Upchurch Parish Council Report - November 2020

Report of the Parish Council November 2020

Cllr Tyrone Ripley (Chairman), Cllr John Arnold (Vice-Chairman), Cllr Pam Denny, Cllr Alan Horton, Cllr Gerry Lewin, Cllr Peter Masson, Cllr Janet Marshall, Cllr Gary Rosewell and Cllr Neil Sheppard. Clerk Mrs Wendy Licence.

Paddock and Recreation Ground

The new exercise equipment has been installed and this has been paid for by the section 106 money from Kent Terrace.

The Parish Council cannot guarantee that using the equipment is not contributing to the spread of the virus as the equipment cannot be sanitised after each use. When using the exercise equipment, please use the following guidelines to keep you and your loved ones safe:
• Follow the current social distance guidelines when visiting and encourage others to do the same.

• If the exercise equipment is busy, consider coming back at a later time.

• Wash your hands before and after visiting. Take hand sanitiser with you and use it frequently.

• Follow and adhere to all current government advice in addition to the above guidance.

For more information about what to do visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus

It has been agreed not to replant the barrier baskets for the winter as the fence is due to be replaced, they will be replanted for the summer.

Otterham Quay Lane

The Council is aware of issues caused by car transporters in Otterham Quay Lane. Swale Borough Council Planning Enforcement is looking into the matter. Kent Police are also aware of issues on the highway and are currently investigating this. The Police have asked that residents report all sightings of car transporters to PCSO John Cork on 07772 226217. The Police have also asked for visual evidence and if photos can be taken without risk to residents that would be greatly appreciated. Photos can be sent to PCSO Cork by email to john.cork@kent.pnn.police.uk All information will be treated in confidence.

Planning

Ref: 20/504437/TPOA

Address: 12 Bradshaw Close Upchurch ME9 7BW

Proposal: TPO Application - 1x Oak Tree - Reduce hgt to 8m and radial spread to 4m. Reason: 3-stem tree, noted separation of two stems at base, tree previously reduced, further reduction required to reduce risk of failure, this to be the initial stage of a phased reduction programme to ultimately maintain as pollard.

Councillors considered the application and had no objections to the proposal, the recommendation of the Tree Officer be followed.

Ref: 20/503315/FULL Address: 32 Chaffes Lane Upchurch Kent ME9 7BN

Proposal: Erection of single storey rear extension, creation of part first floor rear extension, and addition of window to the side flank wall.

The application has been permitted.

Ref: MC/20/2358 

Address: Rainham Bootfairs South Bush Lane Rainham Gillingham Medway ME8 8PS

Proposal: Change of use from agricultural land to a mixed use of agriculture and leisure activities including 6 days of bootfairs and 331 days for outdoor/drive in cinema, open air theatres/circus, weddings, motoring shows/events over and above the number of days allowed as permitted development under Schedule 2, Part 4, Class B of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended).

An application for change of use of land in South Bush Lane has been submitted to Medway Council, residents should make comments on the Medway Council planning portal.

Street Lights

The project is near completion and the Council is waiting for some lights to be connected by UK Power Networks.

Christmas Tree

The Parish Council extends its grateful thanks to Mr Bob Friend and his family for, once again, generously donating a Christmas tree to the village. The tree and decorations will be installed at the beginning of December.

This is a precis of Council business; full minutes of all meetings can be found on the website when ratified.

Date of next meetings:

Full Council - Thursday 3rd December 2020 at 7:30pm.

The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 16th December at 7:30pm.

The Local Authorities (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority Meetings) Regulations 2020 now gives Local Councils the power to meet remotely during this COVID-19 pandemic and Upchurch Parish Council is now holding meetings virtually. Please check the website for details of the meetings.

All residents are welcome to view the meetings and there is a time for members of the public to comment, raise concerns or ask questions.

Please contact the Clerk, clerkupc@outlook.com to obtain login details for the meeting.

Wendy Licence - Clerk to the Parish Council
Tel: 01622 739324
Email: clerkupc@outlook.com
Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Swale Borough Council Carries Out 500 Business Compliance Spot Checks

Anyone worried about businesses not following the Government’s coronavirus regulations can report their concerns to the council.

With new restrictions in force, the council is increasing the number of spot checks on local businesses to make sure they are complying with the regulations in place.

The council has the power to issue fines to firms of up to £10,000 if they are found to be breaching the regulations, and the police can issue fixed penalty notices of up to £6,400 to individuals.

