Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held in Ash Village Hall on
Monday 5 March 2007 at 7.30pm

291 Present: Mr Foat (Chairman), Miss Bennetts, Mrs Chandler (Parish and District Councillor), Mr Darvell, Mr Gregory, Mrs Ovenden, Mr Potts, Mr Pratt, Mr Bartlett (District Councillor), Mr Priestly (Community Warden), Ms Coleman (Parish & Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer)

292 Apologies for absence: Mr King, Mr Whitburn, Prof Swingland, Mr Ridings (County Cllr), PC Wright.

293 Nominate a Publicity Officer: Mr Darvell agreed to write the report for the Parish Magazine.

294 Declarations of Interest: Councillors were invited to declare items on the agenda in which they have a personal or prejudicial interest. Miss Bennetts declared a prejudicial interest in Item 304 iv).

295 Minutes of the meeting held 5 February 2007
The minutes were proposed by Mr Potts, duly seconded, agreed and signed as a true record.

296 Matters arising from the minutes of the last meeting
Item 274 i) The Jack Foat Trust had declined the offer of tidying around the pond.
- a parishioner had suggested for the Keep Kent Clean campaign that the litter could be cleared from the area from Molland Lane along the top of Queens Road to the Recreation Ground.

297 Public Question Time
There were no members of the public present.

The meeting was adjourned.

298 Policing
i) Sally Coleman, the Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer was welcomed to the meeting. Ms Coleman explained the role of the Neighbourhood Watch as supporting residents interested in promoting a safer environment. There were 5 Country Eye and 8 Neighbourhood Watch Schemes in the Ash area. Information on preventing identity theft, nominated neighbours for vulnerable persons, fire safety and carbon monoxide checks, as well as circulating information to residents were all part of current best practice. For an information pack please contact Sally Coleman on 01304 218 151 or by e-mail: sally.coleman@kent.pnn.police.uk

ii) Community Warden, Robert Priestly, reported to the meeting on 6 reported crimes for criminal damage last month. The CCTV cameras were operating and monitored. If the public see incidents involving off road vehicles, motorbikes or mopeds, they can ring the police either on 01304 24 00 55 or 01622 69 06 90 and ask for Operation Freedown. It is helpful if details such as time, place, registration number, make, colour of the vehicle can be given.
The Sandwich School Bus Run continues. The Chinese Restaurant was closing due to persistent harassment. On a positive note, the Motorbike Club (Full Throttle) had been successful in supporting young riders in obtaining their Compulsory Basic Test (CBT).

299 Report from Dover District Councillor, Mr Trevor Bartlett
Mr Bartlett covered a number of items including:
• reporting on a recent meeting at Wingham on Preventing Rural Crime
• major investment is planned by Dover District Council in conjunction with the private sector for affordable housing; the renovation of DDC Offices is taking place funded by central government; DDC dog wardens are promoting pet care by visiting schools
• the local government elections are on 3 May and there will be a trial for electronic counting
• the Fowlmead County Park with a national standard cycling track, opens May 27, 28
• Bridging the Gap has opened its next funding round for local groups. For information and applications, ring Mrs Holroyd, at DDC offices on 01304 872 066
• 26 New Street – the District Councillors will raise this matter with the Environmental Health and Building Control Departments and developments will be reported to the Parish Council.

The meeting was re-convened.

300 Mobile Police Unit
Dover District Council Officer, Mr Finn, confirmed that part of the car park on The Street could be coned off so that the unit could use it.
Proposed by Mrs Chandler and seconded by Mr Pratt: - It was agreed that the Parish Council purchase the necessary cones at £6 per cone and that the Environment Assistant would be asked to put them out as required.

301 Planning
Applications – comments are categorised as no comment (ambivalent), positively supports, or objects:
i) 413 – Rose Cottage, Cop Street, Ash. DOV/07/00108. Erection of two storey side extension incorporating integral garage (existing garage to be demolished). There were no objections.
ii) 414 – Great Ware Farmhouse, Ware, Ash. DOV/07/00141. Erection of front dormer roof extension. There were no objections.
iii) 415 – Brickfield Cottage, Richborough Road, Sandwich. DOV/07/00175. Erection of rear porch extension. The application was positively supported.
iv) 416 – 90 New Street, Ash. DOV/07/00198. Construction of hard standing and alterations to existing vehicular access. The application was positively supported.

Granted by DDC:
i) 401: 87 New Street, Ash DOV/06/01460. Erection of single story rear extension and construction of vehicular access.
ii) 404: Sedges, Cooper Street, Ash DOV/06/01189. Erection of garage (existing garage to be demolished).
iii) 407 – Rear off 57 The Street, Ship Yard, Ash. TC/07/00003/TC. Removal of one sycamore tree.
iv) 408 - Guilton Farm, Guilton, Ash. DOV/06/01479. Erection of two storey rear extension (existing extension to be demolished).

