| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| TF 07/004 |
Update on any action identified in the last Minutes. |
No matters were identified. |
| TF 07/005 |
Minutes |
The Minutes of the meeting of the Forum held on 12 February 2007 were received and agreed as a correct record of the proceedings |
| TF 07/006 |
Kent County Council Services Update |
The Kent County Council Liaison Officer was unable to attend but subsequently submitted a report which would be circulated with the Minutes. |
| TF 07/007 |
The Blue Planet Concert |
The Customer Services Manager outlined the background to the staging of Blue Planet Live in the grounds of Tonbridge School on Sunday 26 August. The composer George Fenton, brother of the Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling would conduct the English National Orchestra while large screens projected related images from the BBC's Blue Planet TV series. The Borough Council would work with partners and sponsors to stage the event, with profits donated to nominated charities. An outline of the presentation would be circulated with the Minutes. The Customer Services Manager asked that Forum members help by publicising the event within their organisations to ensure that Borough residents had the best chance of attending this locally-held, world-class event. |
| TF 07/008 |
Introduction of new Mayor, Councillor Ann Kemp |
The Chief Executive introduced the new Mayor, Councillor Mrs Ann Kemp, Member for Downs Ward. The Mayor looked forward to a busy year which had started with an inspiring Civic Service the day before. She described her lifetime interest in primary and pre-school education and in promoting responsible dog ownership, both of which themes would feature in some of her engagements and events. The Mayor's charity would be K.Ho.C.A. which raised funds to distribute to smaller charities to meet the specific needs of mentally disabled people. The Chairman advised that the new Deputy Mayor was Councillor Chris Smith of Higham Ward and paid tribute to the outgoing Mayor, Russell Dorling for his hard work and achievements over many years of public service. |
| TF 07/009 |
Tour de France |
The Chief Leisure Officer described the programme developed for the Tour de France event passing through the Borough on Sunday 8 July; the range of events laid on by local organisations; and the associated information and publicity campaign. In response to members' questions, the Forum was assured that action was being taken by others to maintain the operation of emergency and caring services. It was noted that it was difficult to make a definite estimate of how many people would attend on foot, by car, bus and train. An outline of the presentation would be circulated with the Minutes. |
| TF 07/010 |
Recycling - the Truth |
The Chief Environmental Health Officer (Operations) outlined the Council's achievements in recycling 40% of household rubbish this year, up from 15% in 2001. He reported that more than 90% of refuse was either recycled, composted or used to generate electricity, acknowledging that these levels were possible partly because of the world-class processing facilities nearby. The Chief Environmental Health Officer highlighted recent adverse national and local publicity and provided evidence that the position in the Borough was quite different from what had been portrayed. He described the extension of the green lidded bin service to its final phase of 10,000 properties and the increased capacity of the plastic bottle recycling sites. In response to members' questions, the Chief Environmental Health Officer gave assurances that the green bin scheme would be introduced only to properties where there was enough outside space. He advised that the Council was awaiting guidance from Kent County Council about recent restrictions on the disposal of certain electrical goods, and would then be able to advise customers. It was noted that only plastic from bottles was recycled at present because the technology existed and there was a market for the product. Other types of plastic could be recycled only when both technology and market were available. It was noted that the 10% of waste left behind for landfill was made up of ash and inert material. An outline of the presentation would be circulated with the Minutes. |
| TF 07/011 |
Introduction of Cabinet Members |
Councillor Mike Dobson, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group on Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, introduced members of the Council's Cabinet for the year ahead: Councillor M Worrall (Leader) Councillor D Aikman (Finance) Councillor Mrs J Anderson (Housing) Councillor O Baldock (Environmental Services) and (Innovation and Improvement) Councillor M Balfour (Planning and Transportation) Councillor G Court (Community Safety) Councillor N Heslop (Community Development) Councillor Mrs S Murray (Leisure, Youth and Arts). The Chairman then introduced newly-elected Tonbridge members present at the meeting: Councillor Ms Jean Atkinson (Trench Ward) Councillor Ms Sarah Spence (Vauxhall Ward) Councillor Russell Lancaster (Medway Ward) |
| TF 07/012 |
Tonbridge Cottage Hospital |
Kent County Councillor Godfrey Horne MBE, Chairman of the League of Friends of Tonbridge Cottage Hospital, advised the Forum of the West Kent Primary Care Trust's decision to keep Tonbridge Cottage Hospital open. There were options regarding the possible location of a dialysis unit at the Hospital and detailed proposals were awaited. The League of Friends was trying to ensure that any proposals would not be at the expense of the number of community beds. Mr Horne outlined the League's campaign for more consultation on any changes and the examination of the Primary Care Group's decision by the County Council's Scrutiny Committee. |