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Historic boats set to sail in Platinum Jubilee River Pageant
Thousands are expected to watch a momentous occasion on the River Medway to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s unparalleled 70 years on the throne.
More than 100 boats will sail past historic sights in the south-east as part of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The River Medway will play host to vessels, including extraordinary ships such as the steam puffer VIC 96 and a collection of 100-year-old Thames sailing barges.
The riverbanks in Chatham from Gun Wharf to Sun Pier are expected to be filled with people eagerly awaiting the parade of vessels, including East Coast fishing smacks (traditional sailing fishing boats) and commercial and recreational craft, on Saturday, 4th June.
The Platinum Jubilee Medway River Pageant will begin at 12:30pm when the vessels come together near Upnor, led by a local rowing boat contingent from the Medway Towns Rowing Club and clubs from Queenborough and Faversham.
They will meander along the River Medway, passing Chatham landmarks before arriving at Sun Pier in Chatham at 2:30pm.
Sun Pier will have a street party vibe with live music, including a 30-piece choir performing pop music, a folk band and Music Hall singalong performers.
Her Majesty The Queen will even have an official representative aboard one of the vessels. The Lord Lieutenant of Kent, The Lady Colgrain, will join the head of the fleet before conducting a fleet review at Sun Pier at approximately 2:30pm.
At 3:30pm a 21-Gun Royal Salute will be fired from Fort Amherst in Chatham to mark the occasion, signalling the start of 'The Grand Cacophony' - a synchronised spectacle of sights and sounds from ship to shore with the sounding of horns, cheering from the crowds, church bells ringing and further amplified by the whistles of steam locomotives at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
The River Pageant has been organised in partnership with Tiller and Wheel CIC, which was set up in 2019 to raise the profile of the historic ships of the East Coast and encourage greater engagement with our rivers and coastline. The company offers free sailing experiences throughout the year, supported by a patron scheme, to make sailing financially accessible to all.
Deputy Leader of Medway Council, and Portfolio Holder for Community Services, Cllr Howard Doe, said:
“We have a fantastic range of family-friendly events and activities planned to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and I am pleased that the River Medway is at the very heart of our celebrations. Witnessing more than 100 historic ships and sailing barges coming down the river will be a truly spectacular sight and with entertainment for all the family to enjoy, the unique event is not one to be missed. We are looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors to Medway to mark, and celebrate, this momentous occasion.”
Ed Gransden, Director of Tiller & Wheel CIC, said:
"70 years ago, when the Queen ascended the throne, the River Medway was a hub of activity - sailing barges, steam tugs and commercial craft filled the water. The Jubilee will bring life back to this part of the river in spectacular fashion and showcase the best of the modern river community."
Medway’s impressive events and festivals programme, and the Medway Jubilee River Pageant supports the council’s aspiration to become a Child-Friendly City, putting children and young people at the heart of everything it does.
To find out more about Medway’s fantastic jubilee events, visit: visitmedway.org/jubilee
Medway Council
Swale Borough Council has refused Gladman Developments Limited outline planning application: 21/501839/OUT for up to 74 dwellings at land off Otterham Quay Lane, Upchurch, with public open space, landscaping, sustainable drainage system and vehicular access point - all matters reserved except for means of access.
The Swale Borough Council planning decision notice, and Medway Council consultee comment, letters of objection along with associated documents can be viewed at >> https://bit.ly/3wJ9Ahx
Upchurch Matters' post regarding the original planning application can be viewed at >> https://bit.ly/32CKIrU and the developer's pre-application consultation at >> https://bit.ly/3v7X4oL
Rainham residents are invited to celebrate their town by submitting designs for a new town sign in this Platinum Jubilee year.
A new sign is due to be installed in the town centre to celebrate Rainham and give a strong first impression to visitors.
Residents are being encouraged to come up with their own artistic and colourful designs which reflect Rainham’s history and present day character. Designs could include local landmarks, people or Rainham’s agricultural and industrial history or sport.
The competition closes on Friday 27th May and a judging panel will decide on the winning entry or entries which will be converted into the final design by a professional artist. All the entries will go on display during the summer at Rainham Library and the winner or winners of the competition will be invited to the official unveiling.
