Vandalism to Parish Council Property
Following Operation Cheddar, the Police reported on several offenders who had received final cautions or had been prosecuted for causing criminal damage to Parish Council property. The Parish Council therefore decided that, in future, if any offender is cautioned for causing criminal damage to parish council property, they, if adult, or their parents if juvenile, would be required to recompense the Council for the repairs to the damage they caused.  If necessary, this compensation will be pursued in the Small Claims Court.  Recently, following written requests from the council, some compensation has been received.  It is hoped that when word gets round of this procedure, it may help to reduce, or even stop, the vandalism.

ONCE AGAIN, A VERY BUSY YEAR
Council Chairman, Peter Bradley gave his Annual Report to the Parish on 4 May 2006.  Here is an extract:

"In order to streamline the functions of the Council, it was agreed that 2 committees: Village Hall and Recreation and Open Spaces would be full committees of the Parish Council and would therefore have full control over the budget and the day to day running.  This has worked extremely well and all Members should be congratulated on their efforts on these committees.

"The purchase of Heathside was completed on  6 Feb 2006.  The price, with fees, was £25,608. The groundworks (fencing, roadway and works to the Stand) will cost about £18,000.  These costs will be met from reserves.  A dog bin will be provided at the entrance and it is hoped that all dog walkers will make full use of it. (The Parish Council is grateful to the South Darenth Village Society committee members who have initiated Operation Heathside with the young people of the village who are working hard to carry out tasks such as painting and small tree work--Ed.)

"Westminster Field has been attacked by vandals on many occasions. Damage has included burnt out cars, smashed barriers and gates and graffiti.  These acts cost many thousands of pounds to repair and all residents pay the cost through their council tax.  If anyone has any knowledge of the

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