Refused by DDC: None

Refused by KCC:
396: Cartwright & Kelsey Primary School, School Road, Ash. PAG/DO/06/TEMP/0048. Retrospective permission for the relocation of earth mound and slide, to include ancillary works on landscaping and fencing at adjacent boundary.

a) Athelstan Green: the residents extended an invitation to parish councillors to their meeting on Tuesday 6 March, which the residents had organised as they had received no reply from Wimpey. The Chairman reported that some residents had spoken to him. Mrs Chandler said that she would speak to the Planning Department on the matter.

b) Condition of 26 New Street and adjacent verge. 26 New Street had been inspected by Building Control and they will contact the owner about making the property safe. The Environmental Health Officer could not gain access and was referred to Mr Darvell for confirmation of vermin.

c) T-mobile base at St Nicholas Church. The Parochial Church Council had decided not to proceed.

302 Parish Plan – there were no updates

303 Recreation Ground
i) Roundabout - the Clerk was finalising details on safety surfacing and delivery times.

ii) Quotes for an 'in house' Mole Control course were given and alternatively, a local contractor could be used. There are no local training courses available.
It was agreed to find out if there was any interest in providing a local training course and to make a final decision in April.
A letter to JID Services confirming that the Parish Council would pay the amount quoted was considered and it was agreed that it should be sent after amendments.

iii) The aerial seat parts had been delivered; however there was a problem with the attachment. The Environmental Assistant would contact Park Leisure for an alternative.

iv) A second quote had been sought for the seating for the Teen Shelter.

v) Following a full discussion on the use of the Recreation Ground, it was agreed to send the Draft Memorandum of Understanding to the Sports and Pavilion Clubs for discussion.
Proposed by Mr Pratt, seconded by Mrs Chandler: - It was agreed that this year the Parish Council would pay the cost of £872 for the re-seeding of the ground, except around the goal mouths of the football pitches which would be paid for by the Football Club.
Letters would be sent to the Football and Rugby Clubs explaining that after the last matches of the season, the re-seeding would take place and that there could be no use of the ground until autumn.

vi) A request by Mr Marsh was discussed. Proposed by Mr Pratt, seconded by Mr Darvell: - It was unanimously agreed that it was not possible to offer training / playing slots for the Woodnesborough Football Club’s junior teams on the Ash Recreation Ground.

vii) Report from the Environmental Assistant was accepted and it was agreed to write to the Pavilion Committee about the removal of rubbish.

304 Parish Council Property and Environment
i) Bus Shelters – the quote from Littlethorpe excluded ground works and delivery at 6-8 weeks; planning permission costs are £67.50 plus £28 for location maps; Kent County Council Transport Department have asked for confirmation of the cost and confirmed that partial re-imbursement will be able to be claimed.
Proposed by Mrs Chandler, seconded by Mr Gregory: - It was agreed that the Clerk continues obtaining quotes for the ground works, and that the delivery charges of approximately £500 and the planning application fees be authorised.

Further to consultation with local residents as to the siting of the proposed bus shelter on Sandwich Road, it was agreed to refer the matter back to Mr Whitburn and KCC for further recommendations.

ii) Dog Bins – after discussion, it was agreed to site the dog bin at the entrance to the footpath at Chequer Lane. If there were problems the decision would be looked at again.
It was agreed to go ahead and install a dog bin on the layby at New Street even though the ownership of the land had not been confirmed.
The Clerk was asked to send the letters to residents at Goodban Square asking for views on the siting of a dog bin at the Square.
The parishioner that had requested a waste bin at the corner of New Street and Cherry Garden Lane should be informed of the decision.

iii) Sanctuary Housing had requested that an alleyway at the rear 5 Mill Field be cleared. They had been referred to the Jack Foat Trust which owned the land between the New Street and Mill Field properties.

iv) Miss Bennetts had asked for permission to erect a shed on the allotment for the storage of tools and gardening equipment. Miss Bennetts declared an interest and left the meeting. Proposed by Mr Potts and seconded by Mr Gregory, it was agreed to grant permission.
Miss Bennetts rejoined the meeting.

v) Mr D Hyde had written to say that the steps at St Nicholas Church were receiving attention.

vi) Report from Environmental Assistant was read out to the meeting.
Proposed by Mr Darvell, seconded by Mrs Ovenden: - It was agreed that the suggested carpet roses (red) be purchased for planting Pound Corner and that the planters be re-instated this season.

