Present: Mr Hideo Matsushima (Japan Local Government Centre), Duncan Phillips (Dartford Borough Council), Phil Kessel (Dartford Borough Council), Richard Wiltshire (QED website manager), Malcolm Still (Tredegar Allotments), David Meade (Chair), Dave Thomas (Dartford Borough Council), Barbara Judge (United Nations Association), Graeme Laidlaw (Secretary).

1) Apologies for Absence: John Britt (Groundwork), John Fisher (Groundwork), Steve Weiss (National Power). To start the meeting, Mr Matsushima circulated some information relating to the work of the Japan Local Government Centre

2) Notes from the Previous Meeting: These were accepted.

3) Matters Arising:

a) Darenth Valley LEAP: The consultation draft and environmental overview documents were circulated for the Darent Leap. Comments are to be received by the 24th December, 1999 to the Environment Agency. Any comments from the group should be forwarded to the chairman by the 14th December, 1999.

b) Groundwork Project (home composting): David Meade indicated that he had written to Groundwork and had requested a response to the questions raised. The subject of accommodation to house the project was raised. It was confirmed that the building in the park is not going to be used by the park contractors, but a decision will need to be made by Property Services with regard to the use of the building. It is still to be confirmed whether the profits from the scheme will go to charity.

c) Representation of Group at Neighbourhood Fora: It was unsure about the continuation of the Neighbourhood forums. It was stated that the waste forum has been cancelled. The group expressed a concern that these forums were not going to be held. It was mentioned that focus groups may supersede the forums, but this is currently under review.

d) Planning Applications: The chairman expressed a wish that QED should be made aware of all relevant planning applications. He highlighted that there was a lack of notification in the local papers. Phil Kessel explained that the list of applications was going to the ex chair of the transport group. Phil Kessel agreed to see if the list could be sent to the chairs of each QED group. Phil Kessel agreed to check if the applications are published on the council website.

e) Hoardings from the YMCA Foyer Project: Tredegar Allotments received the 32 sheets 2 weeks prior and are being put to many uses.

f) The Great Dartford Pumpkin Competition: Articles appeared in the local paper and Amateur Gardener. Wentworth school won the competition.

The status of the KCC War on Waste request was unknown. It was agreed to carry over the discussion of composting at Darenth Park to the next meeting.

4) Environmental Monitoring and Quality Indicators (Duncan Phillips):

Duncan Phillips expressed his thanks to the group for inviting him to give an update. Over the last 18 months he has been working on air quality monitoring. Three new stations have been installed. One has been installed in the Town Centre (Instone Road); this monitors Nitrogen Oxide (Hourly/ Annual Standard) and particulates. Another has been installed in Greenhithe (close to MacDonalds) and on the Bean bridge. An Air Quality Study is being undertaken, which is utilising a staged approach. The study is currently at stage 3, which was due to be completed by the end of the year, but an extension has been granted by the DETR to the end of June 2000. An air quality modelling exercise is soon to begin using mathematical tools. A number of different factors can be entered into the computer simulation program. The Aaquire software is to be installed at the council offices on the 25th November, 1999. The input data will be quality controlled and results checked against cur rent monitoring statistics. The system also takes into account data from the outer boundaries of the study area. Four modelling tools were reviewed. A number of targets have been set to be achieved by the year 2010. Ozone has been excluded from the regulations due to it being more of a global issue. Six months have been allowed for the report to be produced and then another three months will be allocated to declare Air Quality Management Action Plans for areas requiring attention. This will be achieved by September, when public consultation should take place.

The locations of the measurement stations were chosen because of the nature of the traffic flows, etc, after consulting with Bernard Fisher. There are also a number of diffusion tubes located around the borough (approx 15). Four of these tubes form part of the national statistics. Members of the group were encouraged to view the previous week's statistics in the foyer. Bexley currently have stations at Belvedere and Erith.

Duncan mentioned that a document is soon to be produced for an Environmental Review. The content will follow the format of the Audit Review which was produced two years ago. The end section of paper will be reorganised and will include the social aspect/implications. The report is currently in progress and will be presented to the March council committee. It was felt that there were currently no Quality Indicators that could be realistically used. Tredegar allotments were nominated to monitor the types and numbers of freight trains flowing through Dartford.

5) Residents' Welcome Pack: John Gunn is currently working on this item. The topic to be raised at the next steering group.

6) News from the Steering Group: The Transport Group has been re-estabished and is currently looking at a cycling project. The project is looking at the safety issues and cycling blackspots in the local area. A new chairman has taken over in the Biodiversity group. The next meeting will take place at the Civic Centre on the 6th December from 7:00pm. Funding has been secured for Tredegar allotments to purchase a shredder and other equipment. Funding has also been approved for purchasing 60 railway sleepers to be used for raised beds for disabled on Dartford Road Allotments. A scheme which could provide group secretaries with inexpensise computing facilities is being investigated. Phil Kessel to see if a computer can be placed in the reception of the Civic Centre displaying the QED website.

7) Corporate Strategy Consultation: David Meade submitted observations which have been acknowledged. The LA21 strategy paper will soon be available. It is to be presented to council members of the 13th December, 1999. It will be released for internal comments first and then for public consultation. The waste strategy document is still pending.

8) Terms of Reference: These were agreed.

9) Dartford Festival: The next committee meeting is to be held on 25th November, 1999. Phil Kessel is to attend. Julie Morton had requested a meeting with all relevant managers to discuss QED's involvement, but as yet had received no response. Phil Kessel to raise the issue at the next meeting. The theme for 2000 is "The Circus". All questions put to QED at the 1999 festival have been actioned.

10) Other Business: Richard Wiltshire agreed to carry forward three items to the next meeting due to lack of time. Malcolm Still mentioned that he had seen a TV programme which requested tyres for a sound proofing project. Malcolm to forward details to Phil Kessel. Dave Thomas confirmed that pallet supplies are to continue. Malcolm asked about barrels. It was suggested that bulk supplies were the difficulty. Phil Kessel mentioned the consultation paper into contaminated land, which ends on 6th December, 1999.

11) Dates of Meetings for the Year 2000:

12th January, 2000 (to check with Health group for clash)

22nd March, 2000

24th May, 2000

7th June, 2000

5th July, 2000

13th September, 2000

22nd November, 2000

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