Boxley Parish Council

CHAIRMANS’ ANNUAL REPORT 2009/2010.  

As always it is my pleasure to start my report by thanking the councillors and community volunteers that work for our diverse and widely spread community. I especially thank the Vice Chairman Pat Brooks for her support and the Chairmen and Vice chairmen of the committees; Wendy Hinder; Vic Davies; Ivor Davies and Bill Stead.  

Without the hard work of the often unrecognised volunteers at village halls, nature reserves, scouts and all the other groups this would be a poorer community and so a big thank you for their contribution.  

Many residents and groups have contact directly and indirectly with the parish office and the staff of Beechen Hall.  Without the contributions from Pauline Bowdery, Jan Bretherton, Maggie Smith and John Read the Council and hall would not have achieved or kept its Quality Council status.  I think all my councillors will echo my thanks.  

Part of the Parish Council ‘team’ is the Police Community Support Officer and the Community Policeman Ian Loader. We have recently seen Jennifer Baulf move on to another career but are pleased to welcome Andrew Hawthorne. The Borough Councillors Derek Butler, Malcolm Greer and Wendy Hinder and also Paul Carter County Councillor give us a vital link to the principle councils and they work closely with the parish council and community.  It is fair and right that their contribution is acknowledged. It should also be noted that the websites of these councils have much valuable information and should be on the favourites list on residents computers.  

It is important that in this very busy world that a Council doesn’t sit on its laurels and that it reaches out and represents its community. Much of the work of a council goes un noted and it seems that the residents only become truly invigorated when there are issues such as KIG.  However the every day work of the council is just as important and it is this that oils the engine of a community. It is vital that councils stay fresh and bring in new ideas and that members of the community stand for election and bring their expertise and new blood.  

One thing that this Council prides itself on is its open and accountable method of working.  The website, thanks to Cllr Vic Davies and the parish office, is an excellent source of information.  It contains leaflets that should answer most questions if not a councillor or the parish office can be contacted.  The Council is very open about how it spends the rate payers’ money and how it makes decisions.  It would be nice to see more members of the public at our meetings as they are always welcome and there is always a spot where they can ask questions or raise issues.  

The Parish Council aims to keep improving the facilities it controls.  Last year the Boxley Village Green had some work completed and an interpretation board is about to be installed. This is in addition to the ‘Walk around Boxley Village ‘ leaflet that was completed and which is on the website. Children’s activity packs are available for Grove Green and also Walderslade Woods.  A local resident Bernard Gaydon also worked with the parish office to produce a circular walk leaflet for Walderslade Woods.  Details of what work has taken place, what issues are around and what is planned can also be gained from visiting the Parish Council gazebo which will be present at St John’s School fete and Tunbury School fete. Councillors will be present and would welcome the opportunity to speak to their residents.  

Last year the parish council joined forces with a resident to try to get the speed on the Walderslade Woods Road reduced.  This was only partially successful but KCC has recognised there is an issue and it is hoped that some of the recommendations will be funded.  

The Parish Council is still involved with Kent County Council in the project to allow the enabling development on an area of land and then putting ownership of the remainder of Walderslade Woods into community ownership. A much larger public consultation is about to take place and it is vital that the Walderslade Community makes its views known.  It has been an extremely long and hard 5 years on this project and it is hoped that it is resolved sooner rather than later.  

The Council chose not to increase its precept for this financial year and of the 35 Maidstone parish councils ours is the 4th lowest tax. The Parish Council is always trying to improve the facilities within the parish but unfortunately last year KCC declined to fund 3 main projects. Within the current financial conditions it is unlikely that KCC will commit funding to community issues but rather than allow 2 essential projects to disappear the parish council will raid its reserves to offer the County Council the incentive of match funding. Two main projects are being pursued a fixed crossing point at St John’s School and a footway at Impton Lane . 

Despite the current crisis our financial position is still strong and the parish council undertook regular reviews of its reserves in order to try to get anything but a dismal interest rate but also to ensure that the investments were safely invested in what has been a troubled year.  

The parish council has worked hard on its new budget with a number of councillor suggested and led projects. The new format to this evenings meeting has come from this new approach and it is hoped that you will enjoy the rest of the meeting.  

Martin Pepper

Chairman

22^nd April 2010.