Cllr Phil Filmer, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services, said:
“We wanted to find a way to mark this most important year of the Platinum Jubilee in Rainham and provide a welcome to the town that will endure for years. It is a special way to mark the occasion. Over recent years the people of Medway have shown how creative they can be, so we want to celebrate the best of our local talent by inviting the sign to be designed by our local residents. We hope this will be of great interest locally and look forward to judging the best ones and getting the sign up in this Jubilee year.”
Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education and Schools, and Child-Friendly Medway Champion, Cllr Martin Potter, said:
“This is a wonderful way to mark the Platinum Jubilee year and I would like to encourage local residents and particularly our children and younger residents to showcase their creativity with designs celebrating the town. Over recent years I have had the pleasure of seeing at first-hand just how creative Medway’s young people can be and I am looking forward to seeing the designs submitted.”
The competition closes at 5:00pm on Friday 27th May and designs may be submitted along with contact details, in hard copy by post to:
Computer generated images of what the new centre and pool area may look like.
Photos: SPACE & PLACE.
Designs for a state-of-the-art modern, family-friendly sports centre in Medway have been unveiled for the former Splashes site in Rainham.
The proposals include two swimming pools - a training pool for lane swimming and lessons, as well as a children’s fun pool with flume, wave ball pool and beach area. For those who prefer land-based activities, there will also be a fitness gym and room for exercise classes and children’s parties.
The exciting computer-generated images (CGIs), which can be found on Medway Council’s planning application for the new sports centre, demonstrates Medway’s commitment to putting children at the heart of everything it does. The new facility is proposed to have a modern look and feel, but will be family-friendly, including having family and accessible changing rooms. The plans for the new centre support Medway’s ambition to become a child-friendly city, providing further opportunities for the area’s young people.
The proposed new sports centre will provide a full experience for customers - visit the gym, join-in a class, take a dip in the pool and afterwards relax in the café which is planned to overlook the pool areas and surrounding park.
The designs also include electric charging parking spaces, as part of Medway’s Climate Change and carbon neutral aims and ambitions.
Residents have the opportunity to formally provide feedback on the plans through Medway Council’s planning application.
The designs will also be on display in May at two public exhibitions:
• Tuesday 10th, to Saturday, 14th May, at Rainham Library
• Tuesday, 17th to Saturday, 21st May, at Twydall Library
Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council's Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said:
“I am delighted to be revealing the plans for a new family-friendly sports centre in Medway. The proposed sports centre in Rainham will be a welcomed addition to Medway Council’s existing sports and leisure offer, including Medway Park in Gillingham - a centre of sporting excellence with an athletics track, Strood Sports Centre - a footballer’s dream with outdoor pitches and Hoo Sports Centre with its enjoyable exercise classes.
“Splashes was a much-loved facility by generations of families from across Medway and the plans for the proposed sports centre have children in mind, as well as facilities for adults to enjoy. I would encourage residents to make note of the public exhibitions in May so they can view the designs in person and give their feedback to help shape the plans to provide Medway’s families and residents with another popular facility on their doorstep.”
The former Splashes Sports Centre, in Bloors Lane, Rainham was demolished in February to make way for the new centre.
Medway Council
The English Festival
The English Festival returns to Riverside Country Park, Lower Rainham Road ME7 2XH on Saturday 16th April 2022, between 11:00am and 5:00pm.
The free fun-packed day out for the whole family marks St George’s Day with activities celebrating the most iconic and ironic of English historic and modern traditions.
There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from donkey rides to helter-skelter, live music and a George and the Dragon show.
Getting there
Look out for more details of the usual park and ride, park and walk and limited parking on-site.
🅿️ Medway Council has announced FREE Christmas parking dates in Medway Council run public car parks from Thursday 16th December to Sunday 19th December 2021 inclusive.
🚙🚙🚗🚗🚙🚙🚗🚗🚙🚙🚗🚗
Upchurch Matters
Friday 3rd December
Rainham Shopping Centre - High Street
Family entertainment from 3:45pm with KMFM and performances from the local community.
Switch-on is planned for 5:00pm with the Mayor pushing the magic button.
Peter Rabbit™ will be there too!
PLUS don’t miss the opportunity to meet Peter Rabbit™ at Rainham Library at 2:00pm.
