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Time to get inky at Medway Print Festival this June.
Medway Council is supporting the Medway Print Festival (MPF21) which takes place throughout June.
The festival features 27 events including workshops and exhibitions showcasing local artists’ work. Residents can also take part in online activities and live exhibitions until Wednesday, 30th June.
Medway’s Print Festival, now in its sixth year, showcases a number of exhibitions including ‘Jane Furst’ at INTRA, an Open Call, The Halpern Galleries and POP exhibition by Neil Mattingly at Nucleus Chatham and Rochester. The festival is also releasing the long awaited ‘Last Dream of my Soul’ Dickens 150 Print exhibition at Rochester Art Gallery. The Dickens exhibition brings together work from nearly 50 printmakers from across the country, and abroad, and explores death in Dickens’ life and novels, and his long association with Medway.
Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said:
“I am pleased that residents can visit and enjoy art and culture exhibitions in person, once again. Exhibitions not only bring the community together, they also celebrate local creatives and we have fantastic talent here in Medway. This summer’s events programme will shine a light on Medway’s creative spirit as it prepares to bid for UK City of Culture 2025.”
Children and young people are also invited to get involved in the festival, the free ‘Reasons to be Cheerful’ exhibit at Café Nucleus, Rochester features Disney inspired art. This supports Medway’s aspiration to become a Child-Friendly City.
Organiser Allison Young said:
“We are delighted that MPF21 can go ahead and that it includes some much needed real life events too. We are very grateful to Medway Council for their support and all the printmakers and venues that have made this possible in an uncertain year”.
To find out more about Medway Print Festival, visit: www.medwayprintfestival.com
Medway Council
This year marks the 125th anniversary of The Strand since it first opened in June 1896.
Earlier this spring, Medway Sport asked residents to send in their favourite memories of the park from years gone by.
They received lots of entries while also uncovering lots of memorabilia and moments from their own archives.
Now you can visit the online exhibition page and scroll through the timeline looking back over the last 125 years, or take a look at the celebratory memory gallery.
New signs will be installed in July to showcase memories and milestones from The Strand's long history.
#TheStrand125
Upchurch Matters
With travel outside the UK remaining ever uncertain this half term and summer, residents in Medway and Kent are being reminded that there’s so much to discover and enjoy on our own doorsteps, including the unusual.
Alpaca trekking, glamping in a church or driving an electric go-kart around an indoor track are just some of the things on offer to add to the range of fabulous activities and events to enjoy through the summer months.
Medway Council’s #WhoKnew campaign is highlighting Medway’s hidden gems, unique attractions, independent shops, fantastic restaurants and stunning landscapes to encourage residents, and visitors, to rediscover Medway and invite friends and family to enjoy the best that Medway has to offer.
By encouraging people to stay local this summer, the aim is also to encourage people to become local heroes and show their support to local businesses that have suffered so badly through the pandemic. With the rich variety of shops and independent retailers and the superb range of cafes, bars, restaurants and pubs across Medway, there is plenty to tempt people out.
The campaign puts the spotlight on all the attractions which make Medway a unique and exciting destination to visit for both residents and tourists, whether it’s a wide range of family attractions, our thriving cultural scene, stunning natural landscapes, or the adventures on offer both on and off the water.
Medway has a rich cultural heritage and boasts historic gems including Rochester Castle, the finest and tallest Norman castle keep in the country, Rochester Cathedral, the second oldest cathedral in England, Chatham’s Historic Dockyard and Fort Amherst. Our wonderful range of museums and galleries are also places to explore and enjoy. Children and adults can even ride, drive and operate real diggers and dumpers at Diggerland as well as enjoy many play areas, and for the more adventurous, the wonderful BMX pump track in Gillingham.
With the emphasis on enjoying the great outdoors this summer, Medway’s stunning riverside walks and eight award-winning green flag parks offer space to roam, picnic and meet up with others. For those wanting to be active on two wheels, there are 80 miles of cycle routes across Medway to explore and enjoy. Whether you’re a demon road cyclist or out for a family peddle around, there are routes to suit all abilities.
