Meetings 2001
9th January 2001
13th February 2001
13th March 2001
10th April 2001
Annual Parish Meeting
8th May 2001
12th June 2001
10th July 2001
14th August 2001
11th September 2001
9th October 2001
13th November 2001
6th December 2001
11th December 2001

PC Williams gave an update on events since the last meeting and took questions from members of the public present.

The Chairman thanked WPC Williams for her attendance.

After taking questions, the Chairman recommenced the business of the Council at 7.50p.m

The minutes of the meeting of Tuesday 12 December 2000 were approved and signed.

Website - Clair Bell has requested authority to register the Biddenden.gov.uk name with nicnames.co.uk (at £180.00 + Vat for 2 years) and appoint them as the site host at a cost of £49.00p.a. (+ Vat). GRANTED.

(Authority was also given for a cheque to be signed for this purpose before the next meeting, should this be required.)

High Street Pavements - A letter from a group of residents confirmed that the Clerk had been incorrectly advised regarding the repair of loose slabs, which had resulted in two residents suffering falls last month. After an inspection of the paving by the Clerk a list, highlighting the problems in the area from the Lych Gate to the Chinese restaurant, has been forwarded to the Ashford Highways Unit who in turn have arranged for its contractors to re-visit the site. NOTED.

The Highways Unit expects an announcement from KCC regarding 2001/2 bids for funding sometime next month (Cllr. Bell to be advised).

Village Mowing – Mr. D Brightling (Fairway Engineering) is to be asked to quote as Mr. Burles is unable to continue next season, due to ill health. AGREED.

Missing Street Light, North Street – Clerk to follow-up with Ashford BC.

ASHFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL REPORT - No report

A recommendation has been made by Ashford BC to REFUSE this application. NOTED.

Human Rights Issues – The Clerk has contacted Planning for clarification and awaits a response.

ASHFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL DECISIONS were tabled and noted.

Valuation of land – The Chairman has given authority for the District Valuer to be contacted to arrange a valuation of Mr. Shingle’s field. NOTED.

Works at Biddenden Wastewater have been completed.

Draft Revised Regional Planning Guidance (RPG9) - Proposed changes to housing distribution are included under policy H2. Further consultation on this part of the policy is now taking place and responses are required by 12^th Feb. TABLED.

Local Agenda 21 Action Plan for Ashford Borough Council 2000-2005 – TABLED.

Tourism Signs for the Biddenden Par 3 Golf Course are currently being considered by KCC.

Rural Policing – Details of planned improvements to Rural Policing were detailed in a letter from the Chairman of the Kent Police Authority. NOTED. (Copies distributed to all Councillors at the start of the meeting.)

Mid & South Kent Council for Voluntary Services would like to attend a future Parish Council meeting. NOTED.

A Resident has made comment on various issues within the village and the Millennium Field. NOTED.

Mr. Hambrook is to provide a quotation for a replacement picnic table - the damaged table is to be removed.

The Kent Men of the Trees Report has highlighted "strimmer" damage to several trees. NOTED.

RoSPA Report – a quotation for the required work has been requested.

There were no additional minutes to report upon (next meeting 17 January at 7.30p.m. Wealden, Cot Lane).

Further planting has been carried out with more due to take place on Saturday 13 January.

Cllr. Richards will shortly be meeting with a representative of English Nature to discuss Nature Reserve status and possible funding opportunities. BTCV has supplied a listing of grant funding currently available. NOTED.

February agenda to include Village of the Year Competition and Street Lighting.

The next meeting of the Council will be held on Tuesday 13th February 2001 at 7.30p.m.in the Club House.

The meeting closed at 8.30p.m