Booking is essential - please phone 01634 337799
Click map to enlarge.
74 new homes are planned for land North of Moor Street in Rainham.
Bellway Homes Ltd has submitted planning application: MC/21/3125 for construction of 74 residential dwellings (including 25% affordable housing), together with open space, landscaping, drainage, access, parking and associated works.
Access to the site is proposed off of the new roundabout junction on Otterham Quay Lane, which serves the Leigh Academy Rainham.
The developer published a consultation website outlining their proposal in March 2021, asking residents for their views before submitting a detailed planning application to Medway Council.
You can find out more about the application and make representations by visiting: https://publicaccess1.medway.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=R1LA9EKNLR500Comments can also be made in writing to:
The Planning Service
Medway Council
Civic Headquarters
Gun Wharf
Dock Road
Chatham
Kent
ME4 4TR
Quote reference number: MC/21/3125
Comments on this application should reach Medway Council by 26th November 2021.
Upchurch Matters
The Secretary of State and Planning Inspectorate has dismissed an appeal by AC Goatham & Son challenging Medway Councils refusal to grant outline planning permission for significant redevelopment on land they own at Pump Lane, Rainham.
The appeal was dismissed on the grounds of:
• Highways - severe impact and substantial harm
• Landscape harm - significant weight
• Heritage harm - significant weight but as less than substantial harm
• Loss of grade 1 agricultural land
Medway Council was further awarded partial legal costs to be paid by the applicant after the council spent £250,000 defending its refusal during the appeal process, which was held virtually between February and April 2021.
Cllr Jane Chitty, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, Economic Growth and Regulation, said:
“I acknowledge that the Secretary of State has dismissed the appeal to build around 1,250 houses in Pump Lane. Our Planning Committee initially refused the planning application due to a number of concerns, including the severe impact the development would have on local roads, and I am sure they are pleased that the Planning Inspector and Secretary of State have upheld their decision.”
The plans
The controversial plan to build on working orchards in neighbouring Rainham North ward met with significant opposition, including protests and a long campaign from residents, Medway Councillors and the constituency MP, all of which fought to protect the valued farmland.
The site is located south of Lower Rainham Road, centred upon Pump Lane and extending, in part to Lower Bloors Lane to the east and Lower Twydall Lane to the west. The southern most boundary is formed of the railway. The site is currently used as commercial fruit orchards.
The proposals were for a residential development of up to 1,250 homes with landscaped areas, open spaces and other community benefits. It was proposed that at the heart of the development there would be a village green that would integrate with existing pedestrian routes. A new primary school with playing fields was planned for space at the rear of the existing houses on Lower Rainham Road.
Access to the development would have been from Lower Rainham Road and Pump Lane.
Refusal and appeal
Medway Council refused the outline planning application in June 2020.
AC Goatham & Son later lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate in October 2020, challenging the council's decision.
Outline planning application MC/19/1566, including both Medway Councils letter of refusal, and the Secretary of States letter of dismissal, can be viewed at: https://bit.ly/2Yu27QN
Upchurch Matters
Living River Foundation, supported by Upchurch wedding venue The Oak Grove, has organised a small litter pick along the Saxon Shore Way public footpath and adjacent saltmarsh edge of the Medway/Swale Estuary.
Volunteers should meet at The Oak Grove for a briefing at 12:00 noon on Sunday the 31st of October, wearing appropriate clothing for the weather.
There are only a few spaces available given the terrain and protected birds in the area, so please book early. Children need to be accompanied by a responsible adult guardian.
Location:
The Oak Grove
Twinney Wharf
Susans Lane
Upchurch
ME9 7HA
Upchurch Matters
Medway Council is inviting residents to enjoy a magnificent fireworks and laser show next month.
The popular fireworks display will return to the Great Lines Heritage Park in Gillingham on Saturday, 6th November.
There will be previews of the lasers from 7:00pm with the fantastic fireworks display and laser show, set to a movie greats soundtrack, at 7:30pm.
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said:
“We’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of residents to the Great Lines Heritage Park to celebrate fireworks night. Lasers and fireworks, choreographed to music, will light up the sky above our award-winning heritage park. This free display promises to be a great evening for residents, and families, of all ages to enjoy, and the event supports our ambition to become a Child-Friendly City."
