Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held at the Memorial Hall, School Lane, on Monday, 23^rd February 2004 at 7.30 p.m.

Present:

Cllr. Mrs J.M.Papadopulos (Chairman),

County Councillor:- Cllr. F.Gibson, O.B.E.

Councillors:- J.D.Goring, J.A.Grey, A.L.Howard, M.L.James, Mrs P.Oakeshott (also Borough), L.M.Pearton, Mrs S.Saunders and Mrs A.Waugh.

In attendance:

WPC Duffort, Rural Warden Steve Enright, Mr A.Taylor, and 4 Parishioners.

Apologies for absence: Received from Cllrs. Jupp and Wright.

There were no alterations to the Register of Members Interests.

The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting, held on Monday, 12^th January 2004, were confirmed and signed.

The Clerk reported that:-

1. P.685 Matters Arising. Light - Steadman Close. Cllr. Goring and the Clerk had both inspected the site and a letter had been sent to the Borough Council asking if the vegetation could be cleared, the existing lights upgraded and a quotation obtained for installing a light on a bracket to the wooden pole next to the area concerned.
2. P.686 Village Signs. The new village signs had now been ordered. Members decided that they wished to have cream as the contrasting colour to green on the signs
3. P. 688. Recreation Ground. The Parish Council insurers had confirmed that they wished the Contractor, cutting down the leylandii trees to the Recreation Ground, to have a minimum of £2 million public liability cover.

Cllr. Oakeshott reported that the Health and Safety Department at the Borough Council had contacted the Fire Brigade regarding the possible provision of fire blankets to Alexander Cottages (P. 687 of the Minutes refers). The Fire Brigade did not recommend this course of action as they believed the elderly residents would be more likely to try and put out the fire, rather than to try and save themselves.

Mr Tickle, of Buckland Farm, expressed concern that following a recommendation for refusal of his planning application by the Borough Council, he had felt the need to withdraw it. Cllr. Oakeshott confirmed the grounds, given by the Borough Council, for its refusal and reported that no debate had been allowed on the application as it had been withdrawn. Mr Tickle stated that he would be re-submitting the application in the near future and extended an invitation to all Members of the Parish Council to visit Buckland Farm at that time. The Chairman thanked Mr Tickle for his invitation and assured him that the Members would endeavour to view the site in due course.

Mr Jerome, of Lower Rochester Road, reported that he now suffered some 200 bus movements a day past his property since the route for the rail replacement service had been changed from that originally agreed. His property was at the junction of the Lower Rochester

Road and Gore Green Road and his boundaries were being damaged as the vehicles passed, sometimes at excessive speeds. The close proximity of a pot hole, to the road outside, meant that the house shuddered and he was unable to open windows because of the exhaust fumes and noise. He questioned the need to run large, sometimes empty, buses all through the day and asked if it would be possible to run smaller ones outside the peak hours. The Clerk was asked to notify the Borough Council regarding the urgent road repair and Members agreed that a representative of South Eastern Trains, which were running the replacement rail service, should be invited to the next Meeting to liaise with Parish Council Members and Parishioners alike.

Mr Taylor, of Martins Close, reported a pot hole outside no. 10, Martins Close and expressed concern that the white lining to the roads in the vicinity of the station had still not been renewed, in spite of this being reported to the Borough Council.

Cllr. Oakeshott reported that the magazine committee had now met to edit the copy material for the 2004 newsletter, which had now been passed to Judi Stanley. The Clerk reported that permission had been granted for the photograph of Cliffe Marshes, which had featured as a postcard during the recent campaign, to appear on the front cover of the newsletter with some of the words spoken by Alistair Darling superimposed on the clouds. Members approved the printing of the newsletter by Spectra Press with a quotation of £971.00 because, although they were not the cheapest, they had produced an excellent booklet in 2003, this being proposed by Cllr. Oakeshott, seconded by Cllr. Saunders and agreed by all Members. Alternative quotations had been received from D and A Printers (£945.44 plus VAT) and BHF (£845.90 plus VAT). Members decided against a colour photograph on the front cover as it might set a precedent for future years.

The Clerk reported that those who had attended the Service of Thanksgiving at Cliffe Church in January had viewed an excellent updated RSPB presentation on the fight for the marshes. Ken and Eileen Harding had kindly agreed to bring this to the Annual Parish Assembly with the pictures of the Cliffe Marshes. There would be "bubbly" to accompany the food in the interval.

Rural Warden Enright reported that he and WPC Duffort had only issued a total of 13 tickets on the first day of operation of the controlled parking zone. By the second day this number had dropped to 4, and local residents were now all displaying their permits in their vehicles. Cllr. James reported that the school had expressed concern that parents were only being allowed a total of 5 minutes to drop children off, before they received a ticket from the wardens. There was confusion as to when this period commenced, and the school was considering setting up a "walking bus" for the local pupils once the weather improved.

Rural Warden Enright reported that verges to the bus route were already showing signs of damage. An increase in the incidence of drugs in the vicinity of the Railway Tavern had occurred since the closure of the tunnel and this was being monitored.

