WATERINGBURY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
Tuesday 5th July 2022 7.30pm
Wateringbury Village Hall
Present
Cllr P Gregson (Chairman)
Cllr M Wells (Vice Chairman)
Cllr R Tripp
Cllr F Fielding
In attendance
Mrs S Cockburn – Clerk to the Council
Mrs C Byron – Rostrum Correspondence
David Merry – Speed Watch Co-ordinator
Mark Little – Village Warden
4 Members of the Public
The Chairman opened the meeting by reminding everyone in attendance the meeting may be filmed, recorded, photographed or otherwise reported and asked if anyone present intends to make a video or audio recording of the proceeding – None
22/027 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Cllr Owen Cllr Simons
22/028 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST/DISPENSATIONS
None
22/029 ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Chairman reported David Marks had resigned from the Council. Thanks were given to David for all his hard work during his time on the Council, especially relating to planning.
Everyone was reminded there are no meetings in August. The next Parish Council meeting is 6th September
22/030 REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR & BOROUGH COUNCILLOR
No report
22/031 CRIME REPORT
Newsletter from PCSO Josh Vincent –
27/5/22- Canon Lane – property found – safe located in wooded area with personal documentation. Officers attended and seized property. Booked in and CSI dealing to ascertain if linked to any burglary
30/5/2022 – Tonbridge Road – vehicle with no insurance. Police patrol stopped a vehicle for having no current insurance. Driver reported to DVLA and fined
3/6/2022 – Tonbridge Road – theft of a motor vehicle – vehicle had been stolen between 2200-0900 of 4/6/2022. Police currently investigating lines of enquiry
24/6/2022 – Bow Road – criminal damage to motor vehicle – vehicle has been spray painted Police filed report as no further lines of enquiry
Cllr Wells reported on information he had received from PCSO Vincent on cycling on footpaths. This is illegal and the Parish Council were in their own right to install signage to the affected areas. It was agreed this would go forward for discussion at the next meeting.
22/032 MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 7th JUNE 2022 TO BE APPROVED FOR ACCURACY
The Minutes were approved by Cllr Wells and seconded by Cllr Fielding The Minutes were signed as a correct record
22/033 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 7th JUNE 2022
Page 5 – 22/023 – Annual Return -Colin Hanley carried out an internal audit on 16th June. Completed papers sent off to auditor PKF Littlejohn
Page 6 – 22/026 – New sign for gate ordered and installed. Contact with Clarion Housing still ongoing.
22/034 PLAY EQUIPMENT
Cllr Fielding reported the three quotes for new play equipment ranged from £55,000 to £59,000. It would be situated to the west of the existing play area. The quotes were similar to each other. Metal equipment could be cold in winter and hot in summer. Timber equipment would have metal feet into the ground to avoid decay. There would be public consultation via Facebook and the website. Also, in Rostrum’s next edition in September. The new play area would only go ahead if it was supported by residents and the funds were available.
22/035 REPORTS ROM COMMITTEES & OTHER BODIES
Finance & General Purposes – No meeting. A quote had been received from Safeplay for damage to the wet pour in the play area from the equipment. It was felt the same damage would occur and would discuss this further with Safeplay.
The fence around the lower play area had been damaged. The Chairman asked Mark Little if the bent section could be broken off.
Highways – A further email received from the resident at 169 Old road about removal of a street light. Councillors agreed their initial decision that the light should not be removed for residents safety remains the same.
Speewatch – report attached. David Merry reported one vehicle had been booked 8 times since August 2021. He also reported on Auto Speedwatch – a camera device that would be fixed to a post and monitored traffic movements during daylight hours, records speeds and takes pictures of offenders. Cost per camera would be around £549. David Merry said he would get more information for the Council to consider.
It was also reported Kent Police had obtained funding for a permanent Speedwatch Officer.
T&M Area Committee of KALC – next meeting 21st July
Cemetery – There was no update on transfer of the car park lease which expired on the 11th June
Allotments – Cllr Fielding reported on an allotment inspection on the 30th June with Cllr Simons, Anne Hipps and the clerk A few plots were not in a good condition. Large amounts of spoil needed to be dealt with. A possible increase in the rent and an update to allotment agreements was suggested.
Village Warden – reports attached
Watch Club Youth – There was no more information on the closure of the cub
Corporate Emails – it was agreed this be included on the Agenda for September.
The Chairman thanked James Woolley for cutting the grass in the car park at short notice.
It was reported there was a broken tile on the pavilion
22/036 FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND CHEQUES FOR PAYMENT
The Financial Statement was approved by Cllr Wells and seconded by Cllr Tripp and all cheques were signed.
22/037 PUBLIC DISCUSSION
The possible painting of the new mobile phone mast was raised and it was understood that Cllr Sarah Hudson was taking this forward.
Christine Byron thanked the Council for supporting the Jubilee Flower Festival at the church, and asked about the new play equipment where the contractors came from, costs involved and guarantees. Cllr Fielding said all would be considered.
There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.32pm