An exciting alternative festival and events programme for the summer in Medway is being developed, which can be COVID-19 safe if needed. The council is teaming up with local organisations to celebrate Medway’s culture and communities, past, present and future. From the River Medway to Fort Amherst, artists, drag queens, musicians, scientists and of course, Dickens will fill Medway’s high streets and parks with colour and noise creating a brilliant summer of live and online entertainment for residents and visitors.
As well as the Estuary Festival taking place at the moment across Medway and the Thames Estuary, some fantastic events have already been announced for this summer including the most unique gaming festival the UK has ever seen, Medway Rapture Gaming and Creative Festival, which is due to be held at the Historic Dockyard Chatham on Saturday, 3rd and Sunday, 4th July. The weekend family-fun festival, which is being supported by a multitude of incredible show stakeholders, will have something for everyone - from gaming pros to novices. There will be plenty of gaming fun and interactive exhibitions for people of all ages to get involved in, including children, families and students.
The programme will shine a light on Medway’s creative spirit as it prepares to bid for UK City of Culture 2025. Becoming UK City of Culture 2025 would create a legacy of opportunities for local people and bring significant economic benefits to the area. The events also support Medway’s aspiration to become a Child-Friendly City, putting children and young people at the heart of everything it does.
More information about the events programme will be announced soon, so keep an eye out on visitmedway.org and on the council’s social media channels.
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said:
“We are all looking forward to this summer and half term, and our newfound freedoms. There’s so much to enjoy right here on our doorsteps this year and we want people to come out and try new and different things, as well as our much-loved attractions and the fantastic hospitality venues and shops we have here. We want people to 'Do it for Medway' this summer – invite your friends and family to come and see what’s going on and to enjoy the best that Medway has to offer.”
Medway has fantastic connectivity with good motorway links and high-speed services to London.
If you’re planning on making lots of memories in Medway this summer, tag @VisitMedway in your pictures and use #WhoKnew
23 Days of Art, Music, Literature and Film
Estuary 2021 is the second edition of the large-scale arts festival that celebrates the lives, landscapes and histories of the spectacular Thames Estuary.
The festival takes place on the river itself and along the 107 miles of South Essex and North Kent coastline. Contemporary artworks, discussion and events explore and respond to powerful themes resonant to the estuary.
Artworks are set in the landscape, online and within Covid-safe venues and aim to bring new audiences to a deeper understanding of the estuary.
Estuary 2021 is led by a partnership between estuary-based arts organisations, Metal (South Essex) and Cement Fields (North Kent).
The festival runs from Saturday 22nd May to Sunday 13th June 2021.
Upchurch Matters
Medway’s popular open-air pool in Gillingham will reopen later this month.
The Strand pool will reopen for weekends only from Saturday, 29th May. The pool will then open daily from Saturday, 24th July until Wednesday, 1st September.
The Strand boasts a leisure pool, a 25-metre swim area, a 300-metre lazy river and children’s slides.
A new, online pre-booking system will be in place and residents and visitors will be able to book a morning or afternoon session from 12:00pm (noon) on Saturday, 22nd May. Numbers for each session will be limited, in line with government social distancing requirements. All sessions must be booked online, in advance, by visiting medway.gov.uk/strand. If residents do not have access to the internet, they can visit Medway Park in Gillingham or Strood or Hoo Sports Centres to book online, or phone: 01634 336655, during office hours, to book a session.
Customers must bring their booking confirmation with them, either printed out or on their phones, for their session.
This year marks the 125th anniversary of The Strand and the council is currently creating an online exhibition, using fond memories and images from residents to celebrate the history of The Strand, along with new signs which look back at memorable moments over the last 125 years. The exhibition also forms part of Estuary 21, an arts festival that celebrates the lives, landscapes and histories of the Thames Estuary. There are more than 20 exciting events and activities happening across Medway during the festival, which supports Medway’s aspirations to become UK City of Culture in 2025
The iconic pink elephant is currently having a makeover and will be painted all the colours of the rainbow as a tribute to Medway’s keyworkers and the NHS for their hard work during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Medway Council has launched a competition to name the elephant. Residents are encouraged to email their suggestions to medwaysport@medway.gov.uk or message Medway Sport on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, before 5:00pm on Sunday, 20th June. The name will be announced by Saturday, 26th June. The winner will receive four complimentary entrance tickets for a swimming session at The Strand this year.
Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said:
“I am pleased that we will be reopening The Strand pool later this month. As the pool is incredibly popular with residents, and visitors, we have introduced a booking system to avoid disappointment. All visitors must book a session in advance and bring their confirmation with them when they visit the pool. We are looking forward to welcoming residents back to the pool, especially as we will be celebrating The Strand’s 125th anniversary in June. As a tribute to Medway’s keyworkers and the NHS, for their hard work keeping residents safe during the coronavirus pandemic, the pink elephant, which is synonymous with The Strand, is currently being painted all the colours of the rainbow. We have launched a naming competition and I would encourage our youngest residents to enter. Medway is aspiring to become a Child-Friendly City, putting children and young people at the heart of everything it does.”
For more information, and to book your session (from Saturday, 22nd May), visit: medway.gov.uk/strand
Medway Council
Medway Council is encouraging residents to explore the great outdoors this Mental Health Awareness Week (Monday, 10th May to Sunday, 16th May).
The council is supporting the national campaign which aims to encourage open conversations around mental health.
This year’s theme is connecting with nature as it has a number of health benefits.
There are lots of ways residents can enjoy the great outdoors. Medway is home to eight award-winning parks that have been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as some of the best in the United Kingdom and around the world.
Medway also has a number of cycling groups and plenty of routes to explore. Last year, Medway Council also created new cycle lanes, installed new cycle racks and widened 11 miles of well-used public footpaths, thanks to active travel funding from the Department for Transport (DfT).
Release the Pressure
There are a number of support services available for residents who need extra support. If you’re feeling distressed, anxious or down, you can call: 0800 107 0160, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to speak to highly trained support workers who will provide emotional guidance and information.
Residents are also able to contact a mental health text service. Texts are free on all major mobile networks - by texting the word “Medway” to 85258, you will start a conversation with a trained and experienced volunteer who can give support at any time, wherever you are. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.
Kooth
Mental health support is also available for children and young people across Medway.
Kooth is an online service that offers mental health and wellbeing support for young people, provided by, XenZone.
Kooth enables Medway’s children and young people aged 11 to 25 to chat to counsellors through their instant messaging service using their online drop-in service or during a scheduled session. Young people can also read and contribute to articles concerned with mental health, join moderated forums and discussions enabling peer support as well as benefit from online journals and goal trackers.
Cllr David Brake, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder covering Public Health, said:
“I am pleased that we are supporting Mental Health Awareness Week, the health and wellbeing of all Medway’s residents is our top priority. It is incredibly important that we all look after our mental health. Although life is beginning to return to normal, the coronavirus pandemic is still affecting all of us and I would encourage residents to access the services available if they need extra support.”
Medway Council’s child health team offer a range of mental health training and support to professionals working with children and young people in Medway. For more information, Email: childhealth@medway.gov.uk
Medway Council
Medway Council is encouraging children and young people to take part in a survey to help shape Medway’s future.
As part of the council’s aspirations to become a Child-Friendly City, putting children and young people at the heart of everything it does, the council is encouraging young people, up to the age of 25, to fill out the anonymous survey to find out more about what it feels like to be a young person in Medway and understand their wants and needs.
Medway Council has asked TONIC, a social research organisation, to conduct the survey and analyse the findings.
Questions include what young people like most about their local area, what the most important things to them are and how they would like to be involved in decisions in the future.
The survey is open until midnight on Sunday, 23rd May.
The council is also encouraging the parents and carers of younger children, or those with physical or learning disabilities, which may make it harder for them to take part in an online survey, to fill it out on their children’s behalf.
