Future of Parish Councils
The Chairman said he wished to draw attention
to the growing pressures on Parish Councils through increasing
workloads, reluctance of people to serve as councillors
and clerks and growing costs.
Nationally, Central Government had said
it would like to enhance the role of Parish and Town Councils
by giving them more responsibilities and making them more
accountable. However, some recent Government legislation
seemed unlikely to encourage candidates. Locally it had
not been easy to find people willing to serve on the Parish
Council. At the last election in May 2000, four days before
all nominations had to be in, not one person had applied.
More recently, despite adverts and offers of a salary, there
were no applications from Eastling residents for a vacancy
for the Parish Clerk. Eastling's total population of only
360 and the pressures on people with stressful jobs and
tiring journeys to work meant the number of people able
to offer time to the community was likely to be quite small.
The traditional role for the Parish Council
was to act as elected representatives of the local community.
The Council had a right to be consulted by other authorities
and served as an effective 'official' mouthpiece for local
people's views. Funding of the Parish Council was becoming
more expensive with a need to meet such costs as annual
insurance, Clerk and Councillors' expenses, hall hire, contributions
to projects, audit fees and training courses.
The Chairman summed up by asking those
present to consider the future of their Parish Council.
Should it, for example, stay on its own or amalgamate with
neighbouring parishes? Advantages might be drawing on a
larger catchment area for Members, only one Parish Clerk
and reduced costs. The downside might be a loss of local
identity and the risk of domination by a larger parish.
The feeling amongst those present was that they would prefer
Eastling to manage its own affairs. He said this topic needed
further thought and discussion. The next Parish elections
were in May 2004 and people should consider what might happen
then.
9. Any Other Business
Mr Norman Neaves asked why the Council
Tax precept for the Parish had doubled since last year and
what the money was needed for. The Chairman explained that
the Council had budgeted for expenditure on the new bus
shelter, village entry signs, rising insurance costs and
a salary for a parish clerk - although the latter would
now be a surplus as the new clerk had kindly declined to
be paid. The surplus would be carried over into next year
and, hopefully, the precept should be lower.
In answer to another question, the Chairman
said the bus shelter would cost around £3,000 with
the Parish Council funding 25 per cent. The type of construction,
the risk of vandalism and the need for a shelter were questioned.
The Chairman explained that the shelter was proposed two
years ago when it was agreed that it would be a desirable
project for the village. The bus stop was exposed and very
unpleasant in bad weather, especially for children and the
elderly. No objections had been raised when the project
was announced and subsequently publicised in the local paper,
in the Good News magazine, on the Village website and recorded
in the publicly available Minute Book. Moat Housing had
been asked to consult with its tenants and the outcome was
awaited.
The Chairman thanked everyone for their
attendance and participation and closed the meeting 9.20pm.
Minutes of the
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of EASTLING PARISH COUNCIL held in
Eastling Village Hall, Kettle Hill Road, Eastling on Monday,
13 May 2002, commencing 8pm.
Present: Cllrs Dot Bromley, Peter
Cheeseman and Harold Wyld and Parish Clerk Mrs Carol Butterfield.
Also present: One member of the public
Apologies: None
1. Chairmanship
It was proposed by Dot Bromley that Harold
Wyld acted as Chairman for this Meeting and, if necessary,
the immediately following Ordinary Meeting.
2. Minutes of Annual General Meeting
held on Monday, 14 May 2001
These Minutes were agreed as a correct
record and signed by the Acting Chairman.
3. Appointments
Members considered and agreed the following
appointments:
Chairman of the Parish Council
- It was noted that Cllr Payne had expressed interest
in serving as Chairman, in accordance with the agreed
policy that the post should, if possible, be rotated among
Members. Cllr Wyld confirmed his wish to stand down as
Chairman and Cllr Bromley proposed that Cllr Payne replace
him. This was seconded by Peter Cheeseman. As Cllr Payne
was absent this evening his acceptance would need to be
confirmed.
Parish Clerk - It was confirmed that
the appointment of Mrs Carol Butterfield will continue.
Treasurer - Cllr Wyld proposed that
Cllr Cheeseman become the new Treasurer/Responsible Financial
Officer and this was seconded by Cllr Bromley. Cllr Cheeseman
accepted the proposal.
