Upchurch River Valley Golf Course - Customer Notice

Jenny Giles - Upchurch River Valley Golf Course

Telephone: 01634 360626
Website: www.rivervalleygolf.co.uk

Van Vandalised - Newington

Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch Ward

Crime Number: 46/132785/21

Between Sunday the 25th and Monday the 26th of July, a Berlingo van was vandalised by unknown persons in Bull Lane, Newington.

If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the relevant crime number above.

For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk

Kent Community Messaging

Temporary Road Closure - The Street, Hartlip

Kent County Council has made an order to temporarily prohibit through traffic on The Street, Hartlip from Monday 9th August 2021, with estimated completion by 17th August 2021.

The road will be closed in the general vicinity of Pope’s Hall, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.

The alternative route for any through traffic is via Hollow Lane, Lower Hartlip Road, Munns Lane, The Street and vice versa.

The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while works to install a new service are undertaken by SGN.

For information regarding the closure please contact SGN on: 0800 111999, who will be able to assist with the scope of these works.

KCC 24hr Contact Centre: 03000 418181

For details of roadworks see: https://one.network

Kent County Council - Highways, Transportation & Waste

Temporary Road Closure - Vicarage Lane, Lower Halstow

Kent County Council has made an order to temporarily prohibit through traffic on Vicarage Lane, Lower Halstow from Friday 6th August 2021, between the hours of 08:00 and 18:00, with estimated completion by 8th August 2021.

The road will be closed adjacent to number 1 and number 2 Crouch Hill Court, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.

The alternative route for any through traffic is via School Lane, The Street and vice versa.

The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while pole replacement works are undertaken by Openreach.

For information regarding the closure please contact Openreach on: 0800 023 2023, who will be able to assist with the scope of these works.

KCC 24hr Contact Centre: 03000 418181

For details of roadworks see: https://one.network

Kent County Council - Highways, Transportation & Waste

Temporary Road Closure - Church Lane, Newington

Kent County Council has made an order to temporarily prohibit through traffic on Church Lane, Newington from Monday 2nd August 2021, with estimated completion by 13th August 2021.

The road will be closed between the junctions with Iwade Road and A2 High Street, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.

The alternative route for any through traffic is via A2 High Street, Boyces Hill, Keycol Hill, Key Street Roundabout, Sheppey Way, Stickfast Lane, Iwade Road and vice versa.

The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while ducting works are undertaken by Openreach.

For information regarding the closure please contact Openreach on: 0800 023 2023, who will be able to assist with the scope of these works.

KCC 24hr Contact Centre: 03000 418181

For details of roadworks see: https://one.network

Kent County Council - Highways, Transportation & Waste

NEW: Pick up Your Amazon Parcels Over The Counter at Upchurch’s Co-op

Get ready to Click & Collect your parcels

Upchurch’s Co-op is now an Amazon Hub Counter pick up location.

Never miss an Amazon delivery again by choosing to have your parcel delivered to the village Co-op store at 3 The Street, Upchurch, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 7AJ.

Better still, you can also drop Amazon parcels off to us for return.

We are open from 6:00am until 10:00pm every day but advise customers to arrive no later than 9:45pm for collections in case technical issues occur.

For information about using Amazon Counter and to read about the benefits, visit >> https://amzn.to/3BDuq24

Nik

Manager - Upchurch’s Co-op

Improving NHS Services Surveys: Wheelchairs, Community Equipment and Technology Enabled Care Services

We always want to improve our services and make sure they work well for everyone who uses them.

We want to know what works well, and how can we improve what doesn’t work so well for people that have experience of the NHS Kent and Medway wheelchair service, the NHS and council community equipment services and the technology enabled care services.

Our aim is for the NHS, councils and other partners to work better together which could benefit and improve each of these services to meet people’s needs, increase independence and improve people’s quality of life.

We need to understand people’s experience of these services and hear the views and knowledge from people who have access to these services. So we invite people who have used any of these services directly or as a family member, carer, charity, advocate or as a professional stakeholder - to take part in the online surveys below.

The surveys are short - so won’t take long, and if you use one or more of the services we would appreciate it if you complete a survey for each of the services you have used.

The surveys start on 20th July and will close on 15th September 2021.

Wheelchair Service Survey: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/wheelchair

Community Equipment Service Survey: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/communityequip

Technology Enabled Care Service Survey: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/techcare

If you would prefer a printed copy or an easy read version or would like to give feedback over the telephone, please Email your request to: kmccg.engage@nhs.net

Please feel free to share this message and our website with others who you think may be interested in taking part as we would like to hear from as many people as possible across Kent and Medway.

Thank you for your continued support and feedback.