Cllr.Goring reported that the Memorial Hall gates were unable to be secured at the present time as, following an attack on the padlock by youths, a lorry had now backed into them and caused substantial damage.

Cllr. Grey reported problems with lorries, JCB's and cranes which had caused traffic chaos trying to access the site from the wrong direction. Cllr. Oakeshott reported that work had already started on the correct siting of lorry signs to the By Pass but this was not complete.

The Clerk reported that she had now been given two "hotline" phone numbers for the tunnel works site and South Eastern Trains who operated the replacement bus service. The bus contract with Ensign Buses had been partly sub-contracted to three local firms (ASD Coaches, Redroute and Kings Ferry) who would each provide two vehicles to supplement the operation. As Ensign was based in Essex, this would lessen the impact if the QE2 Bridge were shut for any reason. It seemed that buses would continue to use the Lower Higham route and not travel up School Lane. Complaints from the residents of Frindsbury regarding increased bus movements past Hilltop Primary School had been resolved by reducing the number of buses at certain times.

Cllr. Gibson reported that the Local Government Review Commission would publish its decision on 27/4 regarding the proposed reduction of Members for Gravesham to five. The County Council had been rated as "excellent" by the Audit Commission and those authorities which achieved their targets under the Public Services Agreement would receive additional freedoms and expenditure. It was widely expected that the confusing system which dealt with secondary school entrance would result in a larger than normal number of appeals which would be heard directly by the appeal board. The consultants producing the Scoping Study for the proposed Regional Park hoped to produce their report by the end of April, and it would cover such areas as boundaries, development, and how it was to be governed. Both Kent and Medway Councils would make recommendations, and the first Working Party was to be held on 26/2. It seemed likely that the County Council would approve a budgetary increase of 5.2% as a result of a government grant of £508 million. Education was to receive an additional £6.7 million and the funding for Highways would treble from three years ago to £34.7 million.

In answer to a question from Cllr. James regarding a report in a Medway newspaper that plans were proceeding for the proposed Lower Thames Crossing, Cllr. Gibson reassured Members that any planning would have to take account of the Structure Plan guidelines and comply with the protection of the marshes.

Cllr. Oakeshott reported that the new Leader of Gravesham Council was John Burden. The demolition of the Lord Street multi-storey car park had been delayed until 2005. A planning application for the canal basin had been passed and work would start later in the year. The Local Structure Plan that was due to come out in May was to be replaced by the Local Development Plan. Some of the work already carried out would not now be needed and it was expected that it would be another 2 years before the new plan came out.

WPC Duffort reported that nuisance motorcyclists, both on-road and off-road, were being targeted at the present time. Once a warning had been issued, any offending vehicle could be seized by the police. WPC Duffort noted the problems with the AA Tyre Fit vehicle which the driver continued to park in Villa Road on the approach to the traffic lights, opposite a skip. She agreed to contact the AA direct and to issue a parking ticket if the vehicle obstructed the footway.

Cllr. Oakeshott reported on a new Government initiative entitled "Golden Years Services for Older People" It was agreed that she would contact HiARA, Options and Age Concern to ask if they would like to take part in the forthcoming conference which was to be held at the Woodville Halls. Cllr. Oakeshott reported that the new Neighbourhood Watch signs for the Taylors Lane area would be installed by the Borough Council later in the week.

Cllr. Saunders reported concern that the criteria to be used for selecting tenants for the Rural Housing Initiative was different from that already agreed at the start of the project. It had always been the intention that the units in Higham were to be only for young couples and young families who had a connection with the village and who might not otherwise be able to live there. The Clerk was asked to write to the Borough Council outlining the wishes of the Members. Cllr. Saunders reported that graffiti had been cleaned in Lower Higham, only to find that the next day it had reappeared. She reported that a light was out on the Station Approach.

Cllr. Goring reported that the overhanging branches to the leylandii trees at 7, Hermitage Road had now been trimmed back. He reported potholes to School Lane, Carton Road, Hermitage Road, Martins Close and Station Approach.

Cllr. Grey reported that vehicles were emerging from the front drive at Gad's Hill School and turning right into the traffic, which was a dangerous manoeuvre.

Cllr. Pearton reported that the soakaway to 2, Michele Cottages had collapsed.

Cllr. Howard reported a deep pothole to the top of Taylors Lane.

Cllr. James reported that the light that was not lit to the underbridge in Crutches Lane was numbered BCDQ 005.

1. Planning.

Members studied current planning applications and Cllr. Oakeshott gave details of those recently received and reviewed by the Planning Committee:-

Appln. no. 20040040 Mr P.R.Rutherford, Land to S.E. of "Hilary Cottage", Hermitage Rd.

Demolition of existing field shelter and erection of single storey extension to form a tractor shed and two stables; installation of mezzanine floor to provide overnight horse husbandry accommodation and variation of condition (I) attached to planning permission reference number GR/1992/93 to increase the number of horses that are allowed to be kept from 6 to 12.

Appln. no. 20040037 Mr Fitzsimons, "Rosemary Cottage", Hermitage Road.

Erection of two storey rear extension to form new room at ground floor level with a conservatory at first floor level.

Appln. no. 20040067 Mr & Mrs S.Imrie, 5, Vicarage Row, School Lane.

