Darland Bank


I was very lucky to be invited to take a walk on Darland Bank with Alison Ruyter. Alison is the Medway and West Kent Warden and her passion and knowledge is second to none. When we started our walk she was pointing out wild flowers and I could not understand how she was able to pick them out so easily. But by the end of the walk my fellow walkers and I were doing the same. I suppose we all just need to learn to use our eyes properly. I will not try to make out that I now have a great knowledge on the make up of Darland Bank now. But Alison has given me a thirst to know more.

I was going to try and explain why parts of the bank are being cleared. But I do realise that it will only show up my ignorance. So why not log on to her web site ww.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk. and find out more for yourself. One thing that was great was they are using Exmoor ponies and goats to help. So not only do we gain from this beautiful spot also these animals have a lovely retirement.

The next thing we have got to think about is our own bank. Yes that Bank in Princes Park. If we work together with the Wild Life Trust we can have something really special here. Yes it will need money but it also needs people. That is people of all ages. I am sure there must be a group of bored youngsters who would love to help pull out the scrub and generally have fun getting dirty. If you do, let me know or get in touch with Alison at Kent Wildlife Trust.

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posted by pat

This Weeks Planning Application

This is the latest Planning Application that has been submitted to Medway Council that is within the Princes Park ward.

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There is only the one application this week.

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Woodchurch close

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posted by matt bright.

Princes Park Surgery

There is a new surgery coming to Princes Park starting with a 6 month trial.
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The first surgery date will be on Saturday 7th July 2007 between 10am - 11am.
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The following dates for the surgery will be on the first Saturday of every month.
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The address for the surgeries will be;
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Room 1
The Church of Christ the King
Dove Close,
Princes Park
ME5 7PX
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Its easy to find, the Church is situated next to Morrisons.
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If you cannot make the surgery at any time and you have a problem we can always be contacted by email or telephone, our details are on this blog site.
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posted by matt bright.

Graffiti

Graffiti Busting in the Rain

Well I did say we were going to start on the graffiti and we have. The weather was not on our side but we still made a start. There was a group of five of us which included are Parliamentary spokes person Tracey Crouch. I think really we found it good fun and we were pleased to see how well the chemicals did work. I know we did not clear that much and you probable can think of other areas that need doing. But at least it was a start. If you are interested in helping next time give us a call.

Posted by Pat

Meeting With PC Dave Saunders

Yesterday we had a very interesting meeting with the local Princes Park Community Police Officer PC Dave Saunders.

The intention of the meeting was to bring together any problems that the local Police and us as local Councillors have encountered within Princes Park, and to hopefully find a solution to the problems.

Some key points were raised in the meeting that we as Councillors will hopefully be looking to introduce (if we can) in the very near future.

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They include;

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1) Setting up CCTV near to Morrisons, Princes Avenue to cut out on anti-social behaviour on the surrounding paths.

2) Placing alley gating at certain pathways to allow residents to use them - but to keep mini motorbikes from using them.
3) Completely closing some alleyways in Princes Park to cut out anti social behaviour.

4) Liasing with the Head teacher at Maundene School to try and set up a walking bus from the school to the local Morrisons - with the aim of increasing the yellow zig zag lines outside the school thus cutting down on the horrendous traffic problems at school finishing times.
5) Painting more yellow lines outside of the Maundene School to reduce anti-social parking during opening and closing times when traffic can cause problems.

6) Targeting certain areas within Princes Park that have a mini motorbike problem.

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The local Police and Council will be working very closely together in the coming months to iron out a few problems within the Princes Park area.

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posted by matt bright.

Litter Pick


While I have my husband slaving over a hot stove, cooking my dinner, I thought I would keep you up to date with what I have been doing. That’s of course if my cat will stop walking over the keyboard.

Matt and I had a very interesting talk with our local policeman, but I know Matt is going write a full report for you on that so I will tell you about my litter pick. It has actually been quite a saga that started while the election was on. Residents in Emily Road were complaining about the amount of litter in their road. There was one really bad area. I mentioned it to the council and thought no more of it. Then I noticed every time I had to go up there, there was no change. So when I was elected I phoned up to ask for it to be cleaned up. I then walked through Emily Road with a resident who had a problem and noticed that the litter was still bad. After being in contact with the local Warden I found out that as it was on private land they were not allowed to touch it. I must admit I was annoyed with myself as I did not realise this, but I am learning fast.

The Warden said he had been trying for a while to find who was responsible but to no avail. Well I can be a bit stubborn and I had promised to get it cleaned up and cleaned up it was going to be. So with my poor long suffering husband we went up and cleaned out four bags of rubbish. While we were there we met one resident who agreed to make sure the area stayed that way. This I think is the way forward. We have to work together to make Princes Park really our garden suburb where everyone wants to live. If you think seriously we are not that far from the ideal. There are only a few bad areas and if we work together we can achieve it. You let me know where the problem is if the council’s hands are tied we will (with your help) have a good go.

The next problem is graffiti. We are starting with that this weekend. The councils new Graffiti Busters will be up and running soon. In the meantime we will try to clear some areas. It may not be a lot but it is a start.

