Upchurch Parish Council Report - March 2018

Report of the Parish Council March 2018

The March meeting of the Parish Council was cancelled due to inclement weather conditions.

The village Spring Clean also had to be cancelled due to weather and the Parish Council would like to thank all those who had signed up to take part in the event.

Vacancy

Councillors were sorry to hear of the resignation of Louis Newbery from the Parish Council.  Mr Newbery has been a very active member of the Council with a wealth of local knowledge and outstanding skills. Cllr Ripley extended his thanks to Mr Newbery for his sterling contribution to the Council.

The vacancy is currently being advertised and anyone interested in becoming a Councillor should contact the Clerk for further information.

Planning

Ref: 17/506569/FULL Address: Breach Farm Paddocks Land North-east of Breach Farm Bungalow Breach Lane Upchurch Kent ME9 7PE

Proposal: Change of use of land to single gypsy pitch and associated development (alternative to 15/502716)

Councillors considered the application and that Swale has exceeded its statutory requirement for Gypsy and Traveller sites. It was agreed to objection to the proposal.

Paddock and Recreation Ground

Parking permits for the Recreation Ground have been delivered and a sign will be put on the gate warning the gates will be closed outside of surgery hours.

The new litter bins have been installed in the Paddock and the old ones, which had been vandalism, have been removed.

Emergency tree work has taken place on the plane tree at the entrance to the Paddock. 

Councillors are considering a quote to refurbish the play area, there may be grants available to help with the project.

Allotments

There are currently a few plots available at the allotments and anyone interested in having a plot should contact the Clerk. There is a preferential rate for residents of the parish.

Burial Ground and Churchyard

A compost bin has been delivered and Swale Borough Council have agreed to provide the Council with a rubbish bin for non-compostable items.  

Highways and Street lighting

The street light in Windmill Hill was damaged following a vehicular collision with the pole.  The damage has been reported to the Police and insurance company. There are two lights with all day burners which are beyond repair and there are other light which need repairing or replacing and quotes are being obtained.

It was reported that there are a lot of pot holes in the village and these have been reported to KCC.

Defibrillators

The Council is still waiting to receive a report from SECAMB regarding the code for the defibrillator being unavailable when needed. SECAMB have assured the Parish Council that codes and locations of the defibrillators in Upchurch are listed on their system and details will be given to callers.

Date of next meetings:

Full Council - Thursday 5th April 2018 at 7:30pm in Upchurch Village Hall

Annual Parish Meeting - Thursday 12th April at 7:00pm in the Scout Hut

The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 18th April at 7:30pm in the Committee Room of the Village Hall.

All residents are welcome to attend the meetings and there is a time for members of the public to comment, raise concerns or ask questions.

Wendy Licence - Clerk to the Parish Council

Tel: 01634 363906

Email: clerkupc@outlook.com
Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

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