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Medway’s free parking Monday scheme is set to come to an end after Monday, 9th October 2023.
The scheme was put in place following Medway’s budget meeting in February, but unfortunately, it is no longer feasible to continue offering free parking on a Monday.
The last Monday motorists will be able to park for free in the 10 specified car parks will be on 9th October 2023. After this date, normal parking charges apply.
The 10 car parks are:
Chatham - The Brook and St. John’s
Rochester - Blue Boar Lane and The Cathedral
Gillingham - Littlewoods and Balmoral Gardens
Rainham - Longley Road and The Cricketers
Strood - Temple Street and Commercial Road
Cllr Tris Osborne, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder covering Parking Enforcement, said:
“Unfortunately, due to the challenging financial situation we have found the council in, we are no longer able to continue the free parking Monday scheme that was introduced in April.
“We recently announced that we would have to make some difficult decisions which least impact our most critical services.”
Medway Council
Your Medway: Your Future: Your Say
Everyone with an interest in Medway’s future is being encouraged to have their say on a document which will help guide how Medway develops up to 2040.
This is the public’s opportunity to have their say on Medway’s future by commenting on the emerging Local Plan.
Medway Council’s vision is to establish Medway as a significant place for high quality urban regeneration with strong connections to its surrounding coast and countryside; with a thriving economy, where residents enjoy a good quality of life and health, and there is a clear strategy for addressing climate change and strengthening natural assets.
The government has set mandatory house building targets for all councils in the country to meet national housing demand. Medway is currently required to deliver 1,667 new homes each year between now and 2040 - a total of nearly 28,500 homes.
Through the Local Plan, Medway Council will be ensuring that it delivers sustainable communities for the future.
Local authorities are required, by law, to have a Local Plan in place. Without one, it is difficult for councils to challenge planning applications that may not be in the best interests for their area, or residents, and result in unsustainable, unsuitable piecemeal development without supporting facilities or infrastructure.
But Medway’s Local Plan is about much more than just building houses. It also ensures the council has a plan which focuses on ensuring appropriate infrastructure is in place and protecting the environment. The plan, when adopted, will identify areas where development could take place and where it should be restricted. It also includes employment and considers better access to green spaces, including parks and play areas.
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Vince Maple, said:
“We are encouraging Medway’s residents, businesses, people who work in the area, young people, voluntary sector organisations and anyone with an interest in Medway’s future to have their say on our emerging Local Plan. We want Medway’s residents to help shape this important blueprint which will ensure Medway grows sustainably.
“The Local Plan covers a wide range of topics including employment, the environment, communities, infrastructure and homes and this is your opportunity to have your say on the blueprint for Medway’s future up to 2040.
“I would encourage residents to find out more about the emerging Local Plan and have their say by visiting our website, attending one of the consultation events in October or by visiting your local library.”
Medway Council is committed to getting a new Local Plan in place for autumn 2025.
Have Your Say
Everyone is invited to come along and find out more about the emerging Local Plan at a series of consultation events which will be held throughout October, details will be announced soon.
Members of the public can have their say until 11:59pm on Tuesday, 31st October. The consultation document is available on the council’s website and printed copies are available to view at Medway libraries.
To find out more, and have your say, visit: www.medway.gov.uk/FutureMedway
Medway Council
Click poster to enlarge.
23rd to 27th October 2023
Booking is essential and is taken on a first come first served basis, please use Arbor to book if your child attends Holywell.
Holywell Primary School
Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch Ward
Crime Number: 46/172662/23
On Monday the 25th of September, between 14:30 and 17:00, somebody damaged a fence in Meresborough Lane,
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
Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch Ward
38 crimes are shown on the map in July 2023 including:
5 Anti-social Behaviour
1 Burglary
5 Criminal Damage and Arson
2 Drugs
2 Other Theft
1 Possession of Weapons
3 Public Order
1 Shoplifting
3 Vehicle Crime
14 Violence and Sexual Offences
1 Other Crime
42 crimes were shown on the map in June 2023.
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
Jenny Giles - Upchurch River Valley Golf CourseTelephone: 01634 360626
Swale Borough Council has published an action plan setting out how it will work to improve air quality across the borough.
The new Air Quality Action Plan outlines what the council will deliver between 2023 and 2028 to reduce concentrations of air pollutants and people’s exposure to air pollution.
The council takes the issue of air pollution very seriously as it causes health issues such as being a factor in the onset of cancer and heart disease.
The plan will have a positive impact on the quality of life and the health of residents and visitors to Swale.
Some new measures include:
• More car clubs and bike hire schemes
• Installation of more electric vehicle charging points
• Anti-idling campaigns
• Campaigns to educate the public about air pollution
• Improving walking and cycling infrastructure
The council will also work with Kent County Council to improve bus services and public transport infrastructure and improve traffic flow through Swale’s Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA).
Air Quality Management Areas in East Street and Teynham have seen marked improvements in air quality, with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs recommending their AQMA statuses be revoked.
East Street and Teynham have been compliant with the minimum readings for air pollutants for four and five years respectively but will continue to be monitored closely when their AQMA statuses are revoked.
The Action Plan offers a look into the evidence used and explains the decision-making process behind measures being implemented within their powers.
Cllr Rich Lehmann, chair of the Environment Committee, said:
“The health of our residents is of utmost importance to us,
“And this Air Quality Action Plan outlines the efforts we are going to take to improve the air quality of Swale.
“We are pleased to see some improvements but will remain vigilant and continue to monitor air pollution levels across the borough, including the areas which DEFRA have insisted we revoke the Air Quality Management Area status for.
“There is still work to be done, and this action plan shows how we will reach our important health targets.”