Eastling Village Hall Trust Representative
- The Acting Chairman reminded Members that former councillor
Mr Peter Parry had indicated that he was happy to continue
to serve as the Council's representative. Members agreed
to this and asked that their thanks be forwarded to Mr
Parry.
Tree Warden - Members agreed that
the Acting Chairman should ask Mike Palmer to continue
to act as the Tree Warden.
4. Casual Vacancy
Members noted the vacancy caused by the
resignation of Cllr Peter Parry from the Council in April.
The vacant seat had been formally announced and applications
invited but none had been forthcoming. Consequently, the
Council would now have to attempt to co-opt a member. Members
were asked to make the vacancy known with a view to finding
a replacement by the next meeting (in July). Details of
any candidates should be submitted to the Parish Clerk.
5. Standing Orders
Copies of proposed amendments to the Council's
Standing Orders were circulated prior to the Meeting. Significant
changes to Standing Order 10 (relating to Members Interests)
were required due to the new Ethical Framework and Code
of Conduct; minor changes to Standing Order 19 (on Finance);
introduction of Standing Order 21 to allow for the introduction
of a Public Forum of up to 15 minutes duration at ordinary
Meetings of the Council and the consequent re-numbering
of subsequent Standing Orders to nos 22,23 and 24. Cllr
Bromley proposed to accept the changes and this was seconded
by Cllr Cheeseman and carried.
6. Banking and Insurance Arrangements
(i) Bankers: Cllr Bromley proposed that
the Council should continue to bank with Lloyds TSB in Faversham.
The proposal was seconded by Cllr Cheeseman and carried.
(ii) Signatories: Cllr Wyld proposed that
Cllrs Cheeseman (as Treasurer) and Payne (as Chairman) and
Carol Butterfield (as Parish Clerk) act as signatories to
the above account. Cllr Wyld and former Clerk Mrs Sue Parry
would no longer act as signatories. The motion was seconded
by Cllr Bromley and carried. Members agreed that the existing
Mandate to the bank should be changed to reflect this and
revised wording and specimen signatures provided to meet
the bank's requirements. The Parish Clerk would make any
necessary enquiries and arrangements.
(iii) Insurers and cover: Cllr Bromley
proposed and Members agreed that the Council should remain
with Cornhill Insurance (Woking branch) for the coming 12
months. Cllr Cheeseman was asked to look at the insurance
documents in detail. It was also thought worthwhile to ask
the Kent Association of Parish Councils for their recommendation.
7. Dates of Future Meetings
It was noted that the following dates
had been agreed at the Parish Council AGM on Monday 14 May
2001: Mondays 8 July, 9 September and 11 November 2002.
Members agreed that dates for 2003 should be: Mondays 13
January, 10 March, 28 April (Annual Parish Meeting), 12
May (Parish Council AGM and Ordinary Meeting), 14 July,
8 September and 10 November.
This concluded the Annual General Meeting.
Minutes of the Meeting of Eastling Parish
Council held in Eastling Village Hall on Monday, 13 May
2002 at 8.30pm
1. Present: Cllrs Harold Wyld (Acting
Chairman), Dot Bromley, Peter Cheeseman, and Parish Clerk
Carol Butterfield.
Apologies: No apologies for absence had been received.
Also present: One member of the public.
2. Public Forum
No issues were raised.
3. Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday,
11 March 2002
The Minutes were agreed to be a correct
record and signed by the Chairman.
4. Chairman's Report
There was nothing of significance to report
since the meeting held on 11 March 2002.
5. Finance
Treasurer's Report: In the absence
of the Treasurer, Cllr Payne, it was decided to request
he circulate his report to members for confirmation at the
next Meeting (on 8 July).
Authorisation of Payments: The
auditors have requested that all agreed payments are recorded
in the Minutes. Cllr Cheeseman thought that this would be
when the payment is above a certain amount and could be
retrospective.
Future Audit: The comments of the
auditor had been circulated prior to the Meeting.
New Publication: Members noted
the availability of "A Practitioner's Guide (to the
new Lighter Touch audit regime)" from the KAPC at £9.95
per copy. They decided not to purchase a copy but see if
one could be borrowed from another Parish Council.
