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A programme to support people struggling to feed their families and pay their bills has reopened across the borough.
Swale Borough Council has received more than £500,000 from Kent County Council’s (KCC) Household Support Fund to help households access food boxes, get vouchers to pay their electric, gas and water bills, and buy items needed to keep warm until March 2024.
The money is being used to support organisations within the local community who have been on the ground helping people navigate the cost-of-living crisis.
Swale Foodbank, Children and Families, Faversham Food Bank and Diversity House will be providing emergency food parcels.
West Faversham Community Association will be providing meals to the young people visiting their youth hub and Age UK will be delivering hot meals and shopping to pensioners.
The council’s fuel and water home advisor and Citizens Advice Swale will be providing Fuel Bank Foundation fuel vouchers to people with pre-paid meters as well as advice and support. Children and Families will be providing Mastercard vouchers for people with billed utility accounts.
Cllr Richard Palmer, chair of the community committee at the council, said:
“We were able to support almost 6,000 local households with the previous round of funding over winter.
“Unfortunately, just because the weather has improved it doesn’t mean people are finding it any easier to make ends meet.
“We’ll be continuing to work with our partners in the voluntary and community sector who have been doing a tremendous job of reaching those who need the help most.”
Cllr Elliott Jayes, vice chair of the community committee at the council, said:
“The local organisations have done an amazing job reaching out to find and support people who are struggling with the cost of living.
“We can’t thank them enough for the work they’re doing, and we’re lucky to be working with such committed and hardworking partners.
“We’re committed to continuing the great work that has already taken place and supporting those most in need.”
Swale Borough Council
Waste carriers were targeted last week as part of a day of action to crackdown on fly-tipping.
Swale Borough Council teamed up with Kent Police’s Rural Task Force to carry out enquiries and collate evidence with a view to prosecuting offenders for waste related crimes.
Outcomes of the day were:
• 4 vehicles stopped and searched
• 3 Fixed Penalty Notices issued
Cllr Rich Lehmann, chair of the Environment Committee at the council, said:
“Fly-tipping is something that affects us all. Dumping waste in our towns and across our countryside is irresponsible and thoughtless.
“Although the low rates being offered by some carriers may seem like a cheap and easy way to clear your waste, it could land you with a large fine.
“Remember, if using a waste carrier, it’s your responsibility to make sure they’re licensed. If any illegally carried or dumped waste leads back to you, you could receive a £400 FPN.
“Always ask to see a waste carriers license before using them.”
More and more of these action days are taking place across the county. A tremendous amount of preparation takes place ahead of these days, including the gathering of vital intelligence to support the Council’s Enforcement team with their duties.
What can you do to dispose of your waste responsibly?
Fly-tippers often target households via social media or local advertising, luring customers in with cheap rates to dispose of unwanted furniture, building rubble or garden waste. However, these unlicensed waste carriers often simply dump the waste wherever they can get away with it, including in Kent’s country lanes.
Householders or small businesses found to be using criminals to dispose of their waste can and are being prosecuted by local authorities in Kent with fixed penalty notices that go up to £400 per offence. Failure to pay such an FPN may result in court action where fines can be significantly larger.
To prevent this, householders should check whether someone is licenced to carry waste by visiting the Environment Agency website below, or alternatively call: 03708 506506.
It also helps if householders receive a written receipt or transfer note, including contact details, description of waste removed and details of where the waste is being taken to.
The 13 Kent councils, along with Kent Police, are working in partnership to Keep Kent Clean.
To keep updated with the council’s efforts to tackle fly-tipping and littering, follow #KeepKentClean
Swale Borough Council
Medway Council’s new administration has set out its agenda for the next 100-days, with a key theme of providing the right support directly within communities.
Following the local election on 4th May 2023, the Labour and Co-Operative Group became the leading party responsible for the running of Medway Council’s services.
During Medway’s Annual Council meeting on Wednesday, 24th May, Cllr Vince Maple was elected as the new Leader of Medway Council.
As well as thanking the public for their support and recognising the value of council staff providing support to residents, the new Leader of Medway Council expressed his commitment to supporting residents from all walks of life, and particularly those who need to access support services, including housing and social care.
Cllr Maple took the opportunity to outline the key areas the council would be working on during his first 100-days in post.
During his speech at the meeting, Cllr Maple, said:
“In our first 100-days, we will start the change people voted for by bringing forward a Cost of Living Plan for Medway, start to tackle the rogue landlords, bring forward recommendations to improve GP services, enhance the democracy of this council, take on the fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, reaffirm our commitment to our Armed Forces, increase the support for Medway’s small and medium businesses, work hard to ensure we make progress when the next Ofsted inspection of Children’s Services arrives, improve the way residents can interact with the council and much much more.”
