1.

APOLOGIES -Cllr Roberts & Cllr Bowles, apologies accepted.

Action

2.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST - Cllr Cuthbert declared an interest in item 7.iv planning application Palace Farm

3.

MINUTES - of the previous meeting held on 12 th June - item under Correspondence relating to closure of Doddington school and provision of transport, amended to include: ' Provided that children are at the school when it closed at end of the summer term.   Also children must be attending either Milstead or Frinsted schools. ' The minutes were then approved by all Councillors

4.

MATTERS ARRISING

i. War Memorial - Cllr Cuthbert advised that a full works specification for new steps now received and passed to Newnham PC for comment.   Once approved tenders to be invited.  

ii. Doddington Funding for Village Interpretation -   Cllr Oldfield advised that Alistair Clinton had completed the framework for the new Doddington & Newnham website.   Domain name: twokentvillages.org .   Volunteers now required to edit and maintain pages.   Pier Vousden had volunteered to maintain Doddington Parish Council website.   Alistair to install appropriate software onto Clerks computer.

iii. BT exchange - Cllr Woodhouse advised that he has finally met with BT representative on site to discuss fencing around the exchange.   Delay in making contact due to landowners and sub-leasing of site to BT.   Landowners initially declined to replace the fence stating that it was adequate and met its purpose.   Cllr Woodhouse suggested that the Parish Council may be prepared pay for a replacement fence or alternatively be permitted to grow plants over the existing netting.   Landowners considering proposals, await response.

GC

AC/

Clerk

IW

5.

YOUTH COUNCIL  

Cllr Jones reported that members of the Youth Council, Cllr Jones and Cllr Roberts had met with Kent Playgrounds representative at the playground on 10 th July to discuss possible funding of proposals for a youth shelter and roundabout for small children. Youth Council members to undertake a survey in the village to seek local opinion.

YC

6.

DODDINGTON IN BLOOM SUB COMMITTEE

•  Adoption of Minutes - None

•  Donations - £344.40 unspent funds held by Parish Council.

•  Update:   Judging took place on Monday 3 rd July, two judges, two members of Youth Council, representatives from Doddington in Bloom Committee and PC attended. Results known in September. Local residents had supported the event.   Cllr Cuthbert proposed that the Parish Council pay for the refreshments and lunch for judges, this was seconded by Cllr Woodhouse.

7.

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME    Nothing raised.

8.

PLANNING MATTERS

      i. SW/05/0474 Shepherds Croft/Moonfield Farm . Cllr Attwood advised that SBC enforcement officers were dealing with gate and fence issue. Await advice from SBC.

      ii. Wellwood Farm - on-going building works.   SBC enforcement officers have been unable to gain access to premises.   Cllr Prescott to check with Mr G Thomas for update. Await advice from SBC

       iii. SW/06/0126, Graces Place, Land at Homestall Road , change of use to residential for  

     one mobile home, tourer and utility shed.   Cllr Attwood advised that there was insufficient provision for gypsy sites in Swale. A temporary change of use licence may be given until SBC can provide alternative site. Await decision from SBC.

•  SW/06/0739, Palace Farm, Change of use of field to campsite for 25 tents. (Cllr Cuthbert left the meeting) Cllrs considered the application.   No objections raised.

•  SW/06/0552 Wichling Pumping Station - upgrade plant treatment works.   It was noted that SBC had granted permission.

•  SW/06/0819    Sunnydale, The Street, rear extension    Cllrs considered the proposals, no objections raised.

CP

9.

FINANCE

•  Cllrs Expenses - Cllr Jones had purchased sadling oil for treating seats in playing field and sausages to thank the freighter drivers who assisted at the clean up day. £60.94 approved by all Cllrs (chq no000692)

•  Wicksteed Leisure - repair kit for safety surfacing £109.86 approved by all Cllrs (chq no 000693)

•  Clerks salary April - June 06 £336.69, Clerks Tax £94.82, Clerks admin expenses £54.79 approved by all Cllrs (chq nos: 000689/690/691)

•  Doddington Village Hall Hire £45 approved by all Cllrs (chq no 000688)

10.

HIGHWAYS REPORT

i. Cllr Woodhouse advised that Spratts Hill had been swept and pot holes filled.   The ornate signs at each end of village need to repositioned so that they are more visible.   Sign at east end of village to be moved away from the spread of the tree.   Clerk to Draft letter to Mr R Oldfield to request permission to move the sign out of canopy of the tree. Cllr Woodhouse and Cllr Cuthbert to meet to discuss exact positioning.  

Clerk

IW/

GC

11.

TRAFFIC CALMING REPORT

Cllr Woodhouse advised that one positive comment had been received.   Kent Highways is currently undertaking a speed check between playing field and Chequers Inn.   No reported incidents/accidents since last PC meeting.

12.

PLAYING FIELD

i.   ROSPA Inspection Report - Cllr Cuthbert advised that the nuts on the swing seat were worn and will be replaced, Cllr Cuthbert to purchase new chain joining links. Trip hazards to be infilled with sand.   The new gates are adequate, Cllrs considered installing a barrier, and it was felt that this would hinder access for wheelchair users. It was agreed that children should be supervised by their parents/carer whilst in the playing field.   Next ROSPA inspection due in July, Clerk to check date.

New gates not shutting properly as not mounted vertically, ¼ inch gap.   Clerk to contact Landscape Services again.

Litter Bin - Cllr Roberts had proposed that another bin be purchased.   Cllr Woodhouse to contact Mr Dave Hill, to report at next meeting.

GC

Clerk

Clerk

IW

13.

ADMINISTRATION AND SYSTEMS

• Declarations of Interest signed by all Cllrs and returned to SBC.

Clerk

14.

CORRESPONDENCE

•  KCC Minerals Development Framework consultation - noted

•  Kent Police Parish/Town Council meeting 10 August - noted

•  KCC Towards 2010 Vision for Kent strategy - passed to KA

•  KAPC Swale Area Committee, next meeting 4 th September - noted

•  Sittingbourne CAB AGM 3 July - Cllr Jones represented the PC          

•  Doddington Primary School Closure, letter of support from Hugh Robertson MP - noted

•  Swale Economic Development Strategy 2005-2008 - passed to KA

•  Kent Design Guide - passed to GC

•  Swale Regeneration Framework, draft consultation document - passed to KA

•  Mid Kent Downs Project - community orchards, - it was agreed that as Doddington had the playing field that a community orchard was not necessary.

15.

A.O.B.

• Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator.   Mr Ian McMullen has volunteered to act as the new co-ordinator.   The pyramid system of communication to provide links with residents to be re-established, volunteers required to assist Mr McMullen.   Mr Mc Mullen to put item in the newsletter.   The PC thanked Mr McMullen for volunteering.
• Cllr Jones advised that the Doddington Clean Up day had been poorly supported by volunteers, fortunately not much rubbish had been left out.
• Cllr Hanson asked about paper/can recycling points for Doddington.   Cllrs agreed that there was not a suitable location in Doddington.
• Cllrs agreed that due to holiday season there will not be a meeting in August unless there were urgent issues to discuss