Posted by Pat

This weeks planning application

This is the latest application that has gone into Medway Council awaiting approval within Princes Park.

There is only the one application this week.

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Highgrove Road

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posted by matt bright.

Graffiti Van Coming to Medway

At a Group meeting on Monday night it was announced that a new Graffiti van will be introduced to Medway.

The announcement was made by Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Enforcement Rehman Chishti.

The van should be operational in approximately 3 weeks targeting the worst areas first.

Any racist or rude comments will get preferential treatment.

Any graffiti on public buildings will get secondary treatment with any other graffiti to be cleared after.

Myself and Pat will be on the look out within Princes Park in the near future to see if any graffiti needs immediate removal.

If anyone spots such like graffiti then you can contact the Medway Councils 'customer first' call centre on 01634 333333.

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posted by matt bright.

Safer Kent Awards 2007

Celebrating Outstanding Community Work

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Is there anyone within Princes Park or Medway who you think deserves a nomination?

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You can nominate people such as;

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Police Community Support Officers

Special Constables

KCC Community Wardens

Medway Council Wardens

Wardens of Heritage and environmental organisations

Neighbourhood Watch volunteers

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A winner is looking to be picked from the Medway policing area.

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For more information visit; http://www.kentpa.kent.police.uk/

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Email; kpaenquiries@kent.pnn.police.uk

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Phone; 01622 677055

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posted by matt bright.

Kingfisher School

I received a document recently outlining the proposals to add Foundation Stage classes to Kingfisher Primary School in Princes Park.
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This would lower the age of entry from 4 years of age to 3. The school would then be able to accommodate children from the ages of 3-11 years.
As quoted in the document it explains that research evidence suggests that children benefit from a coherent and uninterrupted foundation stage, and experience learning from the age of 3 years until the end of the reception year.
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Already Medway Council is establishing a 'Sure Start' Children's Centre within the school (a story was written a few months ago on this blog about Sure Start Centres).
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There are planned building works in the near future to improve accommodation for children attending the school which will also include the new services for 'Sure Start'.
The existing independent day nursery will continue to operate at the school.
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If you have any comments about this proposal then you can write a letter to;
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Early Years and Childcare (Kingfisher)
Medway Council,
FREEPOST SEA13667,
Rochester,
Kent.
ME2 4BR
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You can also hand a letter into the School Office at Kingfisher and the staff will forward it on for you.
All letters must be received by 16th July 2007.
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posted by matt bright.

A Walk In The Park

A Walk In The Park

Yesterday I went for a walk round parts of Princes Park. The idea was to see for myself some of the problems raised and try to anticipate areas that may have problems later. I did think I would cover a lot larger area than I did. We seem to have enough alleyways around here to cover the whole of the Tour de France. I must admit it was very enjoyable I did see some problems but I also met some really charming people. There was a very nice taxi driver who was looking after his tomatoes, another gentleman out walking his dogs. It is all right I did talk to the ladies as well. There was one young lady who was worried about the drug problem that is no joking matter and I have plans in the next few days to discuss this with the relevant authorities.

Now what I would like is for you to let Matt and I know of the problems in the area. I promise I will still carry on doing my perambulation but I may not notice everything that is amiss. It is better a problem is raised a dozen times than not raised at all. When I arrived home I did ring the council with the problems I had noticed and a few were already in hand.

Now on a slightly lighter note. One thing I did notice walking around was the beautiful gardens. One thing I know is the conditions around here are far from perfect. You are very lucky if you can find a flat piece of land, let alone any decent soil. The creativity of some gardens had to be seen to be believed. I heard mentioned once that Princes Park was a ‘garden suburb’. Walking around I can believe it.

So if you see this old lady walking around, with a notebook in her hand, please say hello.
posted by Pat

Chatham Centre & Waterfront Consultation

Chatham Centre & Waterside Consultation

On Saturday I went along to the Pentagon shopping centre to look at the plans for Chatham centre and the waterfront. There were lots of different options on view so there should be something that suits all taste. There were plenty of consultants around to guide you through what you are seeing. They are asking the general public for their views. These views really are wanted remember this is your town. So get along and have a look, fill in the feedback form and help make Chatham the town we can all be proud of.

Go along and see for yourself.
Staffed sessions at the Pentagon Shopping Centre
Every Wednesday 12 noon to 6pm
Every Saturday 10am to 4pm
This is until 30th June

There are reference documents and feedback forms at:
· All local libraries
· Main Medway Council buildings
· Medway Council contact points

View Online:
www.medway.gov.uk/chathamischanging
Posted by Pat

Calling All Weight Watchers Again

Calling All Weight Watchers Again

Well I have been out walking around Princes Park, yet again, delivering the ‘Thank You’ Leaflets. These hills around here do keep you fit. If I keep this up I will not have to worry about any fancy diet.

While I was walking around I was very impressed with the amount of blue recycling bags that were out. I know Medway is well above the government target and walking around you can see that most households in our area really are setting a really good example. It proves we do not need the government to hint at fancy ideas to make us recycle we are doing all right on our own. Do not forget that if you run short of bags just ring Customer First on Medway 333333.