Ray Kemsley

On behalf of NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group

Emergency Road Closure - Mill Lane, Hartlip

It will be necessary to close Mill Lane, Hartlip from Wednesday 21st July 2021 for up to 8 days.

The road will be closed outside 2 Mill Cottages.

The alternative route is via Hartlip Hill, Lower Hartlip Road and Munns Lane.

This is to enable water mains repairs to be carried out by Southern Water.

KCC 24hr Contact Centre: 03000 418181

For details of roadworks see: www.kenttraffic.info

Kent County Council - Highways, Transportation & Waste

Swale Borough Council - Leader Statement on End of Restrictions

Councillor Roger Truelove.

Following the ending of most restrictions brought in to combat the spread of Covid-19, the leader of Swale Borough Council is calling for people to use their common sense to keep each other safe.

 

Cllr Roger Truelove, leader of the council, said:

 

“We have to recognise that the Government has removed practically all of the regulations introduced to stop the spread of the Covid virus.

 

“However, we are acutely conscious that infection rates are rising rapidly, so that our latest figures for Swale were reported at 285 per 100,000 yesterday, and continue to rise.

 

“In many settings we need people to use their common sense and maintain the need for social distancing, wearing masks and following good hygiene practices.

 

“Whilst there are no enforcement powers, we know that many businesses will continue to request people take sensible precautions and I urge people to follow them as they are in place to protect their staff and customers. There is also a vital need to continue with good practice in health settings.

 

“We all need to stay cautious, not just for ourselves but for each other, and remember whether immunised or not, many people remain extremely vulnerable to this virus.”

Swale Borough Council

Covid-19: Moving to STEP 4 from 19th July

The video might not be visible in our Email version of this post.

If not, you can watch it here: https://bit.ly/2VYztdd

STEP 4

From today, England will move to the next step of the roadmap.

Everyone should be cautious while managing the risks as cases of Covid-19 remain high.

Find out more at: www.gov.uk/coronavirus

#Coronavirus | #Covid_19 

Upchurch Matters

Update from NHS Kent and Medway CCG: Wearing a Face Covering

While the Government is lifting restrictions on Monday (19th July), it has asked that everyone continues to act carefully and remain cautious in their approach to everyday life.

That is especially true for healthcare services; where some patients don’t have as much immunity to the virus as others.

NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group’s Chief Nurse Paula Wilkins said:

“The virus has not gone away and we must do all we can to protect patients and staff from it and keep it under control.’’

All healthcare settings in Kent and Medway will keep the current infection prevention and control (IP&C) measures that are already in place.

That means:

• Masks will still need to be worn by patients, visitors, staff and anyone else entering a healthcare setting (unless you are medically exempt) - this includes hospitals, clinics and GP practices.

• Masks will also continue to be worn by healthcare staff entering a patient’s home.

• Social distancing will remain - both in waiting rooms and in wards beyond 19th July.

• A flow of fresh air will be encouraged in all healthcare buildings.

• Some restrictions managing visitor numbers may still apply - this may vary depending on space available and other service specific issues, hospitals will provide clear information on any visiting restrictions.

• You may need to have your temperature taken when you go into a healthcare setting.

Each healthcare provider may have further local approaches to keep people safe, so please check on site for these.

We understand this may be frustrating for some people who do not wish to wear a mask or socially distance, but this is for the benefit of everyone; please don’t abuse NHS staff who are here to protect and care for patients and their loved ones.

Paula said: 

“Please remember that having both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine offers the best protection against the virus; it is, however, still possible to contract Coronavirus, so anything we can do to protect each other and ourselves remains vitally important. We know that having two doses also decreases household transmission by up to half.’’

• Please continue to regularly wash your hands or use hand sanitiser, avoid touching your face if you can and remember not to get too close to people - hands, face, space.

• Continue to regularly self-test; free kits are available from www.nhs.uk

• Make sure you self-isolate if you show symptoms, test positive or are contacted by Test and Trace. From 16th August, this changes for people who are fully vaccinated - visit Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If anyone hasn’t yet been vaccinated, it is really quick and easy to grab a jab.

1. Use the national booking service at Book or manage your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination - NHS (www.nhs.uk) or phone 119.

2. If you don’t want to book, there are dozens of walk-in centres across Kent and Medway offering vaccinations at a time and place to suit you. Find out more here: Vaccination walk-in clinics: Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group (kentandmedwayccg.nhs.uk)

Find out more about the NHS position on face coverings here

NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group

Vehicle Damaged - Newington

Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch Ward

Crime Number: 46/123779/21

On Saturday the 10th of July around 22:02, somebody damaged a Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet parked in the road by moving it along the road.

