Text Box: Horton Kirby & South Darenth Parish Council Annual Parish Meeting 8th May 2007 Extracts from Chairman's Report Despite the appointment of an office assistant, the workload on the Parish Clerk has increased yet again and the Council increased the paid hours of working in an effort to keep on top of the ever-increasing paper work. The two committees of the Parish Council have worked extremely well. Village Hall Committee The floor was stripped and resealed and the water tanks have been replaced. The complete hall will become a No-Smoking establishment under the new laws to take effect from July 1st this year. Two old oak tables were sold for a total of £125. Recreation and Open Spaces Committee Heathside continues to be developed. A new roof has been installed on the pavilion and a dog bin provided at the gate entrance. Three benches have been provided and a new Byelaws notice together will a name board will be installed this year. The concrete base at the Shrubbery Road green and play area has been removed and further work is in hand. Residents around the green and play area have been consulted on the future of the area and the new Parish Council will be progressing this project during this coming year. The play equipment at Saxon Place, Jacobs Lane and Shrubbery Road is in need of repair and will cost in the region of £5000. We have agreed to take ownership of the grassed areas at Saxon Place and await a response from Sevenoaks District Council. Fencing work in the Top Paddock is under review and a decision will be taken in the near future. The Pavilion and football pitches at Westminster Field continue to be run in a very satisfactory manner by the Horton Kirby Football Club. The gate continues to be locked in the evening and on a few occasions users have not removed their cars in time. This has caused some problems. After much discussion, the full Parish Council agreed to close the toilets until April 1st and then re-open them until the Autumn. Parish Council During November, the Parish Council wrote to the Post Office supporting