Swale Borough Council Replaces Fleet with Electric Vehicles

Swale Borough Council will now save more than 30 tonnes of carbon every year with a fleet of nine new electric vehicles.

The zero-emission vehicles will help to improve the air quality in Swale. The council’s fleet regularly travel though the borough’s air quality management areas (AQMAs) where vehicle pollution contributes to poor air quality.

The council’s fleet of diesel vans has been replaced with nine Nissan e-NV200 vans that will be charged at the Swale House council offices in Sittingbourne via eight new EV chargers.

Three environmental warden vans, three green space vans, two dog warden vans and a parking services van are now out on the road alongside the Mayor’s car which was upgraded to an electric vehicle in December.

The new electric vans join the two Nissan Leaf electric cars already used by the council’s civil enforcement team.

Cllr Tim Valentine, cabinet member for the environment at the council, said:

“We’re delighted to reach this milestone.

“Replacing the council fleet with electric vehicles is part of our Climate and Ecological Emergency Action Plan. It will help us reduce our carbon emissions and improve the air quality in Swale.

“Each vehicle saves 3.38 tonnes of carbon every year, so the new fleet will save more than 30 tonnes of carbon and help us tackle climate change. The new vehicles will emit no nitrogen dioxide which causes poor air quality in our AQMAs along the A2.

“Not only will we save a huge amount of carbon, but we’ll also make long-term cost savings thanks to the lower running and maintenance costs of the electric vehicles.

“We hope our example can show local firms that the benefits of going electric are not only environmental but will help to reduce the costs of running vehicles.”

Cllr Eddie Thomas, deputy cabinet member for the environment at the council, said:

“People will now see the new electric fleet of council vehicles out on the road driven by our wardens and officers.

“We’ve worked hard to improve the infrastructure around the borough to encourage residents to also make the switch to zero-emissions vehicles.

“We already have two electric vehicle charging points at Swale House that are available on weekends, two bays at the Swallows carpark in Sittingbourne, four new bays at central car park in Faversham were installed last month, and four new bays at Rose Street car park in Sheerness have been completed this week.”

For more information on air quality around the borough visit: www.swale.gov.uk/news-and-your-council/air-quality

For information about government grants to meet the cost of installing workplace chargers visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/workplace-charging-scheme-guidance-for-applicants-installers-and-manufacturers

Swale Borough Council

Help Keep Hydrants in Your Neighbourhood Healthy

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is on a mission to encourage the people of Kent and Medway to help keep hydrants healthy in their local area.

Located all over the county, fire hydrants provide firefighters with access to a steady flow of water to fight fires. They are used by crews whenever they need more water than they’re able to carry on fire engines, and can be a vital asset for firefighters. However, if they’re ever damaged or obscured, it could waste valuable minutes for crews potentially saving lives and property. 

The fire service is now encouraging the public to keep an eye out for hydrants when they’re out exercising or making essential journeys*, and to report any issues which could impact hydrant health. Then, any faults can be fixed quickly and safely by a KFRS water technician or passed to the local Water Company for action.

Steven Lewis, Resilience Manager at KFRS, said:

“There are almost 30,000 hydrants located across Kent and Medway, and therefore thousands of residents have hydrants located near their homes and businesses. To have people keeping an eye out for hydrants, and letting us know whenever they spot an issue with one, means that any potential faults that haven’t yet been picked up can be resolved quickly and efficiently.

“In addition to our crews who regularly check hydrants in their station area, we also have specially trained hydrant technicians within our dedicated water services team. But, it would be fantastic if residents would like to get involved too and help us keep hydrants healthy while they’re out enjoying daily exercise during the Covid-19 lockdown, and beyond.”

Hydrants can be found by looking for a yellow ‘H’, usually on pavements, lampposts, or fences. They are positioned in the ground, under an inspection chamber, normally marked with the wording ‘Fire Hydrant’, ‘FH, or ‘WO’ - which stands for ‘washout’.

Please note that hydrant covers should only ever be lifted by trained professionals, unless in an emergency.