305 Highways Report
i) Broken Light and Cover on Ship House (Ref: 128494 reported 31 Jan) which had still not been repaired on 1 March, was on a waiting list as there was a backlog on repairs.

ii) The following matters had been reported to KCC Highways: - damaged road sign at crossroads at Cop Street (Ref: 130762); missing width restriction on road to Westmarsh (Ref 130764); white lines north of Knell Lane (Ref: 130008).
Kent Highways Operation Engineer, Ms Wadhams would be investigating the white lines problem at Knell Lane.
After inspecting the highway signs about services on the A257, she confirmed that they were standard signs, erected so that there would be no loss of trade to local business.

iii) The Community Warden had noted the problems with waste lorries and buses trying to pass on The Street were made worse when cars were parked on the double yellow lines. Dover District Council Wardens will be checking The Street to see if the situation can be improved.

iv) While DDC had reported that the yellow lines on Queens Road would be in operation from 19 February, it was noted that they had not yet been painted.

v) There had been a request from KCC Highways about information on tree planting on East Street, when the by-pass was constructed. The Chairman confirmed that this should have been done and that DDC should still have the application and the conditions. The Clerk would check the paperwork held by the Parish Council.

vi) A parishioner had asked why there was no street cleaning of Woods Ley. This had been passed to DDC (Ref: 4505) for a reply.

vii) The area behind Lagaan’s was being used as a car park. Mrs Chandler will speak to the DDC Planning Department.

306 Footpaths Report
i) EE90A – Dover District Council had agreed to clear leaves at the Chequer Lane end of this footpath. Other problems with leaves and litter on paths should be directed to DDC Waste Department, main switchboard 01304 821 199.
ii) EE96 had been visited by Mrs Chandler and the Rights of Way Officer, Ms Roffe and it was clear that it was being used as a bridleway. Items discussed included signs and whether or not barriers would be effective. Possible options would be looked at by the RoW Officer.
iii) Motorbikes were being ridden on the footpath from Westmarsh across to Pluck’s Gutter. Mrs Chandler will report this and ask for appropriate action to be taken.

307 Arrangements for Annual Parish Meeting on Tuesday 24 April
All the invitations had been sent. After amendments, the draft agenda was agreed. It was agreed that the Hall would be open from 6.30pm and that tea and coffee would be provided. The number of display boards required would be checked.

308 Website Report
There were no new items.

309 Finance Report
Mr Potts proposed, Mr Darvell seconded, it was agreed that the Financial Report be accepted and the following payments approved:

Employment Expenses - £2,234.64
Administration & Planning Permission - £136.33
Maintenance - £498.23
Annual Insurance Renewal - £2,553.31
VAT - £88.54

Transfer to Current Account on 24 March 2007 - £5,000
Current Account as at 24 March 2007 - £665
Capital Reserve Account as at 28 Feb 2007 - £36,076

310 Correspondence
i) Regional Housing Strategy Review 2007 – ending 27 April 2007 was noted.

ii) Standards Ctte Meeting 7 March 2007, 9.30am Agenda and Minutes were noted.

iii) It was agreed not to make any nominations for the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Standards Committee 2007 / 2008.

iv) It was agreed to enter the parish in the annual Kent Men of Trees’ Village Trees Competition 2007.

v) Letter from Mr Lown of Sandwich Town Action for Rural Revival asking for a meeting and tour of the parish to see how the action plan can be implemented. To the agenda of the next meeting.

vi) DDC Budget Consultation comments before 7 March 2007 for more information see
www.dover.gov.uk/finance/budgetconsultation.asp

vii) Campaign for the Sustainable Communities Bill is requesting support after the Bill passed its second reading in January. To the agenda of the next meeting.

viii) District, Town & Parish Council Elections – 3 May 2007. Nomination packs will be available from 16 March 2007. Nominations close on the 4 April, publication of persons nominated 10 April, 26 April last date for application of proxy voting applications. Information sessions on Monday 12 March and Friday 23 March between 6-8pm at DDC Offices.

ix) The request for a donation for the Pegasus Play Scheme was turned down as the grants for the next financial year had been agreed and the scheme was not included in the current Parish Council policy.

x) Pfizer staff volunteers had requested community projects that they may be able to carry out. It was agreed that the contact details be passed to the Jack Foat Trust.

xi) Sanctuary Housing Association had requested clarification on criteria requirements regarding an applicant that had been on a waiting list for three years. The clarification was agreed and the Clerk would write to the Association accordingly.

xii) Sanctuary Housing Association – the Council discussed the local connection criteria forms of four applicants.

xiii) The Clerk was asked to reply to the request from a parishioner for information on the Precept and refer the questions on the Tax Bands to the Dover District Council Valuation / Finance Department.

Circulated:
i) Playback Spring 2007
ii) Enjoy England Celebrate St George’s Day
iii) The Relay February 2007
iv) Clerks & Councils Direct March 2007
v) The Clerk March 2007
vi) LCR March 2007
vii) Explore Kent Issue 13, 2007
viii) Whitfield Action Group – Portfolio of supporting statements Feb 07

311 Parish Council Newsletter and Press Releases
Items suggested for the Newsletter: Neighbourhood Watch contact details; information on the bus shelter and the planters being re-instated this spring.

There were no items for press release.

312 Any Other Business
There being no other business the meeting closed.