6. Village Green Project
A letter had been received by the Acting
Chairman from the Trustees to the Harris Estate. They confirmed
that they wished to charge a market rental for use of the
field; the Acting Chairman thought this might be between
£500-£600 per annum and additional cost of maintenance
could result in a total annual cost of approx £800-£1,000.
Without any alternative funding, this could add about £7
on Band D Council Tax per annum. There would be limits on
the use of the Green; seats may be allowed but no play equipment
and no buildings. It would, in effect, simply be a grassed
area for informal leisure pursuits and visual amenity. Initially,
tenure would be for about 20 to 25 years.
Members agreed to seek a firm rental cost
and guidance on the envisaged rent review procedure from
the Trustees so they might present this and other relevant
information to villagers to enable them to vote on the issue.
The Acting Chairman was asked to write to the Trustees again
with a view to further consideration at the Parish Council's
meeting in July.
7. Public Works
Rural Community Grant Bus Shelter Project:
The Acting Chairman reported there had been no response
from Moat Housing and the Grant bid to Swale Borough Council
has to be in by early June. It was agreed: (i) to pursue
the agreed design, (ii) to contact Moat Housing reminding
them that a decision is required urgently and (iii) if they
agree, to take up Mr Peter Parry's offer to continue to
act on the Parish Council's behalf.
Village Entry Signs:
Only one design had been submitted from a resident in the
village. Enquiries regarding the cost of producing signs
had yielded rough estimates from £600 to £1,000
per sign, depending on the materials used. An artists impression
had been circulated; as some Members had not received this,
it would be circulated again. Sources of funding were considered
and Cllr Dot Bromley agreed to provide a copy of information
on Jubilee projects funding she had previously received.
It was also suggested the project might qualify for a Lottery
grant.
8. Highways
Noted Problems: Members considered the
List of Highway Defects circulated prior to the Meeting.
It was agreed that the flooding and potholes in Newnham
Lane could be removed following recent works. The state
of a previously reported pothole on the Faversham-Eastling
Road needed to be checked. A gulley near Weald Cottage,
Kettle Hill Road was flooding and the old problem of flooding
near the North Eastling Lane junction with the Eastling-Faversham
Road had returned.
Concern was expressed at the increasingly
unattractive appearance of fencing opposite Bankside, Newnham
Lane. It was believed the use of metal sheets for repairs
was associated with children and others trespassing. There
had been complaints from local residents to the Police and
Swale Housing Association about anti-social behaviour and
serious damage to property. The Parish Council had discussed
the problems with the Housing Association a year ago but
as matters had not improved it was agreed that another meeting
would be sought.
9. Planning
The following matters were considered
in relation to Development Control:
Outcome of previously considered Applications:
Tong Cottage, Pig Green,
Eastling - Listed building consent for alterations
to form a single residential unit - approved by Swale
Council (with conditions);
Forge Cottage, The Street, Eastling
- replacement of fence on top of front and side boundary
wall - decision still awaited;
Eastling Water Supply Works, Eastling
Road, Eastling - construction of a building for plumbsolvency
plant approved.
Circulated Applications:
Members views were confirmed on the following
applications:
Littlecot, The Street, Eastling
- side extension and integral garage - no objection raised
by the Parish Council and subsequently approved by Swale
Council (with conditions);
Porch House, The Street, Eastling
- it was reported and noted this application had been
withdrawn.
New Applications:
None had been received since the last
meeting
10. Kent and Medway Structure Plan
The documents for local consultation on
the above had been circulated to Members in March/April.
Any views needed to be submitted by 17 May. Members agreed
not to comment at this stage.
11. Correspondence
No urgent correspondence had been received.
12. Forthcoming Meetings/Training Events
Members noted the following:
(i) Swale Police Liaison Meeting
at the Police Station, Central Avenue, Sittingbourne on
Monday 10 June at 7.30pm - It was decided to ask Cllr
John Payne if he wished to attend this meeting. (ii) KAPC (Swale Area) Meeting, at Swale House
in Sittingbourne on Monday 10 June at 7.30pm - This was
normally attended by the Chairman and Cllr John Payne
would be asked if he wished to do so. (iii) Faversham Citizens Advice Bureau AGM - Cllr
Peter Cheeseman will be attending this meeting (as a member
of the CAB) and agreed to act as the Parish Council representative.
