Minutes taken at Ticehurst Parish Council meeting held on 5 February 2008
at 19:30 in the Village Institute, Ticehurst.

Present:  Cllrs. Goodall ©,  Maynard, A Cook, Hastings, Yeo, Semple, Seemann, Langdown, Rigby, Mitchell, G Cook  and Burley.
In attendance:  D. Cllr.  Elliston.

The first half hour of the meeting is held for public questions and the following points were raised:
Road conditions  from Flimwell to Dale Hill. There was general conversation about the state of the road, and it was resolved that the Clerk should write to ESCC asking for it to be resurfaced properly rather than ‘patched’ or raised.
Various flooding points due to blocked drains were identified – Wallcrouch to Ticehurst stretch,  Steelands Rise, the Cottenden road and the High Street, Ticehurst.  The Council were informed that the drains are due to be ‘jetted’ in March – Clerk to confirm with ESCC.
Footpaths The Springfield to the Primary School footpath was reported to be in an appalling state and it was resolved that the Clerk should write to ESCC footpaths department asking for it to be drained/cleared.  It might be that a working group might be needed to work with an organiser from ESCC.
Litter Rosemary Lane  and other areas of the village.  There is a litter collecting service that visits the village in the early morning, but it was unknown how often and how far the litter collection extended.  Ideas such as ‘just cleaned’ signs as in Tunbridge Wells, or the use of Community Service workers were discussed.  It was resolved that the Clerk should find out what service RDC supplies and to write to those individuals who  voluntarily clean up areas,  to thank them for their help.  The Bell Field was identified as a problem area – Clerk to write to the Football Club.
Cross Lane Bungalows – A letter was read out from a resident at Cross Lane about the unsatisfactory litter collection arrangements for the residents there.  It was resolved that the Clerk contact RDC and Verdant to try to resolve the situation for them. 
It was resolved that the Clerk should write to Rother Homes to ask them to cut their side of the hedge between the flats at the entrance to Springfields and Autumn Cottage next door.

0.0  Declarations of Interest:  Cllr.  Seemann declared an interest as a member of the Rother Homes Board for item 5.0 on the agenda – ‘Affordable Housing’.  Cllr. A Cook declared a personal interest in item 19.0 – ‘The Bell Field’ -  as a neighbour to that land.  These declarations were duly noted and recorded in the declarations of interest book.

1.0 Apologies for absence: Cllr. Simmons gave his apologies due to work commitments.   Cllr J Barnes and I Jenkins had also sent their apologies.

2.0  Approval of the minutes of 8th January 2008.  The minutes were proposed as a true record of those proceedings by Cllr. Semple seconded by Cllr. A Cook and carried.