Residents are encouraged to walk to the fireworks and laser display and to leave their pets at home. Refreshments will be available however, there will be limited toilet facilities.
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a professionally organised event, like the free display at the Great Lines Heritage Park, but, if you are having your own fireworks display, the council is encouraging residents to follow these tips to stay safe:
• Only buy fireworks with the CE or UKCA mark
• Keep fireworks in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time
• Follow the instructions on each firework and light them at arm’s length, using a taper
• Never give sparklers to children under five
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
• Always supervise children
• Never go near a firework which has been lit, even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode
• Keep your pets indoors with the curtains closed
To find out more about the display at the Great Lines Heritage Park in Gillingham, visit: www.visitmedway.org
Medway Council
Medway Council is delighted to announce that eight greenspaces across Medway have once again been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme.
Broomhill Park, Capstone Farm Country Park, Gillingham Park, Hillyfields Community Park, Riverside Country Park, The Great Lines Heritage Park, The Vines Gardens and Ranscombe Farm Reserve have been recognised among the best greenspaces in the United Kingdom and around the world.
The Green Flag Award scheme is marking its Silver Jubilee this year by awarding a record number of parks awards in the UK.
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and greenspaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the United Kingdom and around the world.
Medway’s parks and greenspaces are part of more than 2,000 sites across the country to receive an award in 2021.
Each of Medway’s eight award-winning parks have something different to offer residents and visitors, from lakes, military history, woodlands, views of the River Medway and much more. Medway’s parks and countryside are maintained all year round to make sure that residents can enjoy them throughout the year.
Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for community services, said:
“We have such a variety of greenspaces in Medway and I am pleased that eight of our parks have been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme and Keep Britain Tidy. Our greenspaces have excellent facilities and are kept at the highest possible standards for residents to enjoy, including children and young people, which supports our Child-Friendly Medway ambition. I would like to thank our volunteers, Plantlife and our contractors, Medway Norse, who all work tirelessly to maintain the parks to such a high standard.”
Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said:
“As Green Flag Award celebrates 25 years of raising the standard, Keep Britain Tidy is delighted to be the custodian of a scheme that does so much to ensure our parks and green spaces go from strength to strength. At a time when parks have been at the heart of every community across the country, it is perhaps not surprising that 95% of the public thinks that their local parks and green spaces need to be protected. This is why the Green Flag Award is so important. It ensures that parks and green spaces are managed to the highest standards and are safe and accessible for everyone to enjoy and we look forward to the next 25 years.”
To find out more about Medway’s award-winning parks and greenspaces, visit: www.medway.gov.uk/greenspaces
Medway Council
Medway Council joins KCC’s No Use Empty homes scheme
No Use Empty, the longest-running empty property initiative in the country which is run by KCC, is expanding its operations by partnering with Medway Council.
Latest council tax records show that there are a total of 6,798 long-term vacant dwellings in Kent alone. However, without the 500 properties per year which NUE is returning to use, the number of long-term empty properties would be significantly higher.
Medway’s figure for long-term vacant properties is 1,573.
The NUE team has seen an unprecedented increase in loan applications over the last 18 months with 63 individual loans being awarded with a value of £9.6million. This means a further 166 homes will soon be back into use providing much-needed homes across the county.
Since 2005 NUE has recycled loans to the value of £43million which has leveraged an additional £37million from the public/private sectors, making a total of £80million investment into tackling the problem of empty homes.
The programme is delivered by KCC in partnership with all 12 district councils in the county.
KCC’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Derek Murphy, said:
“No Use Empty has been combating the on-going problem of empty homes through a variety of interventions with impressive results. In these challenging times, initiatives such as this are becoming increasingly important.
“We realised that the scheme could be replicated and are pleased to announce that Medway Council are our latest partner to join us.
“This is a tremendous boost for our nationally recognised NUE brand which continues to go from strength to strength and now has banket coverage across Kent and Medway. NUE is ready to administer new loan applications and help Kent’s economy recover as well as delivering the homes required.”
Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, said:
“I am pleased that we have joined the No Use Empty Scheme which will help bring empty properties in Medway back into use, providing much-needed homes for residents. I would encourage residents with empty properties to find out more about the scheme and how we can help them turn their house into someone’s home.”