The police are continuing their enquiries.

If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the relevant crime number above.

For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk

Kent Community Messaging

Upchurch Parish Council Report - June 2021

Report of the Parish Council June 2021

Cllr Tyrone Ripley (Chairman), Cllr John Arnold (Vice Chairman), Cllr John Bodycomb, Cllr Pam Denny, Cllr Alan Horton, Cllr Gerry Lewin, Cllr Gary Rosewell and Cllr Neil Sheppard. Clerk Mrs Wendy Licence

Defibrillator

The defibrillator has been removed from The Three Sisters, the pub is being redecorated and a new site needs to be found for the defibrillator.

The Council is extremely grateful to the landlord of The Three Sisters for having the defibrillator at the pub, this has been an important service to the village and greatly appreciated.

 

Highways and Street Lighting

The contractor is confident the remainder of the lights will be completed week beginning 19th July. A certificate of work will need to be completed and there will be further paperwork. The streetlights need to be labelled in case of an accident. A UMS Certificate will be obtained.

 

Footpaths

The Council had applied many times for a kissing gate to be installed at the footpath opposite Bradshaw Close. The landowner agreed to this and KCC PROW has installed kissing gates at both ends. Councillors are grateful to the landowner for agreeing to the gate which will make the footpath more accessible.

 

The Queen's Platinum Jubliee Beacons 2^nd June 2022

Councillors have agreed to take part in the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Beacons in 2022. A subcommittee will progress the plans for the event.

 

Planning

i) Ref: 21/502543/FULL 

Address: 18 The Poles Upchurch Sittingbourne Kent ME9 7EX.

Proposal: Erection of a single storey front extension to form wet room.

Councillors considered the application and had supported the proposal.

 

ii) Ref: 21/502694/FULL

Address: 76 Wallbridge Lane Upchurch Gillingham Kent ME8 7XH.

Proposal: Section 73 - Application for minor material amendment to approved plans condition 2 (to allow small increase in footprint of ground floor and internal layout alterations) pursuant to 19/503930/FULL for - Erection of a detached two storey, 3 bedroom house with associated car parking at 76 Wallbridge Lane, Upchurch, Kent.

Councillors considered the application and had no further comment to make save that the views of neighbours be taken into account.

 

iii) Ref: 21/503136/ADV

Address: Suzuki (Medway) Rainham London Road Rainham Gillingham Kent ME8 8PT.

Proposal: Advertisement consent for 1no. internally illuminated folded aluminium freestanding double sided 'Suzuki' totem sign, 2no. internally illuminated folded aluminium 'Suzuki Medway' fascia signs, 1no. non illuminated folded aluminium freestanding single sided 'Welcome' totem sign, and 2no. non illuminated free standing directional signs.

Councillors considered the application and had no comments to make.

 

This is a precis of Council business; full minutes of all meetings can be found on the website when ratified.

 

Date of next meetings:

The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 18^th August at 7:30pm in the Small Hall of the Village Hall.

Full Council - Thursday 2^nd September at 7:30pm in Upchurch Village Hall.

 

All residents are welcome to attend the meetings and there is a time for members of the public to comment, raise concerns or ask questions.

Wendy Licence - Clerk to the Parish Council

Tel: 01622 739324

Email: clerkupc@outlook.com

Website: www.upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk

The Rivers Restaurant Open Day at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course

Jenny Giles - Upchurch River Valley Golf Course

Telephone: 01634 360626

Email: rivers@rivervalleygolf.co.uk
Website: www.rivervalleygolf.co.uk

Swale Councillors Vote to Support New Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill

Councillors have voted unanimously to support the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill, which has been presented to the House of Commons.

At the last council meeting (23rd June), following a speech by the newly appointed climate and ecological emergency cabinet member Cllr Tim Valentine, councillors voted unanimously to support the new bill.

The bill requires the Government to draw up a strategy to meet our commitments under the Paris agreement to cut carbon emissions to halt the degradation and loss of nature and to restore soils and habitats.

Cllr Tim Valentine, cabinet member for the climate emergency at the council, said:

“Last December the Government announced a new target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 78% by 2035 and a 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution.

“The new Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill requires the Government to draw up a strategy to turn this ambition into climate action.

“We declared a climate and ecological emergency here at the council in June 2019 and our action plan outlines steps we will take to reduce our carbon emissions and restore nature across the borough by 2030.

“We are doing all we can, however, as a borough council, we need support and funding from the Government to reach our goals. For example, by insulating homes and investing in better, cleaner public transport.

“We committed to call on the Government to provide the powers and resources we need to reach our 2030 target, and that is exactly what we are doing by supporting the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill.

