The Chairman drew attention to an error in the report, application SHEP006 was a Member bid and was not on behalf of Minster-on-Sea Parish Council.

Members discussed all the applications for funding and noted the tabled supporting papers for applications SHEP001 (Queenborough Castle Site – Pye Paly Park Access Path Installation) and SHEP004 (Reinstatement and extension of public footpath between Stanley Avenue, Queenborough and Neats Court Retail Park).

Application SHEP001 (Queenborough Castle Site – Pye Play Park Access Path) - Ashley Shiel, representing Queenborough Town Council spoke in support.  A Member spoke in support of path B.  The application was supported by Members.

Application SHEP 002 (Teddy Bear Day Care Sheppey Ltd - Ashley Shiel, representing Queenborough Town Council spoke in support of the application.  Members spoke in support of the application.

Application SHEP003 (Leysdown Parish Council CCTV Cameras) - A Member spoke against the proposal for two cameras on the Promenade, Leysdown and considered they should be sited elsewhere in the village.  He considered the proposal did not benefit the residents of Leysdown.

Nicola Scott, Leysdown Parish Council, spoke in support of the application and stated that the cameras were urgently needed to combat anti-social behaviour along The Spinney and Promenade.

In response to questions, the Economy and Community Services Manager reported that the evidence was there to support the need for the cameras in the locations identified.  She explained that privacy screens could be fitted to the cameras if needed, and they would consider cameras for other areas if evidence supported this. 

Members supported the application.

Application SHEP004 (Reinstatement and extension of width of public footpath between Stanley Avenue, Queenborough and Neats Court Retail Park) - Members supported Option A.

Application SHEP005 (Solar Panels for Thistle Hill Community Centre - Members supported the application.

Application SHEP006 (The Glen improvements) - Councillor Elliott Jayes introduced the application and reported that the Council’s Green Spaces Officer had advised that £12,000 was needed for improvements to the pond.  Some Members considered it would be inappropriate to consider the additional £12,000 at this late stage.  Members agreed that the £12,000 not be considered at this time.

Members supported the application as set-out in the report.

Application SHEP007 (Thistle Hill Improvements) – Members supported the application.

The Chairman reported that the cost of the raised beds for application SHEP002 could be reduced to £3,889.72 to avoid going over the £56,000 funding available.   Some Members did not support this and considered that they would prefer the cost for application SHEP004 to be reduced to £29,690.72.

Councillor Lee McCall moved the following motion which was seconded by Councillor Ken Pugh: 

That the £56,000 funding be awarded to projects in the following proportions:

Queenborough Castle Site - Pye Play Park Access Path - £1,876.24;

Teddy Bear Day Care Sheppey Ltd - £7,000.00;

Leysdown Parish Council CCTV Cameras- £6,092.40;

Reinstatement and extension of width of public footpath between Stanley Avenue, Queenborough and Neats Court Retail Park - £29,690.72;

Solar Panels for Thistle Hill Community Centre - £5,000.00;

The Glen improvements - £4,496.04; and

Thistle Hill Improvements - £1,844.60.

On being put to the vote the motion was agreed.

Resolved:

That the £56,000.00 funding be awarded to projects in the following amounts:

a)    Queenborough Castle Site - Pye Play Park Access Path - £1,876.24;

b)   Teddy Bear Day Care Sheppey Ltd - £7,000.00;

c)    Leysdown Parish Council CCTV Cameras- £6,092.40;

d)   Reinstatement and extension of width of public footpath between Stanley Avenue, Queenborough and Neats Court Retail Park - £29,690.72;

e)    Solar Panels for Thistle Hill Community Centre - £5,000.00;

f)     The Glen improvements - £4,496.04; and

g)      Thistle Hill Improvements - £1,844.60.