|
Thanet Nature Conservation Umbrella Group |
 |
|
Thanet Nature Conservation Umbrella Group |
|
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF THE
MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 6th JUNE 2002, 7.00pm.
AT THE WALPOLE BAY
HOTEL CLIFTONVILLE
1. MEMBERS PRESENT
Bernard Clayson, John Milford, Steve Villette, Sarah Meakins, David Cooper, Dr Jack Cohen, David Britton Grant Roberson, Gerry O'Donnell, Dennis Neville, Bert & Ida Windsor, Jean Pain, Shirley May, W Matthews, Joyce McCoy, Rex Goodban, Vera Elliott, G Olive, Douglas & Moira Bush, T Child, A & S Palmer, Brian & Debbie Smith-Stewart, John Rowland, Muriel Arnett, Nigel Collingwood, Christine Gist, M J Pearce
2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Roger Gale M.P, Peter Forrest, Mrs Z Cohen, Ms Tessa Holmes and Paul Verrall. 3. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
The minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record.
4. MATTERS ARISING
The Chairman thanked Dr David Cooper for taking the minutes.
5. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
(a) The Chairman, Dr Jack Cohen, reported that Minnis Bay had been awarded a European 'Blue Flag' for the second year running.
(b) There is to be a 'Gardening for Wildlife' scheme -the closing date for entries being l4th June 2002. Members interested should contact either Morgan Harris on 577530 or Julie Belsey on 577674.
6. LOCAL AGENDA 21
The Chairman reported that Colin Bridge had been elected the new Chairman of the Steering Group. It was announced that Thanet District Council have agreed to the proposed amendments to the Group's Constitution and Terms of Reference. The Chairman queried the relationship between the TNUG and TDC's Services Committee, and agreed to pursue this matter.
7. FUNDING AND ROLE OF THE TNCUG
Mr David Britton (Vice-Chairman) raised the question why other groups appeared on the Thanet Website, but the TNCUG did not. It was agreed to investigate this. The Vice-Chairman agreed to investigate the issue of the relationship between LA21 and the TNCUG.
The Chairman reported that the Executive Committee had agreed that it was both desirable and necessary for the Group to maintain its own funds, and to this end should open its own bank account. This as put to the meeting: proposed by Mr Britton, seconded by D. Cooper .
The meeting accepted the proposal with three members against.
8. RICHBOROUGH INCINERATOR
This will go through the usual consultation process and planning system.
Mr Collingwood reported that there is evidence that a similar incinerator to that proposed had beensuspected of causing diseases to sheep by the emission of PCBs.
9. PEGWELL BAY/THE HOVERPORT
The Chairman reported that he had written to Thanet District Council and the National Trust. Thanet District Council had stated in their reply that no change had been made in their policy and were currently in discussion with the National Trust.
10. RECYCLING
It was reported that there is intended to be a system of selective collections.
Mrs Amett said that the Cliffsend Association were very much in favour of this scheme and hoped that other groups and communities would support it.
Mr Neville (Minster Parish Council) asked what happened to the waste. It was reported that there would be one sack for domestic waste and other for recyclables.
(LA21 Umbrella Group update on Thanet District Council Recycling Collection Trials)
11. TREE-PLANTING/WOODLAND PROJECTS
Mr Grant Roberson reported that a sub-group have been established for the Green Light Project. This had looked at a number of possible sites and met with several community groups. He said that reactions had been positive. He also reported that no funding had been obtained as yet, and ultimately permission to proceed would be needed from roc and/or KCC.
The Newington Copse Project are seeking help from the Thanet Community Development Project for assistance in their activities.
The Chairman reported that a meeting had been held to discuss the creation of a new Conservation Area in Birchington.
12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Ms Elliott presented a report on progress with the Thanet Countryside and Coastal Project and circulated printed leaflets on this project, and the North East Kent European Marine Sites Management Scheme.
The Chairman asked the meeting whether it would be useful to invite an officer of the Countryside Trust to attend a meeting. It was agreed that this should be done.
The Chairman reported that there are currently two vacancies on the LA21 Steering Group and suggested that Mr Britton might fill one of these.
Mr Rowland suggested that the possibility of applying for AONB status should be investigated. It was agreed that this would be done.
Mr Tony Child, officer responsible for the Thanet Coast Project asked for volunteers to assist in his work. Contact No. Thanet 577672. Those wishing can request direct to be included on the projects waiting list.
13. NEXT MEETING
This will be held on Thursday, 8th August 2002 at 7.00 p.m. in the Walpole Bay Hotel, Cliftonville