The Annual Parish Meeting took place on Thursday 30th
April at the Village Hall where 8 Councillors were present and 19 members of
the public.
Chairman’s
Introduction – All present were warmly welcomed by the Chairman.
Minutes
of the meeting held on 24th April 2014 – There
were no amendments to the minutes and in the absence of a public copy it was
proposed by Cllr Rose and seconded by Cllr Lewin that they be accepted as a
true record. All agreed.
Presentation
of the Accounts – The
Clerk presented the Accounts for 2013/2014 and referred to the KCC match
funding grant of £750 which was received in order to make improvements to the
Recreation Ground, the new fencing was erected in March and the Council are
still looking into the costings for a bench. The Burial Income was £1000 less
and is expected to continue to decrease due to the lack of space. The
expenditure for Street Lighting Repairs had been one of the biggest outgoings
due to extensive repairs needed to several lights and faulty bulbs now being
replaced with more expensive LED bulbs.
The Clerk explained that it is the Council’s intention to implement a
three year budget plan. The full report and a copy of the Accounts are held
with the full Minutes and can be seen on the Upchurch Parish Council website.
Presentation from Scott Montgomery –
Community First Responder – A
presentation was given from Scott Montgomery highlighting the need for a First
Responder in Upchurch and detailing the vital work the First Responders carry
out. Once a 999 call is received for a medical emergency a First Responder is
despatched and will usually be on the scene before an ambulance, it is normally
the First Responder that will commence life-saving medical assistance including
CPR. Throughout Kent there are 300 First Responders, all of which are
volunteers. Mr Montgomery praised the work of the W.I in their efforts to raise
money to purchase a defibrillator for Upchurch. Mr Montgomery had brought along
three volunteers to demonstrate their equipment. Cllr Tucker thanked Mr
Montgomery for his very informative speech.
W.I Report on defibrillators – A representative from the W.I
reported that as part of their 100 year anniversary celebrations they are
raising money to purchase a defibrillator for Upchurch. It was reported that
their fund raising has been very successful so far with over £1000 raised and
further donations have been promised. They are currently looking for an
appropriate site for the defibrillator and as the Parish Council will be
responsible for the maintenance of the defibrillator are keeping the Clerk and
Chair informed of their progress. Any donations should be made out to the W.I.
Chairman’s Report – Cllr Tucker gave her report of the
Parish Council’s year and covered a wide variety of areas including the bus
shelter proposal, the memorial for Barbara Webb, crime within the Village, the
Burial Ground proposal, the role of the Village Caretaker and the Burial Ground
Gardener, the Village Fete and the Recreation Ground and Allotment areas. Cllr
Tucker thanked all of the Councillors for their support throughout the year and
Claire Attaway who had resigned as Clerk in December following six years in the
role. The full Chairman’s Report is filed with the Minutes and can be seen on
the Upchurch Parish Council website.
Presentation of KALC Community Award – Cllr Tucker thanked Jan Lacy for
her outstanding voluntary work with various groups and organisations in the
village. Mrs Lacy was presented with a certificate and bouquet of flowers. Mrs
Lacy thanked the Council and commented that she would continue to work with the
groups as she gained so much pleasure and enjoyment from it.
Matters
arising and questions on the Chairman’s report -. Presentation to Cllr New and Cllr Rossiter–
Cllr Tucker thanked Cllr New and Cllr Rossiter for their work as Parish
Councillor’s and presented them with a bottle of wine and basket of flowers
each. They both thanked the Council and said that it had been both a privilege
and pleasure to be both a Clerk and Councillor for Upchurch Parish Council.
Cllr Rossiter went on to say that she felt that the Parish has a strong Council
now which is positive for the future. Bus Shelter – Several residents
raised concerns that the bus shelter had taken so long to progress forward.
Cllr Tucker reported that Cllr Masson is currently putting a proposal together
and that the Council are looking into funding in order to make the bus shelter
a priority. Church Wall – A resident asked when the Church Wall would be
sprayed. Cllr Tucker advised that the contractor had already been asked to
spray the wall and would be doing so as soon as weather permitted. Windmill
Hill – A resident raised concerns regarding the dangers to pedestrians on
Windmill Hill and asked if the Council were doing anything about this as they
were getting no responses from KCC. Cllr Tucker reported that the Council
continuously raise the issues of road safety at Swale Forums but are met with
the response that KCC have to prioritise and that there is no evidence for the
changes we request. Cllr Arnold reported that he would continue to chase
Highways but advised that he was not receiving responses from them either. Recreation
Ground – A resident raised concerns that the recent issues with tyre tracks
on the Recreation Ground were mainly due to residents leaving the gate open
allowing unauthorised vehicular access. He suggested that another sign be
placed on the gate asking for it to be closed at all times. Thank you to the
Chair – Cllr Lewin thanked Cllr Tucker for her tireless work and her
commitment to the Parish Council during the interim period between Clerks and
commented that this was appreciated by all.
There being no
further business the Chairman thanked those present for attending.
Please note the full Minutes from the Meeting can be seen on the Upchurch Parish Council website.
Julia Cura, Clerk to the Parish Council.
Tel: 01634 363906Email: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
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