“At the current Government targets, the planet only has a 50 per cent chance of limiting global warming by 1.5 degrees Celsius. This is just not enough.

“We are calling on the Government to pass the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill and make good on its promise to significantly reduce emissions.

“With the proper funding and support, local councils and organisations around the country can make the leaps and strides needed to meet the targets that humanity needs.”

To find out more about the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill, visit www.ceebill.uk/bill

For more information about Swale Council’s actions to tackle the Climate and Ecological Emergency, visit www.swale.gov.uk/cee-update

Changes to Upchurch Surgery Times on Wednesday 21st July

Dr Supriya Das & Dr Lakshmi Subbiah

Upchurch Surgery will be closed on the afternoon and evening of Wednesday 21st July but will be open between 10:00am until 1:00pm instead.

Sorry for any inconvenience.

Please call NHS 111 if you require urgent medical care.

Ray Kemsley

Chair - Surgery Patient Participation Group - Upchurch & Rainham

Latest POLICE.UK Crime Data for the Area - May 2021

Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch

A brief summary of crime information for the past 2 months.

60 crimes are shown on the map in May 2021 including:

3 Anti-social Behaviour

2 Burglary

9 Criminal Damage and Arson

3 Drugs

3 Other Theft
6 Public Order

1 Shoplifting

5 Vehicle Crime
27 Violence and Sexual Offences
1 Other Crime

33 crimes were shown on the map in April 2021.

Not all crime that occurs is shown on the map.

Please visit: www.police.uk for more information including outcomes for these crimes and contact information for your local policing team.

Lower Halstow and Iwade

A brief summary of crime information for the past 2 months.

38 crimes are shown on the map in May 2021 including:

13 Anti-social Behaviour

1 Burglary
4 Criminal Damage and Arson

1 Other Theft

4 Public Order

1 Shoplifting

14 Violence and Sexual Offences

25 crimes were shown on the map in April 2021.

Not all crime that occurs is shown on the map.

Please visit: www.police.uk for more information including outcomes for these crimes and contact information for your local policing team.

Upchurch Matters

UpARA - July 2021 Newsletter

Hello All,

With the end of restrictions upon us, this Email is to inform everyone of what we are planning from now on.

This Friday as you know we have our Friday Walk setting off from Riverside Country Park, and, (for the last time), we need you to let us know if you are coming.

On Tuesday, 20th at 2:00pm there will be the normal monthly session of Petanque at the side of the Golf Course driving range alongside Oak Lane. We have had record numbers taking part over the last month or two - just turn up if you wish to take part...

Wednesday, 21st July, is the date that Weekly Line Dancing sessions are commencing. This will now be for one hour, starting at 10:30am, and will be beginners line dancing, (for beginners and those that may have got a bit rusty...).

The following week we will be re-commencing bi-monthly Coffee Mornings, Art and Table Tennis and weekly Soft Tennis; and then in August our regular monthly Friday meetings, and Monday afternoon Kurling sessions.

Ten Pin Bowling will not restart until after the school holidays.

We are unsure about Pilates at present and will confirm with all in due course.

Initially, we will mail out when each activity restarts as a reminder to all; we don't expect that everything will necessarily resume at the same time or days or format as we left it back in March 2020, and there may be some changes.

Our first Monthly Meeting is on Friday, 13th August and our speaker is Guy Bartlett with a talk on the Battle of Britain (which was originally scheduled to coincide with the 80th anniversary last year).

On the same night, we are celebrating with our BreakOut Party with live entertainment. Those who have booked a place on the original date at the beginning of July will have received a mail confirming the change, please let us know if you can no longer attend the date. There are still a few places if any members who have not booked, wish to party with us, please Email: uparaupchurch@gmail.com There will be a table plan to ensure people can sit with friends etc. More info nearer the time...

Our first trip, to Oxford, leaves on 17th August and Malcolm has many more planned, see the link below.

We will have more to say in the coming weeks as things settle down and the committee has had a chance to meet, (our first in-person committee meeting for a long while takes place on Monday). We have a number of plans, and we will also be asking for your help to help us go forward.

One question we are asking at the moment is whether anyone would be interested in Ballroom Dancing Lessons - if you do, let us know and if there is enough potential support, we can take it further. 

We have tried to keep the website up to date as much as we can: www.upara.club

Please click on the links below to view the calendar, and the outing and speaker lists that are currently in our plans:

UpARA - Calendar

UpARA - Outings & Holidays

UpARA - Speakers

Regards and hopefully see you all soon

Your UpARA Committee

New Kissing Gates Make Village Footpath More Accessible

New footpath kissing gates have been installed at both entrances to the field in Chaffes Lane, opposite Bradshaw Close.

