Minutes of the Meeting of Eastling Parish Council
held in Eastling Village Hall on
Wednesday 18th January 2006 at 6.00pm.

1. To note attendance and receive apologies for absence

Present:- Cllrs John W. Payne (Chairman), Peter E. Cheeseman (Treasurer), Nigel Bickerdike, Helen Higgs and Michael R. J. Thomas (Parish Clerk)

Apologies for Absence:- Cllr James G. West and Cllr Andrew Bowles (KCC)

2. To consider and if deemed to be correct, accept and sign the Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on Tuesday 8th November 2005

The minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on Tuesday 8th November 2005, having already been distributed to Councillors, were taken as read, confirmed as a correct record, adopted and signed by the Chairman.

3. Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

4. Village Warden

A job description for the position of Village Warden having already been distributed to Councillors for their consideration it was decided to modify the final paragraph, as it was felt that the position did not warrant 10-15 hours a week. The Chairman is to contact Mr. Willson to negotiate an acceptable level of expenses, which having been agreed, the Council was happy to approve the appointment, and the Clerk would then produce the necessary documentation to regularise the position.

5. Village Sign

John Darlington attended the Council Meeting in conjunction with Eric Pollard to show Councillors his design for the Village Sign and give an approximation of the costs involved. The Councillors liked the design but felt it was impossible to justify the potential £3,000.00 price without first giving members of the community the opportunity to voice their opinion. To this end it was decided that a full size copy of the proposed artwork will be displayed in the Village Hall, and copies placed on the parish notice boards. The public will be invited to make any comments that they may feel are pertinent by the end of March, and the matter will be reconsidered at the Parish Council Meeting in May.

6. Chairman's Report

The Chairman voiced his concerns at the work being carried out at the bottom of Kettle Hill by Southern Water. The Clerk was directed to write to Southern Water and to the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England to ascertain how it could best protect the landscape in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty from unwanted interference.

The Chairman of Newnham Parish Council had contacted Eastling over the motorcycle nuisance emanating from Bankside in Newnham Lane and had been advised that both the Police and Swale Housing were taking an active interest in the matter.

The Chairman asked that thanks be accorded to Ben Binder for the manner in which he had cut the hedges and tidied the rubbish afterwards.

5. Treasurer's Report

The Treasurer reported that the Parish had £2,600.00 on deposit and £800.00 in the current account at the end of December. Provision was made for £1,000.00 to complete the expenses for setting up the office for the Council in the Village Hall. This consisted largely of providing an adequate computer with the necessary software, shelving, a small table and filing cabinet. £150 was set aside for the Village Hall Trustees as a contribution towards the provision of replacement crockery and the provision of an adequate number of glasses. The Clerk was required to advise Dr. Julia Bailey of the Council's decision. It was agreed that £1,000.00 be pledged towards the fund for the provision of a Youth Worker, conditional upon the provision of outreach to the entire community, and that the money be returned to the Parish Council if the project fell through. The Clerk was required to advise Mrs Bell of the Council's decision.

Cllr Cheeseman proposed, and Cllr Bickerdike seconded that a 5p precept be raised for the year 2006/2007.

6. Planning

The Clerk reported that the only planning matter under consideration was the application for change of use at First Choice Nurseries, Newnham Lane, Eastling. This had been approved by the planning authority.

7. Highways

Cllr Bickerdike reported that he had made many enquiries, in many different ways, to KCC in relation to the statistics produced that had refused the Council's request for the imposition of a 30 mph speed limit throughout the length of the village. He had, however, failed to evoke a response. A number of Councillors were perplexed that such a simple request should be denied in view of the many thousands of pounds being spent on traffic calming measures in Doddington. The Chairman and the Clerk had both reported to the Highways Department that the direction sign had been damaged at the top of North Eastling Lane, but, as yet, nothing has been done. It was reported that the "Eastling Lagoon" has finally been cleared after the recent heavy rain

8. Correspondence

Cllr Bowles of KCC had written to the Council suggesting that "clinics" for Chairmen and Clerks of local Parish Council might prove to be worthwhile. The Clerk had replied that both would be prepared to attend.

