We want to hear about your village news and events
The best way to tell us is through the contact form
here
It will be necessary to close part of Lower Rainham Road, Upchurch, from Saturday 16th September 2023, for up to one day, between the hours of 09:30 and 15:30.
Lower Rainham Road, Upchurch, will be closed between Otterham Quay Lane and the Medway boundary to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.
The alternative route is via Otterham Quay Lane, A2 High Street, B2004 Station Road, Lower Rainham Road and vice versa.
The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce, while duct 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
The A2 Keycol Hill, Bobbing, will be closed from Sunday the 6th to Thursday the 10th of August while UK Power Networks and Southern Water carry out new connection works.This temporary road closure will cause considerable disruption to the 326/327 bus services.
All 326/327 buses will operate from Sittingbourne to Key Street, then via the A249 and M2 to TESCO at Rainham Mark, where they will resume their usual route to Medway Hospital and Chatham, Waterfront Bus Station.
The reverse will apply to journeys towards Sittingbourne.
In order for residents of Upchurch, Lower Halstow and Newington to receive a basic level of service, a minibus will operate at the following times and use the diversion route:
Ottherham Quay - 09:24
Upchurch Church - 09:30
Lower Halstow - 09:36
Newington - 09:45
Sittingbourne Bus Hub - 09:56
Sittingbourne Bus Hub - 12:30
Newington - 12:41
Lower Halstow - 12:50
Upchurch Church - 12:57
Otterham Quay - 13:03
For further information on bus times, Call: 01795 423982 or Email: coachhire@chalkwell.co.uk
For travel information on routes, times, tickets and fares, visit: www.chalkwell.co.uk/bus-services
Upchurch Matters
If you do have any questions regarding this, please contact UKPN on: 0800 028 4587 or via their website: www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/keycol-hillKCC 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 Keycol Hill, Bobbing from Sunday 6th August 2023, with estimated completion by 10th August 2023.Keycol Hill, Bobbing will be closed between Rook Lane and Ladyfields, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.
The alternative route is A2 Keycol Hill, Boyces Hill, High Street, London Road, Hartlip Hill, London Road, Moor Street, High Street, London Road, Bowaters Roundabout, A278 Hoath Way, Hoath Way Roundabout, Hoath Way, Wigmore Roundabout, Hoath Way, M2 J4 to J5 On Slip, M2, M2 J5 Off Slip, A249 Maidstone Road, A2 Key Street Roundabout and vice versa.
The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while excavation works are undertaken by UK Power Networks.
For information regarding this closure, please contact UK Power Networks on: 0800 029 4285, 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 Basser Hill, Lower Halstow from Wednesday 23rd August 2023, for up to one day.
Basser Hill, Lower Halstow will be closed for the entire length, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.
The alternative route is School Lane, The Street, Old Ferry Road, Raspberry Hill Lane and vice versa.
The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while drainage works are undertaken by Kent County Council.
For information regarding this closure, please contact Kent County Council, 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 Stickfast Lane, Bobbing & Iwade Road, Newington from Thursday 31st August 2023, for up to one day, between the hours of 09:30 and 15:30.
Stickfast Lane will be closed between Iwade Road and Cambray Cottages, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.
Iwade Road will be closed between Church Lane and Basser Hill, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.
The alternative route for any through traffic is via Basser Hill, Sheerness Road, The Street, Breach Lane, A2 Hartlip Hill, London Road, High Street, Boyces Hill, Keycol Hill, Key Street Roundabout, Sheppey Way, Stickfast Lane and vice versa.
The closures are required for the safety of the public and workforce while pole testing works are undertaken by Openreach.
For information regarding these closures, 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
Families with children on free school meals can enjoy free bus travel across the county during the summer holidays.
Thanks to funding provided through the government’s National Bus Strategy and the co-operation of Kent’s local bus operators, eligible families can benefit from the scheme, titled Bus About Kent, between 23rd July and 31st August.
Families of up to four can take advantage of the offer, as long as there is at least one adult in the party, and a maximum of two.
Families already in receipt of benefits-related free school meals will automatically receive an e-voucher that contains the digital bus pass via email from their child’s school before the end of term.
