MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE
BOWLS CLUB ON MONDAY 9th JULY 2018 AT 7.15PM.
PRESENT
Ray Taylor (chair), and fifteen members.
APOLOGIES
Apologies had been received from Pat Castle, Dee
Hooper, Mick Tomlinson, Mavis Vaughan, and WTC Cllr Matt Scott.
Ray Taylor then Pat Sawyer-Jones to read ouit an
email received from Mick Tomlinson who expressed concern that the large number
of council items and meetings arising at present, make it impossible for him to
carry out the duties of chairman of the W&WRA as he feels he should, and
consequently will be stepping down. Mick
is still prepared to help, advise, and
support the W&WRA as much as possible.
Comments from the floor included the wish to express
our thanks and best wishes, and how it is a good thing to have a councillor regularly attend
our meetings.
Following a discussion, it was suggested from the
floor that the committee co-opt Ray Taylor to fill the office of chairman, and
Mick Tomlinson be vice-chairman. On a
show of hands all, bar one member who wished not to vote, were in
agreement.
MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
The minutes of the last meeting, (11/06/18), which
had been circulated, were agreed as a correct record on a prop. by Viv Osborne
sec. by James Brazier, and adopted, and signed.
MATTERS ARISING
1) Grass Verges. Comments from the floor included concerns
that site lines had been obstructed and a risk of fires had arisen due to lack
of cutting.
2) Canterbury Road. Some resurfacing is to be carried out near
pedestrian crossings. The speed camera near the golf course
although appearing to be partly obstructed by trees is working.
3) Cleaning Machines
(“Gluttons”). James Brazier reported
that these had been stored in the shed in Boundary Road but had been stolen
during a break-in, and an insurance claim was now being made.
REPORTS: Councillors-KCC, TDC, WTC. PCSOs and
Wardens.
KCC Warden Laura Bungard: (sent by e mail and read
out at the meeting).
1) Blocked Drains. KCC is aware and working on this problem.
2) Cigarette Butt Container at
Corals. This is to be replaced.
3) Tents at Westbrook
Undercliff. TDC are aware and have
details of the six homeless people who are not from Thanet and must therefore
return to the councils of their last known address for help. Laura and Gordon Hunt of TDC are working to
effect enforcement for removal of the tents.
4) Bins in Westgate. With the considerable increase in the number
of students in the summer Laura has requested that the bins be emptied more often.
5) Parking Enforcement Officers
at St Crispins School. This has been
requested due to on going problems.
6) Contact/Availability. Laura is available to talk whilst on her
rounds, also her phone number is 07969 583922 and e mail is laura.bungard@kent.gov.uk, or a message can be left
in the Bake House or Library.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Ray reported on the recent 60th
anniversary celebrations.
The final cost had been £905. Ticket sales, tombola etc had raised £351
resulting in a net cost of £554.
It had been a very good event. The children from King Ethelbert School had
done very well with their music and singing especially as it was their first
public function, and Ray had congratulated their teacher. The “Blend” singing group had also been very
appreciated.
Sylvia Sykes thanked the committee and workers who
had worked hard to put the event on so well.
A letter of thanks congratulations and a donation
had been sent to the K. E. School, and this was fully endorsed by the meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE
1) Police emails warned of
bogus callers in the area who try to trick their way into homes to steal
valuables and money. Rogue traders are
also in the area. It is always wise to check up on unknown callers before allowing
them into your home. To report suspected
rogue traders call Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 040506.
2) Ray added that information
about scams is now on the W&WRA facebook entry.
PLANNING
APPLICATIONS
There was no new information available. The meeting asked that Mick be requested to
forward copies of the planning applications.
Members had enquired as to the work being carried out at
the site of the former Meade Electrical premises.
TREASURER'S REPORT
No Report.
EDITOR'S REPORT
Ray Taylor reported that the next magazine was almost
ready for printing. In answer to a
question he confirmed that a contact list for councillors is included.
SUNSHINE REPORT
No Report.
MEMBERSHIP
Christina reported that the road stewards now had
collected almost all the subscriptions.
Some members had been lost but new ones had joined.
CIVIC REPORT
Westgate Heritage Centre:
Saturday 4th August at 10.30am at St Saviour's Church,
illustrated talk by member Colin Osborne “100 years of a Westgate Family”.
Civic Society: Summer break, the programme resumes in
October.
SOCIAL REPORT
1)
Sunday Lunch.
The list is now on the notice board for the next lunch.
2)
Cancer Coffee Morning.
To be held at the Bake house on 28th September.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
1) Proposed New Houses. Ray had been asked by a WTC councillor what
the W&WRA intended to do concerning the new houses. Ray had suggested that the WTC and the
W&WRA should work together, and this was endorsed by the meeting. In the
Minster Road area 2,500 houses are proposed.
It was hoped that the local residents' views and opinions collected at
the original consultation meeting will be given full consideration
2) Gypsy Caravans and
Horses. These had arrived opposite Palm
Court, and fires had been seen. Concern
was expressed that the situation could escalate.
3) Litter and Dog Excrement on
Pavements. This had become very
extensive and at an unacceptable level.
Embarrassment had been caused when groups were on guided tours in the
town. A litter bin for the Sea
Road/Roxburgh Road area had been requested.
4) Westgate Station. Rumours of closure had been heard and
enquiries made but no information was as yet forthcoming.
NEXT MEETING
Monday 13th August at The Bake
House.
There being no other business the meeting concluded
at 8.40pm.
