Councillors have been overwhelmed by the response to the appeal to restore the church clock in commemoration of the centenary of the end of the Great War. Upchurch lost thirty four young men during the First World War and Upchurch Cricket Club has remembered that three of their players never returned home. At the time of writing this report, £5661.25 has been generously donated and donations are continuing to be received. There is still time to contribute as an act of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Donations can be made by cheque payable to “Upchurch Parish Council”and sent to the Clerk at 14 Trapfield Close, Bearsted ME14 4HT or given to any Councillor.
Planning
Ref: 18/504810/FULL
Address: 15 Forge Lane Upchurch Sittingbourne Kent ME9 7AE
Proposal: Demolition of existing Conservatory. Erection of single storey rear extension with flat roof and lantern skylight, along with First Floor rear extension.
Councillors considered the application and had no comment to make save that neighbours’ views be taken into account.
Ref: 18/503381/FULL Address: Kaynes Farm Breach Lane Lower Halstow Kent ME9 7PA
Proposal: Retrospective application for stationing of a mobile home
The application has been refused.
The caravan and portacabin which have been sited in Wallbridge Lane have been reported to Enforcement Officers.
There has been an increase in the number of caravans on the site next to The Three Sisters and this has been escalated with Swale Officers who are taking legal advice. The density of the caravans raises a Health and Safety issue.
Paddock and Recreation Ground
Councillors were disappointed that the picnic bench in the Paddock has been targeted by vandals and had been graffitied. Residents are asked to be vigilant and to report any incidents to the Police.
Dog Fouling
Dog fouling in the Paddock, especially near the children’s play area, continues to be a problem and it poses serious health risk especially to children. Councillors have considered asking owners to keep their dogs on leads and the Dog Warden will be asked to make extra patrols of the area. Councillors raised concern that a child might contract toxocariasis. Councillors acknowledge that most dog owners are conscientious but if the problem continues dogs will be banned from the Paddock.
Allotments
There are a few vacant plots and anyone interested in renting a plot should contact the Clerk.
Village Christmas Tree
The Council is grateful to Mr Bob Friend for his generous donation of a Christmas tree again this year. The Parish Council has applied to the Swale Borough Council Festive Fund for a grant to replace the lights. The tree will be in place in early December.
KALC Community Awards
Councillors agreed to adopt the Awards scheme to acknowledge and recognise the contribution a resident has made to the village.
Nominations for a suitable recipient must be sent to the Clerk by 21st December 2018.
Date of next meetings:
Full Council - Thursday 6th December 2018 at 7:30pm in Upchurch Scout Hut.
The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 19th December at 7:30pm in the Committee Room of the Village Hall.
Full Council - Thursday 3rd January 2019 at 7:30pm in Upchurch Village Hall.
The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 16th January 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.
Upchurch Parish Council would like to wish all residents a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Wendy Licence - Clerk to the Parish Council
