1.

PRESENT

Cllrs Adam, Brown, Gething, Lutener, Mannington, Newton, Reed (in the Chair), Reid, Scott, Spain and Tippen.  Borough Councillors Rodd Nelson-Gracie and Paddy Germain, the Clerk, four members of the public and one member of the press.

2.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

There were no apologies for absence.

3.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest

4.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the meetings of 8^th June and 15^th June 2004 were agreed and signed as a true record.

5.

MATTERS ARISING

There were no matters arising

6.

PARISH MATTERS

a)

Cherry Orchard Estate

Cllr Adam had written to Maidstone Highways Unit regarding the road surfacing on the estate but to date had no response.  The clerk received confirmation from MBC dated 26^th May that the estate had been adopted but this was revoked in a letter from MBC dated 9^th June.  The Clerk to enquire when adoption was likely to take place.

b)

Marden Parish Action Plan

Cllr Adam had drafted an action plan which listed several items which had been raised previously at council meetings.  The Clerk would circulate the list to all councillors with "action by" column.

(i)                 Letter from resident re skateboard park

The above mentioned action plan listed skateboard park as one of the items and following receipt of a letter from a resident it was agreed that a meeting would be held on 27^th July for councillors to meet to discuss the way forward.

c)

Library Carpark/Recycling Banks

The height barrier was still being repaired and the clerk would chase for urgent return.  MBC to be contacted regarding rules and guidance for the car park and signs for times for use of recycling banks. 

Recycling banks still a priority to be moved.  The station car park still being looked into for preferable site.

d)

Angley School Transport

Problems are still occurring for children attending Angley and for Year 7 intake in September.  The Parish Council and Borough Councillor Germain have both written to KCC regarding this and trying to arrange a meeting.

e)

Christmas 2004

Everything needed is booked for December and the clerk to look into purchasing 6 more trees and lighting for the tree at The Allens.  It was decided that Cllr Reid would speak to the Committee of the Working Mens Club to use their facilities in case of rain.  Shops would be invited to take part in the shop window competition and the idea of a village vote as well as someone judging could take place.

f)

Meeting at Town Hall

Cllrs Gething, Newton and Reed together with the Clerk attended the Town Hall on Friday 9^th July to meet with officers of the Borough Council.  The Clerk to circulate papers received to new councillors.

7.

MEMORIAL HALL

A quote had been received for blinds in the Committee room and this would be put before the finance committee at its next meeting.

8.

CORRESPONDENCE

a)

MBC -  Guidelines for Bids for One-off Resources.

b)

KCC - Local Board funding.  County Cllr Hotson emailed Cllr Adam re possible funding for the Traffic Consultation document.

c)

Letter from Mrs Highwood thanking the council for donating a seat in memory of her husband Bob.

d)

Letter from Ann Widdecombe MP - Thanking the council for keeping her informed of MBC's response to the Traffic Consultation document and asking to be kept informed of the Angley School situation.

e)

MBC - Addressing Climate Change - Cllr Brown to read.

f)

Strategic Rail Authority - Invitation to Tender will now be issued in Autumn 2004.

g)

MBC - Waste Collection - certain areas of the parish have been contacted to inform them that black sacks will not be collected if put alongside the wheelie bins.

9.

PLANNING

a)

Minutes of previous Planning meetings circulated prior to meeting.

b)

Decisions - Approvals

MA/04/0580 - Poplar Tree Farmhouse, Milebush Lane

Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of two storey front and side extensions.

MA/04/0741 - 2 Tanner Cottages, Goudhurst Road

Erection of two storey side and rear extension

MA/04/0811 - Horlands Cottage, Battle Lane

Demolition of existing front porch and erection of front extension

Refusals

MA/04/0653 - Oakhurst, Tilden Lane

Demolition of existing dwelling, mobile home and outbuilding and erection of replacement dwelling and garage

Withdrawals

MA/04/0654 - Riverland, Hertsfield Farm, Staplehurst Road

c)

Appeal

MA/04/0218 - Windens Barn, Park Road

Rear extension to existing dwelling

d)

Enforcement

Concerns were raised over the painting of woodwork and signage at The Royal Indian Restaurant.  The Clerk to contact Maidstone Borough Council.

Other Planning Issues

Planning Applications have been received from Highgrove, Staplehurst Road.  To be placed on next planning agenda.  Cllrs are entitled to visit the site prior to the meeting.

Collier Street Parish Council wish to obtain some assistance regarding their appraisal.  Cllrs Adam, Brown and Tippen to assist.

10.

HIGHWAYS

a)

Spreadsheet from MBC - Two items currently been answered - Parking at Tandoori Restaurant suggest approach by Police and Trees overgrowing properties and footpath at Lucks Way - MBC cannot see a problem, the clerk to give more information.

b)

The Clerk to contact Adrian Hygate for dates for a Highways Meeting - report back to next meeting.

c)

Letter from Steve Goulette - Accepting receipt of previous Parish Council letter dated 24^th June.  Meeting to be arranged with Jamie Hare.

Other Highways Issues

Signage on A229 - Cllr Adam has photographs of signs, will pass to Clerk to contact MBC.

Surface dressing commencing in parts of parish week beginning 19^th July.

When reporting highway matters ask for timescale.

11.

CEMETERY

a)

Plaque had been unveiled at the cemetery and photographs available. 

12.

PLAYING FIELD

a)

Grass cuttings - problems had arisen over the mowing of the playing field.  The Clerk had spoken to the contractor.

b)

Changing Rooms.  Work was taking place on the away changing room to provide further facilities for referee and officials.  Football players were carrying out this work themselves.  The Clerk to obtain quotes for under bench heating and for replacing tiles on roof.

Fund raising was being encouraged with 100 Club and disco arranged.

c)

Safety report from Maidstone Borough Council.  The Clerk also attending a training day on in-house safety checking.

13.

FINANCE

a)

Balances as at 30^th June 2004

Post Office £14,461.01 Current Account £00.00 Reserve Account £58,210.77

b)

Payments for Approval

Invoices were agreed for payment and cheques signed.

c)

Internal Audit to be arranged and Cllr Lutener to speak to Mr Dore.

Maidstone Borough Council

Agenda for Planning Committees

Agenda for Housing Strategy and Regeneration

Forward Play of Key Decisions

Maidstone Joint Transport Board Meeting

News Releases - Poetry in Motion

Others

Citizens Advice Bureau - Annual Report

Parish Magazine

Playing Fields Newsletter

Kent Police Newsletter          

Youth & Community Newsletter

Standards Board Newsletter

Clerks & Councils Direct

Local Council Review

Policing In Kent - The Next Three Years

Kent & Medway Fire & Rescue Authority - Service Performance Plan