A letter received from "Action with Communities in Rural Kent" had indicated that funds were available to Parishes for the production of Parish Plans. The Clerk was instructed to apply for the necessary forms.

9. Any other business

The Chairman reported that an interim Ofsted report at the Primary School had produced "better than expected results".

There being no further business the meeting closed at 7.25pm.

10. To confirm the date of the next meeting

It was provisionally agreed that the next meeting will be held on Wednesday 8th March 2006 at 6.00pm.

Minutes of the Meeting of Eastling Parish Council
held in Eastling Village Hall on
Wednesday 8th March 2006 at 6.00pm.

1. To note attendance and receive apologies for absence

Present:- Cllrs John W. Payne (Chairman), Peter E. Cheeseman (Treasurer), Nigel Bickerdike, Helen Higgs, James G. West and Michael R. J. Thomas (Parish Clerk) and 1 member of the public
Apologies for Absence:- There were no apologies for absence

2. To consider and if deemed to be correct, accept and sign the Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on Wednesday 18th January 2006

The minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on Wednesday 18th January 2006, having already been distributed to Councillors, were taken as read, confirmed as a correct record, adopted and signed by the Chairman.

3. Matters Arising

The Treasurer pointed out that there was an error in his report in that the 5p precept was being raised for the financial year 2006/7 not 2005/6.

4. To receive the Chairman's Report

The Chairman mentioned that there was a training day for Parish Council Chairman, which he would like to attend. The cost was £45.00 + VAT, this expense was approved by the Council. At the same time the Council approved the annual subscription to the Kent Association of Parish Councils.

He also reported on the "County Lengthsman" scheme. This is the latest system to be employed by KCC in organising small running repairs to the Highways. Members of the public are asked to contact either the Chairman or the Clerk so that the appropriate form can be submitted to the KCC so that any necessary work can be carried out.

5. To receive the Treasurer's Report

The Council approved the Budget for 2006/7. It was proposed by Cllr Cheeseman, seconded by Cllr West and passed unanimously. Contributions had been made to the Design Statement, the Village Hall Marquee and Consumables, a Youth Worker, the Church Car Park and Office Equipment.

6. Village Warden

The Council had requested that this matter be reconsidered at its next meeting, as any decision made was likely to have a long term effect on future budgets. It was decided that the public should be invited to express opinions on what functions it would like the warden to perform. It was suggested that any thoughts be communicated to Councillors by 10th April 2006, so that the matter can be discussed, evaluated and a job description formulated as required at the Annual Parish Meeting.

7. Village Sign

The Clerk reported that he had written to Messrs Darlington and Pollard to thank them for their presentation. It was agreed that the design should be shown in the Village Hall prior to the Annual Parish Meeting so that members of the public should have the opportunity to express their opinion. The Chairman was detailed to contact John Darlington to ask him to organise such an exhibition in the Village Hall.

8. Planning

No planning applications have been received

9. To consider matters relating to Highways

The Clerk had been asked to write to KCC and selected adjacent Parish Councils to make enquiries about traffic calming measures in their many different forms. Replies have been received from KCC and Newnham Parish Council and these were submitted to the Council. The Council expressed its overall dissatisfaction with the progress that had been achieved so far. Cllr Bickerdike asked to be allowed to pursue the matter further and the offer was accepted by the Council.

10. Correspondence

A letter had been received from Sue Parry relating to the Parish Council Representative on the Village Hall Trustees. Cllr Helen Higgs agreed to continue to serve as the Council's representative on the Village Hall Trustees.

