Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held at the Memorial Hall, School Lane, on Monday, 5^th July 2004 at 7.30 p.m.

Present:

Cllr. Mrs J.M.Papadopulos (Chairman)

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

In attendance:

Mr A. Taylor and 18 Parishioners. Mr S. McVernon, of South Eastern Trains Ltd, and Mr N. Taylor, Station Manager for Higham Station.

Apologies for absence: Received from Cllr. F.Gibson, O.B.E.

The Chairman opened the Meeting and thanked those Parishioners present for attending. She introduced Mr S.McVernon and Mr N. Taylor who were to provide an update on the closure of the Higham Tunnel. She asked if it might be possible for the buses to be re-routed up through the centre of the village, during the school holiday period, to give some respite to the parishioners of Lower Higham.

Mr McVernon confirmed that he would look into this suggestion but reminded Members that it would involve consultation with the Local and County Councils and the Police. He revealed that a total of 60 complaints regarding the tunnel project had been made since January, but these covered all aspects, not just the bus movements. This was considered to be "statistically insignificant" as it consisted of complaints from commuters as well as local residents, and was quite low for a project of this magnitude. He promised that any instances of speeding or erratic driving of the buses would be fully investigated and confirmed that penalties could be imposed.   Mr McVernon also agreed to find out why some bus drivers used different roads to enter and exit the village, instead of the present agreed route. A chalk fall in the tunnel the previous week had caused a slight delay to the engineering works, but it was anticipated that the work would be completed during September, allowing the rest of the closure time to be used to retrain the drivers   The Chairman voiced concern that there had been no response to the large number of individual complaints from Parishioners which had been sent to him and which he had brought with him when he last attended the Parish Council Meeting in April. The Clerk reported that the Parish Council had not been invited to the last stakeholders meeting to be held at the Civic Centre, Strood, but had sent two representatives (Cllrs. Grey and Wright) following notification of the Meeting by Mr Easterbrook.

Mr Taylor confirmed that he was working closely with Steve Enright and would check the tachographs of the buses to confirm the speeds registered. Any driver exceeding speed limits would be liable to receive a   warning, which could lead to points added to a licence if it was repeated. Concern was expressed regarding the amount of graffiti to the station and Mr Taylor asked for any instances to be notified directly to him, so that he could carry out an inspection when he visited the station twice weekly. He asked for help in keeping that station in good condition and confirmed that the turning circle would be retained and the car park resurfaced. Mr Jerome, of Lower Rochester Road, reported that chalk lorries from the site were using the same route as the buses and leaving a deposit of white dust. Mr Taylor agreed to look into this and arrange for the loads to either be soaked or sheeted. Mr Jerome expressed concern that he now had lorries carrying rails, sleepers and wheels, cement mixers, chalk lorries and buses, all passing his property. Mr Taylor agreed to provide information for Parishioners regarding the progress of the works and to be a local contact. He handed out business cards to those Parishioners present, with his contact telephone number.

The Chairman thanked Mr McVernon and Mr Taylor for attending the Meeting, and they left.

The Chairman accepted apologies for absence.

There were no alterations to the Register of Members Interests.

The Minutes of the Annual Parish Council Meeting, and Parish Council Meeting , held on Monday, 10th May 2004, were confirmed and signed.

Matters arising from the Minutes.

The Clerk reported that:-

a.     P.706 Rural Housing Initiative. The second stage questionnaire forms had been produced and a copy had now been sent to Members for approval. The form was to be accompanied by a personal letter from the Chairman on headed notepaper. Cllr. Oakeshott had agreed to help prepare the mailshot at the Borough Council Offices on 20/7 and it would be available for delivery after that date. Members agreed unanimously that the Scouts should receive a £50 grant under Sections 137/139 of the Local Government Act 1972 to deliver the questionnaires to the centre of the village   The Clerk agreed to contact Cllr. Saunders when the remainder were available for delivery.

