1. Apologies for Absence: Councillor Mrs Ivy Read (Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council)

2. Those Present: Keith Boyce, Pat Martin (Chairperson), Allison Allan (NWK CVS), Audrey Norman, Rosa Halls, P Witherall, P Simmons, Jean Armour, Peter Defty, Mike Pratt.

3. Notes of the previous meeting/matters arising:

There is still general interest in a visit to the Swan Valley School. Although exact numbers are not known Mike Pratt is to make preliminary arrangements with the school.

Abandoned cars: a letter had been sent to Dartford Borough Council on this issue. It was raised that Neighbourhood Watch have been asked by the Police to report any untaxed vehicles on the Highway. With regard to vehicles on Dartford Borough Council Housing land, when the transfer of the Management of the Housing Stock returns to the Borough Council there will be a closer look at the problem and how action can be taken to try to resolve it. The meeting generally agreed that there was a need for greater enforcement. Problems were identified with the numbers of abandoned vehicles in the Grove Car Park. The issues of glass scattered around the bottle bank and the footpath from the car park to the High Street were also raised.

The issue of parking and the problems of congestion were discussed. With the possible decriminalisation of parking there may be scope for greater improvement of enforcement of parking restrictions. Questions were asked about what this would actually mean in practice. Mike Pratt on behalf of the group will ask a highways representative to attend the next meeting. As part of this discussion the possibility of creating parking bays in Stanhope Road was discussed.

4. New Membership:

The issue of bringing in New Members was discussed. CYA, Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council and the Swan Valley Community School were identified as previous participants. It was agreed that the identification of a work programme that can be used to stimulate interest was important.

5. Work Programme:

Although there was some discussion about possible further schemes such as extending the Tree Planting Scheme into the community Eg Broomfield Park. It was agreed that Mike Pratt will investigate other Local Agenda 21 initiatives throughout the Country to see what other community groups had been doing and report back to the group.

6. Any Other Business:

Various matters were raised:

Stanley Road - pavement condition, lack of bins in area.

Dogs running loose in area.

Working with the new vet in Swanscombe Street.

Dust from Craylands Lane development affecting Radburn Place.

What is the role of the Cemetery Workers in Swanscombe Cemetery.

7. Date and Time and Place of Next Meeting:

Monday 15 May 2000 6.00 pm, The OastHouse, St Pauls Close, Swanscombe.

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