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said:
“We are developing exciting plans for the future of Medway and we are keen to hear the views of our young people to ensure their voice is heard. Our ambition to become a Child-Friendly City will ensure Medway is a place where all children and young people are involved in decision-making and benefit from the decision, services and spaces which help shape their lives. I would encourage our youngest residents to take part in the survey and have their say on their future and their Medway.”
Archibald Bean, Chair of Medway Youth Council, said:
“I have loved growing up in Medway and I’m excited that young people are being invited to have their say and that their opinions will help shape Medway’s future. I would encourage as many under 25s to take part in the survey as possible. It’s really important that we all continue to have our say to help shape our future.”
Matthew Scott from TONIC said:
“We are committed to ensuring that the voice of young people is heard and understood by the people who make decisions about Medway’s future. This is a great opportunity for children and young people to share their views about what matters most to them and what they want Medway to be like.”
To fill out the survey, visit: smartsurvey.co.uk/s/MedwayYourWay
Medway Council
Non-essential shops, hospitality businesses and gyms are set to reopen across Medway from Monday, 12th April.
Earlier this week Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that the next stage of the government’s roadmap would go ahead as planned on 12th April.
Medway Council has continued to deliver vital services to residents throughout the pandemic and has offered some services in innovative ways, such as online, whilst restrictions were in place.
The council has been working on plans to safely reopen more of its services, with social distancing measures in place, in line with government advice.
Libraries and Community Hubs
All of Medway’s libraries and community hubs will reopen from Monday, 12th April. Residents will be able to browse books, make council enquiries and a limited number of public computers will be available.
Medway libraries will continue to offer a Click & Collect service. Residents can reserve books online to collect in their local library as well as order caddy liners, daily parking vouchers, dog waste bags, radar keys and electricity cards or buy them in person. Residents can also buy parking vouchers by calling the council’s Parking Services Team on: 01634 332266.
Family and activity sessions will be postponed, or available online, until further notice. To find out more, visit: medway.gov.uk/libraries
Sports Centres
Medway Council’s sports centres will reopen on Monday, 12th April for gym sessions, swimming lessons and swimming sessions. Racket sports such as badminton, table tennis and squash will also resume however residents are only able to play with members of their own households. All sports sessions must be booked in advance.
Outdoor fitness classes are also being held at Hoo and Strood Sports Centres and Medway Park in Gillingham. A wide range of classes are available including spin, pilates, kickboxing, skip fit, bootcamp, kettlebells and aerobics. The classes will be held under an awning to allow socially distanced classes to take place undercover. Strood Soccer Centre and club track sessions at Medway Park resumed on Monday, 29th March.
Medway Park also has a new, simplified parking scheme for customers. From Monday, 12th April, instead of paying to park and requesting a refund, customers will be able to simply enter their vehicle registration details at one of the new parking terminals in reception, once they’ve checked in for their sports session.
All sessions must be booked online in advance. To book, visit: medway.gov.uk/sport
NHS Test and Trace
Visitors to council buildings will be asked to check in using the NHS COVID-19 app or asked to supply their name, Email, phone number and postcode. These details will be kept for 21 days and will be handed to the National Test and Trace system if needed, as part of the government’s response to stop the spread of coronavirus and save lives.
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said:
“I am pleased that we are able to welcome residents back into our libraries and sports centres once again. We have put a range of measures in place to ensure the safety of both our customers and staff. I would encourage residents to continue to follow social distancing guidelines when they visit us and to wear face coverings, where appropriate. Although it is great news that we are able to open up more of our services we must all continue to follow the latest government advice to protect our friends and family. It also remains important that we all play our part to protect lives and stop the spread of the virus in Medway.”
For the latest coronavirus service updates in Medway, visit: medway.gov.uk/coronavirus
Medway Council
Click map to enlarge.
Bellway Homes are proposing a residential development of 78 new homes (including 25% affordable housing), together with associated access, parking, open space, landscaping and drainage on land North of Moor Street, Rainham.
Access to the site is proposed off of a new roundabout junction from Otterham Quay Lane, which will serve the Leigh Academy Rainham.