David Brazier, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said:
“We are pleased to be able to promote this offer to some of the county’s most hard-pressed families and thank the bus companies and their staff involved for their co-operation in implementing it.”
Roads Minister Richard Holden said:
“Supporting Kent County Council with providing free bus travel to children on free school meals during the holidays is yet another important way we’re helping families in Kent save money through the cost of living increase and make the most of the fantastic days out and holiday opportunities Kent has to offer.
“People up and down the country deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. That is why we’re providing Kent County Council with over £37 million to boost its bus services.”
Families, with up to four people travelling each time, will be able to use it as many times as they like between 23rd July and 31st August. Simply show it to the bus driver.
There are some restrictions on the use of this bus pass:
• At least one child and one adult must travel together;
• Journeys cannot start after 8:00pm in the evening;
• It is only for use by the family to whom it was allocated;
• These passes are only valid for journeys in areas maintained by Kent County Council. The passes cannot be used to travel into or out of the county (for example on services that start or operate in Medway, East Sussex, West Sussex or the Transport for London area);
• Medway is covered by a different local authority so residents in those areas should contact Medway Council for information about support for children and families.
The pass is valid in Kent on the following buses:
• Autocar
• Arriva
• Chalkwell
• Farleigh Coaches
• Go Coach
• Hams Travel
• Kent Coach Tours
• Metrobus
• Nu-Venture
• R&J Coaches
• Redroute
• Regent Coaches
• Stagecoach
• Starline Coaches
Kent County Council
It will be necessary to close Wallbridge Lane, Upchurch from Thursday 20th July 2023 for up to 1 day.
The road will be closed in its entirety.
The alternative route is via Oak Lane, Horsham Lane and vice versa.
This is to enable carriageway repairs to be carried out by Kent County Council.
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 Marstan Close, Upchurch from Wednesday 19th July 2023 for up to 1 day.
The road will be closed in its entirety.
There is no alternative route. Every effort will be made to maintain access for residents whenever it is safe to do so.
This is to enable carriageway repairs to be carried out by Kent County Council.
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 various roads in Swale from Thursday 3rd August 2023, with estimated completion by Thursday 14th September 2023.
To allow litter picking to be carried out, Kent County Council intends to make an order prohibiting through traffic on part of various roads in Swale.
WORKS SCHEDULE
Spade Lane, Hartlip
Spade Lane will be closed from 3rd August 2023, for up to one day, between the hours of 09.30 and 15.30.
The entire road will be closed, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site. Residential access will be maintained at all times when it is safe to do so.
The alternative route is via A2 Moor Street, South Bush Lane, Meresborough Lane and vice versa.
Lomas Road, Bapchild
Lomas Road will be closed from 4th August 2023, for up to one day, between the hours of 09.30 and 15.30.
The road will be closed between Church Road and Tonge Road, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site. Residential access will be maintained at all times when it is safe to do so.
The alternative route is via Church Road, Hempstead Lane, A2 London Road, Murston Road, Tonge Road and vice versa.
Matts Hill Lane, Hartlip
Matts Hill Lane will be closed from 7th August 2023, for up to one day, between the hours of 09.30 and 15.30.
The road will be closed between Warren Lane and Matts Hill Road, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site. Residential access will be maintained at all times when it is safe to do so.
The alternative route is via Warren lane, Lower Hartlip Road, Magpie Lane, Cox Street, White Hill Road, Matts Hill Road and vice versa.
Yaugher Lane, Hartlip
Yaugher Lane will be closed from 8th August 2023, for up to one day, between the hours of 09.30 and 15.30.
The road will be closed between Meresborough Lane and Matts Hill Lane, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site. Residential access will be maintained at all times when it is safe to do so.
The alternative route is via Place Lane, Warren Lane and vice versa.
Fox Lane, Boughton Under Blean
Fox Lane will be closed from 9th August 2023, for up to one day, between the hours of 09.30 and 15.30.
The road will be closed between Selling Road and South Street, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site. Residential access will be maintained at all times when it is safe to do so.
