2009 ANNUAL PARISH MEETING MINUTES

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting

held in the Village Hall,

on Friday 8 May 2009 at 7.00pm

[ DRAFT - to be formally accepted at next meeting ]

The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed everyone.  There were 20 Members of the Public

present, 6 Parish Councillors,  Mrs J Batt, Parish Clerk, Mrs M Highwood,

Borough Councillor Neil Wallace, PC Chris Miller and our Community Warden, Dave Beckley

1.   APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Were received from County Councillor King, Rev Hammond, Mr and Mrs Twydell

and Parish Councillor Collins

2.   TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

      These were unanimously approved and signed by Mrs Whittington.

      Proposed  Mr Patten       Seconded  Mr Krause

At this point in the evening Mrs Whittington introduced Mrs Highwood who gave a presentation on the Parish Plan which has recently been produced for Hothfield, following consultations with residents.

It has become clear both from the consultation process and from the feedback received during this presentation that although there are many positive benefits to living in Hothfield, there are serious concerns about antisocial behaviour, the lack of street lighting, speeding and lack of parking.  Residents would like more contact with the Police and it was suggested looking into the possibility of setting up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, although some residents did not feel such a scheme would work in Hothfield.

PC Miller invited residents to visit the mobile police station when it is in the village to look at the Speed Indicator Device.  He said they could also visit Charing and see the Speed Watch Scheme, which is being co-ordinated by a resident.  He also asked residents to collect evidence of when and where the majority of the speeding in the village occurs, so that he can ensure his shift patterns coincide with these times to enable him to monitor the traffic.

Mrs Whittington pointed out that many of the suggestions put forward can only be progressed if we have volunteers to help and she asked everyone to encourage others to take part.

The Parish Council will discuss the issues raised as a result of the consultation process and this evenings meeting and decide how to proceed.

Mrs Whittington thanked Mrs Highwood for all the work she has undertaken with regard to the Parish Plan.

3.     QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS ON REPORTS FROM VILLAGE ORGANISATIONS

All reports received from the Village Organisations were circulated with the May edition of the Hothfield Newsletter.  There were no questions and comments on the reports.

4.     ANY OTHER MATTER RAISED BY AN ELECTOR THAT IS OF INTEREST OF

      CONCERN TO THE PARISH

        Rats

        It was reported that 40 homes in Beech Drive are being plagued with rats for the third year

        running.  The problem is thought to be linked to collapsed drains in the road. 

        Kent Highway Services are responsible for the drains and ABC for Environmental Health. 

        Councillor Wallace reported that had been in contact with KHS over the past 3 years regarding

        this issue and although nothing has as yet been done to repair the drains, he promised that

        he will get something sorted out.   

        Mr Beckley said he would give the residents the telephone number of Mr Gore in the

        Environmental Health Department at ABC and he suggested that they should all ring him on a

        regular basis until the issue is satisfactorily resolved.

        Mrs Whittington suggested that everyone should visit Beech Drive, preferably after it has

rained, to see what a terrible condition the drains are in.  She said she felt that the community should pull together over this issue as the residents should not be expected to live in such dreadful conditions. It was agreed that the local media and television station should be contacted and asked to come and report on the conditions in Beech Drive as soon as possible.

Dogs

Mr Beckley reported that problems had recently been experienced with 4 dogs in Beech Drive biting himself, the postman and a resident. This issue was raised at the Community Support Unit and action will be taken to remove the dogs in the near future.

Hothfield Heathlands

Hothfield Common has been renamed Hothfield Heathlands.  A local resident said he felt it was one of the best aspects of the village, but was concerned that there are still incidences of antisocial behaviour on one side of Cade Road.

Crime and Disorder

PC Miller was pleased to report that there has been a 22% reduction in overall reported crime in the village in the past year.  Thefts from motor vehicles were down by 66% and burglaries by 25%.  He asked residents to continue reporting crimes to him.

Verges

A resident expressed concern at the state of the verges in the village.  Mrs Whittington reported that a team from Community Payback are coming to Hothfield in the next few weeks to clear the verges and the triangle.

Litter

Mrs Whittington thanked Mr Marden for all the work he does keeping the village clean and clear of litter.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.20 pm.