The Village Hall Trustees had written to the Council requesting an increase in the size of the contribution made by the Parish Council towards the purchase of new crockery and cutlery. It was agreed to provide a further £200.00

11. Any other business

Cllr Bickerdike said that he felt that the Parish Council needed to improve the quality of its communication with the electorate. He felt that there was a case for suggestions boxes or similar vehicles being placed at strategic points in the village so that the public could apprise the Council of its views on important matters. He also felt that the quality of the report in the "Good News" could be improved, so that it was more "consumer friendly."

There being no further business the meeting closed at 7.25pm.

12. To confirm the date of the next meeting

It was agreed that the next meeting will be held on Wednesday 10th May 2006 at 6.00pm, which would be preceded by the Annual General Meeting. Councillors were reminded that the Annual Parish Meeting, in conjunction with the Annual General Meeting of the Village Hall Trustees, will take place on Monday 10th April 2006.

Present:

Cllr P. E. Cheeseman (Acting Chairman), Cllr J. G. West, Cllr N. Bickerdike, Cllr H. Higgs and M. R. J. Thomas (Parish Clerk).
Also present: Cllr. Andrew Bowles (KCC) and 10 members of the public.
The Acting Chairman welcomed the distinguished guests and members of the public to the meeting

The Parish Council Meeting began immediately after the meeting of The Village Hall Trustees

1. Apologies for Absence:

Apologies for absence were received from H. Robertson MP, Cllr Colin Prescott (Swale BC) and Cllr Sue Gunner (Chairman Newnham PC)

2. Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 11th April 2004:

The minutes of the last meeting, having been distributed to the meeting, were taken as read and accepted.

3. Chairman's Report:

The Acting Chairman began his report by announcing that our Chairman, Councillor John Payne, had tendered his resignation as a Parish Councillor during last week. He first joined the Council in 2000, and had been Chairman since 2002. His influence will be sadly missed. The Acting Chairman asked that the Council's thanks for his past services and good wishes for the future be extended to him.

Village Web-site: During the early part of the year the Council experienced problems with the upgrading of the village web-site. This was finally resolved and the web-site is currently under the control of an ex Councillor, Harold Wyld, who has done a superb job in updating it and making it progressively more consumer friendly. It is now well worth a visit and it is heartily recommended that parishioners do so if they are able.

Parish Council Office: Midway through the year the decision was taken to provide office facilities within the village hall for the benefit of the Parish Council, the Parish Church Council, the Village Hall Trustees and any user group which wished to avail themselves of the facility. To improve the resources which will be available to the community, a broadband telephone line has been installed; computer equipment has been ordered and is awaiting delivery. This will enable interested user groups to have access to office and internet facilities if they so wish.

Village Sign: In the autumn, John Darlington suggested the idea of the village having a sign. He offered to design and produce a "mock-up" so that the electorate would have some indication of the concept he had in mind. He made a presentation to the Council and estimated that the final cost would be in the region of £3,000.00. In view of the size of the capital expenditure the Council felt that the community should be given the opportunity to express its views. A smaller version of John's design is on the notice board in the corridor.

Village Warden: Around the same time the Council discussed the possibility of appointing and employing a village warden. Certain concerns were expressed about the financial implications and how such an appointment should be funded. It was felt that the public should be given the opportunity to air its views at this meeting.

Motor Cycle Nuisance: A matter which had given cause for concern was the illegal riding of motorcycles by unlicensed, uninsured minors on public roads and across private land. The police, neighbouring parish councils, relevant housing associations and the local MP were apprised of the situation and gave what help and support they could. For a while the problem disappeared but has returned from time to time.

30 mph speed limit: The Council has once again tried to have a 30 mph speed limit authorised for the length of The Street. Once again it has been refused. The Council is still pursuing the matter, especially in view of the enormous sums of money being spent in Newnham and Doddington to achieve the same result. It is felt that these roadworks will result in an increase in traffic through the village to the detriment of our quality of life.

