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Parish Chairman’s notes June 2020

Parish Chairman’s notes June 2020
At the time of writing we are entering the seventh week of lockdown. The Parish Council are adapting to this new reality as decisions are made under delegated powers by the clerk, the chairman, vice chairman and the chairs of the various parish council committees. However, after the government changes to the law in April, we are now able to hold virtual council meetings, and the first one of these took place on May 4th.
At this meeting:
The Council noted a decision made under delegated powers to re-award the Grounds Maintenance Contract to Capel Groundcare. Their record over the last three years has been excellent and their tender was the most competitive of those it received.
Following the end of the tenancy of one of the cottages owned by CPC at Brampton Bank it was decided to redecorate before a new tenant moves in. A revised criteria for the those who wish to take up the tenancy was drawn up and it was agreed that those with a military connection to the parish and then those working for the emergency services also with a connection to the parish would have preference when the letting is advertised. This is in line with the original purpose of the cottages which was to house former servicemen from World War I. It is envisaged that we will be able to fully advertise this in October (hopefully after the lockdown).
The Parish Hardship Fund set up in association with the Paddock Wood Community Advice Centre has received extra funds (£1242) from the return of the Parish Reserve Fund from TWBC to CPC. A reminder that Capel Parish Council has made the Capel Hardship Fund available to those suffering financially from the virus or the previous flooding episodes in February. Details can be found on the parish council website www.capel-pc.org.uk or directly from PWCAC http://www.pwadvice.org/capel-residents/4594766472
The Parish Council also resolved to establish a Capel Neighbourhood Plan Working Party to co-ordinate the Capel Parish’s response to the draft Local Plan and move towards the writing of a Neighbourhood Plan which would be a material consideration when responding to planning applications. Further details will follow, but anyone wishing to be involved in the process should contact the clerk of the parish council clerk@capelpc.co.uk
The next virtual parish council meeting is scheduled for Monday June 1st. If you wish to attend this or any other meeting please contact the clerk beforehand so that she can admit you to the meeting which is held via Zoom. There is an agenda item at each meeting for residents to make their comments either in person or in writing. Residents’ comments on planning applications within the parish are also welcome and the parish will continue to send our comments to TWBC planning.
The parish council would also like to thank the vast majority of those residents who have observed the lockdown rules and have stayed at home to protect their fellow residents and the NHS. There have been one or two occasions of people trespassing on the closed MUGA and these have been reported to the police.
With best wishes for the health and well-being of all Capel residents and their families at this difficult time.
Hugh Patterson