Present:
| Members | Present | Apologies | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chair: Cllr C Barnes | ✓ | ||
| Deputy Chair: Cllr S Durden | ✓ | ||
| Cllr G Darrington | ✓ | ||
| Cllr P Darrington | ✓ | ||
| Cllr L Dyball | ✓ | Work Commitments | |
| Cllr M Horwood | ✓ | ||
| Cllr J Knight | ✓ | ||
| Cllr C Morgan | ✓ | Absent | |
| Cllr C Prestedge | ✓ |
Officers:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Ryan Hayman
Senior Executive Assistant (HR) – Tracey Bayliss
Responsible Finance Officer (RFO) – Stephen Innes
Venues Manager – Kerina Hunt
Gateway Manager – Claire Cormack
Public: None present.
MEETING COMMENCED: 19:00
12373 – APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Cllr L Dyball
Cllr C Morgan (Absent)
12374 – DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
NONE
12375 – MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
To approve as correct the minutes of the meeting held on 24th July 2024.
APPROVED AND SIGNED
12376 – GATEWAY MANAGER REPORT – APPENDIX A
To receive and comment on the report.
NOTED
It was asked if the Knit & Natter Group would be putting a post box topper up for Remembrance. It was confirmed that they were, and it would be going up beginning of November.
It was asked how the bookings were going for the minibus. It was confirmed that there were nine bookings currently. This does not mean that the bookings are only for nine days, some bookings are for more than one day. RFO confirmed that the income so far is £1,137.50 to date.
The minibus is advertised in the Town Crier, social media and the website and recommendations from people who have used the minibus and Go Coaches.
It was suggested that it is advertised more with local schools, community groups, companies, nursing homes and sporting groups. It was mentioned that very recently a disabled rugby team hired the minibus.
Claire was thanked for her report.
12377 – VENUES MANAGER REPORT – APPENDIX B
To receive and comment on the report.
NOTED
Supplementary to the report It was mentioned that the Macmillan coffee morning raised £450. The venues now have an online booking system to enable more efficient ticket booking.
It was mentioned that there are a lot of events coming up which all look really good. The Pantomime is very popular and it is Cinderella for this year which takes place on 23rd December.
Kerina was congratulated on her 25 years at Swanley Town Council.
Compliments was given to the chef on the quality of the food at the Mayor’s Charity Ball. A new feature chandelier has been installed in the Alexandra Suite and the voile has also been replaced with new voile.
It was asked why the snooker membership was down in April and June over last years figures. It was confirmed that membership starts in June. In January or February memberships are reduced to half price and then they renew in June at the full annual rate.
It was asked why the Alexandra Suite income for catering was down in April and July and the bar income was not affected. It was explained that there are functions that are room and bar only so do not require catering.
Kerina was thanked for her report.
12378 – PARKS AND OPEN SPACES MANAGER REPORT – APPENDIX C
To receive and comment on the report.
NOTED
It was mentioned that there were repairs taking place to the grasscrete area in the Birches. It was asked if why after a short amount of time it needed repairing and if there were any other materials that would be more durable.
CEO mentioned that the only other option would be to tarmac the area, however as per planning it is to be maintained as a grassed area. After a five-year period, we might be able to tarmac the car park within our next five year maintenance plan.
The area will be fenced off once the repairs have been completed to allow for the grass to grow over the area and help bind and strengthen the repairs.
Any companies with lorries using the car park will now need to sign a disclaimer going forward to ensure that they do not dry steer on the grasscrete which it is not designed for.
It was asked what pathway hardscaping referred to. It was confirmed that over time some of the sub-binding gravel had washed away from the pathways and exposes some of the hardcore. More sub-binding gravel will be put down to prolong the life of the pathway.
It was mentioned that some areas had wood chippings laid where it was muddy, it was asked if all areas would be woodchipped. CEO confirmed that as and when wood chippings became available other areas would be woodchipped.
It was noted that Swanley Wildlife Area had won the Silver Gilt award, and it was asked if they could be invited in to update the Councillors as to what they are doing. CEO confirmed that they would be invited along a mutually convenient meeting.
It was asked if we were still collecting and storing shopping trolleys. CEO confirmed that we are still collecting and storing trolleys but in a much smaller amount due to the actions that Aldi and ASDA have put back in place on the trolleys.
It was mentioned that it was lovely to see the new poppies going up on the memorial wall in time for the Remembrance period.
Congratulations was given on receiving three silver gilt and one gold award for the South & South East in Bloom competition.
Congratulations was given to the team for the fantastic 50th firework spectacular in the park. Thanks was given from our visitors in Verrieres le Buisson for the hospitality they received, and they enjoyed the event very much. CEO confirmed that the Eynsford Concert Band had just agreed a new five-year contract with them to continue performing at the event.
George was thanked for his report.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING – Wednesday 22nd January 2025
MEETING CLOSED AT: 19:28
SIGNED: 16/10/2025
Cllr C Barnes
Chair of Estates and Facilities