Swale Borough Council
Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch Ward
Crime Number: 46/167286/23
On Sunday the 17th of September, around 00:07, somebody stole a red Jaguar X Type, OU19***, from a driveway 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
Cubs - preparing young people with skills for life
Cubs has moved to Monday evenings from 7:00pm - 8:15pm.
We currently have spaces for girls and boys ages 8 - 10½ years.
Our mission
Scouting actively engages and supports young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
Come and begin your adventure!
Darren Hatcher
Upchurch Scout Group
Dear Upchurch,
Again, your generosity was a delight to behold.
Lots of you dropped off your gifts this month, and we were able to give £50 to the foodbank, which was donated by a few people.
You are a real blessing to those in need. You filled 3 trolleys, and under Rev. Julian's direction, we gave 2 bags away to someone in immediate need.
See the photo above, which also shows the lovely Esther, who runs Swale Foodbank and her colleague.
God bless you all ❤️
I will be collecting your donations for Swale Foodbank again next month at the bus stop opposite the church on Wednesday the 4th of October, between 10:30am and 11:30am.
Can I also remind you that the Rainbow Café opens again on Thursday the 14th of September, starting at 2:00pm in St Mary's Church.
We will have delicious cakes, savouries, and the same wonderful kid's snack deal of 5 items for £1.
As before, some of our income will be helping 5 children in Uganda go to school.
Please come and support us - which you will do by eating our delicious wares!
Gill Gay - Foodbank Co-ordinator
Choral Singing Workshop
Saturday 16th September
Join Upchurch Choral Society for a day of choral singing and learn some beautiful music in the wonderful surroundings of our medieval church under the leadership of Vicki Stilwell, a professional soprano, singing teacher and founder member of Sonare
The day will start at 10:00am and finish around 4:00pm. The cost is £10 for UCS members and £12 for non-members. An informal performance of the music learned will be at 3:30pm.
Members of the audience will be charged £2 - thank you.
Parking is available at Holywell School.
All are welcome!
For further details and an application form, contact UCS Secretary Sue Rossiter.
Upchurch Matters
A new pot of funding to support rural communities and businesses has been launched by Swale Borough Council.
Eligible organisations are being encouraged to put forward small capital investment projects that support growth and carbon reduction measures, or which help develop the local visitor economy.
Cllr Monique Bonney, chair of the council’s regeneration and property committee, said:
“We want to support schemes that improve the environmental and financial sustainability of rural businesses through carbon reduction measures or, that help safeguard or increase rural employment.
“These grants can help give a boost to our distinctive rural communities, offering new funding opportunities for projects that specifically address rural needs.”
Using money from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, the Rural Swale Small Business Grants scheme is focussed on projects in the wards:
• Bobbing, Iwade & Lower Halstow
• Borden & Grove Park
• Boughton and Courtenay
• East Downs
• Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch
• Sheppey Central
• Sheppey East
• Teynham and Lynsted
• West Downs
Projects outside these areas may be considered if they can show they will support local rural businesses.
Examples of schemes that can apply for funding of between £1,000 and £7,000 include:
• Investments which support carbon reduction and support the future financial and environmental sustainability of the business.
• Improving or creating business or visitor accommodation, venues and facilities that support the rural economy.
• Purchasing new equipment that supports business growth and productivity, for non-farmer owned businesses.
Applications for the Rural Swale Small Business Grants are open now with a closing date of 13th October 2023.
To find out more about the scheme, and to apply for a grant, visit: www.swale.gov.uk/rssbg
Swale Borough Council
September Show
Saturday 16th September 2023
In the Barn at the rear of 97 Chaffes Lane
Open to the public from 2:00pm
A showcase of adult and junior plants, vegetables, flowers and arts & crafts
Plants for sale
Fun auction of homegrown showcase items
Refreshments and homemade cakes for sale
Toilets
Ample free parking
Open to all new members to enter and have fun
Membership is £10 per year
For membership enquiries, email: upchurchsociety@gmail.com
Upchurch Matters
Click flyer to enlarge.
Holywell Primary School
Tel: 01634 388416
Email: office@holywell.kent.sch.uk
Website: www.holywell.kent.sch.uk
To all who would like a chat.
I have learned that since I lost my husband in February, it is essential to be in the company of others and to chat.
So, I will be trying an experiment.
I will be at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course at 2:00pm on Monday the 11th of September.
Get yourself a drink and join me there in the conservatory.
Anyone, and there are no restrictions, who would like to chat, why not come and join me?
We will meet once a month at first, and who knows, we may make it more regular.
If you know someone who needs a lift, please let me know, and I will see what I can do. If you drive, why not offer a lift to a friend or a neighbour?
So you know who I am - you may already know me from the foodbank collections, the Rainbow Café or Uplift church, which meets in Upchurch Village Hall.
I look forward to chatting with you all.
Gill Gay
Saturday 9th September between 10:00am - 11:30am
Homemade Cakes, Jams, Pickles, Scones and Savouries
Also Puzzles, Books, Bric-à-brac and sometimes Plants
Something for everyone!
Refreshments
Please help support this ancient building - Thank you
🍰 🍓 🧩 📚 🎨 🪴 ☕️ ➕
Upchurch Matters
Jeannette McAlpin
Jeannette McAlpin of Crosier Court, Upchurch, died peacefully at home in the presence of her loved ones on Wednesday, the 30th of August.
She was a much-loved wife, mother, nan, sister, aunt and good friend to all who knew her.
Jeannette's funeral will take place at 12 noon on Wednesday, the 20th of September, at Garden of England Crematorium, Sheppey Way, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 8GZ.
A wake will be held at The Crown, 9 The Street, Upchurch, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 7EU.
Thank you
Jim McAlpin
