MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 17^TH MAY 2004 IN THE IRON ROOM STARTING AT 7.30PM.

THOSE PRESENT: Mr P LeClercq (Chairman) and L Hedley, Clerk to the Parish Council. Also Present were

APOLOGIES: Were received from Mr R Oliver, Mr R Honey, as he may be late, Mrs S Elsy, Mr K Miller and Mr A Coles. Mr A Pandya and Mrs R Hawes, as she may be late.

MINUTES OF 2003: The minutes of last year’s meeting was read out by the clerk, they were agreed and signed as a true record. However it was agreed that with effect from this year the Minutes would be agreed at the June or July Parish Council Meeting,

CHAIRMANS REPORT: Mr LeClercq read this out and a copy is attached to the minutes.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH:

The Chairman opened the debate by introducing Mr Watt who has voiced and interest in Neighbourhood Watch (NHW). However he as concerns that the position of co-ordinator will be to onerous and he will be unable to give it enough time. There is already an NHW scheme in Jersey Close. After a lively discussion it was decided there should be a scheme set up for Angus Drive, Mr Watt is happy to lead this. Mr O’Sullivan is happy to be a Link for Faversham Road properties. Mr Davies would be happy to act for Kempes Corner and Harville Road. Following on from that if there were small informal schemes set up around the parish, at a later date a formal co-ordinator could be agreed. A meeting inviting Mr Paul Brosman the NHW police co-ordinator to attend will be arranged.

PARISH PLAN: Mr Honey had hoped to get here in time. Mr O’Sullivan read out the report produced by Mr Honey. There were no questions from the floor. A copy of the written report is attached to the minutes.

SPEEDWATCH:

Mr Richardson gave a short verbal report regarding the up to date situation of the Speedwatch scheme. There are now twelve people trained to use the speed gun and four positions have been agreed by the police, they are on the A 251 by the old bus stop, and St Christopher’s, in Lees Road and Wye Road by the Chapel. They have a rota now but more volunteers are needed. In the 40 MPH area of the village most are only speeding at between 40 –48 miles per hour but there are some drivers doing over 50. Mr Richardson gave out his telephone number so people could contact him.

OPEN SESSION

Items were raised by individuals and discussed by everyone. Where further action is required to be taken, they will be added to subsequent agendas of the Parish Council.

The issue of the alleyway between Angus Drive and The Towers in Kennington is allowing youths to run away very quickly after they have committed acts of damage, theft or vandalism. The residents of Goat Lees that have been affected, Bryant Homes, Ashford Borough Council and the police are monitoring activities. Mr Ian Grundy of ABC works with young people so input may be available from him. Perceptions of fear of crime can not continue as households are not going out at night and some are moving out of Goat Lees already because of the difficulties.

Mr Dixon introduced himself and explained he was the son in law of the late Mr Sid Holden. Mr Holden had lived in the village, had been churchwarden for 40 years, on the Parish Council for 36 years and was a founder members of the garden society in the village. The family had previously contacted the PC about having a seat on the green and thanked the Clerk for her communication with them, but after having been offered the opportunity of a tree at St Christopher’s, felt a seat was still the memorial the family wanted and would pay for. They were aware of a collection for the late Canon Nye because of an article in the local newspaper, stating not enough money had been raised. This had caused them to be unhappy, as it appeared they would not be allowed their seat when a seat for Canon Nye would. Mr Oliver who is a member of the Cricket Club will liase with the Mr Holden’s family and the Club.

Due to an emergency, Mr Roberts had to leave the meeting.

Mrs Hawes arrived.

Mr D Aram of the Goat Lees Community Hall (GLCH) gave a short presentation, he could not give any date when the hall will be finally opened as it was now down to solicitors to get the paper work finalised. He was as upset by the delay in the opening

As was every one else, and hoped that lots of groups will want to use it.

Mrs Hawes apologised for her lateness but explained it was due to a meeting at ABC about Wye Road and roads around the Green. She announced the up to date vehicle counts and they are as follows

Average daily numbers in 2002 - 8,456

                                      In 2004 – 8,950

This shows, along with other roads in and around the village a general increase. The KCC will be looking at a much wider area for road improvements. Also mentioned, was a bid for an Interactive Sign on the A251, a 40mph restriction on the whole of the Wye Road not covered by the 30mph. A suggestion of a no right turn into Lees Road from the A251, this would need further investigation. No one should be parking closer then 10 metres to the A251 / Lees road junction.

Mrs Hawes then agreed to take questions.

The first question asked was ‘What is happening to the centre of Ashford?’ Mrs Hawes explained about the Greater Ashford Development Framework Workshops that are taking place, and their long-term implications. The Chairman asked if there was any support for a A28 / A251 link road, it was considered if this was to go ahead it would increase development close to the village centre which was not considered suitable.

There being no further questions to Mrs Hawes or any of the other speakers, the Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 21.05 hours

Signed

Chairman

7^th June 04