Sunday 5 August 2018

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION Minutes July 2018


 

 

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.