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February 2005 Onlooker Ash Parish Council After the customary recording of attendance and apologies the Councillors invited four guests to speak at the meeting. The first was Dover District Councillor Paul Southgate, who gave feedback on issues raised by the Parish Council over the past months, in particular the speeding issue in New Street, where a site visit is planned by the local Highway Authorities. Jean Hands then advised the Council that the Ash Innovations Group have been awarded a grant to buy a pool table and other equipment to use in the Sports Pavilion on Thursday evenings. Finally David & Pam Mawson from the village Post Office wanted to express their concerns that the daily use of their facility is decreasing, and although the Post Office is not currently at risk, they do need the village to use it, after all it has been there since the 1840’s.
When the meeting reconvened, seven planning applications were considered, covering many areas of the parish. Councillors were then advised that the Pavilion extension is very nearly completed now, with an official opening date being planned for the weekend of 19 th & 20 th March, a further announcement will follow on this. Whilst on the subject of the Recreation Ground, our moles still refuse to evacuate the grass areas despite bad smelling deterrents being put in their runs, so perhaps someone in the village has an idea on how we might move these animals away from the Recreation Ground?
Following an enquiry from Mr. Blaxland, the name of William Godfrey is to be added to the War Memorial in the village in the coming weeks. Mr Godfrey was killed in action during the First World War but has never been included on the list of villagers who gave their lives during the war years.
The council is going to write to the DDC Highways department about the recent cutting of the verges along the bypass, which has left rubbish strewn along their length. In the coming weeks the Council, with the help of Kent Wildlife Trust, will be closely monitoring the orchids and other wild flowers growing in these areas.
Unfortunately, due to the lack of support from both sides, the “surgery” which our local Policeman, Wayne Wright, was to hold in the library for people to drop-in and discuss their problems and concerns, has not taken off as well as hoped. If you do need to contact PC Wright on any matter, you can reach him on his mobile number 07980 770585 .
Some good news was raised at the meeting, when it was announced that our own Parish Council Chairman, Nigel Whitburn, was recently appointed as Chairman of the Kent Association of Parish Councils (KAPC). This will undoubtedly give our village a bigger voice in matters of concern at this level.
The first release of
the Village Newsletter was announced, which can be obtained free of
charge from the Post Office, local shops, Village Hall and Library,
and maybe at our public houses too.
January 2004 Onlooker click here Onlooker |