Wednesday 19 October 2016

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Minutes Oct 2016


 

 

 

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE UNITED SERVICES CLUB ON MONDAY 10th OCTOBER 2016 AT 7.15PM.


 

 

PRESENT


Eighteen members, Westgate Town Cllrs Tom King and Ron Rolfe, and KCC Community Warden Laura Bungard.

 

In the absence of Mick Tomlinson, Don Eacott agreed to chair the meeting.

 

APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from Muriel Atkins, Tony and Sylvia Sykes, Christina Taylor, and TDC Cllrs Carol Partington and Mick Tomlinson who would be delayed.

 

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting, (12th September 2016), which had been circulated were agreed and adopted.

 

MATTERS ARISING

1)      Westbrook Road Yellow Lines.  Chris Wyer is to phone KCC Highways to check the validity of these.

2)      Zebra Crossing.  One member had noticed no parking cones on the pavement. Cllr Tom King said that parking inside the zig zag lines had been considered safe in the report by Robin Chantrill-Smith, and recommended that the W&WRA request a copy, as the view is impeded by parked vehicles.  Chris  Wyer pointed out that parked vans made it much more difficult to see approaching traffic. 

3)      Electoral Boundary.  The map obtained from TDC by James showed the electoral boundary, which varies slightly from the Town boundary.

 

REPORTS: Councillors-KCC, TDC, WTC.  PCSOs and Wardens.

KCC Warden Laura Bungard:

1)      Speed Checks.  These had been carried out in Westgate Bay Avenue and Westbrook Avenue, and some speeding was observed.

2)      Zebra Crossing.  This is causing some concern.

3)      Jewellery Robbery.  This had taken place in Westbury Road when a door had been broken open.

4)      The Elderly.  Some had no central heating or other facilities, help is available in such situations.

5)      Elm Grove Parking Problems.  These occur by the school and the drivers' side of conversations is becoming aggressive and rude.

6)      Multi-Agency Case.  This is proceeding and all agencies involved meet once a week.

7)      New PCSO.  Duties will commence in three weeks.

8)      “Talk Time” in the Library.  This takes place on Monday mornings and more people are welcome.

 

Comments/Questions.  Cllr Tom King suggested enforcement could be used to reduce the school parking problem.

A member asked if vehicles could be checked for valid car tax.  Answer yes Laura can check this.

 

Cllr Tom King WTC:

1)      Westgate Pavilion.  This is on the TDC asset disposal list.  The WTC is concerned.  It has been leased for the last six years and is fully booked up, the lease is due to expire shortly. In this type of situation if the asset can be proved to have community value a period of six months is given for suitable purchasers to buy it.    The second option is for it to be subject to a community asset transfer, and the WTC resolved to make an approach to TDC to express interest in this, which must be done within the time limit. 

2)      Cleansing Operative.  In July the WTC accepted the offer of equipment carts vacuums etc and now needs to employ an operative.

3)      Pancake Race.  The WTC would be pleased to take on the arrangements for the pancake race if the W&WRA were agreeable.  The minute secretary confirmed that this had been agreed and minuted at the February committee meeting, and March general meeting. 

4)      Retirement of Town Clerk.  The lady holding this office was now financially in a position to retire, so that a new town clerk will be appointed to take up these duties.

 

Questions:  In answer to a question about the proposed cleansing operative Cllr King explained that the WTC will be enhancing the service provided by TDC, and that there is a memorandum of understanding that the present TDC services will not be lost.

Regarding Regalia there did not appear to be any left from the old Westgate Parish Council.

 

Cllr Carol Partington TDC:

1)      Westgate Pavilion.  Although unable to attend this meeting Cllr Partington sent information that she had spoken to WTC and the tenant, and hoped that the Pavilion will be kept for the community by either option referred to in Cllr King's report, and is willing to help facilitate this between the TDC and WTC. 

 

 

CORRESPONDENCE (by Police Email)

1)      Scam Phone Calls.  These are being received in the South East supposedly from the post code lottery requesting personal details.  The post code lottery does not cold call in this way, do not give any details.

2)      Courier Fraud.   A phone call supposedly from the resident's own bank states that the credit card has been compromised and has the new one been received in the post?  Of course the answer is no, so that the caller says the new one will be sent by courier and the old one is to be handed over to the courier.  Money is then withdrawn from the victim's account.  If any doubts contact your own bank making sure that the dialling tone is evident.

PLANNING 

1)      25, Westbury Road.  Application for permission for a dance studio.  There are a few objections. 

 

No new planning sheets obtained  from TDC this month.

 

TREASURER'S REPORT  

In the absence of Sam  Secomb there was no report.

 

EDITOR'S REPORT

The next magazine will be out soon.  The contents and advertising have been co-ordinated by Muriel, and it will be printed by Carol Peters as agreed at the September general meeting. 

 

SUNSHINE REPORT

Mavis reported that two get well cards had been sent out to members this month.

 

MEMBERSHIP

No Report.

 

CIVIC REPORT

Westgate Heritage Centre:  Next meeting is Saturday 5th November at St Saviour's Church at 10.30am when there will be an illustrated talk about SirWilliam Orchardson RA 1833 – 1910, who lived for a time in Sea Road.

Margate Civic Society: Next meeting Thursday 3rd November at the Walpole Bay Hotel at 7.30pm a talk “Quex Gardens” by Sue Harris, Head Gardener.

 

PRESS REPORT

None. 

 

SOCIAL

1)      Trips out and the annual festive lunch are being arranged.

2)      Sunday Carvery Lunches at The Swan.  Twenty one members enjoyed lunch out together on Sunday.  Muriel was thanked for co-ordinating the arrangements.  Watch the notice board for future dates.

 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      Litter Bin Outside Piggy Bank Nursery.  Members had heard that this was a very expensive bin.  Cllr Tom King explained that it is on loan and does compact rubbish placed in it so that collections do not have to be so frequent.

2)      Road Sweeping Vehicle.  Members had noticed that this could only clear about one third of the road due to parked cars.

3)      Chris Wyer observed that Westgate Pavilion still does not have a disabled friendly entrance.

4)      Walmer Castle, Canterbury Road.  Permission has been granted for three flats, and from the new year the downstairs will be a members only club.

5)      The meeting expressed a wish of good health to chairman Mick Tomlinson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEXT MEETING

 Monday 14th November, at the Westbrook Bowls Club, 7.00pm for 7.15pm.

 

 

There being no other business the meeting concluded at 8.21pm.