Loan products offered by NUE are:
• Interest Free Loans - Funding available to help owners/developers refurbish/convert empty homes or redundant commercial buildings to provide good quality residential accommodation. On completion, properties must be made available for sale or rent. Loans are secured as a first or second charge and offered over 2 or 3 years.
• Top Up Loans - Folkestone & Hythe DC, Dover DC and Tunbridge Wells BC have allocated funds to offer an additional £15k on top of the NUE loan of £25k providing up to £40k per unit to help with refurbishment costs.
• Live Margate - The focus of the project is regeneration by converting or redeveloping poorly managed, dilapidated, or vacant HMOs into quality family homes (target of 66 homes to be created). NUE has an allocation of £2.9m from the Live Margate project.
• NUE Commercial - In 2018, KCC was awarded £1m Growing Places Fund (GPF) for the NUE Commercial project Funding allocated over two financial years. The project aims to return long-term empty commercial properties to use, for residential, alternative commercial or mixed-use purposes. A further £2m was awarded from GPF for a second phase to be launched 2021-22.
• Interest Bearing Loans - Subject to the level of funds available interest-bearing loans have been introduced to help developers bring projects which are of a larger scale either as a top up or to fund the whole scheme. Loans are secured and administered on a phased basis and interest will be charged at market rates.
• New Build Loans - Subject to the level of funds available interest-bearing loans have been introduced to help developers bring forward smaller plots of land which have planning permission for new build homes. Loans are secured as a first and only charge on title, interest charged at market rates and collected quarterly basis.
All funding is subject to availability.
For further information and/or to apply for a loan, go to: www.no-use-empty.org.uk
Murray Evans - Kent County Council
Our award-winning event ‘A Day for Every Dog’ raises the awareness of responsible dog ownership in Medway.
If you've got a dog, come along to our Dog Ownership Events where you'll get help and advice on all topics relating to dogs. There'll also be free dog microchipping, the chance to get your caddy liners and reusable clear sacks, plus lots more.
We will be travelling around Medway between July and October 2021 visiting a different park each day, giving dog owners and potential dog owners the opportunity to discuss dog law and take advantage of what's on offer.
This year's event will include:
• Free microchipping
• Advice on responsible dog ownership
• Discussions on dog-related issues within the area
• Educating children how to safely interact around dogs
• Giving away goodies, recycling bags
• Answering questions about your waste and recycling
• Promotion of the climate change action plan
• Promotion of the community safety partnership
• Advising on community safety
• PCSO Linda Colthorpe will discuss PetWatch - a new dog theft scheme.
Battersea Dogs Home will join us for some of our events, providing:
• Dog behaviour advice
• Talking about rehoming
• Volunteering opportunities.
Event Dates
All events are from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
Join our animal warden team at the following events:
• Hillyfields Park: Friday 6th August 2021
• Riverside Country Park: Tuesday 17th August 2021
• Great Line Heritage Park: Wednesday 1st September 2021
• The Vines: Thursday 16th September 2021
• Rainham Recreation Ground: Friday 1st October 2021.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Medway Council
Click plan to enlarge.
Up to 48 new homes are planned for land between Seymour Road and the A2 London Road in Rainham.
Esquire Developments have submitted outline planning application: MC/21/2225 with all matters reserved (except access) for a residential development of up to 48 dwellings, including associated access, parking, landscaping and open space for land to the East of Seymour Road and North of London Road, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent ME8 6YX.
You can find out more about the application and make representations by visiting: https://publicaccess1.medway.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=QWUY8GKNLBE00
Comments can also be made in writing to:
The Planning Service, Medway Council, Civic Headquarters, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TR quoting reference number: MC/21/2225, and within 21 days of the date on the planning notice posted at A2 London Road, Rainham, which is dated 30/7/2021.
Upchurch Matters
The video might not be visible in our Email version of this post.
Their latest Haiflu poem was compiled for the recent Estuary Festival and is available to view on their YouTube Channel.
The Haiflu is a visual 3-line haiku poem written during the Covid-19 pandemic, set against a photograph taken in the same week at some of the most beautiful locations around Medway.
Upchurch Matters
Medway Council is due to install 34 electric vehicle charging points in three council-owned car parks later this month.
