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Minutes of the meeting of NEWINGTON PARISH COUNCIL held at Newington Village Hall on
Thursday 2 July 2009 at 7.30pm.
Councillors Present: N Hall; Mrs S Smith; Mrs H Vincent (Chairman); and, Mrs D Yemm.
In Attendance: Clerk and 4 members of the public.
Prior to the commencement of the meeting members of the public mentioned that the 30mph
reminder signs between Newington and Peene were at right angles to the road. The roadside
hedge adjacent the playing field had been trimmed by a volunteer.
1
Apologies for Absence Accepted: Cllr L Page and County/District Cllr Miss S Carey.
2
Declarations of Interest: None were declared.
3
Minutes of the meeting of 7 May 2009: The minutes had been circulated in advance of
the meeting. The minutes were agreed as correct and signed by the Chairman.
4
Matters arising from the minutes of 7 May 2009:
4.1
Footpath at Peene (minute 6.1) – in light of very little action by KCC it was agreed
to contact the landowner, Mr Houchin, to seek his assistance and to contact Andrew
Hutchinson at KCC.
4.2
Annual Return to Audit Commission (minute 8.3) – the Clerk confirmed that the
return had been sent to the Commission by the due date. A response was awaited.
4.3
Parish Portal (minute 13.1) – implementation had been delayed for technical
reasons.
4.4
A20 Diversion Signs (minute 13.2) – The signs had been reported and a reference
number obtained.
4.5
Peene Farm (minute 16) – The situation had been reported to the Environment
Agency.
An inspection had been undertaken, nothing untoward found but
information re drainage to the watercourse had been left with the site manager.
5
Finance: The financial statement to the end of June 2009 had been circulated in advance
of the meeting. The Clerk reported on receipt of the VAT refund of £240.50 from the
2008/09 year. The current balance stood at £3,951.86. It was agreed to accept the
statement.
5.1
Payments – It was agreed to pay the following invoices:
£103.98 (inc £13.56 VAT) to Harmer Landscapes for grounds maintenance for May
2009 (cheque 0406)
£103.98 (inc £13.56 VAT) to Harmer Landscapes for grounds maintenance for June
2009 (cheque 0407)
5.2
Bank Statements – no monthly bank statements had been received since
December 2008. It was agreed to sign a change of address form supplied by the
NatWest bank to regularise the situation.
5.3
Contingency – after discussion it was agreed not to add a contingency sum into
the annual budget as, if necessary, there was a sufficient sum available from
“working balance”.
Minutes of Newington Parish Council meeting on 2 July 2009
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King George V Playing Field:
6.1
Monthly Inspection Reports – Reports for May and June had not been received.
The Clerk was asked to write to KCC Landscape Services.
6.2
Annual RoSPA Inspection – Notification had been received that the inspection
would take place in July.
6.3
Annual Inspection Contract – The KCC Landscape Services quotation had been
accepted despite incorrect paperwork at the second attempt.
6.4
Goal Net Areas – It was agreed to discuss the necessary re-surfacing and resowing at the September meeting.
6.5
Hedge Cutting – it was agreed to write to Tim Castle to thank him for cutting the
hedge in advance of the Village Hall Fete.
7
Planning:
7.1
Schedule of planning consultations received, comments made, and decisions
taken by Shepway DC was circulated with the agenda – this was noted.
7.2
Local Development Framework Core Strategy – Following a discussion it was
agreed to submit comments.
7.3
Shepway Planning User Group – it was agreed to ask to discuss the need for
planning consent for solar panels in conservation areas.
7.4
KCC Statement of Community Engagement – it was agreed to submit comments
on the consultation questionnaire. Cllr Mrs Smith would “vet” a draft response
prepared by the Clerk.
7.5
Lydd Airport – The date of the decision by Shepway DC had been postponed from
9 July to 23 September 2009. (Subsequently changed to 24 September)
8
Public Rights of Way Issues:
8.1
Footpath HE246 – covered by minute 4.1 earlier in the meeting.
8.2
Kent Downs AONB Signage – Wooden signage posts will be installed before
March 2011 along the North Downs Way National Trail in Kent. Noted.
8.3
Finger Post on Footpath HE 246 – Cllr Mrs Smith reported the disappearance of
the finger sign at the commencement of footpath HE246. Clerk to report to KCC.
9
Highway Issues:
9.1
KCC Drainage Team – Following an email of 2 June 2009 it was agreed to ask for
a short talk at the September 2009 meeting.
9.2
Drainage Ditch Adjacent Newington to Peene Road – after discussion it was
agreed the Clerk contact Eurotunnel to request it to cut back the vegetation and
clear both sides of the drainage ditch in September.
9.3
Safety on Newington to Peene Road – Following a discussion at an earlier
meeting the Parish Council had been asked for a financial contribution to a metalled
footpath. After discussion it was agreed that KCC Highways be asked to increase
the frequency of verge and hedge maintenance as it was important to keep the rural
nature of the road.
9.4
Insuring Volunteers – Following involvement of volunteers at the Clean Up Day
and to cut the roadside hedge it was agreed to obtain a quotation for their
insurance.
10
War Memorial – Cllr Hall reported that both gate posts needed replacing; the gate needed
repair; the wall needed re-pointing; and, the stonework on the memorial itself needed resetting. The Clerk was asked to investigate the availability of grant aid.
Minutes of Newington Parish Council meeting on 2 July 2009
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Other Documents Received:
11.1 Shepway Arts Development Strategy 2009-2012 – Noted.
11.2 Community Safety in Tolsford – Noted.
11.3 Provision for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople – It was agreed
not to respond to the GOSE consultation.
12
Report from County and District Councillor – In the absence of Cllr Miss Carey, the
Clerk read a short email from Cllr Carey.
13
Next Meetings – Thursdays 3 September and 5 November 2009. All meeting to be held at
7.30pm.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.35pm.
Signed:
CHAIRMAN
Date: 3 September 2009
Minutes of Newington Parish Council meeting on 2 July 2009
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