PADDOCK WOOD TOWN COUNCIL
The Podmore Building, St Andrews Road, Paddock Wood
Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 6HT
Telephone: 01892 837373
www.paddockwood-tc.gov.uk
_______________________________________________________________
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE ESTATES COMMITTEE to be HELD ON Monday 10th March 2025 in the Day Centre Commercial Road at 7.45 pm.
___________________________________________________________________
PRESENT: Cllr J. Thompson, in the chair
Cllrs D. Kent, R. Moon, B. Robichaud,
IN ATTENDANCE; Mrs N Reay, Clerk to the Council
Mr R Jamieson, Estates Manager
APOLOGIES: Cllrs R Atkins, A. Mackie, D. Sargison
NOT PRESENT: Cllr L Norcott
ES90 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
ES91 MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETINGS
The minutes of the meeting held on the 10th February 2025 were APPROVED.
ES92 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING NOT COVERED ELSEWHERE
The work at Green Lane ponds has now been completed. The fence around the pond adjacent to The Spinney needs replacement and costs will be obtained from the contractor.
The order the Hanging baskets has been placed.
The order for the work at the Cemetery has been placed and will take place week commencing 14th April. The Cemetery will be closed to burials & vehicles during the period the work is taking place.
The boards have been removed from the front of the veranda at the Memorial Pavilion.
The safety inspection did not take place to the old Allotment Store as the inspector went the wrong location. The inspection has been rebooked for the 13th March 2025.
The tractor has been returned after the snagging issues had been resolved.
ES93 PADDOCK WOOD FOOTBALL CLUB
The council considered a request from Paddock Wood Football Club to move its Saturday morning training from St Andrews Field to the Memorial Field. There were concerns about lack of facilities at the St Andrews Field and vehicular access in and out of the car park.
Following a debate Cllr Thompson proposed, Cllr Robichaud seconded:
The Council does not give permission to PWFC to use the Memorial Field for training purposes. The Council will be reviewing the situation in conjunction with all clubs.
CARRIED 3 in favour, 1 abstention
The clerk advised that a key safe could be installed at St Andrews Field and access could be given from the Church Road entrance to allow cars to park on the grasscrete at that end of the field. The carpark barrier could then be closed.
ES94 PITCH IMPROVEMENTS
Cllr Thompson proposed, Cllr Kent seconded:
That the quote for £5370 for improvements to the Memorial Pitch should be accepted and referred to full council for APPROVAL for the use of S106 funding.
CARRIED with abstention.
ES95 DOG FOULING CAMPAIGN
Members considered the Deputy Clerk’s proposals for a poster campaign to combat dog fouling.
Two options were put forward
Option 1 – primary school age children are invited to design a poster
Option 2 – “Pin up Pooch” where residents are invited to send in photographs of their dogs to be the “face” if the campaign.
Following a discussion Cllr Thompson proposed, Cllr Kent seconded:
That a children’s poster competition should be arranged as per the report.
CARRIED unanimously
ES96 GARDEN THERAPY
The Clerk and Committee chairman attended a recent Zoom meeting with the legal advisor from the National Allotment Society. He confirmed that allowing charities or groups to take an allotment was acceptable. This is also covered on their website (see attached) The tenancy agreement should be in the name of the organiser so there is a direct contact.
Cllr Thompson proposed, Cllr Kent seconded:
That a meeting should be arranged with Dr Claxton & Cllr Munday on site to progress this matter.
CARRIED unanimously
ES97 GATES FOALHURST WOOD
Over the weekend of the 8th/9th February a car was burnt out in the car park of FHW. The car park gate was rammed and needs to be replaced. The chain snapped on impact.
The police arranged for the removal of the car and a claim has been lodged with the Council’s insurance company for replacement gate. The overhead barrier is also in need of replacement although this is not due to the incident.
Members considered the following issues:
(a) Whether to replace the overhead barrier
(b) Style of gate – agreed that a barrier is installed rather than a gate as it would be harder to ram/break into at there will be no chain. It should however go as low to the ground as possible
Whilst the gate will be replaced under the Council’s insurance policy, the overhead barrier will need to be paid for from the Council’s own funds. There is currently £17,000 in the FHW reserve.
Cllr Kent proposed, Cllr Thomspon seconded:
That the overhead barrier should be replaced,
CARRIED unanimously
Cllr Kent proposed, Cllr Thompson seconded:
That an A Frame barrier should be installed in place of the gate.
CARRIED unanimously
Both items should be in a neutral colour.
ES98 BENCHES
Members considered the installation of two benches alongside Putlands Pond. A discussion was had as to whether they should have backs or be simple plank benches. The clerk advised that the majority of the Council’s benches were the Glasdon Phoenix® Recycled Material Seat which did have backs.
Cllr Thompson proposed, Cllr Robichaud seconded:
That wo benches, with backs should be installed at Putlands Pond.
CARRIED unanimously.
A request had been made from a resident to install a memorial bench alongside the Memorial Field football pitch.
Cllr Thompson proposed, Cllr Kent seconded:
That the request should be APPROVED.
CARRIED unanimously.
The location of the bench on the field to be agreed with the Estates Manager
FOR INFORMATION ONLY
ES99 ESTATES MANAGER’S REPORT
There were no further matters that had not been discussed.
ES100 WHITE’S CORNER
The estates team will be looking to carry out improvements to White’s Corner this spring. This will include removal of the hedge if possible.
ES101 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will take place on 14th April 2025.
The meeting closed at 9.30 pm.