WATERINGBURY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
Tuesday 6th September 2022 7.30pm
Wateringbury Village Hall
Present
Cllr P Gregson (Chairman)
Cllr M Wells (Vice Chairman)
Cllr F Fielding
Cllr L Simons
Cllr G Owen
In attendance
Mrs S Cockburn – Clerk to the Council
Cllr S Hudson – Borough & County Councillor
Mrs E Bird – Rostrum Correspondent
David Merry – Speed Watch Co-ordinator
Mark Little – Village Warden
5 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
22/038 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Cllr Tripp
22/039 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST/DISPENSATIONS
None
22/040 ANNOUNCEMENTS
None
22/041 REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR & BOROUGH COUNCILLOR
Cllr Hudson reported the decision to remove KCC subsidies to bus contracts had been referred to the full Council for further consideration. The Borough Council Local Plan (Regulation 18) had been prepared for public consultation on future housing supply. The target was for 839 a year between now and 2039. Members of the public were encouraged to take part in the 6 week consultation which can be found on the website www.tmbc.gov.uk
The Community Fridge would be open in the Village Hall on Wednesday 13th September at 8.30pm and would run once a fortnight.
22/042 CRIME REPORT
From Kent Police website – Assault without injury 3 – Vandalism 3 – Harassment 3. PCSO Josh Vincent had left the area and at present Wateringbury had no dedicated PCSO. To speak to an officer from T&M Crime Safety Unit email csu.tonbridge.and.malling@kent.police.uk
22/043 MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 5th JULY 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
22/044 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 5th JULY 2022
22/023 External audit completed. Notice of completion and Sections 1,2 & 3 of accounts to go on noticeboard and website.
Contact made with Daniel Stace of Clarion housing regarding litter on their land in Bow Road. Passed to their maintenance department.
22/045 PLAY EQUIPMENT
Cllr Fielding stated that a new Funding Stream would be available and could meet the whole amount needed. Councillors had copies of three quotes from Playdale, Wicksteed and Safeplay. Councillors felt the quote from Playdale was the preferred choice. It was also the cheapest at £55,083.12 Cllr Owen proposed support of the Playdale quote and this was seconded by Cllr Wells. All voted in favour.
22/046 STREET LIGHT 169 OLD ROAD
The long running issues with the resident on the light situated at the corner of their house was raised. The contractor, Streetlights, could supply and install a new box and transfer the isolator and cabling and quoted a cost of £212.50 plus VAT After discussions Cllr Wells proposed acceptance of the quote and this as seconded by Cllr Simons. All voted in favour.
22/047 REPORTS ROM COMMITTEES & OTHER BODIES
Finance & General Purposes – No meeting.
1 A quote had been received from Safeplay for an Annual Inspection of the Cable Way at £385 plus VAT. This inspection was recommended b ROSPA. Cllr Owen proposed acceptance of the quote and this was seconded by Cllr fielding. All voted in favour.
Pongo Rocker bolts tightened and awaiting to be inspected before invoicing. The Chairman asked to contact Safefplay to discuss
2 Cllr Fielding presented a list of items raised by the ROSPA of play equipment that needed attention.
3 A quote had been received from Andrew French Fencing for 25 posts needed to straighten and support the fencing along the track at the playing fields. Cllr Owen proposed acceptance of the quote and this was seconded by Cllr Fielding. All voted in favour
4 Wateringbury Football Club Lease – A final Lease had been received from solicitors. Cllr Wells proposed acceptance of the final lease and this was seconded by Cllr Owen. The lease was signed and witnessed.
5 Advertising for Parish Councillors – Councillors were asked to let the Clerk know what skills would support the Council
6 Modernising the Parish Council – it was decided that a communications structure, integrating with volunteer groups, internet banking and dedicated email addresses would be deferred until a new Clerk was in place.
7 Cycling in footpaths – deferred from the last meeting – Cllr Wells said the police had stated the Council could put up signs to stop illegal use of footpaths.
8 CCTV – A quote had been received from IT Solutions to erect 4 additional cameras on the pavilion the playing fields for £1100 plus VAT. Cllr Wells proposed acceptance and this was seconded by Cllr Simons. All voted in favour
9 Parish Clerk – The Clerk had announced her retirement. Councillors had a copy of the duties of a Clerk drawn up by Cllr Fielding. A sub-committee would be formed to carry out interviews. The Clerk was asked to submit a formal letter of retirement after which an advertisement would be prepared
Highways & Speedwatch
Speedwatch report attached. David Merry previously 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 Council had felt that 4 cameras were needed but David Merry said that one camera was more realistic, which would have to be agreed by Kent Police. These cameras would first have to be sanctioned by Kent Police. It was suggested Council budget for one camera at £549 and an annual license fee of £148. This was proposed by Cllr Owen and seconded by Cllr Fielding. All voted in favour
T&M Area Committee of KALC – No one was available to attend the meeting on the 21st July
Parish Partnership Panel – no one attended the meeting on the 1st September.
Cemetery – There was no update on transfer of the car park lease which expired on the 11th June. It was suggested contacting William English.
Allotments – nothing to report
Village Warden – reports attached
22/048 FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND CHEQUES FOR PAYMENT
The Financial Statement was approved by Cllr Fielding and seconded by Cllr Owen and all cheques were signed.
22/049 PUBLIC DISCUSSION
Cllr Owen suggested a Help Page for the website to assist residents during these difficult times.
It was confirmed the damaged bus stop pole and sign had been reported to Tonbridge & MallingBorough Council.
The damage to the brick wall outside the village hall was still outstanding. Cllr Gregson was looking into getting it repaired.
Volunteers were needed for the Patient Participation Group at the doctor’s surgery.
Cllr Hudson & the Parish Council were asked to support a 20mph limit in the village. It was stated this was already on the Council’s Highway Improvement Plan.
There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.23pm