3.0  Appendix of Outstanding Matters:
Footpaths- ESCC had replied to the Council’s letter informing them that the 2007/08 budget was £596,400.00 for footpaths, £140,100 of which is for works, supplies and services.
Affordable Housing  - on the agenda – notes of a meeting held on 1.2.08 circulated to all Cllrs.
Ditch in Springfields  - The Clerk reported that she will meet with Downland Housing Association at 2.00 p.m. on 15th February 2008 – Cllr. Seemann offered to meet on site with her.
Bell Inn – It is understood that someone is now resident in the Inn, prior to any sale.  RDC have written to say that they are monitoring the building but do not consider that any formal action needs to be taken at this time re. repairs.
Woodroffe Lodge – No response to date from Rother Homes about providing free independent legal representation for residents. Cllrs. A Cook and M Yeo had attended a meeting with nine residents and their relatives with Rother Homes – They reported that Rother Homes hoped that after Woodroffe Lodge has been refurbished that it will be retained for elderly residents and that it is likely to remain open for the next two years.  It was also reported that they might provide more elderly homes within walking distance of the village centre although no site has yet been negotiated.
RDC Car Park – No response from RDC to a letter sent by the Parish Council requesting a dedicated pedestrian access from the car park – opposite the Newington Court driveway.
Newington Court  - The trees have been cut back as requested and the top of the hedge around the tree trunks will be tidied soon.
Recreation Ground Car Park  -  It was resolved that the Clerk should include a letter asking for donations towards re-tarmacing costs to all Ticehurst homes when sending out the Action Plan Update.  Cllr. Semple and A Vidal had a meeting with the likely contractor, who would hope to start work in April 2008.  This will be for a  updated version with bollards down the middle -  cost is about £14000 done to road specification standards. 
Action Plan  -  The photocopied plans have been delivered, stamps and envelopes ordered.
Drains in Steelands Rise  The Clerk reported that she has reported the problem of the drains to ESCC Highways but to date has not received a response.  Clerk to chase up.
Farthing Hill – Traffic Calming  The Clerk reported that she had written to ESCC requesting that white lines be painted on the humps to highlight them at night and to point out that only four of the five humps have been installed.  
Finger Posts   ESCC have been notified about the finger posts at Shovers Green, Wards Lane,  the signs at the top of Rosemary Lane and the Wallcrouch Village Sign.  The finger post at Shovers Green has been refurbished, as has the finger post by Sheepstreet Lane.  There was some discussion about the longevity of finger posts which is dependant on the use of hard or soft woods.
Flimwell Furniture Barn – The enforcement department of RDC are aware that this extension is being put up without permission and are taking the necessary action. 
Cleaner Neighbourhoods Training  - Cllr. Rigby reported  that he has heard from the course organisers who informed him that they are  finalising details for 2008/09 dates  and he  will be notified when the next London date is set.
Flimwell Finger Post  Cllr. Langdown  has chased this up.
Stonegate Sign  -  It was reported that this had been mended and it has been reinstated.

4.0    Correspondence List:
Open Spaces for Recreation  - Cllr. A Cook offered to update RDC on the Parish Open Spaces.
SALC Winter Bulletin -  Copy sent to Chairman.
Parish Maintenance Teams  -  It was resolved that Cllr. Semple, Langdown, Burley, together with the Clerk should accumulate a list of items and the relevant maps to send back to ESCC.
RDC – Technical Issues  27th Feb 2.30 The Almonry Battle at 4.30 p.m.  Cllr. Seemann  put forward his name,  as wishing to attend.
South East Trains  - The Council discussed the response to its letter about the increased fares for commuters and other train users which was unsatisfactory but predictable
Families and Food.The Clerk reported that she has emailed AIRS Anne Marie Bur expressing the Council’s displeasure that Cherry Tree  Nursery had been included on this site, due to their illegal occupancy of the site.
Police Response to local incident –  Clerk to respond.
Witherenden Road,  Stonegate  - It was reported that this road will be closed from 18th-22nd February except for access to dwellings and the Station.
RDC Local Development Framework  It was resolved not to identify development sites as it is felt that the three wards have seen enough development and steps have been taken to provide ‘in-house’ affordable housing where necessary.
Lighting at Cross Lane – It was resolved to respond to Mrs Meitner's letter explaining that  Cross Lane residents have not asked for lighting and it is not normal policy to  provide lighting on ‘lanes’.
Flimwell Bend  - Cllr. Maynard reported that he had met with ESCC on the site.  The Council were pleased to hear that ESCC were instigating measures to increase visibility and road surface markings to see if this improves the safety record on this road.  They propose to clean up and enlargen one of the two chevrons and consider providing  upgraded self-illuminating  studs in the road.  A speed activated sign might be necessary after an assessment has been carried out.  
Downland Housing  Confirmation of meeting on 15th February at 2.00 p.m.
Traffic Calming at Upper Platts  - A Vidal has responded to Ms White’s letter of complaint about alterations to the speed limits on Upper Platts.
Light in Church Street – The Clerk has drafted a letter to be sent to immediate neighbours to ask whether they would like the blackened out light replaced as several complaints have been received about the lack of light to the pavement.  It was resolved that the letter should be sent and Cllr. Yeo kindly offered to post them through the nearest doors.
Insurance – The insurers have confirmed that allotment holders would be covered by the Parish insurance if they undertook to cut the allotment hedge line.

