Agenda and draft minutes

Prayers were said by Councillor Mrs Denise Joy, Church Warden of the Parish of All Saints with St Philip, Maidstone and St Stephen, Tovil.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs Blackmore, Bryant, Conyard, Cooke, Mrs Gooch, Mrs Grigg, Harper, Knatchbull, McKenna, Mortimer, Munford, Reid, Mrs Robertson, Springett, Trzebinski and Wilby.

There were no applications for dispensations.

There were no disclosures by Members or Officers.

There were no disclosures of lobbying.

RESOLVED:  That the items on the agenda be taken in public as proposed.

The Mayor took the opportunity to acknowledge the valiant efforts of Maidstone United against Ipswich Town and Coventry City in the FA Cup fourth and fifth rounds.

There were no petitions.

Motion to be moved by Councillor Forecast, seconded by Councillor Hastie:

That pursuant to Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, Alessia Russo, as a person of distinction, be hereby admitted to be an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Maidstone.

It was moved by Councillor Forecast, seconded by Councillor Hastie, supported by Councillors Russell, English, Cox, S Thompson, Cleator, Coates, Webb, Harwood, Riordan, J Sams, Rose, Cannon and J Wilkinson and:

RESOLVED:  That pursuant to Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, Alessia Russo, as a person of distinction, be hereby admitted to be an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Maidstone.

Alessia Russo then signed the Roll of Honorary Freemen, witnessed by the Mayor and the Chief Executive, and was presented with a Certificate of Honorary Freedom of the Borough.

Ms Russo addressed the Council expressing her appreciation of the award and her hope to continue inspiring the next generation of women’s football.

6.30 p.m. to 7.15 p.m.