The developer is yet to make a formal planning application and has published a consultation website with their proposal asking residents for their views ahead of submitting a detailed planning application to Medway Council.
To read more about the proposal, visit the Bellway Homes consultation website at: www.landatmoorstreet.co.uk
Upchurch Matters
Residents across Medway are being encouraged to continue to regularly book symptom-free coronavirus tests, as national lockdown restrictions are gradually eased.
Medway Council is continuing to offer symptom-free testing for everyone who lives or works in Medway.
With more people anticipated to be out in the community over the coming months as part of the government’s roadmap to recovery plans, it remains just as important that people continue to regularly take a symptom-free coronavirus test to protect them, their families and people around them. One in three people with coronavirus have no symptoms, meaning that someone could be highly infectious without being aware of it.
Medway was the first area in the south-east to launch symptom-free testing in December 2020 and so far, more than 118,000 tests have been carried out in Medway. Of those, 1,297 people tested positive for coronavirus and were immediately told to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace programme.
From Thursday, 1st April Medway residents will be able to book a symptom-free test at four sites across Medway, including one new centre:
• Chattenden Community Centre in Hoo
• The Oast in Rainham
• The Deep End in Chatham (limited opening hours only)
• *NEW* MidKent College in Gillingham
The testing centres at Medway Park in Gillingham and Rochester Cathedral will close on Wednesday, 31st March.
New outreach teams will also work with community organisations to offer testing to harder to reach groups and communities who may find it difficult to access testing sites. Medway Council’s Public Health Team will also continue to regularly review local COVID infection rates, and prioritising community groups in areas where coronavirus cases are increasing. The council is also working with the Department of Health and Social Care, to facilitate the collection of symptom-free home test kits from its local sites. More information on who may be eligible to use this innovative service from Tuesday, 6th April, will be available in due course.
Secondary school pupils, college students and teaching staff are also being encouraged to regularly take a coronavirus test in line with government guidance, and schools and colleges have testing kits available to assist with this.
Parents, carers and relatives of schoolchildren (at primary, secondary or college age), as well as residents in childcare and support bubbles, are also encouraged to take symptom-free tests and can collect symptom-free home testing kits from their nearest home test collection centre or order them online. Eligible households are encouraged to take the tests at home twice a week.
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said:
“Medway’s symptom-free testing centres are continuing to help reduce the spread of coronavirus and drive down the number of cases locally. All Medway residents are able to book a test and it is incredibly important that we all continue to do so to protect ourselves, and our loved ones, from this deadly virus.
“We are all looking forward to getting back to the things we love when it is safe to do so but we must not be complacent. It is vital that we all continue to follow the latest government advice and continue to follow social distancing guidelines.”
James Williams, Medway Council’s Director of Public Health, said:
“Symptom-free testing is an important tool to help reduce the spread of coronavirus across Medway. I would encourage residents to continue to book tests regularly. Medway’s infection rate remains below the national average and it’s vital that we keep it that way. As the government’s roadmap to recovery continues to progress and lockdown measures are eased, we will see more people out in the community. It is incredibly important that we all work together to keep each other safe. We all need to play our part in the fight against coronavirus.”
Book a coronavirus test
No symptoms: If you do not have any symptoms of coronavirus, you can book your test online: medway.gov.uk/symptomfreetesting
Symptoms: If you have coronavirus symptoms, you should access a test through the national symptomatic testing programme: gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call 119.
Medway Council
Strongman Geoff Capes astride the popular Miniature Railway at The Strand.
This year marks the 125th anniversary of The Strand since it first opened in June 1896.
The hugely popular Gillingham leisure park has brought joy to generations of families over the years. To celebrate, Medway Sport would like to hear your favourite memories of The Strand from years gone by and see your family photos which showcase the history of this iconic Medway attraction.
Your best memories and photos will be used as part of an exhibition to celebrate this very special anniversary - the details of the exhibition will be announced in April.