Issues that people can look out for and report to KFRS, include:

• Obstructions over hydrants, such as vegetation
• Vehicles parked over the inspection chamber
• Leaking hydrants
• Hydrant lids which are broken or protruding above the ground

Watch the video at >> https://youtu.be/YrkX7hKHsl4 for more details on what to look out for and what sort of issues should be reported to the fire service online, where photos can also be uploaded to help explain the issue that has been identified.

*in-line with current government guidance.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service

Latest POLICE.UK Crime Data for the Area - November 2020

Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch

Here is a brief summary of crime information for the past 2 months:

35 crimes are shown on the map in November 2020 including:

8 Anti-social Behaviour

1 Burglary

2 Criminal Damage and Arson
2 Other Theft
2 Public Order

19 Violence and Sexual Offences

1 Other Crime

56 crimes were shown on the map in October 2020.

Not all crime that occurs is shown on the map.

Please visit: www.police.uk for more information including outcomes for these crimes and contact information for your local policing team.

Lower Halstow and Iwade

Here is a brief summary of crime information for the past 2 months:

28 crimes are shown on the map in November 2020 including:

15 Anti-social Behaviour

1 Criminal Damage and Arson

12 Violence and Sexual Offences

31 crimes were shown on the map in October 2020.

Not all crime that occurs is shown on the map.

Please visit: www.police.uk for more information including outcomes for these crimes and contact information for your local policing team.

Upchurch Matters

NHS Kent and Medway CCG - Community Bulletin

New National Lockdown

The government announced a new national lockdown on Monday 4th January 2021.

This means you must stay at home, unless you need to:

• Shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person.

• Go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home.

• Exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.

• Meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one.

• Seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse).

• Attending a Covid-19 vaccine or test appointment is an appropriate reason to go out.

If you are clinically extremely vulnerable you should only go out for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential. You should not attend work.

The infection rate in Kent and Medway remains high. We all need to play our part if we are going to get back to the things we love sooner, rather than later.

Visit the GOV.UK website to check for full information on what you can and cannot do during the national lockdown.

Help ease the pressure on the NHS

Your local NHS is very busy at the moment. You can help ease the pressure by choosing the right service for you when you need medical help or advice.

Knowing the right place to go can help you get the treatment you need faster. Please choose wisely and help us help you.

Acute hospitals and the ambulance service are particularly busy treating patients who are very ill so please consider an alternative to A&E if your condition is not serious or life threatening.

For example, Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC) and Minor Injury Units (MIU) are equipped to diagnose and deal with many of the most common ailments people attend emergency departments for, including sprains, minor burns and minor illness, and are open either 24 hours a day or 8:00am to 8:00pm. Appointments can be booked at an Urgent Treatment Centre by going online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111. Patients are also able to “walk in” without an appointment but may have to wait longer to be seen depending on their condition.

You can also help ease the pressure on local health services by making sure your medicine cabinet is fully stocked with the basic essentials, such as paracetamol and upset tummy remedies, and by ordering repeat prescriptions from your GP in good time so that you don't run out of regular prescribed medication.

Your guide to health care services in Kent and Medway

Kent and Medway Covid-19 vaccine programme

The NHS is rolling out covid-19 vaccination across Kent and Medway. Over 90% of our 200 GP practices are now covered by vaccine services and plans are being finalised for the remaining few areas.

Details of vaccine services across Kent and Medway are being kept up-to-date on our website here

On 6th January we published details of more services opening soon so please check the website if you have not already seen the latest information.

Local GP services have been inundated with queries about the vaccine. We understand people are keen to know when they will be invited. People will be contacted directly when the vaccine is available for them. Please help us keep GP phones free by only calling about the vaccine if you have received an invitation.

Vaccine Intentions Survey

To help us provide useful information to people in Kent and Medway considering having the Covid-19 vaccine, we would like your views on whether you intend to have the vaccine and if there are any specific questions you have about it.

