WATERINGBURY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Tuesday 2nd March 2021 7.30pm
Held via Zoom
DRAFT
Present
Cllr M Wells (Chairman)
Cllr Fielding (Vice Chairman)
Cllr R Tripp
Cllr D Marks
Cllr L Simons
In attendance
Mrs S Cockburn – Clerk to the Council
Cllr S Hudson – Tonbridge & Malling Borough Councillor
Mrs C Byron & Mrs E Bird – Rostrum Correspondents
4 Members of the Public
The Chairman opened the meeting by stating the meeting would be recorded to assist the Clerk in taking the Minutes.
19/207 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Cllr M Balfour
19/208 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST/DISPENSATIONS
None
19/209 CO-OPTION OF MR PATRICK GREGSON
After a vote Patrick Gregson was co-opted as a member of the Parish Council
19/210 ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Chairman announced that Mr Geraint Owen was the new village Flood Warden
19/211 REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR
Due to an accident Cllr Balfour was not present.
19/212 REPORT FROM BOROUGH COUNCILLOR
Cllr Hudson said on the 23rd February the Borough Council had set their budget for 2021/2022 which would be a £5 increase on Band D properties
Two street light columns in Bow Road & Tonbridge Road would be repaired by the end of June
The relocation of the soakaway on Tonbridge Road near The Orpines which was causing flooding was under review.
Cllr Hudson would be hosting an online advice centre via Zoom with Matthew Scott, Kent Police & Crime Commissioner, Thursday 4th March 7.30pm-8.30pm. Anyone wishing to attend should contact Cllr Hudson Not a public meeting but confidential between Cllr Hudson, Matthew Scott and attendee.
Cllr Hudson said the PCSO for Wateringbury was Joshua Vincent and she would pass on the contact email address to the Clerk.
Cllr Hudson asked about her request the council prioritise the items as forwarded by Ian Grigor of KCC on highway issues on the Tonbridge Road
The Chairman read out a statement:
Whilst the PC recognises that our local TMBC member has been directly very involved in discussions with the KCC re possible highway improvements for the benefit of the village, these have of course been without the involvement of the PC which has its own statutory responsibilities for highway matters.
Not having been involved with the recent proposals, their costings or the necessary public consultation re the list now with Mrs Hudson from the KCC, the PC are not able to respond to these without more information and consideration as to the effect on its own emerging Highway Improvement Plan, both as to funding availability and consequential delivery. Costed plans were needed to aid any decision.
19/213 CRIME REPORT
Cobbs Close – On Wednesday 10th February around 12.00pm. Two men and a woman were seen entering a property, leaving later with boxes and bags. The police were not certain a crime had been committed and were continuing their enquiries
19/214 MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 2nd FEBRUARY 2021 TO BE APPROVED FOR ACCURACY
The Minutes having been read were approved by Cllr Tripp and seconded by Cllr Fielding – all Councillors voted in favour. The Minutes would be signed as a correct record.
19/215 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES HELD ON 2nd FEBRUARY2021
19/204 Fencing and stile in the playing fields. Repairs to the fencing and a new stile had been completed.
Cllr Marks said he had contacted Dale Birkby regarding the pot holes in the track and a site meeting would be arranged.
19/216 REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND OTHER BODIES
inance & General Purposes – A quote for £328.64 had been received from Playdale for the spare parts needed for the roller balance beam which was being held by James Woolley. Acceptance of the quote was agreed by all Councillors.
Highways & Speedwatch – Cllr Fielding said there was no update to report following the Highways & Transportation meeting. Due to the team being grounded there was no Speedwatch report.
Cemetery – A quote had been received from Viner & Sons for £2817.78 to refurbish Tom Smith’s grave and a new memorial tablet.
It was felt this was rather high and two further quotes would be obtained.
Reservation of graves – Some additional rules were discussed.
1 Reservations cannot be transferred to another person.
2 If a plot is not used within 25years there are no continuing rights relating to that plot.
3 At any time, up to the end of the reservation period, the person reserving has the right to purchase the plot, at the then price, for the interment of the named person.
All present reservations would not be affected by these rules.
These rules were proposed by Cllr Tripp and seconded by Cllr Marks. All Councillors voted in favour.
Allotments – The Clerk had met with the allotment representative, Cathie Wallis. and those plots that needed attention were identified. Letters would be sent.
Village Warden – There was no report from John Ibbs due to a family bereavement.
19/217 FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND CHEQUES FOR PAYMENT
The Financial Statement was approved by Cllr Marks and seconded by Cllr Tripp and all cheques would be signed.
19/218 PUBLIC DISCUSSION
Mrs Christine Byron said the cemetery was looking good but ivy was growing on the lych gate and felt this should be removed before it caused any damaged.
One of the 40mph signs near the Pizien Well bend had been knocked back and could no longer be seen, probably due to hedge cutting.
Cllr Hudson raised again the question of the priorities she had requested. This raised comments from either side and after discussion it was agreed this should be put to residents, as it had been with the Highway Improvement Plan. This would be done by launching a survey Monkey on Facebook.
There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.33pm