13. Any Other Matters of Urgency
No matters were raised.
14. Next Agenda
There were no extra items were identified.
15. Date of Next Meeting
The date of next scheduled meeting of
the Parish Council was noted as Monday 8 July 2002 in the
Village Hall at 8.00pm.
There being no other business, the
Acting Chairman closed the Meeting at 9.50pm.
Minutes of the Meeting of Eastling Parish
Council held in Eastling Village Hall on Monday, 8 July
2002 at 8pm
1. Attendance and apologies for absence
Present: Cllrs John Payne (Chairman),
Peter Cheeseman (Treasurer), Harold Wyld, Dot Bromley and
Carol. Butterfield (Parish Clerk).
One member of the public was also present.
Apologies for absence: Mr Jimmy West,
prospective candidate for Council Vacancy to be discussed
at this meeting later on the Agenda.
2. Suspension of Standing Orders
There was no suspension of Standing Orders
and this item will not appear in future Minutes.
3. Open Forum
No matters were raised.
4. Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday,
13 May 2002
The Minutes were agreed to be a correct
record and signed by the Chairman.
5. Matters Arising
Cllr Cheeseman had received an offer of
free banking from the Alliance & Leicester but as this
is the same offer as the Council's current banker Lloyds
it will not be pursued (unless their interest rates are
lower).
It was mentioned that the signatories
still have to be changed on the chequebooks.
6. Chairman's Report
The Chairman apologised for not circulating
the internal mail due to being heavily committed to other
business during the weeks since the last Council meeting.
Kent Association of Parish Councils:
Meeting in Sittingbourne on 10th June 2002
The Chairman had been unable to attend
this meeting but the Parish Clerk was there and circulated
her report to members.
Ethical Framework/Code of Conduct:
The Chairman distributed brochures from the Standards
Board with more information on the Register of Interests
to all the Members. A video was also available. Members
were reminded that any changes to their Register of Interests
must be passed on to the Parish Clerk.
Council Vacancy: There had been
two applications since the last meeting. One had been withdrawn
but the other from Mr Jimmy West was still on offer subject
to him agreeing to sign the Register of Interests and Code
of Conduct.
Cllr Cheeseman proposed that the Council
accept Mr West's application to be the new Member of the
Parish Council. He believed he would be an asset to the
Parish Council. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Bromley.
A letter will be sent to Mr West confirming
the acceptance of his application by the Parish Council.
7. Future Projects
(i) New Village Green
A letter had been received from Bidwells
confirming the offer of an initial five year lease with
a rental of £320 per annum. Maintenance would cost
£400 per annum. This would mean an extra £5
- £6 on Band D Council Tax.
After some discussion it was decided
that a majority decision (over 60%) is required from the
villagers before deciding to proceed. Cllr Wyld will produce
a draft prospectus and questionnaire to present to council
members for their approval at the next meeting in September.
Cllr Bromley offered to help Cllr Wyld with the house to
house delivery of the questionnaire when it is completed.
(ii) Parish Council Noticeboard
Cllr Wyld announced that the Noticeboard
is completed and in situ. The Millennium trees have also
been planted.
There are two keys to the noticeboard
one held by Cllr Wyld and one by Mrs Sue Parry to enable
her to display Village Hall notices.
Cllr Wyld will display Parish Council
notices and the Parish Clerk will send any relevant post
that she receives on to him.
(iii) Glebe Cottages Bus Shelter Project
Cllr Wyld had received an e-mail from
Mrs Parry explaining that Moat Housing were slow in responding
to requests from Peter Parry for information required to
proceed with the planning application. Cllr Wyld thought
that the tenants were happy with the design of the shelter
but the site had not been agreed. He said that a grant application
would need to be made by September to the Faversham Area
Committee.
The Chairman will contact Mr Parry to
establish exactly what information he needs before submitting
the planning application.
8. Finance
Treasurer's Report: Cllr Cheeseman
could not produce a report as the Account books have not
been passed on to him yet from the previous Treasurer.
Audit: The Chairman had contacted
a company in Ashford (Chavereys) who will not charge for
auditing the accounts providing they are produced in their
proper form. The Treasurer will get in touch with them.
No information had been received from the District Auditor.
Accounts for 2001-2002: Cllr Payne
will produce these figures for the next Meeting in September.