Erection of first floor rear extension to form dressing room.

Appln. no. 20040088 Mr John Williams, 73, Oak Drive.

Erection of single storey front extension to form enlarged lounge.

Appln. no. 20040087 Mr & Mrs Manwaring-Amphlett, 71, Oak Drive.

Erection of single storey front extension to form enlarged lounge.

Appln. no. 20040069 Mr M.Williams, 16, Villa Road.

Erection of two storey rear extension incorporating a single storey conservatory, involving the demolition of the existing rear extensions, to form kitchen, lobby and w.c. at ground floor level with bedroom and bathroom at first floor level and erection of a replacement detached garage at the side.

Appln. no. 20040062 Mr Neil Anderson, 35, Bull Lane.

Construction of dormer extension in rear roof slope and conversion of the roof space into a bedroom and storeroom.

Appln. no. 20040115 Mr & Mrs Osborne, "Willows", Sandhill Lane.

Erection of two storey front extension to form a dining room on the ground floor level with two bedrooms and ensuite shower room /w.c./dressing room on the first floor level and construction of new pitched roof over single storey rear extension.

2. K.A.P.C.

Cllr. Saunders reported that both she and Cllr. Wright would be attending the next Area Committee Meeting which would be held on Tuesday.

3. Memorial Hall.

Cllr. Goring reported that the Main Hall heating was now operational. He had attended a Funding Fair to investigate alternative types of funding available for improvements to the Memorial Hall, which it was anticipated would cost between £70,000 and £80,000. These would include a complete revamp of the toilets and the provision of a disabled facility, the replacement of the Main Hall floor, new window frames and resurfacing to the car park. Cllr. Goring reported that as it was impossible to remove the graffiti from the polycarbonate to the Hall windows, it was likely that they would eventually have to be replaced.

4. Multi-Purpose Games Area.

Cllr. Goring reported that the new fencing to the sports facility had now been completed but the boarding had been rejected as it was showing signs of de-lamination. A site meeting was to be held the following day, and he would be pressing for the faulty boards to be replaced before the invoice was settled. Members noted with concern that the new fencing had been vandalised during its installation, when a square hole had been cut overnight whilst the contractors were still on site. Cllr. Goring reported that the Secretary of the Sports Association had resigned, and that the football club had failed to clear up the changing rooms on three occasions.

5. Recreation Ground.

g. G.R.O.W.C.

8. Governors of Higham Primary School.

Cllr. James reported that there had been an overall improvement of 10.5% in K.S.2 SATS results from 2002 to 2003. Cllr. Goring reported that it was understood that the school would be taking in 4 year olds from September and as a result it was possible that the Kindergarten would have to close its base in the Memorial Hall, which would lead to a funding crisis for the Hall Committee. Cllr. James agreed to raise the matter at the March meeting of the Governing Body.

9. Higham Youth Club.

Cllr. Saunders introduced Clive Stanley who had been looking into the possibility of producing a web site for the Parish Council. Mr Stanley had produced an example of what a home page, with the associated links, might look like and had made enquiries regarding hosts and domain names. It was noted that both Meopham and Cobham Parish Councils had their own web sites. Mr Stanley suggested that the site should be simple to start with as it could be expanded later. Members were in agreement that he should prepare some costings and ideas for discussion at the April Meeting.

The Clerk asked for approval for the items shown on the agenda plus an amount of £122.20 to Hugh Marshall for stile repairs, this being proposed by Cllr. Oakeshott, seconded by Cllr. Goring and agreed by all Members.

British Telecommunications plc (fax/internet) 71.94

H.S.Jackson and Son (new fencing to Multi-Purpose Games Area) 12395.19

Miracles Youth Centre (Barrie Howes salary) 1119.16

The correspondence folder had already been circulated amongst Members after "Matters Arising" but the Clerk drew Members' attention to the following items:-

1. Members instructed the Clerk to complete the questionnaire for the Parish Lengthsman Pilot Scheme, being in full agreement with this proposal. Cllr. Waugh volunteered to be the representative from the Parish Council.
2. Members were in agreement that Mr Batchelor should continue to use his rented allotment plots as "set aside" land.
3. A request for a photocopy of the Parish Appraisal document was approved in outline pending more details being submitted by the agent of the landowner concerned.
4. It was agreed that the agenda items for the forthcoming Meeting of Parish Council Chairmen should be:- The Parish Lengthsman Pilot Scheme and the Lower Thames Crossing.

This was given as being Monday, 5^th April 2004 at 7.30 p.m. The Annual Parish Assembly would be held on Thursday, 29^th April 2004 at 7.30 p.m.

The Clerk reported that Inspector Laird had asked if the Parish Council would be willing to provide funding in the region of £15,000 to help provide a Community Support Officer. A decision had been made by the Chairman and Vice Chairman that this would not be possible.

Cllr. Oakeshott thanked those Members who had donated raffle prizes for the forthcoming Disco to be held on 20/3 on behalf of the Mayor's Charities. She thanked Fiona Portchmouth who was kindly arranging this on behalf of the village.

There being no other business, the Meeting closed at 10.25 p.m.

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