Present: Cllrs. Mrs Monaghan (Chairman), Berger, Mrs Colvin, Doyle, Miss Gadd and Miss Whatmore.
Two members of the public were present.

1.             To receive apologies for absence
None.

2.             To approve Minutes 6.12.07
Resolved to approve Minutes 6.12.07 as a true record.

3.             To determine matters arising from the previous Minutes for updating and noting
Parking in Lower High Street – cars continue to park on the pavement causing an obstruction to pedestrians.
The parking lines at St James’s Square have become worn.

4.             Public Forum
Complaint that the five street lights at Little Park are too bright and should be switched off at night.
Cllrs. stated that these lights do not belong to the Parish Council. [Post meeting – lights belong to ESCC; a higher standard of lighting is required which accounts for the number of columns in a small area. The orange bulbs use less energy. Current ESCC policy is for lights to remain on all night; this is being reviewed in an attempt to save energy costs].

5.             Lighting
To note complaint about street light no. 124 Jonas Lane
Complaint received about the need for a new street in Jonas Lane and the height of the column. Contractor advised that previous column did not meet safety standards and that new column has been installed correctly. Column is on list for installation of part night cell.

To authorise lighting repairs
Quotation of £986.17 + VAT received to replace column no. 53 Frant Road. Cllrs. concerned that this is a relatively new column and enquiries to be made to see whether existing lantern can be utilised.

6.             To review new bus service from Fazan Court
The new service is very successful; 127 people have registered. Comment received that only 14 seats are available as wheelchair access is provided.

7.             Highway matters
To approve additional fingerpost repairs
Resolved to authorise JAKK to undertake the following repairs:
no. 26 C272/C538 Sparrows Green
no. 18 C272/UC7889 Sparrows Green/Osmers Hill
no. 19 C272/C539 Sparrows Green
no 9 B2100/C539 Balaclava Lane
Payment of £1533.75 + VAT to be made under LGA 1972 s137 as fingerposts are an important part of rural heritage for the community.

To consider proposal for 30mph speed limit in part of Brinkers Lane
Resolved to support ESCC proposal for a 30mph speed limit from B2099 to Shaw Cottage.

To approve additional cost for painting bus shelter
The cost of repainting the bus shelter opposite the station was higher than anticipated due to the cost of supplying anti-graffiti paint. Resolved to approve the final cost of £250 + VAT to be paid under LG(MP)A 1953 s4.

To consider work for ESCC maintenance team
ESCC is to continue the maintenance team scheme. Cllrs to consider items for inclusion on the work schedule.

To note ESCC response on request for a formal disabled parking bay
ESCC advise that a formal parking bay not situated next to a kerb line must be a minimum of 6.6 metres in length and 3 metres wide. All requests for alterations to parking will be considered in a parking review; ESCC advise that it is unlikely a review will take place in Wadhurst for at least three years.

Other highway issues

1. raised bricks in pavement between Post Office and Celia Hammond
2. pot holes in Lower High Street
3. drainage issues by pinch point near Brinkers Lane

8.             Traffic speed monitoring
To note damage to Vehicle Activated Sign
Vehicle Activated Sign was subject to vandalism; manufacturer reported that mechanism was working and suggested leaving the dent on the face of the sign as the damage was minimal. An electrical failure had cut off supply to the sign and a number of street lights.

To review results of traffic monitoring
ESCC SID results reviewed; Cllrs were pleased to note that the number of vehicles travelling over the speed limit has reduced in a number of locations.
The authorisation of SID sessions 2008/09 will be considered at the next meeting.

9.             To review spend against budget 2007/08
Spend to date reviewed and is on track against the budget.

10.          Urgent issues at the discretion of the Chairman for noting or inclusion on future agenda
Request received for cycle lanes in the parish.
Complaint about the recent maintenance work at Blacksmiths Lane.

The meeting closed at 20:35