All those present stood in silence for one minute in memory of Sapper Mark Smith of 36 Engineer Regiment and Sapper Ishwor Gurung of 69 Gurkha Field Squadron who had died while serving in Afghanistan.

It was noted that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Barned, Mrs Gooch, Parr, Paterson, Pickett, Sellar and Sharp.

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.

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meeting of the Borough Council held on 23 June 2010 be approved as a correct record and signed.

The Mayor said that he had no announcements other than that both he and the Deputy Mayor had been very busy during the summer.  However, he would like to take the opportunity to welcome Mr Jimmy Corbin DFC, his family, friends and colleagues from the RAF and Air Crew Associations and the Honorary Freemen of the Borough who were also present to the meeting.

There were no petitions.

There were no questions from members of the public.

(a)  Leader of the Council

(b)  Cabinet Members

(c)  Chairmen of Overview and Scrutiny Committees

(d)  Chairmen of other Committees

There were no questions from Members of the Council.

That pursuant to Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972,

William James Corbin DFC, in recognition of his eminent service to the Borough, be hereby admitted to be an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Maidstone.

It was moved by Councillor Daley, seconded by Councillor Garland, supported by Councillor FitzGerald and:-

RESOLVED:  That pursuant to Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, William James Corbin DFC, in recognition of his eminent service to the Borough, be hereby admitted to be an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Maidstone.

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

6.00 p.m. to 6.45 p.m.