Medway’s new Leader also announced the new Cabinet, who will be responsible for working towards the agenda:
• Leader Cllr Vince Maple - In charge of Finance and Strategic Overview
• Deputy Leader Teresa Murray - In charge of Health and Adults’ Services
• Cllr Adam Price - Children’s Services
• Cllr Tracy Coombs - Education
• Cllr Naushabah Khan - Housing and Property
• Cllr Simon Curry - Climate Change and Strategic Regeneration
• Cllr Lauren Edwards - Economic Regeneration and Inward Investment
• Cllr Tris Osborne - Community Safety and Enforcement
• Cllr Harinder Mahil - Heritage, Culture and Leisure
• Cllr Zoe Van Dyke - Business Management
Cabinet members will also be working with services across the council on a number of other projects including introducing a new neighbourhood warden for each ward, new parks and improved access to green spaces, regenerating Medway’s high streets and creating 1,000 new jobs in Medway by 2027, as well as on climate change, social care provision and better supporting schools.
To kick start the 100-day plan, Cllr Maple and members of the Cabinet will be supporting Volunteers’ Week from 1st to 7th June - a national campaign thanking everyone who contributes their time to make a difference in their communities - and visiting voluntary organisations across Medway.
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Maple, said:
“I am privileged to have been elected and am proud to be representing Medway. I’ve lived nearly all my life in Medway since moving here when my Dad served in the Royal Navy, I was educated in Medway and I’m proud to call Medway home. Everything I have set out during our 100-day plan, and that I hope to achieve over our four-year term, is to help and benefit Medway residents.
“I am looking forward to getting out in the community meeting and working for our residents as the Leader of Medway Council, as well as developing closer relationships with Medway’s partner organisations to achieve more for Medway.”
The full list of ward councillors, Cabinet members and representatives on committees will be updated on our website, at: www.medway.gov.uk/councillor
Medway Council
The Six Benefice congregations will be joined by different Christian churches at an open air Pentecost Ecumenical Communion and Picnic on Whit Sunday, the 28th of May.
Reverend Amanda Lane and Reverend Nick Carpenter will lead the service at the orchard next to St Mary the Virgin Newington, beginning at 10:30am.
All are welcome from across the benefice for this service, followed by a picnic to enjoy after, spending time in this lovely setting.
Please bring your own picnic food, drinks and chairs.
Elizabeth Shorthouse
Jenny Giles - Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
Telephone: 01634 360626
Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch Ward
Crime Number: 46/88928/23
On Wednesday the 17th of May, at around 05:30, somebody stole a grey BMW, KX58***, from a driveway in Playstool Road, Newington.
Crime Number: 46/88462/23
On Wednesday the 10th of May, between 15:30 and 16:00, somebody stole keys from the driveway of a residential property in Woodruff Close, Upchurch.
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
Newington History Group would like members and guests to share their memories and memorabilia from the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 at their meeting in Newington Village Hall on Thursday, the 25th of May 2023, at 7:00pm.
Admission is £3 for non-members and includes refreshments. There is free parking at the hall.
The history group actively seeks to unearth, preserve and promote the heritage of Newington and neighbouring areas, and meets monthly on the 4th Thursday of the month.
Call: 01795 842711
UpARA Chairman John Wishart presented fundraiser Elspeth Baecke with a cheque for £3,000 towards their chosen charity, St Mary's Church - Bell Tower Restoration Fund, at their monthly meeting on Friday the 19th of May 2023.
The association's fundraising events have raised £5,000 this year for worthy causes, including the DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake and Ukraine Humanitarian Appeals, all thanks to its generous members.
Congratulations to UpARA members and the committee for another super year of fundraising!
Members had their Birthday Party in Upchurch Village Hall to look forward to after their guest speaker and AGM.
Congratulations and Happy Birthday, UpARA 🎉
Upchurch Matters
Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch Ward
Crime Number: 46/87376/23
On Tuesday the 28th of March at around 22:30, somebody damaged a commercial property in Otterham Quay Lane, Upchurch.
Crime Number: 46/87603/23
On Friday the 12th of May at around 16:02, somebody broke into a commercial property in Otterham Quay Lane, Upchurch.
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
It will be necessary to close part of Breach Lane, Upchurch from Monday 19th June 2023, with estimated completion by 23rd June 2023, between the hours of 22:00 and 05:00.Breach Lane, Upchurch will be closed in the vicinity of the railway bridge, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.
The alternative route is via Breach Lane, Forge Lane, Holywell Lane, Otterham Quay Lane, A2 Moor Street, A2 Hartlip Hill and vice versa.
The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while bridge repair works are undertaken by Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd.