Cllr. Oakeshott reminded Members that the questionnaire form was to provide statistics for the Borough Council for the allocation of the three units at Youens Cottages. In addition potential applicants would have to register on the Common Housing List, and must have lived in the village for at least ten years. Cllr. Oakeshott confirmed that, apart from the Youens Cottage site, no others were being progressed at the present time. Several were under consideration but landowners might not be willing to sell their plots at under building land prices. Members expressed concern that future schemes should also not exceed four units.

b.    Village signs. The village signs had now arrived and a sample was shown to Members. Mr Stewart had kindly agreed to still carry out the installation for the cost of £893 incl.vat. which was the figure which had been approved in May 2001 (p. 571 of the Minutes refers). Cllr. Jupp agreed to visit each of the proposed sites with the completed sign to get the approval of the Parishioners concerned before arrangements were put in hand for the installation of the five signs.

Parishioners' Matters.

Following his letter of resignation, which had reluctantly been received by Members at the last Meeting, Cllr. Pearton asked permission from the Chairman, to be relieved of his duties as a Parish Councillor. He then moved to sit with the Members of the Public.

Linda Parr, of Canal Road, reported that Steve Enright and the Police had been dealing with a problem with youngsters taking drugs in Lower Higham. It would appear that these people were not from the village, but had arrived by train and taxis. The residents of Canal Road were objecting to Ivy House about undesirable lorry movements and would provide photographic proof.  

Mr Martin, of School Lane, reported that there had been more anti-social behaviour at Mountbatten Avenue, and Alison Duffort had been contacted. In answer to a question from Mr Martin regarding the triangle of grass outside Upshire House, Cllr. Oakeshott confirmed that the owner had been asked to remove the fencing as it restricted sight lines up School Lane.

Mr Bolton, of Dickens Court, Mountbatten Avenue, reported   that the light from the telephone box was like a magnet for the youngsters at night, as large numbers were congregating around the box and in cars. Loud music was being played and mobile phones were ringing. The telephone box was being repeatedly vandalised with all the glass panels being either kicked out or hit out with pieces of wood, and the youngsters had climbed on the roof. There had been problems with a knife and a lighter. The youths had been urinating in the bushes and against the garages. The police were aware of the current problems but no action had been taken as yet.

Mr Humble, of School Lane, made an impassioned plea for a seven and a half tonne weight restriction for traffic travelling up through the village, as had been imposed in Green Farm Lane, Shorne. The Chairman agreed to bring up the matter at the forthcoming Meeting of Parish Chairmen.

Mr Les   Pearton, of Chalk Road, reported a problem of vehicles parking to the pavement at Vicarage Row and   restricting access for buggies etc.

Mrs Pearton reported that The Hunt Range had taken over the whole of the Buckland Farm site on a 5 year lease. The company was to relocate from the Medway City Estate and dealt in horse food, and horse rugs - both making and washing and cleaning.

Mrs Martin, of Martins Close, reported an increased problem of drinkers parking to the pavement outside the Railway Tavern.

To receive a report on the progress of setting up the Parish Council Web Site.

Clive Stanley confirmed that the web site had been submitted to search engines and directories and was now operational. It was an official government web site and was linked to   Gravesham Borough Council and KAPC. To date it had attracted over 250 "hits". Details of the new Parish Council web site had been placed in The Bridge. It was agreed that Clive would take digital pictures of the new village signs for display on the web site.

The Clerk reported that the Parish Council was now connected to Broadband, on the advice of the Webmaster. Members unanimously endorsed this decision which had been taken by the Chairman and Vice Chairman before a 20/6 deadline to qualify for lower setting up costs. Mrs Wright had given written permission for the use of her late husband's line drawings on the web site.

Higham Gardens for Pleasure Competition 2004.

The Chairman circulated a list of roads within the Parish and Members signed up to produce a short list for the final judging. It was agreed that the prizewinning garden would be photographed for inclusion on the new web site.

Proposed Regional Park.

Cllr. Waugh reported on the recent Meeting regarding the proposal for a Regional Park, which Cllr. Gibson had recommended that a representative of the Parish Council should attend. A consultation document entitled "Estuaries, Downs and Towns" had made no reference to village life and Cllr. Waugh questioned if the proposal would be beneficial to small communities. The area concerned could be extensive and might include Dartford, Gravesham and Swale. The progression of the scheme could mean the completion of car parks, toilet facilities, visitor centres etc. and it was felt that regeneration might be the better option. As the view of the Parish Council was sought, Cllr. Waugh passed the consultation document to Cllr. Wright for circulation to all Members, and it was agreed to discuss the matter further at the next Meeting as an agenda item.

