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 HELD ON Monday 9TH December 2024 in the Day Centre Commercial Road at 7.45 pm.
___________________________________________________________________
PRESENT: Cllr J Thompson
Cllrs R Atkins, A. Mackie, R. Moon, B. Robichaud,
IN ATTENDANCE: Mrs N Reay, Town Clerk
Mr R Jamieson, Estates Manager
APOLOGIES: Cllr D. Kent, D Sargison
ES70 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr Robichaud advised that he had been appointed as a Trustee of Scallywags Pre School.
ES71 MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the meeting held on 11th November 2024 were APPROVED.
ES72 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES NOT COVERED ELSEWHERE ON THE AGENDA.
- All the options for the new waste bins and dog waste bins have been included in the 205/26 budget. The Final Budget will be considered at the Full Council meeting due to be held on Monday 16th December 2024.
- Tractor purchase – the new tractor & equipment has been ordered and a delivery is expected shortly
- Closed Church Yard – the order has been placed for the repairs to the stones and work is expected to commence at the beginning of January 2025.
- Elm Tree Cess Pit – Estates staff are continuing to monitor the cess pit. During recent heavy rainfall the pit has started to fill up again. It is thought to be from coming from an adjoining pond.
- Therapy Garden – A request has been sent to the NALC Allotment Advisor for advice on this matter.
ES73 PLAYGROUND INSPECTIONS
The annual playground inspection reports had been received and made available to members. The Clerk and Estates Manager have reviewed the reports. There we no major issues of concern. The Estates Staff would carry out any repairs they were able. The wooden equipment at St Andrews were showing signs of decay and would need careful monitoring. The Scramble net assembly would be removed.
It was also stated in the reports that RoSPA recommended two gates in play areas to allow a means of escape if necessary. Members discussed the practicalities of installing a second gate in its play areas.
Cllr Atkins proposed, Cllr Thompson seconded:
As & when fences are replaced in the play areas a second gate should be installed.
CARRIED unanimously
ES74 ELM TREE PITCHES
When cutting the grass recently on the main pitch at the Elm Tree the contractor’s tractor became stuck and has damaged the pitch, making it unplayable. The contractor has accepted liability and is in discussion with the Estates Manager to carry out remedial work once the ground has dried out sufficiently. In view of the current weather conditions, it was likely that the pitch would not be playable for the rest of the season.
The contractors are also covering the additional cost of PWFC senior team having to play at an alternative venue.
ES75 HANGING BASKETS
Members received a copy of the specifications for the hanging baskets. Members asked that a clause be added that the contractor should sweep the pavements after removing the baskets.
It was also agreed that going forward the council should consider extending the planting scheme, although this would require permission from KCC as they own the lighting columns.
ES76 WILDFLOWER MEADOW
A sum of £5,000 was allocated in the 2024/25 budget for re-planting the wildflower meadow at the end of Green Lane for 2025. The previous wildflower meadow planting cost £3,700. Rather than planting annuals this time it is proposed to plant perennial seeds.
Cllr Atkins proposed, Cllr Thompson seconded:
That the wildflower meadow should be planted with perennial seeds.
CARRIED unanimously.
ES77 GREEN LANE PONDS
Clearance work needs to be undertaken on the ponds over the winter months.
The Council has previously authorised the use of S106 money for this work. A new contractor will be to be sought to carry out this work.
ES78 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will take place on 10th February 2025.
The meeting closed at 8.15 pm