The Parish Council
Wateringbury Parish Council aims to look after and improve the village assets and amenities under its control for present and future generations to enjoy
The Parish Council currently employs a clerk and two village wardens. There are at present nine councillors, all of whom serve on a voluntary basis. The role of the Parish Council is to represent the interests of the village and its residents to both Tonbridge and Malling Borough (www.tmbc.gov.uk) Council and Kent County Council.
We aim to keep residents informed of current and emerging issues that might impact the village and try to ensure that the best interests of the village are at the heart of our decision-making process. The Parish Council is committed to upholding democratic principles in dealing with and resolving all issues.
Our Core values
Community:
The Parish Council recognises that the community has a right to be included in decisions that affect them and aims to proactively respond to the changing needs of the people we serve.
Democracy and transparency:
The Parish Council upholds democratic principles in its decision-making process and makes available a full record of meetings in the interests of accuracy and transparency.
Integrity:
The Parish Council aims to uphold the highest standards of integrity.
Respect:
The Parish Council promotes mutual respect between all organisations and individuals we deal with, valuing the uniqueness and diversity of each individual and group within the community.
Collaboration:
The Parish Council seeks to work in collaboration with other bodies and organisations where appropriate.
Upholding the law:
The Parish Council is obligated to uphold the law and act in accordance with the trust that the public is entitled to place in them.
Monthly meetings: All meetings of Wateringbury Parish Council are open to the public. Everyone is welcome to come along. The full council meeting currently takes place on the first Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm in the village hall. The meeting agenda is displayed on the village notice board at least three working days (including Saturday) before each meeting. There are two opportunities for public discussions, one near the beginning and the last item on the agenda is a ‘public discussion review’ – this usually lasts 10 minutes and allows any residents to address the meeting.
The Parish Council owns or is responsible for the upkeep of the following:
Wateringbury Playing Fields (registered Queen Elizabeth II Field with Fields in Trust) – these are managed by the Wateringbury Sports & Recreational Association (reg. Charity No 281212) under the terms of a 49 year lease (from 2000). The Council is responsible for all the ground maintenance and play equipment
Allotments in Old Road – at present there are 17 allotments
The Council’s has representative for enquires and ongoing maintenance.
The Council owns and is responsible for 40 street lights in the village.
Wateringbury Cemetery – is owned by the Parish Council and the car park adjoining the cemetery. Enquiries about the cemetery should be made to the Clerk.
The Council is responsible for the ground maintenance in the churchyard.
The small play area in Glebe Meadow is owned and maintained by Council.
The Council has contractors under contract to carry out ground/tree maintenance.
Council owns the bus shelters in the village, four roadside seats, the Lock-up at the entrance to the car park, and the stocks.
The village hall grounds are Council property, and it owns the freehold of the village hall. The Trustees of the hall are responsible for the day to day running of the hall. The car park is the property of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council.
Land in Love Lane (formerly allotments) is leased to Wateringbury Pear Orchards.
Council leases out Drayhorse Meadow (adjacent to the playing fields) which comprises 5 stables and buildings in approximately 6 acres.
Council employs a two part time Village Wardens, John Ibbs and Mark Little, whose remit is to monitor property owned by the Parish Council and who reports to the Council on a regular basis.
The funds to cover the above are collected through the Precept. Each household pays a certain amount depending on Banding and this is shown on Council Tax bills.
The Parish Council prides itself in being non-political.
Some of the Parish Council projects are listed below:
- New Car Park for QEII sports field
- A new 20mph School Light Signage System in Bow Road
- Cemetery clear-up
- Upgrade of QEII playground and field fences
- Upgrade of CCTV in the Playground and Village Hall