KCC Lengthsman Scheme: Finally the Council would like to draw to the attention of the electorate the KCC's "County Lengthsman" scheme which is intended to assist with organising repairs to the roads. The system requires that members of the public should advise the Chairman or the Clerk - preferably the Clerk - of the position of any "potholes" or similar obstructions so that the Clerk can fill in the necessary forms and hopefully get something done.

4. Treasurer's Report:

The Treasurer provided the meeting with copies of the accounts which set out in detail the income and expenditure of the Parish Council. He then explained how these figures were reached and their significance. The precept had been maintained at £1,400.00. There were opening and closing balances of £3045.00 and £3064.00 respectively.

5. Public Comments and Questions relating to items 3 & 4:

Concerns were expressed by the meeting about the problems that could be associated with unsupervised access to the computer and the internet. It was suggested that this initially be restricted to Wednesdays when the hall is in almost constant use. There were also concerns regarding alterations to insurance cover that would have to be made.

The meeting felt that the village sign needed the support of the community and that the opportunity for people to object was essential. So that everybody could have the chance to see the proposed design it was suggested that copies be taken and posted on the various notice boards thus providing access to all who were interested.

The proposed appointment of a village warden was discussed, but it appeared that those who were most enthusiastic about the scheme did not attend the meeting and therefore did not make their opinions known. It was suggested that a questionnaire be circulated to the village - with the "Good News" - in an attempt to stimulate interest.

A letter from Cllr Sue Gunner, the Chairman of Newnham Parish Council, was read to the meeting relating to the difficulties caused by the illegal riding of motorcycles by unlicensed, uninsured minors on public roads and across private land. She proposed that a meeting be arranged under the chairmanship of the local MP of all the interested, relevant and responsible parties. These should include the Kent Police, Swale Housing Association, Eastling and Newnham Parish Councils and the landowners concerned.

The matter of the proposed 30 mph speed limit through the village was discussed. Cllr Bickerdike stated that although as yet he had had no success he had not given up and was continuing to pursue the Council's aims. The attention of the meeting was drawn to a perceived increase in the volume of traffic through the village as a direct result of the calming measures in Newnham and Doddington.

6. Reports by Representatives of Local Organisations:

Neighbourhood Watch: Cllr. Bickerdike reported the Neighbourhood Watch was still operating well. Information updating Neighbourhood Watch details could be found in the "Good News" and on notice boards, which provided contact numbers and other essential information. Cllr. Bickerdike also said that in his capacity of Tree Warden he had nothing to report.

7. Public Comments and Questions relating to Item 6:

There were no comments or questions from the floor

8. Any Other Matters of Local Interest or Concern:

No other matters of local or interest or concern were raised.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.10 p.m.

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting
of Eastling Parish Council held on Monday 8th May 2006
in Eastling Village Hall at 6.00pm

1. To note attendance and receive apologies for absence

Present:- Cllrs Peter E. Cheeseman (Acting Chairman & Treasurer), James G. West, Nigel Bickerdike, Helen Higgs and Michael R. J. Thomas (Parish Clerk)

Apologies for Absence:- There were no apologies for absence

2. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 11th May 2005

The minutes of the meeting were read, confirmed as a correct record, adopted, and
signed by the Chairman.

3. Appointments

a) Chairman of the Parish Council
The Clerk took the Chair, and invited proposals from the assembled Council for a nomination for a Councillor to serve as Chairman of the Council. Cllr P. Cheeseman was proposed by Cllr West and seconded by Cllr Bickerdike. There were no other nominations. Cllr Cheeseman accepted the nomination and assumed his seat in the chair.

b) Treasurer
The Chairman proposed that Cllr West act as Treasurer. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Bickerdike and carried. Cllr West accepted the nomination.

c) Minor Authorities Governor for Eastling Primary School
The resignation of the previous Chairman meant that the Council needed to appoint a nominee to serve as the Minor Authorities Governor for Eastling Primary School. Cllr J. G. West offered to fill the vacancy. This was accepted by the meeting. The Clerk would write to advise the Head teacher of the appointment.

d) Neighbourhood Watch Representative
Cllr Bickerdike, the existing co-ordinator indicated that he was happy to continue in the position.

e) Eastling Village Hall Trustees Representative
Cllr Higgs had offered to continue in this position and the Village Hall Trustees had been advised accordingly. The Council conveyed their thanks to Councillor Higgs.

f) Tree Warden
Cllr Bickerdike offered to continue as Tree Warden. The offer was accepted by the Council.