The charging points will be the first to be installed in public car parks in Medway and the council has plans to install more in other car parks in the future.
Electric charging points will be installed in the Rochester multi-storey car park in Cory’s Road, in Station Road car park, Rainham, and in the Commercial Road car park in Strood.
Medway Council has received £85,420 from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) to install the charging points as part of the council’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
Cllr Howard Doe, Deputy Leader of Medway Council, who is leading on Medway’s Climate Change agenda, said:
“We’re committed to helping people who live, work and visit Medway cut their carbon emissions and installing public charging points for electric vehicles supports our aspiration to become carbon neutral in Medway by 2050. There are a number of small changes that we can all make in our daily lives which will have a big difference to our climate including recycling, using public transport and, if you’re thinking of getting a new car, switching to an electric vehicle. I would encourage residents to find out more about the steps we’re taking in the fight against climate change by visiting medway.gov.uk/climatechange”
Cllr Phil Filmer, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services, said:
“I am delighted that we will be installing 34 electric vehicle charging points in three of our car parks this summer. With more people using electric cars, and the government planning to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, I am pleased that we will soon be able to offer public charging facilities to residents, businesses and visitors. We also have exciting plans to expand the number of publicly available electric charging points in Medway over the coming years. I look forward to seeing the works progress.”
Connected Kerb will be carrying out the works which are due to begin in all three car parks at the end of June and are expected to be completed later this year.
Medway Council is also working with Cenex to develop an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) Strategy for Medway.
To find out more about how the council is tackling climate change in Medway, visit: medway.gov.uk/climatechange
Medway Council
Medway Council has adopted a new Climate Change Action Plan which sets out how the area will respond to climate change.
The council declared a Climate Change emergency in 2019 and since then has been developing an action plan and working hard to achieve its target of becoming carbon neutral in Medway by 2050. At Medway Council’s Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 8th June, councillors approved the Climate Change Action Plan blueprint which supports the council’s vision.
The plan aligns with the Kent and Medway Energy and Low Emissions Strategy
To help the council understand its current carbon footprint, and identify ways to reduce emissions, a technical study has been carried out. The study found that in 2018/2019 the council’s carbon footprint represented just 1.4 per cent of emissions in Medway. Although Medway Council is committed to doing everything it can to lower carbon emissions across Medway, however, businesses, schools, local groups and residents all need to play their part to tackle climate change.
The study also set out a series of possible interventions which could help reduce the council’s emissions by 95 per cent by 2050 which included energy efficiency measures in council buildings, installing solar panels and LED lighting. The council is now reviewing these options to determine their suitability.
The newly approved action plan will be reviewed each year and local partners, and the wider community will be able to have their say.
Medway Council has made significant progress since declaring a Climate Change emergency including:
• Continuing to expand and improve Medway’s cycle routes. Medway has 81 miles of cycleways and has seen a 20 per cent increase in cycling since last year.
• A £12 million energy efficiency programme in council buildings.
• Planting 13,842 trees across Medway thanks to funding from the Urban Tree Challenge Fund and establishing a Medway Tree Fund.
• Creating 30 miles of wildflower verges to allow a wider diversity of wild grass and flowers to thrive.
• Producing an animated video to raise awareness of air quality, its effects and what can be done to reduce the impacts, which has been promoted in schools across Medway.
• Continuing work on an ambitious £11 million LED street lighting replacement programme.
• Developing an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging point survey which will inform a new five year EV strategy.
• Launching an EV trial for some of Medway’s social workers.
Plans are also in place to install 34 EV charging points in Medway later this summer. More information on this exciting project will be available in due course.
Cllr Howard Doe, Deputy Leader of Medway Council, who is leading on Medway’s Climate Change agenda, said:
“I am pleased that we have adopted the Climate Change Action Plan. I would like to emphasise that the plan is a flexible working document which will be updated as we continue to work with partners, including residents, on the pathway to making Medway carbon neutral by 2050. There are many small changes that we can all incorporate into our daily lives which will make a big difference to our climate such as recycling correctly, walking and using public transport. We all need to work together in the fight against climate change.”
To find out more about how the council is tackling climate change in Medway, and to read the action plan, visit: medway.gov.uk/climatechange
Medway Council