Proposal to charge for the use of the football pitch and changing facilities.

Cllr. Goring reported that the Sports Association had met to discuss a proposal to charge for the use of both the football pitch and the changing facilities at the Recreation Ground. Members of the Sports Association had taken into consideration the fact that this was not a designated football pitch, and that this must be reflected in the charges. It had been agreed that there would be a charge of £20 per match for the use of the football pitch and changing facilities by adult teams, and £10 per match for juniors. The fees charged would go to the Sports Association. A notice would be placed on the Pavilion which would state that no matches were to be played without the permission of the Parish Council. At present the football pitch was used on a Saturday by the adult team (Higham Football Club) and on a Sunday by the juniors (Eagles Football Club). Football teams would be responsible for marking out the pitch. The goal posts had been re-sited and the goal areas were soon to be re-seeded. It was proposed by Cllr. James, seconded by Cllr. Jupp and agreed by all Members, that the first sets of fees should pay the costs of the installation of the notice and Cllr. Goring agreed to investigate the provision of the sign.

Proposed removal of the telephone box at the Memorial Hall.

The Clerk reported that B.T. proposed to remove one of the four telephone boxes to Higham, and that the kiosk at the Memorial Hall car park had been selected. After discussion amongst Members, and being mindful if the comments made by both Mr Martin and Mr Bolton earlier in the Meeting, Members unanimously agreed that they would rather retain this phone box , but suggest that the one at Mountbatten Avenue should be removed instead.

Councillors' Matters.

County.

In the absence of Cllr. Gibson, the Clerk reported that he had joined a County Council group in the preparation of the next 5 years Local Transport Plan. The draft includes reference to a future Lower Thames Crossing and Cllr. Gibson continued to oppose such a crossing between Gravesend and Grain. Essex County Council and the Stansted Community Group had been granted leave to apply for a judicial review on the non-inclusion of Estuarial Airports in the consultation process. There was no reason why this would need to cause the Government to alter its conclusions as this would require new evidence, which to date had not been forthcoming.   

Borough.

Cllr. Oakeshott reported that she had received complaints regarding lighting to Oak Drive,

Beech Grove and Steadman Close, which came on overnight instead of the evening. The installation of the yellow lines to Villa Road had now been placed as "medium priority" and needed upgrading. Alison Duffort was making application to the Kent Community Chest for funds for a youth shelter on the Recreation Ground and the Clerk was asked to liaise with her

to support this application. A request was to be made to the Borough Council to move the rubbish bin to Mountbatten Avenue nearer to the road.

Cllr. Jupp reported that recent legislation for unauthorised travellers reinforced the powers to get them off the land quicker, but not the duty. The Borough Council was to appoint a Managing Director on the administration side.

Parish.

Cllr. Goring reported potholes to Hermitage Road, The Larches and Carton Road.

Cllr. Grey reported vehicles turning right at the end of Villa Road into Forge Lane and it was agreed that Steve Enright should be asked to keep an eye on this junction.

Cllr. Jupp reported a complaint regarding the bus shelter to the bottom of Pear Tree Lane, which had half of its roof missing. The Clerk reported that this shelter was in fact just over the boundary in Shorne Parish, but the damaged parts were now obsolete. She had spoken to Mr Easterbrook who had indicated that the Borough Council would be prepared to help replace the shelter if both Higham and Shorne Parish Councils were prepared to contribute in the region of £1000 each to partly fund the project. It would appear from the insurance schedule that Higham was insuring this shelter and Allianz Cornhill had indicated   that it would be willing to entertain a claim if the Borough Council could confirm these facts.

The Clerk reported that she had received complaints regarding off-road bikes being ridden over the recreation ground, on the Landway and in the Memorial Hall car park.

a.     Reports.

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

Appln. no. 20040431    Mr A.Haque & B.Ali, 8, School Lane.

Change of use of shop to a hot food take-away with ancillary staff facilities at first floor level and installation of an external ventilation extraction duct on the rear elevation.

Appln. no. 20040412    Alan O'Grady, 14, High View.

Erection of a conservatory on the side.

Appln. no. 20040466    Mr J.Beslee, 11, Forge Lane.

