Report of meeting held on Tuesday, 2nd September 2003

Footpaths - Bruderhof Community, Melvyn Twycross, Councillor Barnett and Councillor Rye had a meeting on site to discuss the footpaths, which went very well. Only one item is outstanding that is a catch on the gate on the Sandwich Road, which is difficult to open. This gate has a spring device on it, which is wooden, and in the winter months when it becomes wet will be even more difficult if not impossible to open. A spokesman from the Bruderhof Community is looking into the matter Mr Twycross stated that the footpaths are being re-signed so that everyone knows where they are allowed to walk.

Mr Twycross is also personally walking the footpaths on St Albans Downs to see what needs to be done there. He has asked that a copy of all footpath reports written by the usual walkers be sent to him. It was decided to start walking the paths again in October. A volunteer group is in place which replaces/repairs stiles free of charge. although it was felt that tenant farmers and landowners should he responsible for this.

A scheme is hopefully going to he introduced in the New Year whereby volunteers can be put through a course teaching them how to use brush cutters, which will he given/loaned from Dover District Council so that each Parish can cut back problem areas themselves. It was said, in conclusion, that a lot had been achieved this year with regard to footpath problems and thanks were due to all who had been involved.

Footpath EE330 at Barfrestone is virtually non-existent and Mr Twycross will find out who owns the land and see that it is cut back.

Footpath EE325 at Lime Kiln Wood is the responsibility of Dover District Council and Mr Twycross is looking into this problem.

The footpath know as Ash Path running from the school to Holt Street was also very overgrown but has now been cut back.

Councillor Rye stated that he had received a complaint from a parishioner regarding the pavement running alongside the cricket pitch as it was very overgrown. Clerk to write to the Highways Department to find out who is responsible for clearing this.

D.D.C. - Five Castles Credit Union. This idea of low cost finance for the District was supported by the Parish Council and a letter is to be sent.

D. D.C. - Parking in the District - The Parish Council had no comments on general parking in the District. However it was mentioned that the parking of cars outside Prima Windows is causing a hazard to traffic. It was stated by the Chairman that he had been in touch with them and they were trying to make arrangements for additional car parking space off the road.

Website - www.nonington.com - The Government has stated that all Parish and District Councils must have a website by 2005. The Nonington website is run by Dick Henley of Toll Cottage which is well designed and well set up. Dick Henley is to be asked if he would attend the next PC meeting to explain to Councillors how the site works particularly with regard to in put etc.

Bus Shelter in village - After a site meeting Mr C Measey of Dover District Council, it has been agreed to erect a brick built bus shelter in the village. The only site their representative would entertain is on the site of the notice board. The village is being asked for comments on this and any letters should he sent to the Clerk. Mrs L Player. White House Farm. Nonington by 10th October. The Parish Council considered this proposal to be an asset to the village. We have to let Dover District Council know as soon as possible, which is why a deadline has been decided. The Chairman proposed that this would he a good thing for the village unless, of course, the majority of villagers are against it. Councillors would if necessary convene a special meeting in early October to discuss reaction to the proposal.

Traffic calming was mentioned at the site meeting to enable children to cross the road in more safety. It was proposed to ask Mr Measey if he could bring a member of the Highways Department to the village next time he comes to a site meeting.

It was stated that the more people who write to the Highways Unit at Dover District Council regarding traffic calming near the playground the better Although it was stated that not everyone would agree that this was needed and it would need serious discussion, as some people would object to the increase in road noise caused with speed humps.

The Council was asked to approach the Police regarding speed checks in the village. It was stated by Councillor Rye that the worst times for speeding appeared to be, in the morning between 5.30 and 7 am, and then again between 5 and 7 p.m. in the evening. He also slated that some lorries are using Nonington as a rat run to the A2, and were far exceeding the speed limit.

District Councillor Helen Bartolo is to approach the Rural Forum regarding a Youth Space in the Playground where children may gather undercover.

Next Parish Council meeting 4th November 2003 at 7.30 p.m.