4. Banking and Insurance arrangements

All arrangements remain the same -

a) Bankers:- Lloyds TSB Faversham
b) Signatories:- Cllrs Cheeseman, and Bickerdike
c) Insurance and Cover:- Cornhill Insurance

5. Dates of future meetings Jan - Dec 2007

Members agreed that meetings should continue to be held on the second Wednesday of alternate months (except for the APM) - 10th January, 14th March, 9th May (AGM), 11th July, 12th September and 14h November. The Date of the Annual Parish Meeting was provisionally set for Monday 9th April 2007.

6. Any other business

There was no further business to discuss and the meeting was closed at 6.30 pm.

Minutes of the Meeting of Eastling Parish Council
held on Monday 8th May 2006 in Eastling Village Hall,
Kettle Hill Lane, Eastling at 6.30pm.

1. To note attendance and receive apologies for absence

Present:- Cllrs Peter E. Cheeseman (Chairman), James G. West (Treasurer), Nigel Bickerdike, Helen Higgs, and Michael R. J. Thomas (Parish Clerk)
Apologies for Absence:- There were no apologies for absence

2. To consider and if deemed to be correct, accept and sign the Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on Wednesday 8th March 2006

The minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on Wednesday 8th March 2006, having already been distributed to Councillors, were taken as read, confirmed as a correct record, adopted and signed by the Chairman.

3. Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

4. To receive the Chairman's Report

The Chairman reported that he had been advised that the Council should continue to fight for a 30 mph speed. At the same time he congratulated Cllr Bickerdike on the quality of the letter that he had sent to Cllr Andrew Bowles of KCC.

5. To receive the Treasurer's Report

The accounts were approved by the Council and this is officially minuted here under item 5(1) of these minutes. He advised the Council that the Bank had a balance of £2151.00 in the two accounts, but since that balance £402.00 precept and £687.00 parish grant toward the cost of the Computer had been received. A further £200.00 parish grant was due.

6. Village Warden

The Council had requested that this matter be reconsidered at its next meeting, as any decision made was likely to have a long term effect on future budgets. It was decided that the public should be invited to express opinions on what functions it would like the warden to perform. To assist in this matter it was suggested that a flyer be inserted in the "Good News" so that the views of the electorate could be canvassed. The Clerk was instructed to make the necessary arrangements.

7. Village Sign

As with item 6, the invitation to the public for comments was to be included in the flyer to the "Good News"

8. Planning

No planning applications have been received

9. To consider matters relating to Highways

The Clerk had been received an email communication from Laraine Barrie, our liaison officer, asking to visit Eastling to see what problems were being experienced first hand. The Clerk had replied that the Council would be happy to receive Ms Barrie. Cllr Bickerdike expressed an interest in attending such a meeting.

10. Correspondence

The Clerk had replied to the Chairman of Newnham Parish Council regarding her letter, which was read to the Annual Parish Meeting

11. Any other business

Cllr Bickerdike requested that action notices be placed on the minutes where necessary.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 7.25pm.

12. To confirm the date of the next meeting

It was agreed that the next meeting will be held on Wednesday 12th July 2006 at 6.00pm and a special meeting be held on 5th July 2006 at 8.00pm.