The alternative route is via Scoggers Hill, Rhode Common, Selling Road and vice versa.
Stickfast Lane, Bobbing
Stickfast Lane will be closed from 10th August 2023, for up to one day, between the hours of 09.30 and 15.30.
The entire road will be closed, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site. Residential access will be maintained at all times when it is safe to do so.
The alternative route is via Sheppey Way, Parsonage Lane, Belnor Avenue, Iwade Road and vice versa.
Holywell Lane, Upchurch
Holywell Lane will be closed from 11th August 2023, for up to one day, between the hours of 09.30 and 15.30.
The entire road will be closed, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site. Residential access will be maintained at all times when it is safe to do so.
The alternative route is via The Street, Breach Lane and vice versa.
Old Ferry Road, Iwade
Old Ferry Road will be closed from 14th August 2023, for up to one day, between the hours of 09.30 and 15.30.
The entire road will be closed, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site. Residential access will be maintained at all times when it is safe to do so.
The alternative route is via Sheppey Way.
Raspberry Hill Lane, Iwade
Raspberry Hill Lane will be closed from 15th August 2023, with an estimated completion by 16th August 2023, between the hours of 09.30 and 15.30.
The entire road will be closed, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site. Residential access will be maintained at all times when it is safe to do so.
The alternative route is via Basser Hill, School Lane, The Street, Old Ferry Road and vice versa.
Norton Lane, Norton
Norton Lane will be closed from 21st August 2023, for up to one day, between the hours of 09.30 and 15.30.
The road will be closed between Lewson Street and London Road, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site. Residential access will be maintained at all times when it is safe to do so.
The alternative route is via Lewson Street and A2 London Road.
Conyer Road, Teynham
Conyer Road will be closed from 23rd August 2023, for up to one day, between the hours of 09.30 and 15.30.
The road will be closed between The Crescent and Teynham Street, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site. Residential access will be maintained at all times when it is safe to do so.
The alternative route is via Lower Road, Deerton Street, Marsh Road, Teynham Street and vice versa.
Parsonage Lane, Bobbing
Parsonage Lane will be closed from 24th August 2023, for up to one day, between the hours of 09.30 and 15.30.
The entire road will be closed, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site. Residential access will be maintained at all times when it is safe to do so.
The alternative route is via Stickfast Lane, Sheppey Way and vice versa.
B2008 Eastchurch Road, Eastchurch
B2008 Eastchurch Road will be closed from 11th September 2023, for up to one day, between the hours of 09.30 and 15.30.
The entire road will be closed, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site. Residential access will be maintained at all times when it is safe to do so.
The alternative route is via A2500 Lower Road, Forty Acres Hill, Lower Road, Barton Hill Drive, B2008 Minster Road, High Street, Chapel Street, Chequers Road and vice versa.
Plough Road, Eastchurch
Plough Road will be closed from 12th September 2023, for up to one day, between the hours of 09.30 and 15.30.
The entire road will be closed, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site. Residential access will be maintained at all times when it is safe to do so.
The alternative route is via B2008 Chequers Road, Eastchurch Road, A2500 Lower Road, High Street, Warden Road and vice versa.
Lower Norton Lane, Teynham
Lower Norton Lane will be closed from 13th September 2023, for up to one day, between the hours of 09.30 and 15.30.
The entire road will be closed, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site. Residential access will be maintained at all times when it is safe to do so.
The alternative route is via A2 London Road, Station Road, The Crescent, Lower Road and vice versa.
Warden Road, Eastchurch
Warden Road will be closed from 14th September 2023, for up to one day, between the hours of 09.30 and 15.30.
The entire road will be closed, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site. Residential access will be maintained at all times when it is safe to do so.
The alternative route is via High Street, A2500 Lower Road, B2008 Eastchurch Road, Chequers Road, Plough Road and vice versa.
The closures are required for the safety of the public and workforce while litter picking is undertaken by Highway Contractor Services Ltd.
For information regarding these closures, please contact Highway Contractor Services Ltd on: 01622 477966, 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 Matts Hill, Hartlip & Gillingham from Monday 19th June 2023 for up to 2 days.
The road will be closed in its entirety.