Cllr Roger Truelove, leader of the council, said:

“We are doing our bit to ensure local businesses are complying with the new restrictions.

“Our compliance team carried out more than 500 checks last weekend, on top of the 116 businesses visited before lockdown began.

“As expected, lots of businesses were closed, with mostly food establishments offering a takeaway service remaining open.

“Most of the businesses we visited were complying with the guidelines and we haven’t had to issue any fines yet.

“We want to remind anybody visiting a takeaway establishment to adhere to social distancing while waiting outside for their order, and to wear a face covering when inside ordering or collecting their food.

“We also visited essential retail businesses to make sure they were compliant.

“We carried out checks all over the borough, especially in retail areas and in places where we have received any complaints. 

“We encourage anybody who has any concerns about businesses operating outside of government guidelines to report their concerns to us so that we can carry out the required checks.

“It’s important for us all to follow the government guidance to reduce the risk of infections, because if we can’t level off the rise in infections in Swale, we will be facing a long period of restrictions.

“Any businesses that are unsure of how to implement the guidance and need advice can reach out to us for help and support.

Businesses wanting advice can contact the council on: ehadmin@swale.gov.uk

To report concerns about a local business in Swale not complying with the coronavirus restrictions, you can use the form at: www.swale.gov.uk/stay-safe-concerns

To report an issue of people not complying with the instructions, such as large gatherings of people from different households, you can use the form at: www.kent.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/c19/tell-us-about-possible-breach-coronavirus-measures

The latest advice and guidance for businesses is available at: www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19

Swale Borough Council

Knock & Check

What is Knock & Check?

This winter, KCC is backing Kent Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter Campaign “Knock & Check” and asking residents in Kent to reignite the community spirit seen during the initial months of the Coronavirus pandemic and do something small to help those most vulnerable during the cold winter months.

Each year there are around 1600 avoidable winter deaths across the county. Kent Community Foundation would like your help to reduce this number and are asking the people of Kent to check on their elderly neighbours during the colder months when they are most at risk.

Knock & Check is simple - just take a look at the small actions which will make a difference in your community as well as the details of services which can offer a lifeline and Knock & Check on the elderly and most isolated in your local community whilst remembering to follow Government guidelines on social distancing to keep communities safe from COVID-19:

• Keep a 2m distance, staying outdoors at all times.

• Wash your hands before and after a visit.

• Wear a face mask.

Small actions that could make a big difference include:

• Knock on the door to say “hello”.
• Offer to pick up some food or add something to your next online order.
• Drop off a slice of cake or take a packet of biscuits.
• Plate up an extra meal or drop off a frozen dish.
• Post a note with your contact number and / or the details of helplines and support available
• Share books and magazines or recommend a good read.
• Volunteer for one of our fantastic voluntary organisations in Kent and Medway.
• Spread the word to family and friends.

Lives can and will be saved this winter by us all working together to recognise and support those most at risk.

Download the Knock & Check booklet at >> https://bit.ly/3kip6Hz

To find out more about Knock a Check, visit >> www.kentcf.org.uk/knockandcheck

#knockandcheck

Kent County Council

Kent Adult Education - Free* Online Christmas Craft Courses

Kent Adult Education has announced free* adult only workshops to engage new learners who have not already participated in a Kent Adult Education course since August 1st 2020.

Therefore the courses are open to any adult living in Kent (except Medway). Learners can then progress onto any other Kent Adult Education course.

Learners need to go onto the Kent Adult Education website, click on Course Areas then Craft then General Craft, where there are more course details and they can easily enrol online. 

Courses are limited to 8 adults per course and free resources are provided. Enrolments will close 2 weeks before the course starts so KAE can distribute the resources to learners.

Book your place today at: www.kentadulteducation.co.uk

Kent Adult Education

Remembrance Sunday Service at St Mary the Virgin, Upchurch

Because of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and current national guidelines, only a small act of remembrance took place at the church this morning as part of a permitted outdoor service, attended only by the representatives invited.

“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”

Upchurch Matters

Rainham Drop-off Point for Donations to the Medway Street Angels

Harrisons Residential, Rainham branch continues to be a drop-off point for donations to the Medway Street Angels.

Please support the essential work they do by donating at 35 High Street, Rainham ME8 7HS.

For more information, please call: 01634 379799 

Thank you

Find out more about the Medway Street Angels at: www.themedwaystreetangels.co.uk

Upchurch Matters