Minutes of the Meeting of Eastling Parish Council
held on Wednesday 12th July 2006 in Eastling Village Hall, Kettle Hill Lane, Eastling at 6.00 pm

1. To note attendance and receive apologies for absence

Present:- Cllrs Nigel Bickerdike, Helen Higgs, Dr Julia B. Bailey and Michael R. J. Thomas (Parish Clerk)

Apologies for Absence:- Cllrs Peter E. Cheeseman and James G. West were unavoidably detained and arrived late.

Cllr Nigel Bickerdike took the Chair in their absence and opened the meeting by welcoming Dr Julia Bailey to the Parish Council.

2. To consider and if deemed to be correct, accept and sign the Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday 8th May 2006

The minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday 8th May 2006, having already been distributed to Councillors, were taken as read, confirmed as a correct record, adopted and signed by the Acting Chairman.

3. Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

4. To receive the Chairman's Report

In the circumstances there was no Chairman's report

5. To receive the Treasurer's Report

In the circumstances there was no Treasurer's report

6. Village Warden

The Clerk had prepared a potential "job vacancy template" relating to the proposed position of Village Warden and had circulated this to Councillors. After receiving suggested amendments and implementing them, along with the necessary approval, the Clerk submitted the final document to the Editor of the "Good News" and the Village Web-master for publication. Copies of the document have been posted on the Village Notice-boards.

7. Planning

Only one new planning application has been received. This related to the Eastling Primary School and requested a covered external reception area and a cycle shed. Details were circulated to Councillors. The Councillors had no comments to make and raised no objections. The Clerk advised the Planning Applications Group at Swale Borough Council accordingly

8. Church Path, Footpaths and Roads

The Clerk had been in contact with Ben Binder of the Belmont Estate and Mike Ellis of KCC, who is in charge of footpaths, regarding the condition of the church path and some of the other footpaths. It had been agreed that little could be achieved until after harvest. Once the harvest had been completed arrangements have been made for an "Environmental Task Force" to tidy the Church Path and restore it to its intended width. The Council expressed its concern, after complaints received from residents about the amount of dog fouling along the Church path asked that dog owners would "clear up" after their pets on these tarmac areas.

In the meantime the Church Path has been sprayed and is considerably tidier and the footpath from the Church to the woods has been cut.

Cllr Bickerdike stated that he was continuing the Council's fight for 30mph speed limit. The Chairman had requested that the matter of the missing road signs be raised with KCC. He was concerned that the chevrons on the S bends seemed to have disappeared. The Clerk undertook to contact the liaison officer to have the matter rectified.

9. Correspondence

The Clerk advised the meeting that he had received an invoice from BT asking for payment relating a repair carried out to the telephone line at the Village Hall. He had written to BT on the 15th June regarding the matter, but had yet to receive a reply.

10. Any other business

Cllr Higgs raised the concerns of the Village Hall Trustees regarding the Computer. The equipment had now been insured, but there were concerns over security and safety. It was suggested that a "hutch" should be purchased to house the tower. Cllr Bailey said that this would cost about £100.00 and with Cllr Higgs proposing and Cllr Bickerdike seconding it was duly agreed that this should be purchased.

The Council was still in the process of making the necessary arrangements to deny access to what it considered to be unacceptable web-sites.

It was, however, anxious that those who wished to use the facility should have the opportunity to do so. It was agreed that Monday evening and Wednesday morning - during the "Coffee Pop-in" - would provide the ideal opportunity to allow access to any one who wished to use the machine. Basic tuition would be available at those times. It was intended that those who wished to have access to the Scholl's web-site should be able to do so.

Cllr Bickerdike asked that a sign be placed on the Post Box at the door of the Village Hall to make it clear that it could also be used as a suggestions box. Cllr Bailey agreed to produce the necessary sign.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 6.45pm.

11. To confirm the date of the next meeting

It was agreed that the next meeting will be held on Monday 11th September 2006 at 6.00pm.