9. Highways
It was decided that Cllr Wyld will continue
to produce an updated list of defects for the time being.
He will pass the file on at the next meeting in September.
Cllr Wyld also proposed that re-surfacing and white-lining
is requested for the Faversham Road. He had originally asked
about this 18 months ago and it is still being looked into.
Item 1: Flooding was still occurring on
the Faversham-Eastling road;
Item 2: could be removed as the potholes had been filled
in and some white Lining had been applied;
Item 4: potholes still there;
Item 6: Meesons Close Street names still to be done, also
road surface worn;
Item 8: Subsidence on Kettle Hill;
Item 9: Debris on Kettle Hill.
10. Planning
(a) Circulated AppIications: 6
Kettle Hill — no objections were raised
(b) Planning Decisions: Forge Cottage
— an e-mail was received from Swale Borough Council
at the end of May. They have yet to reach a decision as
there are some outstanding concerns regarding the fencing.
The applicant will have to re-apply with an amended proposal.
(c) New Applications: None
11. Correspondence
The Chairman proposed that the Parish
Clerk delivers all correspondence to Cllr Wyld in the first
instance. This will ensure a smoother delivery to other
members of the council. Cllr Cheeseman seconded the motion.
12. Any Other Business
The Chairman asked Cllr Wyld if there
had been any progress with the village signs. Cllr Wyld
had contact two companies: one in Sittingbourne had quoted
a price between £600- £l,000. The other company
in Derbyshire had not yet replied. It would be made of metal
and aluminium. Planning permission would be required from
the Highways Dept. Insurance would also be needed. The old
signs would have to stay in place but it was agreed they
were dirty and obscured by hedges etc.
The problem of the unsightly fence erected
by Mr Polehill was raised and reasons for it being erected
discussed. Cllr Wyld suggested that a letter is sent to
the Housing Association voicing the Council's concern at
the vandalism at Bankside. He had talked to residents, some
of whom had contacted the police and the Housing Association.
CIlr Wyld suggested it could be a test case for the Faversham
Area Committee who are intending to deal with anti-social
behaviour. After some discussion which also involved the
member of the public present ClIr Cheeseman seconded Cllr
Wyld's proposal that a meeting be held with the aggrieved
parties involved and a group decision be made to write to
the police, SHA or the Borough Council. As a last resort
the local MP could be contacted.
13. Next Agenda
Items on the next Agenda will include:
Questionnaire
for the Village Green to be approved
2001-2002 Accounts
Auditors to be approved
Bus Shelter
Highway defects
Report on Village Sign
14. Next Meeting
Monday 9th September
The Chairman closed the meeting at
9.30 pm.
Minutes of the meeting of Eastling Parish
Council held in Eastling Village Hall on Monday, 9 September
2002 at 8pm.
1. Attendance and Apologies for absence
Present: Cllrs John Payne (Chairman),
Harold Wyld, Peter Cheeseman (Treasurer), Dot Bromley, Jimmy
West and Colin Prescott.
Apologies for Absence: Cllr Jean Newman
sent her apologies.
2. Open Forum
Four members of the public were present.
They wished to participate in the discussion on the Village
Green under Item 7 of the Agenda.
3. Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday
8 July 2002
The final sentence in Item 5 was included
in error and will be deleted.
They were then agreed to be a correct record and signed
by the Chairman.
4. Matters Arising
Cllr Cheeseman confirmed that the names
of the signatories on the cheques had been changed to those
of Cllr Payne (Chairman), Cllr Cheeseman (Treasurer) and
Carol Butterfield (Parish Clerk).
5. Chairman's Report
The Chairman welcomed Jimmy West as the
new member of the Parish Council before proceeding with
reports on the following items:
(i) Kent Association of Parish Councils
(Swale Branch) Meeting 2nd September –The Parish
Clerk attended the meeting and had circulated her report
to all members.
(ii) Entertainments' Licence for the
Village Hall – had been approved
(iii) Cliffe Airport – to
be discussed under AOB item
(iv) Faversham & Swale East Area
Committee Meeting - to be held in the Village Hall on
10th September. Cllr Payne will attend and raise the issue
of flooding on the main road to Faversham. Cllr Cheeseman
asked that the question of re-surfacing the road also be
mentioned as it had not been done for at least 20 years.