For information regarding this closure, please contact Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd on: 01268 711516, 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
It will be necessary to close part of Otterham Quay Lane, Upchurch from Monday 12th June 2023, with estimated completion by 16th June 2023.Otterham Quay Lane, Upchurch will be closed in the vicinity of The Cottage, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.
The alternative route is via Horsham Lane, Forge Lane, The Street, Sheerness Road, Raspberry Hill, Old Ferry Road, The Street, Ferry Road, Sheppey Way, A2 Key Street Roundabout, A2 Keycol Hill, Boyces Hill, High Street, London Road, Hartlip Hill, London Road, Moor Street, Otterham Quay Lane and vice versa.
The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while mains fitting repair works are undertaken by Southern Water.
For information regarding this closure, please contact Southern Water on: 0333 000 0001, 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
Report of the Parish Council April 2023
Planning
I. 22/500103/REF | Outline application for up to 74no. dwellings with public open space.Cllr Rosewell reported no further information other that appeal had been granted.
II. 23/501061/FULL Pear Tree farm House. Removal of existing single storey side extension. Erection of a pitched roof two storey side extension, erection of a flat roof single storey rear extension including rooflight and alterations to front porch and fenestration. Erection of a detached double garage including re-arrangement of access.
UPC has no objections.
III. 23/501174/FULL | Demolition of existing outbuildings and erection of new building for use as a flower school in association with the existing flower business, together with associated access, parking and landscaping (resubmission of 22/502282/FULL). | Land North of Horsham Lane Upchurch Kent ME9 7AP.
Deferred to GPC & Planning committee.
Cllr Rosewell reported he will attend planning meeting 13th April for 20/505846 High Hopes Poot Lane.
Noted.
3 more planning applications received - deferred to GPC & Planning committee.
Noted.
Upchurch Parish Council Reporting
I. General Purpose & Planning Committee
Next meeting confirmed 19th April 2023.
II. Paddock and recreation ground
(a) New Play Ground equipment - quotes received from contractors with guarantee certificates. Clerk has reported additional information required on grant application - deferred to next meeting.
(b) Woodland Trail - Bat Boxes Clerk to arrange fitting quote received for £50. Proposed by Cllr Horton Seconded by Cllr Denny. Unanimous.
III. Burial Ground & Churchyard
Clerk reported that reply from Swale received regarding transfer of responsibility for the Churchyard maintenance to Swale saying no decisions will be made until after the election.
Noted.
New contract received for the landscape maintenance - it was resolved to sign and approve contract with Landscape Services. Proposed Cllr Ripley Seconded Cllr Denny. Unanimous.
Memorials approved.
Notice board has been installed at the Burial Ground. Clerk to arrange Rules & Regulation to be displayed.
Noted.
IV. Highways and street lighting
(a) EDF Clerk reported no updates reported from EDF.
Noted.
V. Footpaths
(a) Cllr Horton reported KCC has done some remedial work in Oak Lane.
(b) Street Farm path redirected. Clerk reported redirection is temporary.
Noted.
(c) UPC has noted concerns about hedgerow by Cricket Club. Clerk to contact them to ask if they have reported to KCC.
VI. Environment
(a) Village Clock reported working. Clerk to investigate with PCC regarding insurance and asset status of clock.
VII. Village Hall
(a) Village Hall committee AGM 13th April at 7:00pm.
VIII. KALC
(a) Reported that KALC representative from Swale to the Kings Garden Party was the Upchurch nominee.
Noted.
IX. Allotments
(a) Clerk reported that all allotment holders have been sent the new tenancy agreements and invoices.
(b) Water meter has been refitted.
Noted.
(c) Repairs to fence - Clerk reported still waiting for quotes to be received. Deferred to GPC & Planning committee.
X. Village Defibrillators
Cllr Palmer reported that the AED at Snaffles the hinges on the cover are damaged. Clerk to obtain quote for new cover.
Grant Application
Members resolved to approve the application from Holywell School for Coronation mugs. Proposed Cllr Lewin Seconded Cllr Rosewell.
Clerk Updates
I. Upchurch policies and documentation updates. Clerk reported all documents updated ready for adoption at the Annual Meeting in May.
II. End of financial year update, including internal audit on 3rd April 2023. Report from Internal Auditor.
Noted.
III. Society of Local Council Clerks - Clerk reported new legislation coming into effect in October 23. Report will be made at later meeting with details.
IV. Asset Register - UPC approved Asset Register.
Upchurch’s Co-op is fundraising for their chosen charity partner, Barnardo's.Win a Picnic Hamper 🧺
Enter in-store for £1 per raffle strip - Please ask a staff member at the till.
The winner will be picked on Thursday the 1st of June.
To be collected upon winning.
