Meetings 2002
10th December 2002
12th November 2002
8th October 2002
10th September 2002
13th August 2002
9th July 2002
11th June 2002
14th May 2002
Annual Parish Meeting
9th April 2002
12th March 2002
12th February 2002
8th January 2002

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC IN RESPECT OF NON-AGENDA ITEMS - After addressing a question relating to the naming of the new field the Chairman proceeded with the business of the Council as follows:

No alterations required.

Millennium Beacon - It was agreed that it be minuted that the Beacon is now Parish Council property. Agreed.

After a few minor amendments the minutes of the meeting of 14th May were approved and signed.

Retiring Clerk's presentation - A letter of thanks has been received from Mrs. Greasley ( tabled).

Bank Mandate - The Chairman circulated additional forms for completion, as required by NatWest.

Youth Issues - Cllr. Wingham is aware of feelings within the village against the use of the activity van scheme (this may now already be 'on hold'). He agreed to set a date for and Chair an initial meeting between the Council and interested parishioners, which had been the suggested way forward.

Beacon - Letters of thanks are to be sent to Mr. M Scott and Mr. G Brown for their kind assistance with the erection of the beacon in the new field.

ASHFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL REPORT - No Report

Apologies had been received from Mr. Carr who had advised the Chairman that there were no matters to report. The group will meet again on Monday 17^th June.

ASHFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL DECISIONS:

Correspondence from a resident of North Street - The Chairman read out two letters from a resident regarding planning, traffic and policing matters. A reply is to be sent reiterating that the Council has tried to address the traffic problems for a number of years but that it is not within its control.

Cheques listed 1-5 above were drawn on 7^th June to allow the Clerk to pay them before holiday absence.

Internal Audit - Confirmation has been received that the requirement for an independent internal auditor will not now be retrospective. The Clerk is to liaise with the Clerk of Pluckley PC regarding the possibility of a reciprocal arrangement as reported by Cllr. Conway. The Chairman confirmed that Mrs. Greasley would be willing to carry out internal audits, if required.

Finance Sub Committee - In light of the tightening of rules relating to financial management it was agreed that a committee- consisting of the Chairman, Clerk (non-voting), Cllr. Wingham and Cllr. Mrs. Scott- be formed.

Authorised Signatories - As details of this had not been recorded in the minutes of the last meeting Cllr. Farris requested that this be stated, as follows:

Cllr. Richards (Chairman), Cllr. Mrs. Cansdale (Vice-Chairman), Cllrs. Mrs. Scott, Farris and Harrison (any two signatures).

It was proposed and approved that Mrs. F Brockman be appointed as the new trustee to replace Mr. Witherden.

Donation request - A donation of £25.00 to The Winged Fellowship Trust - an organisation that arranges holidays for the disabled - was agreed. A cheque is to be drawn at the next meeting.

Zurich Municipal Local Council Advisory Service - is running an Annual Health Check and Safety inspection seminars. The Clerk would be happy to attend if required (cost £60.00). Noted.

Kent Rural Community Council - It was agreed that the Council continues with its membership of KRCC. A cheque to cover the renewal fee will be drawn at the next meeting.

Kent & Medway Structure Plan Review - as comments were required by 14^th May, Cllr. Conway replied on behalf of the Council.

Mid Kent Leader+ Programme of funding -Further information is available to interested parties and this is to be pursued.

High Street Pavements - The Highways Unit has confirmed that the missing curbstones will be replaced once the stone has been sourced.

Tenterden Tigers has confirmed that it will only require a pitch for its junior team next season. A request for use of the playing field for a further Soccer School (5^th- 9^th August) was approved.

Handy Van Scheme - As reported at the last meeting this is a bona fide organisation offering services to the elderly. Residents should however be aware that unofficial individuals/companies might be in the area offering similar services.

Oak Trees - A resident has written warning of the dangers of imported oak trees and suggested an alternative to the Holm Oak agreed for the village green. The Chairman confirmed that all oak trees planted in the Millennium Field are English.

The following items of correspondence were also noted:

Mid & South East Kent Council for Voluntary Services - details of its Good Neighbour Scheme.

Additional Land - The registration of the land is now complete.

Benenden Road closures - further correspondence received.

Concessionary Bus Fares - Details to be placed on the noticeboard.

Posts by the Car Park -Approval was given to purchase the 6 replacement posts required at a cost of £4.05 + vat from British Gates. It was felt that chains should be used between the posts. The Chairman will establish the cost of new chain for the next meeting when the feasibility of using the old chain from the village green can be discussed further.

Children's Play Area - The Clerk is to chase Mr. Brightling regarding a quote for the removal of weeds and spreading of new woodchippings, as discussed at the April meeting.

Gate - Cllr. Farris is to obtain a new padlock and spare keys for the gate by the Squash Club.

Entrance - the hedge by the entrance has now been cut. Thanks go to Mr. Palmer.

Sputnik - The new seats have been repaired and can be fitted once the old ones have been removed.

There has been no meeting of the committee since the last PC Meeting. The next meeting will take place on 25 June when the management of the additional land will be discussed.

Gates to the new field have been positioned after consultation with the school.

A representative from DERFA's environmental unit has visited the site and confirmed that it would qualify for annual management funding under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Due to the timescales involved an application has been submitted (the deadline was 30^th May) The Chairman confirmed that this application could be withdrawn, if required, and that he would attempt to obtain copies of the scheme details for Councillors in time for the next meeting.

It was agreed that the management of the land remains with the Millennium Field Management Committee for the time being.

Although it was confirmed that this item should not have been on the agenda, Cllr. Mrs. Scott took the opportunity to give a brief report on the very successful Golden Jubilee Celebrations and thanked the Council for its support. It is now hoped that as well as providing a commemorative mug for the children; there may be additional monies available that will benefit local organisations.

The Chairman thanked Cllr. Scott and the Jubilee Committee for their tremendous effort.

Provision of additional litter bins.

July agenda to include Police, KAPC and Parish Forum reports.

The next meeting of the Council will take place on Tuesday 9^th July at 7.30p.m. in the Old Village Hall.

The meeting closed at 9.17p.m.