Cllr Wyld pointed out that it is an Open Meeting and residents
can attend.
6. Future Projects
The following items were discussed:
(i) New Village Green: A copy of
the voting slip to be distributed to all residents on 23rd
September was circulated. An accompanying information sheet
covered concerns raised by villagers and included costings.
A petition had been received from residents objecting to
the site chosen for the Village Green. The Chairman insisted
that the feelings of residents would be the paramount concern
of the Parish Council. If a majority of residents were in
favour then it would go ahead but if it was an even split
the views of the dissenters would have to be borne in mind,
especially from those living near to the proposed site.
Cllr West commented that he did not realise
until now exactly where the site of the village green would
be and wondered why it could not be in a part of the village
where more children lived. He was told by the Chairman that
it was the only site that the Belmont Estate was willing
to allow to be used.
Cllr West then asked who was enthusiastic
about the idea and how would it be maintained. The Chairman
replied that it had been on-going for 20 years and Cllr
Wyld thought it had been mentioned in the Minute book 50
years ago. There had been a village appraisal and an Open
Public Meeting and a majority had been in favour. (A survey
carried out by the school gave a majority of 70%). There
were sufficient facts in the latest questionnaire to give
residents a yes or no choice of reply. It was agreed that
a majority of 60% would be required to go ahead with the
project.
The question of maintaining the Green
was discussed. Volunteers would be needed but it was thought
this was a problem to be dealt with once the project is
finally approved. The cost of maintenance was also raised
by Cllr West who thought the estimate rather low. However
he was told the figure of £500 was suggested after
a detailed study had been carried out.
In answer to a further question on the
use of the Green it was explained that the Harris Estate
were quite specific that it would be simply a grassed area
– possibly with a seat. The terms for the rent had
already been negotiated and would be set for five years
and this was thought to be quite reasonable.
After further discussion the Chairman
decided the concerns of the residents, particularly those
living nearby the chosen site, should be expanded upon in
the information sheet. It should read that "fears have
been expressed…."
Also it must be impressed upon everyone that that there
"needs to be firm management- provided by volunteers".
Members of the public present, who live
nearby the proposed site, felt that there should be increased
weighting towards those people whose properties directly
fronted the green. They felt that they would be responsible
for any problems that arose there. The Chairman agreed their
views would be taken into account. Another member of the
public felt it unfair that those who did not want the green
would still have to pay increased Council Tax to fund it.
It was decided that the question of weighting
for village green residents and how to achieve it could
be left until after the result of the survey was known.
The voting slips will be numbered from the electoral role
therefore residents will not have to supply their names
and addresses. Business reply envelopes will be provided.
A vote was taken on whether to proceed
with the survey. Cllr West was against as he was concerned
about maintenance being carried out satisfactorily but Cllr
Bromley proposed it went ahead and Cllr Wyld seconded the
motion.
The Chairman confirmed the survey will
go ahead but will be revised to emphasise the concerns mentioned
earlier.
(ii) Village Sign – Cllr Wyld
produced figures received from one company he had contacted.
The estimated cost would be £1,700 plus VAT and carriage.
The project would only go ahead if a grant was obtained
to cover 75% of the cost. The Chairman proposed the Council
proceed with the project and Cllr Bromley seconded the motion.
(iii) Bus Shelter – Cllr Peter
Parry has applied for planning permission and will submit
a grant application. A cheque for £55 to cover the
cost of the application will be sent to Cllr Parry.
7. Finance
Annual Accounts 2001-2002: Copies
of the latest update of finances were circulated. These
figures were compiled by Cllrs Cheeseman and Payne. The
Treasurer, Cllr Cheeseman, explained that the main factor
influencing the balance was the precept for the bus shelter
(£1,125) that was not used. The Notice Board costs
would not be shown until the 2002-03 figures are produced.
Compared with the previous year the finances looked strong.
The latest bank statement showed a balance of £1,175
which was not unreasonable.
Cllr Wyld will put an announcement on
the Notice Board informing the public that the accounts
can be inspected. He also said that Swale Borough Council
will need the returns in January. The Chairman said the
precept for next year will be decided at the January meeting
and a budget will have to be provided.