Good luck 🤞🏼
Please help Upchurch’s Co-op go BIG for Barnardo’s this Mental Health Awareness Week.
Thank you
Read more at: www.coop.co.uk/blog/co-op-goes-big-for-barnardos-this-mental-health-awareness-week
Sally Butcher - Member Pioneer
Holywell Primary School held our Coronation Picnic on Friday the 12th of May, in both the School Hall and Upchurch Village Hall as the weather conspired against us.
The children took part in a design a crown competition, and there was one prize for each class.
Commemorative Coronation Mugs were presented to every pupil and member of staff, which were kindly paid for by a grant from Upchurch Parish Council.
Thank you
Click the photo montage to enlarge.
Garden Parties 2023
To celebrate the Coronation of Their Majesties The King and The Queen, two Garden Parties took place in the Buckingham Palace Garden in 2023, as well as one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
The first of the annual Garden Parties took place on Wednesday the 3rd of May when The King and The Queen were accompanied by The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and The Duke of Kent.
On the day of the Garden Party, the Palace gates are open at 3:00pm, and the Party officially begins when members of the Royal Family enter the Garden at 4:00pm when the National Anthem is played by one of the two military bands present.
While the bands continue to play, members of the Royal Family circulate among the guests through 'lanes'. Each takes a different route, and random presentations are made so that everyone has an equal chance of speaking to a member of the Royal Family. Members of the Royal family then arrive at the Royal Tea Tent, where they meet further guests. Guests are free to eat, drink and stroll around the beautiful Palace Gardens.
Established during the reign of Queen Victoria, Garden Parties are an important way for members of the Royal Family to speak to a broad range of people from all walks of life, all of whom have made a positive impact in their community.
Throughout the country, an established network of sponsors is used to invite guests that include Lord-Lieutenants, societies and associations, government departments, local government, the services, the church and other faiths. They nominate guests for invitation as a way to achieve a representative cross section of the community.
A Grand Day Out
Upchurch Parish Council choose Sue Rossiter to attend and represent the parish as somebody who, over the years, has made an outstanding contribution to our village community.
Sue was accompanied on her grand day out by her husband Keith and has kindly sent us this thank you and account of their lovely afternoon spent together at the Palace Garden Party:
My husband Keith and I were privileged to visit Buckingham Palace on Wednesday the 3rd of May, to attend the first of two Garden Parties hosted by Their Majesties The King and The Queen.
Upchurch Parish Council kindly put my name forward, and lo and behold, an impressive invitation from the Office of the Lord Chamberlain arrived a month beforehand. We were very excited and invested in a new outfit each, so we looked the part.
The day was sunny, and we drove up to London and found the disabled parking allocated to us at Wellington Barracks, across the road from the Palace. Everyone looked after us, whether they were soldiers, police, or Palace members of staff. The afternoon tea was delicious and very well organised. The Gardens were immaculate, and there were two brass bands! Eight Thousand guests were there, in all their finery and array of summer dresses, hats and fascinators, lounge suits, morning dress and uniforms.
King Charles, Queen Camilla and other members of the Royal Family duly appeared on the terrace and walked down to their tea tent, stopping at times to shake hands with the guests. As there were so many of us, we couldn’t really get close, although we did see them at that stage.
Later, as Keith was in a wheelchair, he joined a row of others, and we could see members of the Royal Family as they made their way out of the garden. We spoke to Queen Camilla and Prince Edward, now Duke of Edinburgh. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, also spoke to us, and Keith was pleased to shake their hands. They were all so nice and wanted us all to have a good experience.
We certainly had a wonderful time, and we are grateful to the Parish Council for thinking of me as someone worthy enough to be chosen. I know there are many people in Upchurch who do much more than me or Keith. I like to think we proudly represented our lovely village on that day.
Sue Rossiter
Upchurch Matters
It will be necessary to close part of Munns Lane, Hartlip from Monday 19th June 2023, with estimated completion by 23rd June 2023.Munns Lane, Hartlip will be closed from the junction with Lower Hartlip Road, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.
The alternative route is Lower Hartlip Road, Hartlip Hill, Mill Lane, Munns Lane and vice versa.
The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while tree surgery and cabling works are undertaken by Openreach.
For information regarding this 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
It will be necessary to close part of Basser Hill, Lower Halstow from Thursday 29th June 2023, with estimated completion by 3rd July 2023.Basser Hill, Lower Halstow will be closed at the junction with School Lane, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.
The alternative route is School Lane, The Street, Old Ferry Road, Raspberry Hill and vice versa.
The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while repair works are undertaken by Southern Water.
For information regarding this closure, please contact Southern Water on: 0330 303 0368, 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
From 8:30pm
Free entry - Non-members welcome