Erection of single storey rear extension to form a kitchen and lounge/dining room.

Appln. no. 20040477    Mr D.Jarvis, 12, Hollytree Drive.

Construction of a pitched roof over the existing flat roofed rear extension.

Appln no. 20040466    Mr J.Beslee, 11, Forge Lane.

Erection of single storey rear extension to form a kitchen and lounge/dining room and formation of a vehicular access onto a classified road with associated parking and manoeuvring space in the front garden. AMENDED APPLICATION/REVISED DESCRIPTION.

Appln. no. 20040347    Mr & Mrs R.Gilby, Barn and Coach House, Onslow's Yard, Little Hermitage Farm, Gravesend Road.

Conversion of stables into a four bedroom dwelling and the calving house into a games room and garden room involving erection of a glazed link between and conversion of the bullock sheds into a garage and store; conversion of cowsheds into a self contained two bedroom annexe to converted stables; conversion of barn into a three bedroom dwelling and attached cowsheds into a garage, all works involving elevational alterations and refurbishment and reconstruction; formation of driveway within adjoining field to provide access to one of the units from Dillywood Lane. REVISED PLANS.

Appln. no. 20040469    Mr & Mrs Lepper, 38, School Lane.

Erection of single storey rear extension to form an enlarged kitchen.

Appln. no. 20040529    R.Jackman, In the side garden, 55, Forge Lane.

Demolition of garage and erection of a detached two/three storey four bedroom house with integral garage at basement level.

Appln. no. 20040536    M.C.Page, 14, School Lane.

Erection of single storey side extension to form utility room and bathroom; erection of a conservatory at the rear and extension to front of garage.

Appln .no. 20040588    L.Woollends, On the site of 24, Telegraph Hill.

Demolition of existing dwelling and sub-division of site into 2 plots with joint vehicular access   and erection of a detached two/three storey dwelling with attached double garage at the front, on the proposed southern-most plot.

b.     K.A.P.C.

      Cllr. Saunders reported that a proposal was to go before the AGM for an increase in subscription rates to a ceiling of £810.

d.     Multi-Purpose Games Area.

       Cllr. Goring reported that Shirley Pearton had resigned from the Committee.

g.     G.R.O.W.C.

       Cllr. Waugh reported that a sum of £500,000 had gone into ROW funds to cope with frontline clearance by way of the "Boost for Healthy Living".

h.    Governors of Higham Primary School.

      Cllr. James reported that the school was now out of special measures. An OFSTED inspection was due to take place in September. The KS2 SATS results were better than those the year before.

     Members unanimously endorsed the decision to purchase two sets of cinema tickets as raffle prizes for the school summer fete.

Finance.

The Clerk presented the quarterly financial statement for the period 1/4/04 until 30/6/04. She asked for approval for the items shown on the agenda, plus an amount of £547.44 for administration expenses for the period 1/4/04 until 30/6/04, this being proposed by Cllr. Oakeshott, seconded by Cllr. James, and agreed by all Members.

Signs of the Times (village signs)                                                                         4155.98

Clive Stanley (website creation)                                                                           450.96

Southern Water (water rates - allotments)                                                              65.19

Mrs L.Carnall (Broadband)                                                                                  136.82

Clerk's salary (1/4/04 - 30/6/04 - new rate)                                                         1175.00

Expenses - use of room as office (1/4/04 - 30/6/04)                                             227.50

The Millbrook Garden Company (garden gift tokens)                                            60.00

It was resolved that:-

"This Council in accordance with its powers under Sections 137 and 139 of the Local Government Act 1972, should incur an expenditure of £60 for garden gift tokens from the Millbrook Garden Company, which is in the opinion of the Council in the interests of the area or its inhabitants".

Correspondence.

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

1.    Members approved the request by Higham F.C. to continue using the recreation ground for the forthcoming season.

2.    Members gave approval for the use of the recreation ground by the Borough Council for the Summer Activity Programme from 2/8 to 20/8.

3.    Cllr. Waugh agreed to meet with representatives of the Highways Unit to agree the initial programme for the Pilot Lengthsman Scheme.

To note the date of the next Parish Council Meeting.

This was given as being Monday, 6th September 2004 at 7.30 p.m.

Any Other Business.

None was brought to the notice of the Meeting.

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