Cllr West proposed that the Accounts be
adopted and Cllr Cheeseman seconded the motion.
8. Highways
Cllr Wyld had prepared a list of Highways
Defects and circulated copies to all members prior to the
meeting. Some of the items on the list presented in July
had been attended to but flooding was still occurring on
the bend of the Eastling to Faversham road and there was
a new flooding problem near Glebe Cottages caused by a blocked
drain. Cllr Wyld had spoken to Mr Haratbar who thought re-surfacing
would be done next year but this was not certain. Cllr Wyld
had not had a response from Swale Borough Council's Highways'
Unit since contacting them via e-mail three weeks ago. Cllr
West wondered if sending a letter would produce a better
result but was told that the Engineering department are
notorious for non-communication in any form.
Cllr West also raised the matter of the
Church path which needs re-doing. Nobody knew for certain
who was responsible for this path although land-owners are
known to be responsible for other village footpaths. Cllr
West had contacted the Probation Service to see if they
could supply people to do their Community Service work in
the village. Although they would agree it has to be sanctioned
by Swale Council. Cllr Wyld suggested he and Cllr West arrange
to meet the farmer who is responsible for some of footpaths
and walk around the village with him to pin-point areas
of concern. Cllr West agreed and also congratulated Cllr
Wyld on his excellent presentation of the Highways Defects
list.
9. Planning
(a) Circulated Applications: No
decisions had been received to date on The Woodyard and
Pett Dane.
(b) Planning Decisions: A query
had been raised on work being carried out at 6 Meesons Close.
However the Council had confirmed that planning permission
had been given.
(c) New Applications: None had
been received.
(d) DEFRA – a letter had been
received on the role of parish councils in planning decisions.
The contents had been noted by members.
10. Correspondence
Electoral Review – it was
not thought necessary to respond to this review as there
were no significant changes.
Jubilee Service – to be held
on 16th September in Canterbury Cathedral. Unfortunately
no member of the council could attend on this date.
A Guide for Parish Councillors
– is available on request.
Victim Support – Swale branch
had asked for support and it was agreed by a majority of
three to send a donation of £25.
District Auditors' Report –
had been read by all members and the points raised taken
into consideration for next year's accounts.
Lynsted Design Statement Group
– an invitation to attend the Village Appraisal on
Saturday 28th September had been received but no member
was able to attend. However the Parish Clerk will ask for
a copy of the Appraisal to be sent to the Council. Cllr
Wyld commented that the enterprise was a good thing.
Racial Equality Document –
had been circulated, read and noted by members.
11. Any Other Business
Proposed Airport at Cliffe – any
response to this proposal must be received by 30th November.
Cllr Wyld asked if any members had a view or wanted to voice
their protest. He thought the Wildlife issue could be raised
and the noise implications. Cllr West thought a letter should
be sent and the Chairman agreed and will respond on behalf
of the Council accordingly.
12. Next Agenda
Results of the Village Green Questionnaire
due on Monday 14th October. Votes to be counted in Swale
Borough Council Office with two witnesses. This item will
be a major topic of discussion.
Footpaths
Future Projects
Summary of Latest Finances
The meeting was closed by the Chairman
at 9.55 pm. The Chairman thanked Cllr Prescott for attending.
Minutes of the Meeting of Eastling Parish
Council held in Eastling Village Hall on Monday, 11 November
2002 at 8pm.
Present: Cllrs. John Payne (Chairman),
Peter Cheeseman (Treasurer), Harold Wyld, Dot Bromley and
Jimmy West. Also present: Mr Rob Farmer (Administrator, The Harris
Estate) and six members of the public. Apologies for Absence: No apologies were received.
1. Open Forum
The Chairman invited villagers present
to raise any local matters of interest or concern.
Various criticisms and allegations were
expressed in relation to proposals for creation of a village
green. These included:
Lack of personal consultation
with residents living adjacent to the proposed green.
A perception of haste and lack
of information.
Bias in the information leaflet
distributed to villagers with insufficient exposure of
potential disadvantages.
Although the majority may vote
in favour of the village green, there would still be strong
opposition, especially from those living on the perimeter
of the green.
Fears for pedestrian safety
in view of the 40 mph speed limit and lack of pavements
bounding the green.
The onus on nearby residents
if the proposed green was misused.