Perhaps you can remember your first visit to The Strand? or maybe a memorable summer's day at the Lido?… perhaps you shot an unbelievable hole in one on the Crazy Golf Course… or you had a lovely family picnic which you look back on fondly.
What’s your favourite memory?
Why do you love The Strand?
Help create a celebration of memories that will live on forever!
You can take part by sending:
• Your favourite memory
• Pictures of The Strand from your family archives
Send your Strand 125 entry along with a picture (if you have one) to: medwaysport@medway.gov.uk by midnight on Sunday 21th March.
An opportunity which allowed free bus travel in Medway before 9:00am during the Coronavirus pandemic will come to an end later this week.
Medway Council offered disabled and older people the chance to use their pass for free travel before 9:00am to enable them to make an earlier essential journey, such as food shopping.
Residents who have passes will continue to be able to travel for free on buses after 9:00am when the scheme comes to an end on Sunday, 7th March.
The changeover will come into place on Monday, 8th March when school pupils return to the classroom, and passes will only be able to be used from 9:00am Monday to Friday and at all times at weekends and on bank holidays.
Medway Council has a statutory duty to provide passes for free bus travel throughout England for older and disabled people under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS).
More than 34,000 Medway residents have a bus pass including 30,000 for older people and 4,000 for disabled people.
Medway Council
The English Festival at Riverside Country Park.
Medway’s spring festivals and events will not go ahead this year amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Government restrictions on mass gatherings remain in place, with social distancing requirements anticipated for some time while the roll-out of the vaccine continues.
Medway Council has cancelled The English Festival, which would have been held in April, and May’s Rochester Sweeps Festival. Both events would usually attract large crowds of thousands of residents and visitors from outside of Medway, making social distancing almost impossible. There are currently no plans to reschedule these events.
Future events beyond the end of May 2021 will be kept under review by the council, as the government announces more information about its roadmap for recovery.
Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said:
“I know this will be disappointing news to many, but it’s important we continue to take measures to protect the health and well-being of our residents and staff. We are continuing to closely monitor government guidance and review other scheduled events planned for the year ahead.”
In the meantime, Medway Council is reminding other potential event organisers to think carefully before going ahead with plans for public gatherings and encouraging them not to jeopardise the wellbeing of the public.
Event organisers have a legal responsibility to ensure the necessary plans are in place to help keep the public safe. For advice and guidance when organising an event, contact the Medway Safety Advisory Group. For contact details and more information, visit: medway.gov.uk/organisingevents
Cllr Doe added:
“We know how much everyone is looking forward to getting back to some sense of normality, but we would urge people to take caution to ensure Medway’s case rate does not rocket again. If you were thinking about organising or attending a spring event, such as a public Easter egg hunt, then please think again. The virus is still living amongst us and even those who have been vaccinated are at risk of spreading it to others. We are not out of the woods yet and everyone should continue to play their part to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, as well as protect our NHS.”
Medway Council and Kent Police are continuing to work closely together to offer guidance and advice to the public, including businesses, about the government restrictions and will not hesitate to issue fines to those caught breaking them.
Medway Council
Medway Council is encouraging businesses affected by the national lockdown to apply for further financial support.
Medway has more than 14,000 businesses, ranging from those who are self-employed, to small businesses with just a few employees and larger companies with hundreds of staff.
The council has helped distribute more than £82 million of government funding to Medway businesses during the pandemic.
Medway Council has now received millions in additional government funding to support businesses during the current national lockdown which began on 5th January 2021.
Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed): 5th January onwards
Medway Council has received £5.289 million government funding to support rate-paying businesses which have been forced to close during the third national lockdown. Eligible Medway businesses could receive up to £4,500.
Businesses which received a Local Restrictions Support Grant following the national lockdown in November 2020 will automatically receive funding from the latest Local Restrictions Support Grant.
Medway businesses which have not previously applied for a Local Restrictions Support Grant, and wish to apply, are encouraged to Email rates@medway.gov.uk with the subject ‘Local Restrictions Support Grant for closed businesses (from 5th January)’. The Email should include their business rates account numbers and property addresses. Businesses must also confirm that they meet the qualifying criteria, which is set out on the council’s website. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, 31st March.
Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment
Medway Council has also received £10.575 million government funding to provide one-off grants of up to £9,000 to Medway businesses forced to close during the current national lockdown.
Businesses which received a Local Restrictions Support Grant following the national lockdown in November 2020 will automatically receive the Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment and do not need to apply.
Medway businesses which have not previously applied for a Local Restrictions Support Grant, and wish to apply, are encouraged to Email rates@medway.gov.uk with the subject ‘Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment’. The Email should include their business rates account numbers and property addresses. Businesses must also confirm that the meet the qualifying criteria, which is set out on the council’s website. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, 31st March.
Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG)
Last year Medway Council received £5.571 million Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) funding from government to support businesses between December 2020 and March 2022.
This is a discretionary scheme and the funding has been split into two elements; a scheme which will provide grants to businesses impacted by national lockdown restrictions and a programme of business support interventions which will be developed over the coming months.
The council has now received a further £2.474 million ARG funding from government to support Medway businesses which have been forced to close, or are significantly affected, by the current national lockdown (which began on Tuesday, 5th January 2021) and are not eligible to apply for a Local Restrictions Grant.
Businesses can apply for the grant on Medway Council’s website. If businesses are unable to apply online they are encouraged to Email businessandskills@medway.gov.uk.
Christmas Support Payment
Medway Council has also received £76,800 government funding for the Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs. Medway pubs which earn less than 50 per cent of their income from food sales are eligible for a one-off £1,000 payment. The council directly contacted pubs which received a Local Restrictions Support Grant to find out if they were eligible and has distributed the payment to 64 pubs. Businesses which have not been contacted, but meet the criteria, are encouraged to Email rates@medway.gov.uk with the subject ‘Christmas Support Payment’. The Email should include their business rates account numbers and property addresses. The deadline for applications is Sunday, 28th February.
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said:
“We understand the ongoing difficulties that businesses across Medway are facing due to the pandemic. We are committed to doing all we can to support Medway’s businesses during these challenging times and I would like to thank business owners for their patience whilst our finance team works tirelessly to process thousands of funding applications. The team will be in touch with individual businesses regarding their applications as soon as possible.
When applying for financial support businesses are required to include evidence of the impact COVID-19 has had on their trading performance, for example, bank statements and trading accounts with details of fixed costs compared to previous periods. Medway businesses are encouraged to provide as much information as possible to help speed up the application process.”
Further advice and guidance is available on our website and I would encourage Medway business owners to access the support available.”
For more information about the support available to businesses, visit medway.gov.uk/coronavirusbusinesses
Medway Council
Medway Council has topped up the funding available to support residents on lower incomes, who have been told to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace service or the NHS COVID-19 app.
The £500 Test and Trace Support Payment will help residents during their self-isolation period if they have tested positive for coronavirus or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive.
Residents who were told to isolate by NHS Test and Trace after 28th September, or were identified as a close contact by the NHS COVID-19 app from 10th December 2020, and meet the qualifying criteria, are able to apply for the £500 payment on the council’s website. If successful, the funding will be paid as a lump sum however, the payment will be subject to income tax. The scheme will run until Wednesday, 31st March 2021.
To be eligible for the standard scheme, residents must:
• live in Medway
• have been asked to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace Service, or identified as a close contact by the NHS COVID-19 App from 10th December 2020
• be employed or self-employed
• be unable to work from home and will lose income as a result
• be currently receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit.
Although the council has received £174,500 government funding to provide discretionary Test and Trace Support Payments to residents on low incomes who do not receive a qualifying benefit, it has already distributed £223,000 to residents who needed the £500 payment the most.
Medway Council has topped up the funding with a further £250,000, from the Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF), to continue to support residents affected by the pandemic. This discretionary scheme runs alongside the standard Test and Trace Support Payment scheme which is also being managed by the council.