Minutes of the Meeting of Eastling Parish Council
held on Monday 11th September 2006 in Eastling Village Hall, Kettle Hill Lane, Eastling at 6.00 pm

1. To note attendance and receive apologies for absence

Present:- Cllrs Peter E. Cheeseman, James G. West, Helen Higgs, Dr Julia B. Bailey and Michael R. J. Thomas (Parish Clerk)
Apologies for Absence:- Cllr Nigel Bickerdike

2. To consider and if deemed to be correct, accept and sign the Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on Wednesday 12th July 2006

The minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on Wednesday 12th July 2006, having already been distributed to Councillors, were taken as read, confirmed as a correct record, adopted and signed by the Chairman.

3. Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

4. To receive the Chairman's Report

The Chairman reported that he had attended a recent meeting of the Kent Association of Parish Councils and that there were a number of concerns that had been raised. The first related to a perceived lack of will by Swale Borough Council over the enforcement of planning regulations and breaches of those regulations.

Secondly concern was expressed that there was no provision within Swale Borough Council for the recycling of plastic.

5. To receive the Treasurer's Report

The Treasurer reported that Annual Audit for the year ending 31st March 2006 had proved to be satisfactory with the Audit Commission raising no queries relating to the accounts. He advised the Council that the Current Account stood at £450.00 and the Deposit Account at £2,000.00. There was about £4,500.00 still due from Swale Borough Council.

6. Village Warden

Members of the Council, having met with Mr Alan Willson earlier, decided to appoint him to the position of Village Warden and the Clerk was instructed to send the appropriate letter of appointment. Mr Willson will assume his duties with immediate effect.

The job description can be viewed on the Parish notice boards, in the "Good News" or on the Web-site at www.eastling.info.    (see more....)

7. Village Sign

The Council decided that it would like to make further enquiries before making a final decision. It felt that it would be better if the sign was double sided and as it was inevitable that planning permission would be required it needed sufficient detail to be able to make the necessary application. Also it was felt that it would be wise to obtain permission from the Belmont Estate to erect the structure on their land.

8. Planning

The Planning Application relating to the Eastling Primary School has been approved and this information was passed to Councillors.

9. Church Path, Footpaths and Roads

The Clerk had arranged with Mike Ellis of KCC, who is in charge of footpaths, to reinstate the church path. This work would be carried out by the local "Environmental Task Force" who would attempt to tidy the Church Path and restore it to its intended width. This group did some of the work, but it overlapped with the private endeavours of the "Turners," who were obviously concerned about the condition of the path prior to their daughter's wedding. The Council would like to express their thanks to the "Turners" for the efforts that they made.

The Council also decided that it would endeavour to maintain the path in good condition and would make reasonable financial resources available in an attempt to achieve this. The Clerk would write to the "Turners" on behalf of the Council to express its thanks and to Ben Binder to seek his co-operation to help maintain and, if possible, enhance the condition of the path and make it a feature of the Village.

Cllr West expressed his concern about the condition of the footpath between Tong Lane and the Carpenters Arms saying that in places it was practically impassable. The Clerk was instructed to write to KCC about the matter.

The Chairman voiced his disappointment that nothing had been done about the missing road signs at the S bend at North Eastling. The Clerk advised the meeting that he had contacted KCC who had promised some action. The Clerk was instructed to write again.

Cllr Bickerdike had earlier reported to the Council that KCC had halted all speed limit applications while it reviewed the entire procedure. He did, however, recommend that the proposed site visit of the police take place as scheduled to consider the Council's application.

10. Correspondence

The Clerk had written to Mid-Kent Water on behalf of the Council regarding the water leaks outside Manor Orchard and Woodbine Cottage, sending copies to Hugh Robertson MP and Cllr Andrew Bowles. The reply had been something of a sop, and the Clerk had responded accordingly.

11. Any other business

There being no further business the meeting closed at 7.15pm.

12. To confirm the date of the next meeting

It was agreed that the next meeting will be held on Wednesday 8th November 2006 at 6.00pm.