The alternative route is via Matts Hill Road, Meresborough Road, Meresborough Lane, Place Lane, Warren Lane and vice versa.
It is planned that the road will be closed between 07:30hrs and 15:30hrs each day.
This is to enable carriageway repairs to be carried out by Kent County Council.
KCC 24hr Contact Centre: 03000 418181
For details of roadworks see: https://one.network
Kent County Council - Highways, Transportation & Waste
Roadworks website one.network shows another temporary road closure of Lower Rainham Road, Rainham, this time between the junctions of Berengrave Lane and West Motney Way.
Lower Rainham Road is due to close for broadband network works by CityFibre from Tuesday the 27th of June, with estimated completion by Sunday the 9th of July 2023.
Access will be maintained, with a diversion route for vehicles in place.
For information regarding this closure, contact Medway Council: 01634 333 333
Upchurch Matters
A weekend of free bus travel across the county
Bus passengers across Kent and Medway will be able to travel completely free over the weekend of 24th and 25th June, thanks to a collaboration between Kent County Council and the bus companies, paid for with funding from the government.
This initiative has been coordinated to support the Kent Big Weekend, organised by Visit Kent, which is promoting more than 70 tourist attractions across the county with many offering free or reduced cost entry.
The Free Bus Weekend is funded by the Department for Transport through Kent’s Enhanced Bus Partnership Schemes.
Passengers can just turn up and travel for free on any bus within Kent and Medway up to 8:00pm on both days and it is hoped that as well as supporting the Kent Big Weekend, this initiative will encourage more people to use buses again following the pandemic, to discover new places, visit friends or family and to help reduce the number of cars on Kent’s roads.
KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, David Brazier said:
“We are very grateful to the government for providing us with the funding to support our Bus Service Improvement Plan.
“Reduced use of buses and increased operating costs means that there is a real challenge for operators to sustain their services. This is one of a number of new initiatives that we hope can improve our network and encourage greater bus use helping to make services sustainable in the future.”
Richard Holden, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department for Transport, said:
“People up and down the country deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. That is why we have allocated £35 million to Kent County Council for it to invest in its bus services.
“We hope that Kent residents can enjoy the free bus weekend and continue to use local services.”
For more information about the Free Bus Weekend, visit: www.kent.gov.uk/freebusweekend
Kent County Council
It will be necessary to close part of Breach Lane, Upchurch from Tuesday 18th July 2023, for up to one day, between the hours of 09:30 and 15:30.
Breach Lane, Upchurch will be closed between Bricklands and Hartlip Hill, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.
The alternative route is A2 Hartlip Hill, London Road, Oak Lane, The Street, Forge Lane, Halstow Lane (Forge Lane), The Street (Forge Lane), Breach Lane and vice versa.
The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while overhead 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 Warren Lane, Hartlip from Wednesday 14th June 2023 for up to 2 days.
The road will be closed between the junctions of Matts Hill Lane and Lower Hartlip Road.
The alternative route is via Lower Hartlip Road, Yaugher Lane (Yelsted Road), Matts Hill Lane and vice versa.
This is to enable carriageway repairs to be carried out by Kent County Council.
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 Cradles Road, Hartlip & Stockbury from Monday 12th June 2023 for up to 3 days.
The road will be closed in its entirety.
The alternative route is via Hill Green Road, Yelsted Road, Lower Hartlip Road and vice versa.
This is to enable carriageway repairs to be carried out by Kent County Council.
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 Spade Lane, Hartlip & Upchurch from Wednesday 14th June 2023 for up to 3 days.
The road will be closed in its entirety.
The alternative route is via Meresborough Lane, South Bush Lane, A2 London Road and vice versa.
This is to enable carriageway repairs to be carried out by Kent County Council.
KCC 24hr Contact Centre: 03000 418181For 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 Saturday 1st July 2023, with estimated completion by 9th July 2023.Basser Hill, Lower Halstow will be closed between Raspberry Hill and Little Callum Farm, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.
The alternative route is School Lane, The Street, Old Ferry Road, Raspberry Hill Lane and vice versa.
The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while main laying 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
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