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said:
“As we all know, if you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace or notified through the app that you need to self-isolate you are legally obliged to do so. We understand that some residents on lower incomes may face further financial difficulties if they are told to self-isolate and this is why we have decided to top-up the Test and Trace Support Payments funding. I would encourage residents to visit our website to find out more about the support available. We must all continue to follow the latest government advice to reduce the spread of the virus and protect our loved ones.”
Residents who do not have access to the internet can call: 01634 306000 to speak to an officer who will help them with their application.
For more information, and to apply, visit: medway.gov.uk/testandtracepayment
Medway Council
Councillor Alan Jarrett, Leader of Medway Council, has spoken out about his disappointment of the government increasing Medway’s housing target.
In September, Medway Council supported the government’s proposal to change the methodology to calculate the number of new homes each area across the country is required to deliver. The proposal would have reduced Medway’s housing target by more than 8,000, from 28,300 homes to 20,000.
However, last month Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick confirmed the government has not adopted September’s proposal. Medway now faces the challenge of delivering 1,662 new homes each year during the Local Plan period: 2020-2037.
Cllr Alan Jarrett, Leader of Medway Council, said:
“The council is working hard to achieve sustainable and realistic growth for Medway’s residents, providing additional facilities with new builds, so the government’s announcement that Medway now faces a higher housing target than we had hoped is certainly extremely disappointing news.
“If the proposed methodology put forward in September had been brought in, Medway could have potentially met its housing targets. However, we now face an uphill struggle to reach the target we’ve been given by government of building 28,300 new homes by 2037. What’s even more disconcerting is that we potentially face repercussions from the government if we fail to squeeze 1,662 new homes into Medway each year.
“Medway is committed to delivering new homes to meet its residents’ needs, as well as much needed new amenities such as schools, but we will do this within a sustainable way that’s best for Medway’s future. While drafting Medway’s Local Plan we have carefully considered how the area could evolve including providing sufficient jobs and infrastructure for a growing population, as well as maintaining Medway’s parks and historic sites. We remain committed to protecting Medway’s bright future and not adding to the pressures our services and health care providers already face.
“We will do all we can to protect Medway and ensure it remains an excellent place to live, work, learn and visit for now and in the future.”
Medway Council
Medway Council is encouraging businesses which have been affected by Coronavirus restrictions to apply for the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG).
The council has received £5.571million ARG funding from government to support businesses between December 2020 and March 2022.
The funding has been split into two elements; a scheme which will provide grants to businesses impacted by national lockdown restrictions and a programme of business support interventions which will be developed over the coming months.
Medway businesses can apply for up to £3,000 ARG funding if they were forced to close, or were significantly affected, during the national lockdown (from Thursday 5th November to Wednesday 2nd December 2020) and are not eligible to apply for a Local Restrictions Grant. Businesses can apply for the grant on: Medway Council’s website
The deadline for applications is 12:00pm on Wednesday 6th January 2021. If businesses are unable to apply online they can Email: businessandskills@medway.gov.uk at least two working days before the application closing date.
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said:
“Throughout the pandemic we have continued to support Medway’s businesses and I am pleased that local business owners can now apply for funding from the Additional Restrictions Grant. There is a range of advice and support available for business owners on our website and I would also encourage residents to continue to shop local and support Medway’s businesses, especially in the run-up to Christmas. Medway is resilient and it is vital that we all act now to save lives in the fight against coronavirus.”
For more information about the support available to businesses, and to apply for the ARG, visit: medway.gov.uk/coronavirusbusinesses
Medway Council
🅿️ Medway Council has announced FREE Christmas parking dates in Medway Council run public car parks from Thursday 17th December to Sunday 20th December 2020 inclusive.
🚙🚙🚗🚗🚙🚙🚗🚗🚙🚙🚗🚗
More info at: www.medway.gov.uk/parking
Upchurch Matters
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Could you be a #MedwayHero and help your local community?
Medway Council is looking for volunteers to help at Medway's COVID Test Centres.
To volunteer, please Email volunteer coordinator George Kilaiditis: ats@medway.gov.uk
Thank you
NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group
