Present: Mike Pratt (DBC: Chair in the Absence of Pat Martin), Lynne Drewett, Janice Howse (CYA), Mr and Mrs Lineham, Mrs A Norman, Mr K Boyce, Andy Henery (Groundwork), Alan Cremer (DBC.)

1) Apologies for Absence

Pat Martin, Mary Woolton, Sylvia Saville, Rosa Halls.

2) Notes from the Last Meeting

Had been received and were approved.

3) Matters Arising From the Notes

Mike Pratt reported that the letter to Kent Education regarding the problem of parking had been amended and submitted. After discussion about the problems of parents delivering and collecting children from schools and the likelihood of these becoming worse in the future, it was agreed that the Group will write to Mrs. Harris, Head of the current infantsí school, to obtain at first hand her views on the delivery and pick-up of children. It was agreed that the Group will offer to Mrs. Harris any help she feels might be useful in getting the cooperation of parents.

Mike Pratt agreed to speak to Highways and Planning concerning the currently unused adjacent piece of Blue Circle land which might be used for short-term parking to alleviate the problem.

4) Newsletter

The second edition of the Newsletter is finished and was delivered to the Oast House.

5) National Spring Clean

This has taken place during April. At least two groups from Swanscombe have taken part.

6) Groundwork Trust

Andy Henery reported that he had been informed by some residents of their concern about the condition of the Park in Knockhall Road. Since they were offering their practical assistance in repairing/maintaining the Park it was suggested that they might liaise with the QED Group with the aim of setting up a joint project. Since the Park is the responsibility of Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council it was agreed that they should be informed first of the residents' concerns. Groundwork will liaise with the Town Council.

7) Other Business

It was reported that at the recent meeting of the Town Council, attended by Pat Martin, she had suffered a regrettable attack by individuals expressing concern about the local activities of QED. Mike Pratt reported that a letter had now been sent to Mrs. Saville fully explaining the situation, and that it was to be hoped that this will clarify matters to everyone's satisfaction.

Concern was expressed regarding alterations to footpaths without consultation. There is particular concern about the footpath from Southfleet Road leading out into the country as it appears that this is being altered due to building work on the school. Residents are worried about the possibility of it being closed. Mike Pratt agreed to raise the matter with the Footpaths Officer. Andy Henery offered the possible assistance of a Working Part should clearing work etc. need to be carried out.

Mr. Howse and Mrs Drewett tabled a poster which has been prepared as a warning as a result of reports of used hypodermic needles being found in the area. Any finding should be reported to Paul Ferris at CYA. Mike Pratt to liaise with John Prance (Environmental Contracts, DBC) concerning disposal.

8) Date of Next Meeting

June 22nd from 6.45 pm at the Oast House

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