5.0    Affordable Housing
Cllr. Maynard reported that a meeting had been held on an informal basis to introduce a landowner to the Hastoe Housing Association.   The notes of this meeting had been circulated to all Cllrs.   Nine sites have been identified, many of which are not feasible, but need exploring thoroughly to satisfy the  planning authority that all possible sites have been considered.   Cllr. Semple  asked that there be Parish Council representation on any nominating body.

6.0    Annual Assembly:
It was resolved that  22nd April be set for the Annual Assembly (with afternoon and evening sessions).  The High Weald Unit at Flimwell have expressed an interest in attending and a model of the Village Square will be ready for consultation and debate for that date.  Other suggestions for speakers/guests included inviting all new residents  to the village.  Clerk to ask  RDC  for updates of new residents over the last year.  D Cllr.  Elliston offered to ask RDC to send the TPC welcome booklet out  with their welcome letter.
Cllr. Langdown kindly offered to hand out leaflets in the Square the week before the meeting and the Clerk was asked to arrange for large posters to advertise the event.   

7.0    Litter in Rosemary Lane:  Cllr. Langdown reported that she had walked down Rosemary Lane and had observed a large amount of rubbish  in the hedgerows and is happy  to organise a working clearing-up group towards the end of March.  Clerk to ask RDC for contributions in terms of bin liners, a collection service on the day and high viz jackets. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to be asked to clear  the top part of the lane.

8.0    Village Square:  It was reported that an initial meeting was held to discuss ideas for the long term future of the Village Square.  Fifteen points were listed for action (the list had been circulated to all Cllrs.) prior to any further meeting.  It was reported that  the disabled parking space  has been installed outside Londis but it needs widening and shifting to the right so that there can be no parking on the road as well.  Clerk to write to ESCC asking them to amend the situation.

9.0    Safety Audits:  The Clerk reported that a small working group was needed to consider the latest pond and playground safety reports to draw up a plan of action/repair over the next few months.   Cllrs. Mitchell, Semple and Burley  volunteered  to go over the reports and provide a list of proposed repairs  for the next meeting.  Cllr.  Rigby added that he might be able to help with the signs that are needed.

10.0    Footpaths: Covered under public question time and appendix of outstanding matters.

11.0   Car Park:  Covered in appendix of outstanding matters.

12.0   Parking on Pavements:  Cllr. Langdown reported that she has not yet been able to post any notices.  Cllr. Yeo reported that cars were now parking on the pavement in Church street and offered to post notices on those.  She added that overhanging hedges and wing mirrors can also be obstacles to pedestrians.  Clerk to write to offending hedge owners if Councillors provide details of offending hedges.

13.0   Traffic Calming: Covered under correspondence item.

 14.0   Newington Court – trees:  The trees within the Bell Field boundary have been reduced and thinned in compliance with the request from Rother Homes.

15.0   District   Report:  Not distributed with the agenda.  Cllr. R Elliston reported that he had attended a  community strategy meeting over- view for ESCC in the years to come.  And provided the meeting with a Resource pack . 

16.0  Finance Report:  A reconciliation was circulated to all Cllrs.  It was resolved that the Clerk should transfer £7000 from the Reserve Account to the Current Account to cover unpresented cheques:  The following cheques were sanctioned for payment:
2278    Tree Surgery Newington Court      £229.13
2279    Inland Rev  PAYE                              £271.35
2280    S E Water                                            £  20.71
2282    KCC  Grass Cutting                       £1308.87
2283    EDF Energy – repair                          £ 20.48 
2284    Pear Technology – mapping          £898.76

17.0   Planning Committee Report:  Cllr. Maynard reported that the next planning meeting would be on 14th February at 6.00 pm in the Village Institute.

18.0   Items for the March meeting:
SALC and RALC  reports   (AC)

19.0  The Bell Field:  There was no need to ask the public to withdraw as there was no update for Cllrs.

20.0  The meeting closed at  20:51. and the date of the meeting was set for 4 March 2008.