WATERINGBURY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting held on 8th January 2019
7.30pm Wateringbury Village Hall
Present
Cllr M Wells (Chairman)
Cllr L Simons (Vice Chairman)
Cllr D Marks
Cllr R Tripp
Cllr D Stones
Cllr F Fielding
Cllr J Roe
In attendance:
Mrs S Cockburn – Clerk to the Council
Mrs C Byron – Rostrum Correspondent
PCSO Wendy Stanley & colleague
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 any person present intends to make a video or audio recording of the proceedings. None
18/095 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies received from Cllr Balfour. Cllr Daly had resigned from the Council due to work commitments. The Chairman had thanked Cllr Daly on behalf of the Council for her support to members during her time on the Council.
18/096 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST/DISPENSATIONS
None
18/097 ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Chairman stated that John Ibbs had now moved to Mereworth and had indicated he would be interested in taking the position of Village Warden once again. He has a new job which requires a probation period after which he will be working from home and is able to work round this to carry out warden duties.
The probation period finishes on 15th April. A meeting would be arranged for the Chairman and Clerk with John Ibbs to discuss this further.
The Chairman said that the Speedwatch team now totalled 8. This was good news.
18/098 REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR
Cllr Balfour was not present and had sent his apologies.
18/099 REPORT FROM BOROUGH COUNCILLOR
Cllr Jessel was not present
18/100 CRIME REPORT
PCSO Wendy Stanley referred to her report – attached.
Members queried the crime reports on the police website (which were two
months in arrears) saying ‘violent crime’ was worrying, PCSO Stanley
said some of these could include domestic incidents. PSCO Stanley was
aware of an accident that evening near Fields Lane when someone had
stepped out in front of a car.
It was said the number crimes reported in the village had gone up over
recent years
Other crime reports attached – taken from Kent Police website and the
e-watch website
18/101 BUDGET 2019-2020
Councillors had a copy of the draft Budget Possible additions were discussed
Village Warden salary
Playing Field track repairs or
Speed Sign at Canon Lane
After discussion it was agreed all three be included in the Budget
Village Warden – a salary of £4,500 be included
Playing Fields Track – It was agreed the track was in need of repair and it was agreed to put £10,000 in the budget towards repairs.
Speed Sign Canon Lane – After discussion it was agreed to put £7000 in the budget to cover a replacement sign.
The Clerk would let Councillors have a final figure for the Precept
18/102 MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 4th DECEMBER 2018 TO BE APPROVED FOR ACCURACY
There were two amendments. Cllr Roe’s initial was incorrect and should read ‘J’’ At the top of page 27 should read 17th November not January
The amended Minutes were proposed by Cllr Marks and seconded by Cllr Stones and signed as a correct record.
18/103 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 4th DECEMBER 2018
18/091 – Still awaiting reply from War Graves Commission
18/089 – Overflow Car Park – Jenners had secured parking in the field adjacent to the
The Orpines
18/092 – Pavilion – Fields in Trust had been advised of possible new pavilion and asked to be
kept informed
18/094 – Playing Field Gate Locks – Cllr Roe advised that following enquiries Council would
have to look at replacing these and possibly look at an alternative. It was agreed to contact
Jacksons Fencing who originally installed the locks
18/104 REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND REPRESENTATIVES ON OTHER BODIES
Finance & General Purposes – No meeting. Cllr Stones referred to a report that a Parish Council was found liable after part of a tree fell in front of a bus. The judge in the case stated that checks every three years was considered insufficient. It was agreed the Clerk would check with the Council’s insurers for advice.
Planning – No meeting to follow as no plans had been received.
Wateringbury Sports & Recreational Association – Cllr Stones said a meeting was due in the next month. The upgraded CCTV at the pavilion had been installed.
Village Hall – Cllr Marks read out part of the Lease with the village hall that stated ‘keep all fixtures and additions in good an substantial repair’ and this was intended for the new hall only’ After discussion it was agreed to ask the village hall trust if they would take on the responsibility for the repairs and maintenance of two CCTV cameras they had stated they wanted – one in the foyer and one on the ramp at the back of the hall.
Cllr Stones said that the Parish Council decided to have the car park covered and therefore should cover those repairs. It was agreed to leave the car park cameras as they were.
Tonbridge & Malling Area Committee of KALC_– Minutes of last meeting attached. Cllr Marks thanked the Chairman for raising issues at the meeting
Parish Partnership Panel – no meeting
Joint Parish Council Transport Consultative Group – Next meeting 5th March
Kent Community Rail Partnership – no representative
Highways & Transportation-Speedwatch – The Chairman stated a Highways Committee needed to be formed. Cllr Stones, Cllr Marks, Cllr Simons and Cllr Roe agreed to form a committee.
Council had received an email from David Merry that showed he had been asked by the police if the Speedwatch team could carry out a watch just over the parish border in Nettlestead. Councillors agreed there was no problem with this if the Speedwatch team were happy to do it. It was confirmed that Nettlestead Parish Council had been consulted on this and they were happy with it.
Speedwatch report attached.
Concerns on the dangerous overhang from the building or the corner of Red Hill were raised. Barriers had been put up around the site.
Allotments – nothing to report
Cemetery – Work on the Lime Trees and cutting back the privet had been completed.
Joint Flood Group – nothing to report
18/105 FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
Agreement of the Financial Statement was proposed by Cllr Tripp and seconded by Cllr Marks All cheques were signed
Mrs Christine Byron – Rostrum correspondent left the meeting at 9.05pm
18/106 PUBLIC DISCUSSION
Pollution, which is high on Tonbridge Road, was raised and it was suggested the Parish Council should put pressure on TMBC to address this. Potholes at the crossroads still had not been filled.
Mrs Sarah Hudson said she had spoken with Matthew Scott, Police & Crime Commissioner, on a possible visit to the village and give a talk.
The problem of the overflowing sewer at the entrance to Boorman’s Mews was raised. Cllr Marks said this problem had been going on for around three months. Southern Water had been contacted on a number of occasions
There being no further business the Chairman thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting at 9.38pm