The survey will close on Monday 18th January and can be accessed here

Symptom-free testing sites across Kent

Rapid-result coronavirus testing for people who don’t have symptoms now available across Kent and Medway.

The testing will find people who don’t currently have symptoms, who may be unknowingly spreading the virus in the community. The services are part of a drive to help reduce the spread of the virus in Kent and Medway.

To find your nearest test site and how to book:

Kent residents

Medway residents

Kent Together

Kent County Council is offering help and support through the Kent Together programme, for vulnerable people who need urgent support.

Kent Together can help people with:

• Making sure they have enough food and supplies.

• Picking up prescriptions (except in Tunbridge Wells).

• Making sure they have someone to talk to by phone, Skype or Facetime.

You can find out more here or by calling 03000 41 92 92. 

Read the full bulletin at >> http://bit.ly/3hXzPrg

NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group

Upchurch Parish Council Report - December 2020

Report of the Parish Council December 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.

KALC Community Awards Scheme

Upchurch Parish Council is pleased to be participating in the Kent Association for Local Councils Community Awards Scheme again and would like residents to send in nominations for the award. The KALC Community Award is to acknowledge and give recognition to those who have made a significant contribution to this community over a period of years. If you know of someone who has given this sort of service and merits an Award then please do nominate them. The person must live or work within the Parish Council boundary. 

Please send nominations and details of service to the Clerk. Deadline for comments is 31st January, full details can be found on the Parish Council’s website.

Finance

Cllr Ripley has attended the Swale Western Area Committee meeting and the Committee has awarded the Parish Council a grant of £4655 towards the Recreation Ground fence. SBCllr Palmer and SBCllr Horton supported the application.

Planning

i. Ref: 20/505046/FULL Address: High Hopes Poot Lane Upchurch Sittingbourne ME9 7HL

Proposal: Erection of 2no. holiday homes.

Councillors considered the application and felt there was potential small economic benefit to the village. Councillors had no objections to the proposal and that neighbours’ views should be taken into consideration.

ii. 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).

The Council has objected to the proposals on the grounds of the to harm to residential amenity by virtue of noise and disturbance and/or light pollution; concerns about the effect on the air quality in the Newington High Street Air Quality Management Area; the increase in traffic; the absence of any detail, notably details of vehicle parking, disposition of uses within the site and provision of facilities within the site; and the significant harm to the character and appearance and tranquillity of the countryside.

iii. Ref: Ref: 20/505022/FULL Address: 114 Oak Lane Upchurch Sittingbourne ME9 7AY

Proposal: Erection of two storey front/side/rear extension.

Councillors considered the application and had no objection to the proposal and that concerns of neighbours should be taken into account.

Ref: 20/505179/FULL Address: 116 Oak Lane Upchurch Kent ME9 7AY

Proposal: Demolition of existing bungalow and construction of 2no. detached houses with detached garages and associated parking.

Councillors considered the application and objected to the proposal as the driveway goes onto a dangerous stretch of Oak Lane. A majority of Councillors agreed that if the application is approved, the Parish Council accepts the traffic calming scheme.

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.

Street Lights

The street lighting levels have been agreed so they will reduce throughout the night. This will help reduce the electricity consumption.

Environment

A dog waste bin will be installed in Oak Lane near to the junction of Wallbridge lane.

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 14th January 2021 at 7:30pm

The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 19th January 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

Kent Association of Local Councils - Community Award 2021

Upchurch Parish Council is participating in the Kent Association of Local Councils 8th Community Awards Scheme and would like residents to send in their nominations for this year's award.

The KALC Community Award is to acknowledge and give recognition to those that have made a significant contribution to their local community.

If you know of someone who has given this sort of service and merits an award then please nominate them.

The person must live or work within the Parish Council boundary.

Please send your nominations to:

Mrs Wendy Licence - Clerk to the Parish Council

14 Trapfield Close

Bearsted

Maidstone

Kent

ME14 4HT

Or Email it to: clerkupc@outlook.com

Thank you

The closing date for nominations is Sunday the 31st of January 2021.

Upchurch Matters