The field is the first section of footpath ZR 23 that runs from Chaffes Lane to Holywell Lane.

Parish councillors raised concerns on behalf of a resident who highlighted the previous stiles had made the footpath inaccessible to all but the fittest.

Upchurch Parish Council wishes to thank the landowner and KCC public rights of way for their prompt action and for kindly giving consent to make the footpath more accessible.

Upchurch Matters

Upchurch Parish Council - Notice of Vacancy

NOTICE is hereby given that a vacancy has occurred in the membership of the above Parish Council.

Under the Local Government Act 1972, ten electors can petition for an election by writing to the Proper Officer at Swale Borough Council, Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne, ME10 3HT within 14 working days of the date of this Notice.

If no petition is received within that time period, the Parish Council will fill the vacancy by co-opting a person onto the parish council.

Persons wishing to be considered for this appointment should apply in writing to the Clerk to the Parish Council as soon as possible at the following address:-

Mrs Wendy Licence

Upchurch Parish Council

14 Trapfield Close

Bearsted

Maidstone

ME14 4HT

Or by Email to: clerkupc@outlook.com

Dated this 6th day of May 2021

Wendy Licence - Clerk to the Parish Council

SGN Gas Network Upgrade - Roadworks in Lower Rainham Road, Otterham Quay Lane, Wallbridge Lane and Oak Lane

Dear Stakeholder,

We are writing to let you know about our project to upgrade our gas network. We are replacing our old metal gas mains and services with new plastic pipe. This essential work will ensure your community continues to receive a safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come.

In consultation with Medway and Kent County Council, our contractor, WCB Utilities will start work on Monday 26th July for approximately 9 weeks. We will be working in the following roads, some of which will overlap.

26th July - 20th August

Our engineers will start work in Lower Rainham Road. To access our network of pipes safely, it will be necessary to close the road between property 786 and the rear of property 21, then onto the junction with Otterham Quay Lane. Access will be maintained for residents and a diversion will be in place via Station Road, High Street and Otterham Quay Lane.

9th August - 3rd September

We will be working in Otterham Quay Lane between the junction with Lower Rainham Road and the junction with Horsham Lane. This road will be closed for the duration of the work. We will also need to close Horsham Lane at the junction with Otterham Quay Lane from Monday 16th August until Monday 6th September. Access will be available for residents and a diversion in place.

23rd August - 4th October

Work will start in Wallbridge Lane between the junction of Otterham Quay Lane and the junction with Oak Lane from Monday 23rd August until Monday 27th September. The road will be closed to ensure the safety of our workforce and the community. We will also be working in Oak Lane, which will remain open. Access for all residents will be maintained and a diversion will be in place.

We understand that people can get frustrated by roadworks. Therefore, we would only close a road if it was unsafe to keep it open.

We’re working closely with the UK Government and public health bodies to make sure we work in line with expert advice during the pandemic. We have extra safety precautions in place to protect our colleagues and our communities from catching or spreading the virus as we carry out our safety-critical project. There’s more information about our coronavirus response on our website: sgn.co.uk/coronavirus

We’re writing to residents and other local stakeholders to make them aware of our project and explain the details of our work. Please feel free to also share this information with anyone you think may be impacted by our project.

Kind regards

Sharon Dorrington

Stakeholder and Community Manager

SGN Gas

Help Medway Maritime Hospital Create a Patient Experience Strategy

Are you working in Medway or Swale?

Have you been a patient here at Medway Maritime Hospital?

Can you be the voice of the people who use your services who have also been a patient here at the hospital?

If the answer is yes, then we need your help!

We are currently creating our patient experience strategy here at Medway Maritime Hospital and we are looking for people in our community who would be interested in being part of our focus groups to help shape this going forward.

We want to hear about your experiences but focus on what a good experience looks like so that we co-design a strategy that has a vision for the Trust to improve the patient experience.

Below are the dates (you would be required to attend one of the following):

Tuesday 20th July, 9:30am to 11:30am - at the Hospital Lecture Theatre

Friday 23rd July, 9:30am to 11:30am - to be held online

We would love for you to take part!

If you would like to be part of this or have further questions, please Email me.

Many thanks

Sophie Cawsey

Communications and Engagement Officer - Medway NHS Foundation Trust

Email: sophie.cawsey@nhs.net                     

Website: www.medway.nhs.uk

Reopening of the Rivers Restaurant at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course

Jenny Giles - Upchurch River Valley Golf Course

Telephone: 01634 360626
Website: www.rivervalleygolf.co.uk